1. AL YASMINA ABU DHABI Connect issue 5
SCHOOL Bloom 2012/2013
Grow
Learn
Nurture
Play
THE SECONDARY
PARTNERSHIP
AL YASMINA SCHOOL STRIVES TO BE AN
OUTSTANDING INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
SCHOOL, MAXIMISING THE LEARNING
POTENTIAL OF ALL
ALDAR ACADEMIES
2. WELCOME
Welcome to the latest issue of the Secondary The Secondary PARTnership keeps you up-to-date with
PARTnership for the 2012/2013 academic year. The student activities across the secondary department. It
Secondary PARTnership is the publication for Al also gives Al Yasmina School the chance to celebrate
Yasmina's secondary school and is published eight times progress and achievement and provide more in depth
a year. Look for previous issues on the school website. information to parents on a wide variety of subjects.
We welcome your feedback.
communications@alyasmina.sch.ae
CONTENTS
WELCOME From the HEAD OF SCHOOL 3
CHICAGO A STUNNING SUCCESS 4
DECISION TIME FOR SENIOR STUDENTS 8
SUBJECT SPOTLIGHT - PSYCHOLOGY 10
READERS CUP FINAL 12
DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD PROGRAMME 13
INTERNATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS 14
SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS 17
stAFF WELLNESS INITIATIVES 18
KITZBUHEL SKI TRIP 19
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH 20
The Secondary PARTnership
Topics, trends, updates, views and news from the Al Yasmina Secondary Department
Pictured on the cover: Chicago!
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3. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 5
2012/2013
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL, MR GALE
After a challenging January on many levels and with the Seeing the students on stage each night in Chicago, talking
external exams now behind us, it is heartening to reflect to them on International Day, hearing about the amazing
on the hugely positive month of February. With Valentine's experiences they have had on their trips away tells me that
Day, our thoughts have been focused on “love”, kindness such affection is reciprocated.
towards others, and respect in school. This mutual respect and commitment to ensure the
students have the best learning experiences are among
We have had the outstanding success of the secondary the features which make us stand out from other schools.
drama production Chicago, a colourful and patriotic
International Day, the fundraising Bake Sale for World Al Yasmina has a great heart, in its leadership, its staff, its
Challenge, the ski trip to Austria and educational visits this parents and students and I am immensely proud of all that
month, to name but a few highlights from the calendar. we continue to achieve together.
The success of these events is dependent on the passion
of the people involved and it is clear to me that the staff at “If everyone is moving
Al Yasmina have a huge affection for the students and want forward together, then
to provide every opportunity for them to enjoy their time
success takes care of
here.
itself” - Henry Ford
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4. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 5
2012/2013
CHICAGO MUSICAL
“BEST SHOW YET”
After a sold-out four-night run last month the ‘razzle-dazzle’
performance of Chicago earned rave reviews. Almost 200
people a night entered the 1920s jazz bar that was, by day, the
sports hall, and were wowed by a professional and compelling
show by some of Al Yasmina’s most talented performers.
“It’s been by far the best show to date,” says Mrs Hetherington,
Head of Drama. “The feedback from the audience was that it
was the most professional show we have put on.”
The students performed the school stage version of the hit
Broadway musical set in 1920s Chicago in which Roxie Hart
(Holly O’Shea) ends up in prison after shooting her lover. Along
with nightclub performer turned double-murderess Velma
Kelly (role shared by Nicole Crighton and Mallory de Man) and
smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn (Hassan Al Asmawi), she
pulls every trick in the book to get off death row and out into the
limelight of the roaring 20’s.
“The audience really received it well,” Mrs Hetherington says.
“A local Emirati student, Hassan, was cast in his second lead
role and there were all nationalities of students in the chorus
also. That’s really positive. We also had two cast members who
have never been on stage before – Ryan, who played Amos, and
Holly, who played Roxie.” The splitting of the lead role of Velma,
a vocally demanding role, between Nicole and Mallory also
worked well. “They were absolutely brilliant.”
A live band comprising both teachers from the school and
peripatetic instrumental teachers added an authentic touch and
worked with the Jazz setting to create an ambience true to the
show.
