Mesaieed International School Calendar Reminders Downloads/CurrOverview2016... · After half-term we have the House Chant / Song competition ... Names: Beau, Duke, Fluffy, Lady, Princess,

Secondary Newsletter Wednesday, 08 November,

2017

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Mesaieed International School

Secondary Campus www.mis.qp.qa email: [email protected]

Dear Parent,

Welcome to the October edition of the Secondary School newsletter for

the Academic Year 2017/8.

We live in a world rich with technology. Technology brings with it many

opportunities for enhancing education. It also brings with it many dangers

for young people.

Because of the opportunities for education it brings we are developing our

use and access to technology in school. A key part of this is a Bring Your

Own Device approach. Where the teacher feels it is appropriate students

will be invited to use the technology they own, such as their smart phones

or laptops, at school. A recent example of this in the Coding Club is

reported on below. At all times the Teacher will ensure such technology is

used appropriately in the classroom but it is important that young people

learn to take care of their technology. If your child is brining technology into

school then as a parent I urge you to ensure it is appropriately insured.

The dangers of technology are particularly noticeable in regards young

people’s access to Social Media. At school we operate behind a ‘Nanny

firewall’ to help reduce such dangers but young people will always need

educated in the proper use of Social Media and how to avoid the dangers.

Our next PSHE day will focus on such. We will also be holding a week of

assemblies for the students on the dangers of Social Media.

The school ICT Usage Policy, available on the school website and provided

to all students, makes it clear the conditions of use of technology in school.

Kind regards

Trevor Spence, Headteacher

Calendar Reminders

November 5

Start of school

Performance Assembly

November 7

Parent Information Meeting re

Reports

November 18

GCSE Art Workshop Day

November 19

Y11-Y13 Parent Tutor Meetings

November 20

Y11-Y13 Parent Tutor Meetings

Robotics Competition (20th-21st)

November 22

School Choir Performance

November 23

ACER Arabic Tests

November 25

MUN Park House

November 26

National Robotics Competition

(-26th-28th)

Announcement

The MIS Winter fair takes place on the 17th December. Please see the

letter from Mrs. Gordon inviting parents to attend and, if they wish, to set

up a stall or car boot. Students will also be setting up stalls. Let’s make

the MIS Winter fair an event to remember!

http://www.m/#is.qp.qa

mailto:[email protected]


2017

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Events and Trips

Physical Theatre Workshop

On 28th September 2017, 16 Drama students from Y12& Y13

attended a Performing Arts Conference at the

International School of London in Qatar (ISLQ). The

conference featured students and teachers from four

schools, Doha College, Sherborne School and MIS. The

students attended a series of four workshops all of which

were run by the Drama and Performing Arts Teachers of

the four schools.

MIS students impressed everyone with their willingness to

take part, great sense of humor and considerable physical

performance skills. A long and tiring but very rewarding

day that celebrated the talents of the students and

teachers from the four participating schools.

The next phase involves the students performing especially

devised original pieces and sharing the performances,

again at ISLQ in November. MIS is ready for the next

challenge!

Mr. Artus, Drama Teacher


2017

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Upper and Lower School News

Safety in the Community Competition

As a school, and as a responsible member of our local community, we acknowledge the

importance of safety. This concern with safety can manifest in a number of places, under varying

circumstances. Many young people will experience situations during their youth, which may cause

them harm, distress or worse. As a school, we attach an enormous amount of importance to

educating our students about the significance of road safety, stranger danger, e-safety and more.

We teach this through our PSHE curriculum and through tutor activities. To further support this, Miss

Pounsett has launched a Poster Competition, with prizes for the winners. The aim of the

competition is to increase awareness in and around the school, and to help create a safer

community. Prizes will be awarded for the posters that are informative, yet eye-catching. The 4

categories are:-

1) Safety walking home

2) Road Safety

3) Stranger Danger

4) Safety on-line and E-Safety

The closing date for these posters was originally announced as Tuesday 7th November, however,

the deadline has been extended to Tuesday 14th November to allow all students adequate time to

complete their masterpieces. The winners will be announced on Thursday 16th November.

