ESC Newsletter

Issue 1, August 2014 August 2014 Coming up this month: Welcome from the BSHS Head  4 September: Chrysta Garnett, Head of British Secondary and High School Section Information Evening In our first ESC Newsletter of provement on previous years. I am very excited to report the year, we welcome new We maintained our average IB recent developments regarding  8 September: staff members joining us across Diploma score of 34 from last our new ESC Sports Facility in Autumn key curriculum areas to the year and in total 53 students . Building work started during the summer, in Festival TES family. Please enjoy their introductions on pages 15-18. preparation for what will be an  10 September: We look forward to working impressive new extension of with them in the coming years our current sports facilities. H4 University and seeing the fantastic work The new venue will feature a Info Evening they will do with our young larger astro-turf soccer pitch, people. We also welcome back tennis courts and fitness suite.  19 September: Ms Papps and Ms Tsai after We hope to be able to have ESCPA their recent maternity leave students using the centre later and congratulate them on the in Term 1. Meeting births of their children. Also, heart-felt congratulations to An important upcoming date Ms Drag (formerly Ms Brown) for your diaries: on September th on her summer wedding! 4 , 6:30 – 8:00 pm, we will be Inside this issue: I would also like to take this hosting a KS3, IGCSE and IB opportunity to congratulate passed the Diploma. Information Evening. We wel- our ‘Class of 2014’ graduating Likewise, our H2 students come all parents to attend and University 5 students on their phenomenal deserve a special mention for find out more information Counsellor IB achievements this year. their IGCSE results: 360 of the about their child’s curriculum Their perseverance and com- grades achieved were A*/A, pathway. IB News 6 mitment paid off with the best which represents a very im- IB results ever! Our average pressive collective academic Our ESC Newsletter will now IBDP grade now stands at 5.47, achievement, with 91.5% of be a little more interactive and which is well above the world students this year gaining 5 or ‘on the shelf’ in our usual web- SARP Project 7 average and a significant im- more A*- C grades. site archive as well as at http://tesconnectfour.org/

ESC PA 9

Sports News 12

New Staff 15

And much more! Page 2 ESC Newsletter

Welcome from the Head of the French Section

Jean Yves Vesseau, Head of French Section

Last year, the H1 French Sec- increase in the number of There are many changes tion students all passed their students. The secondary ahead for us in the upcoming national exam with flying col- school remains small though, years, with the opening of two ours and the French authori- with 46 students this year. extra classes that will allow ties have acknowledged the Everyone is looking forward our students, if they so wish, work of both teachers and to this new academic year and to take the French baccalaure- students by certifying the H1 to taking part in the various tri ate. We are well aware that class. This means that our -section events that enable none of this would be possible ‘collège’ (Year 7 to H1 in students to get to know each without the help and support France) is now entirely certi- other better. of our colleagues from the fied by the French state and other sections and of the par- we are now starting the proc- We are dedicated to providing ent community, whom I would ess for our H2 class. our students with the best like to thank for their tireless possible school experience work. 2014/2015 has started on a and we know that working very positive note for the with BSHS and GS offer great I wish everyone a great school French section, with a 25% opportunities. year. A bientôt!

Welcome back!

Sonya Papps, Deputy Head of the British Secondary and High School

Welcome back to a new Our current H3 cohort are H4 University Applica- school year and an especially deserving of our congratula- tions Information Evening warm welcome to the new tions as well. Their IGCSE families joining us. I hope you results were impressive. Finally, I would like to remind are settling in well and are as While we are very pleased parents of H4 students that excited as I am about the year that 10 students achieved 10 our new University and Ca- ahead! It is hard to believe or more A*/A grades, we are reers Counsellor, Mr Jack Sonya Papps that more than three months also very proud of all the stu- Shull, will host a University have passed since I went on dents who lived our Secon- Applications information eve- maternity leave. On June 4th, dary Values over the two year ning on 10th September at the Mr. Papps and I welcomed our course and worked hard for EPC. All H4 students and their second child, a little girl we their results. parents are welcome to at- named Etta Clare. Thank you tend. A letter was sent home for all of the kind messages Information Evening last week and RSVPs can be and well wishes we received made via email to the follow- upon her birth. We were truly The British Secondary and ing addresses: HSSecre- touched and reminded of how High School Information Eve- [email protected] or BSSe- special the TES community is. ning will take place next [email protected]. Similar Thursday, 4th September, at evenings for other year groups IB and IGCSE Results the ESC. The event will start will occur throughout the 2014 at 6:00 pm, with introductions school year. followed by talks regarding Congratulations to our recent Student Welfare programmes, IB Graduates on their fantastic curriculum information for results! It was pleasing to see Key Stage 3, IGCSE and IB and so many students reach their an overview of the University potential and especially excit- and Careers Counselling pro- ing that three students gramme. All parents are wel- achieved 43 points overall – a come to attend and I look truly exceptional achievement. forward to seeing many of you at this event. Issue 1, August 2014 Page 3