Mrs Hetherington is sorry to be losing the Year 13s this year
who have been performing with the Drama department since
2010, but says there are talented students coming through
the ranks to take on bigger roles each year. “The Drama
department has got stronger and stronger every year and we
are getting a more professional cast for each show. This is our
best cast by far to date.”
Auditions started in September and the cast rehearsed twice a
week for four months. Although tired at the end of the show, the
cast “absolutely loved it,” she says.
Special thanks go to Year 13 student Emily Prest who acted a
co-director, helping to share the load with Mrs Hetherington. A
DVD of the show is available for 30dh.
“The Drama department has
got stronger and stronger every
year and we are getting a more
professional cast for each show.
This is our best cast by far to date.” 4
5. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 5
2012/2013
The Cast
Velma - Nicole Crighton/Mallory De Man
Roxie – Holly O’Shea
Billy – Hassan Al Asmawi
Amos – Ryan Sayegh
Mama – Emily Simpson
Mary Sunshine – Alex McMillan
Cell Block Tango/Billy’s Girls Emily Prest, Lina Mohamed, Nicola Burgess, Rida Khan,
Raseel Abu Hassan, Florence Atkins, Jess McMillan
Master Of Ceremonies – Teo Elsmore
Bandleader – Edward Drew
Go to Hell Kitty – Laila Moukhtar
Reporters – Roxy Gardiner, Ramya Iyer, Claire McManamon-Purtell,
Elena Castillo Guijarro, Maddison Hedges, Khamis
Al Hinai, Laila Moukhtar
Fred Casel - Tehara Moonemalle
Roxie Boys/Quartet/Chorus Ali Al Hashmi, Edward Drew, Ramya Iyer, Khamis Al Hinai,
Emily Prest, Florence Atkins, Hannah Green, Samali
Weerasekera, Dana Said, Jessica Rae, Michael Franks,
Zain Mustafa
Judge/Sergeant Fogarty – Hannah Green
Backstage Crew – Faris, Yea Inn, Sarah, Jess, Katta, Jatarpa, Alex, Ryan, Derek
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8. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 5
2012/2013
SENIOR SUBJECT SELECTION A TEAM EFFORT
It’s that time of the year again, when senior students must make important
decisions about the subjects they will take for GCSEs and A Levels.
While their choices were determined and submitted two weeks ago, staff
have been working behind the scenes for months to make it all happen. For
Mr Commons, assistant head teacher – curriculum, the planning process
starts in October, when he talks to a small group of last year’s students about
the subjects they took and how they found them. Courses under particular
scrutiny are new courses which may or may not be offered again, and courses
with very low students numbers. An example of this is GCSE Graphics which is
currently running in Year 11, but not in Year 10.
“There were only three students who opted for Graphics (in Year 10) so I
had a conversation with them about why they chose Graphics as opposed
to something else. The students couldn’t, hand on heart, say they needed
Graphics for what they thought they would do in the future, so I didn’t put it on
the options for this year. He says there is a constant review process going on.
Another change for Al Yasmina is that GCSE students are now being offered
the GCSE Triple Award Science for the first time. This requires nine lessons
per week and has become possible as a result of the restructuring of the
school day which has created 35 lessons each week, up from 30.
In November and December, timetabling is reviewed and then the options
blocks students must select from are created, based on popular subject
combinations from past years. An extra hurdle this year was the introduction
of the English Baccalaureate, an additional qualification announced for
those students who take English, Maths, Science, History or Geography, and
a modern foreign language, and gain a grade C or above in all five. Option
blocks had to be set up to allow for this combination. However, on February
7, a week before the students’ subject selections were due in, the British
Government scrapped the EBacc in the face of opposition to the proposal.
January is a busy month, with curriculum team leaders giving their feedback
on the options blocks, the production of the options booklet, and then
meetings with students and parents, ahead of the deadlines for decisions in
mid-February. Mr Commons is happy with the choice of subjects available
to students, particularly at A Level, as Al Yasmina has only been operating a
Sixth Form for two years.
