IES INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION SYSTEMS ISSUE 8 / 2013
Our Schools Holy Trinity International School SEK Budapest International School
Blouberg International School International School of Helderberg St John’s International School
Boca Prep International School International School of Hout Bay The Grantham Preparatory School Contents
4 7 11
Former Boarders International Students Programme
18 35 47
News Our Writers Parents
51 56 62
Our Schools Students Teachers
2 IES magazine Introduction Welcome
The layout of this new edition of the distinctive traditions. There are no plans for a Hout Bay and Helderberg who have already IES Magazine reflects once again our general move to International Baccalaureate been using these examinations with 16 year commitment to seeing our schools as educational programmes as these do not olds for some years. communities in which all their members necessarily meet the needs and wishes of all School communities depend crucially play a part: students, former students, our communities for all phases of education. for their success on their staff, and above staff, and parents. These globally renowned programmes, all on their teachers: on their experience, At the heart of these school communities however, have many attractions and this year knowledge, and understanding of how are of course our students. They are our sole we have seen St John’s International School children learn, and on their commitment raison d’être and the goal of all our activities. in Devon, England, authorized as an IB world and enthusiasm. The character of a school The magazine tries to reflect the huge variety school for the IB Primary Years Progamme is also determined by the many members of activities and achievements among our (PYP) and much progress made in the of the non-teaching staff who work there. students over the last year. Inevitably, with applications for authorization being pursued People who work in IES schools have eight schools scattered across four countries by Holy Trinity School and by Boca Prep for an extraordinary range of interests and and three continents, and with ages ranging the Primary Years Programme and by both achievements outside school which they are from 2 (or less) to 19, what you see here will Holy Trinity and St John’s for the IB Diploma sometimes able to bring into their teaching only be the tip of the iceberg. I hope it will (for 16-18 year olds). In the meantime Hout and which can make them role models for be sufficient to show you some of the many Bay has also successfully completed its our students. We are delighted that some ways our students achieve both within the re-authorization as a PYP school. Hout Bay of these interests and achievements are formal school curriculum and in the many was the first of our schools to join the IB reflected in this magazine. extra-curricular activities on offer. and is now a highly respected part of the IB The third part of the school community This year has seen significant progress global network with the Principal, Mr Andy triangle is the parents. Without you IES across the IES network of schools, both Wood, acting as IB Recognition Ambassador would not exist. You have chosen to place in new construction projects and in major for Southern Africa, working as an adviser your children in our care and in doing so educational developments. At Blouberg to other schools seeking IB authorization, become part of a community that is much in South Africa the second phase of our and speaking at IB conferences, and the more than just the commercial relationship splendid new campus was completed in Head of the Primary School, Mrs Denise between a client and a provider of services. I good time for the start of the new (southern Michel, being in great demand by the IB hope that we have been able to illustrate just hemisphere) school year in January 2013. The as a workshop trainer for new IB teachers, a few of the ways in which your support and formal opening took place in April 2013, on member of school authorization teams, and participation enriches the education offered a beautiful sunny day, in the presence of the consultant. Hout Bay staff have also been in our schools. minister for education of the Western Cape, involved in an IB project in which they have Mr Donald Grant. We will report on this in been using their expertise to help train South detail in the next edition of the magazine. At African teachers in areas of disadvantage. Hout Bay construction has also started on a Simultaneously with our deeper new campus on a large open and prominent involvement in the IB global network we site in the heart of the community. Both the have also been making greater use of the new buildings at Blouberg and the striking University of Cambridge examinations architects’ plans for the new school at Hout with some of our secondary students. St Bay are illustrated in this magazine. John’s and Blouberg – as they both move to Educationally IES adapts its curricula to the being all-age schools – have been entering different countries in which its schools are students for the first time for the Cambridge Dr Nicholas Tate located and takes into account each school’s IGCSE examinations, and in so doing joining Chairman, IES
New Blouberg campus opened January 2013.
IES magazine 3 Former Students
4 IES magazine Former Students
ST JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Ex St John’s School pupil Joe Launchbury gets first England rugby cap
Born in Exeter, Joe Launchbury After the first match against Fiji, started playing rugby at St John’s Lancaster went on to praise Wasps back School in Sidmouth and for row Joe, Saracens prop Mako Vunipola Exmouth Rugby Club. and Leicester hooker Tom Youngs, He began his professional who all made their debuts ‘I was really, career at Wasps in 2009/10. really pleased for all three of them,’ Joe was drafted into the England Former Headmaster at St John’s, Mr Neil squad for the 2012 Autumn Pockett said “I remember Joe well. He learnt Internationals, highlighting England his rugby at St John’s and was in one of our coach Stuart Lancaster’s plan to great junior sides that swept all before them. develop new players. Lancaster said It’s fantastic to see him doing so well.” “when I took over in December we Current Head of Boys Games, Mr Rob needed to bring through a new Tasker added “It has given our current boys’ generation of players because we rugby teams a real boost – to see that one had a significant number of the World of their own can be so successful in their Cup squad who were post-30.” chosen sport. Hopefully more St John’s boys will earn England caps in the future.”
BOCA PREP INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Colorado Mountain College They are not just authority figures, they really care about the students. They give you so much space. There are so many presentations given in the classroom, I now feel very comfortable speaking in front of audiences. It’s a great skill to have as you need to be able to present an idea for just about anything you do in a job or in business. When I was 14, I spent time in Georgia and Utah and fell in love with the mountains. When I was a little kid I climbed everything. I climbed on the house, trees, etc. I just got back from Kilimanjaro in January. It was an By Paul Barish I was in Student Government. I was a positive incredible experience. It’s been a dream of Paul Barish is a 2012 graduate of Boca leader. I have better friends here than I do mine for years. I want to pursue a career as Prep and currently a freshman at in college right now. I felt like it was a family a mountain climbing guide. Colorado Mountain College obtaining environment. I looked forward to coming to I am internship guiding in Aspen this an associates degree. school. The best thing that Boca Prep helped summer. They will probably keep me “I needed adventure and wanted to climb do was the 24 hour run. We ran for 24 hours around the local mountains of Aspen. mountains but there aren’t any mountains in on our field. We made a 500 meter circle. Ultimately, I hope to be a climbing guide in Florida. I’m not as much a beach person as I We switched directions every six hours. the Himalayas. Thanks to Boca Prep, I have am a snow person. Boca Prep was amazing. We were raising money for the Tsunami in gained lifelong friends and the school has It gave me the environment to work on my Japan in 2011. We raised more than $4,000. helped me to be successful.” leadership skills. I had the freedom to be It was a great experience, all working together. myself. I had more options/opportunity. The teachers are amazing here.
IES magazine 5 Former Students
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HOLY TRINITY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HOUT BAY Budding Football Star and Former Alumni News Holy Trinity International Student Ronald Dunbar graduated from the International School in December Every Tuesday and Saturday Paul plays 2005 and joined the Infantry Training in midfield for local club Stourport Swifts Battalion at Catterick in the UK in 2010. which is one of the oldest non league clubs After completion of this challenging and in the country. Although still on the books amazing training he was encouraged of Kidderminster Harriers Football Club, he to join the officers’ course at the Royal now needs to make the transition to the next Military Academy at Sandhurst where he level of football and gain match practice. is currently an officer cadet. Sandhurst Stourport is second in the Midland is known as ‘the national centre of Alliance League with Paul’s name excellence for leadership’. regularly featuring in our local paper, the Kieren Davies wrote his International Kidderminster Shuttle. He is a regular Baccalaureate Diploma at the member of the team and played a full game International School of Hout Bay in 2010 Paul Hurrell is currently playing for in their recent 2-1 win against the league and is studying Physics and Information Worcester University’s 1st team and has leaders, Stretford. Technology at the University of Cape played against a number of universities As part of his university course Paul is Town. He spent his summer holidays as including Cambridge, Nottingham and delighted to have the opportunity of gaining an intern at Facebook in California. Birmingham University and is sports training practice with the Juniors of Laura Parry-Davies wrote her A now studying Sports Performance HTIS, under the watchful eye of Head of Levels at the International School of at Worcester University. Prep Jon Brunt. Hout Bay in 2007 and graduated with a BA Hons (2.1) from The University of Gloucestershire in 2012. Since then THE GRANTHAM PREPARATORY SCHOOL she has obtained a CELTA diploma, certifying her to teach English as a second language and has completed an Internship in the Public Affairs and Lincolnshire Young Protocol department at The International Criminal Court in Den Haag. Sportsman of the Year Laura has been accepted onto a Masters program at Bournemouth He has qualified for the 1,500m at the University studying Multimedia British Championships in Leeds in March Journalism and intends to become a and the Youth Nationals in Sheffield in July world class international journalist. and is training hard towards those meets. Oliver will be swimming in the BEST FEST Open Water festival in Majorca during the May half term, where he hopes to gain valuable experience in marathon swimming over 5, 7.5 and 10 km distances. He was recently awarded the Lincolnshire Oliver Bitowt is a 17 year old ex Young Sportsman of the Year award for Grantham Prep student, who left 2012 and was re-selected for the LEAP our hallowed halls in 2006, after programme (Lincolnshire Elite Athletes undertaking the role of head boy. Programme) for the 6th year. He has also He is currently Head Boy at King’s School recently been appointed Senior Boys and is taking the winter papers for his A Captain of Lincoln Vulcans Swimming levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Club, where he has trained for 8 years PE. Oliver is planning to study Mathematical since his days at Grantham Prep. Sciences at Bath, Loughborough or A dedicated and talented swimmer, Edinburgh University (choice not yet we continue to monitor Oliver’s taken but offers held) while continuing progress as a school and all hope to his swimming. see him at the Olympics in 2016. Laura Parry-Davies
6 IES magazine Boarders
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ST JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Boarders’ Camp
By Mike Burgess The highlight of any year in our boarding community is, undoubtedly, the annual expedition to the River Dart Country Park. The 2012 trip saw fifty intrepid Boarders and staff load up minibuses to bursting point with all the resources they would need for a long weekend’s camping. Students take primary responsibility for the event including preparing and cooking their own meals. Notwithstanding horrific rain storms, accompanied by gale force winds, the boarders managed to set up their tents in record time. The first organised activity was a raft building competition where teams were pitted against each other with the task of using poles, ropes and barrels to make their individual rafts. Once on the water mayhem ensued with battles to see who had created the most robust vessel. It was very cold and everyone got drenched and yet everyone left with the broadest of smiles. A variety of other team building activities were undertaken but the most memorable activity was surely the death-defying High Wires. Some of these wires were seriously high and we half expected to see light aircraft passing underneath. Fortunately the safety briefing at the start was sufficiently comprehensive to ensure that everyone completed the course unscathed. It was a wonderful weekend and we cannot wait to go again soon.
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ST JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
IES magazine 9 Boarders
ST JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL ST JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Clip and Climb Archery and sword-fighting for the boarders
The boarding students were entertained recently when Bowlore came to St John‘s and taught them archery and sword-fighting skills. The members of Bowlore are also dressed in authentic clothing and made the whole day an atmospheric experience for the students.
As one of their weekend activities, twenty-nine boarders had a great time challenging themselves and finding out what they could achieve at Clip and Climb in Exeter. It was a great way to experience ‘risk taking’ in a safe environment and seeing what they could do if they were prepared to try. Niel, David, Mikhail, Eddie and Kasym were especially brave and took the Leap of Faith. Cally and Marina enjoyed racing each other up the climbing walls, but Cally was unbeatable! Many thanks to Mr Ottley and Miss Lockyer for helping with the clipping on of the safety ropes, and to Mrs Chamberlain-Keen for organising the trip. Our boarders are definitely keen to go again.
10 IES magazine International Programme
IESIES magazine magazine 11 International Programme
ST JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Maori Haka in Assembly
By Emma, Year 6 Year 5 did an amazing class assembly about Maoris, explaining their culture and history. The whole Junior School was watching it with merry smiles and everyone understood and learnt about the Maoris. All of Year 5 participated and everyone had a role to play. Everyone learnt their lines off by heart and projected their voices brilliantly. The assembly included a Maori song, which was sung beautifully, a poem, a story explaining how they found New Zealand and how it got its name, many interesting facts and the haka which spread smiles and made us imagine the Maori doing it. The atmosphere in the hall was one of complete silence. The Junior School really enjoyed the assembly and were watching in great awe. I particularly liked the song and had it stuck in my head for the rest of the day. We have all learnt a lot about Maoris and New Zealand. A really fun way of learning!
HOLY TRINITY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Aussie Style Food Celebrates Australia Day
Holy Trinity International School coursework being undertaken throughout Holy Trinity International School enjoyed celebrating Australia Day with all sections of the school. It’s great fun Headteacher, Mrs Pamela Leek-Wright, children in the Prep School making and offers children the opportunity to commented: “Australia’s national day is an boomerangs and Australian flags try food they would not usually try.” opportunity to recognise the importance before ‘tucking’ in to the Aussie feast Australia Day marks the anniversary of of its history; its indigenous culture and on offer in the school’s dining hall the day Captain Arthur Phillip first raised Aboriginal heritage, and to promote which included meat pie and gravy, the British flag at Sydney Cove, 26th understanding, respect and reconciliation.” spiced smoky BBQ’d chicken, Sydney January 1788, and is today an Australian style sweet potato mash and a coconut public holiday with events taking place and chocolate Lamington desert. throughout towns, cities and communities After enjoying a creative morning with across Australia. More than 700 convicts their Aboriginal artworks, it was time to (188 of them female), 700 merchant sample the Australian themed lunch menu seamen, Royal Navy and Marine personnel created by the school’s in-house Chef, and their families, as well as livestock Simon Quill and his catering team. disembarked from the first fleet which had Said Simon: “We love creating and left Plymouth 13th May 1787. After eight introducing new foods for the children months at sea they arrived at Botany Bay to try. We regularly adapt school menus before moving on to permanently settle to celebrate global national celebrations, north in Port Jackson, with Captain Phillip From left to right: Chef Simon Quill offers students bite-sized flavours to celebrate Australia Day. Oliver religious festivals and we use seasonal renaming it Sydney Cove after the then Cummings (6yrs), Holly Crocker (6yrs), Amelie and local foods to support classroom British Home Secretary, Lord Sydney. Forsyth-Ball (5yrs), Sam Austin (6yrs), Alice Clare (6yrs), Jessica Lowe (6yrs) and Grace Young (6yrs).
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BOCA PREP INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Etiquette and Protocol in the International classroom
each dining element belonged. This led to to a local Cuban Restaurant -Padrino’s- a lively class discussion in which students where students were put to the test again! had to be thinkers, great communicators They were assessed on their ability to and open minded about sharing their views communicate in Spanish (to the waiters and and know-how of the dining protocol. amongst each other) while demonstrating They listened attentively to each other as their knowledge of the etiquette rules well as made comparisons on the etiquette through the dining experience. Although at practices of their distinct countries. After the beginning, students were shy to speak much deliberation and rearrangement of Spanish outside the classroom, they quickly the table setting, they all agreed to the felt comfortable with the language and were appropriate placement of the items and exposed to various accents spoken by the By Delia Fuentes presented it to me. I questioned their friendly staff. The aim of the Language B Diploma knowledge and collaborative work, and At the end of the experience, students Program is to expose students to an in turn revealed the rules to be followed. were thrilled to have learned something array of global, cultural, and social Surprisingly, this in-class exercise went viral. so fundamentally universal that could issues regarding the target language’s They continued this conversation in the easily be put into practice in any situation. cultures. However, some of these topics hallways, with students from other classes, Reflecting back on this experience, I may seem too abstract to some. For this about why the knife had to be paired with feel that students learn the most when a reason, in an effort to demonstrate cultural the water glass, or how the napkin had to be concept that they perceived as abstract idiosyncrasies, I introduced my second folded on their laps. becomes a tangible reality. The hands-on Year students to the etiquette rules that are In their continuous education, students experience, collaborative efforts, reflection fundamental to any culture, and are at the evaluated etiquette videos in Spanish, read and learning of etiquette and protocol core of the Spanish-speaking way of life. articles on the subject at hand and reflected that was learned in the classroom, have Students were put to the test! They had to on their learning. However, that was not now become a part of the students’ set the table and explain where and why all. At the end of the week, I took the class international mindedness and growth.