Die Methodenwoche im Schuljahr 2014-2015

Daniel Engler, Deputy Head of Germnan Section

Das neue Schuljahr hat bestimmte, grundlegende Mathematik lag der Schwer­ angefangen und die neuen Methoden und Fertigkeiten punkt auf den Methoden Heft- Schülerinnen und Schüler eingeführt werden. Die neuen und Hausaufgabenheft­füh­ verbringen ihre ersten Tage an Schülerinnen und Schüler rung. Dies wurde an einer der Deutschen Schule. In erfahren so etwas über die Einheit zum mathematischen diesem Jahr sind es am Sekun­ Anforderungen und erhalten Modellieren geprobt. In den darcampus fünfzehn „Neue“, gleichzeitig die Gelegenheit, anderen Stunden ging es um die aus verschiedenen sich in den neuen so vielfältige Themen wie Schulsystemen und Klassengemeinschaften genaues Beobachten, digitales Schulformen zu uns einzuleben bevor es mit den Mindmap, aber auch die gekommen sind. Jede Schule akademischen Themen richtig Gesprächsregeln für den arbeitet etwas anders und hat los geht. Aber auch unsere Unterricht. etwas andere Vorgaben und „alten“ Schülerinnen und Erwartungen. Wie soll zum Schüler profitieren davon. Bei den Klassen 7 und 8 ging Beispiel das Hausauf­gabenheft Nach sieben Wochen es am Montag um geführt werden? Bei uns so, Sommerferien ist doch das Gesprächsregeln und ebenfalls dass Hausaufgaben immer am Eine oder Andere in die Heft- und Haus­aufgaben­ Fällig­keitstermin eingetragen Vergessenheit geraten. Da tut heftführung. Dienstag stand werden. Welche eine Auffrischung ganz gut. dann das Lernplakat am Anforderungen werden an das Thema Bewässerungssysteme Schulheft gestellt? Bei uns sind Das Oberthema lautet in auf dem Programm. Weitere dies fachübergreifend die diesem Jahr für die Klassen 5/6 Methoden, die geübt wurden, gleichen Kritieren. Welche das und 7/8 „Wasser“. waren die Präsentation ohne sind? Fragen Sie Ihre Kinder, PC, die Nutzung von diese sollten es jetzt wissen. Die Klassen 5 und 6 begannen Nachschlagewerken und auch Wenn nicht, schreiben Sie uns am Montag mit der Methode das „Zusammen Zusammen­ doch eine kurze Bemerkung „Zu­sammen fassen“, wie bei den Klassen 5 ins Hausaufgabenheft. Zusammenfassen“, einer und 6. Dazu kam noch eine Methode zur Bearbeitung von Einheit zum Informieren und Um eine gemeinsame Basis für Texten in einer Manipulieren mit Diagrammen. alle zu legen, beginnen wir das Gruppenarbeit. Thema waren Schuljahr daher mit einer dabei die Bach­regionen. Methodenwoche. Die Idee ist Aufbauend darauf wur­den es, dass anhand eines festen dann Lernplakate erstellt, die Oberthemas in den sich mit den verschiedenen verschieden Fächern Bach- und Flußfischarten gearbeitet wird und dabei beschäftigen. Im Fach

Welcome from Assistant Head, Student Welfare James Woodall, Assistant Head

Welcome back to the new free to contact me directly or pended. It is always an ex- school year. I hope you all had the relevant Head of Year: tremely valuable time, as stu- fantastic summer breaks and Year 7 – Raymond Imbleau dents get the opportunity to managed to relax. It is hard to Year 8/9 – Miss Libby Bevan bond with different people and believe that the 2014-2015 year H1/H2 – Dr Gavin Matthews also to push themselves per- has begun, but as ever with H3/H4 – Mr Darren Latchford sonally with some very chal- TES, we are off to a flying start lenging activities. with lessons and activities well There will be plenty for you to under way. read in the next Newsletter, as I’m looking forward to another the whole school is involved in great year at TES and, should If you have any questions re- Team Building activities this you have any questions at any James Woodall garding the pastoral care sys- week, with camps and day trips point, please feel free to con- tem here at TES, please feel taking place and lessons sus- tact me. Page 4 ESC Newsletter

Welcome from the Assistant Head, Daisy Rana, Assistant Head

I would like to take this op- tween school and home, in of every child in the British portunity to introduce myself order to ensure that your Secondary and High school as Assistant Head of the Brit- child makes strong progress section across all their sub- ish Secondary and High throughout their school ca- jects. Daisy Rana School, responsible for assess- reer at TES. ment, reporting and pro- I am available throughout the gress. My role as Assistant Head will year to talk about the pro- involve leading subject leaders, gress of your child and look As a member of the leadership teachers and Heads of Year in forward to discussing how we team, I am keen to continue tracking, monitoring and posi- can plan the next steps in your to build the partnership be- tively supporting the progress child's learning together.

