Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019 International School Calendar Reminders October 28 Students back to school Secondary Campus October 29 A Level Biology Mangroves Trip www.mis.qp.qa email: [email protected] October 30 and 31 IT Trip November 03 Student Council Meeting Dear Parent, Y10-13 Art and Design Trip November 07 In our Prizegiving Assembly, at the end of half term, we celebrated the Swimming World Cup excellence achieved by or students. Recently you received a letter November 07-09 detailing the exam performance of our students in which over a third of DCMUN November 10-20 our students achieved the top marks at GCSE (A*/A) and AS Level (A/B). Growth Monitoring at School In addition, four of our students, Melissa Morgan, Humna Shahzad, Fatima November 13 Zahid and Umna Hussain, received awards from the exam board for Y10 Geography Trip achieving amongst the highest marks in the whole of the Middle East. As November 22-23 Park House MUN you will recall, earlier this year our Girls Athletics team and our Community November 24 Garden won national honours. Student Council Meeting November 25 Recognizing excellence gives us all a benchmark to work towards, by Y8 Geography Trip recognizing high achievement we are inspired to improve ourselves. How November 26 many of us, I wonder, after the World Athletics, have gone back to the Parent Information meeting– GL Parent Report gym? How many of us watch a premier league football match or a November 27 cricket test match and then feel inspired to go out and try with bat and University Career Fair ball to emulate those we admire and are inspired by? December 02 Young Innovator Competition By recognizing excellence, it gives us an opportunity to think how December 03 excellence is achieved and when you investigate it what you find can be Y11&Y13 Examination Skills Day December 04 quite surprising. You are not born with excellence you cultivate it. We all Swimming Gala (provisional) have the potential to excel. You don’t achieve excellence by being December 05 perfect, you achieve it through hard work and through smart or wise Y11 -Y13 Progress Report issued work. Both are equally important. Excellence is a habit, it’s about the little December 05-06 things you do every day, like reading good books. Excellence isn’t a MIS MUN December 09 destination, it’s a journey, a lifelong one. Excellence is passion plus the Y9 Art and Design Trip performance, if you don’t enjoy what you are doing you won’t excel. December 10 Finally, it’ about attitude. Those who achieve excellence do so because Art Mock Day Y11-Y13 they think they can. December 12 Y11 Geography Trip December 15 As a school we strongly believe that our students have the potential to Parent Teacher meetings Y11- excel. Developing that self-belief in young people, the right attitude Y13 towards continual self-improvement, the right habits and a passion for Student council Meeting learning, is an endeavour teachers and parents share. With your December 16 continued support we will continue to achieve excellence Parent Teacher meetings Y11- Y13 December 17 Yours sincerely, Newsletter issued to parents Trevor Spence, Written Reports issued Y7-10 Headteacher. December 18 National Day December 22 Winter Break

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019 Events and Trips

Community garden

The young people in the Community garden club have been busy this half term recycling cardboard into plant pots, sowing seeds, transplanting seedlings and creating banners for our Mesaieed Community garden banner competition. The winning design will be made into a 3 metre banner to be displayed at the garden. We desperately wait for the temperatures to reduce, so we can go to the garden and prepare the seedbeds. Additionally a number of pupils have made some raised beds from old pallets, these will be used to grow root vegetables including carrots, beetroot and fennel.

Vocational Pathways

In our efforts to expand subject pathways and student choices at Key Stage 4 & 5, we have successfully applied for and been accredited by Pearsons to run BTEC courses in Applied Science (level 3) and Sports (level 2 & 3). BTEC courses are vocational in nature which means that it has a career focus and is grounded in the world of work. Assessment is through 100% coursework, as all units are portfolio based with no exam. This style of assessment gives learners the opportunity to build up a portfolio of evidence which demonstrates how they can apply their knowledge, skills and achievements in real-life scenarios. This makes it particularly more suitable and accessible to many students, as there is a steady workload which is assessed throughout the year rather than at the end with exams. BTEC courses are internationally recognised and are approved by Qatar’s MOE.

The courses on offer currently at MIS are: BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Sport - equivalent to one GCSE BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Sport- equivalent to two GCSE BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Sports - equivalent to an AS Level BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Applied Science - equivalent to an AS Level BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Applied Science- equivalent to an Advanced Level

Level 2 courses are done at KS4 alongside GCSEs. Level 2 courses allow progression to level 3 courses. Level 3 courses are studied in the Sixth Form by Year 12 & 13.