BOCA PREP INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL USA trip 2012
By M. Dunnington spectacular evening views of the city. commercial aspect and the students 20 students from Year 7 to Year 10 had The remaining time in the Big Apple also spent time in Bloomingdale’s saved for eighteen months and spent was spent viewing as many historical and Macy’s Department stores. two days in Washington DC and then and cultural sites as possible. The weather was fantastic; every day travelled up the coast to New York for The students visited Central Park; Times temperatures were in the 90’s and on the a further four days. The trip took place Square and saw an off-Broadway show. They last day the temperature reached 100oF! during the first week of the summer vacation. walked up the Brooklyn Bridge and then In Washington students spent time in down to the Waterfront and Wall Street. the Capitol Building; they also viewed They took the Staten Island Ferry and were the Lincoln Memorial and the White able to see the Statue of Liberty. Upon their House. The most moving time was spent return to Battery Park they walked through to across the Potomac River in Virginia the World Trade Centre and Ground Zero. when the students visited Arlington A long walk down 5th Avenue took Cemetery. A moment’s silence was them to the Chrysler Building; St Patrick’s held at the grave of John F Kennedy. Cathedral, the Rockefeller Centre, Grand Upon arrival in New York, the party visited Central Station and Carnegie Hall. the Empire State Building and experienced No visit to New York could avoid the
IES magazine 13 International Programme
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HOUT BAY Teaching and Learning from an International Perspective
Hout Bay’s Vice-Principal, Denise of education of pupils graduating from these were to give the South African teachers and Michel, has had the privilege of being schools. It takes the form of a blended model government representatives an opportunity part of the ArcelorMittal/International including three face to face workshops and to see the sort of teaching and learning Baccalaureate project in South Africa. two online workshops that are run over a that takes place in our schools, thus giving The programme has been run successfully Year. In February this Year the International them an insight into the power of child in Poland and the Czech Republic. During School of Hout Bay hosted a visit from the centred learning that develops independent the course of 2012 and 2013 the team teachers from the Science Centres to see our thought, thinking skills and lifelong learners. has worked with a collection of teachers International Baccalaureate Primary Years and The International School of Hout Bay from the Science Centres around the Diploma Programme in action. The Science is very proud of its role in this initiative country – in the Western Cape, Saldana, in Centres in Gauteng and Kwazulu Natal to help to support the development Kwazulu Natal, Newcastle and Sebokeng in visited Waterford United World College of education in South Africa. Gauteng. The group also included a group in Swaziland. The objectives of the visit from the Gauteng education department. The TLIP (Teaching and Learning from an International Perspective) workshops were presented by a collaborating team that included educators from the International Baccalaureate programme design team, Waterford United World College, Swaziland and Denise representing the International School of Hout Bay. The programme aims to develop the teaching skills of the teachers in the communities that have ArcelorMittal plants to help improve the thinking skills and level
BLOUBERG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL World Maths
The World Education Games is an numbers to the third power. exciting event for ALL international On the 7th of March our schools and students around the world. school participated in the Blouberg International School World Maths Day 2012 has participated in the Mathematics challenge. Over 1.57 million event in the past two years and has students participated in gained outstanding results. the educational games In the Mathematics section the question and we are very proud of sets are divided under five categories: our students’ performance. addition, subtraction, multiplication, division Eleven classes participated and simple equations. In each game, the and answered 40123 questions student has one minute to answer as many correctly, with an accuracy of of these questions of a random category as 89% and an improvement gain of they can. Each age category has five levels 53%. Our top student gained 1139 with each level consisting of different kind points. The Blouberg students are very of exercises. Level 5 of the highest age excited about this event every year and category consisted of squaring and raising we look forward to our results in 2013.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL THE GRANTHAM PREPARATORY SCHOOL OF HOUT BAY International Food Fight Exchange This year, internationalism took on a whole new meaning at The Grantham Preparatory School. Staff and children Students were treated to a meeting of minds and traditional foods, from across the world, as Burns Night took on Australia Day. On January 25th, Mr Park, our resident Scot, celebrated Burns Night by bringing Haggis, neeps and tatties, broth and tablet in for the staff lunch. All topped off by our dual nationality Anglo-Aussie, Mrs Fraser’s Anzac biscuits, as she celebrated Australia day on January 26th. The children had an Australian themed assembly and all the staff were treated to the international battle of foods – agreeing that more food would need to be provided before a winner could be decided upon. Mrs Fraser decided that it would not be fair to bring in lamingtons on Monday morning, In early January, three eager, to claim victory in Mr Park’s absence and so bright faces travelled from the pair have agreed to a rematch next year! Sidmouth, UK to Hout Bay, South Africa. This marked the beginning of a foreign student exchange between St John’s International School in Devon SEK BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL and the International School of Hout Bay. Flora Willis-Fleming (Grade 8), Helena Varley (Grade 10), and Rosie Varley (Grade 8) first participated in the SEK Culture Club school’s annual “High Africa” camp and immediately warmed to the lively, welcoming school environment. Not only were they charmed by the summer weather, beaches, markets and abundance of quality African crafts found around Cape Town, but they were also struck by the contrast between rich and poor. The students took part in ISHB’s IGCSE and IB programmes. They even had the opportunity to learn one of the local languages, Afrikaans. Helena The SEK Culture Club was launched can request an opportunity to present pointed out that the exchange meant this year in an effort to help students and all are welcome to come, learn, “I had to mature a lot without my learn about the different cultures and ask questions. Some topics thus parents. But also, being part of another students from around the world far have included language, customs, culture is a really rare opportunity.” bring with them to our school. food, fashion, and historical figures. It is In September 2013 the South Organised by English teacher Éva held every Tuesday for a half hour during African host families will be sending Mák, the Culture Club allows students lunch break, which allows older students their ISHB students, Emma Kramer to share a unique piece of themselves to participate without interrupting their and Frances Jones, to enjoy the while encouraging understanding and regularly scheduled classes. United Kingdom with the Willis- tolerance among their peers. Any student Fleming and Varley families.
IES magazine 15 International Programme
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HELDERBERG World Day for Cultural Diversity
By Mrs Alice Louw, Deputy Head Primary School In 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and in December 2002, the UN General Assembly, in its resolution 57/249, declared May 21 to be the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. The day provides us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to learn to live together better. In 2011, a grassroots campaign ‘Do One Thing For Diversity and Inclusion’, celebrating the annual World Day for Cultural Diversity was launched by UNESCO and the UN Alliance of Civilizations. The 2012 campaign, by encouraging
people and organizations from Foyer Display around the world to take concrete symbol that is used around the world as a action to support diversity, aims: EC1 and 2 have been inquiring into powerful expression of solidarity. `Food for • To raise awareness worldwide houses and homes and they looked at Thought` was the title of Year 4’s special about the importance of intercultural homes around the world. They painted project as they looked at breakfasts around dialogue, diversity and inclusion. different homes from around the world and the world. Their poster work was very • To build a world community found out a bit more about the people that informative and looked delicious. Year 5 of individuals committed to inhabit these homes. Through exploring chose to express themselves through art support diversity with real and the central idea ‘We are more alike than as they inquired into art in various cultures. every day life gestures. we are different’, Year 1 thought about Cyber bullying was Year 6’s theme; their • To combat polarization and stereotypes how their friends from different cultures goal was to create an anti-cyber bullying to improve understanding and and backgrounds share many similarities sign as an effective way to fight cyber co-operation among people with them. Year 2 looked at African bullying through positive peer pressure. from different cultures. proverbs and expressions and showed All their work and understanding At ISH we took part in this campaign their understanding of these through is now displayed in the foyer and each class in the Junior School illustrations. Year 3 have inquired into signs for all to see and share. did one thing to celebrate the day. and symbols and looked at the peace
BOCA PREP INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Explorations of the Americas
Mrs Rae Kurth, PYP 5 The fifth grade at Boca Prep inquired crafts, games, and food from the Aztec into various “Explorations” of the culture, including the Ancient Aztec hot Americas. They became increasingly chocolate drink with chili pepper, Xocolatyl. interested in the Ancient Native tribes of They made their very own Aztec calendar South and Central America, including the stones, codices, and even gold plaques Mayans, Incans, and Aztecs. The students for the various Aztec gods and goddesses decided to put on an Aztec Festival for they researched. The students also wrote, their parents and other Lower School directed, and produced a play on “The Fall students. The Festival was complete with of the Aztec Empire.”
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THE GRANTHAM PREPARATORY SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HOUT BAY Letters abroad International Baccalaureate The Reception children at The Grantham Preparatory School have World School been writing letters to children from our sister schools in South Africa, Reauthorisation Hungary and America. Firstly, we looked on the IES schools Every 5 years sees IB World Schools website to see if we could find a little bit of undergoing an in-depth self study and information about each school. Afterwards, verification visit from representatives the class decided to send a DVD of our of the IB Head Office.The self study takes recent Christmas performance along with place over a period of a year where staff photos of the activities we do in the Early and school management reflect and collect Years and their own letters to the children. evidence of how the programme has been As the children got very excited about email after a few minutes. delivered. They identify areas of weakness sending their letters abroad, I decided to After a couple of weeks, I received an and strength in relation to the International take the children to the local village post email from the teachers and children in the Baccalaureate Standards and Practices. office to start the letters on their journeys pre-school class at SEK Budapest, informing Based on the data and evidence collected, across the world. At the post office we saw us that they will be sending us a video of an action plan is developed to take the our letters being weighed and we attached their carnival. school to the next level of excellence in airmail stickers on to the envelopes. We eagerly look forward to receiving teaching the IB Primary Years Programme. Back at school, we sent an email to the their replies and hope this communication 2012 was the year of self study for the Principal of Hout Bay school to prepare between our classes will encourage the International School of Hout Bay and March him for the arrival our letters. The children children to understand that they can learn 2013 the time of the verification visit, which realised how quick an email could be from and contribute to the international includes interviews with all the teachers, received by reading his response to our world in which they belong. a group of parents, a group of students, school management and many classroom HOLY TRINITY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL visits all to verify the curriculum, policy documents and written evidence submitted at the end of 2012. ISHB’s verification team was made up of a team from the IB Head Office and included Visiting students Mr John Sauer, Africa, Europe and Middle East School Services Manager and Mr We’ve always wanted to come to The friends we made and everything we John Nicholls, Africa, Europe and Middle England to do our A levels for a few experienced with them are unforgettable. East International Baccalaureate Educators months and at the same time improve We appreciate everyone who made our Network Manager. our English. Besides knowing a new time here an experience we will never Needless to say they were suitably culture we made new friends and enjoyed forget. impressed by the progress the school our time here. Thank you. has made in all areas of the curriculum We are very grateful for the opportunity and programme delivery in relation to the that SEK Paraguay and Holy Trinity International Baccalaureate Standards and International, and our parents gave us. Practices and action plan in place for the Since the beginning, Holy Trinity, the future resulting in the school maintaining host families and our friends at school its status as an International Baccalaureate made us feel comfortable with the idea World School. of living here. Our host families were very welcoming nice people, funny and open, we may as well say that they became part of our families. In Holy Trinity the teachers are very professional, nice and friendly people which apart from learning, we had fun and the months we spent here were great. Valeria Lezcano and Marcela Alderetee – Paraguayan students visiting Holy Trinity International’s 6th Form.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HELDERBERG High School Biodiversity Camp
Some of our high school students left We learned to appreciate: • Not to try to make a 5 star meal on camp for camp on the 24th September and • Each other • To switch off all alarms returned on the 27th September. • Nature • We saw that the kwagga was The camp took place at Karoo National Park. • Water bought back from extinction! They stayed at Grantham educational centre • The luxuries at home we take for granted which is linked to the park. The students had We also learned that: access to fully equipped kitchen facilities. We learned: • Not all knowledge comes from books Yes; you have guessed correctly, the students • To share in the kitchen • Geography is a lot simpler than it seems prepared their own meals! Once again • To bring lots of ‘lipice’ (Taryn) • Children can still teach us things SANParks facilitated the camp and they put • About alien birds (Lee) • Everyone is more chilled on camp together an interesting programme to keep • How not to bokdrol spoeg (Freda) • Boys need to aim in the bathroom the students occupied. The programme • The benefits of well-strapped • In mating season ostriches get red shins included plant identification (medicinal bikini tops (Taryn) • We can survive without cell value), spoor identification, guided walks • How to make pasta (Marco) phones and ipods through the park, fossil identification, map • The difference between a • We learned that with teamwork the work, guidelines to bird watching, evenings rabbit and a hare (Amaan) impossible becomes possible around the camp fire, stargazing and more. • How to terrify the guys (Gaby) • We learned that once you understand, Reflections on our Karoo camp • What a lion sounds like (Dylan and Casper) you appreciate! (Francis) at Grantham are as follows. • How to make two minute noodles
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THE GRANTHAM PREPARATORY SCHOOL Harlaxton Manor Visit
By Mrs Jones, Early Years Leader The weather was definitely on our side when the Early Years class went to Harlaxton Manor for the afternoon. They had a wonderful time and wanted to share their favourite parts of the day. After a delicious picnic on the front lawns they explored different parts of the beautiful grounds. The children were put in groups, some heading off on a scavenger hunt along the nature trail, while the remaining children drew a picture of the building with oil pastels. The children had great fun hunting for various bronze and stone lions that are placed around the landscaped gardens before rolling down the slopes. I am pleased to say that due to the impeccable behaviour of our children, we have already been invited to make another visit to this delightful location.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HOUT BAY The Storytellers Campaign at ISHB
Our growing community of you love. A tally sheet demonstrates that, inspired listeners, as did the music and committed, energetic students do indeed, we are not alone. Madison and songs performed by our talented students. more than just work hard at their Saffron have worked extremely hard to Thanks to Madison and Saffron for all academics… One of the more unusual raise funds by selling TWLOHA bracelets, their effort, caring and dedication! And and interesting CAS (Creativity, Action, orange ribbons and baked goods. remember, everyone out there in the IES Service) activities engaged in this Year Then there was the highlight of the community... Smile at everyone you see; for the International Baccalaureate CAS campaign… a truly wonderful evening. you might just save someone’s life! programme, has been the TWLOHA Personal stories from the heart and soul Storytellers High School Campaign initiated and carried through by Madison Swing (IBDP1) and Saffron Shaw (IBDP2). TWLOHA (To Write Love On Her Arms) is a non-profit movement, started in the US, which is dedicated to presenting hope and help to young people struggling with depression, addiction, self-harm and suicide. It is designed to bring across the idea that we are loved and valued, and NOT ALONE in suffering mental and emotional pain. The school has been decorated with inspiring posters. The stairs have been draped in blue hearts on which to write what you love about yourself, and what
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BOCA PREP INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NHS Boca Prep International Chapter The NHS students have done service reading of a heartening military anecdote. were able to directly experience the throughout the year by volunteering NHS’s commemoration of the troops was wonderful feelings with which performing on parent/teacher night. These also practical. On December 2nd, 2012, community service rewards you. students offer babysitting for those the NHS members and some volunteer NHS adviser Luzy Wong-Kuon has parents who need to attend the meetings students from Boca Prep attended been facilitating the four officers who and need help with younger siblings. the packing with the Project Holiday have been busy interviewing potential Thankfully, this year we have not Consultants. After signing up, the Boca candidates in March in preparation for had any natural disasters, so NHS Prep International Chapter members and the induction ceremony this April. Along has resumed the normal order of volunteers had a quick breakfast provided with the officers the NHS Faculty Council operation. This included the recently by the consultants, and then got to work has also been involved in the process held “Veteran’s Day Assembly” and after a short period of time. We were led of interviewing prospective candidates. “Project Holiday Food Drive” in support into the gymnasium, where all the boxes The chapter maintains high standards, of American troops stationed in Iraq containing donations (including our own) accepting only those that can be relied and in Afghanistan. In addition, there were located, and we began sorting out upon to participate actively in service are daily lunch-time tutoring sessions the donated items followed by what we activities and consistently uphold the for upper school on all subjects. were told to “pack tightly” all the donated Four Pillars. This year’s membership was Helping the school honor the nation’s goods, so they could be shipped. higher, allowing for exciting new levels of veterans and support its young men As National Honor Society members, service. Through all, NHS will continue to deployed overseas is a key part of NHS’s uniting to aid the environment and the contribute to the school community and role. This year’s assembly featured a community can only make us proud. On to valuable causes throughout the world. speech by an honorary visiting Sergeant Saturday, February 2 in the very early and the presence of a local school’s morning hours, the NHS members headed ROTC (army training corps) who marched towards the Mangrove Trash Clean Up around the gym of the school while the supported by Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. flag was slowly lowered, with an address Coming together the Boca Prep by our very own humanities teacher International Chapter - National Honor Mr Matt Blazek. Also included was an Society (NHS) we united to help pick introduction; a reading of President up trash. It was an honor to be able to Obama’s Veterans Day Proclamation by help this natural reserve, and to help our NHS President Alejandro Gomez, a out the environment by giving back and collective moment of silence, readings promoting a healthier cleaner world for all of original poetry by Lower School of us to enjoy. By engaging in community students, a rendition of Imagine and a service as a group, the NHS members
SEK BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Bridges Golden Gate, Millau, Akashi-Kaikyo, in suspension bridge building, but our Tower, Ponte Vecchio: five of the most willingness and desire to communicate, famous bridges in the world. From share, and connect. the tallest to the longest to the unique, As part of their English language class they represent some of humanity’s great projects, the 8th graders built bridges in engineering accomplishments. They have connection with their studies about different practical importance to many, enabling structures around the world. English effective means of transportation. teacher Éva Mák extended the topic and They also have symbolic importance discussed the importance of building lasting to many, such as the Bosphorus Bridge bridges of acceptance and tolerance in located in Istanbul, Turkey. Connecting two our relationships with others as a means of great continents, Europe and Asia, it can establishing peace among different cultures. serve to represent not only our intelligence Jaime Dominguez and Filip Jankowski.
