Welcome Last week we collected some amazing videos from our students in years 1-6 as they were challenged to tell us ‘Why should you move here!?’ - to Ecuador of course. In partnership with COBIS schools in Mexico City, the Bahamas and Ascension Island we wanted to share our stories of living and learning with children from very different places and with very different experiences. Here is one example - look out for more in the coming weeks. We were so impressed by all the entries that we are going to ensure that they are ALL shared with the communities around the world and we look forward to seeing what our friends in other places think is so wonderful and special about where they live. Global Perspectives is an important element of all our studies here at BSQ. By incorporating a strong understanding of the wider world, we can help students to consider topics like globalization, identity, diversity, human rights, justice, peace, conflict resolution and building a sustainable future for everyone. By developing a cooperative approach to problem solving and shared responsibility, we hope to give our graduates the skills and determination to make a change in the world they inherit. I hope you enjoy the videos. BSL This week two of our Year 10A students will be demonstrating two new signs: washing hands and good work, using BSL. Please watch this brilliant video: Ms. Hayley Dean, KS2 Lead Dates for your Diary As always please check this section carefully and ensure that you have all the details in your calendars.
Emma Newman Principal Being BSQ – Primary Update This week you have the opportunity to speak with all of your child’s teachers to find out about their progress and the areas that we are supporting them as a team to improve. Please do note the time of your appointment (which will be on your child’s Class Canvas Page) and encourage your child to join you for a short while during this conference. One thing the teachers are often asked by parents is how they can best support their child at home. Of course, the answer is complicated, not least because every child is different and the same approach will not work with every child. The basics must also be in place first – your child should feel safe, secure and trusted, have the appropriate food, bedtime routines and of course opportunities to play and relax. The area I would like to focus on this week is how we find out about your child’s day at school. Traditionally, we would ask them ‘How was your day?’ and hope for them to share with us their learning, their thoughts and feelings and any worries they may have had. In reality, they will often respond very briefly, perhaps saying ‘OK’ or ‘Not bad.’ To really illicit more detailed responses to help us gauge their learning and how we can best support them, we must ask them more specific questions that require them to think more and actually reflect on their learning, experiences and feelings. Below are some questions that will help start that conversation:
Hopefully, you will all soon be having deep and meaningful conversations with your child about their learning at school and be able to support both their academic and personal development throughout the year. Marcus Madden Head of Primary KS1 Music Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife. -Kahlil Gibran. Music can also stimulate the mind. This has been the objective of the Music lesson during this year. In KS1, we started learning a steady beat. Steady beat is the most fundamental concept in music. It’s the ongoing, steady, repetitive pulse that occurs in songs, chants, rhymes, and music. The children have learned to keep a steady beat while clapping, snapping, stomping, moving their arms, and using percussion instruments. Steady beat competency impacts gross- and fine-motor skills. The ability to keep a steady beat helps children walk with a steady walk, run, pedal a bicycle, dribble a ball, and even use scissors and write smoothly. Children have begun to create their own musical patterns using flashcards and codes for body percussion. I am very impressed with the creativity and engagement the students have shown so far, which tells me we will be able to do great things during the school year. Ms. Ma. Fernanda Espinosa, Music and Performing Arts Teacher Being BSQ – Secondary Update Normality almost – what a wonderful atmosphere. Finally, we are almost back to normal. Last week was one that we had planned extremely carefully with the arrival of all students on site. I will admit that I did have some trepidation on Sunday evening with the logistics but I am extremely pleased to report on how smoothly the process has unfolded and what an impact it has had on our community. The students have been impeccable throughout the week and they have responded with great responsibility to ensure that our processes and expectations are met. Well done all. I have really enjoyed break times seeing everyone all back together again. The students are relaxed and clearly happy to be reunited. There has been a wonderful buzz about the place as we slowly return to normality. Our senior students worked super hard last week in the final preparations for the Bonfire night fun. What has pleased me the most is the enthusiasm and determination to deliver such a carefully considered event. There have been some challenges and changes to plans, but to their credit the team have adapted and showed great resilience in the run up. These are credible attributes and will inevitably stand as great experiences for the future. