www.nairobiacademy.or.ke

Secondary Bulletin Vol. 3 Term 1, 2017/18

British/International, IGCSE, GCE A - Level, BTEC Level 3, Day and Boarding

Helping students prepare well for examinations.

In many occasions students would be asked to study hard and revise for their examinations. But

what exactly are the students supposed to do, to achieve that expected grade? Both parents

and teachers have a duty to lead the students in realizing their dreams in academics.

This week, as part of helping the student to prepare well for Examinations, we look at Revision

Techniques. Before starting their revision students need to organize their revision materials, per-

sonal study time table, conducive study area/room which should be free from distractions and

with proper lighting.

They need to understand their syllabus content and break it down into manageable chunks per

given revision time. They need to understand their concentration span for maximum learning.

And they need to identify the time their brain can accommodate most information.

The following are some of the revision techniques that students can embrace:

Sufficient time to study

Organizing your study space

Make summary notes, use flow charts, mind-maps or diagrams

Practice with past exam questions

Teach others/peers as this helps in confidence building

Take regular breaks with enough sleep

Drink enough water

Eat energy giving foods, Plan well for the examination day

Revision ought to be a daily routine for excellent results.

Peter Mwikamba

KUONA TRUSt

Kuona Trust, a non-profit organization founded in 1995, maintains its own

Centre for Visual Arts in Nairobi, a platform for innovation through art

and creativity that supports the production, presentation, and promo-

tion of contemporary visual art in Kenya. The Centre’s workshops incor-

porate mentoring and training programs that give artists the opportunity

to develop their skills and experiment with new artistic concepts. In ad-

dition to its studios, there are workshops for woodwork, blacksmiths,

sculpture, and printmaking on the premises. Kuona Trust is also a strong

advocate for cultural exchange; its residency program and internation-

al artists’ workshops form the hub of a network of Kenyan and interna-

tional artists under the umbrella of the Triangle Network. The organization

strives to create a new awareness and increase appreciation of con-

temporary Kenyan art among the public and hosts exhibitions, artists’

talks, and an open door policy for those interested in art

Year 10/11/13 students got the chance to interact with brilliant artists in

their individual studio spaces on 12/9/17. Art works ranged from sculp-

ture, print making, canvas paintings and Multi-media crafts. The students

were able to relate to the design processes of research and concept

development and got a fresher perspective on what it means to be a

working artist; that is making a livelihood out of art.

THE YEAR 9 TRIP TO THE GOETHE INSITTUTE

On the 13/9/2017 we went for an educational German trip to

the Goethe Institute. We left school at 8:30am and arrived there

at about 9 am. After we arrived, we were given a tour around

the institute and informed about library membership. We were

also taught how to search for books using the E-library system.

Afterwards we went to the media room, played vocabulary

games and matched pictures with words. We also played

snakes and ladders in German, where if one of the students

rolled the dice and got a 5 and he lands at a box written

‘family’ the student had to say a sentence or more about his

family in German. After that we were given snacks and we

watched a movie ‘Der gestiefelte Kater’ which is Puss in Boots in

German and thereafter discussed the new German words we

had learnt. The Goethe Institute gave us pens and key holders

as a sign to show their gratitude. I think that I speak for all my

classmates when I say that we all had fun.

YEAR 13 UK UNI FAIR

On the 14th September, Year 13 students visited Hillcrest sec-

ondary for the UK Universities fair. Upon arrival we were all as-

signed to different rooms to listen in on talks by the university

representatives. Afterwards, we had a chance to interact with

the representatives and get more information about the variety

of courses on offer in international universities as well as the

minimal requirements for enrollment. It certainly was an enjoya-

ble and rewarding day as we got insight on the expectations

and requirements for studying abroad.

Camila Tarus and Julie Kaumbutho

SPORTS UPDATE

We have started training for this term and have slotted

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3.30pm to 4.30pm for the

same. We look forward to a good turn up as we start

the league fixtures for the term. The Under 15 girls

Rounders and Under 15 Football team are all set and

geared for the league and we look forward to a good

season. Early Morning swimming practice continues as

usual.

Cross country

On 22nd September, we took part in the school’s annual cross country. The juniors ran

3.5km while the seniors ran 7km. Although it was tiring, and pretty hot, we all enjoyed the

experience. The winning teams tactically paced themselves throughout the stretch. Our

congratulations go out to the winners –Naivasha and 1st runners-up Baringo.

Stanley Ndezwa

Cross country, an activity many students dread, but is full of fun and excitement. As a

new student in secondary, I felt a mix of both. Today was interesting. There were ups and

downs, wins and loses. Overall, it was a great experience and I am geared up for many

other events like this. Amber Okello

On September 7th 2017, six students from The Academy, accompanied by Mr. Lisutsa had a

unique opportunity to tour the Statehouse-Nairobi, under the Pupil Reward Scheme (PURES) ini-

tiated by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2015. The students who were selected for their exception-

al academic performance included, Stanley, Alwiye, Amber, Kimuchu, Muiruri and Nicole.

On arrival at the Statehouse we were cordially received by the Director of the project, Ms. Flor-

ence who ushered us into the dining room for breakfast. We were later joined by other top stu-

dents from Strathmore and Loreto Msongari. From the dining room we proceeded to a lecture

room where we were briefed on the PURES project and the nature of our trip. With a clear un-

derstanding of the activities ahead, our guided tour of Statehouse begun.