IES magazine 21 News
SEK BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Math Olympics The 6th and 8th graders took 2nd and 3rd place respectively at Math Olympiad, an international math competition held in Bratislava on the 17th of November. Participating were 10 international schools totalling 106 students. We are very proud of our students! Math teacher Ms Krisztina said “The students returned to Budapest with many medals, two trophies and great experiences. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. Can’t wait to for the next Math Olympiad!”
THE GRANTHAM PREPARATORY SCHOOL Silver Jubilee!
By Mrs Fraser the last 25 years. Even the new mini-bus had and fair and the children planted 5 apple 2012 marked a very important date a makeover, to show how proud we are of trees, to mark the historic date. The trees in The Grantham Preparatory School our school in this important year. had been nurtured by our caretaker, over calendar, as we reached our 25th year There was an open week, which saw a the winter and were grown from the apples on the current Gorse Lane site. variety of faces, both old and new, pass from a very special tree in Woolsthorpe The whole school was excited to celebrate through our silver doors, to look at the where, it is said that Isaac Newton sat and such a landmark and the building was changes and improvements that have been observed the fall of an apple from the tree. filled with displays about the residentials, made throughout the school. We also planted a special flowering cherry productions, students, buildings and staff Past and present parents, pupils and staff tree, which was a gift from Holy Trinity who had been involved with the school over joined together to celebrate with a concert International School in Kidderminster.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HELDERBERG SOS Wild Camp
At the end of the first term in 2012, and satisfying, the weather was perfect, Year 6 Students the Year 4, 5 and 6 classes went on the camp was spotless and well-organized • Henry Fischer – After we were done the annual adventure of a camp for and the students held the school’s name with lunch, we went to build proper three days. This year we chose a new high by being well-behaved and respectful. shelters. I found this fun because camp called SOS WILD situated in a nature Although the camp may have been a scary I love building. The 5km hike was conservatory bordering the picturesque prospect for the first-timers, it served as a the highlight of my day because we Franschhoek pass and the Theewaterskloof most valuable experience that enhances learnt about history and animals. Dam on the outskirts of Villiersdorp. risk-taking, self-confidence, camaraderie, We were accommodated in the River independence, and a sense of achievement • Lorenzo Gollia – We went rock- school which contained all the facilities and pride. Well done and happy memories! climbing and I got to the glorious that we could have hoped for. The top! We fed the animals and a instructor, named Springbok, guided Personal reflections: donkey bit me! On day three we the students expertly through the did an awesome activity to find many varying, exciting and challenging Year 5 Students out if the water creek was clean. activities and exercises. Bundu bashing, • Lea Ammer – Our second game was shelter building, kloof hiking at night, an obstacle course. We had a lot of • Lauren Jefthas – After feeding the rock climbing, obstacle courses, animal fun and quickly the day was over. animals, we had to braai our own food. feeding, a cookout challenge, a team It was a bit hard, but we survived. competition on water and a natural • Liam Carolus – In my dormitory On day 2 we had French science expedition to study river all the Year 6’s told many jokes toast for breakfast. ecology were the main activities. and stories all night long. There was also time allocated for • Iman Levack – On our night walk recreation during which students could • Calvin Haas – We went on a we saw quite a few places such as enjoy tuck, swimming in a wonderful river fun and exciting hike and came Crystal Lake, which was beautiful. I water swimming pool, play soccer, tell back to the camp at 20h15. must admit that the hiking was tough scary stories, compete in an indoor dust at first, but at least I got through it. hockey game and just generally have time • Nashita Jappie – After feeding the to run around freely without any demands animals, we went to the hall to write. or cares in the world. The food was ample We’re leaving soon but I don’t want to go!
IES magazine 23 News
BLOUBERG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL We rock this world By Ms Yvette Fourie, Pre-Reception teacher In September last year the Junior Campus of Blouberg International School rocked the night away in an amazing production called “We rock this world”. It told the story of the music of the world being lost and one brave group of children travelling the globe to find the music in the people’s hearts yet again to restore hope, faith and love to mankind. Rehearsals for the production started at the beginning of the second term and with dances choreographed by national hip hop dancer, Caitlin Liggit, the show was sure to be a hit. Excitement was high throughout the months to follow, as parents and teachers alike helped with costumes and props to make the production a memorable one. The concert was a huge success and was enjoyed by the students and all who came out to see it. We are very proud of all the students and teachers for their hard work and dedication that went into making this yet another fantastic concert.
ST JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL EU Day of Languages
The Junior School was assisted by Miss symbols followed by independently working different languages, including ones that Tessier (Senior School French Teacher) in pairs, creating posters about Japan. members of the class know personally in organising a European Day of Year 4 had a particularly busy day. They and requested their treat of a croissant Languages where the children learned worked in groups to focus on one particular beautifully in French. They also did a meet about and listened to many different language. Many researched their chosen and greet role play in Turkish, using Miss world languages. The day began with country at home and were able to share Knott’s experiences of that language. a whole school assembly where Senior interesting facts and items they had brought Finally, in Assembly on Thursday, each school students read stories or spoke in their in with the class. They each produced a class went up to present their posters to own language. Following this, the children poster showing flags, their names in other the rest of the Junior School and share were all motivated to find out more! Each languages, greetings, traditional food their learning. Très bien, tout le monde! class carried out different projects with and cultural differences. At the end of children working independently to produce this, they competed in a language quiz as posters of their learning. Year 6 linked their well as learning some Spanish using the learning to their Topic of Conflict and the Interactive Whiteboard. Year 3 investigated Second World War. They looked at different how many countries the class had visited countries that were either on the side of the and then created posters about France Allies or those that supported the Germans. and the French language and culture. They researched their languages, clothing, Year 2 learnt greetings in different national dishes and other facts. Year 5 learnt languages, focussing on Persian, to speak a few words in Japanese and found where they learnt to write their name! out how to write their names using Japanese Reception/Year 1 greeted each other in
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ST JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SEK BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Harvest Joy Vasarely
It was a great pleasure to attend the for the food that we have. Year 4 wrote Harvest Festival assembly hosted by their own harvest lyrics to a well-known Museum Miss Harvey-Jones. Children had been song which they performed beautifully. bringing in harvest produce during the Years 2 - 4 presented a Harvest play with a week and, overnight, a glorious display number of mice joining in the fun. Year 2 of baking and harvest products was and 3 got toes tapping with a Harvest rock arranged on the altar in the chapel by Miss song with impressive dancing and huge Harvey-Jones and her team of helpers. smiles. Year 5, who have been learning We are so grateful to all the parents for about harmony in their music class with donating so generously to the display Mr Sandell, performed a 2 part song with and especially to Mrs Isherwood, with great confidence. Finally, Year 6 used their assistance from Mrs Grove, for making literacy work to create a class poem about the Harvest wheat sheaf loaf as well as Autumn which they performed as a group. other baking contributions including an Part of the Harvest message in the SJS plaque, a wreath and a lovely mouse. assembly was to think about others less The joy of the occasion was created by fortunate than ourselves. With this in the fact that every member of the Junior mind, the produce went on sale with school was keen to participate. Their all money raised going to Children in enthusiasm and effort to learn their parts Need. The sugar mice, made by Miss resulted in a wonderful display of excellent Harvey-Jones, were particularly popular. By Olga Lucía González, Maths Teacher communication and performance Every child in the Junior school Year 4 students visited the Vasarely skills with everyone ‘having a go’! The should be congratulated for their Museum of Budapest, which houses assembly opened with Reception and willing participation and the joy that original art created by Victor Vasarely, Year 1 performing a harvest song. Miss they brought to the chapel. Our thanks a prominent Hungarian born artist Harvey-Jones then explained the harvest also go to Miss Harvey-Jones for her and one of the fathers of op-art, or celebration encouraging everyone to think own efforts and preparation for making optical art, a style of optical illusions. about how lucky we are in this country it such a successful celebration. At the beginning of his career, Vasarely focused on developing his style of geometric abstract art, working with various materials but using a minimal number of forms and colours. Upon finding his own style, he began focusing his work on permutations of geometric forms that are cut out of a coloured square and rearranged. He worked with a strictly defined palette of colours and forms (three reds, three greens, three blues, two violets, two yellows, black, white, gray; three circles, two squares, two rhomboids, two long rectangles, one triangle, two dissected circles, six ellipses) which he later enlarged and numbered. Becoming familiar with Vasarely’s works gave us a different approach to geometry and helped us realize how related art and mathematics are. We used our knowledge of geometry, polygons and 3D shapes to understand and interpret Vasarely’s art. At the end of our visit we got to create our own composition following Vasarely’s style. It was a great experience to get to use our knowledge of geometry in a fun way outside the classroom.
IES magazine 25 News
HOLY TRINITY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL A Spring Concert – Music from the Musicals A spring concert entitled ‘Music from the Musicals’ was performed by Holy Trinity International School (HTIS) students on Thursday 21st March at Kidderminster Town Hall. This popular musical biannual event featured the school’s senior and prep choirs, the orchestra and accomplished soloists, performing a selection of songs from popular musicals such as Les Miserables, Mamma Mia and the school’s most recent production The Blues Brothers. HTIS deputy headteacher, Mrs Vikki Vincent, stated: “We have some incredibly talented students who simply excel when performing to an audience. This biannual event provides a great opportunity for them to hone both their instrumental and personal performance skills.” The evening performance was part of the school’s extensive ‘Talented and Gifted Programme’ with a number of From left to right: Looking forward to the spring concert, Abigail Catherwood (14yrs), Isobel Pudney (12yrs), Bianca Southall (14yrs), Sian Hinton (15yrs), Rosie Young (11yrs), senior students having already undertaken Hana Holder (11yrs), Angus Seymour (13yrs) and (centre) Jacob Waltier (13yrs). their music GCSE examinations, some 2 years ahead of their contemporaries, throughout the school’s student body, range of pieces with the finale featuring and are progressing now to AS studies. performances from soloists, instrumentalists songs from their next large scale Involving over 60 girls and boys from and the Chamber Orchestra delivered a production of The Sound of Music.
BOCA PREP INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Book Buddies: Reading Program
Research tells us that simply reading to our children 15 – 20 minutes every day will help them become successful readers. In an effort to do our part, Upper School students participated in a Book Buddies program over the winter months. Once a week, the Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 students met in the library, with their ‘buddies’ for a 30 minute reading session. The book selections were made by the Upper School students and included both fiction and nonfiction books. How amazing to see the little ones so excited about meeting up with their buddies on a weekly basis to share fun facts or wonderful stories together. This is a program that will resurface come the beginning of the next school year.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HELDERBERG OF HOUT BAY Mathematics learning Santa’s on in the PYP Strike!
The Hout Bay Junior Primary Christmas concert was ‘Santa’s on Strike’. The plot was that Santa had decided that children have become too unruly and do not deserve presents. He then went on strike, much to the horror of Mrs Clause and the By Mrs Karen Walsh, Early Childhood Teacher sorting the 3D shapes with her friends, elves. They tried to convince him otherwise It is always great to see the IB Cara and Isabell, Eva found that some 3D by showing him how kind and considerate Primary Years Programme (PYP) shapes were easier to build towers with. children actually are. in practice. I hope you enjoy hearing As part of their unit of inquiry ‘Houses and The main characters were performed by all about the wonderful learning Homes’ the children worked in teams to our Year 2s who were also learning about going on in our classrooms. build a house using miniature bricks. They ‘How we express ourselves’ as our unit The children from Early Childhood 1 and discussed the best way to build the walls, of inquiry. They were fully engaged in the 2 have been inquiring into the properties of the shapes of the bricks, windows, doors, process of creating a pantomime, starting both 2D and 3D shapes. The children used roof, and then where to position them. from the writers and ending up in the the shapes in different activities finding out After reading the story of the ‘3 little show. They had great fun becoming their many things: Sean found that he could put pigs’ some of the children even tested the characters and leading the songs. some 2D shapes together to make pictures strength of their houses by ‘huffing and The whole junior primary participated and Keelan tried to match the different puffing’ to try to blow the houses down! in singing these beautiful songs that had shapes putting them in order of size. After important values to teach the children. This was followed by the Year 2 prize giving. BOCA PREP INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Primary Years Program at Work Young children are naturally play in their community. We planned inquisitive and full of questions. several field trips to enhance the learning They are eager to know the how, what, experience, one of which was to a local fire where, when and why to everything house where the students learned firsthand around them. The IB-PYP provides what the life of a fire fighter is really like. The opportunities for students to question, students climbed aboard the fire trucks, explore and challenge themselves. In the explored the inside of the firehouse and Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 we have four units of even had a turn with the fire hose. Our next Inquiry throughout the year. In our first unit of inquiry is on Animal habitats and the Unit of Inquiry, students made inquiry into uniqueness of each habitat. I am sure we will what a community is, how communities all learn many interesting things about the change over time and what roles people animals of South Florida and their homes.
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SEK BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Conferences of Heads
SEK Budapest hosted the annual Conference of IES Heads on November 16–17. We welcomed Dr. Jorge Segovia, President of SEK/IES Institution, Dr. Nicholas Tate, Chairman, as well as Head Teachers of IES schools from around the world. In addition to touring the school, visiting lessons and chatting with students, they also participated in administrative meetings centering on educational technology. We are pleased SEK Budapest could host the conference.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HOUT BAY Yr 6 PYP Exhibition 2012
In December 2012 we held the • Case study of children in other countries recreation. They carried out research, 5th annual Year 6 International and what is being done to help. arranged interviews, wrote newspaper Baccalaureate Primary Years • Case study of children locally. articles, poems, letters, sent emails etc. Program (‘PYP’) Exhibition. Student questions; For their action they liased with an This event, undertaken by every • What are the risks and responsibilities organisation trying to provide better International Baccalaureate (‘IB’) school, of children world-wide? opportunities for children in our local celebrates each student’s journey through • What are the benefits of sport township to play soccer. They organised the PYP and showcases all the Learner and recreation for children? a soccer match between a team from our Profile attributes, attitudes and skills that • What are the risks and challenges school and a team from the township. the children have developed. The quality faced by children? Through articles in the school newsletter of the children’s exhibits improves every • What are people doing and posting flyers around the school, year and this year was no exception. world-wide to help? they collected secondhand soccer boots, Our Transdisciplinary Theme this year was • What are people doing locally to help? balls, shirts and shorts to be donated ‘Who We Are’ and the central idea was: The students carried out an inquiry into to the township children. They have “Children worldwide and locally have the risks and challenges faced by children pledged that, as they move on to our rights and responsibilities and face who are denied their right to sport and High School they will continue their a variety of risks and challenges.” action by continuing to collect kit. The children devised their own lines of inquiry and pertinent, current topics including: HIV, Education, Sport and Recreation, Neglect, Emotional Abuse, Child Soldiers, Refugees and Conflict. An example of one presentation: Children denied their right to sport and recreation. Lines of inquiry; • Rights and responsibilities of children world-wide. • The benefits of sport and recreation for children. • The risks and challenges faced by children who are denied their right to sport and recreation.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HELDERBERG Storms River Camp
Early in the morning on the 18th of buck wondering around in the bush and March 2012 the Year Seven, Eight and even the very shy otter. Nine classes departed on their first We did so much! We went on a marine camp of the Year to Storms River Mouth hike in the tidal pools examining the many in the Tsitsikamma National Park. species living there; on a suspension bridge We stayed in a backpackers’ lodge for hike and had a rock tower building contest the three nights that we were there and had on the beach. We went on a kayaking trip up breakfast, lunch and supper at a restaurant the mouth of the river exploring the various on the beach. The many experienced guides caves along the river; on a night hike in took us to do many different activities each search of animals and looked at the stars; on day while teaching us about the wonderful a quiz walk with our different groups where environment around us. we had to answer questions about the plants While we were there we went on the first around us. We played rugby on the beach day of the famous Otter Trail hike and swam next to the restaurant and swam in the sea in the ice-cold water of the waterfall pool amongst the waves. above the ocean, we also saw a few bush
ST JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside! By Corey Leisk Then some of us built sand castles. In September, Years 2—6 went to Aidan, Olly, Dan, Matthew and Edward Sidmouth Beach. We walked down built a quarry out of sand. Then it and the weather was miserable, but we was time for lunch. The sandwiches still had fun. First we went rock-pooling were literally sand-wiches! before the tide came in. We caught Then Mr Shorthouse gave everyone loads of creatures and we were surprised a challenge. Who can pile the how many hermit crabs there were! stones on top of each other? Aidan Rees and I won with 14 stones!
