SummeRISe - Issue 116

89 Monday, Thursday 21 November 21 May 2016 2015 Issue 116 GENERAL GENERAL

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SECONDARY SECONDARY

PARIS SCHOOL CLINIC

Events at RIS DESC Junior Mathematics Competition

GIVE Trip—Nepal

Arabic Event

DATE

EVENTS

November

Sunday, 20 November

Professional Development Day

Thursday, 24 November

Nursery Blue Day

Monday, 28 November

DESC Junior Mathematics Cup

Tuesday, 29 November

RIS National Day Celebrations December

Thursday, 01 December

Commemoration Day

Friday, 02 December

UAE National Day

Monday, 05 December

Year 3 Field Trip

Tuesday, 06 December

Nursery Field Trip

Wednesday, 07 December

Open Day

Thursday, 08 December

Year 6 Field Trip

Sunday, 11 December

Prophet's Birthday

Monday, 12 December

Nursery Green Day

Thursday, 15 December

FS Winter Concert

Thursday,18 December - Sunday, 31 December

Winter Break

Message from the Principal The UAE Vision for Education, the National Agenda, International mindedness and Interculturalism The United Arab Emirates Vision 2021 has education as its foundation, both explicitly and implicitly. Vision 2021 includes aspirations for citizenship, a spirit of entrepreneurship, enhanced educational attainment, and a knowledge based economy driven by innovation, research, science and technology. The realization of these aspirations requires a world-class education system, responsive to national needs and aligned to international standards.

UAE School Inspection Framework, 2016-2017 UAE National Agenda Education is a fundamental element for the development of a nation and the best investment in its youth. UAE Vision 2021

In 2014, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the UAE National Agenda as an extension to achieve the UAE Vision 2021 in time for the UAE golden Jubilee Celebration. The UAE National Agenda covers the sectors of education, health, economy, police, housing, infrastructure and government services. Education is a particularly important focus of the UAE National Agenda as it includes eight objectives that should lead the UAE to being among the most successful countries in providing world-class education. These objectives target important areas in education related to students, teachers and school leaders.

PISA: to be among the 20 highest performing countries in PIS Completion of high school education: to ensure that 90% of Emirati students complete their high school education High skills in Arabic language: to ensure that 90% of Grade 9 students develop high skills in Arabic language Highly-effective school leadership: to ensure that 100% of public schools have highly-effective school leadership

TIMSS: to be among the 15 highest performing countries in TIMSS Attending pre-primary: to ensure that 95% of children in the UAE attend pre-primary education Highly-quality teachers: to ensure that 100% of schools have high-quality teachers University foundation programme: to ensure that no students need to join the university foundation programme.

Only when school leaders embrace the UAE National Agenda targets will the UAE make further improvements, eventually celebrating in 2021 by being among countries that provide world-class education.

By working towards these objectives, we will take actions to make our school a high-performing educational institution in the UAE, where students achieve similarly to those in the best educational systems in the world.

Michael William Clack Principal Please note the above content is taken from The UAE School Inspection Supplement, 2016-2017 p6. https://www.khda.gov.ae/en/publications/article?id=10219 http://www.vision2021.ae/en/national-priority-areas/first-rate-education-system

GIVE UPDATE

First GIVE trip to Nepal Tuesday, 1st November - Tuesday, 8th November Matthew (Y10) and Ms. Emma (PE) joined the first group of Innoventures students and teachers to travel to Nepal and see first-hand where the money raised by the GIVE charity is being used.

Trip Itinerary Day 1 - Fly to Kathmandu and stay one night in hotel.

Day 2 - Fly from Kathmandu to Dangandi and stay one night in hotel.

Day 3 - Travel by bus to Loharpur, the village where our school will be built. The school is called Janhit Bal Primary School. Welcome ceremony and meeting with the host families and dine with them.

Sleep in host family houses for 4 nights.

Day 4 and 5 – Work on building site digging foundations without machinery, take part in cultural activities.

Day 6 – Last day on work site followed by leaving ceremony.

