AL YASMINA SCHOOL STRIVES TO BE AN OUTSTANDING INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL, MAXIMISING THE LEARNING POTENTIAL OF ALL

THE SECONDARYPARTNERSHIP

AL YASMINA SCHOOL

CONNeCtBLOOMGrOwLeArNNurturePLAY

ABu DHABI ISSue 52012/2013

ALDAr ACADeMIeS

CONteNtSweLCOMe 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

Welcome to the latest issue of the Secondary PArtnership for the 2012/2013 academic year. The Secondary PArtnership is the publication for Al Yasmina's secondary school and is published eight times a year. Look for previous issues on the school website.

The Secondary PArtnership keeps you up-to-date with student activities across the secondary department. It also gives Al Yasmina School the chance to celebrate progress and achievement and provide more in depth information to parents on a wide variety of subjects.

We welcome your feedback. communications@alyasmina.sch.ae

The Secondary PARTnership Topics, trends, updates, views and news from the Al Yasmina Secondary Department

weLCOMe

Pictured on the cover: Chicago!2

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FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL, MR GALE

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself” - Henry Ford

After a challenging January on many levels and with the external exams now behind us, it is heartening to reflect on the hugely positive month of February. With Valentine's Day, our thoughts have been focused on “love”, kindness towards others, and respect in school. We have had the outstanding success of the secondary drama production Chicago, a colourful and patriotic International Day, the fundraising Bake Sale for World Challenge, the ski trip to Austria and educational visits this month, to name but a few highlights from the calendar. The success of these events is dependent on the passion of the people involved and it is clear to me that the staff at Al Yasmina have a huge affection for the students and want to provide every opportunity for them to enjoy their time here.

Seeing the students on stage each night in Chicago, talking to them on International Day, hearing about the amazing experiences they have had on their trips away tells me that such affection is reciprocated. This mutual respect and commitment to ensure the students have the best learning experiences are among the features which make us stand out from other schools.

Al Yasmina has a great heart, in its leadership, its staff, its parents and students and I am immensely proud of all that we continue to achieve together.

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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.”

CHICAGO MUSICAL “BEST SHOW YET”

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the CastVelma - Nicole Crighton/Mallory De ManRoxie – Holly O’SheaBilly – Hassan Al AsmawiAmos – Ryan SayeghMama – Emily SimpsonMary Sunshine – Alex McMillanCell Block Tango/Billy’s Girls Emily Prest, Lina Mohamed, Nicola Burgess, Rida Khan, Raseel Abu Hassan, Florence Atkins, Jess McMillanMaster Of Ceremonies – Teo ElsmoreBandleader – Edward DrewGo to Hell Kitty – Laila MoukhtarReporters – Roxy Gardiner, Ramya Iyer, Claire McManamon-Purtell, Elena Castillo Guijarro, Maddison Hedges, Khamis Al Hinai, Laila MoukhtarFred Casel - Tehara MoonemalleRoxie 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 MustafaJudge/Sergeant Fogarty – Hannah GreenBackstage Crew – Faris, Yea Inn, Sarah, Jess, Katta, Jatarpa, Alex, Ryan, Derek

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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.

SENIOR SUBJECT SELECTION A TEAM EFFORT

“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.”

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YEAR 9Euan CasselsChosen subjects: Triple Science, Geography, French, Art and maybe Historywants 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 11Yash BhatiaChosen 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 found her advice helpful.

Adnan Al ArmoutiChosen subjects: Triple Science, French, DTRM, Arabic, and deciding between History and Geography. wants to be: An electrical engineer. “I want to follow in my father’s footsteps.”

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.He believes GCSEs will be tough, especially with having to sit three exams at the end of Year 11 for Triple Science but says “it will be worth it”.

Usman LiaqatChosen subjects: Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Economicswants 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.”

Geethma KarunatilekeChosen subjects: Triple Science, Music, French, Business Studies and ICT.wants to be: A doctor.

thoughts on the options selection process: “The decisions were easy as I already knew what I wanted to be. It was just choosing between Business Studies and ICT that I was a little confused about.”