IES magazine 29 News
BLOUBERG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Fun With Handwriting in the Sandpit!
By Gillian Sheel, Year 2 Teacher On Monday morning our class decided to get “hands-on” with our handwriting, so we took to the sandpit to discover more. We started off with clearing our surface, so as to have a clean slate to work on. We then set to work, practising our cursive patterns. The students thoroughly enjoyed this activity, as it allowed them to understand the feeling and movement of the different patterns in preparation for cursive handwriting. Moving through the coarse sand with their fingers allowed them to feel the movement, which their pencil should be making on paper. Once we had all had a chance to practise our wave, bunny-hops and zigzag patterns and laden with sand in our shoes, we returned to the classroom to put our practising to paper. This was a wonderful learning activity and of course lots of fun was had by all, as only can be had in the sandpit. Here are some of the students’ masterpieces.
Kamogelo Maleta (7 Years old).
Year 2GS 2013 Blouberg International School. Tyler Hanning and Gabriel D’Alton (7 Years old).
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THE GRANTHAM HOLY TRINITY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PREPARATORY SCHOOL Budding Scientists Passing the Aim for Award Torch Senior students from Holy Trinity Trinity Science Journal after a peer International School’s Young review process has taken place.” By Mr Park, P.E. Department Research Scientist Club are The Holy Trinity Science Journal The Lincolnshire Schools’ Torch working to develop their research was set up by Year 10 students, Jenny was delivered to our school in skills with the hope of gaining Bateman and Lorna Redfern, with the May by Witham Hall School. the British Science Association’s aim of highlighting all things scientific A competition was created for all CREST Bronze Award Certificate. going on throughout the whole school. Lincolnshire school children to enter The Year 7 and 8 students will receive Projects so far include making their own their designs for a torch which would concentrated training to develop Bath Bombs - exploring aromas, scents tour all schools in the County. After a very and enhance practical and writing and essential oils; Investigating Lava Lamps inspiring Olympic Values assembly the skills with the goal of becoming a - shining a bright light on the nature of school took part in an Olympic Mascot good research scientist of the future. emulsions; Glittering Tornado - offering Dance workshop led by Mrs Lewis. Those demonstrating high motivation students a closer inspection of the physics The torch was then delivered to and excellent practical skills will be of tornadoes and tropical cyclones. The Phoenix School by our Sports admitted to the Crest Award Scheme. Ambassadors: Lily, Esther and Henry. Chemistry teacher, Dr Muhammad To enthuse the children even further, Amin, stated: “As part of our Young the real Olympic Torch made a surprise Research Scientist Club, we are trying appearance at Speech Day rehearsals and to evoke the true spirit of scientific caused quite a tizzy. Tony Eaton, from research within the real world context Derbyshire and Help for Heroes brought his with the students writing a research torch for the children and staff to view. Each proposal for submission to the Research class managed to look at and touch the torch Council for funding. Following and ask Tony some interesting questions
completion of their project, a scientific Delighted with their Lava Lamp creations Marcus Bradley about why he was chosen to run with the paper will be published in the Holy (12yrs), Hana Holder (11yrs) and Rosie Young (11yrs). torch and how the flame was controlled.
SEK BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Splish Splash!
Students at SEK Budapest attend swimming class at least once a week. All grades participate, even the pre-school. Beyond learning the art of swimming, students who have shown serious interest also learn the sport of swimming. The SEK Budapest swim team successfully participated in a recent prestigious international competition, resulting in 16 total medals won: 5 gold, 4 silver and 7 bronze. The awards were given by Hungarian Olympic Champions Ádám Steinmetz and Ádám Marosi. Congratulations!
Tyler Hanning and Gabriel D’Alton (7 Years old).
IES magazine 31 News
BLOUBERG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL All Aboard for Casual Day
On Tuesday, 4th September 2012 as well as fairies and children in blue At the end of the day, the magical some very important guests visited came from far and wide and collected characters all went their separate ways, our Assembly at the Junior Campus. their special Casual Day stickers. with joy in their hearts, knowing that they A representative, called Memory, came Mrs Hartung decided to interview all these had done a good thing to help many from the organisation called Epilepsy South wonderful characters who had appeared disabled people in our beautiful country, Africa to tell us about the important work in her class and this is what some of them so that they too can live happily ever after. they do. She also told us that this Year’s said when they introduced themselves: theme would be to get on board with your sea legs and that the children need to • Tyler Macarone Palmieri – “I’m dress up accordingly. Memory introduced Barbie, the musketeer and I go to us to her special friend Able, the big blue the palace to save the prince.” Casual Day mascot, who told us why it is important to celebrate Casual Day. • Kirsten Geyser – “I’m a little sailor And so on the 7th September 2012, sailing on the beautiful ocean with Blouberg International School was ‘abuzz’ dolphins. I help the disabled people.” with great excitement as swashbuckling pirates, sailors, princesses and princes • Buhlebenkosi Masuku – “I am a modern day princess from France.”
HOLY TRINITY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Students Prepare for World Challenge
Students from Holy Trinity International School will be undertaking a month-long expedition to Cambodia and Thailand this coming July with World Challenge Expeditions, a trip jointly organised with King Charles 1 School in Kidderminster. During their stay the students will first visit Ankor Wat before undertaking a gruelling six- day trek in the area of Chieng Mai in Northern Thailand. The students will also work in a children’s orphanage. Emma Trickett, Science teacher at King Charles 1 School, stated: “The schools are very excited to take a group of students on a second expedition with such as car boot sales, cake sales and Mr Ron Jackson, stated: “Trips of this nature World Challenge. The first one went really hosting a variety performance.’ offer students an insight in to other cultures well, and we all gained a lot from it. Organised as part of the students’ as well as offering firsthand experience “The experiences gained from such a enrichment studies, previous joint school of local Geography, something which trip are unforgettable, and to visit Thailand trips have encompassed a History trip to we can’t recreate within a classroom. and Cambodia for such a long time and Berlin and an expedition to Ecuador, with “As well as undertaking project work at their age is the chance of a lifetime. photographs taken on their trips forming at a local orphanage, the students will The students have been excellent at part of the students’ studies and displayed have ample opportunity for some down getting involved with various fundraising around the school for others to enjoy. time and to visit numerous islands to the activities to help pay for the expedition, Assistant Leader for Holy Trinity East of Bangkok, making the whole trip International School, Geography teacher an experience they will never forget.”
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ST JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Ancient Greece Day Earlier in the year, Years 2 and 3 had There was discus and shot put. Cleo and an Ancient Greece Day. First, Year Miles won the two trophies for shot put and 2 performed a stupendous play about Max and Noah won the trophies for discus. the Ancient Greek Olympics in Year Then we went to a Greek lunch for 2s Assembly. They had a competition the whole school. It was a very nice to see which city was the best. The lunch. We had break and then we cities were Athens and Sparta. Sparta had a Greek theatre rehearsal, which won the Olympics, but before they will continue for a few weeks. did the Olympics they had to swear an oath and Sparta wanted to fight! After the performance we tasted some Greek food and it was… yummy (not all of it though). We had pitta bread, grapes, cake, hummus and red grape juice (meant to be Ancient Greek wine). Next we had break. After break the Year 2s taught Year 3 how to write an oath. Daisy G (Year 2) won the best teaching award and then a few people from Year 3 won medals. Next we went to the Sports Hall and we did some Ancient Greek Olympic Games.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HELDERBERG Book Week
By Mrs Karen Walsh, EC1 & 2 Teacher I love reading. It’s a passion that has been fostered in me since I was knee high to a grass hopper. What I really appreciate about the gift of reading, is that one can pass it on so easily. I watch my brother reading with his children (doing much the same as our dad did when we were young, and adding extra characters and fun voices) and see the wonderment in their eyes and I know that if they choose to have children of their own, they’ll do much the same with them. My love of reading was intensified at least ten fold over book week! The students at ISH were all involved in reading and sharing their reading with each other. The teddy bear’s picnic on World Book day was a hit – all the primary teachers were so impressed with the high school students Once again, the High School pulled out I’d like to extend an enormous thank who came to read with the younger all of the stops dressing per class – smurfs, you to all the parents who helped students. They showed patience and dalmatians, batman and company, Snow make the fabulous costumes and enthusiasm, which was appreciated by all. White, the seven dwarves and a wicked for supporting your children in their The highlight of our week was a dress witch and a bevy of nerds were amongst reading. I look forward to seeing the next as your favourite book character day. the characters at school that day. generation of enthusiastic readers!
IES magazine 33 News
SEK BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HOLY TRINITY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Program for Blues Brothers Production the Gifted Musical Triumph
Program for the Gifted was initiated last year in an effort to identify students who show extraordinary intellectual gifts.The purpose of the program is to provide special attention and guidance for these students to continue to develop themselves in the best way possible. Ildikó Jávori is the special teacher who leads a diagnosis of students through various appropriate examinations. Consulting with the student, parents, and content teachers, she creates a three month individual plan of action and follows the student through a series of comprehensive steps involving the development of intellectual skills.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HOUT BAY PYP Presentations In Year 1 the children participate in show and tell and are given ‘tips’ on how to present their information to the class. The children are also encouraged to be a good audience and to ask sensible questions.The first small Left to right: Chloe Modley-Hill 16yrs and Arabella Withers 15yrs. research project that the children are given Two evening productions and a Music, Mrs Vikki Vincent, in Year 1 is to be a ‘weather forecaster’. Saturday matinee of The Blues and Head of Drama Mr Mike Dunnington. Brothers at Kidderminster’s Holy Mrs Vincent stated: “With so much Trinity International School played to happening on stage at any one point, packed audiences, the culmination the choreography, costumes, lighting, of many months of planning and stage props and cast were phenomenal, endless rehearsals which began some delivering a wholly professional and months earlier in the summer term. captivating show for all to enjoy. The production yet again delivered “As always, our sincere thanks to a visually stunning stage show worthy everyone, both in front and behind of any West End production, together the scenes, including our Tech Club with a fantastic live band and two and PA, in making this production charismatic lead performers. such a visual and musical success.” The musical was produced and directed by the school’s Deputy Head and Head of
Thandi McCain preesnts the weather to her class.
34 IES magazine Our Writers
IES magazine 35 Our Writers
BLOUBERG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Blouberg International School Concert
to work on specific areas of the concert like singing, acting, dancing or organising props. The dancers had an outside choreographer from a private dance studio. Fortunately, a few students belong to this Choreographer’s studio and were able to assist the non–dancing cast. Mrs Ackermann managed to organize her time between teaching, editing the script and rehearsals. Mrs Ackermann had a team of organisers (teachers) to assist her with costumes, make up, music. Each costume was individually made to fit each role, and the props that were made will be held in storage for a future drama department. Thirdly, the students had dress rehearsals from the 18th of June until the 20th September 2012, dividing their time between school work, homework and rehearsals. By Kristen Hill, portrayed the values of specific historical Finally, it was the night of the concert Year 10 Blouberg International School figures, such as Thomas Edison, music and the air was filled with excitement and The ‘2012’ concert was the most icon Michael Jackson and political legend expectations. The hall was swarming with successful and enjoyable concert to Nelson Mandela. Hence it was a mixture chairs facing the stage with the technical date. The producer and organizer of Science, Music and History. As follows equipment hidden behind. Students had was Mrs Jorita Ackermann, head of there were various other scenes involving to be at the venue at 17:00 hours to ensure the department of Key Stage 3/4. The the importance of Neil Armstrong, the pop everything ran smoothly. As soon as the concert took place on a Friday evening, on group Queen, and William Shakespeare, The students arrived, they were sent to their the 21st of September and on the following Beetles, Grease, Elvis were also included allocated change rooms behind the stage evening, Saturday, 22nd September, at with a few others. The main story consisted where they placed all their belongings. All the Christian Revival Church. Every student of three aliens: Avatar, ET and Darth Vader the girls were bursting with anticipation and participated whether it was on stage or who crash-landed on the Earth with no the boys were filled with stage fright. Once behind the scenes. Each role was valued sense of their surroundings. However, the the clock struck 7, the lights beamed onto as it complemented the entire concert. aliens stumble across a human who in turn the stage where the first scene unfolded. All students participated with great explains and guides them through the The time flew by like a shooting star in enthusiasm and the school was ‘abuzz’ with ages of music, discovery and politics. the late night sky. Behind the scenes was excitement when the rehearsals began. Secondly, the concert took on momentum frenzied, but at the same time everyone The main theme was music involving when rehearsals took place months in was focused on the part they had to play. a social conscience. The production advance. Each rehearsal was structured In conclusion, all that attended, parents, family friends, aunts and uncles and siblings thoroughly enjoyed the evening. I thoroughly enjoyed participating in this concert as it helped to create a stronger bond between my classmates and me. However, the teachers also obtained unknown knowledge about the students and created a stronger bond with them. Our principal, Mrs Nerine Resnekov, was delighted with the students and staff alike, and she gave a heart-felt speech on all the hard work and effort that was put into the production of the “2012” concert.
36 IES magazine Our Writers
THE GRANTHAM ST JOHN’S PREPARATORY SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL The Crown Thief Bush Survival Skills learned in Sidmouth
By Sandy Oldfield teepee and put campsite logs around the Year 4 took advantage of the floor. We had to build a circle of stones to lovely weather and walked up to stop the fire from spreading, as Australia is Muttersmoor. We were investigating very dry. We got moss to insulate the teepee, what life would be like for an Australian then we jumped across a small stream By Isabelle Sharpe Aboriginal person. ditch to collect It all started a long, long time ago ‘We walked up ferns which we in a far away kingdom. The kingdom steep hills to get to made beds with. was called Dragonvale, famous for its the only really flat At the end, we unique dragons, which were brightly place on the whole sat in our yarning coloured sprinkled with shiny spots. hill. It was like a circle again and The ruler of Dragonvale was a short, crater, with sides as Mrs Colwill read us fat king. His robes were so long that steep as Everest and some poems We they trailed about a metre behind him. the middle part as admired our camp The King’s predecessor was a much flat as the beach. before walking taller man in stature, who also had a When we finally back to school. much larger head. As a result the crown arrived, Mrs Colwill Our hands were was much too big. It wobbled when told us a story in our really muddy! he moved his head and he disliked yarning circle; this We learned it immensely. He was only allowed circle is when an that, in the wild, to take it off when he was asleep. Aboriginal tribe sit it may be easy It was a Monday night and the king together to watch for Aboriginals was sleeping when suddenly… his dances or listen to but it was difficult maid knocked on the door earlier stories. We saw the remains of a camp from for us to find food and make tools. We than expected. The grumpy king last year, but we wanted to better it so we learned that we don’t need computers answered the door, the maid had worked together to collect logs and sticks. and modern toys to have fun. The trip come to alert him, for there had been We spent ages making a fireplace and a was brilliant and we hope to go again.’ a robbery. She said “Your highness, a rock has been catapulted through SEK BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL the window of the throne room. I’m afraid your crown has vanished!” The king rushed downstairs to call An Ode to Mom his knights. He directed them to go on horseback to search the kingdom. He By Attila Tóth A memorandum for You to keep in mind, said, “Do not leave any stone unturned!” Waking up tired, Years do grind. They obeyed and set off immediately. Feel like I’m fired. I wish You were meant to be for aye, There was an infamous robber who I see them hands grinding, Mom, there to underlie. was known throughout the kingdom I should say, it’s not binding. for his robberies of gold and jewels. It wasn’t long before the knights caught Catching me waking up each dawn, up with the man, who matched the wonder how You comprise robber’s description, in a disowned that extreme brawn. farm building. He shivered with fear, as Have You ever thought about a break, he was taken to stand before the king. to sustain a night’s sleep, for that sake. He volunteered information about the crown’s whereabouts. It was too late Mom; will I ever see You jaded? for his fate was sealed… tomorrow Sphere! This is Her, the One who morning he would be beheaded. would ne’er be traded. The lesson of this story is I confess; my heart is filled with gratitude, do not steal crowns. Anyone solicitous? Hereby spurning all them platitude.