The BTEC Applied Science Level 3 qualifications are aimed at students who want to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education or ultimately to employment, possibly in the applied science sector. The qualification will give the student the opportunity to explore various science pathways. The pathways taken could be aligned to healthcare, medical, forensic or industrial career options such as a lab technician, in radiography; biomedical science; nursing; dietetics; pharmacology and physiotherapy. The BTEC Sport Level 3 course can lead to career pathways in the sports and fitness, and well-being industry, which are some of the fastest growing sectors in the world. Career opportunities include roles such as leisure

assistant, sports coach, personal trainer, fitness coach, and in sports administration. Further information of BTECs can be found on the Pearsons website: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/about-us/qualification-brands/btec.html

Mr. Saiful Jobber, Assistant Headteacher Curriculum

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019

STUDENTS ENJOY QATAR V OMAN FOOTBALL MATCH AT THE NEW WORLD CUP STADIUM.

Students from year 7 to 13 enjoyed a memorable trip to the newly built World Cup stadium Al Janoub, . Over 170 students arrived eagerly at school, boarding the coaches with their Qatar flags, Qatar football shirts and even a Qatar National hair piece.. It was, I must emphasise a memory that will stay with these students for the rest of their lives. Approaching the newly built stadium, the excitement and the amazement truly took over, spectators playing drums and blowing horns, creating what can only be said to be like a carnival atmosphere. The stadium itself is just amazing, it just is. We probably had the best view in the stadium. Right behind the goalkeeper. The game itself reflected the atmosphere created mainly by our students, even the Mexican wave was started by our students. The students were superb and great ambassadors for the school. On a whole the trip was truly amazing. Thank you to all the staff that supported the trip. On to the Swimming World Cup on Thursday 7th November 2

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019

House News

Dhow Falcon Pearl Oryx House Daniel Allyana Emillie Yssa I would like to introduce and congratulate Captain Odoom Manantan Canaria Lauren the following students for being selected Yazjii

as House Captains and deputies. House Teboho Rimsha Anns Stephanie Captain Majake Asif Mahboob Ogoe Deputy Merlene Batista Sarker Neha Quaicoe Aryeetey Saad James Ahmed

Deputy Muham Deisy Jesmin Marwa ed Nhatuve Mangue Mohamm Muhsen ed

Deputy Syeda Saruer Oraka Khubaib Zahra Saady Celestino Ur Raza Ahmed Rehman

Introduction to House Captains:

ORYX FALCON Yssa Lauren Yazjii Allyana Gaile I am proud to be the Oryx house captain. I, I hope that the passion that drives my along with my fellow Oryx house captains, perseverance can influence others to do the hope to lead the Oryx team in a position where same. Being competitive pushes me to do better all house members are proud of their and be better but also reminds me of the value accomplishments and participation. of the effort which is as important, perhaps even Stephanie Ogoe more so, than winning I am house captain for Oryx this year. I will Rimsha Asif always be there to help my fellow house I am delighted to say that I am Falcon house Captains and Oryx students whenever captain again this year. This year myself and the needed. I truly believe that I can help lead other dedicated Falcon house captains, hope Oryx house to victory this year, this year is our to guide Falcon house to become triumphant.. year! Only together Falcon can be victorious. DHOW PEARL Daniel Odoom Anns Mahboob Last year, Dhow house won the inter house I am the new Pearl house captain and under my trophy due to the collective hard work of all leadership I will aim to instill a ‘work together’ members. In the upcoming year, I hope to and ‘work hard’ attitude into each student. If inspire my fellow house members into striving participation increases then we shall be for the first place in all inter house competitions. champions. Teboho Makake Emilie Canaria I am a very competitive person, that is one of My goal this year for Pearl House is to encourage the reasons why I wanted this position. Leading my fellow students to work towards the best they a house is a new big step for me, a challenge I can achieve. After all, ‘team work makes the will gladly take on. dream work’.