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DECISIONS, DECISIONS.....

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Year 9 students from left is Euan Cassels, Adnan Al Armouti and Geethma Karunatileke

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Year 11 students Yash Bhatia and Usman Liaqat

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Psychology as a subject has a slight aura of mystery to it.It is a relative newcomer to the school, offered for the first time last year, and it is currently only available to A Level students, meaning it does not benefit from the wide exposure that core curriculum subjects have.

But the word is spreading, and its increasing popularity could see student numbers more than double next year, when it will be offered as a GCSE subject for the first time.Psychology teacher Mrs Hewitt says she was almost overwhelmed by the level of interest shown in the subject at last month’s Options Evening.

“Students had told their parents about the subject, and the parents had come along wanting to know more about what the students would be taught, and where it could lead them. I almost found myself running a psychology class in the atrium.” The A Level Taster Day which followed also generated considerable interest, and could result in as many as 25 students signing up for next year. While many students are interested in the course content, some struggle to see where it would fit in their future careers. Mrs Hewitt says that while very few students are likely to go on and take a psychology degree, the subject has wide-ranging applications in many jobs. “Anywhere where they are working with people – teaching, medicine, law, and business, for example.”

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PSYCHOLOGY AN “INVALUABLE” ASSET“It’s a massive field of interest. We learn about a lot of very interesting things that have their roots in those questions of why we do what we do.”

She says she wouldn’t sell the subject to everyone though. It doesn’t suit the black-and-white, fact-focused type of learner. The subject requires students to be able to analyse opposing theories and in-depth studies, and introduce applications for the real world. “An example would be if we were studying perception, the real world application would be advertising and how advertisers play on our perceptions.”

“Psychology is attractive to students who have an opinion and like to debate things.” By the time students have completed their GCSE in Psychology, they will have a clear idea whether they want to continue with it at A Level, Mrs Hewitt says. “They need to decide whether it is a style of learning that suits them. There is a lot of hypothetical thinking which some students just don’t get.” She backs this with the theory of Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget, who claimed that only 50 percent of people ever reach the higher order of thinking – that is, not to have a clear answer but simply to weigh up the argument. For those taking Psychology at GCSE level next year, topics will include dreaming, phobias, and the role of the media in aggression and violence. They will also study how we perceive the world. (cont..)

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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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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.”

READERS CUP TEAM: back (from left) is Hannah Green, Aysha Atti and Aran Quintana. Front is Mehek Mathur.

MR RICHARDS’ MATHEMATICAL CHALLENGE

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 VeGFoyVeg 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.

Annual Charity BallSAVE THE DATE - FRIDAY MAY 10 Join the school community in what promises to be a memorable night at a fantastic new venue. All proceeds will go towards providing life-altering surgery for children through Operation Smile UAE. Watch this space for further details, including ticket sales, soon!

LATEST NEWS FROM FRIENDS OF YASMINA

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EAGER READERS MAKE CUP FINAL A team of four Year 7 and 8 students is to make a bid for the winner’s trophy in next week’s Reader’s Cup, run as part of the Emirates Festival of Literature.

After a tough general literature quiz at school, the top eight scorers were split into two teams. They each had to read four books chosen by the festival organisers. After another round of questions sent through to the school, the team comprising Mehek Mathur, Hannah Green, Aysha Atti and Aran Quintana emerged as one of the top eight in the Gulf region to go forward and compete in the final in Dubai on March 6. They have been given two more books to read before then, and will be questioned on all six books, says English teacher Miss Stephenson.

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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.

“Al Yasmina has been involved in the festival before, but only 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.”

The books the students read and will be quizzed on are:the French Connection by Anthony Horowitzthe Kite rider by Geraldine McCaughreanthe Gates by John ConnollyChemical Chaos by Nick Arnoldraven’s Gate by Anthony HorowitzStop the tram by Geraldine McCaughrean.

There were no correct entries for last month’s challenge.

The answer could have been worked out through trial and error or using a little algebra. Carol is approximately 4-1/2, Brian 6-1/2 and Carol 29 and a bit. So the answers were 4, 6 and 29.

