SENIOR LINK—February 2015 - International School of Uganda

SENIOR LINK—February 2015
Grade 9 Mt Elgon- Victory!
For the 2015 Week Without Walls (WWW), ISU’s
Grade 9 travelled to Uganda’s national park Mount
Elgon, departing on Saturday morning and returning
Friday afternoon. The trek through the varied
landscapes was an enriching experience, a place to
witness natural beauty, a rare opportunity when living
in the capital. The hike was a tiring struggle with a
rewarding sleep at the end of the day. However, as we
climbed closer to the peak, the temperature got closer
to zero degrees and it made for some very cold nights!
The scenery throughout the national park was
amazing. During the 5 day hike we walked through a
wide variety of environments, passing tropical
montane forest, bamboo forest, heath and alpine moorland. On the fourth day, after the early morning last stretch, we
made our way to Wagagai Peak at 14,177 ft / 4,321 m - our entire grade reaching the summit. It was an extremely
satisfying and gratifying experience - an opportunity
that we will always remember and cherish.
However WWW is not all about the scenery, it’s about
friendship and relationship building. I’m also sure the
students had the chance to see that the teachers have a
sense of humor too. With new or strengthened
friendships, and the beautiful scenery, this trip is a
By Kyle
memory, forever remembered as a success.
McKim, Grade 9
Grade 6-Lake Mburo
Week without Walls was an amazing trip that started
off with a 7 hour bus ride with a stop at the equator. As
we arrived at the equator, not only did we have lunch
there but, we got to be part of both the southern and
northern hemispheres. We saw Uganda’s beautiful landscapes and eye catching sights that were unfamiliar to some of
us! Once we entered the national park we saw warthogs, zebra, and impala.
When we got to camp Ms. Nicky introduced us to Ms. Iddy also known as Ms. Nicky’s sister. There were a few differences
like the way they dressed and their age, other than that, I swear they could be twins! We couldn’t believe what was
heading our way; a storm! All the students and teachers were surprised since we came during the dry season, but for
better or worse, we all ran to the stables to let the rain calm down a bit. We had some trouble putting up the tents, but
after we finished we went to the campfire for dinner.
This trip was amazing, we got to see many animals on both our night and day safaris. Most of us would highlight the last
day as being the best memory of the trip. We got together as a Grade, including all the teachers and we had a quiz and
roasted marshmallows and celebrated for making it four days in the middle of nowhere. I want to thank everyone who
took part in organizing this trip for us. Thank you so much! By Naomi Alazar, Karen Weber Gonzales, Rama Agneta Hamzaoui
Grade 8 WWW Destination Lake Nabugabo
The 6th edition of Grade 8 Week without Walls was once again at the
picturesque Lake Nabugabo Holiday Center campsite, where students
had another truly magnificent time: relaxing around the campfire,
swimming etc., in addition to other planned curricular and co-curricular
activities.
Meaningful Community and Service
Our relationship with a local partner – The Nabugabo
Community Learning Center, founded by Ex MYP teacher David
Batten – now in its 3rd year has continued to grow and offer the
students an opportunity to get involved in a variety of meaningful
and beneficial C & S activities.
Transforming Nabugabo Mpola Mpola
And once again to our great delight, Mr. Mshana Mzuguno,
Tanzania’s top-Tinga-tinga painter, volunteered to join us on our
trip (3 years running). Under his guidance, the students painted
these great series of stunningly beautiful and colorful African
animals on the
outside walls
of
the
educational center’s main buildings.
To quote David from a recent email
“….thank you for your amazing support and friendship over your
last 3 visits to Nabugabo which really have made an
impact. Everyone loves the new Tinga-tinga paintings ... brilliant
work.
“Nabugabo is becoming transformed, mpola, mpola thanks to the
incredible work, support and sense of direction you have given …
and also perhaps, equally importantly providing a role model for
other schools around the world. Have you made a difference …
YES, a thousand times over!”
Going Green!
This year we may have achieved carbon neutrality during the trip (we need to verify this with The Carbon Bureau).
We donated 250 fruit tree seedlings to Nabugabo Community Learning Center, where we helped set up a tree seedlings
nursery and, in the scorching African sun, planted over 100 fruit trees on a designated plot and around the learning
center.
