Thursdayth21 May 2015 Issue 89 Thursday, 26 April 2018 Issue 141 GENERAL GENERAL
NURSERY
KG PRIMARY
PRIMARY SECONDARY PRIMARY
SECONDARY SECONDARY
PARIS SCHOOL CLINIC
Recent Happenings World Environment Day
Year 6 Checkpoint Exams
DATE Sunday, 29 April Sunday, 29 April - Thursday, 03 May Monday, 30 April - Thursday, 03 May Sunday, 29 April-Wednesday 02 April Wednesday, 02 May Wednesday, 02 - Thursday 03 May Thursday, 03 May Sunday, 06 - Thursday, 10 May Tuesday, 08 - Thursday, 10 May Thursday 10 May` Sunday, 13 - Monday, 14 May Tuesday, 15 May Tuesday, 15 May Wednesday, 16 May Sunday, 20 - Thursday, 24 May Monday, 21 May Tuesday, 22 May Wednesday, 23 May Wednesday, 30 May Thursday, 31 May Sunday, 03 June Monday, 04 June Tuesday, 05 June Sunday, 10 June Sunday, 10 - Tuesday, 12 June Wednesday, 13 June Wednesday, 20 June Thursday, 21 June Thursday, 21 June Thursday, 21 June Sunday, 24 June Monday, 25 June Tuesday, 26 June Tuesday, 26 - Wednesday 27 June Thursday, 28 June
EVENTS APRIL 2018 Nursery Purple Day Year 2 Science Week Year 1 Field Trip Years 5 - 6 concert rehearsal MAY 2018 Parent Information Session-Transition Year 6/7 @ 8:00 - 8:45 SEN transitions Year 5 - 6 Annual Concert FS2 Field Trip Year 2 Field Trip Nursery Concert Secondary School Music Production rehearsal Secondary School Music Production CCA’s finish - Term 2 Ramadan starts* to Nursery Science week Year 4 Science Event Year 5 Science Event Year 6 Science Event Staff PD Day Holiday JUNE 2018 FS 2 Graduation rehearsal FS 2 Graduation, 8:00 - 10:30 am FS 2 Graduation, 8:00 - 10:30 am Year 11 Graduation Ceremony, 8:00 am Dance Studio Year 1 and Year 2 Concert rehearsal, Sport Hall Year 1 and Year 2 Annual Concert, Sports Hall Parent Appreciation Day Innovents Film Festival @ DIA Nursery Certificate Ceremony Year 6 Graduation Ceremony Nursery Black and White Day Art Competition - Innovnt @ RIS Secondary School Field Trip Year 3 rehearsal Year 3 Annual Concert, Sports Hall
Message from the Principal Dear Parents, The second half of the summer term for many students means assessment or exam time. While there is no doubt regarding the importance of our IGCSE, AS Level and PISA assessments, this edition of SummaRISe also contains information about many of the other highly engaging activities and events that have taken place recently and more that are planned. There are some top tips for avoiding exam stress from Mr. Cooper and a collection of helpful revision tips from Mr. Rowlands and Ms. Lynch – we hope you find both articles useful. We have been very fortunate this month to have some distinguished authors join us through collaboration between Ms. Susane in the library and the organisers of the Sharjah Book Fair. Our visitors have all commented upon the wonderful “internationalism” evident in the school and Ms. Prisca’s article in this edition explores this concept in more detail. As a ‘third culture kid’ myself, I can relate to the information she has shared. In order to help maintain that connection with ‘home’ culture and languages our Mother Tongue programmes during and after school are very important. At the time of writing, we have successful French, Spanish, Russian and Hindi programmes running, with German hopefully starting in September. If you have a home language represented here and would like more information, please contact the school reception. As a school, we have been working hard to improve our communication and encourage parents and extended families to feel involved in what is happening at RIS and we hope that you are enjoying the regular updates on Facebook and through your year level newsletters and other information. Further developments are in the pipeline, including a brand new website and what we hope will be a user-friendly school calendar! Speaking of calendars, I am very conscious that many families are already planning summer vacations. Could I remind you that the official last day of school for students is Thursday 5th July. At this point, we have not yet been informed by KHDA when the new academic year will start for 2018-19 however as soon as that information is confirmed, I will share it with you. Best wishes for a successful month! Tim Richardson Principal
UAE National Championships Lucia Clements (FS2H), Adam Taalsb (Year 2C) and Nicolas Figueiredo (Year 9C) competed in kata and kumite (sparring) demonstrating the high levels of dedication and skill required to master this ancient marshal art form.