This month’s challenge: A student bought 17 pencils for £1.44. He paid 2 pence more for each coloured pencil than for each plain pencil. How many of each kind did he buy at what price?

Please email your answers to crichards@alyasmina.sch.ae.

The solution and the person who solved it correctly will be published next month.

Undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) Award scheme in this part of the world has its own special challenges but it nevertheless remains popular and successful with students.

The programme has been running in the UK for more than 40 years and was taken up by Al Yasmina not long after the school opened. The idea was to get students out of the classroom and acquiring new skills. For schools overseas, it is known as the International Award, but the key components remain the same and it is accredited by the DoE scheme.This enables it to be easily recognised if students move to other schools.

It is run in three stages – Bronze, Silver and Gold – each offered to a different age group at secondary school. At each stage there are four sections of the programme which must be completed – acquiring a new skill, undertaking a period of physical recreation, completing community service, and undertaking an expedition. The current Year 10s recently completed their Bronze expedition and will receive their awards at a special assembly.Silver is expected to be completed by Year 11. At Al Yasmina, the Gold Award is only offered through the World Challenge. World Challenge is a stand-alone initiative for Year 12 students. It lasts 16 days and includes an expedition and a residential service project. The students still have to complete the skills and recreation component for 12 months if they are using the Challenge as part of the DoE Gold Award.

A group of Year 12s are currently working towards their trip to Uganda in June, where they will undertake their expedition and then spend time working on and teaching in Jjezza School. For younger students, the expedition is a big attraction, says DoE co-ordinator Miss Stephenson.“They have a weekend away, they 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 them to love doing the other parts of it as well. DoE is a victim of its own success, really. All the students want to do it because they think it’s a weekend of camping but they forget they have to put all that time and commitment into other aspects of it also.”

“I think the older the students get, the more they appreciate the other components. Once they get to Silver and Gold they realise how much they can benefit from helping other people, or improving themselves and learning new skills.” The aim is for students to become more independent and to investigate what they can do for their service and recreation. “A lot of things we do at school, we just hand it to them on a plate, but for this they need to go out and find what they need or want to do.”

Some students have worked at an animal welfare centre, others with specials needs children, and some have helped out with Brownies or Scouts. Miss Stephenson says that in Years 9 and 10, the students often sign up because their friends want to do it. For this reason, she introduced a much more rigorous process for applications this year. “Students had to research DoE so that they knew what was involved, and then they had to write a letter of application to say why they should be considered to be part of the group.

Their academic attitude and commitment, as reflected in their school reports, was then taken into account.” From about 50 applications, 30 were accepted. Success with the DoE programme can be considered favourably by colleges and universities in their selection process. “It can look good on your CV because it shows commitment, longevity, it shows that you can help other people, that you can work as a team but also be independent. It offers all those life skills that employees and college admissions staff are looking for, but that shouldn’t be the only reason to do it.”

“Students should do it because they want the personal challenge.” Miss Stephenson says her role as co-ordinator focuses on screening the applicants and organising and training them for the expeditions. She also assists where possible in establishing volunteering opportunities but ideally the students should arrange these themselves.The expeditions are currently contracted to Ecoventure, a company specialising in educational trips.“They do the risk assessments, the health and safety checks, provide fully qualified expedition leaders, 4x4 transport, and they understand the terrain we will be in.”

The desert presents its own challenges which will often form a dramatic contrast with conditions students would face in their home countries. There are no swollen rivers to cross or hypothermic mountain conditions, but there can be heat and sand, wind and poor visibility to contend with. The current Bronze award students faced unseasonal heat in their training trip in November and last year’s Silver award students were caught in a terrible sandstorm. “It was horrendous. That was the second worst expedition I’ve ever done in terms of the conditions. It was very, very difficult.”

However, Miss Stephenson says it’s good that these students get experience in this kind of terrain as they may move to other countries and never get the opportunity again.

DoE SCHEME CHALLENGING BUT POPULAR

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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.

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“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.”

SOUTH AMERICA

AFRICA

NORTH AMERICAASIA

OCEANIA

EUROPE

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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.”