37 IES magazine IES magazine 37 Our Writers
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HELDERBERG Getting to Aussenkehr Francis Christie, Year 8 can set some traps for food,” replied some water and did a test of the raft, which It was July 2011, when botanists Michael James, who had since calmed down. turned out to be just sturdy enough to take both Collins and James Barker were setting Michael walked off to set some traps while of them without sinking. After that they pushed off from Cape Town, South Africa, on a James commenced building a wigwam big themselves off and they were on their way. two week long trip along the Orange enough for two people and insulated with “The raft is better than I expected it to River to study the diverse plant life fallen leaves – the temperature drops to around be,” mentioned Michael along the journey. that lines its banks. It was out of season two degrees celsius during the winter months After one kilometre, the raft had showed for the trip, but the men hadn’t wanted in Namibia. Meanwhile, Michael was scouting no sign of breaking. The oars weren’t very to be in the presence of many people. the nearby area for obvious animal routes, functional, so the river took it along its path. They were to travel the river by means of when he heard a blood-curdling bark that After forty minutes of floating along, and an inflatable kayak that would carry their made him jump. As he looked over to a tree with kilometres still to go, the raft gave way, equipment and their rations for the trip. a few feet away he noticed what had made leaving Michael and James to swim to the They were driven by a friend who would it. In front of him stood a huge male baboon. bank so they could walk the rest of the way. also meet them at the end of the trip at Michael knew the danger of a baboon and Michael was in excruciating pain as they Aussenkehr, a small Namibian town on the immediately searched around himself. A struggled through bushes and vegetation banks of the river. After about ten hours they quick wave of shock raced through his body on the bank. “Hold on just a arrived at the campsite across the border, when he realized he had left his knife back little longer!” James said. and prepared and packed their kayak. with James. As he bent down to pick up some “I don’t think I can,” mumbled Michael. They launched their kayak later that same rocks to defend himself, the baboon jumped As he fainted, James ran to Michael, and day, and began their trip in life jackets. on top of him and bit him in the left arm. although weak and exhausted, picked The first week and a half was excellent for “Aaargh!” screamed Michael in agony. up his friend and struggled on. After the two men, with only a day of rain and some The baboon then hesitated and Michael four more long hours of walking, James brilliant observations. The water was perfect grabbed a stone next to him and drove it made it into the little town. He staggered and not rough, and their paddles easily sliced into the baboon’s forehead. The baboon into the supermarket to ask for help. through the tranquil water. But then dawned then rolled away, allowing Michael to the day that the men had been dreading, the get up and sprint all the way back to THE GRANTHAM PREPARATORY SCHOOL rafting of the Sjambok Rapids. These were where James was building the shelter. some of the tougher rapids along the river “James!” screamed Michael, and were going to be especially difficult to still in extreme pain. Fact sheet handle for the two inexperienced rafters. “Michael! What happened?” Due to the fact that it was winter, the water “I was attacked by a baboon while The children in Reception have was fast and the rapids were strong as they came setting traps. It bit me in the arm: we need been writing fact sheets about up to Sjambok. By the time they were half way to stop the bleeding.” James ripped off different creatures.This was an through, their boat was filled with water and hit a piece of shirt and wrapped it around unaided piece about the Great White a particularly violent part of water. It capsized the the wound as a makeshift bandage. Shark by Martha. kayak and flung the two men into the dangerous “We can’t stay here much longer,’ said James, waters. The men attempted to scream, but it ‘the wound is too deep to leave untreated.” happened in the blink of an eye. They managed “But how do we get to to swim to one of the banks and watched Aussenkehr?” asked Michael. their entire supplies float down the river. “I will try and construct a raft with what “Well, what are we going to do now?” supplies we have. Hopefully it’ll hold us at asked James in a frustrated tone. least halfway. If it breaks, we can swim onto “I’ve still got my knife, paracord and flint on the banks and walk the rest of the way.” me, and we are only about seven kilometres James and Michael used the paracord that away from our pickup point,” replied Michael. they had left (which was about three metres) “The only problem is that we cannot stray and collected wood to construct the raft. from the river as we’ll get lost and we cannot They made the raft three by one metre in size walk on the banks the whole way as there is so and found two long flat pieces of wood to much vegetation blocking us!” shouted James. use as makeshift oars. After hours of work, “We should focus more on shelter, the raft was ready. As it got darker, the food and fire now; we can worry about men retired to the shelter. Both James and getting to Aussenkehr in the morning.” Michael had difficulty sleeping because of “Okay, that seems like a good idea. the cold, and, in Michael’s case, the pain. I’ll build a shelter and a fire and you In the morning, James and Michael drank
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BOCA PREP INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Boca Prep Goes Renaissance
By Shawn Brown MYP/DP Mathematics Santiago Nasar’s Death safety, that the Vicario brothers targeted Transcending time into the By Michael Henao me. Could it have something to do with Renaissance Era MYP 2 and 4 students To tell you the truth, I did not expect that Angela and Bayardo’s marriage today? experienced firsthand: jousting, my life would end this way. Why should Did I do something last night with Bayardo line dancing, turkey legs and the I die by the hand of the Vicario brothers that angered the Vicario family enough talented artisans of the time. Students for something I did not do? Yet, here I for Pedro and Pablo to come for my life? I enjoyed watching and participating in am running for my house so that I may couldn’t have because I would have been various shows of the Renaissance Fair as protect myself. I am unarmed and they told earlier, correct? It matters little now. well as the conventional walking around carry knives. It seems strange that yesterday I am running for my home, dressed in all and enjoying the ambiance of the times. was a celebrati on for the marriage of white linen, and hoping that I survive to live The interdisciplinary unit for the MYP Angela Vicario and Bayardo San Roman. another. If only I knew what was going on Year 2 students included Poetry from Everyone was enjoying the lavish food and so that I might save myself. English A and a study of the Middle Ages drinks that were part of the celebration in Humanities; Meanwhile MYP Year 4 the like of which the town had never seen Doors students read, reenacted, and rewrote before. I myself was partying with Bayardo By Anna Maldonado scenes from William Shakespeare’s Romeo at the local whorehouse run by Maria Four doors side by side and Juliet in English A as well as doing a Alejandrina Cervantes until early morning. Which one will you open wide? detailed study of the renaissance period in I did not expect that today I would wake When it comes time for me to choose Humanities. Here are two submissions by to be murdered later that day. After all, the And leave behind my regrets and rues Boca Prep students. bishop was coming to bless the marriage When one is shut by the will of fate of Bayardo and Angela. Why would anyone Will it bring awful feelings of pain or hate? want to kill me on this holy day, the day of And when one invites you to come in a religious sanctity and the day in which a Will you consider it a win? holy figure arrives to bless that sanctity? It Doors are meant to shield and buffer baffles me as to why, as I am running for Not make you shriek and hurt and suffer.
IES magazine 39 Our Writers
SEK BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HELDERBERG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Summer From Nightmares to Dreams – From Visions to a Reality Camp Speech written by Andrew van Dyk, Year 10 This is what people should be doing. When we go to bed at night some People in the middle of war should be of us have dreams, and some of us waking up out of this nightmare, even Tábori versünk have nightmares. It’s unfortunate for though you can’t wake up in your sleep by the ones who have nightmares, but you will; metaphorically speaking. They should Vasárnap megjöttünk, can say that that’s just how it goes. Some wake up. But they are stuck. They are stuck Az ágyban feküdtünk, of us sleep peacefully at night, and others in this grim situation – nightmare! They are Az ebédet megettük, are woken up by fear. But the nightmares blinded by horrific events that take place A számháborút megnyertük. happen for a reason. They aren’t just there during war, and I don’t blame them at all! to make us wet our beds. What they are I would also be enclosed and wrapped Hétfőn felkeltünk, actually doing is preparing us, without us up in a cloak of no hope. Thousands of Finomakat reggeliztünk, even knowing for the following day. So in people have died, if not millions in previous Majd a vadászházba mentünk, a way, the person who had a nightmare, big wars. World War II – 60 million people Az íjásszal meg lőttünk. is slightly more mentally prepared than died. Where’s the bright side?! If you guys who had a nice, comfortable dream. looked at that straight on, or heard it for Kedden bőröztünk, Now that comparison, – blow it up – and the first time. Does it sound like Disneyland S egyben gyöngyöztünk. change it slightly. And this is what you get. to you? Not an ounce of joy; optimism; Aztán csapatban vetélkedtünk, When we go to bed at night, some of or hope for a better future is portrayed in Este cukorkát kerestünk. us, or most of us, are tucked in bed with a that statement. So how do you get out of a nice cup of hot chocolate with a novel by dark place like that? How do you undress Szerdán kolostorba mentünk, our bedside table waiting to be read. But yourself and take off the cloak of no hope Ahol apácával beszélgettünk. some of us, as in a big chunk of the world’s and put on the jersey of optimism? How? Pólóinkat befestettük, population today, don’t even have beds! They I’m asking you…! But I’ll tell you És teleszkópon csillagokat néztünk. don’t have the comforts of a suburban home. because I have the answer! They don’t have a peaceful neighbourhood. This is not the only answer. We as humanity Csütörtökön strandra mentünk, They don’t have enough money to better have tried many things, in our 2012 years A napon sütkéreztünk, their lives. And this is their nightmare. since the birth of Christ, and even before, Vizibiciklit tekerhettünk, While we are living the ‘dream life’, this we have only gained 20 years of peace. In Később pillecukrot sütögettünk. is what’s going on in parts of Africa, The our history we as humanity have retaliated Middle East, India and Pakistan. They are all during war, tried to stop a fight by fighting! Péntek reggel buszra ültünk, living in a nightmare. Now this nightmare Fighting fire with fire might work, but it’s a Mézeskalácsot készítettünk, could have been caused by poverty, lack dangerous game. You can get burned by Ebédre pizzát rendeltünk, of education, bad economy, you name it! the flames of misjudgment, until there is Szerencsésen hazaértünk. There are a lot of factors involved a lot! nothing more than the ashes of regret. We as But there is one in particular, that when humanity need to shake ourselves awake out By 6th graders: it happens, it creates a domino effect on of this nightmare and maybe warp it in our Csernai Boldizsár all the other previous factors. Can you vision so we can see it as a way of us getting Ferenci Leó guess what it is? It’s the disruption of stronger together – as one. And once that’s Matarits Tamás world peace. In layman’s terms – WAR! happened; you’ve got your dream. A dream Soós Péter Now, War affects society in so many of us standing together, and moving forward. ways. From the economy to how you sleep And with that then comes your visions. at night. People in the middle of war are Visions of a better future for all. Visions of a in almost a never ending nightmare. But future with no war. And with visions like that, unlike us, when we have a nightmare, we and your hope, and your perseverance you wake up, recover and get through the are set to change your vision into a reality. night until the next morning, fresh and Ergo – universal peace. When we go to bed without us even knowing, slightly more tonight, we might have nightmares, but we mentally prepared for the challenges that will wake up; recover, and get through the lie ahead the following day, so we can stay night, so by tomorrow, we will be prepared, on the path of perseverance. Perseverance to tackle any challenge and move forward. for a better day, or a better future.
40 IES magazine Our Writers
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HELDERBERG BLOUBERG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL From Nightmares to Dreams Passionate about Athletics
By Samantha Murphy, Year 8 – From Visions to a Reality My name is Samantha Murphy. I am 12 years old and I love running! I have always loved running, ever since I was in Year 2 and came first at my school sports day. My favourite event is 800m and I am beginning to excel in this event. I only started running on the track competitively last season. I have been doing cross country before this. My coach, Izak, of Sportswise Running Academy, realised I was talented in training sessions. I was training for cross country twice a week and I started getting very fit. When cross-country season ended I started doing faster running and I was able to keep a really fast pace going for 2 laps. I became so good that I even started beating some of the boys. Izak thought I should enter in athletics competitions for Under 13 girls. My school, Blouberg International, registered me for my first competition. On Saturday 9 February 2013, I competed in the Inter-Schools Circuits Competition at the Tygerberg Track, representing my school. I was very nervous, but little did I know that this would be a major stepping stone for me! I came 1st in the 800m, with a time of 2 minutes 47 seconds, and 2nd in 1500m. I was very pleased. Coming in the top three at Inter-schools meant that had I made it through to the Districts Championships on Saturday, 16 worried about not making the top three. It overtake me and I crossed the line in 3rd February at the Bellville Stadium. Due to was actually easier than I thought! place. I qualified for my Western Province my two events being right after each other, On Saturday, 23 February I competed Colours! I couldn’t believe it. I was so I decided that I had to drop the 1500m at the Western Province Trials at the UWC thrilled and proud. I received a bronze race, as I felt I would waste energy, and track. I was representing my district, North, medal and my time had improved to 2min wouldn’t do as well in my speciality, 800m. and was wearing our team’s green running 35 sec. I now get to wear my blue and red I’m glad I did because I came 2nd and gear. You cannot imagine how nervous Western Province vest and track suit and made it through to the Western Province I was, and I kept making my family and compete as a Western Province Athlete. My Trials. I stood on the podium in front of the my coach reassure me that I’ll be alright. time is improving with each race and I can whole stadium and received a silver medal. I needed to come in the top 4 to get my now do 800m in 2min 33sec. I was really happy. I can’t believe I was so colours, and I was really scared! It was one Through a lot of hard work and of the toughest races of my life. I remember determination I finally reached my goal. I the gun going off and my heart pounding feel really proud. My coach told me that loudly. I can’t even remember the first lap. I was the first track athlete to receive my I just kept telling myself to push harder. Western Province Colours in the club. He is Down the final straight, I was so aware that so happy too. I am so grateful that I got to someone might overtake me, so I found represent my school, my district, and finally my last burst of energy from somewhere my province! Next season I will continue to and pushed myself as hard as I could. I was compete and work hard towards achieving surprised I even had any more energy as my colours again and a gold medal! I was running so hard. I didn’t let anyone
IES magazine 41 Our Writers
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HOUT BAY A day in the life of a matriarch
By Holly Robinson fresh, cool waterhole and the family of the game rangers that there was someone We had started off from our luxurious leopards, curiously admiring the beautiful in the reserve who was not wanted there. home in Angola, right through the surrounds before wandering off. Luckily the game rangers had beaten the wildest parts of Africa. We were I pondered on many things throughout poachers to it, and were now standing in following the whispers of the wind, that morning. Previously we hadn’t seen front of the car, ready with police officers, exploring into deep bush along the way. many impala or wildebeest in the reserve, capturing and hand-cuffing the poachers. I woke up just in time to see a tropical, which was very strange. We had now Later that day I heard from an anxious summery sunrise with strokes of pink, red reached a shady area of acacia trees and herd of impala that the poachers were and orange painted across the early morning were tugging juicy leaves, making a tasty the key to the instant decline in impala sky. I sensed a storm coming. The Savannah lunch. I was in the middle of taking a and wildebeest populations, and that was tranquil, peaceful and quiet with most branch down when Amani, a youngster, they were planning to get their hands on of its inhabitants deeply asleep. I decided to came up to me and told me he had heard any little piece of ivory they could find. I wake up the rest of our herd, so we would gunfire not far from where we were that was just happy that my herd was safe. hopefully be ahead of the storm. There very moment. I heard a flock of birds Gradually, through the afternoon, the were grumbles and moans but eventually fluster from a nearby tree and immediately clouds covered the blue, misty sky and the everyone was up and about, so we headed warned the rest of the herd to be alert and temperature dropped. We had fortunately off to the waterhole to hydrate and clean aware of the danger we might be in. found a patch of trees which would hopefully ourselves before we set off on our journey. I heard murmurs of people talking protect us and other animals throughout We were currently in the lush foliage of a and positioned myself ready to charge, the storm, however long it may be. national reserve and intended to stay as long ordering the rest of the herd to try and The night sky seemed dark above as we could in such a welcoming home. escape. Three men appeared from the bush our heads. We huddled up together for As we were leaving the waterhole, a holding heavy rifles and I instantly knew, warmth, telling old stories and tales to particularly interesting thing happened; a from my experiences of the past, that they make ourselves sleepy. After many tales, family of leopards approached opposite were poachers. I trumpeted loudly and all of us were in a deep, deep sleep, us and quietly perched upon the rocks, started stampeding towards the men, who our minds full of imagination, while the waiting for their turn at the waterhole. dashed off to their vehicle some distance sound of the rain filled the Savannah. This was unusual. I glanced back at the away. I sensed that I had made it clear to
ST JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Fruit Salad As part of our Unit of Inquiry ‘Foods Apples are tasty and grow on trees, from the earth’, we have been looking they’re bigger and better at different fruits.After feeling, smelling, than little green peas. looking and best of all tasting various fruits, Year 1 thought about some adjectives that Strawberries are sweet and are could describe these tasty fruits. Following best with cream, this we wrote a poem together as a class, we eat them with sugar designed to make your mouth water! in our dreams
By Year 1 Coconuts are brown Fruit Salad is a wonderful treat, and very hairy too, it is very yummy and scrummy to eat. eat a bit a day, it’s healthy for you! Orange oranges are juicy and sweet, they are nothing like our smelly feet.