“Our A Level offer is as wide-ranging as any other institution in the city and is
broader than most.” He says it can be a stressful time for students, and some
find the decision-making difficult.
“For many students, they know where they want to go but this means they have to take specific
subjects and they worry about not getting the grades in those subjects. For others, they don’t really
know what they want to do and so they are trying to decide on a combination of subjects they are good
at which gives them a wide choice in two years’ time.
”An added pressure for Year 11s is that the options process starts a week after the mock exam results
are released.“ This is a deliberate ploy on our part so they can see the entry criteria for A Level study.
Many students then realise they have a lot of work to do over the next three months in preparation for
their real exams.”
There is, however, plenty of support in place. It comes in the form of discussions with subject teachers,
meetings with learning mentors and parents, input from the careers advice team, and guest speakers
addressing students at assemblies. The final decision on subjects is made after exam results are
released. A Level Results Day is scheduled for Thursday, August 15, with GCSE results a week later
on Thursday, August 22, subject to confirmation. Mr Commons says there has been plenty of positive
feedback from parents about the options process. “We are getting better at it year-on-year.” 8
9. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 5
2012/2013
DECISIONS, DECISIONS.....
YEAR 9
Euan Cassels
Chosen subjects: Triple Science, Geography, French, Art and
maybe History
Wants to be: A vet.
Thoughts on the options selection process: “It was easier for
me because I had already chosen my subjects at my old school
in Scotland last year. However, I have made some changes
as I’ve dropped Music and decided to take Art instead.” Euan
admits that changing schools has given him the benefit of
having two chances at selecting his subjects and getting it
right.
Year 9 students from left is Euan Cassels, Adnan Al Armouti and
Geethma Karunatileke
Adnan Al Armouti
Chosen subjects: Triple Science, French, DTRM, Arabic, and
deciding between History and Geography. Geethma Karunatileke
Wants to be: An electrical engineer. “I want to follow in my Chosen subjects: Triple Science, Music, French, Business Studies
father’s footsteps.” and ICT.
Wants to be: A doctor.
Thoughts on the options selection process: “I had no problem
with the option blocks, it was just I’ve had difficulty deciding
whether History or Geography would be better for my future. Thoughts on the options selection process: “The decisions were
He believes GCSEs will be tough, especially with having to sit easy as I already knew what I wanted to be. It was just choosing
three exams at the end of Year 11 for Triple Science but says “it between Business Studies and ICT that I was a little confused
will be worth it”. about.”
............................................................................................
YEAR 11
Yash Bhatia
Chosen subjects: Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Business
Studies.
Wants to be: A doctor.
Thoughts on the options selection process: “It was quite
difficult because for medicine some universities want you to
take physics and some don’t. I decided to take Business Studies
as many doctors in hospitals now have a business degree as
well, so taking Business Studies would look good on my CV. The
Taster Day was a really great experience for me personally and I
learned a lot about what I have to do to reach the level I need in
the future. For medicine, I need three straight As. The teachers
were helpful as they told us the levels we need to achieve in Year
12 to continue with subjects at AS level.” Yash also consulted
Careers Adviser Miss Ariff before making his final decision and
Year 11 students Yash Bhatia and Usman Liaqat found her advice helpful.
Usman Liaqat
Chosen subjects: Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Economics
Wants to be: Isn’t sure so wants to keep his options open.
Thoughts on the options selection process: “I have taken these subjects because I enjoy them and they give me a lot of choice. I can
take several different roads from here. The Taster Day really helped when it came to making these choices because it provided me with
an insight of what these subjects have in store for me.”
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10. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 5
2012/2013
PSYCHOLOGY AN “INVALUABLE” ASSET
Psychology as a subject has a slight aura of mystery to it. “It’s a massive field of interest. We
It is a relative newcomer to the school, offered for the first learn about a lot of very interesting
time last year, and it is currently only available to A Level things that have their roots in those
students, meaning it does not benefit from the wide exposure questions of why we do what we do.”
that core curriculum subjects have.
