Al yasmina school newsletter issue2

AL YASMINA ABU DHABI Connect issue 2
SCHOOL Bloom MARCH 2012
Grow
Learn
Nurture
Play

THE SECONDARY
PARTNERSHIP

AL YASMINA SCHOOL STRIVES TO BE AN
OUTSTANDING INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
SCHOOL, MAXIMISING THE LEARNING
POTENTIAL OF ALL

WELCOME
Welcome to the second issue of The Secondary It also gives Al Yasmina School the chance to celebrate
PARTNERSHIP, the official newsletter of the secondary progress and achievement and provide more in depth
department at Al Yasmina School. It is emailed to parents information to parents on a wide variety of subjects.
on the 1st day of every month or on the last day of term.
The Secondary PARTNERSHIP keeps you up-to-date We welcome your feedback.
with student activities across the secondary department. communications@alyasmina.sch.ae

CONTENTS
Welcome from the head of school, Mr Gale 3

Airline food, snowball fights and disco moves:
reports from the ski slopes 4

Focusing on the Arabic Department 5

Study tips from Year 11 students 7

The joys of volunteering 8

How the school supports students 9

Al Yasmina set to become community recycling centre 10

All about maths 11

Work experience sharpens career goals 12

Snippets: a quick look at the history trip,
second-hand uniforms and science week 13

Students of the month 14

Sports news 15

Family fun day 16

The Secondary PARTNERSHIP
Topics, trends, updates, views and news from the Al Yasmina Secondary Department

FUN IN THE SNOW: Pictured on the cover are Al Yasmina's skiers and snowboarders on the slopes in Kitzbuhel, Austria. 2

AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 2
MARCH 2012

FROM THE HEAD
OF SCHOOL
It’s just 22 days since the inaugural issue of The Secondary
PARTNERSHIP was sent out to our parent community. I’m
delighted to bring you the second edition, along with some of
the comments from parents. Improving our communication is
a key objective as we move through the round of changes in the
school; it’s good to know you think we are on the right track.

The end of the term is always a time for reflection and to focus
on what’s ahead. This is especially the case at Al Yasmina
as we enter into a new phase at the school. As I said in the
last newsletter, the show must go on - and it has. Since the
change in the school leadership we have been doing some hard
thinking. We’re in the process of scrutinising areas of strength
and weakness. In other words, we’re having a good, long hard
look at what we do and how we do it - and the good news is
there will be a very clear way forward. We will tap into expert
advice from external providers who will provide support for the
school and our staff along the way. The outcome will be a very Comments, feedback and suggestions:
clear, realigned vision for the school.
communications@alyasmina.sch.ae
Both myself and our teachers will take time over the holidays to
reflect on what we want the school to become and how we want “I always knew that there was
it to look in September when we open our doors. Our students
a lot going on in the secondary
will also need to do some thinking over the holidays, focusing
on what they need to do to move their learning forward and to school, but I had no idea of the
become better learners. There is no time to draw breath as breadth of activities until I read
we look towards the final term of the school year. Our GCSE
and AS students will need to be focused and determined as
this newsletter. The school
their exams continue. Our teachers are behind our students should be proud of its pupils
100 per cent, supporting and nurturing them and encouraging and the range of opportunities
them to aspire to be the best they can. Read more about these
support measures on page 9. Hard work reaps rewards and it makes available to them. Well
we’ve again recognised our hard working students who have done.” Year 8 parent.
made significant progress by awarding them as students of the
month (page 14). Students are nominated by curriculum team
leaders in recognition of their effort, progress and attitude. We “I’ve just got one thing to
acknowledge student achievement on a frequent basis, ranging
from awarding weekly house points, and then by monthly, say - WOW! This magazine is
termly and finally yearly rewards which recognise attainment amazing. I’m looking forward to
and achievement. Today you’ll be able to access your child’s
report online and will be able to see for yourself what progress
the next issue.” Year 10 parent.
they have made.

This has been a particularly action packed term. In term two “Thanks Al Yasmina for such a
every year group has had some kind of enriching experience, brilliant magazine. There is a lot
whether it is in the classroom, as part of involvement in a show,
through after school clubs, educational visits or school trips.
to be proud of in the secondary
Design deadlines mean we can’t feature some of the events school. I’m forwarding this to
over the last couple of days, such as the spring fling, the House the family in the UK who are
swimming competitions and the spring concert, but look out for
photos next month. Students on the Year 10 Germany trip are always asking just what school
travelling from Munich to Berlin today. They arrive back in Abu is like in Abu Dhabi.” Year 11 parent.
Dhabi on Monday. Look for pictures and an account of their visit
in the next issue of The Secondary PARTNERSHIP. Meanwhile,
this issue focuses on the Arabic Department and in the next
edition, on May 1, we will look at PE. Enjoy your holidays and
thank you for your continuing support. 3