Day 7 – Visit another village to see a completed school and the impact it has made on the community. Travel to Kathmandu, have final dinner with team.

Day 8 – Visit the ‘Monkey Temple’ in Kathmandu then fly back to UAE. This trip allowed the students to be completely immersed in the village life and see how beneficial the school is to the community.

So far GIVE has committed to building a further two schools in partnership with ‘Build On’ and ‘Dubai Cares’, if you are interested in sending your child on the next GIVE trip please contact Emma Turnbull (emmat@rafflesis.com) as places are very limited. This trip is a truly worthwhile and exceptional experience for the students who attend.

Emma Turnbull Events Coordinator

The Parameter Here at RIS we would like to inform you of the importance of the UAE National Agenda Parameter as follows;UAE Vision His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the 'UAE Vision 2021' during a Cabinet meeting in 2010. The Vision aims to make the UAE one of the best countries in the world by the year 2021 when the nation celebrates the Golden Jubilee of its formation as a federation. In order to translate the Vision into reality, its pillars have been mapped into six national priorities which represent the key focus sectors of government action in the coming years: UNITED IN RESPONSIBILITY An ambitious and confident nation grounded in its heritage Ambitious and responsible Emiratis will successfully carve out their future, actively engaging in an evolving socio-economic environment, and drawing on their strong families and communities, moderate Islamic values, and deep-rooted heritage to build a vibrant and well-knit society.

CONFIDENT AND RESPONSIBLE EMIRATIS Emiratis will be confident citizens, steadfast in carving out their future in a spirit of entrepreneurship and responsibility, engaged in the course of their nation and embracing moral values for richer fulfillment.

COHESIVE AND PROSPEROUS FAMILIES Cohesive and prosperous families will form the cornerstone of the society, embracing the traditional values of marriage, continuing to empower women, and maintaining close ties between family members to ensure their rightful role in society.

STRONG AND ACTIVE COMMUNITIES Strong and active communities will continue to make up the fabric of a vibrant and well-knit Emirati society, reinforcing a bond of solidarity among citizens in a spirit of openness towards residents.

VIBRANT CULTURE The UAE's distinct culture will remain founded on progressive and moderate Islamic values and endowed with a rich Arabic language, to proudly celebrate Emirati traditions and heritage while reinforcing national identity.

UNITED IN DESTINY A strong union bonded by a common destiny The UAE Federation will uphold the legacy of our Founding Fathers to ensure balanced development throughout the Emirates, through active coordination among levels of Government and integrated national planning and execution in all policy areas.

UPHOLDING THE LEGACY OF THE NATIONS FOUNDING FATHERS The UAE Federation will uphold the legacy of our Founding Fathers to ensure balanced development throughout the Emirates, through active coordination among levels of Government and integrated national planning and execution in all policy areas.

SAFE AND SECURE NATION The UAE Government will continue to be the custodian of a safe and secure nation, ensuring economic resilience and stability, upholding fairness and justice, and offering an advanced welfare system to allow all Emiratis to overcome adversity and contribute positively to society Mr. Gary Williams Dean of Students

November 2016: RIS ODD Awareness month We had a busy start of the month with the Parent Teacher Conference on the Sunday, 6 th November 2016. It was a great pleasure meeting many parents during the Parent Teachers Conference. I would like to thank all the parents who attended our coffee morning on Monday, 7 th November 2016. Our guest speaker, Dr Ruba Tabari, shared some very useful strategies with the parents. On Tuesday, 8 th November, Robert Phillips (Behaviour Consultant) delivered a training workshop for the Individual Learning Support Assistants (formerly known as Shadow Teachers) and teachers on Functional Behaviour and reinforcement. We regularly update the RIS Facebook page with events organised by the Learning Support Department. Please kindly visit the RIS Facebook page for more information.

“The primary purpose of the Learning Support Policy is to provide guidance to teachers, parents and the whole school on the provision of effective learning support to students with learning barriers.” (Learning Support Department policy, page 4) This month we are continuing with the ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) Awareness month.

ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) is one of the most common disorders occurring with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

‘All children with special needs just need a little help, a little hope, and someone who believes in them’ Faryal Saeed Head of Learning Support

DASSA Swim League

RIS travelled to Kings, Al Barsha for the third round of the DASSA Swim League with five schools competing in the division. There was some spectacular performances from the RIS students with Orla Lynch and Luca Volani placing first in numerous events despite the stiff competition from Kings and GEMS. Improvements have been made since the previous gala with the RIS swimmers achieving faster times and moving up places in races. The early morning swim trainings and dedication of the squad are paying off. Thanks to the parents who came and supported, it meant a lot to the students. The next DASSA League Swim Gala will take place in two weeks, so students keep up the good work.

1st – Kings Al Barsha 2nd – GEMS Wellington Academy 3rd – Raffles International School 4th – Emirates International School 5th – GEMS Metropole School Physical Education Performer of the Month- November Year 2- Diego Berges Year 3- Kodai Tsuchida Year 4- Teo Adinolfi Year 5- Alice Abbriano Year 6-Nayeon Kim Year 7- Mateo Liz Soto Year 8- Lara Van der Voordt Year 9- Luca Volani Year 10- Michaela Carby Year 11– Liro Keranen RIS Sports Team

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Dear Parents, Grandparents and Extended family, The concept of interculturalism, whereas important in every country of the world is probably more relevant in UAE than in most other places. With a high proportion of our children in the nursery belonging to expat families and an equally large percentage having local roots, the role of our preschool teachers in helping little children develop a foundation of respect and inclusion, becomes paramount as this is the age when children begin developing an understanding of differences within and outside their families.

By the time a child becomes a toddler, s/he can correctly discern racial differences and use gender labels (Ramsey, 2004), but yet may not understand exactly what these differences mean (Sprung, 2007).

Preschool children actively construct their own self identities by examining their similarities and differences from others (Cross, 1991). Preschoolers ask questions about their own and others’ racial, linguistic, and gender attributes (Ramsey, 2004). Preschoolers are cognizant of family structure and socio-economic differences and the values society attaches to them (Tatum, 2003).

Our carefully developed guiding principles in the nursery classroom do not circumvent diversity; instead right from the beginning we bring these differences to the forefront as we are aware that we as early childhood practitioners have the responsibility to start building the foundations of respect, tolerance and acceptance. Through role modeling, grace and courtesy lessons, topic based group discussions, exposure to the world of books, parental involvement and an array of other strategies, our teachers work hard to meet the needs of children and their families. There are clear expectations for our teachers to be more aware of their own implicit and explicit biases and to completely avoid generalizing the traditions, beliefs, and values of a particular child or group of children.

Within our early childhood education setting, cultural identity includes all features that are unique of the children, whether they are ethnicity, primary language, diversity in family units, socioeconomic status, and special needs. Children in our nursery will have exposure to culturally diverse materials (people figures, books, music). During topics of All About me, My family, Continents etc. people with varying abilities and races will be shared with the children and age relevant group discussions will be encouraged.

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Living in today’s multicultural society and more specifically in a transient city like Dubai, it is only natural that home and school cultures will differ. However, with parental involvement, we are optimistic that we can help our children imbibe values that will make them grow into mutually respectful adults.

Throughout the year, we will encourage open communication between the nursery and parents and invite you to do the same.

Garima Kapoor Assistant Head Early Years

Dress up Day

Role play build social skills

Pre writing skills with number recongition

Transportation—taking learning outdoors on the news road track

Refining the visual sense using the red cylinders

Yellow Day

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PRIMARY SCHOOL

UAE National Agenda

The UAE National Agenda aims high, with the direction being driven by targets in education such as performing in the top 15 schools for TIMSS and top 20 for PISA. At Raffles International School this means we prepare our students rigorously for the demands of the future workplace as well as the opportunities afforded through examination performance. We have a drive on critical thinking in the school – students forming their own opinions based on evidence. This too will enable students to perform well in the wider world and in examinations.