Lemons are sharp and can be sour, they are the colour of a bright yellow flower.
42 IES magazine Our Writers
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL ST JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HELDERBERG I have a Dream Year 4 Camping Trip
Speech by: Anton Gollia Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I stand before you today to talk about that which worries us and runs through our minds all the time. Maybe your parents as well. People are losing jobs. The rand buys a quarter’s worth. The shopkeeper keeps a gun under the counter. We hear about a new riot every second week. We riot as though it will fix everything. The blunt painful truth is that it won’t fix anything, but I understand that sometimes it’s for good reasons. I can’t fix all these problems I can’t fix all our problems, but like you, I have a dream. I have a dream that political parties By Jessie, Mikee and Lara we were looking for birds, lizards and tree can put aside their differences On Wednesday 6 June, Year 4 arrived frogs. We only saw one bird! It was a lovely and pull together their resources at Epphaven House in Cornwall. We had sight. After we had looked at lots of plants for the good of the people. planned the trip ourselves and had intended like cocoa beans, rubber, pineapples and I have a dream that people in power to sleep in a tent, but the weather was too bananas, it was time to go. It was pouring will put away their pride, selfishness and bad. Instead, we slept in the dining room of with rain outside so we had to run to the car. lies to help the people around them. the house. When we got back, we had fish and chips for I have a dream that even the On arrival, we went for a walk along the dinner before going to bed. Everyone was junkyard townships like Khayalitsha cliff and then made our way to the beach to really tired and went to sleep quickly. will be replaced with modern, look for crabs. Mr Colwill (Alan) took most On the last day, we packed up the house, yet affordable housing. of us back to the house in the car while Mrs cleaned up and went to Tintagel. We walked I have a dream that people understand Colwill, Nell and Lara walked back. When down to the sea and saw a film about the that it takes time to fix problems like we got back, Alan and Nell cooked the tea legend of King Arthur. Then we climbed up this on such a huge scale and that on the BBQ. Mrs Colwill taught us how to some steps and reached the ruin of the castle rioting doesn’t fix life’s problems play a really good game in the garden. We on top of the cliff. We watched some arrows I firmly believe that soon, good got called for tea and we all sat outside to and trebuchets being fired then joined in things will come and the wall of eat. After tea, we toasted marshmallows with some sword-fighting against grown-up ignorance will fall and be replaced on long sticks on the BBQ, then we made knights. There were two ruined rooms next by a passage of understanding. ourselves at home, listened to a story and to the fighting ground. In one of the rooms, You may think I’m just a dreamer, went to bed. we listened to story-telling and Kieran, Polina but from a dream comes an idea, On the second day, we went to the Eden and Jessie took parts in the story. Kieran had the idea formulates into a plan and Project. When we finally got there we had to marry one of the mothers watching! After if the plan is taken into action, to park in the Banana Zone. We ran through that, we had lunch sitting in the ruin of the a dream can become a reality. a shower to the entrance and watched a Old Hall. puppet show about what the world would After lunch, we climbed down the steps be like without plants. After this, we went before climbing up really steep steps to a to the Mediterranean biome. Mrs Colwill new courtyard. There were more knights gave us a sheet with lots of photos on it there and a horse wearing a medieval and we had to find the object in the photos saddle. It was really high up the cliff and and answer questions about it. A man quite windy. We had to walk back up to the with a patchwork coat and a big stick was car park then. Some of us had ice-creams doing storytelling so we sat and listened and then we came back to school. to him. We looked around and saw some It was a really fun trip and we loved being fascinating plants. Then Mrs Parry- at Epphaven. We were sorry not to sleep Davies joined us. We made our in tents, but it was so cold and wet that we way into the Rainforest biome. were glad to be in the house in the end. It was hotter here and We all want to go again.
IES magazine 43 Our Writers
BLOUBERG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HOUT BAY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Fossil Park Year 6 Biome poems Tundra Wetlands By Chloe, Malu, Lukas and Manoek Year 6 By Evie Year 6 At night the mountain sleeps peacefully, Her squelching bogs comfort the ground While the reindeer attempts to Her plants rest in the water climb up it while it still can, Any creatures close to her soothing arms But the reindeer is too late, Are far away from slaughter And the sun breaks loose. Her mighty trees stand proudly above the ground During mid day the moose search tirelessly, Providing shade for all below They wander alone yet travel together, Gleaming rain droplets beat For food to eat, down across the land Before dusk arrives and the sun will Aiding wildlife while helping it grow die down before it can sleep. She bears gifts to all the animals Of swamps, bogs and the great marsh I’m the coldest and the driest of all of them, They come from everywhere You would think that nothing to admire her beauty can survive with me, No matter the conditions immensely harsh Well you are wrong because look at me, She gives her life to the animals I’m the home to many species. Barbaric battles she fights To the safety of all wetland creatures From fearsome alligator to puny hydrophyte By Chloe Goldman, Year 3 Ocean Yet some people have hatred for her On Friday 2 March the Year Chloe Courcier, Daisy Blijdorp, Ben Cragg Year 6 They say she is rancid and foul 3s went on an outing to the She is warm and frightened She replies to them with ruthless cries West Coast Fossil Park and Her gentle heart beats to the Her storms surround them with we learnt about fossils. rhythm of the waves earsplitting, thunderous growls Wendy was our guide. She gave The coral blossoms in the ocean The elegant wetlands us a presentation about animals. She like cherry blossom The most diverse gift to mother Earth told us about the African bear, hyenas, It gives her a magical touch of colour. To endure safety to all the wetland animals sharks, a short neck giraffe with long To make way for birth horns, a short neck giraffe with short Tropical fish swim as if to be The bog reeks repulsively horns and elephants. There are four taking a mid-day stroll The alligator creeps slyly to types of elephants and five types of Schools of exotic creatures show their faces catch prey with its claw hyenas. We discussed all the animals. The playful fish run happily The hydrophytes glide majestically The shark tooth was as big as my hand. through her streaming heart While she rests forever more We listened to Edward while we hiked AND THEN THE SHARK CAME… and drank. When we looked for fossils I found one frog bone. I learnt about Sharks live in her spot of shame BOCA PREP lots of fossils. He told us about the little They call persuasively for the INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL bones and what animals they were from. beautiful golden fish After that we went to the mock dig Sprinting after them he catches his dinner Through the Eyes site. We had to dig for cow bones. I And all is peaceful again. had to share a block with Mickenzi. of Prep PYP 3 The man showed us how to do it. We Written by: Molly C. Kantor scooped, poured, swept, brushed My name is Molly Kantor. I’m in 3rd and dug lots of sand from the block. grade at Boca Prep. From 3-4 pm we have I had a lot of experience at the fossil enrichments. During this time, I do “Directors park. We explored at the mock dig Cut.” Directors Cut is a fun place to make site. After that we cleaned our hands. movies. We make real movies and sometimes Then we had to go home. I enjoyed we also make movie trailers. We are the stars this outing a lot. I thought this was of the movie! Once we made a movie made fun and exciting. It was the best. out of clay! I really enjoy Directors Cut.
44 IES magazine Our Writers
THE GRANTHAM PREPARATORY SCHOOL
This Year The Grantham Year 6 Biome poems Preparatory School was entertained by The Young Shakespeare Company’s performance of Julius Caesar. The children were totally engaged by this dramatic tragedy which revolved around the plot to murder the great general and leader, Julius Caesar. Class 5 children attempted to convey how the Roman people would have felt following the murder of a man so highly thought of. This newspaper article is by Lily Chow.
Dear Young Shakespeare Company, I thank you so, so much for your sensational performance of Julius Caesar today. Each and every one of us here stared in awe at your extremely skilled actors until the very end of the play! I loved the idea of leaving a lot of the questions in the tale for us to answer, just like the main plot of the fabulous film Life of Pi! Enabling the audience to join in makes it fascinating for the pupils watching and of course comical! Alive and bouncy atmosphere always draws children in-well it certainly did me - and I felt the actors /actress linked together to create a warming scene. I particularly enjoyed the emotions triggered by Mark Antony played by Alistair Hoyle, when tragically Caesar was murdered. It was very dramatic when Brutus and Cassius killed themselves during battle. Josephine Arden was brilliant in the way she could describe her characters in her feelings and body language. You all managed to wind the story into our minds excellently, and I can find no faults with it. Many thanks once again, and to your wonderful Director - Christopher Geelan - who has a great gift for building a story filled with emotions and clever amusement, which allowed all the children to engage with the story and characters! Yours Sincerely E. LEADLEY IES magazine 45 Our Writers
SEK BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HOUT BAY Hero Friendship By Dylan Lasso Cester lifeless bodies of soldiers and civilians, Radiant flags danced in the bothering men and women, boys and girls, babies heat of a July afternoon, as our and mothers; the piercing cry of a girl, anthem tinted the air of triumph. As a despoiled of her purity, staring at the hero, I marched shoulder to shoulder with breathless remains of her lovely mother my comrades, those who had raised their while dragged by the sinful claws of a arms by my side. Synchronizing our steps heartless enemy. I remembered the taste to the victorious fanfare, we solemnly of alien blood, the burning of a cigarette advanced on the pompous avenue under rolled with hands dyed of red and black, of the endless rain of multicolored confetti. which every painful puff’s smoke dissolved Dragging behind us thousands of joyful with the smoke of devastated homes and eyes that observed our advance from both scorched flesh. sides of the festively ornamented street, All this I remembered, as I triumphantly we followed those who had achieved marched among the joyful crowd that the glory with us. I timidly looked at celebrated the death of thousands. By Jade Botha my companions in the glorious march; Thousands, whose souls had not vanished I believe friendship to be a double- their proud eyes shone, manifesting but would rest on my shoulders until the edged sword, capable of bringing their feeling of immortality, as their lips end of my sinful days, as the burden that I tremendous amounts of joy as well as recited the glorious lines of our hymn. would never get rid of. Thousands, whose earth-shattering pain. Friendship, at the Hands rested on pride-filled chests and blood I would never be able to wash off beginning, is a carefully choreographed accelerated hearts, as we moved along, my hands. Thousands, whose children dance with fire. Fire, with its warmth, and carrying our most loyal assistants on would grow up orphans. Thousands, who calm inviting glow, is what true friendship our shoulders. Epic tales of honor and had never pulled a trigger. appears to be to me; the feeling that you patriotism were spat out by the strident belong and the trust-like bonds of steel megaphones, followed by deafening shared between true friends. choral cheers and innocent juvenile Friendship is blind to the standards smiles. Dreamy kids raised their wooden and prejudice that society injects into us toy weapons in the air while forcing their at an early age, free from the hate that infantile voices and greeted, with their still slowly smothers us into silence, free of immaculate hands, as wishes of an equal discrimination and double standards. grandeur flooded their ingenuous minds Friendship is beautiful in the way that it brings which now flew by the majestic jets that people together, regardless of ethnicity or painted the sky with the venerable colors culture, bringing the youth of every nation of our dear motherland. Incredulous together to create a better world. wives, dressed in their finest velvet shook The appearance of a friend doesn’t matter white handkerchiefs, blessing the return in the slightest; they could be black, white, of their loved husbands with their tear- purple, green. Fat, thin or tall. What matters stained eyes. in friends are the qualities they possess. I silently kept marching by those who Whether they’re the class clown or the had faced death beside me, remembering resident drama queen, is irrelevant. As long the smell of terror and gunpowder stuck as they love you for who you are, you can be in my nostrils. I rhythmically stepped sure you’ve found a friend to keep. forward, cursing the endless images of Although, at the moment, your ties with despair that now tortured my mind and friends may be tightly bound, with age the the infantile looks of hopelessness that rope which holds them, may cease to exist, now stabbed my heart, on which endless falling away and becoming just a mere columns of forgotten names had been shadow of itself, leaving behind pain and carved with a rusty knife; the names of all shards of shattered memories. the innocent that had fallen to the cannon Through the thick and thin of friendship, of my unconditional companion held as long as you’ve found that one true friend, by my guilty hands. I remembered the whose presence brings you comfort, you sound of my dusty boots splashing on know that, whatever may happen, you’ll the rivers of scarlet, dodging among the never be alone.
46 IES magazine Friendship
Parents
IES magazine 47 Parents
BLOUBERG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL The Bucket List
By Megan Elinhorn Kilimanjaro has been on my bucket list for some time, so when a friend in Canada suggested we get a group together I was very keen from the start. In the end there were 10 of us – all ladies – that decided to join the adventure. The reality starts to set in when you know how much training is suggested, and even more so when some well-meaning member of your group sends you a schedule for training they got from the internet. I started training as many days a week as I could around 6 months before and in earnest for at least 5 days a week from 12 weeks before our trip in early August 2012. Spending time on your legs is necessary and the more actual hiking you can do in preparation, the better. The training is intense, as is the list of gear needed. I was lucky enough to borrow most of mine from a friend who had done the climb only months before and this saved me a huge amount of money. All the nerves and preparation and hours many of us experienced effects of altitude literally just a brief stop and a means to in the gym or elsewhere worrying about for the first time when we woke in the night an end. It was also the first place we felt getting my fitness level up all became gasping for breath with our hearts racing. truly cold. Along the entire climb you walk academic once we got onto that plane. Leaving the forest, the path follows a steep through different zones both geologically Then you have to hope you have done ridge, passing through heather and open and biologically and it’s really interesting enough and relax to enjoy the trip. moorlands, and crossing a large gorge to as well as beautiful in my opinion. Our climb was on the Machame reach Shira Camp (12,500ft/3800m). The There are many things about Kilimanjaro route. Machame is a beautiful route up view from Shira was truly spectacular. that are challenging and push you out of your Kilimanjaro, with a lovely gradual ascent The next day you start out and turn comfort zone and it is not just the physical through forest. You emerge to see wide eastwards and continue ascending through aspect of the climb. If camping in extreme views of the moorland on Shira Plateau, the dry landscape before dropping again to conditions is not for you then it will be a Kibo and western breach. Machame is reach Barranco Camp (13,000ft/3900m). tough time. I did fall prey to acute mountain a little less popular than the Marangu The drop is deliberate in order to assist you sickness and can tell you it is everything they route due to the extra time, but a bit more in acclimatising and helping to reduce effects say and worse. The ablutions facilities (or lack popular for those who like climbing. of altitude sickness. I had my 42nd birthday thereof) is something some people said they On day one of our climb we were on the mountain and that evening the porters just wouldn’t be able to cope with (I can tell transferred from our hotel to the Kilimanjaro managed to scrape together ingredients you that the coin toss for the first showers National Park Gate at Machame. From here to make a cake (not standard mountain when we descended was a big deal – and we started to trek through the lush forest fare), picked some wild flowers and came that first shower felt like heaven after the to Machame Camp (10,000ft/3000m) into the mess tent after dinner to deliver water starts to run clean and not brown). But for our first overnight stay. It was here that the cake and sing to me. It brought tears this was a personal challenge and journey to my eyes. The next day the path climbs for me as it is for most people who do Kili, steeply out of the Barranco Valley, crosses and it was in every way one of the greatest the Karanga Valley, and then turns north to experiences of my life. There are incredible reach Barafuu Camp (15,500ft/4600m) – sights and experiences daily, from the Barafu is the point from which you leave to majesty of the mountain views to the humble summit (first to Stella point and then onto helpfulness of the porters that mean you Uhuru (19,340ft/5896m). Barafu has to never stop feeling blessed to be having the be one of the bleakest places to camp I experience. My husband and son are keen to have ever experienced, and is thankfully do it when Ethan is older and I will be back.