Year 7— Welcome to the Secondary Campus

Raymond Imbleau, Head of Year 7 and Transition

The Year 7s got off to a great Primary and also excited to heard someone playing the start in their first week at the meet their new classmates and piano. When I stepped out of TES Secondary Campus. Stu- teachers up in Yangmingshan. my office to see who was dents arrived bright and early Daily school life in KS3 has its playing the piano so well, I was on the first day of school, differences from KS2, with all delighted to see it was a Year eager and ready to get a new the new subjects, homework 7, with his classmates cheering locker. Many others enquired tasks and teachers, but if each him on. With this kind of about the ECAs and were Year 7 uses their homework teamwork and enthusiasm, the happy to find out that the diary in an effective way, they transition into secondary ECA for Year 7s will be able to overcome school should be fairly would start in just the second these challenges and have a seamless! week of school this year. successful year. Some Year 7s were glad to Last week, while I was in my see familiar faces from the office in the Phase 1 building, I

I have quite enjoyed this first week of school. It has been exciting yet nerve-wracking at the same time, as the question was: could I handle all this new responsibility? After waiting the entire summer, it actually panned out to be great. I enjoyed the freedom, the change of teachers and mostly the need to be more organised than ever. This experience has given me a new view of secondary life and has made me ever more responsible, or at least I hope so! Shubh Lashkery

On the first day of TES, students milled around, chatting to their friends. A general hum of conversation hung in the air. I took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of newly-bought uniforms. Then, suddenly, I was drawn into one of the Year 7 circles, warm smiles welcoming me. And just like that, my fears dissolved and the only things left in my heart were those warm, welcoming smiles. The shift to TES was difficult, even nerve-racking. But gradually, I relaxed and realised what a wonderful school TES is! Noa Shmueli Issue 1, August 2014 Page 5

University Counsellors Corner

Jack Shull, University and Careers Counsellor

For many families an impor- As a university counsellor in and talk to friends tant question that is asked with over thirty years’ experi- and relatives who have gone during the university search ence, I use the word ‘match’ through the process. As you and application process is when discussing the issue of sort through the mountains of “Will my child get into a university selection. With information, take a look at ‘good’ university?” This ques- thousands of universities and what distinguishes one college Jack Shull tion has always puzzled me, as colleges around the world, the or university from the next. I have not been able to define task of searching for that uni- what a ‘good’ university is. versity ‘match’ can be daunt- I am always pleased to meet However, having advised stu- ing. parents and I can be contacted dents and parents on the uni- at 02 8621458 Extension 2609 versity process at four differ- Start by gathering information, . ent American/International visiting websites, conducting schools and now my second internet searches, requesting British , in information, attending univer- six different countries, has left sity presentations when there me with some advice to im- are university representatives part regarding the process. visiting TES and university fairs

Dos and Don’ts for the University Selection Process: Don’t…

 Set a particular university as a goal for your child.  Judge the success or failure of your child or your parenting on the university admission decision.  Base decisions on national or international university rankings.  Let dinner time conversation centre only on university discussions.  Use the university process as a game to see how many selective universities your son/daughter may be admitted to.

Do…  Listen, listen, listen to your child!  Make time for university visits, as this could be a bonding time between child and parent.  Have a serious discussion with your child about financing a university education, but don’t make costs a priority.  Keep an open mind about universities that you may not have heard about.  Encourage your child to explore various activities and interests.  Encourage your child to take appropriate risks.  Make sure that the family enjoys the university application process!

Next month: The University Timeline from H1 to H4 Page 6 ESC Newsletter

Welcome to Year 8 and 9

Libby Bevin, Head of Year 8 and 9

Welcome back to all our Year chance to be involved in. team building activities, which 8 and 9 students after a won- Our students have been set- will take the Year 8 students derful summer break and also tling back into the school rou- to Yangmingshan National welcome to our new students tines with new timetables, Park and the Year 9 students who have just joined us this some new teachers and some around Taipei in our own year. As the new Head of reminders of what being a TES version of The Amazing Race. I Year, I want to express my student means. They have look forward to reporting excitement at leading these been doing a fantastic job so back on these two events in Libby Bevin two talented year groups and far and it creates a really posi- our next newsletter.

for all the upcoming activities tive outlook for things to these students will have a come. Coming up are the

Best results ever! Darren Latchford, IB Coordinator

May 2014 was something of a This year, we entered 58 stu- ington and Vienna. milestone in Taipei European dents for the Diploma, with Students often get the results School’s history as an IB 464 subject entries between they need and move on very World School. This year, our them. It was a major under- quickly to the next (extremely students achieved the highest taking as always: each student exciting) chapter of their lives, average grade we have ever following courses in three but sometimes we hear back had, at 5.47. This is an im- Higher Level subjects, three from students and it always provement on last year’s aver- Standard Level subjects, one amazes me how well they age score, which was 5.39. It Extended Essay (of 4000 have done. Not because I ever may not sound like a lot, but words), one Theory of Knowl- doubted their ability (their when you consider that the edge course (with essay and results have always shown top grade available is 7 and the presentation) and around 150 that ability is never in ques- lowest is 1, our students are hours of Creativity, Action tion), but because of what clearly performing towards and Service completed outside they are able to achieve in the upper end of the achieve- curriculum time. We cele- such a short space of time and ment level, exceeding the IB brated Graduation in May with how quickly they grow up to world average. the students, one day after a be successful. It was wonder- grueling three weeks of exter- ful to start this school year The highest points score, as in nal examinations. with visits from Jade Lu (who 2013, was 43 points (the graduated in 2010) and Henry maximum available is 45) and We had a range of results this Verrall (who graduated in special congratulations must year and, while we are very 2011). Jade is just beginning go to our three highest pleased with what we her Master’s degree in Art achievers, all of whom scored achieved as a school, results with Christie’s and Henry is at 43: Karishma Mahtani will go only really mean anything to the end of his third year (so on to study Neuroscience at the individual who has still only half way through) his University College, London; achieved them. From a cohort Medicine degree at Imperial Vernon Lin has been selected of 58 students, we now have College, London. They both for a place on the Directed Taipei European School alumni said, without any prompting Studies Program (History and studying in prestigious univer- from me, how much the IB Political Thought, Literature sities all around the world, in Diploma prepared them for and Philosophy) at Yale Uni- institutions as diverse as success and I wish the same versity; and Stanley Wong will McGill, London, Technical for all of our graduates from study Medicine at the Univer- University Munich, California, 2014. They did us proud, as I sity of Hong Kong. New York, Rhode Island, always knew they would. Northumbria, Sussex, Wash- Issue 1, August 2014 Page 7