MARCH 2012

KITZBUHEL MEMORIES

By Emily Green, Year 10 By Mitchell Bryant, Year 10

On February 18, 38 excited students headed out on their skiing Travelling is not always much fun! Airplane food, crying babies
adventure to Kitzbuhel, Austria. I was in the beginner ski group and uncomfortable seats. Well, ignoring that, this year’s ski
as I had never skied before. Mr. Stanley, my form tutor, had trip was awesome. The views were out of this world! After
some of the funniest falls at the most random moments! Miss spending 2 years in Abu Dhabi without seeing natural snow it
Williams also specialised in falling spectacularly and skiing was breathtaking. On the first day, we were shown to our rooms,
unintentionally off-piste, whilst Miss Fenning expertly navigated given out gear for the week and were taken out to a small slope
her way down and across the slopes. Mr Ward also looked just to practice. The majority of the time we were out on the
impressive on a snow board before the week was out. Even slopes or left to have our own snowball fights. I planned to have
when we were off the skis we were having fun. Ice skating was built a ramp by the end of the week, but couldn’t do anything
hilarious and I got an amazing video of Mr Stanley and Mr Ward without being pelted with a snowball. Every year we have a disco
dancing hand in hand on the ice! But the best bit other than at a local club in the town and every year the vibe is great! People
skiing would have to be the disco. Everyone had a great time and I didn’t expect to see dancing were in the middle of the dance
the dance offs were pretty funny. Karim did a fine job of advising floor. I even ended up having a dance battle against my own
the DJ of the latest tracks for the group to bust a move to, and brother! On the last day, everyone was a little depressed knowing
rustling up the crowd into a dancing frenzy! Overall it was an we have to leave the winter wonderland that is Kitzbuhel. Overall
amazing trip. Everyone had a great time and improved their it was an amazingly fun trip and I am sad to not be able to go next
skiing skills hugely. I have made so many new friends and have year.
some wonderful memories from our week in Austria. 4

MARCH 2012

STUDENTS URGED TO
PRACTISE SPEAKING ARABIC
OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT: Mr Abu Saleh encourages students to speak modern standard Arabic at home

Practising speaking Arabic at home is essential if students want by the United Nations as the world’s sixth most widely spoken
to advance their knowledge of the standard spoken language, language. There are many job opportunities for Arabic speakers
the Curriculum Team Leader for Arabic, Islamic Studies in the West. “From work, business and study Arabic is a must
and Social Studies, Mr Abu Saleh says. Students are taught for the universal co-existence of the cultures. If you know the
modern standard Arabic (MSA) which is not spoken in the basic vocabulary of modern standard Arabic it will immediately
everyday world where different dialects of Arabic dominate. It open doors for better understanding of Arab and Muslim
is, however, an international Arab language and is increasingly worlds,” Mr Abu Saleh says.
being used in business, media and commerce. It is also used
the world over by all Muslims when the Qur’an is recited, in
their liturgical activities and during Friday sermons, ensuring it ARABIC: WHO TAKES WHAT?
will always thrive and never become totally extinct. The following requirements are set by the Ministry of
Education and Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC):
“The children are not getting the environmental support to • The Arabic language is mandatory for all students from
further enhance and develop the skills which they are learning Year 1 to Year 10. Native speakers and some non-native
in the classroom,” Mr Abu Saleh says. “This is a problem for speakers also start their GCSE Arabic as a second language
both native and non native speakers. I once asked a group of in Y10.
more than 200 parents how many spoke modern standard • Emirati students without exception have to study Ministry
Arabic at home and no hands were raised. I am therefore asking Arabic & Islamic Studies syllabi throughout to pass a
parents to spend 15 minutes a night at the dinner table using Unified Exam conducted by ADEC in Y12.
MSA. Your child needs your support to apply the grammar and • Other Arab nationals and non-Arab have to study the two
structures that we are teaching them.” subjects in Y11 & Y12 only if they intend to get a Secondary
Equivalence Certificate at the end of Y12. Secondary
MSA is spoken by the Arabic department’s 20 teachers, both Equivalence Certificate is a prerequisite for admission to
amongst themselves and in the classroom. “Modern standard UAE-based colleges and universities recognised by the
Arabic is always appreciated and highly regarded. If you speak Ministry of Higher Education.
it, you will get respect,” Mr Abu Saleh says. He recognises that • Islamic Studies is mandatory for all Muslim students from
Arabic is a challenging language to learn. But he says there Year 1 to Year 12.
are many reasons to continue with Arabic studies beyond Key • UAE Social Studies, taught in English, is compulsory for
Stage 3. “Arabic is a doorway to the rich Arabic culture. The non-Arab students from Year 4 to Year 9
language will also help you know about Islam, the religion of 1.4 • Arab National students must also study Social Studies,
billion people around the world.” Twenty-two countries have which is taught in Arabic, from Year 1 to Year 9
Arabic as their official language and it has been acknowledged

5

MARCH 2012

CHOOSING ARABIC AS A GCSE SUBJECT
Sixteen-year-old Nicola Burgess is used to taxi drivers and
shopkeepers staring at her in surprise. That’s because the
Year 11 student talks to them in Arabic, conversing easily with
them and often choosing to use Arabic when they have difficulty
understanding her Australian accent. She also practices
whatever she has learnt in the classroom in the ‘real world’ as
often as she can, seeing it as part of her homework. Nicola is
the only European student in her Year 11 GCSE Arabic class.
Her interest in the language began before she joined Al Yasmina
School when she received intensive one-to-one tutoring. Part
of the appeal of Arabic, Nicola says, is the written language.
“It’s like writing calligraphy. It’s completely different from other
languages. It was difficult to learn at first, but as I learn more it FOCUSING ON ARABIC: Nicola Burgess says learning Arabic is challenging,
but rewarding
becomes easier.”