This week students in Years 4-6 in the Primary School will sit the ACER IBT tests in English, mathematics and science. These tests are closely aligned to the National Agenda and provide us with an overview of our performance in comparison with Middle East and International standards. This is important for us, as educators, to be sure of the high level of provision for our students and our high standard of education.

Additionally, and arguably more importantly, these test results provide our teachers with in-depth knowledge of every single student’s strengths and areas for development. We receive detailed information regarding each student’s performance, in particular which questions they answered well and any questions where their answers could be developed. As a school we take this information to spot trends and modify our curriculum accordingly. In the classroom, teachers use this information to understand each student and cater to their needs.

The National Agenda is clearly raising standards and is resulting in improved learning for our students at RIS. Matthew Barrett Deputy Head of Primary School

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FS2 News ‘If you wish to give the means to the child for his development you must give them in such a way that the child can, and must move.” – E.M. Standing Maria Montessori, her Life and Work.

Children’s learning is stimulated by their ability to move freely through the environment and independently make choices to work with challenging material presented to them. They are now settled and keenly beginning to take an interest in caring for the class and each other. Many children have created strong relationships with their peers.

Through the classroom routine and rules the children are further enhancing their grace and courteous skills. The Practical Life and Sensorial materials aid in this area.

In mathematics, and language, the FS 2 children have been kinaesthetically tracing Sand Paper Letters and Numbers, memorizing the formation as well as the corresponding phonetic sound or number.

Practice makes perfect and with each movement the children are becoming more precise in their actions.

All the FS2 children had looked forward to and enjoyed planting day. This gave the children a great opportunity to investigate the different parts of a plant, ask questions and care for the plants.

Thank you for your constant support.

“The young child is very hand-minded, and the materials are geared to his need to learn through movement, because it is movement that starts the intellect working.” – Elizabeth Hainstock Teaching Montessori in the Home.

FS2 Team Year 1 News “The whole world opened up to me when I learned to read” – Mary McCleod Bethune We are embedding a love for reading and books in the children. The Book Character Dress Up Day was a great opportunity to celebrate the love of reading and provide the students the extra opportunity to be exposed to larger variety of books. The book fair was a huge success, it gave the children the opportunity to explore and choose their own books.

The Parent Teacher Conference was an excellent opportunity for teachers to meet the parents and discuss the strengths of the children and their next steps ahead. Your continuous support will help us to help the children further.

Our aims in the Montessori environment is to further develop a sense of respect, self-confidence and independence in our children. In mathematics, we introduced the concept of time and the children were excited to be able to tell time to the hour (o’clock). Our young scientists have explored the topic of plants and healthy eating over the last couple of weeks and are looking forward to getting involved in caring for the school garden.

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To develop a basic understanding of a multi cultural society during ‘Circle of Culture’ we have invited parents to come in and talk about their countries and talk about the different ways of life in other places.

Gentle reminder, please make sure the children are coming in dressed in the correct school uniform. As the weather is getting cooler the school sweater and jumper can be worn.

Year 1 Team

Year 2 News His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai , has launched a seven – year UAE National Agenda leading to the UAE Vision of 2021.

The National Agenda sets out many goals for UAE schools to work towards including, to be amongst the twenty highest performing countries in the Programme for International Student Assessment and among the 15 highest performing countries in TIMSS. As such it is important that all partners in our children’s education are involved in making this goal a reality. During our UAE Social Studies lessons Year 2 aim to raise awareness of our rulers and their responsibilities and aspirations for us as residents in the UAE. We as teachers are continually looking for ways to assess students’ understanding during lessons so as we can support them appropriately.

Over the past few weeks we have been trialling a new traffic lights system to ensure we as teachers are always aware of how the children in our class are managing the activity at hand. This allows us to find the correct level of support or challenge for our students an individualised basis. These are only a few examples of how the Year 2 team are committed to working alongside our leaders towards meeting our national agenda goals.