Study Area Refurbishment Project

Melody Cho, Kevin Wang, Warren Hong, Janice Liu – Student Council

Big changes start with small ture, layout and ‘feel’ of the were not far away from the steps. As Taipei European study areas, we finally reached final implementation of all our School marched into another a consensus to have the third hard work. As expected, re- academic year, the Student floor study area as the practi- turning to the Phase II building Council celebrated the newly cal, modern area and the after summer was more than revamped study areas on the fourth floor to be split into satisfying, seeing the result of Study area third and fourth floors of two areas: the BYOD (Bring our work. Phase II – the end products of Your Own Device) area which many months of vigorous includes a large computer With this large-scale project planning and consolidation. screen to be used for group coming to a brilliant finish, the Recognising the importance of work, and the vibrant students can now thoroughly study areas to students, the ‘comfortable’ area for leisure. enjoy much more comfortable Student Council embarked on Moreover, instead of coming and dynamic study areas on a journey to improve that very up with a final detailed design the third and fourth floors, aspect of the school environ- first, we decided to work combining renewed furniture, ment. The project was offi- backwards and look at the vibrant colours, versatile cially launched with a gener- furniture at IKEA before de- workspaces and – above all – Bring Your Own Device Area ous donation from the PTA, ciding what to include in the comfort. With each year see- opening many doors to our design. ing new facilities, additions and creativity. Along with commit- improvements to the school in ted and fervent students, the After a long time finalising the various aspects and ways, it is Study Area Refurbishment layout, another new challenge our pleasure to be able to Project started with one clear came to our attention. Layout contribute so greatly to the aim: to enhance the quality of is abstract and idea-based, but dynamism of Taipei European study environments for stu- finding actual furniture and School. We have already re- dents. With the study areas decorations was real and thus ceived plenty of positive and now boasting a new look, they much more challenging – not encouraging feedback from truly represent the lively and only did we have to find de- students across all year Leisure Area driven spirit that sets Taipei signs that were similar to what groups, as well as from staff European School apart. students wanted, but we also members seeing the product had to make sure the sizes of our hard work literally right The planning stage was un- would be compatible with the outside the classroom. From doubtedly the most hectic and study areas. Initially we strug- the perspective of the Student enticing stage of the entire gled to find the best furniture Council, this rewarding clo- process. Students had a large to fit both the theme and sure to the first part of this range of eclectic ideas, from dimensions. However, when project only plants seeds for creating a practical, modern we decided to go to IKEA to even greater things in the workspace, to having a cosy, see the designs for ourselves, future, to be sustained by the relaxed area. The establish- things became much more student body working with ment of a layout that had to tangible and visible. We tried and supporting us. The Stu- be tailored to the wishes of all out many chairs and examined dent Council is very much students involved in the plan- many tables, making sure that looking forward to future ning process was the most they would be suitable, eco- projects and bringing more of difficult obstacle to tackle. nomical and durable. After the what students want to frui- Meeting after meeting, we trip, we soon managed to tion, in order to further boost would draft and re-draft the organise our furniture deci- the environment TES provides layout of the study areas, sions and their respective for all students. coming to no conclusion costs into a full proposal, . whatsoever. However, after which was immediately ap- many discussions and confer- proved! We were all really ence calls regarding the furni- excited, knowing that we Page 8 ESC Newsletter

A message from the library

Angela Chang, Librarian

Dear Parents,

It’s the start of another new You can borrow up to five lists of new arrivals and rec- school year and, as always, we books for two weeks. Don’t ommended reading have new books to welcome forget to return them on time, (Libguides). our students back to school. as you will be charged for 5 NT per day for overdue Please feel free to contact us if We’re also pleased to inform/ books. you have any questions re- remind you that you are very garding our parent borrowing welcome to borrow books Don’t know what we have in programme. from our library. The only our library? Please check our thing you need to do is to let online catalogue at http:// Happy Reading! us know: library.tes.tp.edu.tw/oliver. - your name - telephone number Using the links on the home “I have - email address page of our library catalogue, always -student’s name and class you will also be able to find imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.” Jorge Luis Borges

