From the Head of Secondary 26.08.2023
School is now in full swing, with plenty of serious study going on in classrooms, plenty of basketball happening on the court at break and lunchtime, and also, happily, plenty of new student applications being processed. These have certainly kept me occupied this week and it has been wonderful to meet prospective KIS students and their parents, and in some cases brothers and sisters as well. The formal process for applicants includes Maths and English tests, and an interview with me. I ask questions about academic strengths, likes and dislikes, hobbies [basketball invariably comes up, and this week I’ve heard the following: painting, music, including playing the piano, clarinet, guitar, skateboarding, playing squash [this from a Sabah Squash Champion]. I’ve talked to young people who are competitive swimmers, create music videos [semi-professionally], and do punch needling [which I’d never heard of but now know all about. It’s a craft!]. Many applicants are motivated to come to KIS because they have an eye on their futures and know that the school will offer them more opportunities which they will benefit from in the future, some because they have friends here already and so they know all about the school and how much those friends enjoy it here. From my point of view, it is always a pleasure to meet them and their wonderful parents and to hear their stories.
We are currently getting our student leaders in position. Yesterday I chanced upon a meeting in the library where Mrs Colbeck was talking to a pleasingly large group about the pleasures and responsibilities of being a library cadet. It was amazing to see so much interest in the role, from across all year groups. The library has been remodelled over the holiday, and one of the first jobs for the cadets will be to assist in getting all of the books back on the shelves. This will happen gradually over the next couple of weeks and then perhaps we need to have a ‘Grand Opening’ event of this newly updated and versatile space.
Speaking of student leaders, our year 12 group [which is growing apace with incoming successful applicants] have been putting their minds to looking at the Prefect role, reviewing the current structure, brainstorming and discussing their ideas as to the needs of the school and how this student group can support those. I look forward to seeing what they come up with. Other groups are currently being formed: Student Council, Charity Committee, Eco-Warriors, House Leaders, and a new group this year: Wellbeing Warriors. This is such an important part of our school, and I know that these Warriors will be such a positive force for good across our community.
Read on to see [and hear] what has been happening in Music…what wonderfully talented young people we have [and many thanks to Ms Tretter for all her active nurturing and encouragement]!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mrs Margaret Renshaw
Head of Secondary / Deputy Principal
What’s been happening in Music?
This week in music all the IGCSE and A-level students had their first performance class of the year. With very little warning they were asked to play something for the class. This allows the student to get used to performing for each other and build their confidence. Another advantage to starting the performances straight away is that it provides a starting point for making a creative and developmental progress plan.
This plan will guide each musician through the year and lead to greater success. The students were nervous, but they successfully performed great pieces of music.
This is a very talented bunch of musicians and I am looking forward to guiding and supporting their musical journey this year!
Ms. Tretter
KIS Music Teacher