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019 House board competition

The House board competition was the first for the new school year. Each house was given a set criteria to create their board. Over the course of two weeks students from all year groups came together to create unique and eye-catching boards. With minutes remaining the corridor was lined with frantic last minute adjustments and changes. Each house should be proud of their achievement, however, as with all competitions, a winner must be selected. A panel of neutral judges was given the tough task of scoring each board against the criteria. Results were announced during the house assemblies and house points rewarded accordingly. Congratulations to all those involved.

Standings for the House Board Competition

1st Falcon -200 points

2nd Pearl – 150 points

3rd Dhow – 100 points

4th Oryx – 75 points

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019

Faculty News

IT, Business & Economics Alice Competition 2020 It is another busy term for the Department. We have entering students to compete in the upcoming Qatar National Scratch coding competition 2020 and Carnegie Mellon University, Alice Competition 2020. Students are now busy developing their projects for submission. This year we are aiming to enter both our primary school students and secondary. This competition is oriented to acknowledge young innovative talents and it aims is to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in digital, data and Technology Profession to enhance the creation of a more sustainable educational and economic future, in support of the national vision of Qatar 2030. The 5th Alice programming competition has been scheduled for Monday, February 17th, 2020. The competition theme will be Raising Awareness in which students can submit animations/games in one of the following sub-categories: •Climate change •Health •Cybersecurity •Culture and globalization •Traffic safety Teams of: 1.No more than 4 students 2.Choose a theme of your choice 3.Choose a name for your team

Qatar National Scratch coding competition 2020.

Qatar National Scratch coding competition 2020. This competition is oriented to acknowledge young innovative talents and it aims is to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in digital, data and Technology Profession to enhance the creation of a more sustainable educational and economic future, in support of the national vision of Qatar 2030. A new category: SCROBOT: programming robots with Scratch, for students aged between 6 and 18 years old. Inspiring next generation of digital and creative talent

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019 Creative Arts

Collaborative studies in the Creative Arts.

At MIS, the Creative arts faculty aims to collaborate with other faculties to ensure students explore themes that will give the students holistic learning experience. In Music, the students and Mr Jackson begin their collaboration with Mr Norfolk Head of English, in the musical theatre productions.

Images of the set, for the up and coming Musical Theatre production

In Art and Design, the year seven students currently incorporate Maths into their ’Art and Geometry’ project with an in-house competition on symmetry. We as a faculty want to highlight the importance of cross-curriculum studies to support MIS and our mission ‘To inspire and empower our students for a great future, through an innovative and globally relevant education’.

Art and design trips

GCSE and A-Level

The art students from years 10 to 13 will visit the Qatar museums of Mathaf: Museum of modern Arab art and the Fire station on Sunday 3rd November. This visit is an essential part of their studies that can supplement their coursework. In this visit, they will see installations of the internationally known artist El Anatsui, Kaws and Salah El Mur. Letters will be sent out in the next week for permission to attend.

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019 The artwork of El Anatsui, Kaws and Salah El Mur at Qatar Museums.

Year 9 trips

As a part of the collaboration between design and technology and art and design, our Y9 students have commenced their Y9 research into the famous contemporary constructions and architects in Doha. They have already studied the interior and exterior of the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and its celebrated architect I.M. Pei.

Our Y9 students will look at several buildings in and around Doha such as the National Museum of Qatar, Burj Doha and then the coliseum in Katara.

This school trip is in December and permission letters will go out during November.

During the Spring term, the Year 9 students will design a city in collaboration with Design and technology.

The students will research several architects with buildings or stadiums in Qatar such as David Adjaye, Zaha Hadid, Jean Nouvel and the late I.M.Pei. In this project-based learning, the students will work in groups planning a sustainable city based on Mesaieed Industrial city. They used the design elements taught in both Art and Design and Design and technology to develop their ideas. They incorporated the 4 C's of Creativity, Communication, Collaboration and Critical thinking into their project.

A few our students from Mesaieed International school have chosen the career of architecture and are studying in Poland, Ukraine and Canada. As it has become an increasingly popular subject in Qatar, Art and Design and DT, felt that the project will be an engaging and creative learning experience for year 9's.