48 IES magazine Parents
SEK BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BOCA PREP INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Don’t Throw It Out! Recycle! PTO: Creating a The Bucket List School Legacy One Tile at a Time
This year the Parent Teacher Organization at Boca Prep International School introduced a creative fundraiser where students had the opportunity to purchase and hand paint their own ceramic tile. Lisa Lusardi, a parent volunteer and PTO member (seen below), assisted students with their tiles and shared her expertise. The tiles will be glazed and fired to be displayed as a mural in the school for students, staff, and parents to admire. The PTO hopes to continue this fundraiser in years to come and watch the tile mural grow. Proceeds from the fundraiser were given to the music and drama departments.
Mrs Zita Nagy has worked tirelessly to National Nonprofit, which is an organization educate youth about the importance that coordinates recycling efforts and raises of taking care of our planet through awareness of its importance. recycling. As mother of 4th grader Minka, The nonprofit believes that waste she brought her educational package to reduction is everyone’s responsibility. The the school in the form of a great exhibition, recycling exhibition was held in the school complete with recycled material for students at the same time as the 2012 IES Board to touch and feel the quality of products that Meeting, which allowed board members to can be made using what most people would enjoy it as well. consider garbage. Zita works with Oko-Kord
IES magazine 49 Parents
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HELDERBERG HOLY TRINITY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Bag2School Helps Miles For Smiles! Bag PA Dosh! The Parents Association (PA) of Holy Trinity International School (HTIS) are ecstatic after their last Bag2School collection raised an amazing PA fundraising figure of £450, and they are now encouraging even more cupboard rummaging for their next collection. PA chairman, Mrs Michelle Howles, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to have raised £450 – quite simply astonishing! “The PA would like to thank everyone for their help with the Bag2School fundraising initiative, and for their continued support of all PA activities throughout the school year.” PA funds raised directly benefit the school’s students, purchasing new equipment for all sections of For the past four years the International The creative T-shirts were super special and the school, including specialist School of Helderberg has been I believe we have our new art teacher, Mrs teaching aides to new stage lighting raising funds for an organisation Lynda Leibbrandt, to thank for that input in for the school’s concert hall, as called Operation Smile (www. addition to our learners own creative ideas. well as supporting numerous other operationsmile.org.za). Operation We were not without our challenges local and county charities. Smile South Africa (OSSA) is a group of on the day in the form of the weather but Headteacher Mrs Pamela Leek- medical volunteers who repair childhood God is good in opening a ‘hole’ in the sky Wright, said: “On behalf of our students facial deformities while building public every time for our event to take place in the and staff ‘thank you’ to our families and private partnerships that advocate sun. I want to take this moment to thank for their generous donations, and to sustainable healthcare systems for children those people without whom this event our growing band of PA parents who and families in South Africa, Southern would not have been possible. First of all help daily to enrich student life.” Africa and around the world. Operation Mr Jerling who has been the backbone Smile South Africa is part of a global in getting the event set up and for all his alliance of Operation Smile foundations hard work on the day. Secondly would and chapters dedicated to providing free be the wonderful team of moms that treatment to children and adults suffering worked at the tuck shop – did you all see from cleft lips and cleft palates. Together, the ‘smiley doughnuts’? This was hugely we create smiles, change lives and heal appreciated by many a hungry person. humanity. With our last four events we have Many of our parents worked tirelessly managed to raise over R125 000 and this and effortlessly leading up to and on the has changed the lives of 23 families. day and we would just like to thank every On Friday 25 May The International School single one of them. Thank you to the parents of Helderberg hosted its 5th Miles for Smiles that were there in support or volunteering. Cycle Rally in support of Operation Smiles Thank you to the teachers that helped but vision of ‘changing lives one smile at a time’. most of all thank you to the learners for This is a very special event in the life of ISH. your enthusiasm, support and energy! There were different courses for the different Through the combined efforts of the age groups and students cycled for two International School of Helderberg and hours to raise money for this worthy cause. Macquarie Securities South Africa, we It was a joy to bring it back to the heart of raised a phenomenal R71 878-70 for From left to right: helping with the Bag2School the school and to see so many new faces Operation Smile South Africa this Year! collection, 10 Year olds, David Farnsworth, Tamzin pedalling away on the day. Worton and Joshua Strachan.
50 IES magazine Our Schools
IES magazine 51 Our Schools
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HOUT BAY
New campus opening January 2014.
ST JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
52 IES magazine Our Schools
BOCA PREP INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
THE GRANTHAM PREPARATORY SCHOOL
IES magazine 53 Our Schools
HOLY TRINITY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HELDERBERG
54 IES magazine Our Schools
SEK BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
BLOUBERG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
New campus opened January 2013.
55 IES magazine IES magazine 55 Students
56 IES magazine Students
SEK BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL THE GRANTHAM PREPARATORY SCHOOL Swinging for Success Viking Challenge By Mr Park How would you like to swing a golf This Year, Adam in Year 4 took part club all day, every day, for about in the Viking Challenge, which is three months? Sound like fun? Well, an off road cycling event which all that swinging might just get to you raises money for charity – The Ear after the first few days and you might Foundation- and Redmile School. begin to consider another sport. That’s Adam rode the 30k route and was not how 6th grader Polett Kiss feels the youngest entrant and the individual about her ambitious golf aspirations. who raised the most in sponsorship - On the southern coast of Spain, in the £305.00. He completed the challenge tranquil town of Marbella, overlooking the in 1 hour and 56 minutes and was the calm Alboran Sea, Polly is attending the 6th fastest among the under 16 riders. Golden Swing Golf Academy for a period of Congratulations Adam we are all very three months while she seriously improves proud of your achievement. her golf talent. Polly hopes to go pro some day. In the meantime, while enduring long hours under the sun and periodic back aches from the constant swing strain, she is required to keep up on her school work, which is sent to her periodically. And through it all, she still finds time to kick back and relax with her family and friends.
HOLY TRINITY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Worcester County Swimming Association Championships
Competing in the second and final stage of the Worcester County Swimming Association County Championships which attracts top swimmers from swimming clubs across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Holy Trinity International School students once again added to their medal tally.
HTS medals achieved in race 2: • Ellie B – 1st place in the 400m front crawl, 50m front crawl, 200m individual medley, 200m backstroke, 50m breaststroke and 200m butterfly. • Alex R-B – 2nd place in the 200m backstroke, 400m front crawl, 50m breaststroke, 200m individual medley and 3rd place in the 50m front crawl. out of a possible 12 events and Alex old girls, whilst Alex achieved 2nd • Imogen R – 3rd place in won 8 Silver and 2 Bronze medals place in the 9 year old boys. the 400m front crawl. which is a fantastic achievement. Congratulations to Ellie, Alex and In addition to this Ellie also won Imogen and to all our up and coming Over both weekends Ellie won a the BAGCATS Worcester County talented young swimmers! total of 10 Gold and 2 Silver medals Overall Champion for the 9 year
IES magazine 57 Students
BLOUBERG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Yannah Figl Yannah Figl, Year 1, is only 6 Years old but she is one very talented young lady. This past December holiday Yannah celebrated Christmas in Vienna, Austria. While she was in Austria she went on a skiing trip to Schladming where, coincidentally this Year’s Ski World Championships is taking place. It was only Yannah’s second time skiing but with the assistance of her instructor, Yannah excelled. On the last day of her ski school Yannah was able to take part in a giant slalom race and received a gold medal for first place with a time of 35.37 seconds. Both her family and friends are very proud of her accomplishments.
BLOUBERG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Student of the Year 2012
Monique du Plessis, Year 11 as family; they work with us and help us My name is Monique du Plessis and I to better ourselves, both academically am sixteen years old. I am proud to say and expressively, resembling our school that I had the honour of being selected as song, ‘we work together as a team’. Both student of the Year 2013, in only my first students and teachers work together in Year at Blouberg International School. order to create a pleasant atmosphere When I joined I was welcomed with open where we all feel comfortable and safe. arms, and soon became part of the close- As a year eleven student, I can honestly knit family that constitutes our school. say that hard work and dedication form the When I joined the school I was offered the basis of a success at Blouberg International opportunity of becoming a representative School. Being part of the first group of of the school. I therefore ran for the students to write IGCSE exams, I have Student Representative Council and to my made it my goal to get high marks in order delight was voted in as a SRC member. I to make my school proud. Each student am exceptionally grateful to say that this produces work to the best of their abilities title has been an amazing experience for with help and encouragement from the me. I can proudly say that the leadership teachers. Our syllabus teaches us a lot of skills I have learnt throughout the year different skills ranging from leadership will stay with me for years to come, and skills to time management skills. With the it formed a solid basis to build upon. workload and pressure as students we learn When I first joined Blouberg International to manage our time in such a way that we School, our principal explained to us still get time to be teenagers and to enjoy All of the teachers put time and effort into what our motto stands for and how it lays our life out of school. This syllabus however preparing for class and always deliver the foundation for our school ethic. At also requires discipline due to the amount their preparations with pleasure. first I thought of it as just another school of self-study involved. As a student I know I am and will always be proud to motto, but slowly I realised that I was that school comes first and I make it my say that I am a member of Blouberg mistaken. Our school motto is unique duty to ensure that I work hard in everything International School. I will forever and it is shown in everything we do as I do. Every subject requires a different cherish the memories made, the we do all things as one with wisdom and approach in both teaching and learning. love shared and the wisdom gained. knowledge. The teachers consider us ‘Sapientia Quod Faciendum Faciam’.
58 IES magazine Students
SEK BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Musical Ambition
Éder Lili first picked up a violin when Speaking in three languages, Hungarian, she was 4 years old. “My mom said I saw English, and Spanish, Lili understands it and immediately wanted to start playing the intensity school carries with all the it. I’ve been playing ever since.” She is now homework and language issues. But that 11 years old and in the 5th grade. Having doesn’t seem to get her down; rather, it decided at the age of 6 that she wanted to invigorates her. “My inspiration comes go professional, she takes practising very from my mother. She has taught me to be seriously. “I receive special music instruction determined and never give up something twice a week from my teacher Lászlóné I believe in”. Her mother, Katalin Csillagh, Tardos at Járdányi Pál Zeneiskola, a private is a recognized Hungarian pianist who has music school, and I practice the violin every enjoyed great success in Europe, achieving night, although not always for the same first-place recognition at international amount of time.” competitions, giving concerts in various renowned music halls throughout the continent, and releasing CDs whose music can be heard on the radio and television. When asked if she wanted to do what her mom is doing, Lili said, “Well, I want to be just as talented, but I want to do more than just play music.” In addition to learning the violin, she also attends dance class as an extracurricular activity and is interested in acting and science. Such ambitious passion for living life is an inspiration to us all.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HELDERBERG Eisteddfod
We would like to congratulate our • Emily-Anne Broekhuysen received a • Stuart was such a star as he perfomed Speech Eisteddfod students who Cum Laude for her prepared reading. in a piece from ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ competed in this year’s Helderberg • Katherine Lott received a Gold in a brilliant American accent and he Eisteddfod. They did an amazing job Plus for her prepared reading. got a well-deserved Cum Laude. and we are proud of their achievements. • Grace Christie and Lauren Jefthas both • For their Choral Verse, Emily -Anne The results were as follows: received Gold Plus for their poems Broekhuysen and Katherine Lott • Joel Finnie received a Gold Plus • Iman Levak performed a very difficult received a Silver Plus and Grace for his poem and Cum Laude characterisation as ‘Alice’ from ‘Alice Christie, Lauren Jefthas and Iman for his prepared reading. in Wonderland’ and got a Gold Plus! Levak were awarded a Gold Plus.
IES magazine 59 Students
HOLY TRINITY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HOUT BAY Prima Ballerina High Achievers Over the last academic year ISHB has delivered a group of students who have and Netball star achieved in a variety of fields.Two of the school’s students were included in the 2011 Cambridge IGCSE South African top achievers list:
• Aidan Buys – gained the highest mark in South Africa for IGCSE History
• Heather Belling – gained the highest mark in South Africa for High Achievement in IGCSE Drama
• Frances Jones in Year 10 came second at South African Vaulting champs in December in her class and also second in Freestyle Canter Pairs (two people on the horse at the same time.).
Year 10 student, Mary, is a most • Adam Lincoln-Lewis in Year 12 was experienced and accomplished ranked number 4 downhill skateboarder ballerina who recently took part in a after the King of the Fort (KOTF) 2012 performance of “Swan Lake” at the Downhill Skateboard Junior 2 Final Results Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Prep were announced. Adam Trojan in Year 10 school teacher Mrs Shaw and a selection has qualified to go to the South African of Prep pupils were able to attend the National Trials for swimming for his age performance, which they greatly enjoyed. group in 2013. Not content with being a superb dancer Mary has also been selected to represent the Andy Wood, Principal said, ‘ These students’ county netball team and will be joining the achievements are evidence of the quality U16 Worcestershire County Netball Team of teaching and learning at the school. shortly. These accomplishments are the product of Well done, Mary! dedication, discipline and a love of learning.’
ST JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Examination success! By Mike Burgess for his overall achievement across eight English, Science and Global Perspectives) Five trail-blazing Year 11 students subjects. In the parlance of the UK tabloid and have achieved an outstanding haul took their IGCSE examinations at press, who focus more on headlines of 10 As and 5A*s between them. We St John’s International School this than underlying substance, this means are really looking forward to even more summer. Since the School’s acquisition that 35% of our students achieved A* success this coming summer as our second by IES five years ago, this is our first cohort & A grade and 87% A* to C grade. As a group of Year 11 students take the bulk of examination candidates and we are very non-selective school in our first year of of their qualifications - most aiming for 9 proud of their results. Between them, the formal qualifications this is clearly a superb grades A*-C! five students achieved a total of 9 As, 4 achievement. This success is on the back of some Bs and 14 Cs. Particular congratulations An additional twelve Year 10 students excellent Key Stage 2 (Year 6) results go to Artur who achieved an International have also taken between one and three received at the end of the Summer term. Certificate of Education, with Distinction, IGCSE qualifications early (in Maths, Very well done to everyone.
60 IES magazine Students
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HELDERBERG Student Wins Short Story Contest
By Mrs Jenny Martin, High School Educator of Georgina’s success given the stiff Georgina Roskell, a Year 12 pupil competition she faced from pupils from all at the International School of over the world. Georgina is intending to Helderberg, was delighted to study Veterinary Science at Onderstepoort receive the news that she had in 2013, so the R20 000 prize money will won the IES and SEK International be well spent. The specification is that the Short Story Contest IES and SEK. total R20 000 is to be spent on books! The competition was open to all pupils Georgina’s story “defeat”, highlights the at IES and SEK schools worldwide, 13 plight of women in abusive relationships. schools participated and judged by an It is to be published in a collection of short international panel in Budapest. The stories later this Year. teachers and pupils at ISH are proud Well done Georgina!
THE GRANTHAM PREPARATORY SCHOOL Swimming Galas – Grantham and Beyond Mr Park, Head of P.E. In November, our swimming team, led by captain Harvey H., ventured off to the wilds of Walsall to take part in the ISA Midlands Championships for the first time in the school’s 25 year history. Pioneers we certainly were – I think some of us were away so long we started work on our “Movember Moustache project!” There were 26 schools taking part in this event which meant a very confusing round of heats was necessary for each race. Our swimmers performed extremely well in a pool which was 8m longer than our current training venue with some winning their individual heats. Lottie (Backstroke), Ella (Breaststroke), Oliver (Breaststroke), Harvey (Butterfly), Sophie (Freestyle) and Year 6 Boys Medley Relay all showing great strength and determination to give themselves a chance of winning the race. Alas we had no individual race winners and Continuing with our swimming back Unfortunately, this year Harvey, our came home – eventually – with no trophies. in Grantham, in March we took part swim captain, was injured. This left Mr This was a very valuable visit in that it in the annual Grantham and District Park and the rest of the team to sweat it gave some of our swimmers an insight Small Schools Swimming Gala. out alone. What a great job the team did, into competitive swimming at a high The pressure was upon us again, from 24 races TGPS swimmers came 1st level of performance and showed them as our swim team attempted to in 11 races and 2nd in 10 securing another that fitness and hard work in swimming maintain their fabulous record of 23 fantastic victory in the competition. is the key to successful performing. wins from 25 years of competing.