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NURSERY
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SECONDARY
Dear Parents, Grandparents and Extended Family, One of our priorities as Montessori teachers has been to teach our children that they are an important part of our global community. No matter what their age is, their actions can affect and contribute to the world. In simplified ways, our children have grown to understand the importance of being culturally aware, understand the importance of communicating across cultures and languages. This term’s nursery topics continue to raise the question of how parents can teach global citizenship at home. As our world is so much more interconnected than ever before, we as the adults need to look for ways of raising our children to understand the world with empathy. Dr. Maria Montessori was an inspirational figure in peace education and the concept of global citizenship or children being citizens of the world. She developed a concrete pedagogy for peace which focused on the development of the whole child and cherished creative and critical thinking skills, as well as interpersonal skills, which are so critical for our children to turn into adults who will be motivated and prepared to build lasting peace. Our classrooms and the role modelling by our teachers reduce undesirable behaviour as our children are genuinely engaged in their work. Developing internal self-discipline is a vital outcome of Montessorian and other types of peace education. Global citizenship and the values we want to inculcate in our children to be world citizens is an essential thread that is woven throughout the Montessori philosophy and the curriculum we follow in class. While many of the words associated with global citizenship may seem daunting or ‘heavy’ for young learners and challenging for adults to explain and children to understand, events such as ‘World Environment Day’ have enabled our children incorporate an international mindedness, respect and attitude of tolerance. We began the fortnight with our Book Week. Books have long been used to give children a way of looking at and understanding issues that are familiar to them by putting them in a different context. We read Guess How much I love you' by Sam McBratney. The book exposed the children to ‘What happened next,' sequencing and gave them an opportunity to recall in order the events that occur in the story. Our little ones in the Nursery thoroughly enjoyed this sweet, simple story with carefully established links to all the 7 areas of learning. Linked to our Book week, we have launched our annual ‘Mystery Reader Programme.’ A Mystery Reader is a mother, father, grandparent or any close family member who comes to read aloud to our class. Thank you to the parents who have already volunteered to read to their child’s class. We hope to see many more parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles participate.
The Spindle Boxes are a Montessori math material that introduce counting with tangible wooden spindles as well as the concept of zero
Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed - Dr. Maria Montessori
Book Week Enjoying the book “Guess How Much I Love You� Posh Paws Visit
Mystery Reader - A sibling volunteers to read to our little ones
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PRIMARY SCHOOL Dear RIS Community, As most of you will know, we have now officially entered into exam season! Our Year 6’s have conducted themselves very commendably in their Cambridge Primary Checkpoint exams (during April 22nd – 24th). A bit like the chef’s experience of spending hours preparing a meal only to see it eaten in a few minutes, the months of preparation for these exams has ended in a few brief hours of actual test time. The longest of these papers was 60 minutes (English), with the Mathematics and Science papers clocking in at just 45 minutes each. It is such a short period of time for students to show their knowledge and understanding compiled from 3-4 years of study. As I write, the students’ answer papers are being dispatched on their way to the UK for marking. We will have quite a long wait now unfortunately before we receive the results. In recent weeks we received the very final results from our Year 4-6 IBT assessments that students sat last November. Overall results for RIS Primary show an improvement in English (KHDA rating moving from Good to Very Good), and Mathematics (KHDA rating moving from Very Good to Outstanding). In Science students’ performance maintained a Very Good rating. We had nine students in Primary whose results (as shared in a special assembly) were among the best in the world. So overall our students have performed brilliantly, and they deserve much praise. Some of you may question what the purpose is of having so many external tests (we also have the GL Progress Tests for all Primary children coming up in late May and June, as well as Reading Tests). Well, the amount of testing that students undertake is under review. We think that there is a balance between providing evidence of student achievement that supports school growth and development, and allowing students to access as much learning as possible. External testing is something that – for the time-being at least – students will continue to experience, culminating of course with post-16 tests such as the GCSEs and A-levels offered in the British system. Whilst such assessments are still mostly used by universities worldwide as a judgement of a student’s suitability for a course, other factors are considered by schools, universities and companies. Student confidence, experience and achievements in other areas, student articulation, and the ability to perform well at interview (thinking ‘outside of the box’) and in institution’s own assessments are all such factors. Those not in favour of ‘external’ standardized school assessments often cite anxiety stemming from exam pressure as an argument against testing. An interesting article appeared in the Guardian newspaper recently on this topic: https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2018/apr/18/test-anxiety-can-bedebilitating-but-schools-can-help-students-manage-it?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other .
