Dear Parents & Guardians,

The momentum of school life has picked up this week and I have already been approached by students with CAS projects they are eagerly wanting to get off the ground. Students have continued to settle into classes and friendships continue to be formed. I have also received positive feedback from staff on student uniform and how class work is being approached in a calm and mature manner. Well done to all.

Thank you to all parents who attended the four Secondary Parent sessions this week, where we discussed our school culture of Respect, Trust & Ambition; and programme specific information. We appreciate that attending a school meeting midweek is not ideal, so your support is well received. Should you have been unable to attend, you will find the presentations below. I must thank all staff who were involved in these events.

This week also marks the first of our Meet & Greet Potluck sessions that we have introduced this year. Today, all Grade 6 students and families had the opportunity to meet other parents and key teachers in the lives of their sons and daughters in an informal setting. There will be a Meet and Greet every Friday for the first half of this term. More detailed information can be found below for older year groups.

Please note that ECA sign ups have been postponed until Monday September 11th. An email will be send with further directions. 

On a more solemn note this week, we gathered as a community to commemorate the life of our student Ahmed Idris who tragically passed during the summer. Ahmed was the Deputy Head of our Sports Committee and passionate about his homeland of Sudan. Our Grade 11’s and staff, along with Ahmed’s family, came together to share stories, offer prayers and remember this outstanding young man. Although incredibly difficult, the event allowed us to group and draw strength from each other as a community, something which Ahmed himself valued so much. All four members of our counselling team were on hand for support as to assist students in managing their grief. Thank you to all staff and students who had the courage and resilience to address the gathering, your strength was appreciated by all. As Ms Nomah mentioned in the ceremony, may Allah Almighty bless him with mercy, rest his soul in internal peace and paradise.

Amanda Murphy

Biology IAs

Grade 12 (DP2)

The students of the Biology Class of 2024 are currently immersed in the exciting phase of conducting their Individual Assessment (IA) experiments. Their journey began during the summer months as they diligently delved into extensive background research and meticulously planned the intricate procedures for their experiments. This week marks a significant juncture as they have been granted valuable class time to put their well-crafted plans into action and gather essential data.

Among the budding scientists, Arav is passionately delving into his Extended Essay, focusing on the captivating realm of yogurt and meticulously comparing its fat densities. Meanwhile, Shayna's research is centered on the intriguing effects of coffee on the process of protein digestion, an area of study with numerous practical implications. Naya, on the other hand, is ardently dedicated to her investigation, which involves burning various types of nuts with the ultimate goal of determining which nut boasts the lowest calorie count, a pursuit that employs the precise technique of calorimetry.

Throughout the week, a myriad of other experiments has unfolded within this dynamic cohort of biology enthusiasts, each probing the mysteries of the natural world in their unique way. The dedication and hard work exhibited by these students are truly commendable, and their passionate pursuit of scientific knowledge holds great promise for the future. We eagerly anticipate witnessing their continued progress and the exciting discoveries that lie ahead in their academic journey.

By Shayna Katra