ARABIC IS A CHALLENGE, EVEN FOR
NATIVE SPEAKERS
They may be native Arabic speakers, but for three Year 11
students learning modern standard Arabic is almost like
learning a whole new language. Lina Sabry (15), Ahmed Aman
(15) and Mohamed Arar (16) say that the language is very
formal and learning it is at times challenging. The structure
and framework is different from the Arabic they use to the
point where even saying ‘please’ is different. But they can all
see the logic in learning a common form of Arabic that will be
understood by those who have a formal education. They see it
as an advantage when it comes to job hunting as they can see
the drawbacks in speaking Arabic with a regional dialect where
the slang used - by both elders and the younger generation - at
times makes it difficult for even native speakers to understand
LANGUAGE LINKS: Ahmed Aman (left), Mohamed Arar and Lina Sabry each other.

ARABIC SPELLING BEE
The first ever Arabic spelling competition (Fursan Al-’Imal’)
at Al Yasmina School is underway. Eliminations will be held
throughout the competition until a winner is revealed at the
end of April. It is hoped the competition will nip in the bud the
increasingly common practice of using English letters instead of
Arabic text when students are writing Arabic words. Fantastic
prizes - cash and engraved crystal plaques - are being offered
for the top three place getters and the two next best performers.
Students will get in extra practice with 10 minutes of each
lesson devoted to spelling. Fursan Al-‘Imla’ literally means
‘horse riders of spelling’. In Arabic, the word Faris (singular of
Fursan) means horse rider and depicts someone as master or
expert so in this case, a spelling expert.

COURSE GRADUATES
A two-day course specifically for Arabic teachers has
been completed by the department’s 20 staff. The course,
“Foundations of Interactive Arabic Teaching”, by Pearson,
focused on a variety of topics, ranging from recognising different
learning styles through to motivating Arabic speakers.

PROUD GRADUATES: Teachers in the Arabic department complete their two-
day professional development programme
6

MARCH 2012

ENCOURAGING EXAM RESULTS FOR YEAR 12
STUDENTS
Year 12 students have received their first exam results - and they show that 66 per cent are either achieving beyond their predicted
grades or are exactly where they should be at this stage of their AS programme.

The 19 students sat 44 exams in Applied ICT, Biology, Business and Economics, Chemistry, Physics and Psychology in January. They
were tested on aspects of the curriculum that they were taught between September and December last year. Al Yasmina uses ALPS
(advanced level performance system) which is designed to provide a school with analysis on how students have performed against
national benchmarks. It is linked to their attainment in GCSE exams. Post -16 Learning and Progress Leader Mr Ridpath says that at
this stage of the academic year marks from the January exam should be within one grade of the students’ target grade. “ALPS says if
they are within one grade in January they should in theory achieve their grade by the May/June exam series,” he says.

The results show that 43 per cent of students have already achieved their ALPS target and 29 out of the 44 students - or 66 per
cent - are within one grade of their target. Mr Ridpath says while these results are very encouraging for most students, some need
extra help and intervention is being put in place for students who did not reach their goals (see ‘What Kind of Help Do Year 11 and 12
Students Receive?”, page 9) The next set of exams are between May 14 and June 1, when the Year 12 cohort will sit assessments in
17 different subjects.The second ALPS assessment was done last week so these, along with the exam results, were discussed at a
parent’s evening, Mr Ridpath says.”Parents were presented with up-to-date data on how the student is performing at this moment. It
meant we were able to have very frank conversations with parents about what students need to do to progress to the next step.”

DISCIPLINE AND AMBITION - AND DON’T
LEAVE IT TO THE LAST MINUTE
Year 12 student Amr Fakhry says hard work, a realistic revision schedule
and “amazingly helpful” teachers helped him through his first set of AS
exams. He sat Biology, Economics and Business and Physics exams and
while he’s “more or less” happy with the marks he achieved, he aims to
do even better next time.

Amr says it’s essential to come to terms with the techniques, styles and
methods needed to answer AS exam questions, which differ completely
from what is required for IGCSE and GCSE exams. All answers for AS
exams need depth, knowledge, application, evaluation and sometimes
analysis. Amr says achieving a balance between study and leisure time
is crucial to creating a productive revision schedule. He didn’t study if
he was bored or annoyed or hadn’t had a chance to have a night out and
a complete break from his revision.

