WelcomeLiving and Learning Today these two headings come together as I share with you some exciting opportunities for our students. You already know about the Orbital schools trip to Budapest this term. Six students and Mr Ashfield will be heading out to Europe to join up with students and staff from Orbital Moscow and Orbital Budapest. Whilst there they will see many of the famous sites of the city and enjoy adventures such as cruising on the Danube, swimming in the famous outdoor baths and ride on the 144-year old Cogwheel railway. This is a great opportunity to meet students from other countries and experience a different city, food, language and traditions and is one of the exciting benefits of being part of the Orbital group. Thanks to everyone involved in the organisation of this. An opportunity that some students and families might want to take advantage of is the university summer schools programmes around the world. Whilst I know some students are already planning their summer school experiences with other Universities and companies, this information has come to me via the Oxford Royale Academy. It is only one example of the many universities and groups providing an experience abroad, but it is supported by COBIS, the Queen’s Award for Enterprise (the same as Orbital) and the British Council. There are many benefits to attending a summer school such as increased social confidence, language learning, making new friends and testing out how being in a university setting feels before making some choices about next steps in your study plan. I have some flyers if anyone is interested. A message from a BSQ alumnus Hi all my name is Nicole Jimenez and I am a BSQ alumnus currently studying at the University of Leeds in England. Last Sunday, I and a few members of LUUWHC (Leeds University Union Women’s Hockey Club) took on the 3 Yorkshire Peaks Challenge, which involves hiking three peaks (Whernside 736m, Ingleborough 723m, and Pen-y-Ghent 694m) and walking a total of 38.6km under 12 hours. I managed it in 11hrs 33minutes. We did this to raise money for donation to SUDEP action, a charity very close to my club’s heart as we lost a member to epilepsy a few years back. Therefore, I wanted to kindly ask for your donations, if possible, to my JustGive page, even a dollar can make a difference. Thank you so much for the taking the time to read this and I wish you all the best. http://www.justgiving.com/Nicole-Jimenez1?utm_id=27 Kind regards, Nicole Jimenez A message from Ms. Mitchell We are reaching out to our BSQ community to help us re-home a kitten found on the campus. We have already found homes for three of the four and there is just one left! If you or someone you know could help us with a new safe home for this little one, please contact me via email [email protected]. Thank you all. From the Staff and Students Continuing with our teachers and their stories about learning in the classroom this term. This week we hear from Mrs. Rocío Rueda and Mr. Joshua Cannon in Secondary and from the Nursery team in Primary Mrs. Rocío Rueda – Spanish Secondary Teacher Poetry is the echo of the melody of the universe in the heart of humans. Rabindranath Tagore POETRY: a challenge to teenagers When Literature teachers face to guide students along the path of poetry, almost certainly, I could say that two doors open to us. The first one, as poetry lovers, we feel that the coming few weeks will keep us closer to this wonderful genre that activates our deepest fibres of sensitivity – in which we are not always able to activate by the demanding teachers work. On the other hand, the next door is to ask ourselves, to work, to plan, to innovate, and to create different ways to introduce our students to poetry and awake those same emotional fibres that have touched us. Year 10 students have walked an arduous path to decode the poems of the Nicaraguan author Gioconda Belli arriving at their literal and deepest meanings through the meticulous analysis of their forms of expression, the combination of words, the construction of literary figures and the discovery of emotions that were identified and interpreted trying to elucidate the intentions that Belli had to create his poems. It was undoubtedly a titanic work because of the rigorous literary analysis required and the upcoming evaluations; but it was also an invaluable task for their sensitive and supportive human formation since reading and approaching this lyrical world required them to delve into their own experiences to discover the often intricate purposes of poetry and give them a tool to help them decipher the texts that life will present them. The work of a little more than six weeks in the classroom demanded an individual work, but at the same time a team effort. There were a few moments of frustration and doubt that it was only possible to unravel with help. I saw their faces of worry and uneasiness when they were just beginning; but I could also enjoy their bright eyes when they finally came to find answers to the immense question that the poem brought them. And, then, it was time to face the challenge of analyzing a new poem, but now alone. The students and their knowledge; the students and their sensitivity. In that path we are now. We will see the results soon when we enjoy their readings and their revelations. Until that moment arrives, I invite you to approach POETRY, read it, enjoy it and find the answers