The article explores how schools can reduce potential anxiety – as we have tried to do at RIS – by reassuring students, not using terms like pass/fail, familiarizing students with sample questions and the test venue etc. It is important obviously that students do not become anxious about anxiety itself, but recognize that a level of anxiety about tests is normal and can in fact spur students on by becoming more curious so they perform well in tests.
Those of us who choose to work with children, as well as parents of course know that no amount of test results can ‘describe’ a child’s worth nor sum up their ‘achievement’. Our children are so much more than this. I am often myself reminded by my wife, that our children themselves are our greatest achievement and not what we might achieve in our work. Once again, congratulations to our upper Primary students for their efforts, and may we wish all students the best for the final assessments this academic year, about which we will provide further information very soon. Edward Cooper Head of Primary School
Key Stage 1 News Dear Parents, Welcome back to a new term of learning and fun. The children have come back refreshed and ready to jump straight into their last term of learning. The first week of term was fun for the children. They had a Bake Sale during which they got to choose from a large variety of yummy goodies. They used their knowledge of money to buy a goody from the bake sale, asking for change if required. The children also started swimming lessons this term. They were super excited and had a blast learning about pool safety and swimming techniques. A gentle reminder to please label all items in the swimming kit to avoid any mix ups. During the past two weeks they children have been exploring different means of transportation. They have also experimented with the effect different forces have on modes of transportation and have understood the role friction plays in the movement of an object. Next week the children will become little scientists exploring various science experiments during our Science Week.
This week started off with ‘World Environment Day’ in Year 1 where all the children came to school in green clothes. This important day always places an added emphasis on the importance of the three ‘R’s’ – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle and how it is so important to look after our planet earth. As part of their daily routine, children should be doing simple things to help the environment – switching off the lights when you are not in the room, putting rubbish in recycling bins and saving water when we are brushing our teeth. As parents, you should encourage your children to implement these simple steps at home. In creative writing we are doing many different genres including instruction writing, fact finding missions, recounting events, postcards and we have had an extra focus this term on rhymes. The children are thoroughly enjoying writing descriptive writing this week and are using their imaginations to describe a monster. We truly have some Shakespeares in the making! This term Year 1 we are doing a lot of abstract work in Math. In the last number of weeks the children have been working with time, sorting and organising data and mental math. This is to prepare the children for the transition to Year 2. Thank you for the lovely cakes some of you brought in last week for the bake sale The children loved having a special treat!
Year 2 have been very busy for the past two weeks both in and out of the classroom! In English, they have been innovating and editing their shared explanation texts before inventing their own and planning it to include each of the key features. Self and peer assessment have been a feature of this which has further embedded our core values of responsibility and collaboration in particular. They have also been working on prepositions and how to use them effectively in their own writing. In Mathematics, Year 2 has been revising their prior knowledge of time and then extending themselves to recognize both analogue and digital times as well as five minute intervals. In Science, they have been exploring the topic of “Electricity”. They have been lighting up each classroom with complete circuits and even solved an Electricity mission involving real life examples! Year 2 also participated in Earth day. showed their support by wearing green and had activities and discussions in class on why we celebrate this day and where the idea came from. Also, it was amazing to see the outcomes of the homework posters which were proudly displayed outside each classroom. Finally, as part of our Moral Education topic, we painted rocks with the core values of the school which students thoroughly enjoyed.
