From the Head of Secondary 20.04.2024
This week seems to have flown by!
As teachers we are always aware of how much we ‘need to get through’ in lessons in order to ensure that we fulfill all the requirements of the curriculum. This is important at all levels, but perhaps especially for our older students as they enter the examination period. On Wednesday next week our Year 11, 12 and 13 students start what we call ‘study leave’. This means that they will only be coming into school for revision sessions with their teachers and for their actual exams. They are also very welcome to come into school for private study, and we set aside a room for them to do this in. Some students find it easier to study in school rather than at home as they find they can concentrate more easily here.
Many thanks to all the parents of Year 10 students who attended the Parent / Teacher / Student Conferences on Wednesday afternoon. The vast majority took advantage of the opportunity to speak to their child’s teacher about progress during this important first year of IGCSE studies and how to build on that moving forwards into Year 11.
An important event happening next Wednesday 24th is the latest in our series of coffee mornings: Cyber Safety and Digital Responsibility.
I would urge all parents to attend. The issues surrounding these topics are some of the most impactful that our young people have to navigate in their daily lives, and we all have a huge responsibility to teach children about the best ways to do this. That can only happen if the adults around them, teachers and parents, educate themselves first. So please, come along at 8am on Wednesday and join in a discussion led by Mr. Denyer.
Cambridge A Levels
If you have a friend or relative who is considering the next step in their education journey, do pass on the news that we are offering the following subjects at Cambridge A Level next year:
- Physics
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Geography
- Music
- Drama
- English Language
- English Literature
- Chemistry
- Business Studies
- Biology
- History
- Computer Science
Applicants to our A Level programme should ideally have gained the equivalent of 5 grade Cs at IGCSE level, or whatever the equivalent of that is in the school that they are currently attending. Anyone interested to find out more can email me, margaretrenshaw@kis.edu.my for more information.
Earth Week is [nearly] here!
On Monday 22nd April, people around the world will celebrate the 54th ‘Earth Day’ and this year’s theme is Planet vs. Plastics. As a Green Flag School and one committed to educating our students about a range of environmental issues we take it one step further and host an entire EARTH WEEK full of activities led by our Eco Warrior team. Read on to find out what you can expect…
On Monday, students across the school will have lessons themed around an environmental activity. Environmental issues are cross curricular and can be explored in a multitude of fun and innovative ways. Ask you children what they learnt on this day!
Take a Lift Tuesday – Staff and students are encouraged to car share to and from school. Is there someone you live near to who you can offer a ride to? One car on the road congesting the highways and contributing to air pollution is better than two.
On this day, many of our students will also attend sessions from Rasa Ria Reserve and learn how they, as a large hospitality brand, are addressing global and local environmental issues. We will even have the Environment Protection Department of Sabah in the hall leading some fun games for Primary during lunch time!
Waste Less Wednesday – In a journey towards being a Zero Waste School, this day will do a trial of selling no plastic bottles of water in the canteen and KIS Cafe. Parents of primary students are also be encouraged to pack a ‘plastic free lunch’ on this day.
Thrifty Thursday – Building on the Swap Shop we started last year, an afternoon Thrift Shop will pop up for people to trade and buy second hand clothing – school uniform, dressing up costumes and adults clothes too. Students will be prompted to think about the issues associated with fast fashion, and consider how they can use their clothes for longer or update their wardrobe in a more sustainable way.
Food Waste Fighters Friday – For some time, our Eco Warriors have been busy investigating the problem of food waste. On this day, we will make some adaptations to the lunch systems, such as letting students serve their own rice portion so that we throw less food away. Each house will also use a different bin so that we can celebrate the FOOD WASTE HEROES of the school. Will it be Gaya, Sapi or Sulug?
Many thanks and congratulations to our Eco Warriors and teacher mentors Ms McPherson and Ms Gibbons for all of their hard work in raising awareness of Eco issues and for organising Earth Week!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Focus on Global Citizen: Julia Aveline-Rabenjoro Y11
Last weekend Julie Aveline-Rebenjoro gave a speech at the Asian Dive Expo in Singapore.
Her talk, aimed at inspiring young people to be involved in conservation took place on the main stage. She is also one of only 20 Youth Ambassadors for the Manta Trust for 2024
Julia continues to be an inspirational Global Citizen!
Congratulations to her.
Mrs Margaret Renshaw
Deputy Principal / Head of Secondary