She says she wouldn’t sell the subject to everyone though. It
But the word is spreading, and its increasing popularity could doesn’t suit the black-and-white, fact-focused type of learner.
see student numbers more than double next year, when it The subject requires students to be able to analyse opposing
will be offered as a GCSE subject for the first time. theories and in-depth studies, and introduce applications
Psychology teacher Mrs Hewitt says she was almost for the real world. “An example would be if we were studying
overwhelmed by the level of interest shown in the subject at perception, the real world application would be advertising
last month’s Options Evening. and how advertisers play on our perceptions.”
“Students had told their parents about the subject, and “Psychology is attractive to students who have an opinion and
the parents had come along wanting to know more about like to debate things.” By the time students have completed
what the students would be taught, and where it could lead their GCSE in Psychology, they will have a clear idea whether
them. I almost found myself running a psychology class in they want to continue with it at A Level, Mrs Hewitt says.
the atrium.” The A Level Taster Day which followed also “They need to decide whether it is a style of learning that
generated considerable interest, and could result in as many suits them. There is a lot of hypothetical thinking which some
as 25 students signing up for next year. While many students students just don’t get.” She backs this with the theory of
are interested in the course content, some struggle to see Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget, who claimed that only 50
where it would fit in their future careers. Mrs Hewitt says percent of people ever reach the higher order of thinking –
that while very few students are likely to go on and take a that is, not to have a clear answer but simply to weigh up the
psychology degree, the subject has wide-ranging applications argument. For those taking Psychology at GCSE level next
in many jobs. “Anywhere where they are working with people year, topics will include dreaming, phobias, and the role of the
– teaching, medicine, law, and business, for example.” media in aggression and violence. They will also study how we
perceive the world. (cont..)
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11. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 5
2012/2013
In Year 12, students have two key units – social psychology and
biological psychology. Under the first, they cover obedience
and prejudice. Included in this is a study of genocide. They
also learn about cognitive psychology, the art of how humans
process information. This covers memory and different models
of learning. The students will share their knowledge with GCSE
students at an assembly where they will offer some study and
revision tips based on what they have learned. The second unit
has an overall focus on gender and touches on criminality. It
also takes in social learning theories and Freudian theory.
Year 13 students start the year looking at criminological theory
– is a criminal born or made, ways to get rid of crime, labeling
and self-fulfilling prophesy, childhood development and the
attachment theory, the effects of deprivation and neglect, and
daycare – is it good or bad for pre-schoolers? They then move
on to clinical psychology and the role of psychiatrists in treating
mental health. This takes in schizophrenia and anorexia, their
causes and treatment. The final paper the students sit is called
Issues and Debates. “It is essentially the application of all the
theories and approaches they have learned. They will be given a
novel scenario and be expected to apply all their knowledge to
their answer.”
Mrs Hewitt says Psychology should appeal to many students
and is an asset in most jobs. “It is always interesting because
we will always being working with people, regardless of what
jobs we move into. Having an understanding of why people act
the way they do is invaluable.”
What the students think….
“Psychology has made me see that there is not just one explanation to
consider… some of them are a bit weird at first but all of the theories for
behaviour have strengths and weaknesses and I enjoy being critical and using
evidence from research to back up my criticism”
“Psychology is more fun than I thought it would be, but it’s also a lot of hard
work getting your head around the ideas”
“I have enjoyed looking at the key issues and exploring certain questions - my
friends are always really interested in what we are doing in lessons”
“Psychology is my favourite subject as I get to really think about why… and I
love that there is not just one answer”
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12. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 5
2012/2013
EAGER READERS MR RICHARDS’
MAKE CUP FINAL MATHEMATICAL
A team of four Year 7 and 8 students is to make a bid for the
CHALLENGE
winner’s trophy in next week’s Reader’s Cup, run as part of There were no correct entries for last month’s challenge.
the Emirates Festival of Literature.