School Counselling Services - It’s Good to Talk Jenny Hsu, Counsellor

You and your child can expect the counsellor

to be safe, caring, honest and trustworthy to listen carefully and not to lay blame to explore thoughts, feelings and behaviour to support and help the child to make changes Jenny Hsu to be sensitive to your family background and culture to be creative – talking, playing, drawing, writing and reading to be respectful and keep confidences to include you where this is helpful to tell you about risks you should know about to refer you and your child to other people and organisations to act as an advocate for your child and you when necessary

School counselling services are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 8:00 am - 2:30pm and Thursdays 8:00 am – 3:00 pm in Room 1204. Issue 1, August 2014 Page 9

H3 theatre work in progress ‘There are Robert Morris, Head of Drama no good,

Das neue Schuljahr hat It’s that pervades the Porter fifty years? brave causes 1951 in post-war Britain and household on that bleak Sun- Perhaps it’s a bit of both. Our left in the Jimmy Porter heralds the drift day afternoon which opens H3 students need to make up towards anarchy that typified the play. their own minds. The new world’ the youth of the day. By the Or is Look Back In Anger simply syllabus kicked off at IB this Jimmy Porter end of the fifties, a story about a dysfunctional week with an intriguing start from Look Back (disenfranchised and disaf- marriage, the repressed ac- to the Director’s notebook In Anger by knowledgement of a (lost) task, exploring this iconic post fected) this generation pre- John Osborne pared itself for the psychedelia man’s inadequacy in relation- -war dramatic text. of the sixties – anything to ships? A terrifying legacy of More to follow…. . escape the suburban ennui the patriarchy of the previous

Message from the European Secondary Campus Parent Association Marine Lagarde and Sachiko Makino

We hope you enjoyed a restful the morning. It was a very feel free to join us. summer with your family. We informative morning with a Next meeting: would like to extend a warm friendly atmosphere. We all Date: Friday September 19th welcome to all ESC families to had a great time and thank you Time: 9:00-11:00 am a busy but exciting start of the very much to all who joined us. Place: Phase 2 Building Confer- year. ence Room, (opposite the Monthly Meeting canteen, next to the trophy Welcome Coffee Morning ESC PA holds a monthly meet- display area). We were very happy to meet ing on the third Friday morning the new and returning ESC of every month. These meet- ESC PA is an organisation for families at a Welcome Coffee ings are a good chance for you all ESC parents. Morning, held on Wednesday, to get to know more about the Everyone is welcome, please August 27th. Heads of each school, the teachers, things join us and we look forward to Section, as well as the school that are happening, or simply working with you. management team joined us for to meet new people. Please Hope to see you then! Page 10 ESC Newsletter

TOK: A new subject for the H3 cohort

Sean Kenny, Theory of Knowledge Subject Leader Parents will be interested to knowledge, individually and as of slavery), or proposed a know (if they don’t already) groups of people, will become theory that at first the that their son or daughter will more relevant to the students ‘experts’ dismissed, but which be undertaking a course in the by the end of the course than has since changed our under- Theory of Knowledge as part they seem at the beginning. standing of the universe (e.g. of the core of the IB Diploma For example, many students Roman Catholic priest/physics 2014-16. I am privileged to have assumed that they should professor Lemaitre, who first lead the team of TOK teach- ignore their emotions and proposed the “theory of the ers in our school. distrust their intuitions and primordial atom”, which has "TOK is the So, over the next eighteen imagination. However, we been renamed “the Big Bang beating heart months, the students will be have to ask where our human Theory”). examining their knowledge in race would be today without They pushed the limits, and of the its various categories (e.g. the knowledge that has come were often ridiculed, but time scientific, ethical and histori- to us via the courageous men proved them to be correct. Diploma cal) and the processes by and women who tested their Who knows but that we have programme" which they have assembled dreams (e.g. the double helix the next great proponent of these knowledge claims. They molecule of DNA), or were human progress in our midst, Darren Latchford will also critically assess their willing to go beyond the ethi- doing TOK, here at TES? We validity. Some of the means cal boundaries of their con- can but hope and pray. I know we use to construct our temporaries (e.g. the abolition I do.

Extra Curricular Activities (ECAs) News

Paul Lee, ECA Coordinator

On Tuesday next week, the to do for the whole academic bring their ECA sign-up sheet. Secondary Campus will be year. Students should be in- If they are given a place on an hosting its first ever ECA Fair. volved in at least one school activity, the teacher will sign It will be a chance for students ECA activity for each semester their ECA sign-up card. to meet and chat with ECA (Semester 1 is Term 1 only, Week 4 - A new timetable will teachers about the ECAs they Semester 2 is Term 2 and 3 be distributed to all students will be running and to sign up combined). Students should fill showing all their ECAs, as well for their chosen activities. The in the details on their ECA sign as their lessons. fair is a new concept for this up card (which was given to Week 5 - All ECAs will start school and we hope it will a them by their form tutor) and (many sports ECAs started in more engaging and fun way for parents then sign and date. week 2). students to choose their ECAs. The fun part: Remember, ECAs are even The easy part: Week 3 - During the ECA Fair, more enjoyable if you apply the Students (together with par- students will have 60 minutes TES Secondary Values of Par- ents) should have spent the last (from 1:10 pm to 2:10 pm) to ticipation: Respect, Persever- week choosing the sports and visit the ECA teachers at their ance, Creativity and Responsi- other ECA activities (from the ‘activity stalls’ and get signed up bility. ECA Information spreadsheet for their chosen sports and emailed to you) that they want other activities. Students must Issue 1, August 2014 Page 11