Additionally we once again relied on the micro gasifier burners aka TLUDS as our camp cook stoves. These specially
designed biomass burners are touted to be the most fuel efficient stoves in Uganda.
ISU young Educators helping in the
classrooms
Donated laptop and ICT
Training for Teachers
Campsite
Grade 11-Kibale Forest
Grade 11 set off for an adventurous learning experience at the Makerere University Biological Field Station in Kibale
Forest. Students conducted collaborative research on some of the ways that humans are impacting the rain forest in
order to fulfil part of the Diploma requirements in Science and Technology. In addition to the research, students had
time for team-building activities, forest hikes, football matches, evening presentations from chimpanzee researchers,
and a chance to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the rain forest.
On the first day, students were very busy with a fact-finding hike into the forest, a visit to a local conservation NGO to
assist in making eco-briquettes, fuel-efficient stoves and educational posters for children, followed by a group
planning session for their research. The second day involved data collection, either in the forest or at the NGO in the
nearby village, followed by data analysis. Those with enough energy remaining went on another forest hike in the late
afternoon. Students spent the third day of the trip preparing
group presentations of their findings and presenting to their
peers and teachers. When
the presentations were
finished, there was time for a
late afternoon football match
against the research
assistants from the local
village.
Three of the student research
groups focused on how
human settlement affects some aspect of the
rain forest. One group studied how human
settlements affect soil nutrients, another compared the biodiversity of plants
and mammals as you move farther into the forest, away from human
settlements, and a third researched red colobus monkey behaviour to see if
they were adversely affected by humans. Two other research groups focused
on analysing ongoing conservation efforts in the area. One group compared
three types of fuel-efficient stoves while the other compared the pros and cons
of cooking with different types of eco-briquettes made from recycled
materials. The trip was a great learning experience into data collection and
analysis, conservation, and the wildlife of Uganda.
Grade 7-Jinja
Grade 7 had an awesome time in Jinja for WWW. We left ISU and made the intrepid journey to the Haven on the
banks of the river Nile. The Haven was a superb venue for us as there was ample space for all our activities, the food
was delicious and of course the pool!!
After setting up camp we participated in lots of group activities. At night the students entertained each other with
karaoke with some stunning performances.
Day two started early with a trip to the Kakira sugar factory. This was an interesting activity for the students to see
where their food really comes from. The visit culminated with a tour around the sweet factory and the students
enjoyed tasting the final products.
On day three we went off to visit a local school and participated in activities with their P7 class. It is always humbling
to see how sharing experiences that can bring us together regardless of our backgrounds.
Following a large breakfast on Friday, we finally got all the tents down and packed away to return to ISU, tired but
with smiles on our faces.
Many thanks to everyone who made the trip so fantastic especially, Miss Corinne, Miss Onyemi, Miss Sabiiti, Mr.
Olanya and even Miss Kristyn, Mr. Ferry’s daughter who joined us for a wonderful Week without Walls.
ISSEA Band
ISU took part in the annual ISSEA Band festival in Johannesburg, South Africa. This was only the second year
it has been held and what a festival it was!
The festival was hosted at the beautiful American
International School of Johannesburg where students
rehearsed all day, made good friends and played to a full
house!
Our ISU Band students, Sammy Elliott on bass, Radha Nayer
on violin, Hezekiah Owuor on electric guitar and Hannah
Suliman Nicol on an assortment of percussion, did us proud!
They performed with over 80 students from 7 different
schools around Southern and Eastern Africa.
We look forward to taking more students next year when the festival will
be held in Mozambique.
If your child/children play a Band instrument; Saxophone, Trumpet,
Trombone, Tuba, Violin, Clarinet, Flute, French horn, Euphonium etc
please ask them to contact Ms. Sabiiti in the Senior School music room.
Rita Sabiiti MYP Music teacher
ISSEA Visual Arts Lusaka Zambia
The first ISSEA Arts Festival was an overwhelming success.
The students had many opportunities to draw, paint, sculpt
and apply their graphic design skills over the three day fullon art course.
The first day the students experimented with a variety of
media and the second day we all went ‘into the wild’ to a
most fabulous place named ‘the monkey pools’. Students
sketched, drew and applied watercolor techniques while
observing the rich fauna and flora of this secluded area, enriched with magical waterfalls and crystal clear pools
adorned with purple water lilies. The visual information collected during this trip functioned as a source of
inspiration.