“The three weeks off in December were crucial for me, as that’s the STUDY TIPS: Jess Vickery and Amr Fakhry
point where you either forget everything before your exams, or use them
to achieve what you want. Three to five hours a day were what I needed STOP PRESS!
to have time to study, revise, and practice exam questions. The constant
motivation by teachers is amazingly helpful. They push you to achieve GCSE GEOGRAPHY AND PRACTICAL PE RESULTS
what you’re capable of and sometimes for you to break your expectation Year 11 GCSE Geography students received exceptional results in
level and look beyond, especially if your result wasn’t as satisfying or their recent exams. The 18 students sat the Human Environment
what you expected.” He says how hard to work is up to the individual. “It geography exam in January and were tested on settlement change
all depends on what you want to be. If you’re looking for a decent proper and a moving world (migration). It is worth 25 per cent of their final
career and life, you need to work hard enough to get into the competitive grade.
market of universities, and the better the university, the better chance
of having a better life.” Is there anything in particular he has have learnt • 78% of students smashed their CATs predictions
after completing his first of your AS exams? “They’re easy once you’ve • 55% of students gained an A or A*
put in the effort, and they’re not the same as IGCSE/GCSE.” • Priyanka Iyer and Hannah Morris achieved 98% each on their
papers. (This equates to 100/100 on the uniform mark scale).
Learn as you go along, rather than leaving study to the last minute - • Abigail Alexander achieved 96% on her paper
that’s the advice from AS student Jess Vickery. “AS exams are very
intense and you need to learn over a period of time, so it’s hard to cram Year 11 PE students also completed the practical component
at the last minute,” she says. Jess says she revised a lot before her of their GCSE exam, which is worth 60 per cent of their total
exams, although this was hard to manage at times because she was marks. The students excelled themselves, achieving on average
back in the UK for the holidays. “I literally had to sit in a room and focus. about seven per cent higher than the previous year›s results. The
I was studying quite intensely. What I find effective is studying for an students were assessed in front of an external moderator in rugby,
hour, having half an hour break and then going back over the work I’d netball, personal survival, competitive swimming and fitness. Every
just done.” Jess says she struck a balance between studying and leisure, student scored over 70 per cent with Clare Barwell excelling with 94
finishing her revision by 11am so she could have the rest of the day off. per cent. The theory paper, worth 40 per cent of marks, is in May.

7

MARCH 2012

VOLUNTEER WORK LESSON TIME: Nick Bryant (left) and Sonny Matchett

FOR POST-16 THE JOY OF
STUDENTSNTS VOLUNTEERING
Al Yasmina’s Year 12 students are involved in a wide range
of volunteer activities as part of the school’s community It’s easy to see that Nick Bryant has a special relationship with
service award programme. The scheme allows them Year 2 student Sonny Matchett. The six-year-old’s eyes light
to contribute to the wider community and to develop up when he sees the Year 12 student and he is eager to show
self esteem and interpersonal skills and provides an him stories he has written, pictures he has drawn and to tell
opportunity for the type of part-time work that they him about how he got all his words right in a recent spelling
would have access to in their home countries. It also test. Nick spends two hours a week in the classroom, helping
adds weight to CVs prepared for university application. Sonny with his reading and writing and assisting teachers with
Students undertaking three A levels commit to two hours administration. He also helped finish off some of the sets for a
a week; those studying four A levels contribute one hour recent primary production. “It’s something I never thought I’d
a week. Students begin in October and finish in April. The do, but it’s really easy and enjoyable,” Nick says. “Working with
students do not participate in the scheme during the lead the little kids is so rewarding because they take in everything
up to exams. Two students are involved in the school’s you say and pay a lot of attention. It’s a good feeling to do
sustainability programme (see story page 10), one assists something and not expect anything in return.”
in the Geography department, four help PE teachers,
two run a GCSE history support club, three help in the Fellow Year 12 student Yasmeen Luqman is also discovering
art department and three work in the music department. the sense of satisfaction that comes with volunteering. She
The school is keen to hear from parents who have any helps Year 2 students with handwriting, reading, Arabic and
volunteer opportunities for students. science experiments. Yasmeen’s work at the school has led
to her doing further volunteer work with Takatof, a voluntary
tridpath@alyasmina.sch.ae social programme designed by the Emirates Foundation.
“Volunteering gives you an open mind,” Yasmeen says. “At
school I’ve learnt how to be patient with the little kids and find
ways to explain things to them. It’s fun and what I’m doing
makes me feel good on the inside.”

http://www.takatof.ae/english

BOOK TIME: Yasmeen Luqman with Leo Rhodes (partly obscured), Rasha Hassan
Beck and Hadi Sayed