Chinese Articulation Symposium

Flora Sung, Head of Chinese Language and Culture

On July 7, 2014, the CLC national School Beijing and the of view, in order to meet the Department, in collaboration Chair of the Asia Pacific Chi- dynamic learning needs of our with the National nese Language Teacher Asso- current and future students. Normal University (NTNU) ciation, as well as Professor Around eighty Chinese educa- and Ming Chuan University, J.Y. Chen, the Department tion professionals attended organised a symposium on Chair of Chinese as a Second the event, including college Chinese Articulation. The aim Language at NTNU. Ms Chao professors, government offi- of the symposium was to ad- shared her expertise as a cials from the Ministry of Edu- dress the issues arising from highly experienced front-line cation and six CLC teachers the paradigm shift in interna- practitioner and provided from ESC and three from tional Chinese education sys- valuable advice for all the par- EPC. Ms. Flora Sung was the tems. It was a great honour ticipating teachers to reflect event organiser and also and pleasure to have two upon. Professor Chen sug- hosted the open conversation expert keynote speakers: Ms gested we consider Chinese between the two keynote Theresa Chao, the former education in a global context speakers. Chinese Principal of the Inter- from a service-oriented point

News from the Mathematics Department

Julie Dale, Head of Mathematics The Mathematics department Science, Technology, Engi- should help them to structure has recently become the neering and Maths contexts. their maths work and enable proud guardian of a 3D At the moment we are still you to see how they are pro- printer and is looking at ways gressing. Your child has al- of using this technology to ready been given a letter ex- enhance teaching of complex plaining how to access the mathematical ideas. materials at home, including Equipping pupils to understand learning ourselves. If you have the passwords they will need. the application and potential any ideas for collaboration Students will be set home- of this new type of technology projects, then please drop into work from here and can also is important in a 21st century the department office. access lessons, games, work- school to help prepare them Guidance for Parents sheets, revision material and for a world in which similar Your child has been registered booster packs. Have a look at technologies will be com- on to the maths website the link! monly used, particularly in www.myimaths.com. This Our first attempt at 3D shapes Page 12 ESC Newsletter

A Word from the Head of Sport Kwok Chow, Head of Sport

Welcome back and I hope you had a restful summer break! We are already in full swing, with all the teams starting their training this week for Season 1 Sports. The Secondary School stu- dents are competing in Volleyball and the High School Students in Volleyball and Football. Attendance is high in all teams and it looks like it’s going to be an exciting start to the year ahead!

The U15 FOBISIA team has also been selected and training has begun. They will be travelling to Jakarta () and competing at the British International School, Jarkarta, from 12-16 November 2014. As a school, I am proud to say we have now been moved into the A2 Group of the FOBISIA Games. The competition will be a lot tougher, but the TITANS will be ready for this challenge! The schools we will be competing against are , Brit- ish International School Jakarta, British International School Puxi, Kellett International School Hong Kong and British International School (Ho Chi Minh City).

U15 FOBISIA Squad 2014-15 Douglas Lee Eathan Chan Yu Ting Chen Wilma Lillequist Sam Chen William Chen Jr. Sydney Li Anni Lao Shawn Lam Perry Lin Natalie Yu Jennifer Li Nicholas Lin Donny Lee Anna-Bella Sula Elizabeth Lin Curtis Chen Ryoki Kunii Hannah Kwuo Claire Chen Mason Lee Keisuke Makino Hani Sparks Anja Jung Junyoung Yoon Belor Stockhecke Vianne Tseng Nidhi Metha Brian Wu Raghav Rasal Malthe Jenson Issue 1, August 2014 Page 13

Season 1 Sports Schedule

Below is a reminder of the Season 1 sports schedule. We have had a great sign up week, with up to 60% of the European Secondary Campus students signing up.

SPORT ECA TERM 1 Year group/ Team Day Time Venue Coach 3- Yr 7 Boys volleyball Tuesday 4.30pm GYM Paul Wright 3- Yr 7 Girls volleyball Tuesday 4.30pm GYM Louise Fung 3- Yr 8 Boys volleyball Thursday 4.30pm GYM Francesca Simmons 3- Yr 8 Girls volleyball Thursday 4.30pm GYM Wanda Frost 3- Yr 9 Boys volleyball Friday 4.30pm GYM Raymond Imbleau 3- Yr 9 Girls volleyball Friday 4.30pm GYM Chin Lin Huang 4.30- JVB Girls volleyball Monday 6pm GYM Robin Neroutsos Wednes- 3- day 4.30pm 4.30- JV Girls Volleyball Tuesday 6pm GYM Ming Chien Li 4.30- Thursday 6pm 3- JV/Varsity Girls Football Tuesday 4.30pm Football Pitch Jonathan Booth Wednes- 4.30- day 6pm 4.30- JVB Boys Football Thursday 6pm Football Pitch Stephen Weston 3- Friday 4.30pm 4.30- JV/Varsity Boys Football Tuesday 6pm Football Pitch Jared Duxfield Wednes- 3- day 4.30pm 3- Table Tennis Tuesday 4.30pm MPR James Woodall/Sonya Papps 3- Cross Country Thursday 4.30pm Meet by changing rooms Richard Greaves

Tennis Tuesday 4-5pm TBC Stephen Weston Page 14 ESC Newsletter

A Word from the Head of Physical Education Francesca Simmons, Head of Physical Education

Welcome back to all of the TES community and a huge warm welcome to all new members, both parents and students. I hope everybody has enjoyed a nice relaxing holiday and are ready for an action-packed year.