The answer could have been worked out through trial and error
After a tough general literature quiz at school, the top eight or using a little algebra. Carol is approximately 4-1/2, Brian
scorers were split into two teams. They each had to read four 6-1/2 and Carol 29 and a bit. So the answers were 4, 6 and 29.
books chosen by the festival organisers. After another round
of questions sent through to the school, the team comprising This month’s challenge:
Mehek Mathur, Hannah Green, Aysha Atti and Aran Quintana A student bought 17 pencils for £1.44. He paid 2 pence more for
emerged as one of the top eight in the Gulf region to go each coloured pencil than for each plain pencil. How many of
forward and compete in the final in Dubai on March 6. They each kind did he buy at what price?
have been given two more books to read before then, and will
be questioned on all six books, says English teacher Miss Please email your answers to crichards@alyasmina.sch.ae.
Stephenson.
The solution and the person who solved it correctly will be
“Al Yasmina has been involved in the festival before, but only published next month.
with students entering on an individual basis. This is the first
time that the school has been able to enter a team. It’s quite
good that the first year we’ve done it, we’ve got through to
the final.”
LATEST NEWS FROM
FRIENDS OF YASMINA
Friends of Al Yasmina have been busy again this past month,
with activities ranging from running tea/coffee stalls at the
Primary House Sports Days to organising the annual Charity
Ball. We will also be involved in the Aldar Olympics and Primary
Swim Gala which are coming up next month.
We are always looking for new faces to help out or join FOY
and our next meeting is Monday March 4 at 8am in the
conference room if you would like to come along. We have a
page on the school website, along with updates on the School
Communicator, so keep your eye out for what’s coming up next.
FOY VEG
FoyVeg is well and truly up and running now. Information is
available on the Communicator or if you would like further
details please email Lisa at foyveg@hotmail.com.
READERS CUP TEAM: back (from left) is Hannah Green, Aysha Atti
and Aran Quintana. Front is Mehek Mathur. Annual Charity Ball
SAVE THE DATE - FRIDAY MAY 10
Join the school community in what promises to be a memorable
The books the students read and will be quizzed on are: night at a fantastic new venue. All proceeds will go towards
The French Connection by Anthony Horowitz providing life-altering surgery for children through Operation
The Kite Rider by Geraldine McCaughrean Smile UAE.
The Gates by John Connolly Watch this space for further details, including ticket sales,
Chemical Chaos by Nick Arnold soon!
Raven’s Gate by Anthony Horowitz
Stop the Tram by Geraldine McCaughrean.
The Reader’s Cup is only one of the activities being run as part
of the festival. There are also various workshops with authors
available to both students and adults between March 5 and 9.
Tickets are available on the festival’s website
www.eaifl.com.
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13. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 5
2012/2013
DoE SCHEME CHALLENGING BUT POPULAR
Undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) Award scheme in Some students have worked at an animal welfare centre, others
this part of the world has its own special challenges but it with specials needs children, and some have helped out with
nevertheless remains popular and successful with students. Brownies or Scouts. Miss Stephenson says that in Years 9 and
10, the students often sign up because their friends want to do it.
The programme has been running in the UK for more than 40 For this reason, she introduced a much more rigorous process
years and was taken up by Al Yasmina not long after the school for applications this year. “Students had to research DoE so that
opened. The idea was to get students out of the classroom and they knew what was involved, and then they had to write a letter
acquiring new skills. For schools overseas, it is known as the of application to say why they should be considered to be part of
International Award, but the key components remain the same the group.
and it is accredited by the DoE scheme.This enables it to be
easily recognised if students move to other schools. Their academic attitude and commitment, as reflected in their
school reports, was then taken into account.” From about
It is run in three stages – Bronze, Silver and Gold – each 50 applications, 30 were accepted. Success with the DoE
offered to a different age group at secondary school. At each programme can be considered favourably by colleges and
stage there are four sections of the programme which must universities in their selection process. “It can look good on your
be completed – acquiring a new skill, undertaking a period CV because it shows commitment, longevity, it shows that you
of physical recreation, completing community service, and can help other people, that you can work as a team but also be
undertaking an expedition. The current Year 10s recently independent. It offers all those life skills that employees and
completed their Bronze expedition and will receive their awards college admissions staff are looking for, but that shouldn’t be
at a special assembly.Silver is expected to be completed by Year the only reason to do it.”