The last day we set up an exhibition with all the student work
produced in ISZ’s beautiful combined arts center and visitor’s
praised the artistic accomplishments of ISU student’s. This first
ISSEA arts trip proved an excellent experience for our students
and we look forward to the 2016 ISSEA Arts Festival in Nairobi
next year
Bogaert Pascal MYP/ IB Visual Arts teacher
ISSEA PERFORMING ARTS - by Elizabeth Garrott, Theatre ISSEA Artist, DP/MYP Lang and Lit
Lusaka, Zambia, January 24th, 2:00 pm, 5 hours until opening night - A student actor from a pyramid of bodies and shapes
meant to represent a waterfall that turns into a megamall with a few quick acrobatic turns calls out from the middle of the
formation: “There’s a dance party right now? Whatever – I have rehearsal!” The show goes on.
The inaugural ISEEA Fine and Performing Arts Conference was celebrated this year in Zambia at the American
International School of Lusaka. The first event of its kind was hosted by AISL in their dedicated performing arts center.
For our theatre students, collaborating with peers from other ISSEA schools in professional-grade performing arts center
is a rare and necessary opportunity. Our students challenged themselves and were challenged by their peers and by
theatre artists from ISU, ISK, IST, ISM, and AISL, as well as professional artists native to Zambia. The 3 day event was
filled with morning to evening workshops, rehearsals, and performances. An intense experience for students and teachers
was incredibly rewarding when the students took the stage with confidence, new skills, new friendships, and surprised
themselves and their audience with their courage.
Drama students at ISU developed a piece on mass
communication, violence, and entertainment which they
performed on the first day (pictured left). They
represented ISU very well – showing focus, maturity,
humor, and intellectual depth in their piece.
Throughout the conference, they worked with a variety
of students, developing communication skills such as
acrobatics, Zambian dance, musical theatre, Viewpoints,
Improvisation, and stage combat. In 4 ensembles
composed of students from a mix of schools, they
applied their news skills and ensemble building
practices to create pieces loosely tied to the idea of
Balance and Imbalance. Their original works included a
physical piece exploring conflicts between nature and
humanity featuring Daisy Suh GR 11, a satirical musical based on about technology overload featuring Andrea Krokan
GR 9 and Mateos Hayes GR 11, a unifying piece
about perceived social, ethnic, and gender divides
featuring Deborah Luwangwa GR 9, and an
emotional piece about social judgment and personal
courage featuring Magda Travis, GR 12.
Theatre is a critical piece of our students’
development. While they are asked to analyze the
work of authors, memorize theories of others and
apply equations towards a certain outcome, theatre
requires they be the creator of ideas, the agent of
change, and that they use their own voice, body, and
heart to demonstrate their power, their potential, and
their unique ability to contribute to their world.
Providing our young leaders in communication and creativity with the opportunity to collaborate and to be challenged at a
high standard is part of the core of theatre here at ISU. The opportunity to work with their peers on the continent is
necessary for the strength and growth of our arts community here, and throughout ISSEA. We thank Mr. Simon Ferry,
the Theatre teacher and Arts Department head at ISU for spearheading this effort for our students, and we thank the
administration for granting our students leave to participate in the first of many ISSEA Arts Conferences. We’ll be there
next year when ISK hosts the conference!
The Importance of Service and Action
The Service as Action Program at ISU is a huge part of students understanding the world around
them. Students are required to participate in service projects throughout the year that take place at ISU
and outside of ISU. The IB encourages students to be lifelong learners and to serve in the communities
that we live in; through ‘Action’. The result is that students acquire the skills and tools by being directly
involved in service projects. ISU strongly supports the engagement between students and their local
communities.
The Service as Action Requirements for Grades 6-8 are:
1. Activity that shows commitment for at least 2 months
2. Activities that serve the community outside of school
3. Activities in total.
The Service as Action Requirements for Grades 9-10 are:
1. Activity that shows commitment for at least 2 months
2. Activities that students initiate
3. Activities that serve the community outside of school
4. Activities in total.
Students should upload their data onto ManageBac, and they should also upload their reflections. Student
progress is indicated on ManageBac and displayed on their reports.