8

MARCH 2012

SUPPORTING STUDENTS TO MAKE PROGRESS I NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT MY CHILD.
Al Yasmina School has comprehensive support networks in WHO DO I CONTACT?
place for students and systems to let parents know how their There is a clear structure at Al Yasmina for dealing with parents'
children are progressing. The Secondary PARTNERSHIP talks concerns. For a pastoral matter, start with your child's Learning
to the school’s Learning and Progress Leader for Students, Mrs Mentor. If you feel the situation has not been adequately
Peacock. resolved, then talk to your child's Year Leader. If you are not
satisfied with the solutions suggested, then refer your concerns
to Mrs Peacock, the school's Learning and Progress Leader for
HOW DO I KNOW HOW WELL MY CHILD IS Students. There is a different process for academic concerns.
PROGRESSING IN SCHOOL? The first port of call for parents is their child's subject teacher.
You will receive specific feedback from parent teacher If the issue has not been resolved, parents should make an
consultations, which are held twice a year. Parents get a appointment with the student's Curriculum Team Leader. The
five-minute slot with each subject teacher who will talk to you third step is to involve the Learning and Progress Leader for
about your child's target level or target grade. Target level is Curriculum, Mr Commons. At times, a Learning Mentor may
for students in key stage three or Years 7, 8 and 9 and a target contact parents about a matter that may concern them about a
grade is given to students in key stage four, or Years 10 and 11. pupil.
Teachers will cover the progress your child is making in meeting
their target and outline what they need to do to reach this goal. When the school was smaller, and before comprehensive
Any secondary school ‘spring fling’ disco this month is the -
A issues that are preventing them from making progress systems were in place, parents would talk directly to the
whetherfundraiser for a academic or behavioural nature - will
major it is of a social, group of World Challenge Year 12 Principal, and many of the parents of our older students are
be discussed. are raising money to help build a school in a
students who The team members are Rafeh Safdar. Jon Alexander, Daniel
used to this approach. Now the school is much larger, this
Ugandan village. Brundan, workable.Bryant, Liam Troup, Stefan Bennett, Khalifa in
isn't Nicholas Please use the email addresses below to get
Reports, which are issued at the end of every term, will also Abdulla, Chloe Moss, Emily Prest, Nicole Crighton and Jess Vickery.
touch with the relevant staff member if you need to discuss your
give you a clear disco is being organised by child is progressing. Meanwhile, progress.
The March 20 indication of how well your 11 students who child's the next cohort of Duke of Edinburgh candidates
The structure of each of the10. Some of the group arefirst term completed the adventure section of their silver medal last weekend,
leave for Uganda on June three reports differs. The doing
the World Challenge as an adventure in its own right, while
report provides a target grade or level, indicates whether a spending three daysOF HELP DO YEAR 11 AND 12to know
WHAT KIND and two nights in the desert. Want
student is above,partor underperforming and of Edinburghareas more about the Duke of Edinburgh programme?
for others it is on of the gold medal Duke outlines key STUDENTS RECEIVE?
toaward. Uganda was providesfrom a list and the term three
work on. Term two chosen data only of developing cstephenson@alyasmina.sch.ae Year 11 students through a variety
Extra support is offered to all
report givesby the group, and one or level combined with an
countries an end of year grade of the reasons was a team of ways. Voluntary revision sessions are offered by all subject
member’s father was reports comment numerically on class http://www.dofe.org at lunchtimes or through extra curriculum
evaluative comment. Allborn there, says Chloe Moss, one of teachers, either
work,students fundraisingand the trip. The group has been
the attitude, homework for participation in class. activities. Specific advice is provided at Year 11 assemblies on
on a training exercise in the desert and while conditions dealing with issues such as stress, and this information is also
Students resemble the Ugandan countryside, theyawards each
did not are nominated for progress and subject were able provided to parents. Students practice completing questions
to rehearse situations that could occur under arduous
term by their teachers. This is a great way to help parents under timed conditions and hone their skills on reading
conditions.
see the progress their child is making – and for the school to interpreting exam questions. Marking schemes are explained so
celebrate students’ achievements. Nominations are made at the students can better understand what examiners are looking for.
end of looked at what to do if someone got lost, or if there was
“We each term with certificates given out in award assemblies
atan injury to someone following term. Certificates areother
the beginning of the in the party. We also practiced also Other measures are put in place for students who need extra
skills such as sanitising water,” Chloe says. “We worked
given for 100 per cent attendance; the link between attendance assistance. Students who may be struggling with specific
and academic outcomes is clearly proven so on the roles and
on getting the team together and focusing recognising subjects work with a teacher on a one-to-one basis either after
rewarding outstandingto play in the group.”Now the practice
that everyone needs attendance is essential. House points school or at lunchtime. The school identifies borderline grade
and the more informal notes ingroup’s attention has turned
run has been completed, the the school planner also help C/D students and puts plans in place to provide them with extra
parents to keep a trackRecent fundraising activities include
back to fundraising. of their child’s progress. support. This could mean small group work, or restructuring
selling Valentine’s sweets bags, providing refreshments at classes in the final months before exams begin so intensive
WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF A STUDENT IS ON match
events, organising a cake sale and a charity football support can be provided. Students who need extra support in
REPORT? Year 12 boys and the teachers (the teachers
between the multiple subjects are indentified in the second term and are
emerged victorious). It was attended by Radio One DJs assigned mentors. This is a teacher with whom they have a
All end of term reports are scrutinised by Year Leaders. If a
Serena, Danny Cee and Flo. Five team members also good relationship and who helps with prioritising, establishing
student is getting a 3 or 4 for attitude in five or more subjects
raised around 6000dhs by completing a sponsored climb up a revision timetable and helping the student stay motivated. The
then the school contacts parents and the student is put on
Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain. mentor will act as a mediator if a student is having difficulties
a monitoring report. Usually any issues with attitude are
remedied over the two-week period while the student is on with a particular subject, approaching the subject teacher on
In Uganda, the team will spend a week trekking in the their behalf.
report. Key indicators for attitude are having all equipment
jungle and a week helping out in a village. The students
needed for lessons, being on task and getting work completed.
plan to add a roof to an unfinished school building and carry
Teachers rate the child's attitude using the amber, green or red Key contact details
out any other carpentry work that they can. Fundraising
system to provide a quick visual snapshot of the student's day. Year leaders:
will go to buy extra building materials in Uganda. It is the
Being on report has a focusing affect for the student and is a Year 7: Mr Hetherington shetherington@alyasmina.sch.ae
end of the monsoon season and the team is expecting wet,
supportive way - which involves parents - of looking through a Year 8: Miss Waggett ewaggett@alyasmina.sch.ae
muddy conditions with humid conditions in the forest and
school day over a period of time to find patterns of behaviour Year 9: Miss Williams jwilliams@alyasmina.sch.ae
cooler conditions as they climb higher. Chloe says the
and helping the student to remedy these. Year 10: Mr MacKinnon smackinnon@alyasmina.sch.ae
group is able to access an comprehensive evacuation plan
Year 11: Miss Fenning nfenning@alyasmina.sch.ae
and will carry a satellite beacon and satellite phone. “It
Post-16: Mr Ridpath tridpath@alyasmina.sch.ae
is very remote, and at times it will be quite scary, but that
Learning and progress leader for students:
is part of the challenge. But we know if something goes
npeacock@alyasmina.sch.ae
wrong, we can get out quickly. The silver medal for the
Learning and progress leader for curriculum:
Duke of Edinburgh is testing, it does push you to the limit,
rcommons@alyasmina.sch.ae
and Uganda will do that too. We will work as a team and I
will really get to know the people I go to school with!”
9