Being new to the school myself, I realise how important it is to learn and become familiar with the routines of school life at TES and so I just wanted to highlight and remind us all of our expectations for P.E. at TES:

 All KS3 students must wear P.E. uniform: school polos, school shorts and sporting foot- wear (no Converse/skate shoes).  H1-H2 students must wear appropriate sporting attire that correlates to the normal clothing regulations at TES. Shorts must b of a sensible length, no jewellery and no skate shoes.  Be Sun Smart – bring along a hat and water bottle, especially important when outside.  If students cannot participate in a lesson, a note must be given to the P.E. teacher (before the lesson), written by parent/guardian or doctor explaining why.

Most importantly, Physical Education should be an enjoyable subject for all. Within our cur- riculum there is something for everyone and with the right attitude and a positive approach to lessons, students will be ensured a fun and exciting education through being physical.

So, I ask all students to come along with a smile, the correct uniform and be ready to enjoy yourself this academic year.

I look forward to meeting you all!

Y7s in action during their after school competitive training session ESC Newsletter Page 15

Our new ESC staff

Jack Shull University and Careers Counsellor

Over the past thirty years, I have worked at six different international schools as a counsellor and as Director of Counselling and Special Services. So far, my career has taken me to Norway, Bel- gium, , Egypt and .

I enjoy guiding students through an important milestone in their lives: their move from high school to university. I have been fortunate in my career to meet students from so many different back- grounds and send them out across the globe to begin the next stage in their education.

Jack Shull

Ashley Bousfield, MusicTeacher

I have been performing music for the past twenty years and I am looking forward to sharing my experiences with, and learning more from, all the pupils at TES. I have been involved in a range of musical activities, from piano concerto events to dance music production clubs. I am looking for- ward to the new challenge of leading two established and thriving choirs, Yangmingshan and For- mosa Voices, and building on their successes. Both staff and pupils at TES have made my move to Taiwan a great experience and I am looking forward to working with you all.

Ashley Bousfield

Dan O’Shea

I am very excited about being a part of TES. This is my first time teaching in an international school and I have been impressed with the attitude and enthusiasm of the teachers and students in this school.

I am looking forward to teaching Drama and English and being involved in the school production this year. The students and staff I have met so far have been so courteous and welcoming. I look forward to getting to know you all over the coming year.

Dan O’Shea

Christine Wu, CLC Teacher

My name is Christine Wu and I come from Taiwan. It is so awesome to be part of the TES family. I used to teach Chinese to University students in Beijing and in Taiwan. I have an Education degree and have also previously taught in a Taiwanese local school. During my free time, I love to sing, watch movies and to travel around the world. I sincerely hope that I can make a positive contribu- tion towards the education of the pupils at TES.

Christine Wu Page 16 ESC Newsletter

Our new ESC staff

Dylan Bullard, Economics and Business Studies Teacher

My name is Dylan Bullard and this is the start of my fifteenth year in education. I am originally from the United States and taught there for twelve years. I spent the last two years teaching in Shanghai, China. I am currently teaching IB Economics, IGCSE Economics and Business Studies. My wife Kayte is a Year 6 Learning Assistant in the British Primary Section of TES. My daughter Avery is in Year 2 and my son Dash is in the Nursery Section of the Primary School. I am very excited to start a new adventure here in Taipei, Taiwan and to explore this fabulous country.

Dylan Bullard

Frankie Simmons, Head of Physical Education

Some may describe me as a bit of a third culture kid, as I have spent much of my life overseas. Originally I come from Brighton on the south coast of England, which is known for both its seagulls swooping down and eating your chips, as well as for football. In my younger years, I moved to a small island in the Middle East called Bahrain, where, like our students, I studied in an international school. After completing my A levels, I decided to embark on a journey Down Under, where I stud- ied at the University of Western for four years, gaining a degree in Exercise and Health Science and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education. Since then, I have taught in England, Italy and and now find myself on this wonderful island, Taiwan, where I look forward to enjoying my three big passions of teaching, sport and travelling... oh and trying to learn some Mandarin! !

Frankie Simmons

Helen Bacon, English Teacher

I wish I was more of an exciting individual and could list off reams of all the wonderful adventures I have had. However, I can't. I do love seeing new places and trying new things. I'm thrilled to be teaching on such a beautiful island and can't wait to explore it further. I love my subject (English) and want to get people to appreciate the characters, the stories and words of texts past and pre- sent.