The Rules:-

There is no limit to how many posters you can submit

They can be on A4 or A3 paper

They can be drawn, painted or done on a computer

You must remember to put your name and tutor group on them

You may collaborate and submit one poster, completed by a number of students, however,

be prepared to share the prize

You must accept that your poster may be selected to be displayed in the school

All students, in all Year groups are eligible to enter

Late entries will not be considered for the main competition

Posters must be submitted directly to Miss Pounsett

Look out for the help posters around the school for some ideas and facts to incorporate in your

works of art.

Good Luck and get creating.

Miss Pounsett, Lower School Progress Leader


2017

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Walking Talking Mock Exam

Those Year 11 students who sat their English First Language exam on 30th of October recently

benefited from this metacognitive strategy. The aim of this technique is to help students improve

their exam performance and increase their confidence under exam conditions. The students were

“walked’ through each question concentrating on how gain the greatest number of marks from

each question. Teachers use actual exam papers used in prior exams to increase the authenticity

of the experience. This particular walking talking mock focused specifically on the necessary skills

to improve performance in the GCSE English Reading paper.

This technique has been used to good effect in other subjects and both English, Math’s and

Science are intending to use this technique in preparation for upcoming exams in the summer

term.

Mr. Gibson, Upper School Progress Leader

Parent Drop In Clinic

We have recently wrote to tell you about a new parent drop-in clinic here in the secondary

school.

You are invited to call into school, without an appointment, at the times stated, to discuss any

pastoral issues relating to your child. These may include, behavior, uniform, attendance, or health

issues. Please remember that any subject specific queries should still be directed to the subject

teacher.

The clinic times are:

Sunday- 1.15-2.15pm

Monday- 8.15-9.15am

Wednesday- 10.45-11.45am

Thursday- 7.15-8.15am

We look forward to seeing you there.

Mrs. Gordon, Assistant Head (Pastoral)


2017

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House Report

House Captains - Following the elections for House Captain that were reported on in the previous

issue of the Newsletter, we can now celebrate the House Captains for each house:

Dhow:

Falcon:

Lois Geoffrey Ezekiel Jasmine

Oryx:

Ankriya Tarisha

Pearl:

Tasneem Baafour Nashin Zaid

Luciano Asad Kelvin Peggy


2017

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Noticeboard Competition

The traditional start of the House competition year is the House Noticeboard competition. The

standard was even higher this year with many students from across the school contributing to their

House noticeboards. The results were:

Falcon: 1st Oryx: 2nd Dhow & Pearl: 3rd Equal

Achievements

As it is half-term we also calculate the achievement points and award a placing based on the

number each house has achieved. The results of that are:

Dhow: 1st Pearl: 2nd Falcon: 3rd Oryx: 4th

House Points

These competitions are translated into House Points and the current rankings in the overall House

competition are:

1st Place Dhow 190 House points

2nd Place Falcon 180 House points

3rd Place Pearl 150 House points

4th Place Oryx 120 House points

With only 70 points between 4th and 1st place there’s plenty to play for and nothing to stop the

leader board changing with next round of competitions

Future Competitions:

At the time of writing the House Quiz is about to be held, with 120 points for the winning House this

could totally change the rankings. After half-term we have the House Chant / Song competition

and as the weather gets cooler the sporting competitions will begin in earnest. Watch this space!

Mr. Artus, House Coordinator


2017

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Faculty News

English

‘Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.’ As we moved into

Keats’ autumnal months, the English department was a buzz of

excited and nervous activity. Many of our Year 11 students

were undergoing the final preparation for early entry IGCSE in

English Language. Past paper questions and examination

technique were the focus; honing skills and managing time

were perfected in this crucial time. The Year 7s drew their

Middle Earth project to a close and each region presented to

the other areas in an articulate finale. Reading is still a key

focus and parents must encourage this as a way of acquiring

the extensive vocabulary needed for English IGCSE success.

Mr. Omissi

Mathematics

Brainteasers

October 15th, better known to mathematicians as ‘World

Maths Day’ was celebrated this term by all pupils in secondary

school who participated in a house-based ‘brainteaser’

competition.

Students worked together in teams to tackle classic

mathematical problems aimed at all abilities and ages. Minds

were engaged and brains were whirring as teams raced to find

the correct solution to their chosen problem.