Year 2 Team

Year 3 News Year 3 was very busy this week with the KHDA inspection. The students worked extremely hard and showed an eager attitude towards learning and achievement. They did a great job.

In English, students learned about the key features of letter writing and how to write a thank you letter to a friend. They learned how to write the address, date, greeting, paragraphs and closing. They wrote some wonderful letters. They also learned about synonyms and the rules for adding ‘ing’ to verbs. The children read through some of their library books to scan for verbs and then added ‘ing’ to each verb.

In mathematics, students learned about data handling and how to use it in real-life. The learned how to create tally charts, pictograms, bar charts and venn diagrams. They learned how to use, analyse and interpret the data. We carried out many surveys in the class based on different criteria for example favourite ice-cream, favourite colour and favourite pet.

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The results were very interesting and the children could clearly see what each child liked best. The children became aware that bar charts and pictograms were an effective and easy way to present results.

In science, students explored materials and their properties. They have learned that different materials have many different properties. For example- wood is hard, paper is smooth, rock is strong etc. The students learned about the materials and their properties through investigation. For our investigation, the students focused on the property of absorbency. The experiment was conducted in class where students had to test the absorbency of different types of materials such as kitchen paper and wax paper.

Students tested each paper by measuring the amount of water the paper soaked up with a ruler. The students found the kitchen paper to be most absorbent and the tinfoil to be least absorbent.

In Social Studies, students had the opportunity to research different countries around the world and compare and contrast it to the UAE. The children discovered many facts about other countries through researching on laptops. They then use that information to compare it to the UAE. Some countries had some similarities with the UAE in terms of weather and climate. However, other countries had some differences to the UAE for example in education, food, location, currency etc. The children showed great initiative and a positive attitude during their research of different countries.

Year 4 News In English, students have finished their study of poetry and the use of alliteration and onomatopoeia in poetry. They have worked hard on creating their own sound poem influenced by ‘The Sound Collector’

by Roger McGough. We have had some very good examples of sound poems with students using many key features including rhyme.

In Social Studies, students have engaged well with the topic of the UAE. We have learned a lot about the different Emirates over the past few weeks and we have created Venn diagrams on the differences and similarities of past and present times in Dubai. We have also researched on past, present and future transport methods in the UAE. In science, we have completed investigations for our Habitats topic.

We have explored the different ways human impact can effect ocean and other water habitats. We have observed how water may be polluted and how difficult it is to clean this water and make it fresh again. This topic has linked to our environmental awareness topic in Social Studies. In mathematics, we have been studying the topic of Area and Perimeter. The children have been working hard on choosing the appropriate strategy to solve different problems. We have been linking the topic to real life situations and exploring the different professions that may use the calculations of area and perimeter in their daily jobs.

Year 4 Team

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Year 5 News In Social Studies, students have been learning about their rights and responsibilities towards the environment and in UAE In general. Year 5 students enthusiastically participated in class discussion and shared their understanding of appropriate behaviour by respecting each other beliefs.

In English, students have been able to construct their persuasive writing by using text structure and high modality words to produce an effective argument. Year 5 initially constructed their piece of writing by using a planning framework. This enabled students to suggest reasons which were backed up with evidence in order to be persuasive. Many of the students were excited and eager to present their reasons and evidence to the class in support of their argument.

In science, students were able to continue to learn about evaporation and condensation. Students were able to plan their own experiments using soluble and insoluble materials. Throughout this week students were enthusiastic about their learning. Year 5 were able to display critical thinking, carry out observations, make predictions and finally write up their investigation.

In mathematics, we have been learning about interpreting and analysing Bar graphs. Students have been able to share their understanding of data and how important it is for it to be accurate. Many of the students were able to carefully read intervals, calculate differences between results and explain their understanding. Year 5 are now confident at structuring their own Line and Bar graphs and are looking forward to applying their skills when displaying results in science.

Year 5 Team

Year 6 News Year 6 are progressing well into the academic year as evidence by the results sent out in the past fortnight. Following on they are busy with IBT test preparations which will be held on 21st to the 24th November.