11. At Al Yasmina, the Gold Award is only offered through the
World Challenge. World Challenge is a stand-alone initiative for “Students should do it because they want the personal
Year 12 students. It lasts 16 days and includes an expedition and challenge.” Miss Stephenson says her role as co-ordinator
a residential service project. The students still have to complete focuses on screening the applicants and organising and training
the skills and recreation component for 12 months if they are them for the expeditions. She also assists where possible in
using the Challenge as part of the DoE Gold Award. establishing volunteering opportunities but ideally the students
should arrange these themselves.
A group of Year 12s are currently working towards their trip to The expeditions are currently contracted to Ecoventure, a
Uganda in June, where they will undertake their expedition and company specialising in educational trips.“They do the risk
then spend time working on and teaching in Jjezza School. For assessments, the health and safety checks, provide fully
younger students, the expedition is a big attraction, says DoE qualified expedition leaders, 4x4 transport, and they understand
co-ordinator Miss Stephenson.“They have a weekend away, they the terrain we will be in.”
work hard, they get tired, they come back sandy and hot and
bothered, but they have a ball.” “What is more difficult is to get The desert presents its own challenges which will often form
them to love doing the other parts of it as well. DoE is a victim a dramatic contrast with conditions students would face in
of its own success, really. All the students want to do it because their home countries. There are no swollen rivers to cross or
they think it’s a weekend of camping but they forget they have to hypothermic mountain conditions, but there can be heat and
put all that time and commitment into other aspects of it also.” sand, wind and poor visibility to contend with. The current
Bronze award students faced unseasonal heat in their training
“I think the older the students get, the more they appreciate trip in November and last year’s Silver award students were
the other components. Once they get to Silver and Gold they caught in a terrible sandstorm. “It was horrendous. That was
realise how much they can benefit from helping other people, or the second worst expedition I’ve ever done in terms of the
improving themselves and learning new skills.” The aim is for conditions. It was very, very difficult.”
students to become more independent and to investigate what
they can do for their service and recreation. “A lot of things we However, Miss Stephenson says it’s good that these students
do at school, we just hand it to them on a plate, but for this they get experience in this kind of terrain as they may move to other
need to go out and find what they need or want to do.” countries and never get the opportunity again.
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14. INTERNATIONAL DAY SEES
STUDENTS CELEBRATE
DIVERSITY
The school was transformed into a riot of
colour, sound and smell as students came
together to celebrate their diversity on
International Day. The festivities kicked off
with a Parade of Nations, which saw 1600
students and 200 members of staff represent
their 71 nationalities by dressing in national
costume, national colours, or wearing their
flag. It was followed by the International
Showcase - a series of stalls run by parent
volunteers representing 32 countries.
14
15. “The students absolutely loved it. There was
such a great atmosphere out there,” said
International Day co-ordinator Miss Merrick.
The parents came up with innovative ways of
demonstrating their countries and cultures
which included food, music, dancing and
quizzes. Tasty morsels on offer ranged from
Thailand’s delicious noodles to USA’s M&Ms
and shots of Coke. “It was a great effort by
the parents. I set them the task: let students
know what your country smells, tastes, feels,
looks and sounds like, and the results were
amazing.” The students agreed. “You were
able to try different cultures and get a taste of
what it was like. You felt at home when you
went to some of the stalls,” said Eve Willis,
Year 8. “It was really good, and the food was
really nice!” said Makyla Fahmy, also Year 8.
Each stall had a stamp of their country’s
flag, and younger children enjoyed collecting
stamps for their “passport”. School Council
members from Years 7 to 10 helped the
younger primary children at the parade
and then guided them round the Showcase.
Teachers were glowing in their praise of the
students’ attitude. “I enjoyed helping with
FS, and making the banners for the parade.
I felt proud because I did something for the
school and it was up there for everyone to
see,” said Year 10 student Waie Rasidin. Miss
Merrick said her Year 7 students told her
wearing their own national dress made them
feel proud. “I love that as an international
community we get along so well and are
friends, but on International Day we can really
see the differences and appreciate and enjoy
each other’s cultures.”