Below are the Gold and Platinum questions presented by the

Mathematics Department. Parents are encouraged to work

with their children and attempt to find the solutions which will

be printed in the next newsletter in December.

Gold:

7 dogs were staying at the local ‘Dogotel’. Each dog was in a

separate cage, but somehow they all escaped.

Names: Beau, Duke, Fluffy, Lady, Princess, Rover and Spike.

Key Stage Stars of the

Month

Arabic (native)

KS3 Liyan Alhajaj

KS 4 Riham Abdelazim

Arabic (MFL)

KS 3 Ahmed Saeed

KS 3 Aleena Khan

Design & Technology

Ks3- Peggy Mintah

Ks4- Karl Villanil

Drama

KS5 Armando Mahumane

Lyra Pearson

KS3 Ceaby Fernandez

English

KS3 Ewuradjoa Essien

KS4 Humna Shahzad

KS5 Edith Agakpe

IT & Business Studies

KS3 Habiba Abdelazim Mohamed

KS4 Chacko James

KS5 Ellen Bonney

Maths

KS3: Degiri Senevirathne:

KS4: Nur Mohamad Nazir:

KS5: Trixie Fernandez:

PE

Ks3 - Boy - Anwaar Ahmed

Girl - Zeina Mohamed

Ks4 - Boy - Emmanuel Agbottar

Girl - Tasneem Alshengiti

Ks5- Boy - Giovanni Matsolo

Girl - Antonia Mensah

Science

Pranav Sharma

Chacko James

Gertrude Setordzi


2017

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1. Spike was on one of the ends

2. Princess was to the left of Beau

3. Rover was in the third cage from the right

4. The only dog between Fluffy and Lady was Princess

5. Duke was directly to the left of Lady

Please put the dogs back in the correct order.

Platinum:

A ball is dropped from a tower which is 200m tall. The ball rebounds to a height of 100m. It continues

bouncing and rebounding at the same rate. Calculate the total distance travelled by the ball.

Happy puzzling!

Mr. Gordon, Head of Mathematics.

Science

Destination Imagination taster sessions

Mesaieed International School were honored to host a ‘Destination

Imagination’ taster session last month to prepare our year 9

students for the DI competition ahead.

The Destination Imagination program is a fun, hands-on system of

learning that fosters students’ creativity, courage and curiosity

through open-ended academic Challenges in the fields of STEM

(science, technology, engineering and mathematics), fine arts and

service learning. Students took part in mini-challenges, which

included making the

tallest tower from a

limited number of

towels and rubber

bands, making a

raised platform from straws to hold a ruler and making

a structure with newspapers. Our students learned

about patience, flexibility, persistence, ethics, respect

for others and their ideas, and the collaborative

problem solving process. Teams then displayed their

solutions at the end of the session.

Our students were engaged in all the challenges putting their creativity and critical thinking to the

test! Watch out world… Our year 9’s are not afraid to use their imagination!

Mr. Tariq, Head of Science


2017

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Arabic

A guide book to Qatar

This half term students of Arabic Language have bene working on producing a guide book for

tourists visiting Qatar. “It was very useful and enriching Arabic project”, so was the students' reaction.

Through the project students had the chance to follow the steps of an author from the step of

researching until the last step of editing.

When the students finished their projects they introduced them in both (native and non -native

classes) it was a great chance of sharing ideas and receiving feedback from their peers.

What amazed their teachers was that they did not just show their projects but they competed and

convinced others that their books were the best.

Mrs. Al-Adinat, Arabic Languages Teacher Humanities

Customer Service

In Travel & Tourism, we have been looking at customer service and how companies and

businesses can meet the customer’s expectations. We have learnt how personal and interpersonal

skills can have an effect on the staff and customer relationship. We have worked in groups to

create our own restaurant which we then presented to the class. This enhanced our skills which

included putting ourselves in the shoes of an actual employee and also business owner. We have

also focused on why communication skills are important the barriers to effective communication.

Finally, we learnt about computer reservation systems and how they are used by Travel Agents

and Hotels.

By Ishita, Ylory, Lojain and Christine Y11 Travel and Tourism students.

