Don't forget half term - Thursday 15th & Friday 16th February

Secondary

Welcome 2024!!

Can you believe it's already February? It feels like just yesterday we were wrapping up the first term and heading for the holiday. With that, a warm welcome back and a happy new year to everyone!

This term has been nothing short of eventful already. We kicked things off with mock exams for our Y11 and IB2 students, swiftly followed by the CAT4 tests for Y7 and Y9. The ISSAK competitions are in full swing, and the Dubai MUN preparations are well underway. We have truly hit the ground running!

I'd like to shine a spotlight on a crucial area of focus – student behavior. This calls for a collaborative effort from teachers, parents, caretakers, and students alike. The behavior of our students, both within and outside the school, mirrors the exceptional community we've built.

While it may concern us all when a student receives a demerit, many of the reasons behind these incidents can be addressed by simple attitude adjustments. Coming to school and lessons on time, staying organized and wearing the correct school uniform are small but impactful changes. It's not too difficult for our students to make these positive adjustments.

Having said that, I wish you all a fruitful term. Create many memories.

Mr Buga.

Good ol' fashion dissection

In an era where everyone and everything seems to be online, including learning, there is something enticing about the stereotypical Biology practical- dissections.

Our DP2's got to do just this as they study anatomy, and were able to dissect a rat observing a real 3D model and orientation of the alimentary tract (digestive system) that enables them to explore each part and study them in depth, rather than see a projection on a screen.

As an educator, I do enjoy the initial reluctance, fear and questions of "Is it real?"

This adds to the excitement of the activity and makes it all the more satisfying when students put their fear aside, roll up their sleeves and show real technical skills as well as the associated learning, identifying the pancreas, ilium and colon to name but a few.

Ultimately, after that first incision every student does seem to enjoy it in the end.

Mr Buckley.

Application of Historical knowledge

In an innovative application of the history class knowledge, the Year 7 and Year 8 class students showcased their understanding of two fundamental topics in history: Life in the Medieval Ages and the Civil Rights Movements in America, respectively.

The Year 7 students, facilitated by Mr. Sekatawa, demonstrated their creativity by crafting the then weapons using low-cost materials, bringing the medieval ages to life through hands-on learning. Their projects not only reflected historical facts but also highlighted the resourcefulness of people during that era. The year 8 students, facilitated by Ms. Margaret, tackled the challenging topic of Segregation, specifically at little Rock High School in American history through thought provoking role play. They immersed themselves in the experiences of those who lived through the Desegregation process. It helped them to deepen their understanding of the concept and be able to convey historical contexts effectively.

These practical applications enrich learning experiences and nurture a dynamic and engaging approach to history education at our school.

Ms Mukobe.

January in Year 10 Chemistry

Unveiling the mysteries of chemical bonding, our recent experiment in year 10 chemistry delved into the distinctive properties of ionic and covalent compounds. The students eagerly collaborated to conduct a series of hands-on activities, unraveling the unique characteristics that define these two fundamental types of chemical bonding. From solubility tests and conductivity measurements to crystalline structure analysis, students explored the diverse behaviors of ionic and covalent compounds. Through engaging discussions and interactive demonstrations, our experiment not only enriched the students' scientific knowledge but also uncovered unexpected insights, fostering a deeper understanding of chemical interactions.

Ms Hilda.

Stairway to Understanding (Arithmetic Sequences)

In today's Year 7 class, students wrapped up an engaging unit on sequences, delving into a unique and relatable example – the act of ascending stairs. Drawing parallels between climbing stairs and understanding arithmetic sequences, students discovered that the uniform height of each step mirrors the consistent increment seen in an arithmetic sequence. This insightful connection not only brought mathematical concepts to life but also showcased the relevance of these principles in our daily activities.

By recognizing the repetitive nature of ascending stairs, students gained a deeper understanding of the arithmetic sequence, where each term increases or decreases by a consistent amount. This hands-on exploration provided a tangible and practical application of theoretical concepts, fostering a more profound appreciation for the relevance of mathematics in our everyday lives.

As we conclude this unit, students are equipped not only with the theoretical knowledge of sequences but also with a real-world perspective that enhances their grasp of mathematical principles. The interactive and relatable approach to learning sequences has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on our Year 7 students, paving the way for a more comprehensive understanding of mathematical concepts in the future.

Mr Vasko.

KISU Debate Contest

Students from year 10 took part in a debate on the role of AI in society. Speeches examined the possible benefits and dangers of its application across a range of disciplines and sectors, focusing mainly on those of healthcare, education and the economy. In terms of the quality of the research, both teams seemed to be equally matched, and the judges’ final score cards confirmed this with the tiniest of margins in favour of the opposition who had argued that the technology offers more benefits than threats.

Debating, a tradition dating back to ancient Greece, is not merely an exchange of ideas; it's an opportunity to test your nerve and rhetorical skills in front of an audience: developing the ability to speak confidently and intelligently is essential for professional and social success, and the research stage, of course, complements the educational aims of the classroom. In terms of aiding in the acquisition of critical thinking, debating provides students with an opportunity to examine social issues from multiple perspectives, and this is fundamental for study and learning both in and beyond school.

Congratulations to year 10 for having the courage to try what can be an intimidating experience for many students. It is my hope that KISU will enjoy more occasions like this where minds can do battle in the sharing of views on what matters most to us!

Mr Fryett.

Update from KS3 Drama!

KS3 Drama students have started this term with a creative bang!

Year 7: The Art of Duologues

Year 7 students have dived into the world of duologues. Their wild imaginations have crafted many different characters and scenarios: from mafia bosses plotting in an alleyway, to best friends transforming into mermaids. The students have developed these scenes from scratch and are now harnessing their directing and acting skills to transfer their ideas from script to stage.

After half term, the students will perform their scenes in a Duologue Showcase... prepare for an invitation to this event!

Year 8: The Magic of Radio Plays

In Year 8, students are exploring the unique form of radio plays. This format has opened up new avenues for expression, allowing students to experiment with voice, sound effects, and music to bring their stories to life. Working in groups, they've been developing their own narratives.

After the half term, the students will direct, act, record and edit their plays... prepare for an invitation to their exhibition!

Year 9: Devising Non-Narrative Theatre

Our Year 9 students are on an adventurous journey, learning how to devise new non-narrative performances around enquiry questions the classes collaboratively chose.

Year 9 Blue have chosen to create a performance exploring: What happens when we die? Year 9 Red have chosen to create a performance exploring: What does it feel like to grow up and grow old?

This process of devising from scratch is not only a creative challenge but also a lesson in collaboration, patience and the beauty of bringing ideas to life on stage, without following a strict plot or structure.

Very excited to see where the students' imaginations take these projects...Stay tuned for invitations and opportunities to come and support KS3 Drama!

Ms Ellis.

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