Author Visit to ISU: Sarah Holbrook and Michael Salinger
See their website: www.outspokenlit.com
ISU Senior School is hosting Sarah and Michael March 5 and 6. March 5 is a Professional Development
day where they will be working with teachers. March 6 they will be in the gr 6-11 classrooms working
with students.
Opportunities for parents to meet and listen to the authors:
Friday March 6: 8:00-8:45 assembly for grades 6-11
Friday 3:00-4:00 Parent session in the Library
Scholarship Candidate Results
The scholarship committee has held interviews for a new scholarship candidate recently. We invited 4
students in for a 2 day interview. The students had a chance to view the school and observe lessons, we
had them take tests for aptitude and knowledge and then gave each a formal 20 minute interview.
The caliber of candidates this year was excellent. We had liaised with organisations who understood the
requirements of the course. Therefore they were able to cherry pick students for us that they thought
would fit into life at ISU. A major change that has happened for future candidates is that we no longer
offer accommodation (host family) as part of the scholarship. The recommending organisations have to
provide accommodation in a safe and secure environment.
After much deliberation we ave decided to award the scholarship to Timothy Nasasira, a 17 year old who
was recommended through the African Children's Choir. Timothy presented himself very well at the
interview, he is a mature, well informed individual that impressed us with his aptitude. Timothy is quiet at
first but once he starts talking it is clear how passionate he is. Timothy received a Grade 1 in his
aggregate O Level grades (the highest grade) and has good computer skills. Timothy is a keen sportsman
also; he plays football and is a track and field athlete.
Please also consider our current scholarship students. We are looking for housing for one of our current
students. If you want to know more or think you can help please do not hesitate to contact me at
lallsopp@isumail.ac.ug
Work Experience: "Choose a job you love and never work a day in your life" Confucius
Grade 10 spent WWW experiencing the world of work. Students were responsible for finding
their own placement and, with a little encouragement from home room teachers and their parents,
everyone found a placement in and around Uganda. The placements varied from, USAID, AVSI,
Mogas Oil, Serena Resorts, Confucius Institute at Makerere University, Whave Solutions, Corsu
and various embassies in Kampala. I once again thank sponsors for the support they gave to our
students during work experience.
Students learnt many skills over the past week and soon saw the difference between school and
the jobs they were trying. Some students initially felt a bit strange wearing smarter clothes but by
the end of the week were power dressing like professionals! Students were encouraged to keep
an open mind at all times and even jobs they didn't like doing could provide inspiration or
motivation for the future. Laundry was not top of the list of jobs the boys liked doing so I hope
this motivates them to get some good grades so they are not stuck doing it once they leave
school!
A reminder to all Grade 10 students and parents that journals need to be returned to Ms Allsopp
complete with the student and sponsor evaluation form. If you would like your organisation to be
considered in the future to host a work experience student then please do not hesitate to let me
know at lallsopp@isumail.ac.ug. I will then add you to the database of sponsors.
A Celebration worth Remembering
‘This is my favourite day of the year’, I heard a number of teachers comment. The Festival of
World Cultures certainly marks a highlight in our annual ISU calendar. This year proved no
exception with 69 nationalities represented in the Parade of Nations. Many students made the
effort to show case their countries by dressing in national costume, or in the colours of their
country. The theme of movement and dance were captured in performances that included
choral, instrumental and dance items, with the Burundi drummers providing a spectacular display
of gymnastics, dance and drumming.
The introduction of each item was expertly announced by Abid Wahab (Grade 11) and Hellen
Barton (Grade 10).
Following the assembly Senior School students took part in a number of workshops related to
world cultures. These included quizzes, games, competitions and workshops on cultural
conflicts.
Finally all the events were topped off with a delicious spread of food organised by the PTA.
This provided a unique opportunity in which the entire ISU community can come together to
celebrate in the true spirit of internationalism. Lesley Peacock
JMUN – 2015 Turkey
MUN is a great trip for all kids to experience at least once
in their life. This year the students of ISU from Grades 69 went to the Hisar School in Turkey from December 11th
-17th for a Junior MUN meeting. The topic this year was
Protecting Human Rights. Schools from all around the
world participated in this event with over 700 students in
attendance. There were twelve committees to choose from
and each committee had to represent a different topic. In
groups of about thirty in each committee, students had to
write resolutions, make speeches and do a lot of research.