IES magazine 61 Teachers
62 IES magazine Teachers
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF HELDERBERG SEK BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL High School Art Pre-school Teacher at ISH Dream
Since she was a child, Ms Orsolya Markó has always wanted to be a preschool teacher. She has spent the last 21 years living her dream as a teacher, tutor, and eventually the Head- Teacher at, and owner of, a bi-lingual, international pre-school in Budapest. Her strengths include focusing on the specific needs of each individual child, encouraging teamwork and promoting acceptance and tolerance within an international environment. She has been instrumental in bringing some positive changes to our pre-school, including the creation of a reading corner exclusively for little children in the school library and the placing of more emphasis on teaching through dance, arts, and crafts. With her love of children, rich and varied experience and her desire to promote tolerance of diversity, she enthusiastically joins our pre-school team. She has two children currently attending SEK Budapest: Csongor in the 4th grade and Zsófia in the 2nd grade. One of her hobbies includes folk dancing, which she has done all By Jennifer Martin 20 cm artworks created by invited artists. her life. She also enjoys participating The Art Department at the International Mrs Leibbrandt is exhibiting at the in her children’s many activities and School of Helderberg has been Woordfees in Stellenbosch this year spending time with her family. much enriched by the creative and has created a striking painting talents and enthusiasm of Mrs Lynda on the theme “Heavenly”. Leibbrandt, who joined the school Last year the International School of in 2012. Mrs Leibbrandt has proved Helderberg were very proud to have to be an inspiration to her pupils. Christopher Fischer, a Year 10 student, When the International School of qualify for the first stage of the Woolworths Helderberg’s Senior Art students enjoyed “Making the Difference Competition”. an outing in Stellenbosch, they were Seniors also participated in the nationwide thrilled to view their teacher’s artworks, Shoprite Checkers “Strokes of Genius” Art “Reflection” and “Kiwi”, at the Sasol Competition last Year, and our students Gallery. Lynda was invited to exhibit there featured amongst the top 100 finalists. as part of the annual Stellenbosch Kuns The Art students at the International Vereniging’s Group Art Exhibition. School of Helderberg are encouraged to Mrs Leibbrandt also regularly participates take part in competitions, exhibitions and in other exhibitions locally. In 2009 she cultural activities. They enjoy wonderful exhibited work at the “30 X 30” exhibition opportunities to experience and absorb in Stellenbosch, then in 2010, “A Slice of the art around them in an area rich in artistic Life” exhibition at the Liebrecht Gallery in endeavour, where great works have been Somerset West, featuring sets of ten, 20 x preserved to inspire the artists of the future.
IES magazine 63 Teachers
BOCA PREP BLOUBERG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Interview with Teacher of the Year Award Winner: James Frazer Cindy McGrath
By Yvette Fourie Pre-Reception teacher Every year the Department James Frazer, the High School Head of of Juvenile Justice under the Studies at Blouberg International took Florida Department of Education some time out of his busy schedule to nominates a Teacher of the Year. tell us more about his other passion This Year, our Middle Years Program in life: Running. He is currently training Humanities and Language Arts Teacher, for the Marathon Des Sables (Marathon Cindy McGrath won the Regional 5 of the Sands in French) that will be held award for the Teacher of the Year. This in the Moroccan Desert in the March award is presented to a teacher who holidays. James is a very dedicated Head of demonstrates a superior capacity Studies and is a role model and inspiration to inspire and increase the learning to all the students in our school. Friday – 10km hill session near Majik of students of all backgrounds and 1. How old were you when Forest Durbanville in the Vineyards abilities. The nomination and selection you started running? followed by a swim workout. If I am really process is highly competitive. Over When I was 11 we started running tired from the previous day I just swim. 200 teachers in the state apply in PE, I was not the fastest but I was Saturday – run in the afternoon with a and only one teacher per region the most determined and gradually heavy pack to get used to that, normally is selected. This is a prestigious found I could ‘out-suffer’ my peers. about 10km, followed by a swim workout. award and Mrs Cindy McGrath 2. What made you decide to take up Sunday – longer run, about 30km accepted her award with honor. running as a competitive sport? on trails, maybe Table Mountain Mrs Cindy McGrath has been Probably not being good at anything or Tygerberg Nature Reserve. teaching for three years. She is a else and it gave me status at school where 4. What planning is involved to get college graduate from Palm Beach I was athletics and cross country captain. yourself ready for such a race? Atlantic University, FL. She has a My true love is running in the mountains. I think I have spent more time planning Bachelor’s Degree in Theological I have run in the snow in the Alps and in than training, you carry everything - sleeping Studies. She enjoys working with the Egyptian Desert and so many different bags, food, first aid kit, you need shoes for students and their families to achieve countries. The other day I ran to school the desert, clothing and sun protection. successful results both in the classroom and an Eagle Owl glided right next to me It’s booking flights and visas, and above and in their home environment. – running gives me the privileges of such all, money. I am spending my pension on moments. I have dabbled in Duathlon this so lots of saving when I get back! (running and cycling) as an adult. It is a The lighter I am the less food I need, small sport, although I was lucky enough so I would like to lose body fat and I have to represent South Africa at the World been experimenting with the Noakes’ diet, Championships in Calais, France, in 2000. which is based on eating much more fat I also enjoy trail running, winning and cutting carbs, which is the opposite the 80km Puffer Race (from Cape of what we currently teach our children. Point to the Waterfront) in 2007. This is one of the big issues in health right 3. Please tell us about your now, and we do not know who is right. upcoming race in Morocco 5. Do you have a motto or famous My typical training week is: saying that has stayed with you Monday – physiotherapy through the years and helps you to (something is always hurting!) keep focused to reach your goal? Tuesday – before school I do a spinning “A little bit of pain never hurt class, after school I do a track session at anyone” (a beautiful paradox) the Bellville Track (about 6 x 800m). “Live the dream” – taken from “If one Wednesday – I try to run with the advances confidently in the direction cross country runners after school and of his dreams, and endeavours to live then do another spinning class. the life which he has imagined, he will Thursday I run to school (22km) and meet with a success unexpected in back after school (another 22km). common hours.” Henry David Thoreau.
64 IES magazine Teachers
BOCA PREP INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL A visit to the Holocaust Memorial
After listening to Mr Klein we were presented with a video about the construction of the memorial. The video explained how the memorial was constructed and why the artist chose to construct the memorial in this way. A giant bronze hand surrounded by smaller sculptures of individuals is at the center of the memorial, but prior to arriving at the center we passed by several other sculptures and a photographic timeline of events during the Holocaust. Once again, the students’ reactions to the memorial itself were powerful. We will let Jacob Russo act as a guide: …[the] first exhibit was a statue of a women holding two children, trying to keep them safe from harm and behind her is a quote by Anne Frank. Anne says that she believes that there is good in every human being, even if they’ve done many terrible things in their lives… Then we move into a wall that shows photo evidence of the event in all its graphic horror. These pictures were disturbing to me, seeing humans completely atrophied, nothing but skin and bone, just disgusted me, and the shadow of the roof, creating what looked like the fence containing the By Matt Blazek, Boca Prep History Teacher “In the bus I was so excited and I was Jews within the camp… it makes you feel Throughout the 2012-13 school year having fun with my classmates but as soon trapped as well. As we came closer to the the seniors at Boca Prep have studied I got there my attitude changed. When main structure, the sound of children singing aspects of the Holocaust in their Isaac, an old gentleman that survived the could be heard in the background. This 20th Century World History course. Holocaust, started to talk I was so sad. I was left an ominous feeling within my gut and This included studying Adolf Hitler’s so into his words that I had a dream about I feel that I would have eventually broken authoritarian state as well as the Arab-Israeli me during those years. His speech was so down into tears if I had kept my full attention conflict as part of their preparations for interesting that I couldn’t even think about on the singing, but for some reason I also the IB History exams The culmination of anything else. Isaac’s words really helped felt like I could listen to the singing all day, these studies was a visit to the Holocaust me in many ways, they really touched my something about it made me feel good as Memorial in Miami Beach, Florida. heart and I cannot even imagine how he well… The main structure itself was a giant Having studied the Holocaust from can explain his stories every day to new Jewish hand reaching for help while other several viewpoints throughout the year, groups of students.” ~ Giacomo Campus Jewish people are trying to climb it, hoping most students had thorough background “He gave me a completely new image for salvation. This was a beautiful display knowledge of the events but did not truly of the holocaust. The holocaust survivor, but it was also very morbid to me, seeing understand the impact of the Holocaust on Isaac Klein, showed me a different image these atrophied beings desperate to find a the Jewish people. This trip brought that of the Holocaust that is not shown in the saviour, it was just heartbreaking. The final impact into focus for many students because history books. The way in which Klein stop was seeing the woman and children they were able to meet and hear from talked about everything that he went from the first exhibit lying dead with a new two survivors of the Holocaust. The most through showed me all of the emotions, Anne Frank quote behind them. Here Anne powerful impact was made by Isaac Klein, a which he is still suffering… By talking to states that everyone’s hopes and dreams twin from Czechoslovakia who survived the a person who suffered the concentration will be crushed and destroyed eventually. experiments of Dr Mengele at Auschwitz. camps and all of the problems that came A final haunting moment, which left me The following statements are reflections after I realized how hard the Holocaust feeling empty inside. ~ Jacob Russo of students that heard Mr Klein speak: actually was…” ~ Javier Acuña
IES magazine 65 Teachers
ST JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL THE GRANTHAM PREPARATORY SCHOOL IGCSE Geography and Science Thanks from Peru! Residential to Slapton
By Jon Gosse In late September, our IGCSE Geographers and Scientists spent four days at the Slapton Ley Field Studies Centre in South Devon as part of their IGCSE programme. The students and teachers were treated to luxurious surroundings, great food and a chance to get away from home for a while. Coursework is a key component of the IGCSE Geography programme (27.5%) and the students spent a day collecting river data in preparation for their final write up. They followed the River Lemon (a tributary of the Teign) from source to mouth and used state of the art data logging equipment to record different aspects of the river’s progress. Many thanks to everyone who Every day, the children walk Another day was spent learning how to sponsored us on our trek at altitude unaccompanied, down the mountain to sample and record freshwater biology as in Peru in search of Paddington Bear! school, in all kinds of weather. The journey part of the IGCSE Science programme Unfortunately, we didn’t see Paddington takes 2 hours and they wear only sandals, and the students also studied the local but many llamas and guinea pigs (a local yet have huge smiles on their faces. ecology of Slapton Ley, a freshwater delicacy… we just couldn’t try one, We thank everyone so much for their lagoon. Each evening everyone returned Class 3 would never forgive us!). generous donations and wishes. We to the classroom to discuss and organise It was a spectacular, breath taking raised in excess of £50,000 for Help for the day’s findings and this was followed and life changing experience on many Heroes and the money is still coming in. by hot drinks in the games room and levels. Our lives were put into perspective We were accompanied on the trek by a few well-chosen ghost stories! The when we witnessed how Peruvian several wounded soldiers who endured students clearly had a fantastic time and families survive in the mountains without great hardship with their disabilities. we extend our thanks to John Banner heating, lighting, running water, a health/ Many thanks from a humbled Paul and his team at Slapton Ley, who gave us dental service and ‘Sainsbury’s’! Wilson.Peripatetic Music Teacher. such a wonderful learning experience.
BOCA PREP INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Using Technology in the Mathematics Classroom
Students enjoy using all forms of see and apply important theorems rather technology; computers, tablets, than just reading about them in a textbook. phones, etc., so why not use their World Education Games is another great enjoyment to engage them in the way to incorporate technology in the classroom? By using technology in the classroom. This year the MYP Mathematics classroom, students can have a better classes have participated in both the understanding of the concepts being taught. American Math Challenge and World Math I have been incorporating technology Day. The students enjoy these activities in my mathematics classes in a variety as they compete with students around of ways. With the MYP 4 class we are the world and get instant results on their studying Geometry. Geogebra is a great progress. Overall, these are great ways to program in which students can actually have students stay involved and actively create constructions. By creating these participate in class. constructions the students can actually
66 IES magazine Teachers
THE GRANTHAM PREPARATORY SCHOOL ST JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Stepping Science Fair out for gold was a Blast!
Mr Burgess explaining renewable energy resources to Year 8 girls Sommer and Willow.
One week in May was the first of around. The whole exhibition finished with hopefully many Sidmouth Science a ‘whiz, bang, pop’ display from a lecturer By Mrs Bell, Year One Teacher Festivals. Along with all the other events from the University of Bath, which involved Mrs Wendy Bell, Class One Teacher and activities that had been organised, demonstrations on frying an egg with liquid at The Grantham Preparatory there was a Science Fair that took place at nitrogen and using dry ice to blow up a School, is focused on achieving Sidmouth Sports Centre. A team of Year rubber glove – it was thoroughly enjoyed by a gold medal in Ballroom and 8s (Rosie, Clarissa and Flora) and Year 10s staff and students alike! The whole event was Latin dancing after successfully (David, Jake, Emily, Helena and Nancy) such a success that the sponsors request that completing the examination for entered into a competition to design stalls another Science Fair is to be held early next silver in November 2012. Wendy to run at the Science Fair of which both went year – time for all the young Scientists at St and her partner, Paul Grinnell, were down amazingly well. John’s to get their thinking hats on! awarded Highly Commended in both Year 8 created a great stall that allowed Not only was St John’s present at the disciplines. The examination involved students to investigate and question the Science Fair; Year 5 had their Space themed performing a waltz, tango, foxtrot, cha ‘pHs’ of different household products, artwork displayed at the Festival’s Art and cha, jive and paso doble. Wendy and whilst Year 10 created a ‘sandwich-bag Science Exhibition as well. The organisers Paul are also taking part in National dartboard’ which was a fun way of examining informed Mr O’Donnell that the visitors dance competitions. They are currently the properties of polyethylene, the plastic to the exhibition were very surprised to learning eight new routines in order to that they are made from. The stalls were discover the pieces were by Year 5 students, secure a gold medal and both agree scrutinised by local Scientists and the due to their fantastic quality! The boarders that dance is fun, great exercise and students of local schools, including the rest also had the opportunity to get involved a fantastic way to spend evenings of Year 8 from St John’s. and try out the hands-on activities at various and weekends after a busy day in Congratulations to the Year 10 team who venues around town at the weekend, which the classroom (or in Paul’s case, the managed to secure third place for their great had been put together by the University of Newsroom at Peterborough Telegraph). work but a MASSIVE well done to both the Exeter and Plymouth, the Institute of Physics Year 8s and 10s for exceptional work all and the Met Office, to name a few.
IES magazine 67 Blouberg International School International School of Hout Bay 74 Ringwood Drive, Parklands Suite 164 Private Bag X14 7441 Cape Town Hout Bay 7872 South Africa Cape Town, South Africa Tel: + (27) 21 557 9071 Tel: + (27) 21 790 8149 - + (27) 21 790 6285 Fax: + (27) 21 557 9027 Fax: + (27) 21 790 5814 [email protected] [email protected] www.blouberginternational.co.za www.houtbay.iesedu.com
Boca Prep International School SEK Budapest International School 10333 Diego Drive South Hűvösvölgyi út 131 Boca Raton, FL. 33428 - USA 1021 Budapest - Hungary Tel: + (1-561) 852 1410 Tel: + (361) 394 2968 Fax: + (1-561) 470 6124 Fax: + (361) 200 6615 [email protected] [email protected] www.bocaprep.net www.budapest.iesedu.com
Holy Trinity International School St John’s International School Birmingham Road, Kidderminster, Broadway ,Sidmouth, Devon, Worcestershire DY10 2BY, UK EX10 8RG, UK Tel: + 44 (0) 1562 822 929 Tel: + 44 (0) 1395 513 984 Fax: + 44 (0) 1562 865 137 Fax: + 44 (0) 1395 514 539 [email protected] [email protected] www.holytrinity.co.uk www.stjohnsdevon.co.uk
International School of Helderberg The Grantham Preparatory School Hazeldendrive, Heritage Park, Gorse Lane, Grantham, Lincolnshire, Somerset West , NG31 7UF, UK 7130 Cape Town, South Africa Tel: + 44 (0) 1476 593 293 Tel: + (27) 21 851 6290/1 Fax: +44 (0) 1476 593 293 Fax: + (27) 21 851 6292 [email protected] [email protected] www.granthamprep.co.uk www.helderberg.iesedu.com
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