Secondary School

Head of Secondary School's Message 

Dear Parents & Guardians,

Several key opportunities and events have taken place in the secondary school at GIS, this week. Of particular note, our Class of 2024 students took study leave on Thursday and Friday, in preparation for the IB DP Trial Examinations that will take place from Monday 22nd January to Friday 2nd February.  Best of luck to all Grade 12 students throughout these examinations! 

Meanwhile, the Class of 2026 are beginning to focus their attention on Grade 11 pathways at GIS, and have (in recent weeks) attended several assemblies to introduce the requirements and expectations of the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and IB Career-related Programme, (CP) respectively. During this week's assembly, Amber Davidson entertained and showcased her talents (singing and playing the ukulele) with a performance of the song "Can't Help Falling In Love With You" - very well done, Amber!

Coinciding with these assemblies, Grade 10 families have been invited to attend ConnectEd workshops on the same topics. Shortly, families will engage in personal meetings, which will further explore the available pathways and the requirements of students to secure a place on their preferred pathway. Please check the 'Parent ConnectEds' page to view these presentations (video recordings of these workshopswill also be published as they become available )

On Thursday, grade 7 students,  Sofiia Babina and Abbas Pooya, led an assembly for their entire cohort on 'The Importance of Language'. Congratulations on delivering an informative and well-executed assembly. 

Raising the profile of the Arabic language at GIS, we celebrated 'World Arabic Language Day' on Thursday. Students (and staff) engaged in a variety of fun, language-based activities.  Please visit the 'Curricular Corner' for more information (and photos). Here, you will also find examples of learning from across the secondary school. 

These (above) are just a sampling of the many ways in which secondary students continues to grow, holistically; embodying the IB learner profile and GIS values - respect, trust, and ambition for all. Please be encouraged to explore the other pages of the secondary newsletter by clicking on the adjacent buttons. Here, you will find more guidance and information related to school events, opportunities, and achievements. 

This morning, the whole school participated in a lockdown drill. Secondary students are to be commended for their cooperative attitudes and approaches towards such an event. 

I would like to remind families that today is the deadline to sign up for local WWW trips, taking place from Feb 5 to 9. Please also be reminded that the week of Feb 5 to 9 is a compulsory school week. All students need to be engaged in an activity. It is important to note also that our Grade 12 students do not participate in WWW, and therefore will be in class throughout the week and will also carry out their very important Group 4 Project.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Kind regards

Amanda Murphy

Head of Secondary