As we head towards half term, students have settled into a positive and productive learning routine.
Our student leaders, both student council and house, took part in a half day training workshop last week. While discussing the characteristics of a good leader, they focused on developing practical skills like facilitating a successful meeting and public speaking. We were fortunate to have one of our class 11 students, Joshua Smilkstein, co-host the workshop. He himself had undertaken a rigourous leadership program over the summer and he willingly shared his passion and what he had learned. It is definitely true that students often make wonderful teachers!
The annual IB Global Conference was held in The Hague last week for the first time in 3 years (due to covid). Both myself and our IB co-ordinator, Pauline Kimman attended. It is an opportunity to network and share ideas and best practice with IB colleagues from different parts of the world including Europe, Africa and the Middle East. It also provides access to the latest and most innovative approaches to learning which we can relay to our colleagues and ultimately our students.
We had a number of students from different grades participate in the Science Olympiad this week, and our senior students have joined a virtual university fair to continue to explore options for the future. We have also started the information process for the IB Diploma Programme with students and parents, as we discuss, access experts and provide workshops. Some of our staff got to show off their skills in a pumpkin carving competition yesterday in a bid for house points and to kick off Halloween festivities.
There are some important dates and events coming up until the end of term 1, so mark them in your calendars:
October
Monday 24 – Diwali celebrations
Thursday 27- Girls football team leaves for World Cup Football, Marbella, Spain.
Friday 28 – Halloween celebrations and last day before half term
November
Monday 7 – School resumes after half term break.
Friday 11 – Armistice Day holiday
Thursday 17 – IGCSE parent information session 6pm
Tuesday 22 – Math Olympiad
Saturday 26 – Festival of Lights – Whole school community event
Karen Relf
Head of Secondary