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019

Science

Eruptive start to KS3 It has been an exciting start to the science club! academic year in Science, with Science club has started with an eruption many fun things happening of volcanoes… throughout the half term! This term pupils got the chance to build their own volcanoes and erupt them using bicarbonate of soda, vinegar and food colouring. The reactants were placed

inside the volcanoes and pupils were able to observe their eruptions, due to a chemical reaction taking place. The chemical reaction resulted in a fizzy product as well as carbon dioxide gas. This mimicked the typical eruptions observed from real volcanoes. Fun fact: The early atmosphere was believed to contain 95% carbon dioxide

gas, it is believed the main source of the carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere was violently erupting active volcanoes It’s safe to say pupils left the class, erupting with joy…

Miss Farah

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019

Mrs Akhtar’s Year 9 class have been Student Testimony: studying polymers and had the “ We are super excited we got to opportunity to make their own slime! They tested the properties make our very own polymer. We and made informed conclusions. had the task of investigating the vast number of properties of our vibrantly coloured polymer!”. We correctly predicted the properties of our specimen containing PVA solution and the chemical Borax. We found that cross links are formed making it super stretchy and flexible. It was also bouncy and quite robust. This experiment significantly helped with our understanding of polymers and it was also super fun.

Faiz, Oliver Neha 9E (KAH)

Creative projects in Science Badger assessments Pupils in years 7, 8 and 9. Have been doing exciting projects to further augment their science understanding. Pupils in year 7 were able to bring their cells to life by creating models of specialised cells. Many pupils chose to make colourful creative posters, whilst others used clay models to show a 3-dimensional representation of their cell. Pupils in year 8, made exciting storyboards showing the journey of food, from ingestion to egestion. Their storyboards were complete with labelled organs, as well as the important role of enzymes. Year 9 pupils on the other hand, were looking at the importance of selective breeding also known as artificial selection. Here, they had to describe the ideal chickens to breed, to allow for offspring that has inherited the ability to produce many, large eggs. Some of the pupils work has been displayed in the science corridor. Feel free to have a look the next time you walk past!

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019

Miss Rabanni’s Year 7 Science class loved experimenting using balloons. They had to investigate the physics concept of gas pressure and particle model. They all did an

amazing job and were able to make the scientific links.

Mrs Akhtar’s Year 10 Biology class modelled how enzymes work using plasticine. They were confident in explaining the Lock and key mechanism for an Enzyme substrate complex.

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019 Arabic

Calligraph In the past few weeks, the Arabic Department have organized workshops on Calligraphy writing. The Core club was well attended and succeeded in engaging the students and help them to produce a decorative handwriting using special pen and brushes. The students have enjoyed the design and execution of lettering with a broad tippen and brush. Students have realized that calligraphy is important because it influences other ways of making letters. It's an art form that requires skill, effort, and time. ... You cannot receive the same feeling from computer-generated typography that you do from looking at an authentic and man-made work of calligraphy.

Arabic for Beginners Club…. students writing months of the year in Arabic and illustrating them with beautiful drawings.

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019

English

The English department has witnessed a wonderful start to the year. Year 7 have been learning about Skellig, while Y8 have been studying Holes. Year 9 have been Analyzing the action-packed Ruby in the Smoke while Y10 have started their IGCSE preparation by reading Stories of Ourselves. All students have been working hard to improve their reading, writing and speaking and listening skills, and some of the work that has been produced has been outstanding.

Year 11

The majority of Y11 students have been extremely busy in preparation of the Early Entry IGCSE English Language exam. Students have been involved in a Mock exam and a Walking, Talking Mock! These sessions were expertly run by the Y11 staff. Students have been revising hard to ensure that they all achieve their target grade.

There was a very successful Y11 Parent meeting where parents were welcomed by Miss Chereni and Mrs Elvie for an information evening. During this valuable session parents were given information on how to support their child through their exams. Parents were also given tips on how to help their child revise in preparation of their early entry examination.

Year 12/13

The 6th form students have had an efficacious start to the year. They are studying a cornucopia of texts and authors including works by William Shakespeare, Robert Frost, and Jane Austin.

Y13 student evaluating Y12 students presenting their poetry analysis. poetry in a creative style!

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019

Debate Club

Debate club has started and already the group have had a heated debate concerning the relevance of the United Nations in 2019. If students are interested in joining the Debate Club they should go and speak to Mr Norfolk or Mr Elvie.

Students involved in a heated debate.