“We are really lucky to be an international
school and take it for granted, but we should
shout about it, and International Day allowed
us to do that.” This year was the first time
separate International Day and National Day
events were held. “I think it really worked
holding them separately. It made them each
equally special in their own right.”
16. EUROPE SOUTH AMERICA
ASIA NORTH AMERICA
OCEANIA AFRICA
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17. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 5
2012/2013
DUBAI DOMINATES
INAUGURAL U14
NETBALL CLASH
AGAINST ABU DHABI
The inaugural Under 14 Abu Dhabi Netball squad, in which Year
8 student Sophie Ensor represented Al Yasmina, put up a great
fight but could not match the might of Dubai. Organiser and coach
Kellie Pomeroy said the plucky B team got off to a flying start but
couldn’t maintain their momentum against the taller and stronger
Dubai set. “It was certainly a courageous and enthusiastic effort
from all the girls and they stayed very positive and confident to the
end.” The final score was 20-2 to Dubai.
The A team started well, with a fantastic defensive performance
which meant the score line was kept to a minimum and there was
great shooting throughout. However, Dubai got the upper hand in
the 2nd quarter, while a tactical change-around in attack saw Abu
Dhabi take the third quarter 7-4. However, it was not enough to
keep Dubai at bay and they ended up winning the match 22-14.
Ms Pomeroy said she was encouraged by the performance of the
players. “It is definitely the start of things to come so watch this
space.”
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SWIMMERS IN TRAINING FOR MUSCAT CHAMPS
Al Yasmina swimmers are training hard for the British
Schools in the Middle East swimming championships
in Muscat, Oman, on March 21. The championships
have grown in popularity, with the best swimmers
from the region gathering to race each other and test
their abilities and skills,” says PE teacher Mr Todorov.
“This event has become a highlight for our most able
swimmers. They have put a lot of time and effort in
preparation. Our students aim high and have their
eyes on medals and records. Most of all they are
looking forward to representing Al Yasmina School
and Abu Dhabi, as the only school attending from
the city. “Last year our school achieved one of the
greatest sporting results so far. We came back with
32 medals.We are even more prepared this time.
Muscat here we come again.” Team members from
the secondary school are:
Year 7: Tegan Friedenthal
Year 8: Alexa Groh and Rosa Smith
Year 9: Dannielle Hatcher, Kelsi Friedenthal and
Fadwa Qadan
Year 10: Cameron Oliver and Milan Den Haese
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18. JSLA STUDENTS “A CREDIT TO THE SCHOOL”
More than 40 Year 10 students are taking part in the Junior Recent months have been busy for JSLA students. They have:
Sports Leaders Award (JSLA) scheme this year.
• Volunteered at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf
The qualification teaches generic leadership skills such as Championship
organisation, planning, communication and teamwork through • Assisted with school swimming galas
the medium of sport. It is meant to be both an enjoyable and • Planned and led the Year 1 and 2 Sports Day
practical course, says Mr Smith, Director of Sport. Candidates • Assisted with the officiating and scoring in the Year
lead small groups in simple sport and recreational activities 3/4 and 5/6
while under the direct supervision of their tutor. House Athletics competitions
• Officiated at school fixtures
“Lessons have very much been Course tutors Miss Jones, Mr Smith and Mr Stanley are very
of a practical nature with pupils proud of Al Yasmina’s young sports leaders for their constant
developing leadership skills, working enthusiasm and the progression that they have made this year.
“They have been a credit to the school and their help has been
with their peers.” invaluable throughout a variety of sporting events.”
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STAFF EMBRACE
HEALTH INITIATIVES
As good role models for the students, Al Yasmina staff have been
looking after their wellbeing through health and fitness events
this month.
On February 3, a team from Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy came
to the school clinic and checked the blood pressure, blood
sugar and cholesterol levels of staff. Teachers, as well as
administrative, maintenance, security, cleaning, kitchen and
support staff all visited the health check stand. Such was the
enthusiasm that there was a long line at the stand all day.