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to the form representatives for their support and time. We really are extremely lucky to have such wonderfully supportive and committed parents. On Thursday and Friday this week we look forward to the important opportunity for teachers to share progress with parents and students in the parent teacher conferences. I am sure that by now you have seen the communication around this and sent your appointment requests to Sandy. She will process these and confirm them by the end of the day on Tuesday. This is an important occasion where staff will be sharing information on progress against targets set from the CAT4 tests. This is new information for parents and the meetings are timed to coincide with the new report release and connected information to parents, and our new data tracking systems being implemented this year. I really do hope that you take the time to attend these important conferences. Students will be at home on these days to allow staff time to facilitate the meetings. Work will be set of course to keep everyone busy at home. Do assume that your son or daughter has lots to do! We have been considering uniform and a particular issue currently with the appearance of our female students and their preference for leggings in PE. These are only permitted for students in year 12 and 13. All younger students must wear the school uniform tracksuit bottoms. Mr Edwards and I will be reminding everyone this week. Finally, my thanks again for your cooperation and patience with the drive through over the recent week. It is hugely challenging for everyone currently and we are doing what we can to mitigate this as much as possible. I would like to thank you very much if you have pulled together and pooled resources to get into school. We certainly recommend the bus where possible and car sharing. The fewer vehicles coming through and suffering the delays and dust the better. Y13 Year 13 students are experiencing challenging times as part of their journey towards the culmination of their IB Diploma Program, for this reason, these weeks have been demanding because students must meet the deadlines for exam papers, one of these was the Extended Essays, better known as EE. On the other hand, they must continue with the development of normal classes, lessons, tasks and everything that concerns completing the contents of each subject. In addition, they must develop complementary activities that allow them to complete the CAS hours, an IB requirement. For this, the students propose projects that are within their reach to fulfill them. The Diploma Program develops students with an upright profile, above all with an international mindset, so that students are capable of transforming the society in which they live. The BSQ school environment offers them every opportunity to develop social, self-management, communication, research and thinking skills. This is appreciated in a practical way, since Year 13 students are preparing the activities for the Bonfire Spirit Night that will take place on Saturday, November 13; students organized into teams are preparing contests, the haunted house, the costume parade and the talent show. It will be the opportunity to show the great capacity and development of its potential. In the tutoring periods, at LLS we have covered topics of great interest such as admission to universities, privacy and social networks, risk situations and prevention of alcohol use. The attitude and good predisposition of the students even allows personal ideas to be presented without any reservation and with a high degree of respect, a situation that as a tutor pleases me immensely. We are also looking for all the strategies to support them and help them organize themselves, and in this way guarantee the success and fulfillment of all the challenges that they have to face in this last school year. Mrs. Patricia Tufiño, Y13 Tutor Spotting Nature Nature is all around, even in cities and towns! Birds, butterflies, bugs, flowers, trees, mushrooms, and even weeds! There is an abundance of nature in every city just waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. As cities worldwide grow more densely populated, these green spaces are invaluable in helping people to feel connected with the natural world. Even though we’re all staying close to home, it’s important to remember that nature is a part of our everyday life—from spiders on bathroom walls to sparrows living on tile roofs. Taking the time to slow down and observe this nearby nature can be just as inspiring as spotting a wild animal on a distant trail. It’s much closer than you think. Whether you’re taking part in your garden, a local park, or a nature reserve, there’s a huge variety of wildlife that you might spot! You might be surprised how many species can be found in and near urban areas. No matter where you live, it’s important you find ways to spend time with nature and take a moment to appreciate it. Interesting research has even shown that watching nature documentaries can help boost many positive emotions like joy, amazement, awe, contentment, and curiosity. As a community we want to embrace the healing power of nature and celebrate tens of thousands of people all around the world, searching for and documenting their local biodiversity. Here are some of our students’ Nature Spotting! #SpottingNatureBSQ If you are further interested in exploring your local biodiversity and sharing the natural richness of your country do not hesitate to participate in #SpottingNatureChallenge by Global Forest Fund. Timeline November 1 - December 1 The challenge has kicked off on November 2021 How to Join:
More information: https://www.leaf.global/gaia2030-spottingnature Maite, Y13 student Have a wonderful week everyone.
Lee Moors Head of Secondary
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May 2024
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