Examples of students working hard in English

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019 Some of the work that has been produced in English during term 1a.

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019 Humanities

Geography

The Year 7 students are currently studying map skills in Geography. They have had a chance to explore OS Maps applying their skills such as 4 & 6 figure grid referencing, scale, orientation, contour lines and use these skills to synthesise and create their own map. Year 8 are currently studying ecosystems around the world with a focus on the tropical rainforests and deserts. The students have investigated the environmental problems faced by different ecosystems such as deforestation and desertification. They will be using their critical thinking, to decide how to solve these challenges. Year 9 students are currently learning about world development and trade. They have carried out an investigation on fair trade. They have evaluated both the positives and negatives of commercial trade and explored the different methods for making trade fairer.

Year 8 students working on their Year 9 students working on fair trade desertification project. project.

In Geography, we have learnt about a range of different topics. So far, we have studied about what Geography was, types of Geography, maps and mental maps (in which drew a map of our journey to school). We had also done an EQI (Environment Quality Index), where we observed and analyzed the quality of the environment of MIS. We also did a small project on how safe is MIS? We had to use a wide range data collection methods and used the data to write some conclusions in class. On top of that, we were taught about map skills, contours and measurements. I had enjoyed learning about Geography in this half-term, because it had helped me to learn new concepts.

By Czanina (7MMC)

The Year 7 students are currently studying map skills in Geography. They have had a chance to explore OS Maps applying their skills such as 4 & 6 figure grid referencing, scale, orientation, contour lines and use these skills to synthesise and create their own map.

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019

At GCSE students have continued to work on the Edexcel syllabus covering Fieldwork – River investigations and Fragile Environments. The key aims will be to discover the human impacts on biomes where we will be focusing on specific case study examples from around the world and exploring the challenges of sustainability.

Year 11 students brainstorming solutions to climate change and global warming

Year 12 Students collaborating and creating models of wind patterns and pressure systems

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019

Qatar History

Year 7s have had a wonderful start to lessons in Qatar History where they have been looking at the Arabian Gulf in the wider context, trade routes and empires connecting to the Arabian Gulf. They have particularly enjoyed learning and researching about Qatar’s ancient archeological sites and special features and their importance. Next we will focus on ancient civilizations in Qatar. The year 8s have worked on colonial motives in the Arabian Gulf with special reference to the four main motives which made the Arabian Gulf subject to European interest. They have started their presentations on the European dominance and looked at the exploration, conquest and decline in dominance. The year 9s have been researching the how the context of World War changed the relations of Qatar and Britain. They have started working on their presentations on explaining the territory, interrelations and motives of overseas empires in the Gulf and wider region. Short investigations of the effects of the conflict in the region as a consequence – Gallipoli, Iraq, The Arab Revolt, the post-war agreements and its effect of Arabia. This will lead on to the Qatari-British relations and we will look at the 1916 peace treaty in more details

History

Year 7 have been studying history skills ready to make the leap from studying history topics at primary to the demands of history as an academic discipline. We have looked at chronology, types of evidence and spotting anachronisms. Tawananyasha Nyakudya says “The exciting part of history is that if you concentrate and listen you can become the boss of history (like me)”.

Year 8 have been studying the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Looking at how the trade developed, what it was like at the time and the legacy slavery has left on the world. Studying the British Empire year 9 have been focusing on the case study of India to really assess the benefits and atrocities of the empire. Pranav Sharma reports “Currently, the base of the subject is the British empire, at the start of the academic year we started off with all the colonies but at this moment in time we’re focusing on the “Jewel in the crown”, India. Furthermore, to start of the case study of India, we talked about the resources of India, the history (past rulers), the culture etc., we even made a poster to try to convince empires to colonize India. Presently, we’re talking about the independence of India and how for 30 years there were false promises and that there was oppression against Indians by the British. We communicated our thoughts on the ‘round-table conference’ where Maharajas, Muslims and ‘the untouchables’ talked about the future of India and that Gandhi wasn’t allowed to speak as the

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019 other groups sought power. We also talked about the ‘salt march’ and how Gandhi and tens of thousands of Indians trekked over 200 miles just to get salt to prove that we didn’t need British machinery, you see, at the time only the British could make and sell salt.