Project based learning in Geography

The year 7 students have taken part in their first project in Geography. They collected data and

analysed the results using a range of thinking tools. The project aims to build awareness of different

types of Geography, develop knowledge and provide an opportunity for them to evaluate their

findings and make recommendations.

The year 8 students have been studying Tropical Rainforest. Using the thinking tools, students

explored the importance of the rainforest, the threats and how it could be managed sustainably.

Students also had a chance to be creative and create an animal that could survive in the

rainforest using their knowledge on adaptation as a guide.

Students in year 9 have been exploring Natural Hazards. Students had to explain why natural

hazards affect people more than ever before. In groups, students had to explore ways that

chosen hazards could be managed to reduce impacts on people and property. Recent

earthquake in Mexico and hurricanes that affected the Caribbean and USA were used as

examples for students to research.


2017

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At GCSE students have continued to work on the Edexcel syllabus covering Tropical storms and

Fragile Environments. Students were given a variety of exam questions to answer. This is helping

them to develop their exam skills in preparation for their final exams next year. A field trip to Hyatt

Plaza, Doha has been arranged for the students to take part in after the half term. This is aimed to

prepare them for their final exams.

A level student have continued to work through their CIE syllabus covering Population, Migration

and Arid Environments. Students are given tasks that challenge to be independent but encourage

collaboration. They have opportunities to use a range of thinking tools and present to their peers.

There is also a focus on exam questions with the aim of developing exam techniques.

A Qatar History Project

This month in History has seen our students looking at how Qatar preserves its past, and explored

the work of archeological teams and sites around the country to find out what are the most

significant finds. The year 7’s also delved into Qatar’s ancient civilizations, looking at the legacy of

the Delmon and Majan settlements and finding out about what these important societies brought

to the region.

Project based learning in History

In other years, the students have

looked at the changed that

happened in Britain in one of its

most important phases, and one

which enabled it to become a

leading world power – the

Industrial Revolution. Meanwhile

the Year 9’s have looked at the

other side of the coin,

investigating the benefits and

costs of British Empire in India, and

evaluating the reasons for Indian

Nationalism.

Our exam classes have

investigated the profound effects

of the post World War 1 Treaties,

and their consequences for world peace. They did this by mirroring the current international body,

and scrutinized the difficulties in keeping and maintaining peace in the face of determined

national self-interest. They have also studied how this contributed to the ultra-nationalist ideologies

of the 20th Century, leading to the terrible cult of National Socialism.

Mr. Harrison, Head of Humanities


2017

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Technology

Reusing, Reducing, Recycling and Rethinking

On display in the DT department is a showcase of the Project Based Learning recycling project

completed by the year 7 over the last 6 weeks. The recycling PBL project is a testament to their

commitment in playing their part in helping to make decision in protecting the environment by

helping to focus on the 4R’s and reducing the amount of waste we produce, by Reusing,

Reducing, Recycling and Rethinking how they can help to protect the environment. Throughout

the 6 weeks, they have collaborated in their various groups and have designed and made a

variety of products, made solely from waste plastic found around their homes. The creativity

displayed in some of the products, has shown that they are not only thinking of how plastic can be

reused, but how it could be used in developing and making products that are meaningful and fit

for other purposes. There were a wide range of plastic materials that were chosen to make these

products from. Examples of products made during the project

by the different groups were, toys for children, decorations, pencil

cases, pencil holders, bird feeders, bird houses, bird waterer,

toy cars and book holders.

SAMPLE OF

PRODUCTS MADE

BY THE DIFFERENT

Mr. Temple, Head

of Technology


2017

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“Sustainable Tourism” Challenge

MIS students in Year 7 and 8 designed and

programmed a robot that can help scientists and

visitors explore and investigate the wonders of

nature without disturbing it. They reached the

finals and described the occasion as challenging

but enjoyable. This gave them an opportunity to

compete with 30 other schools in Qatar with over

60 teams. Reaching the final 16 was a big

accomplishment with only 3 weeks to prepare.

“Gen 2 Football” Challenge

Years 8 to 11 MIS students took part in the competition. They managed to reach the quarter finals

and the lower school students enjoyed the opportunity of being allowed to partake for the first

time alongside upper school and achieving something.

