GPS Newsletter
GPS Newsletter
17th January 2025
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Message from the Principal
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents
A great week this week in GPS. Lots of learning and smiling faces.
Calling ALL parents - I really need your help - in order to move the school forward I need your input. Below is a link to a questionnaire I sent out before the holidays to get your feedback. It is a short survey and I would appreciate you spending the 5 minutes needed to complete it (if you haven't already). Not only does it help me with strengthening the school, but it counts as evidence during the KHDA inspections.
A massive thank you!
The KHDA has written a handbook on positive parenting that they wish me to send out to all our parents. The ebook is only in Arabic at this time, but I understand an English version may soon be available. Please click on the link below to access the ebook.
And finally a gentle reminder.... All after school activities end just before 3.30pm and we would appreciate parents collecting all children on time. Arriving to school at 8.00am is also late. The National Anthem is played at 8.00am and lessons start straight after. Your teachers are in their classrooms from 7.30am and spend time with children with reading and handwriting.
Save the Date:
Week of the:
20th January External Arabic and Islamic (years 3 and up)
27th January External NGRT Form B (reading test for years 2 and up)
3rd February Internal written assessments for all subjects
and
Friday 7th February "Spread the Love" - dressing up in red and white colours with activities on empathy and caring
Half-term break start 12.00pm Friday 7th and we return Monday 17th February
Monday 17th February DHA dental health check for all children
Friday 28th February - Emariti Education Day - we will celebrate this with the UAE for the first time ever!
Have a lovely weekend
Ms Jan
FS 1 & 2
What we've done
What we've done
This week, we continued our exciting project on "Under the Sea" by exploring different habitats in the UAE, including mangroves, coral reefs, mountains, and deserts. We sorted animals into these environments and discussed what they need to survive. We also compared the different habitats, examining how each one provides unique resources to help animals thrive. In writing, we focused on turtles, learning fascinating facts about their lifecycle, diet, and body parts. We labeled the parts of a turtle and wrote imaginative stories as though we were turtles embarking on thrilling adventures. In math, we explored daytime and nighttime activities, sorted them, and discussed whether they are done in the morning or afternoon. We also practiced sequencing by ordering timetables and making toast and sandwiches using sequencing cards. In phonics, we learned the digraph /oo/ and enjoyed shared reading of Jack and the Beanstalk. We also practiced reading and writing the words "said," "are," "with," "them," "that," "yes," and "her." Next week, we’re looking forward to our school trip on Tuesday!
Year 1
What we've done
What we've done
This week we have been super busy in Year 1. In maths we started our new topic 'Addition and Subtraction within 20', we were adding by counting on using a number line and have started to look at addition within 20 using number bonds. In English we have started our first Traditional tale 'Little Red Riding Hood', sequencing and retelling the story and writing descriptions for the characters and setting. We continued our science from last week comparing animal groups noting similarities and differences, we discussed appearance, features, diets etc. In IPC, we have been looking at the different habitats, such as the artic, grasslands, desert etc. The children created some beautiful artwork representing a habitat of choice. Year 1 will be in charge of this months makers market, so we have started preparing for that. The children planted seeds to grow lettuce in the smart planter and have been monitoring to check for growth.
Year 2
This week has been packed with exciting learning across all subjects! In maths, the children have been sharpening their money skills by calculating with pounds and pence and exploring different ways to make a pound. In English, we've focused on reading comprehension strategies, mastered the use of possessive apostrophes, and worked hard on writing up our non-chronological reports. Our science lessons highlighted the importance of exercise for a healthy body, sparking discussions about staying active and its benefits. In IPC, the children were able to come up with their own acrostic poems about the Earth. Finally, in humanities, we’ve been exploring the fascinating features of the seaside, looking at both natural and human-made aspects.
This week has been packed with exciting learning across all subjects! In maths, the children have been sharpening their money skills by calculating with pounds and pence and exploring different ways to make a pound. In English, we've focused on reading comprehension strategies, mastered the use of possessive apostrophes, and worked hard on writing up our non-chronological reports. Our science lessons highlighted the importance of exercise for a healthy body, sparking discussions about staying active and its benefits. In IPC, the children were able to come up with their own acrostic poems about the Earth. Finally, in humanities, we’ve been exploring the fascinating features of the seaside, looking at both natural and human-made aspects.
Year 3
Well done to Year 3 for another great week! This week in English we started looking at persuasive writing, specifically adverts. The children researched the importance behind persuasion and looked into the features of an advert by highlighting the key factors on examples from advertisements such as Emirates airline. Whereas in Maths we practiced our multiplication and division for the 3 times table, using different methods including arrays, sharing and grouping. In Science we took a deep dive into looking at weathering and erosion , the children explored different examples and where able to explain how it occurs and where. In relation to this in IPC / History Year 3 and 4 joined together to become digging detectives and wondered the school grounds in search for fossils and artifacts !