In WWI, Indians were promised independence if they fought for the British, they fulfilled the request, but the prize was long gone, also, Indians were forced to fight for the British during WWII, this is where Gandhi started the ‘Quit India’ campaign.

All in all, History is an amazing subject and the teachers help us each step of the way. History gives us much needed knowledge on our countries as well as the rest of the world, History also gives us cool and interesting jobs as well. But, most importantly, the main motive to study history is that it gives us a wider understanding of the world and lets us relate more to communities outside of our own”.

Bushra Jeba reports that “For GCSE history Year 10 are currently studying the Treaty of Versailles and the peace treaties of the 1920s. The students especially enjoy source work in the syllabus. They find the ideas and interpretations the cartoonists display in their work regarding the Treaty of Versailles very intriguing. The art styles in different sources are quite interesting according to my class. The students love the teacher’s teaching style and that they make learning history engaging and interesting”.

Travel and Tourism

Year 11 Travel and tourism students have now completed Unit 4 – Customer Service and products. As part of the course students had an opportunity of a guided tour to McDonald’s led by Mr. Marlon Roy – General Manager. Students explored the products and services and discovered the policy and procedures for handling customer complaints.

Mr.

Year 11 Students behind the scenes at McDonald’s - Exploring customer service.

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019 DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

COOKING CLUB

The first of its kind this year, the cooking club has been a very popular hit in its inception this term with over 150 students selecting the club as one of their core club choices this first core club sessions this term. The club can only accommodate 24 students, so hopefully those interested students will get a chance to participate in this club the next round of core club sessions

The club has been buzzing with cooking activities over the past couple of weeks, whereby students are involved in designing and making a number dishes which they are able to consume at the end of the practical task

The skills displayed during these practical sessions have resulted in some very interesting and sumptuous, tasty and well-presented food products.

Students working together in the Foods lab on a weekly basis preparing a range of food

We cook it!!! We Eat it!!!

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019 Mathematics

Problem solving in Mathematics As you may be aware of our new initiative in KS3, every week, a full dedicated lesson for students to develop their problem-solving skills with one of our Maths Specialist Teachers. This is also to prepare our students for the 21st century challenges as global citizens – aligned with MIS vision.

Students in all KS3 classes work in groups on the ‘Dip & Pick’ problem solving which provides structured opportunities for them to consolidate their mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding at different levels of challenge. This weekly essential exercise also allows our students to demonstrate their competence, application and mastery of many aspects of the mathematics curriculum.

Each task has one context and seven challenges which are all color-coded:

Orange - Simple task requiring basic knowledge

Blue – Same context but more steps

Green – Intermediate with instructions left out

Pink – Students explain how they know (link ideas)

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019 Red – Finding all possibilities (more sophisticated problem-solving skills required)

Yellow – Less straightforward (might have to work backwards)

Purple – What if – explore/ investigate

Students’ solutions

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019 Pastoral News

Welcome to the Year 11 Prefects

The year 11 Prefect team have made a positive start to their duties and responsibilities this year. In addition to their previous roles, these students have asked to support the younger students with the core clubs for the second cycle. Meet the team, these students are approachable and reliable, if you have any questions, concerns or even suggestions, they will be happy to help! Isaac Adjovu-Sebbie, Lydia Agbanyo, Saad Ahmed, Saady Ahmed, Emmanuella Amoah, Sarah Bakiri, Reegan Bush, Ewuradjoa Essien, Afaf Faizal, Eman Fatima, Ceaby Fernandez, Fatima Gulzar, Rana Habib, Nicole Jamero, Miriam Laryea, Emmanuella Mensah, Peggy Mintah, Yunma Ngulele, Laibh Noor, Ankriya Padayachee, Aayesha Peera, Olivia Putri, Merlene Quaicoe, Ahmad Saeed, Zoe Saghdaoui-Foster, Naa Adai Torto, Abasikpongo Udosen, Faris Ur Rehman, Naya Vasco.