They form an integral part of National Agenda where standardized assessments will lead UAE to be among top performers in the field of education. We hope students are practising the test papers sent home as well as they are being discussed in the classrooms.

An important aspect of living in Dubai is to celebrate the cultural diversity of the people around us. At school Year 6 have been studying aspects of countries represented in their classrooms during Circle of Culture lessons. They have also developed a deeper understanding of Islamic values and how it impacts life in the UAE. Wonderful projects on mosques were brought in by students and they are now proudly displayed on our boards.

Moving forward we look forward to the 45th National Day celebrations and celebrating the achievements of the nation.

Here are some pictures from the Dress up day celebrations that took place on 31 st October.

Year 6 Team

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SECONDARY SCHOOL UAE National Agenda His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has launched a seven year UAE National Agenda leading to the UAE Vision 2021 which also coincides with the UAE’s 50th National Day. The UAE National Agenda, which was developed by over 300 officials from 90 federal and local government entities, includes a set of national indicators in the sectors of education, healthcare, economy, police and security, housing, infrastructure and government services.

These indicators are long-term, measure performance outcomes in each of the national priorities, and generally compare the UAE against global benchmarks. The national indicators are periodically monitored by Government leadership to ensure their targets are achieved by 2021.

At RIS we have placed huge emphasis on meeting National Agenda requirements and targets. Through active participation in TIMSS, PIRLS, IBT and GL testing as well as visibly displaying aspects of the National Agenda in the school, there is a distinct awareness of the contributions needed at this stage of the UAE’s development.

The Secondary School students engaged in a project to design posters, brochures and presentations about the National Agenda and I am pleased to announce that our winner was Nathalie Digrintaki (9B).

Nathalie’s brochure was distributed by a selection of students to our parent community to further raise awareness.

IBT Testing International Benchmark Tests (IBT) will be taking place on November 21 st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th in English, Mathematics, Science and Arabic A (Year 7 only). The IBT tests are paper based and internationally administered by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). The Secondary School test schedule is outlined below.

Test

Years

IBT English

7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Date

Test Duration st

November 21 2016 nd

60 minutes

IBT Mathematics

7, 8, 9, 10, 11

November 22

2016

60 minutes

IBT Science

7, 8, 9, 10, 11

November 23rd 2016

60 minutes

IBT Arabic A

7

November 24th 2016

60 minutes

**Please note the testing dates above are pre-determined

Please find below a useful link should your son/daughter wish to look at example test papers from previous years. Results from this test will be issued to students and parents upon arrival from ACER and after careful analysis from the RIS Senior Leadership Team.

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http://ibt.acer.edu.au/practice-papers

Students must bring the following items to the examination room in a transparent bag.

B or 2B Pencils Ruler Eraser Should you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact your son/daughter’s English, mathematics, science or Arabic A teacher.

As always, if you would like to communicate with me regarding anything related to the Secondary School at RIS, please do not hesitate to send me an e-mail, give me a call or stop by the office.

Ian Plant Deputy Head of Secondary References https://www.vision2021.ae/en/national-priority-areas

Year 7 News Here at RIS our goal is to see the fulfilment of the UAEs National Agenda, Vision and Direction when it comes to the education of young minds. We firmly believe, as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has said, “Education is a fundamental element for the development of a nation and the best investment in its youth”. This week the students will sit their International Benchmark Tests, this is extremely useful to us as a school as we can use the results of the test in a number of ways:     

As a diagnostic and remedial instrument For gap analysis and curriculum planning To monitor individual and school progress by highlighting strengths and weaknesses To develop problem solving, reasoning, inferring and thinking skills in their students For monitoring student and school performance over time

Likewise the students themselves can benefit in the following ways:  Individual reports that highlight skills, strengths and weaknesses enabling them to see their intrinsic abilities and potential for learning  High quality test items that engage students across all ability levels  A Scale score to measure their progress over time  School, regional and international percentiles to compare and benchmark their performance  Recognition of student performance in the form of High Distinc tion, Distinction & Participation Certificates. (https://ibt.acer.edu.au/register/middle-east-region ) Year 7 Team

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Year 8 News One of the focusses for Year 8 this term has been to reflect upon their own identity – how they fit into the UAE and how they mix with other cultures.