Exploring the book 'The King of Space' and learning about persuasive writing.
Digging Detectives !
Year 4
What we've done
What we've done
Another successful week of learning in Year 4!
In English, we have continued to read the fiction myth of Romulus and Remus. This week we explored and gained a deeper understanding of how settings can reflect on characters feelings. We looked at a setting description and its features before moving onto writing our own setting description.
In Maths, we have continued multiplication and division, looking at factor pairs, products and short multiplication methods. The children mastered this method!
In Science, we gained a deeper understanding of the human digestive system by conducting a hands-on activity by using resources. This helped the students understand the function of each organ.
We started our IPC topic of footprints of the past as digging detectives where we looked for fossils.
Have a lovely, restless weekend!
A busy week of learning and exploring! It was great to see the children engaged with their learning, particularly in Science.
In English, we analysed and answered comprehension questions about the poem 'If I Had Wings,' exploring its imagery, language, and themes. We then brainstormed ideas and planned our own version of the poem, focusing on using descriptive language, such as adjectives and similes.
As mathematicians, we explored equivalent fractions and learned how to convert improper fractions to mixed numbers and vice versa. In Science, the children explored various processes for separating materials, including sieving, magnetism, filtration, and evaporation. They had valuable hands-on experience and learned how to separate three materials, such as a mixture of pasta, sand, and water.
In MSC, we started a new unit called 'Peace and Responsibility' and explored what peace means to each of them. Following this, the children examined conflict, what it is, and ways to resolve it.
In History, we delved into 'Ancient Greece' and focused on understanding what a timeline is and how historical periods are organised. In Geography, we also began a new unit on 'Marvellous Maps' and focused on what we know and what we want to find out about maps.
Year 6
A great second week of learning in Year 6!
In English, we have started our poetry topic, looking at features and annotating our poems while also looking at rhyming words of the poem "The Tyga" by Williams.
In Maths, we have completed our second section of Fractions learning to find fractions of numbers including multiplication and division of them. The children mastered this method, and went onto to completing their hot task.
In Science, we gained a deeper understanding of the way light travels and how shadows are formed. Next week we shall move onto experiments.
During Humanities we looking into the rise of the ottoman empire and what resulted in the new age of discovery.
Lastly the students showcased their projects completed during the winter holidays on animal adaptations!
Arabic & Islamic
Arabic and Islamic
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
يسرني أن أقدّم نفسي لكم الأستاذة أسماء عبدالظاهر الشربيني، رئيسة قسم اللغة العربية في مدرسة الغاف. يشرفني التعاون مع فريق المعلمين المتميزين في المدرسة لتقديم أعلى مستويات التعليم في مواد اللغة العربية والتربية الإسلامية، بما يساهم في تعزيز الهوية الثقافية والدينية لطلابنا. نسعى دائمًا إلى تنمية مهارات الطلاب في القراءة والكتابة والفهم، وتعزيز قيمهم الإسلامية بما يتماشى مع رؤيتنا التربوية.
I am pleased to introduce myself to you as Ms. Asmaa Abdel-Zaher El-Sherbiny, Head of theArabic Department at Al Ghaf School. I am honored to collaborate with the distinguished teaching team at the school to provide the highest levels of education in Arabic language and Islamic studies, con tributing to the enhancement of our students' cultural and religious identity. We constantly strive to develop students' skills in reading, writing, and comprehension, while promoting their Islamic values in alignment with our educational vision.
What did we learn? / ماذا تعلمنا؟
Arabic A / اللغة العربية للعرب
.
الروضة: كانت بداية رائعة لهذا الأسبوع، قمنا بمراجعة أنشدوة الفواكهة والتعرف علي انواع جديدة من الفواكهة بالعربية مثل : ( كمثرى – تين – مشمش – بطيخ ) ، وتدربنا على جمل بسيطة باللغة العربية : ( هذا تين بُني – أنا آكل البطيخ )، قمنا بعمل أنشطة مختلفة وتلوين أوراق العمل.