MARCH 2012

AL YASMINA TO TAB TOTAL
BECOME The Al Yasmina School

RECYCLING SCHOOL community has put its weight
behind a campaign to help
Filipino families living in
Two Post-16 students are spearheading a drive to introduce poverty. Around 10,300 ring
recycling into Al Yasmina School next term. Brandon Rowland pull tabs from soft drink cans
and Rafeh Safdar, both in Year 12, plan to get the wider school were brought into the school
community on board by the end of the summer term, eventually in an eight-week period and
establishing Al Yasmina as a recycling drop off point for local will be sent to the Philippines
residents. where they are used to
make handcrafts and other
Paper recycling boxes will be placed in classrooms in the first merchandise. These items are then sold to help raise money to
or second week after the holidays and recycling stations for provide shelter, food and education for children who were living
paper, aluminum, polystyrene, plastic and glass will be located on dump sites. The Recycle for a Cause campaign is organised
on the first and second floors, in the atrium and by the seating by the Philippine Community Fund (PCF). The ring pulls brought
areas near the netball courts. If the recycling is successful at into Al Yasmina School weigh around 2.5kg and will allow PCF
the school, the programme will be rolled out to the school to create and sell products worth AED5134. Each ring pull
community several weeks later, beginning with the families is worth 50 fils to PCF. The box is starting to fill up again, so
of FS1 and 2 students and moving up through the year groups. keep bring the tabs into school so PCF can turn your trash into
Recycling boxes will be emptied into large metal cages these treasure.
will be emptied by a contractor when they are full and taken to
the company's recycling plant. "We plan to start off educating
students and then we'll focus on the parents and the school
community in general," Brandon says. "We hope our efforts will
also reflect positively on Al Yasmina School generally."

The students' decision to become involved in a sustainable
development is part of their Community Service Award, which
involves students working towards a community cause in
their free time. They began in the first term by arranging the
removal of plastic cups from the school. Brandon and Rafeh
have written a proposal to scrap the use of polystyrene from
the cafeteria in favour of a more sustainable option. This is
being considered by environmental representatives on Student
Voice. Geography teacher Miss Williams says she hopes that the
initiatives by the school will make people think about more than
just disposing of rubbish in an environmentally friendly manner.
"The main emphasis is on reducing what ends up in landfill
and challenging our personal consumption and ensuring that RING FINGER: Brandon Rowland
with the ring pull tabs from soft
recycling is not used to appease our conscience," she says.
drink cans

GREEN FOR EARTH
DAY
Want to help save the planet? World Earth Day on April 22 is
an opportunity for students to get on board by paying 1dhs to
make a green pledge and 10dhs to take part in a non uniform
day. Students are encouraged to wear green to mark Earth
Day, which is the world’s most widely celebrated environmental
event. Geography teacher Mr McGuinness says members of
the Eco Club will address a whole school assembly next term
about Al Yasmina’s involvement. Meanwhile they are focusing
on making posters about World Earth Day and decorating the
paper and card recycling boxes which are being delivered to
POSTER DESIGN: Eva Salter (left), Jenny Howell, Afrah Ali classrooms.
and Noor Sanie-Eldin work on promotional material for
Earth Day
10

MARCH 2012

FUN MATHS DAY
Secondary pupils honed their numerical skills and fundraised
for charity as the school joined a worldwide community of
mathematicians for World Maths Day. Students raised more
than 10,000dhs for Unicef, the official charity for World Maths
Day, and the Year 12 World Challenge trip to Uganda. The
Uganda trip coffers were boosted by a number of activities
organised by Year 12 students, including an opportunity to throw
a sponge at a teacher, and to stock up at a popular tuck shop, Endeavour was the winning House on the day, topping the
Maths Curriculum Team Leader Mrs Volynchook-Wilson says. points table in activities in maths, science, art and history
and edging out Voyager who came a close second, taking the
Secondary students were split into House groups and took most points in English, Humanities and PE. In third place was
part in activities with a mathematical theme organised by Challenger and Discovery followed in fourth place.
six different departments. An on-line stock exchange which http://www.worldmathsday.com/
allowed students to buy and sell shares made the most
profit. The most popular activity was organised by the science
1800

department and involved students buying items to make a
1600

parachute to enable an egg to float gently to the ground from
1400

the school roof. Students also joined an online community of 5.5
1200

Discovery

million mathematicians on the World Maths Day website where
1000
Endeavour

800 challenger

they entered live challenges with up to three students the same 600
voyager

age and mathematical ability. “It was a great day for all the 400

students, who hopefully improved their maths skills, had fun 200

and also raised money for charity and to help the Year 12 group 0

on the road to Uganda,” Mrs Volynchook-Wilson says. Discovery Endeavour challenger voyager

MATHS CHALLENGE
Last month's solution is shown below. Well done to Taisir Al
Saqri for thinking outside the box. The challenge was: Without
lifting your pencil from the page and only drawing 4 straight
lines can you pass through every dot in the square below?
Tasir's solution is below.