Helen Bacon

Helen Gamble, Learning Support Assistant

A year ago I swapped the dusty desert of for the lush green mountains of Taiwan and I am very happy that I did. Before moving to Qatar, I spent seven years in the Netherlands, which is also where I grew up as an expat child. I spent my first year here working in the primary school, looking after delightful five and six year olds in Year One. I have now traded the little people for the pupils here at the secondary school, most of whom are taller than me! I am looking forward to an excit- ing year ahead in my new role as LSA, Newsletter Editor and UCC Admin Support. The best part about this mixed role is that it will allow me to meet nearly every student in the school. There is no escaping TES in my household, as I also have a husband who works at the school and three sons Helen Gamble who attend it. Issue 1, August 2014 Page 17

Our new ESC staff

Julie Reakes, Maths Teacher

Hi. It's great to be here in Taipei and at TES teaching Maths and I'm already enjoying the huge vari- ety of food available here! I've previously taught in Hong Kong, Dubai, Bahrain, Portugal and the UK, with the Taiwanese being the friendliest people of all. I am looking forward to learning some Mandarin, scuba diving and hiking around the beautiful countryside.

Julie Reakes Julien Ducheine, Science Teacher and Year 9 Tutor

My name is Julien Ducheine, I am thirty years old and I teach Biology in the French section. After a Master’s degree in Oceanography, I fist worked as a Project Manager on a mangrove ecosystem project, before becoming a science teacher five years ago. I really love outdoor sports such as diving, skydiving and hiking.

Olivia Liang, Maths Teacher

My name is Olivia Liang. I'm twenty-eight years old/young, born and raised in Toronto. My parents are originally from southern China, making it easy for me to blend in here. I visited Taiwan about three years ago as a tourist and got engaged whilst hiking through Taroko Gorge. At Taipei Euro- pean School, I will be teaching Mathematics, a role which I previously enjoyed in both Ethiopia and Mexico. In between those teaching posts, I taught both Maths and Visual Arts in Beijing. I will also be supervising the first ever Fashion Club at TES, along with Ms Rana, and will be involved in up- coming school productions. I'm looking forward to working at TES with you all and to experienc- Olivia Liang ing Taipei.

Paul Wright, Psychology and Science Teacher

I have worked in England for eight years, as well as Spain for three years, where I taught P.E., Sci- ence and Psychology.

I moved to Taiwan to teach at TES and to experience a new culture. The students at the school have been very warm and welcoming. This year I am teaching Year 8 and H2 Science, H3 and H4 Psychology, H3 Sports Exercise and Health Science, as well as H4 PSHCE. It will be a very busy year for me, though I am looking forward to teaching and supporting the students during their Paul Wright secondary education. Page 18 ESC Newsletter

Our new ESC staff

Saskia Schmedding, Teacher

Von Taiyuan nach Taipei

Nein, Taiyuan liegt nicht in Taiwan, sondern in China, genauer gesagt in der Provinz Shanxi. Dort habe ich im vergangenen Schuljahr DaF (Deutsch als Fremdsprache) an einer chinesischen Fremdsprachenschule unterrichtet. Die Arbeit dort hat mir sehr viel Spaß gemacht und ich bin froh, dass ich jetzt hier in Taipei weiterhin im internationalen Schulwesen tätig sein kann.

Doch zurück zu den Anfängen. Nach meinem Abitur habe ich an der Universität Bonn Englisch, Chemie und DaF studiert. Über die Stationen Aberdeen (Schottland), Langerwehe und Leverkusen bin ich schließlich in Münster gelandet, wo ich mehrere Jahre unter­richtet habe. Da an meiner Saskia Schmedding damaligen Schule Chinesisch unterrichtet wurde, hatte ich zweimal die Möglichkeit, einen Schüleraustausch mit einer taiwanesischen Schule zu begleiten. Damals habe ich natürlich noch nicht geahnt, dass ich hier auch einmal als Lehrerin arbeiten würde. Aber ich habe das Land und seine Bewohner kennen und schätzen gelernt und freue mich jetzt darauf, die damals gewonnenen Freunde wiederzutreffen.

Steve Weston, Geography and EAL Teacher

I come from England and lived in south-east London all of my life, where I taught Geography for the past four years. Whilst still at University, I worked part-time in a fitness centre, where I coached football (soccer), as well as working as a fitness instructor. I am a very active person and enjoy tak- ing part in many different sports, but my main hobbies are football and tennis, both of which I will be coaching here at TES. I enjoy travelling a lot and have visited many great places around the world, all of which link to Geography in some way! I am looking forward to the next few years working here at Taipei European School. Steve Weston Issue 1, August 2014 Page 19

Some great creative talent at TES SWIRE EUROPEAN SECONDARY CAMPUS

31 JianYe Road, , Taipei 11193 Phone: 555-555-5555 Our school has attracted regional and worldwide attention with its Fax: 555-555-5555 E-mail: unique model for integrating German, British, French, and High School sections in terms of their curricula, administration, finance, buildings and facilities.

The Taipei British School (TBS), Ecole Francaise de Taipei (EFT); and Deutsche Schule Taipei (DST) began around 1990 in response to the needs of expatriate families with young children, living in Taipei. The schools soon realised that there was much to be gained by joining forces to establish a combined European campus. This would allow the schools to share some facilities and resources yet teach their own respective national curricula.