Head of Secondary School's Message 

Dear Parents & Guardians

Our Grade 11 students wrapped up their exams today. For the last two weeks they have been busy studying and preparing for these very important assessments. The exams provide the students with the opportunity to experience an exam situation and to practice answering IB exam papers. I was very impressed with the mature approach they took to these papers. Well done to all. They now get a well deserved four day break, to return to their learning refreshed on Wednesday. I would like to remind Grade 11 families, that as the DP and CP are two year programmes, students return to ‘business as usual’ on Wednesday with new content possibly being introduced that will be required for the global examinations in April 2025. 

I had the pleasure this week of being a part of the Grade 7 assembly led by Ms Marie-Claire. It was a wonderfully positive experience, where we were treated with a display by the GIS Dance Squad. Thank you Ms Amy for the amazing work you are doing with this very talented group! What also made the assembly so special were the affirmations homeroom representatives read out about their Homeroom teachers. Thank you to all eight students who spoke in front of their cohort, and thank you also for the very kind, genuine and considerate comments made about our marvelous Grade 7 Homeroom Team.

An extremely important event which took place this week was the Parent Orientation mornings for our incoming Grade 6 students. On Wednesday and Thursday morning Parents were treated to a tour of the Secondary facilities, met some key staff and indulged in some delicious muffins prepared by our Food Design students. The transition to Grade 6 from PYP can be the cause of some anxious moments for students and parents. Therefore, having the opportunity to see first hand what ‘life’ is like in the Secondary; having the space and time to ask questions, and the convenience of putting faces to names, has allowed those parents present to address any concerns their child may have. 

The final transition activity in our Transition programme will take place in the final week of school, when we will host the Grade 5 students for their Step Up day, entitled ‘Flying into the MYP’. We are very much looking forward to welcoming them!

Previously I mentioned the Pre DP/CP programme that will be happening for all Grade 10 students from June 24 to July 3.  Please see the schedule below. The eight day programme will provide our pre DP/CP students with the necessary information and tools to ensure a solid start to their chosen pathway. We look forward to seeing them continue to grow into outstanding IB learners. 

I wish you all a wonderful Eid Al-Adha break and look forward to seeing you back at school on Wednesday.

Kind regards

Amanda Murphy

Head of  Secondary School