They showed their support by wearing green and had activities and discussions in class on why we celebrate this day and where the idea came from. Also, it was amazing to see the outcomes of the homework posters which were proudly displayed outside each classroom. Finally, as part of our Moral Education topic, we painted rocks with the core values of the school which students thoroughly enjoyed.
Susie Mcshane Deputy Head, Primary KS1
Key Stage 2 News Dear Parents, This week the Year 6 children will be taking part in the Year 6 Cambridge Checkpoint examinations. The children have spent the last 3 days in English, Mathematics and Science examinations. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all parents for their hard work and dedication in preparing their children for this week. A number of hours of revision and continuous hard work from both parents and staff needs t o be recognised. I would like to sincerely thank the Year 6 team for their continuous drive in providing extra classes during the last two months and a thank you to Ms. Shabana Ahmed (Mathematics vertical leader) for also leading revision sessions for our Year 6 students. It was lovely to see that children were willing to spend some of their holiday time to come into school to take part in extra revision sessions led by staff and SLMT. I believe all children have given their very best for the preparation of these external tests and I’m sure we will reap the benefits of this when we receive the official results in the Summer. May I remind you that children will be preparing for the external GL tests which will be taking place in June. You will be receiving revision topic work for homework in the next few weeks. Jasmit Kang Deputy Head, Primary KS2
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NURSERY
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PRIMARY SECONDARY
SECONDARY
SECONDARY SCHOOL The summer term has started at a quick pace. The Secondary students are preparing in earnest for their internal and external examinations. This week sees all students who were born in 2002 taking the PISA test. PISA is The Programme for International Students. It is a triennial international survey which aims to evaluate education systems worldwide by testing the skills and knowledge of 15-year old students. Our students take tests in the core areas of reading, mathematics and science. The UAE’s vision is to be to be among the 20 highest performing countries in PISA and at RIS we are striving hard to support this. To prepare the students for their PISA test this week members of the Maths and Science teams ran a collaborative revision session using past papers. The language of the test was clarified and the types of questions which the students could expect to encounter was discussed. This week the students were then able to sit the actual paper with more confidence and an improved knowledge of what to expect. On April 9th 2018 the Innoventures debate competition took place at CAS. The competition was intense and at times heated. Ten students were selected by teachers:
Dariush Eghtedari Hana Feteha Khalid Alkadeeb Rami Hamzeh Yago Herrera Ventura Romane Bonafous Ibrahim Abdulali Habiba Radwan Laura Ganeeva Abdulrahman Rizwan
A variety of subjects were debated including. The award for the best debater in our team went to Laura Ganeeva Year 7. With exams fast approaching the students will be revising in class with their teachers. However it is also an expectation that students will revise at home. On the next page are a few strategies that students may wish to try to help the information stick.