الصَّف الثاني : قمنا بتعلم حرف الذال (ذ) وتعرفنا على أشكالها المختلفة ، بالرحكات الطويلة والقصيرة، وقمنا بدراسة قصة الذئب والذبابة وشرحها بأسلوب مُبسط وحل أوراق العمل
، الصَّف الرابع : تعلمنا قصة (مالك النسر الذهبي) وقمنا بتحليل عناصر القصة والدروس المستفادة منها ، وبعض القواعد النحوية (تصريف الفعل المضارع مع الضمائر)
Islamic A / التربية الإسلامية للعرب
:الصَّف الثاني: كما نفعل عادةً، بدأنا بالتحية على الطلاب وتعليمهم كيفية الرد على هذه التحية باللغة الإسلامية، وكان من الرائع جدًا أن نبدأ درسنا بمراجعة ما درسه من قبل للاستعداد للدرس الجديد وهو (سورة الإخلاص) ). ثم رجعنا إلى درسنا الله ربي ومعاني الكلمات المفتاحية فيه. نعمل بجد ونشاط على مراجعة سورة الفاتحة والإخلاص والناس والفلق، مع التركيز على التدريب على سورة الإخلاص، كما نشجع الطلاب على مراجعتها وممارستها في المنزل لتعزيز مهاراتهم الحفظ والإتقان. ونحن الآن نتحدث عن أركان الإسلام
الصَّف الرابع: في الإسلامية هذا الأسبوع كان من الرائع متابعة درسنا (سورة البينة). لقد قمنا بمراجعة سور الفاتحة والإخلاص والناس والفلق، ونعمل حاليا على حفظ وتدبر آيات سورة البينة، كما نشجع الطلاب على ممارستها في المنزل لتعزيز حفظهم. وإتقان تلاوتهم. ودرسنا قصة الوحي مما أضاف فهما عميقا لمعاني الآيات وجعل الطلاب يعيشون مع لحظات نزول القرآن الكريم على النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم. نستخدم الأنشطة التفاعلية والحوارات المفتوحة لتبسيط المفاهيم وتعزيز فهم الطلاب للقيم المستفادة من الدروس، مما يساعدهم على الارتباط العميق بتعاليم دينهم وتطبيقها في حياتهم اليومية.
Arabic B / اللغة العربية للناطقين بِغيرها
FS: It was a great start to the week! We reviewed the "Fruits Song" and learned new types of fruits in Arabic, such as: (pear – fig – apricot – watermelon). We practiced simple sentences in Arabic, such as: (This is a brown fig – I eat watermelon). We also engaged in various activities and colored worksheets
Y1:It was a great start to the week! We did a thorough review of everything covered previously and completed the lesson on the letter (ز). We also learned a new letter (ج), exploring its different shapes, long and short vowels, and various words associated with it. Additionally, we used the vocabulary to build simple sentences with "this" (هذا) and "this" (هذه).
Y2:It was a great start to the week! We did a thorough review of everything covered previously and studied two new letters (ح - خ). We learned their different shapes, long and short vowels, and various words associated with them. We used the vocabulary to build simple sentences with "this" (هذا) and "this" (هذه), incorporating different adjectives such as: (tall - short - big - small). Additionally, we used the conjunction "and" to construct, write, and read sentences correctly.
Y3:It was a great start to the week as we reviewed what we had studied previously. We completed the lesson on the five senses and began a new lesson, "Healthy Food," where we learned about various healthy foods, including vegetables, fruits, and honey. We completed the activities in the book and worked on the worksheets. The students also expressed their love for healthy foods using different simple sentences.
Y4:We started the week by reviewing some grammatical rules. We completed the lesson "Every Morning" by answering the questions in the book and using the lesson’s vocabulary to describe each student’s daily routine, starting from waking up in the morning to preparing for bed in the evening. Additionally, we practiced using prepositions to construct correct sentences.
Y5:This week was different a lot. So in grade 5 Arabic B we had a quick revision for the last topics they learnt we started our new lesson which is "Mehrajan al-alwan". We learnt new form of the verb with I. It was so funny as we started studying recognizing the Arabic letters students learnt the short and long vowels and, they started to read comprehension skills through regular reading practice. We focus on enhancing their ability to understand texts and grasp the finer details of phonetic structures. Building up on the fore rules students learnt we are completing our work. students good at practicing and understanding and we can help them a lot. We also started this week learning the colors, numbers and everything about myself.
Y6:We completed the lesson "In My House" and learned about the different parts of a house. We also used the vocabulary in various sentences and participated in a group activity where the students created a house with specific tasks and suggested a system for all family members to follow
Islamic B / التربية الإسلامية للناطقين بِغيرها
Y2:In year 2 as we usually do we started greeting students and teaching them how to reply to this greeting in Islamic it was so fantastic to start our lesson with revision for what studied before to get ready for the new lesson which is (Surat al-Ikhlas). Then we went back to our lesson Allah is my Lord and the meanings of the key words therein. We are working diligently and actively on reviewing Surat Al-Fatihah, Al-Ikhlas, An-Nas, and Al-Falaq, with a focus on practicing surat al-Ikhlas, as we encourage students to review and practice them at home to enhance their memorization and mastery. We are currently discussing the pillars of Islam.