Student Well-Being Counsellor

We are delighted to welcome our student Well-Being Counsellor, Mrs Aleksandra Brzezinski, who is joining us to provide our students with well-being support in the form of talking therapy. Aleksandra is a fully qualified UK therapist with many years’ experience of working with children and adolescents. Counselling can be a very important ingredient in shaping student’s behavior and their performance. Some of the benefits of counselling include: stress relief, reduced anxiety, increased self-confidence, feeling happier and a greater ability to build positive relationships. Aleksandra will be working in Secondary 3 days per week, on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday and in the Primary school on Monday and Wednesday. She will see students who have either been referred from the pastoral team or may have referred themselves. Before a course of counselling begins we will contact you as parents to discuss this further. Some of you may have met Aleksandra at the Parent Information Meeting held last week, but if not and you would like further information please contact myself [email protected] or Aleksandra on [email protected]

Claire Gordon Assistant Headteacher-Pastoral

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019 Anti-Bullying – Update

During assemblies and tutor time over the past half term, students have been focusing on the theme of Anti-bullying. At MIS we want to eradicate bullying, this can only be done if we all work together to stand up to bullying behaviour. Our latest stance is our “See it, Share it, Sort it” motto. Students have been busy working on practical advice and suggestions and Ms. Naili is in the process of starting our very own MIS SWAT Student Action Team to beat bullying. If you would like to join this proactive group of students, see your tutor, Ms. Naili or Miss Pounsett, together we can ensure all of our students feel happy and safe at school!

***Calling all students! *** We are looking for dedicated, driven, active and positive students to be part of the Stu-dent Action Team! You will be essential in combating and tackling issues at school, MAKING A DIFFERENCE and PROMOTING CHANGE! You will be gathering once a week during P7 with myself to start an new initiative in school and improve well-being, character and attitudes at school. Get involved and let your tutor know if you’d like to join the team no later than Tuesday 17th October!

Madame Naili

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019

SPORTS and HOUSE Boys Tournament

Football - U19 DBS 4 – MIS2 In the words of the great American football player, become coach, Vince Lombardi…..‘We didn’t lose the game, we just ran out of time’. The U19 football team played their first U19 football fixture against Doha British School. Unfortunately, we lost 4-2. I must state that the students were disappointed, disappointed indeed. However, I was pleased with the superb team response after the game. The team were able to reflect on areas of strengths and areas of improvement. After a great start from MIS, playing some good football and drawing some great saves from their keeper, it was, a bizarre five minutes that saw a penalty, free kick and a deflection place DBS in a 3-goal lead. However, hard work from the team allowed Edidiong to get MIS back into the game. A nervous finish was on the cards as DBS scored an own goal, that saw us push up for an equalizer which allowed DBS to score to make it 4-2. As most football coaches will say, ‘it’s back to the drawing board’.. It certainly is,…. U16 Football Anwaar nets Hat-trick in first game as U16 Captain

Anwaar netted a hat-trick as the U16 Boys got off to a fantastic league start beating International School 5-1. Further goals from Hisham and an audacious 30-yard lob over the goal keeper from Thalefo completed the scoring. Leading 1-0 at half time and feeling slightly downhearted having not extended their lead the boys went out in the second half and produced a much more clinical performance in front of goal. Compass Int School at home is the next challenge.

U16 football result.The U16 boys football team played Compass international School at the MIC complex sports ground. After a nervy start to the game, the boys settled well and played some really pleasing counter attacking football play. Prince scored the opening goal of the game, neatly finishing off a smart move from the team. We were soon in a three-goal lead, with Prince and Anas firing two well taken finishes.

Half time score truly reflected our game play, MIS 3, Compass 0. In the second half Compass began by getting a goal back within the first 5 minutes. However, this did not affect our boys, it just did not. With the belief that we could score on every

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019 attack, Prince sealed MIS fourth goal, and his hat trick. Well played young man. Kelvin then joined in on the goal feast and Anas scored his brace. With the last attack of the game MIS scored courtesy of an own goal. Final score MIS 7 v Compass 1.

Girls Netball results: U16B team just lose out…. The U16B team had their first games of the season. One team played Doha College and despite a very good come back in the 4th quarter unfortunately lost 13-9. A very formidable result against the reigning champions of the league. The second team played against . Missing a natural shooter showed as despite a very close game in terms of possession and ability, the lack of scoring shots meant we finished losing 7-0. Overall a good start to the season. Well done girls. Onto the next game it is…

MIS were very privileged to welcome to a former Jamaican sprint athlete and one of the world’s top sprinters during the 1970s to the school last week. Donald Quarrie (DQ) is in Doha as a representative of the Jamaican Athletics team at the Doha World Athletics Championships. DQ took time out of his busy schedule to provide an inspirational talk with all pupils in a whole school assembly followed by a Q&A session. Finally, DQ took time out to talk with our aspiring athletics students to provide them with an insight into the commitment required to be a world class athlete. We wish the Jamaican team well in the current World Athletics Championships.