We first toured the office of the Secretary to the cabinet and the Chief of staff. Here we got to

learn about government protocol and the way sensitive government communication is han-

dled. We also visited Statehouse administrative block which typically operates like a govern-

ment ministry. From the administration block we were guided into the statehouse health unit.

The medical officer on duty took us round and at the end gave us a very informative health

talk.

After a sumptuous lunch we went to the statehouse garage and automobile museum. It was

amazing to see the vehicles used by the last British governor in Kenya in 1952 and all the official

presidential vehicles used thereafter, totalling to around thirteen. Surprisingly save for the obso-

lete security features, all these vehicles were said to be in good condition and can still be used.

The trip ended with the tour of the main house which hosts the president’s offices and resi-

dence. We got to learn the impressive history of the house, which spans beyond a century, the

English architectural design and its different occupants over time, as seen through the eyes of

the household staff. In deed as president envisioned, the trip did inspire our learners to work

hard in life and to aspire to enter into public leadership. Mr. Lisutsa

Pupil Reward Scheme at State House

We left the school at around 8.30 am on Tuesday, 19th September. It was a cold morning but we were ex-

cited about the trip especially because some of us had never been to the museum. The bus ride was 40

minutes or so. When we arrived we were taken through some rules by 2 guides as most of the exhibits are

expensive and priceless. We were guided through several exhibits and galleries such as:

1. Kenyan History in Pre-Colonial, Colonial and Post-Colonial times.

2. The grand hall of mammals

3. Central Bank of Kenya gallery showing the evolution of notes and coins.

4. The theory of evolution gallery showing the history of man with Africa as the cradle of mankind.

5. The snake park and aquarium which was a favorite for most of us

After the tour we took some group pictures and then went to the bus. It was an awesome trip and we look

forward to visiting again. Thalia Malaika and Simon Mboya

Year 8 Art and Design visit to the National Museums of Kenya

On the 20th of September the Community Service team (Year 13) held a small event in school whose

theme was Manual Labour Day. We decided on this theme to appreciate all blue-collar service occupa-

tions hence the entire student and staff were to dress up as a blue-collar worker of their choice. The stu-

dents had a bake sale which was very successful. At the end of the day every student learned that every

kind of work is important and is to be appreciated. All the money raised goes into the various charity pro-

jects under the Community Service. Camila Tarus

Community Service

Every year, the Year 12 students take part in Commu-

nity Service as a way of appreciating social responsi-

bility. We visited two centres, Kuwinda and Don

Bosco, where we engaged the kids in play and

came up with initiatives of improving their livelihoods.

I am extremely excited about this undertaking and

look forward to meeting and interacting with the kids

every Wednesday. Elsie

Blue -collar day

Moses Nanje Cecilia Kimani Robert Opondo Hudson Musavin Wanjiku Muriuki Thomas Warega

Maths/Economics English/Drama ICT Music Swimming Maths

Welcome our new team members!!

Moses Nanje

I am a major in Mathmatics and economics from Egerton University. In addition to this, I am also an ex-

aminer with CIEfor both Mathmatics(IGCSE and Additional Maths) and Economics (As) in addition to IB

Diploma in Economics. I am extremely delighted to be part of the Nairobi Academy fraternity and look

forward to having an enjoyable time!

Cecilia Kimani

I have been teaching been teaching Cambridge curriculum for the past 15 years - English, Literature and

Drama and have participated in School Productions with a special love for musicals. My experience so

far?.....it has been great - it all started with a warm welcome hug from Mrs. Rao! My heads have been

extremely helpful. The other staff members too. So far, I have enjoyed teaching the NA students. They are

very respectful and ready to learn. I am enjoying the ride!

Robert Opondo

My name is Robert Opondo. I teach O level ICT and Computer Science, A level IT and BTEC IT. I am also

the year 10A tutor. I have five years teaching experience which spans across British Curriculum and Inter-

national Baccalaureate. I am a Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) and a member of the Microsoft Inno-

vative Educators Experts (MIEE).

I am passionate about mentoring my students towards developing technology related solutions to our

day to day challenges. As a teacher I believe in fostering the intellectual and social development of

children during their formative years.

Hudson Ashuma

Joining the Nairobi academy community was one of my highest moments in my life. Being a young

teacher with a lot of ambitions to see myself grow as well as making positive impact on other has been

my ultimate desire. The Nairobi academy has created conducive environment for me to realize these. I

can confidently tell that with the support am getting from colleagues to see me absorbed in to the insti-

tution culture is evident enough that I am in the right place. I am certain that I shall be able to the best

of my ability, dispense my duties to make Nairobi academy a better place. Am looking forward to the

school growth and nature students’ talents in music.

Wanjiku Muriuki

Any physical activity can be painful, continual and difficult work but I have been so encouraged by all

who've showed great vitality in themselves especially during our cross-country and swimming sessions.

Keep it up!

Kenneth Kipkoech

My name is Mr. Kenneth Kipkoech, teacher of BTEC sports and games, Form tutor for

Year 13A. I have enjoyed my new station. I have already taken students for two in-

ter-school rounders.