Mr. Mendy, Learning Technology Coordinator


2017

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Extra-Curricular News

Extra Curricula Clubs and Activities – Spotlight on Karate Club

This month is spotlight on Karate Club. Karate Club is a very popular and

oversubscribed part of the ECA programme. It is led by Mesaieed

International School’s very own Bruce Lee, Mr. Mugadza. He is very

experienced and skilled in the sport of Karate and the students have

enjoyed the challenge of learning this new skill.

I spoke to Mr. Mugadza about why he participates in

Karate and he said, ‘Karate is a great sport through which

you can learn discipline, self-defense, fitness, and flexibility. It is a great way to get

exercise, make new friends, it satisfies the mind, and empowers you to conquer

your goals.

The students have been learning basic stances, punches, blocks and kicks. There

is an excitement when students know it is a day for them to train Karate. However

many are surprised by the level of discipline and concentration that is required in

order to do well at Karate. We aim to continue the lessons until April.’

I also spoke to some of the students about the club and

below is a taste of what they said:

Sarah Bakiri 9DBE – ‘I choose to attend Karate Club to learn

self-defense and have learn discipline and patience at

Karate Club.’

Hilya Fahmi 7SAZ – ‘I chose Karate Club because I had

attended Karate class before and wanted to continue. I like

how Mr. Mugadza tells us to do the toughening up exercise

at the end. I have learned many types of move that I didn’t

know before and I also learned the name of the Karate

room – the Dojo.’

Malak Fathy 7SNA – ‘I chose to do Karate as I used to do

Karate but I forgot it and wanted to remember it. I like Karate as it makes you strong and

confident. I have learned to punch, block and kick at the same time. I would like to have a

competition at the end of the club.

Recca Cortes 7SFU – ‘I chose Karate club because I wanted to learn new things and push myself

to new challenges. We learned to kick, punch and block other people side to side.’


2017

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Roxanne Oliva 7SFU –‘I chose Karate club as I wanted to learn

something new and I thought that it would be really helpful if there

was a time I had to fight against strangers! Joining the club has been

really fun and challenging and when I go home I think about all the

skills I learned, it makes me feel really accomplished. In Karate club I

learned to kick properly, throw a very effective punch, defend myself

from kicks and punches and I learned every stance is important.

Karate club has really boosted my patience and it helps me calm

down so that I don’t get as angry as I did before Karate!’

Mr. D Whitehead, ECA Coordinator

Bring Your Own Device “Coding Club”

IT Department has launched “Bring Your Own

device “Coding Club” initiative this school year.

Students were able to bring in their laptops to the

Coding Club lesson this Wednesday.

Having access to a laptop, students were able to

learn and develop IT skills of installing and coding;

instructing a robot to carry out tasks.


2017

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Sports Season kicks off

School fixtures have now started with many teams participating

in the QUESS leagues. In football, the U16 team have lost their

first 2 matches to ACS and Doha College, while the U19 team

drew 1-1, thanks to a goal by Alberto Macavele. In netball, the

U19 team beat Compass 13-7 and lost to Doha College 35-5.

The U16 age category have entered 3 teams and the results

were:

A team lost to Compass 26-10 and Doha College 6-4

B team beat Compass 7-1 and lost to Doha College 7-5

C team beat Compass 8-0 and lost to Doha College 10-6.

With lots of fixtures coming up between now and the end of

term, we are hoping for many more victories.

Mr. Benfield, Head of Physical Education

Sports Fixtures

November 5

U19 Football MIS v ISLQ (AWAY)

November 13

U19 Football MIS v ACS (HOME)

November 20

U16 Football MIS v Sherborne

(HOME)

November 21

U16 and U19 Netball MIS v

DES/NAISA (HOME)

November 22

U16 and 19 Football Qatar

Foundation Cup (AWAY)

November 27

U16 Football MIS v QIS (HOME)

November 29

U16 and U19 Football MIS v QAD

(AWAY)

Documents

Mesaieed International School Calendar Reminders Downloads/CurrOverview2016... · After half-term we have the House Chant / Song competition ... Names: Beau, Duke, Fluffy, Lady, Princess,