A “taster” boot camp session was also offered by Premium
Fitness. As there is a group of staff who regularly attend boot
camp classes after school twice a week, it was thought that other
staff may be also interested. All the new attendees enjoyed the
event and some decided to sign up for the classes.
Research has shown that if a child grows up in a healthy, active
environment they are more likely to carry these habits into
adulthood, minimising the risks of many medical conditions such
as diabetes, heart disease and obesity-related problems. Let’s all
be good role models! 18
19. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 5
2012/2013
SNOW, SUN, PIZZAS AND FUN ON SKI TRIP
Thirty five secondary students headed off to Kitzbuhel, Austria, Pizza night was a huge hit with all the students, as the pizzas
over the half-term break for the annual ski trip and the were humongous. An evening walk by candlelight through the
experience of a lifetime. rural areas of Kitzbuhel was a peaceful and tranquil experience.
In amongst this jam-packed week everyone still had enough
We were 22 skiers and 13 snowboarders, ranging in experience energy to go snow-tubing and sledging, which was a great hit
from beginners to experts. Every day was an early start but we with the students. We also managed to see an evening exhibition
awoke to a delicious breakfast and 10 inches of fresh powder where skiers and boarders where jumping and flipping. There
snow -- just marvelous. Kitzbuhel was truly a wonderful setting were skiers on stilts, along with some superb displays of
for skiers and snowboarders to plough down the piste. Adding to synchronized performances.
the fun, of course, was the traditional snowball fight. As you can
imagine, it was time for the pupils to get their own back on the By the end of the week there were some sore feet, a few bruises,
teachers but we only joined in once! and lots of very tired people but everyone was still buzzing from
all the excitement and managed to sing songs all the way home!
Our evenings were just as busy as our days. We swapped our A fantastic experience had by all, thank you!
skis for ice skates, everyone laughing and joking at people’s
calamitous falls, especially Miss Oliver’s! By trip co-ordinator Miss Jones
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20. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 5
2012/2013
SCIENCE STUDENTS
VISIT MASDAR CITY
Year 9 students visited Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City this month
as part of their science topic Humans and the Environment.
Masdar City is the only carbon-neutral city in the Middle
East. On their tour, the students looked at a wind tunnel
which cools the central courtyard, solar panels which provide
the city with its own electricity, and at electric cars which
runs on magnets and offer a cleaner alternative to fuel-
based transport.
It is hoped that in the future these renewable forms of energy
which help to power Masdar might be used more frequently
in everyday life, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
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VALENTINE’S BAKE
SALE RAISES 4500DH
Close to 4500 dirhams was raised at the World Challenge
Valentine’s Day bake sale. The event was a great success, and
the team would like to thank everyone for getting involved,
and for the amazing cakes that were donated. The money
raised will go towards funding our expedition to Uganda this
June.
The team has lined up a lot more exciting fundraising events
in the forthcoming weeks and we look forward to seeing the
whole school coming together to take part. Thank you all
again for the incredible support this term, without which this
expedition truly would not be possible.
– by Shahmir Khan
FEBRUARY STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Sally Zeidan (Islamic Studies - native), Abrar Syed (Economics),
Anushae Khan (Islamic Studies - non-native) Emily Green (English)
Khalifa Hamad (Arabic - native), Marina Gurguis (French)
Lotte De Rooy (Arabic - non-native), Natasha Callow (Geography),
Jad Nasser (UAE Social Studies), Ibraheem Griffith (History),
Raseel Abu Hassan (Art), Aran Quintana (ICT),
Jessica Lewis (Business Studies), India Heber (Mathematics),
Holly O’Shea, Ryan Sayegh, Hassan Al Ramya Iyer (Music),
Asmawi, Mallory De Man, Nicole Crighton, William Ayass (PE)
Emily Simpson (Drama), Emily Simpson (Psychology),
Sophie Kilding (DT), Yara Al Fawares (Science),
Ali Al Hashmi (Spanish)
APOLOGIES
“Apologies to Ali Al Hashmi, whose name was missed from the list of winners in January’s WOW Factor. Ali was joint runner-up, with
Declan Bell and Laura Webster.”
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