THIS MONTH’S CHALLENGE
Paul is half as old as Sarah. One year ago Paul’s age was just two fifths of Sarah’s age one year from
now. How old are Paul and Sarah? Please email your answers. The solution and the person who solved
it correctly will be published in the next newsletter. crichards@alyasmina.sch.ae

11

MARCH 2012

BIG BOOK SWAP
More than a hundred books found new homes when secondary
students turned out in force for the Big Book Swap. The event
was part of World Book Day, which celebrates books, authors,
illustrators and reading. Students were asked to bring in books
they no longer needed and were given a voucher for each book
they donated which they used to exchange for another book on the
day. Unclaimed books were donated to the library. Year 7 students
swapped the most books, with Year 8 coming a close second. Most
of the book swappers were girls. Goals for next year are to attract
more male readers and to double the number of books swapped.
Thanks to the Year 8s who organised the Big Book Swap: Kelsi
Friedenthal, Sarah Binnie, Jess Schonberg, Lamya Al Yazdi, Aya
Zeidan and Ramya Iyer.

http://www.worldbookday.com/

BOOKWORMS: Students at the big book swap.

ON THE JOB: Harrison Crawford at the New York University construction site.

VALUABLE LESSONS
LEARNT ON WORK then try and get the best price for it. He says the week has helped
him focus on a possible career. "Before I didn't have a clue about

EXPERIENCE what I wanted to do but now I would like to do something with
commerce, or possibly procurement as well." Harrison says the
staff he met were keen to tell him about their jobs and he had the
Work experience has helped one Year 10 pupil sharpen his opportunity to ask lots of questions. He also sat in on meetings. He
career goals. Harrison Crawford spent the week with Al Futtaim says what made the week so successful for him was that he was
Carillion, which provides services in building construction and civil doing something that interested him. "I would recommend work
engineering works. The company sent him to the site offices of experience, but I would say look for something that you would like
New York University on Saadiyat Island, which is due to open next to do."
year. During his work experience week Harrison spent each of his
five days looking at different aspects of the company's operations, Work experience co-coordinator Miss Stephenson says the general
beginning with health and safety and moving on to the supply chain, feedback has been positive from both employers and students,
design management, procurement and commercial. with many students realising a more focused idea of their future
career choices. "We have forged some positive relationships
He enjoyed being given real tasks to do, such as working out the with local companies which we hope to maintain and develop into
best costs for water proofing in one of the buildings and reviewing partnerships for work experience placements in the future," she
door schedules and finding numerous discrepancies in the items says. "Students will use their appraisal forms from employers to
ordered. Harrison says he enjoyed working both in commercial and do some self-reflection and assess their strengths in the workplace
procurement. "Commercial is good because it's numbers, which I in light of employers’ comments. This will take the form of
like, but procurement was interesting too because of the bargaining reflective sessions in PSHE after the Easter holidays when all the
side. You don't just buy the item, you scout out the best item and appraisals have been received from employers."

12

MARCH 2012

SNIPPETS
THOSE VEXING
QUESTIONS...
Why don’t my eyes fall out when I sneeze? If I fell into a black hole, where
would I go?

If you think you know the answers to questions like these - and can
scientifically prove your answers - then you may be the winner of a
competition being organised by the school as part of National Science
Week. This is a week of activities organised by the British Science
Association and is designed to highlight how science, technology,
BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO GERMAN: Students on the Year 10 history trip receive engineering and maths relates to our everyday lives and to inspire a new
some German tips from languages teacher Mr Dumange before their departure. generation of scientists. Science teacher Mr Wan says students in Years
7, 8 and 9 will receive a series of question to try and solve and a booklet
of experiments to try at home. Students who produce the most scientific

A FIRST-HAND LOOK response to the questions and produce the best book, poster or booklet to
show how they did at least two of the experiments from the accompanying

AT HISTORY booklet could be the competition winners. The deadline for entries is April
10. “Students will hopefully enjoy doing the experiments, be given a chance
to research themes more deeply and gain practical skills and independent
The past will come to life for 28 GCSE History students, who are on a week- investigation skills also,” Mr Wan says.
long trip to Munich and Berlin. The trip supports two GCSE examination
topics - the rise of the Nazis and the Cold War. Curriculum Team Leader for http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/web/nsew/
History, Miss Frampton, says the visit will extend the students’ knowledge and
increase their empathy for the past. Highlights of the trip include a visit to
Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate. The trip has been organised
by North Star. Accompanying Al Yasmina staff on the trip is North Star FRESH
Director Paul Flaherty, a former British military soldier who speaks fluent
German and patrolled the Berlin Wall as part of NATO forces. The students VEGETABLES
EACH WEEK
return to Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

Punyaporn Richmond and two of her
children, Rebecca and Alexander,
collect a box of fresh vegetables from
FOY (Friends of Yasmina) volunteers.
Orders are placed and paid for by the
first Monday of each month. Email your
order to Lindy at foyveg@hotmail.com
and put the payment in the Vegappetit
box at reception. Include your name and mobile number. Then, pick
up your box each Wednesday after school outside the secondary
library. It’s 30dhs for a 2.5kg box and a 5kg box is 55dhs.
HARD YARDS: Strong winds and limited visibility meant testing conditions for
International Award candidates.