Y3:In the first week of January, year 3 as usual started with teaching students to greet others with Islamic greeting and to reply to it. it was so fantastic to start our lesson with revision for what studied in the first term to get ready for the new lesson which is "surat ash-sharh". We have reviewed Surahs Al-Fatihah, Al-Ikhlas, An-Nas, and Al-Falaq, and we are currently working on memorizing and contemplating surat ash-sharh, as we encourage students to practice them at home to enhance their memorization and mastery of their recitation.
Y4:In Islamic this week it was fantastic to follow our lesson ( surat al-Bayyinah). We have reviewed Surahs Al-Fatihah, Al-Ikhlas, An-Nas, and Al-Falaq, and we are currently working on memorizing and contemplating verses of surat al-Bayyinah, as we encourage students to practice them at home to enhance their memorization and mastery of their recitation. We studied the story of the revelation, which added a deep understanding of the meanings of the verses and made the students live with the moments of the revelation of the Holy Quran to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. We use interactive activities and open-ended dialogues to simplify concepts and enhance students' understanding of the values learned from the lessons, helping them to relate deeply to the teachings of their religion and apply them in their daily lives.
Y5:It was so fantastic to start our lesson with revision for what studied in first term, we started this week studying the lesson surat at-Tariq.We also revised some important islamic concepts like pillars of islam and pillars of iman and prayers. We have reviewed Surahs Al-Fatihah, Al-Ikhlas, An-Nas, and Al-Falaq, and we are currently working on memorizing and contemplating verses of surat at-Tariq, as we encourage students to practice them at home to enhance their memorization and mastery of their recitation. We studied the story of the revelation, which added a deep understanding of the meanings of the verses and made the students live with the moments of the revelation of the Holy Quran to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. We use interactive activities and open-ended dialogues to simplify concepts and enhance students' understanding of the values learned from the lessons, helping them to relate deeply to the teachings of their religion and apply them in their daily lives.
Y6:It was so fantastic to start our lesson with revision for what we learnt in the first term, then we went back to our lesson .we started this week studying the lesson( surat at-Takweer). We revised some important islamic concepts like resources of shari'ah, pillars of islam and pillars of iman and prayers. We have reviewed Surahs Al-Fatihah, Al-Ikhlas, An-Nas, and Al-Falaq, and we are currently working on memorizing and contemplating verses of Surat at-Takwir, as we encourage students to practice them at home to enhance their memorization and mastery of their recitation. We studied the story of the revelation, which added a deep understanding of the meanings of the verses and made the students live with the moments of the revelation of the Holy Quran to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. We use interactive activities and open-ended dialogues to simplify concepts and enhance students' understanding of the values learned from the lessons, helping them to relate deeply to the teachings of their religion and apply them in their daily lives.
Regards, Arabic and Islamic team
Mr. Desoky, Ms. Basma
Ms: Asmaa Elsherbiny Arabic & Islamic Head
ESPAÑOL
What we've done
What we've done
Hola todos ,
We had a great week in students had done losts of activties in different topics in which students explore more about Spanish language . In year students have started Los tiempos (Seasons of the year) also students understand describe about weather in Spanish by reading , colouring and writing activities in the class . In year 2 students discover about En Mi Estuche (In my pencil case) in which students learnt about things inside their pencil case by writing , reading and participating in Kahoot to memorise it. In year 3 students have started learning Abecedario /Alfabetos (Alphabets) and understand pronunciation of each alphabet along the words in Spanish . In year 4 and 5 students learnt about los transportes (Transports) in Spanish in which students also describe about types of transports in UAE and practice types of transports in Spanish by reading , writing and participating in Kahoot activity . In year 6 students started learning about Pronombres(Pronouns) also understand difference about genders and singular /plural pronouns by writing and reading in Spanish . Muchas gracias for your support .
Tengas buen fin de Semana
Hasta Luego
Mr. Radhey
Los Transportes
Los Tiempos del Año
Los Tiempos del Año
Los Tiempos del Año
En Mi Estuche
En Mi Estuche
Los Transportes
Peer Assessment
STREAM
What we've done
What we've done
It's been a busy, fun-filled week for everyone in our STREAM class! Our little scientists in FS this week were thrilled to predict whether objects would sink or float during their hands-on science experiment. Year 1 got creative and resourceful, building structures with mechanisms using recycled materials. The teamwork and innovation were amazing! This week, year 2 explored the beauty of the four seasons through a delightful finger-painting activity. Their colourful creations truly captured the magic of nature all year round! Years 3 and 4 designed experiments to see how different surfaces affect the movement of objects. The discoveries were as exciting as the process itself! The children in year 5 turned recyclables into functional masterpieces, showcasing their creativity and sustainability skills. Way to go, young eco-designers! In Year 6, the focus was on speed and acceleration as they paired up to conduct experiments with toy cars and ramps, recording results like true scientists.
It’s been a week full of exploration, creativity, and learning. Have a restful and blessed weekend, everyone!
Ms. Janice
Have a great week ahead!
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