MIS JUST TOO STRONG…. MIS 6 – DBS 3 On Sunday 13th October the U16 B team came up against a strong DBS side. During the first half of the game both teams looked nervous, however Egidia was able to score two exceptional goals to put us in the lead. DBS started to make a comeback and with the score at 3-1 at half time things looked tight. The second half of the game looked like two different sides were playing. There was some exceptional netball played and the team work and determination shown by MIS saw them win 6 goals to 3. Congratulations to the girls who overcome their disappointment from last week to show what they are made of. Player of the match: Egidia Kangoma

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019 Welcome to new teachers

Welcome to Mr. Matthew Norfolk who joined us this academic year as our new Head of English Faculty. He has joined us, with his family, from Sheffield in the UK. This is his 4th school, however it is his first international position. Mr. Norfolk has been teaching for 11 years, 10 of which have been as the Head of Department. Not only has Mr. Norfolk been the Head of English during his career, he has also been an Associate Assistant Head with a whole school responsibility for Achievement and Progress, and even worked as Head of Department in Maths and Languages.

Mr. Norfolk is an expert in his subject area and is passionate about reading and aims to ensure that students at MIS are just as passionate. Mr. Norfolk is looking forward to working with staff, students and parents in taking the English Faculty to the next level.

The Physics department accelerates with Ms. Rabbani! We’d like to welcome Ms. Aaisha Rabbani to MIS. The number of students choosing to study Physics at MIS secondary has continued to grow with an increase in students taking Physics at AS/A2 level. To meet the growing need, we have appointed Ms. Rabbani. Ms. Rabbani has a background in engineering, Masters in Physics teaching and has been teaching for 5 years in the UK. She has had experience in developing teaching and learning approaches to science and passionate about making science, especially physics, more accessible to all students. We are well awae of the need to recruit more female Physicists and Ms. Rabbani provides an excellent role model for girls interested in studying Physics further. Favourite Science quote…. Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less. ― Marie Curie We look forward to working with Ms. Rabbani.

Mrs. Nicolle Duthie joins us in the Humanities department. She studied History at university both in the UK and Australia. She has worked in British schools for 8 years and MIS is her first international school. She is a passionate historian and energetic teacher who hopes to develop students’ abilities to understand different people and societies, the importance of history in our own lives and moral understanding. Focused on developing lifelong skills which are not confined to the study of the past she is currently developing exciting additions to the history curriculum.

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019 Music in MIS Secondary has continued to flourish under our new teacher and member of the Creative Arts team, Mr. Alec Jackson. Mr. Jackson has a wealth of knowledge and experience and has successfully taught music, choir, musical theatre and instrumentation for more than 25 years.

Mr. Jackson is currently developing the music curriculum to support not only inclusivity but music skill and terminology.

Within the first month of the term, he has developed and encouraged the important skill of sight-singing, lunch-time choir practice and begun rehearsals for a musical theatre performance later in the year. Some of you will have had the pleasure of seeing the school choir perform at Prizegiving Assembly.

We look forward to working with Mr. Jackson and our students and witness their accomplishments throughout the academic year.

Mr. Ali Turkdogan; physical education teacher.

Welcome to Mr. Ali Turkdogan, who joins the PE department from Sydney, Australia. Mr. Turkdogan has over 10 years of teaching experience and has settled in to life at MIS. Having represented the taekwondo National team at Youth level, Mr. Turkdogan decided to pursue a career in teaching.

A keen racquet sportsman, who enjoys playing badminton and table tennis, Mr. Turkdogan will add to our already strong sports programme. Mr. Turkdogan has already introduced a new element of fitness and taekwondo to MIS.

We wish Mr. Turkdogan the best at MIS.

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019

Academic Award Prize Winners for 2018/2019

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Secondary Newsletter Thursday, 24 October, 2019

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