TESTING CONDITIONS SECOND
FOR INTERNATIONAL HAND
AWARD PARTICIPANTS TREASURES
Second-hand Al Yasmina School
Participants in International Award for Young People silver medal expedition
uniforms are for sale each Thursday
battled severe sand storms and high winds during the final day and night
from 12.30pm - 3pm in the atrium. UNIFORM DEALS: FOY volunteer
of their three-day trek at Fossil Rock, Sharjah. The winds sweeping in from
Anyone interested in buying or selling Urooj Ahmedani
Saudi Arabia resulted in poor visibility and high levels of dust for the 22
uniforms that are surplus to their
students on the trek, who were forced to remove fly sheets from their tents to
requirements should email Urooj at
stop them blowing away. The students completed their final 9km trek in the
alyasminafoy@gmail.com
hazardous conditions, battling through clouds of horizontally blowing sand.
The group spent their first day in Wadi Tawian in the emirate of Fujeirah. They
used GPS systems to help them navigate through the dry wadi bed and up a
challenging hill before selecting a camp site on a flat area at the bottom of
the hill. Day two began with a flat trek through another wadi, passing quarries
and small oases and covering the 7km in record time.
SAVE A DATE
Circle May 4 on your calendars - it’s the date for the Al Yasmina ball
at the Crowne Plaza on Yas Island which is being organised by FOY.
The Duke of Edinburgh award was established in 1956 and quickly spread to Further details - including how to get your tickets - will follow in
Commonwealth countries and beyond, leading to the formation of the Duke the next newsletter.
of Edinburgh’s International Association. The International Award for Young
People is used to describe the award worldwide.
13

MARCH 2012

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

Abdulla Bukhashim Hassan Al Asmawi Claire Lynch William Ayass
Arabic Islamic Native Drama Economics Music

Rebecca Von Cotta
Haya Hassan Schonberg Alice Von Wedel Raseel Abu Hassan
Arabic Islamic Non-native Drama English PE

Amro Luqman Jess Vickery Karen Alexis Girgis Jess Vickery
Arabic Native Drama French Psychology

Sara Ali Wynona Bautista Max Buldock Clara Ziada
Arabic Non-native Drama Geography Science

Shamma Biny Sied Tommy Wouters Mohammad Shahrour Alina Kamal
Arabic Social Studies Drama History Spanish

Lara Wahed Faris Al Ali Chloe Quinn
Art Drama ICT

Jenny Goldsmith Elliott Wilkinson Shamma Biny Sied
Business Studies DT Maths

14

MARCH 2012

SPORTS NEWS

QUICK HANDS: Members of the London Saracens Rugby Club put students
through their paces. NEW SKILLS: KS3 students after their eight weeks rugby coaching.

SARACENS VISITORS
The Saracens Rugby Club has had a noticeable presence at Al Yasmina School over the past month, with regular coaching sessions by the
local club and a visit from former international players now with the club in London. Al Yasmina students were joined by fellow rugby players
from Brighton College Abu Dhabi and the British International School of Abu Dhabi for a one-off coaching session with the London-based
players, who included Joe Maddock, a former member of the New Zealand Maori team. The students were put into groups and were put
through a series of drills by the professionals, who then took part in a question and answer session with students. Meanwhile, girls and boys
in Key Stage 3 have developed their rugby skills under the guidance of Josh Goad, a coach from the Abu Dhabi Saracens, who spent eight
weeks working with the students during their PE lessons.

POOL SAFE THIRD PLACE FOR
Six Al Yasmina PE teachers have become qualified lifeguards after GIRLS IN SEVENS
completing a six-day training programme. The course covered
rescue techniques both in and out of the pool, first aid and also COMPETITION
focused on recognising conditions that swimmers may have, such
as diabetes and epilepsy, that could contribute to them getting into Al Yasmina's U-12 and U- 14 girls' football teams both walked away
difficulty in the water. with third place honours in the annual Dubai football 7s tournament
earlier this month. It was the first time many of the players had
Swimming teacher Sarah Brundan says the qualification meets competed in the tournament, which is the largest football event
new regulations in the UAE which make it compulsory for staff who ever held in the Middle East. PE teacher Miss Oliver says the day
work around swimming pools to be trained lifeguards. “We also did was filled with some great performances and solid results for both
the course to make sure we are up-to-date with all issues about teams. "It was a great day and I would like to send out my thanks to
health and safety in and around the pool,” she says. “Our main the parents who took the time out of their weekend to transport and
focus is about the safety of all our students while they are in this support their daughters. Looking forward to next year!"
area.” Al Yasmina has 10 PE teachers, seven of whom are qualified
lifeguards.

15

MARCH 2012

FAMILY FUN
A tug of war, sack races, and an obstacle
assault course - these are just some of the
activities that brought around 130 families
together for Al Yasmina’s first family
sports day. The emphasis was on fun for
the families who attended, with some fine
sporting prowess and a competitive spirit
being shown by both the parents and their
children. The day was organised by Al
Yasmina’s PE department and will become
a regular occurrence on the school’s social
calendar.

Al yasmina school newsletter issue2

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