Secondary

From our Deputy Head of Secondary, Mr Buga.

My KISU journey

There comes a moment when one reflects on the origins of their journey, serving as a reminder to maintain humility. I find myself at such a juncture, frequently looking back to ensure I remain grounded. I've discovered that, regardless of my location or occupation, my true contentment lies in the company of family and students and engaging with them. Yet, this journey began over 22 years ago in a modest internet cafe in downtown Kampala. There, I sat with a businessman and assisted him in creating his email address, enabling him to send messages to his suppliers in China. This experience imparted an invaluable lesson I'll never forget - the enduring truth that there is always something to both teach and learn. As long as that calling remains, I will unfailingly respond to it. Mr Buga.

Year 9 Shakespeare Debate

In Miss Ellis's Year 9 English class, the students have been debating the motion: 'Is Romeo and Juliet's love real?' The students have been reading, acting, and exploring the text, as well as analysing Shakespeare's techniques and using their knowledge of Elizabethan England to support their arguments. Earlier this week, they pooled all their knowledge and ideas into a formal debate. From speakers to judges, to our timer and debate chairman, every student had an important role to play. Miss Betty's class joined as spectators for the debate, and the students made some excellent contributions from the floor. The debate was very interesting, and the students are already asking when we can host our next one! Ms Ellis.

Learning to Empathise with the Characters in our Class Novel

In Year 7, the students have been reading 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.' The two boys in the story meet at the wired fence of Auschwitz Concentration Camp. To empathise with the characters, our class has been using drama techniques, such as hot-seating and improvisational role-play. Today, the students read the script of the boys' first meeting by the school fence to start empathising with what it might have been like for the two characters to become friends through the barbed wire of the camp. The students read so well and have asked to act out more chapters of the book! Ms Ellis.

IB4 Group 4 Practicals (Science)

On Saturday, 16th and Saturday, 23rd of September, DP2 students conducted experiments to collect data for their Science IA (Internal Assessment). The IA is a research-based assignment carried out by each student in each subject. Students studying Chemistry, Biology, or Physics have to conduct experiments to attempt to answer a research question, which they formulate on their own with guidance from their teachers. Mr Oyungu.

Year 7 Embark on their Science Journey

Year 7 students have embraced their studies in secondary science with enthusiasm. Their journey of discovery began with the study of cells, culminating in them designing, creating, and presenting excellent cell models using materials available at home. We would like to express our gratitude to the parents for the wholehearted support you provided for this project.

Performing Arts Band Practice

All classes from Year 7 to DP are practicing tirelessly, refining their voices and instrumental craft in preparation for the upcoming school events such as the Christmas Fair, Battle of the Bands, Class Assemblies, and outdoor events like the Talent Hunt hosted by Acorns International School. Instrumentalists and vocalists are all working as a team to ensure that they deliver the best performance. Mr Wagaba.

How logic puzzles are used in the Mathematics classroom

Logic puzzles and games are regularly used in KISU secondary Maths classes. This approach to using these activities helps in many ways. Thinking skills are enhanced, logical processes and strategies are developed. Approaching puzzles in different ways helps grow the mind and develop deductive-reasoning skills. Concentration skills can be improved when learners are focused on puzzles and games. Learners view mathematics is a different way, often in a more enjoyable light. Maths games encourage group work and develop cooperation skills.Some puzzles can enhance creative thinking and improve geometrical awareness. Over time puzzles and games and increase brain processing speed. Mr Wintle.

Writers Club

Our voyage to being destiny writers commenced two weeks ago and our ship has already left the shore. We are excited about the adventure that awaits us as we explore ourselves and our world through words. Through chain stories, let’s Craft a poem, short bursts, an open Mic among other activities that we are already engaging in, we must record it here that we really are having a wonderful time . Who would ever think that if we pulled our mind close together we would view the world undivided through the lenses of writing? This is going to be one thrilling CLUB at KISU! Write and see! Ms Kamau.

Origami Club

Our first meeting of Origami Club saw the four students dilagantly work and follow the illustrated instruction to make tulip flowers. We used 8 pieces of A4 scrap paper to make the 4 tulips seen here. I can't wait to see what else we can make this year! Mr Vasco.

Y11 Practicing IGCSE French Final Examinations

Year 11 French foreign language students began with the practice of Cambridge IGCSE French examinations. Studying Cambridge IGCSE French will help the students to develop the skills they will need:

• to develop essential linguistic skills which will help them in their future studies or in employment.

• to understand and communicate in everyday situations in French

• to develop their own cultural awareness of France and other countries and communities where French is spoken .

For being prepared they have in Google Classroom the Learner’s Guide that they should use alongside the support of the teacher.

It will help the students to:

understand what skills they should develop by taking this Cambridge IGCSE course
understand how they will be assessed
understand what we are looking for in the answers they write
plan their revision programme
revise, by providing revision tips

Drama

Year 7 Drama Improvisation

This term, the Year 7s are being introduced to Secondary Drama through Improvisation. Over the last few weeks, they have been using techniques from Viola Spolin- one of the most famous improvisation teachers in history. Year 7 are slowly building their collaboration skills, their confidence and learning to courageously experiment with many different ideas, no matter how crazy they might seem at first! Ms Ellis.

Year 9 Drama

In Drama this term, Year 9 are studying the play adaptation of Noughts and Crosses. Linking to their study of Romeo and Juliet in English, this play tells the story of 'two star-crossed lovers' in a world divided by classism and racism. Over the last three weeks, the students have been applying different acting techniques from famous actor trainers in history. In the below pictures, they are combining Stanislavski's 7 Magic Questions with hot-seating to really get into character. Ms Ellis.

Year 11 Global Perspectives IR Deadline!

This week signals the deadline for submission of the individual report. Students have worked diligently on developing a structure that can help answer their research hypothesis - whether it is predicting that digital technology has a mostly positive effect on our learning or that the media’s attitude towards crime is ambiguous - our year 11 students are working hard to present their data logically and to evaluate the research method in enough detail so that the examiners can award credit for their ability to apply critical thinking towards their own reflective practices. I am very proud of my students’ engagement levels in developing these skills as they move forward to more challenging research proposals next year and beyond! Mr Fryett.

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