DUBAI DOMINATES INAUGURAL U14 NETBALL CLASH AGAINST ABU DHABI

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 FriedenthalYear 8: Alexa Groh and Rosa SmithYear 9: Dannielle Hatcher, Kelsi Friedenthal and Fadwa QadanYear 10: Cameron Oliver and Milan Den Haese

SWIMMERS IN TRAINING FOR MUSCAT CHAMPS

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JSLA STUDENTS “A CREDIT TO THE SCHOOL”More than 40 Year 10 students are taking part in the Junior Sports Leaders Award (JSLA) scheme this year.

The qualification teaches generic leadership skills such as organisation, planning, communication and teamwork through the medium of sport. It is meant to be both an enjoyable and practical course, says Mr Smith, Director of Sport. Candidates lead small groups in simple sport and recreational activities while under the direct supervision of their tutor.

“Lessons have very much been of a practical nature with pupils developing leadership skills, working with their peers.”

Recent months have been busy for JSLA students. They have:

• Volunteered at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship • Assisted with school swimming galas• Planned and led the Year 1 and 2 Sports Day • Assisted with the officiating and scoring in the Year 3/4 and 5/6 House Athletics competitions • Officiated at school fixtures

Course tutors Miss Jones, Mr Smith and Mr Stanley are very proud of Al Yasmina’s young sports leaders for their constant enthusiasm and the progression that they have made this year. “They have been a credit to the school and their help has been invaluable throughout a variety of sporting events.”

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STAFF EMBRACE HEALTH INITIATIVESAs 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

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SNOW, SUN, PIZZAS AND FUN ON SKI TRIPThirty five secondary students headed off to Kitzbuhel, Austria, over the half-term break for the annual ski trip and the experience of a lifetime.

We were 22 skiers and 13 snowboarders, ranging in experience from beginners to experts. Every day was an early start but we awoke to a delicious breakfast and 10 inches of fresh powder snow -- just marvelous. Kitzbuhel was truly a wonderful setting for skiers and snowboarders to plough down the piste. Adding to 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 teachers but we only joined in once!

Our evenings were just as busy as our days. We swapped our skis for ice skates, everyone laughing and joking at people’s calamitous falls, especially Miss Oliver’s!

Pizza night was a huge hit with all the students, as the pizzas were humongous. An evening walk by candlelight through the rural areas of Kitzbuhel was a peaceful and tranquil experience. In amongst this jam-packed week everyone still had enough energy to go snow-tubing and sledging, which was a great hit with the students. We also managed to see an evening exhibition where skiers and boarders where jumping and flipping. There were skiers on stilts, along with some superb displays of synchronized performances.

By the end of the week there were some sore feet, a few bruises, and lots of very tired people but everyone was still buzzing from all the excitement and managed to sing songs all the way home!A fantastic experience had by all, thank you!

By trip co-ordinator Miss Jones

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.

SCIENCE STUDENTS VISIT MASDAR CITY

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issue 52012/2013

AL YAsMiNA sCHOOL

20

VALENTINE’S BAKE SALE RAISES 4500DHClose 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

Sally Zeidan (Islamic Studies - native), Anushae Khan (Islamic Studies - non-native)Khalifa Hamad (Arabic - native),Lotte De Rooy (Arabic - non-native),Jad Nasser (UAE Social Studies),Raseel Abu Hassan (Art),Jessica Lewis (Business Studies),Holly O’Shea, Ryan Sayegh, Hassan Al Asmawi, Mallory De Man, Nicole Crighton, Emily Simpson (Drama),Sophie Kilding (DT),

FEBRUARY STUDENTS OF THE MONTHAbrar Syed (Economics),Emily Green (English)Marina Gurguis (French)Natasha Callow (Geography),Ibraheem Griffith (History),Aran Quintana (ICT),India Heber (Mathematics),Ramya Iyer (Music),William Ayass (PE)Emily Simpson (Psychology),Yara Al Fawares (Science),Ali Al Hashmi (Spanish)

“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.”

APOLOGIES