1. Stick revision notes all around your house. 2. Don't just read your notes. You have to WRITE STUFF DOWN. 3. Do lots of practice exam papers. 4. Find the right environment to revise NOT in front of the TV. NOT listening to the radio. Music can sometimes be OK, but you need to find the right kind. It's got to be something that's just there in the background that you're not thinking about at all. 5. Sit at a proper desk 6. Don't put it off. 7. Use mind maps to help organize your revision. Watch this you tube clip to show you how its done. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=bOXrFpZ4anw
The Secondary Music Department have been rehearsing for the annual concert. This will take place on Tuesday May 15 th at 2:00 pm in the sports hall and will involve all students in years 7-9. All parents and friends are invited to attend. This Ramadan the secondary school’s student leadership team are organizing a Ramadan fridge to place at the front of the school. To this end they are seeking a fridge! Ideally a large fridge with a glass front. If you have one which the school can borrow for Ramadan please let Mrs. Lynch know. Finally, on Sunday, June 10th from 9:00 am – 11:00 am, the Year 11 students will be celebrating their end of iGCSE’s with a formal ceremony. This will be held in the dance studio and all Year 11 parents are invited to attend. Good luck to all our students in the next few weeks. You have worked incredibly hard and we are very proud of what you have achieved. Remember to seek support if it is needed and to think positively at all times. Bryony Lynch Deputy Head Secondary School
Peter Rowlands Head of Secondary School
Message from the Head of Sixth Form AS examinations have already began with practical examinations in Art and ICT already completed. Over the past few weeks, students have been focusing on revision techniques and exam preparations. I have been impressed by the hard work so many students have put into their revision; some of our students are here working from soon after 7am in the morning while others are busy preparing after school with teachers. There have been weekend revision sessions taking place at schools where teachers have been able to spend a large quality time preparing students. Weekend sessions will be continuing for the next few weeks upon the request of students as they have proved very popular. Here are some ways you can support your child at home: 1. Make home life as calm as possible – all students fall behind and feel unmotivated sometimes, arguments add unnecessary stress and distract from revision. At this stressful time, students work better when they feel encouraged. 2. Know their exam schedule – put the timetable somewhere where everyone can see it with each exam highlighted. This way you will know when and what they will be revising so that you can fully support them. 3. Make sure they get a good night’s sleep – this tip may seem obvious, but when under pressure many students pull ‘all-nighters’ to revise for exams. To ensure that your child is getting a healthy amount of sleep, try taking away their revision an hour before they go to sleep. 4. Flexibility is key – agree to balance work and social life and stick to the agreement, then if they want to do something with their friends, they can do it in their designated free time. Feeling restricted can be damaging for a child’s mental health. 5. Nutritious meals – what you eat and drink affects your performance in any activity, especially one involving mental sharpness. For example, a large and healthy breakfast every morning provides your child with the energy they need for the day. AS examinations will continue throughout the month of May with a few remaining exams that will take place in June. I wish them all the very best with their examinations and urge them to remember that every little bit of extra revision helps. Leena Atkins Head of Sixth Form and Mathematics
Secondary School Counselling Department Third Culture Kids / Cross Culture Kids
Thank you to the Parent Support Group Members for the very insightful discussions and sharing of stories. Third Culture Kids (TCK) are individuals who spend a significant time away from their “home” countries. Cross Culture Kids (CCK) are children living in one of the parent’s cultures with another culture parent. What impact does being / raising a TCK have? 1. Great opportunity to see much of the world first-hand 2. Larger world view / 3D view on how people act and think 3. Not much is strange 4. Adaptable / independent and great at improvising 5. Given the opportunity to learn other languages and cultures 6. Learn to think outside of the box Some issues might be: 1. Identity = where do I belong 2. I am both / neither / nor 3. Unresolved grief due to having to say good-bye a lot 4. Itchy feet; the urge to keep on moving Strategies when having to say good-bye: 1. Journal and scrapbook about your friendships and places you are leaving 2. Talk to someone who truly listens 3. Be open with your children and don’t be afraid to show your own emotions 4. Validate your story, celebrate your story 5. List what you have gained from living in “xyz” 6. Give yourself permission to grieve 7. 5 stages of grief; denial, anger, sadness, bargaining, acceptance Parents can create a HOME culture by doing: H – Harness your child’s uniqueness O – Open and honest discussions M – Make time for your children and for yourself E – Engage children with your life stories and their own life stories
Your culture is HOME Mentorship Programme for Year 9 and 10 Girls
We are very excited about launching our Year 9 and Year 10 Girls Mentorship Programs. Our first session saw us talking about our areas of strength but also looking into areas we would like to improve and change. Through mutual sharing of stories, the girls saw how their peers might have dealt with certain situations, and also how achievements were celebrated. We currently have four girls in each year group program, who will be meeting weekly, the ultimate goal being, that they become mentors themselves come September 2018. Antibullying Ambassadors Years 7 – 9 The Year 7 and 8 Antibullying Ambassadors have taken a great lead on implementing “students of the week” in each class. These students will be picked by their peers on the basis of being good role models. I must congratulate the Year 7 and 8 girls as they really worked hard on making this happen. Prisca Toland Secondary School Counsellor