of life that we often do not find easily. Mr. Joshua Cannon – PE Secondary Teacher For the last few months Year 10 IGCSE PE class has been practicing to complete part of our coursework, which consists of four different activities. It was a requirement that all of us do cross country running as one of our sports, so we have been working hard to try to accomplish this. Since February we have been running every Tuesday and progressively reached 3km (girls) and 4km (boys) distances. Since ‘cross country’ demands changes in terrain and incline, we have run around Chaquiñan and Parque Metropolitano. Although it has been very challenging, it is a learning opportunity and a chance to push ourselves. To show everyone a little bit of what we have been doing and to collaborate with one of the charities BSQ is already working with, we have decided to organize a fun run. On Monday May 6, during primary/secondary lunch times, a path will be set around the school for all students, teachers and parents to run through. Participants will pay an entry fee to complete different distances of up to 2km and make a donation to Beyond Lagartococha. Rewards will be given out for taking part and we really hope everyone can come and make a contribution. Nursery Team We have made some small changes in Nursery and Reception snack time that will hopefully have a big impact. As in everything we do we are trying to enable the children to be as independent as possible. Therefore, our snack food is now served in a communal bowl and plate. The children take their own bowl and add the amount of fruit they want and take a sandwich etc. They carefully pass the bowl of fruit or plate of sandwiches down the table to the next person. The children also pour their own juice from a big jug with the support of an adult if needed. We have found the children are eating more and are much happier every snack time. These may seem like little things but they will have a big impact in your child feeling independent and in control of their choices. Why don’t you try it at home too? We are happy to offer advice and support with any questions regarding eating times. Dates for your Diary May 6th – Year 6 Graffiti workshop. 8:15 – 10:15am May 10th – Homemade biscuits & tea for Nursery Mums at 11.15am to celebrate Mother's Day May 24th – Battle of Pichincha Holiday May 26th – 31st – CIS Team Visit June 11th - 13th - Secondary Production: Romeo & Juliet June 25th & 26th - Primary Production Emma Newman Principal Being BSQ – Primary Update Last week was an unusual one in Primary, with only three days of school, though the students and teachers tried their hardest to fit as much learning into those three days as possible. One highlight of the week was the Year 3 trip to a local photography studio – we may have inspired the next David Bailey, Ansel Adams or Lorena Cordero! This week also promises to be packed full of learning opportunities. We have discussed with the students the importance of this final few weeks of learning before the transition to a new year group (or school in the case of Year 6). This term we aim to both consolidate the learning already undertaken in each year group but also really develop the students’ reasoning skills and develop their independence and self-motivation, in preparation for the challenges ahead. This week Year 6 will complete their Graffiti workshop and we will have an Own Clothes day on Friday, organised by the Primary Student Council, as part of their plans to improve the playground provision here at BSQ. As we approach the last few weeks of this academic year, do please keep checking the newsletter and your e-mail accounts for details of events, workshops and meetings. One date to put in your diary is Thursday 20th June, when we will hold our final Parent Teacher Conference in Primary. This will be an opportunity for you to speak with your child’s class teacher and other teachers working with your child and discuss their progress and next steps. On this day, the children will only attend school for their own meeting with their teachers. Marcus Madden Head of Primary Being BSQ – Secondary Update Regular Study With exams happening for some and coming up in a few weeks for others, it's worth noting that while revision for tests can be effective in the short term, the real path to success is through persistent study all the year round. Learning of a concept or skill needs to happen 3-5 times before it properly 'sticks', and while all attempts are made to find time to return and remind in class time, the surest way to ensure long term retention is to work on extending and reinforcing learning at home. Romeo + Juliet With six weeks to go now until the Secondary production, it's time for me to start plugging the show and encouraging all of you to buy tickets. The students are working extremely hard right now, during and after school and at weekends as well, learning line, rehearsing and preparing. Performances will take place at Teatro Telon de Achiles in Tumbaco on the evenings of 11th, 12th and 13th June. Please note the date in your diary and commit to coming along with your family to support drama at BSQ. Jim Wild Head of Secondary From the BSQ Counselling Team This week our school counsellor, Andrea Carrera, gives us some advice to fix rude tween behaviour.
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May 2024
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