We are very fortunate in Raffles that every student knows and is friends with students from a great range of different cultures. They share their different ideas and experiences with each other in a way that is non judgemental and open minded – the exact way that as both Emirati citizens and overseas nationals living in Dubai do. The identity that we as a school hope to foster in our students is one that is open to all nations, and that takes from each the best and encourages interaction between all cultures.

As a part of this Year 8 have been presenting in assembly what their own country means to them and how it is has influenced them. This allows students of Year 8 to gain a further insight into each others origins, their differences and their similarities. We started with my own home country of England – presented by Antoine Journiac and myself, introducing such important cultural milestones as Scones, the BBC and famous British comedy series Fawlty Towers. I am looking forward to seeing what other fascinating cultural presentations the Year 8 students will produce.

Year 8 Team Year 9 News Vision is the ability to think or plan the future with imagination and wisdom. In Year 9 students have been debating and discussing their visions for the future and the future of the UAE in relation to the National Agenda and Vision 2021. To have vision we recognized the need to acquire knowledge and to be able to delve deeper. In Social Studies students have learnt what it is to be responsible citizens and how important it is to make positive contributions to our community, in and out of school. When you act positively you so with vision and a growth mind set to instigate change and to make a difference.

The impact may require work. It may require the student to be challenged and tested; but with perseverance and a vision goals will be achieved.

The Learning Pit is a good metaphor for talking to children about the learning process and resilience. The Learning Pit Getting stuck is where the best learning takes place. When we are stuck we might get negative feelings like discomfort, frustration, helplessness towards our learning. We hear children say, “I won’t do it.” or “I can’t do it.” If we intervene at this stage and rescue by doing it for them they will learn that getting stuck is a bad thing that the negative feelings are bad and they will continually shy away from a challenge. They will not develop persistence or resilience toward learning.

As a child struggles with a problem get them to ask questions to clarify and explore the options. Answer their questions with questions rather than an answer so that they are doing the thinking and solving the problem themselves. Ask them where they might be able to find help – internet, YouTube etc. and let them explore. As they begin to get themselves “unstuck”, they will gain confidence in

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Over the next week the Year 9 students will be doing their IBT tests. These will require students to motivate and challenge themselves and to attack them with a positive mind. Please support your child by ensuring that they sleep and eat well.

On November 29th we will be celebrating National Day. Details of what Year 9 will be doing are to follow shortly. If you would like to get involved in anyway please contact a member of the Year 9 team.

As always I am keen to meet with you at any time to discuss your child’s education and wellbeing.

Please do not hesitate to contact me via the school reception or at bryonyl@rafflesis.com Year 9 Team

Year 10 and 11 News Career planning may not seem like an important task for a teenager. However, the pressure of choosing the right qualifications for a career will soon start challenging our students and sooner rather than later they will find themselves on the busy road of university open days and prospectuses. On Monday, 07 th November our Year 10 and 11 students visited the Education UK Exhibition (EDUKEX 2016) which was organized by the British Council and was held at Jumeirah Beach Hotel. This even targeted UAE students through showcasing world class education opportunities in selected UK universities.

Students received detailed information about educational programmes and types of undergraduate and graduate programmes, as well as information regarding scholarships. Students collected information about the entry requirements for the programmes of their interest. Planning a career early, gives the students the opportunity to set specific goals and work toward completing those goals. It also encourages the students to focus on the subjects of their interest and work towards achieving the grades required for securing a place in a university. This aspiration goes along with the UAE Vision and the National Agenda for 2021, which has a target that 0% of local students will have to undergo a foundation year (a one-year university preparation course) in order to be enrolled into an undergraduate programme.