From the Head of Secondary 09.03.2024
In last week’s newsletter I mentioned the review of our Artificial Intelligence Policy, ‘Use of Generative AI Tools’, which was recently carried out by Mr Ghanbari, who had previously chaired the KIS working party which ultimately devised the policy last academic year.
As part of the review, Mr Ghanbari surveyed staff and students seeking answers to a number of important questions. What the survey showed us is that both groups, staff and students, have a good and balanced understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence. Students were keen to share their thoughts and fears about what AI might mean for them in the immediate and distant future, and staff pretty much shared the same concerns. Staff recorded a number of advantages in using AI:
- To enhance what we already have in lessons and resources.
- For Interactive and immersive language learning.
- Assessment for learning practices; engagement with different learning approaches for differentiation; support for EAL.
- Provide quick definitions or explanations for a particular situation.
- Creating a basic and a more sophisticated response to a question and having students compare the two.
The majority of students feel that the use of AI in education is not a clear-cut issue. There is a general understanding of the ethics involved but they consider that some things are more difficult, for example whether using AI when completing homework is ‘cheating’. Several students submitted general comments, and one in particular made some very succinct and relevant points:
- AI & technology, although you may not agree, is already trusted by all. We rely and even stake our lives on these machines, though we may not know it.
- The use of AI being ethic/moral or not (in my opinion) relies on intent, purpose, and result.
- The use of AI has to be discussed and overseen by teachers, but I think it would be a crucial opportunity left unexplored if we completely banned it without a proper look.
In fact, KIS decided last year to embrace the benefits of AI and not follow the path of many schools around the world who have decided to ban it.
Wednesday: EAL Coffee Morning
On Wednesday morning Ms Lesaya and her team led a session dedicated to English as an additional language and how we work in school to support students for whom English is not their first language. As we know, many of our students are multi-lingual and the goal is to ensure that they able to fully access the curriculum. Ms Lesaya spoke to a small but interested audience about how the department assesses students prior to deciding what level of support they need, whether that means monitoring / task differentiation by the class teacher, in-class support in some lessons, withdrawal from some classes with individual / small group lessons from the staff in the Individual Needs Department, and / or a combination of all these strategies. The aim is to ensure that students can develop confidence and proficiency and access the full curriculum during their time at KIS.
Isa Tennis Success!
Last week , Isa Dares Saham ( Year 10), had a Junior Sabah U18 tournament and he achieved 4th place in singles and 1st place in doubles!
Speaking afterward Isa said “this time my singles was not really on form but I did manage to get 4th place, which I was pleased with. I played very well in my doubles; my passing shots, forehand and serve went really well!”
Many Congratulations Isa!
A Level Options
Year 11 students have spent the last 2 PSHE sessions thinking about their futures and the next steps in their academic careers. They have now had an opportunity to interrogate every A Level subject specialist teacher in the school to find out what is involved in every subject at this level, and where it might lead them. This is all in addition to all their Unifrog research and planning on what to do next and where they want to be, as well as various University visitors coming to KIS to give us insights into life on campus, and how to get there. Our A Level brochure and scholarship information is all available on the KIS Website, and parents have been sent details on how they might also use the Unifrog platform to conduct their own research – perhaps it’s time for a career change for them too?!
All Year 11 students have now been asked to fill in a Preliminary Options Form, detailing their 4 A Level subject choices. Students who do not intend to stay at KIS do not have to select options, but it would be courteous to return the form with this information. Anyone who is still unsure of their next steps after IGCSEs should fill in the form as if they were staying – that way, they are more likely to get their first choice selections if they do remain.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mrs Margaret Renshaw
Deputy Principal / Head of Secondary
Rice Collection for Ramadan
The Holy month of Ramadan is a time to reflect upon and show compassion for the poor and less fortunate.
In the past few years, the KIS community has generously donated rice to the Masjid Nurul Hikmah Mosque, next to the school.
This year the MFL department and the Charity Committee would like to continue this tradition and as such we will be collecting bags of rice, to be distributed for Hari Raya. If you so wish, you can leave your donation at the guard house until Wednesday 20th March.
Your generosity will be much appreciated.
Just an added note for your information, During the Holy month of Ramadan, students who are fasting and do not wish to sit outdoors will have the option of going to Cikgu Noraineh’s classroom at lunchtime. Those wanting to pray will also be welcome to do so.