If your resolution was passed it would be discussed in the General Meeting where it was debated
over as the final resolution. When doing MUN you learn skills of compromise and debate, as well
as speaking in front of a large audience and you get to make new friends!
After 3 days of continuous work, the group had a farewell party and then the MUN group took an amazing
tour around the even more even more amazing
country of Turkey. The group went to many great
historical sites, learnt about Turkish life, and got to
do some shopping. Some places the group went to
included: The Blue Mosque, The Grand Bazaar,
The Spice Market. The Hagia Sophia. All the
eleven students came back with new friends, new
bonds with people across the world, and
memories that will never be forgotten.
Christine Fisseha Grade 7
Uganda MUN Conference
The ISU Senior School Model United Nations Club is proud to bring the very first Model United
Nations Conference to Uganda in March 2015. Model United Nations (MUN) is a conference
which simulates United Nations committees and addresses actual world issues. Approximately 200
students from local schools in Kampala and its environs will have an opportunity to participate in
this event which will take place at ISU from the 26th to the 27th of March. The US Embassy in
Kampala has kindly offered to sponsor this conference which will enable students to identify and
debate solutions to the world’s most pertinent issues. Members of the school community are
invited to attend the opening ceremony of this conference on the 26th of March. Further details
will be communicated soon.
IB Diploma Programme Update
Grade 11: Extended Essay
In early March, the grade 11 IB Diploma students will be starting work on the Extended Essay, a
core requirement for the IB Diploma. The Extended Essay (EE) is a self-directed 4000-word
research paper on a topic of the student’s choice. Students are expected to spend around 40 hours
over about 7-8 months to research, plan and wrote this essay, with the help of their chosen EE
Supervisor. If you have any questions about the EE, please contact Mr. Huntley at
<khuntley@isumail.ac.ug>.
Grade 11: CAS
Grade 11 students must document at least 50 hours of CAS by the end of grade 11 to be promoted
to grade 12. Many students are currently still far short of meeting this minimal requirement.
Parental support and encouragement to meet this graduation requirement is much appreciated. If
you have any questions about CAS, please contact Mr. Battani at <mbattani@isumail.ac.ug>.
Grade 12: Mock Exam Review Session
Parents of grade 12 students are reminded that the Mock Exam Review Session is scheduled for
Thursday, February 26th from 3:00 to 5:00 in the C Block (C1, C2, C3, C4). This is the final
opportunity to receive individualized feedback on students’ strengths and identifying those areas
needing improvement. If you have any questions about the Mock Exams or any other DP issue,
please contact Mr. J at <jschwerk@isumail.ac.ug>.
Grade 12: CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service)
Seniors are reminded that all ISU graduates are expected to fulfill the CAS graduation requirement.
Ideally, this requirement has already been met but student still have a few more weeks to complete
it. Students are reminded that a CAS activity is not documented as completed until it has been
formally proposed on ManageBac, approved, carried out, reflected on and evaluated by the adult
supervisor. Students must meet this requirement to graduate with an ISU Diploma. If you have any
questions about CAS, please contact Mr. Battani at <mbattani@isumail.ac.ug>.
Grade 12: Study Leave
In order to permit the class of 2015 to thoroughly prepare for the May Exams, the students are
given permission to stop attending classes regularly from Saturday, April 25th onwards. Teachers
will still be available for review during regularly scheduled class time and students are encouraged
to seek their guidance. Students on campus are expected to be in the library (or a classroom) when
at school. May IB Exams begin on Monday, May 4th and the Class of 2015 Graduation is scheduled
for the afternoon of Friday, May 22nd.
MYP Update
We now have one semester completed working with “MYP the Next Chapter” and implementing
the changes is progressing well. Parents and students can view on ManageBac updated units
including Key and Related Concepts, Global Contexts and the Statement of Inquiry. The roll out
of the new assessment criteria is also progressing well. The assessment criteria have changed in
most subjects, so teacher and students are continuing to develop their understanding of these
changes.
It is important that student take note of the criteria and the four bands of achievement in each. Each
band shows progressive complexity and rigor in expectations and students are encouraged to
review their work against these expectations. Additionally, if the expectations and language used
in the criteria is vague or unclear we do encourage students to speak to the teacher for further
direction and clarification.
The school will complete the final section of the IB Self Study during April in preparation for the
November 2015 IB Evaluation Visit. Teachers have spent a large proportion of professional
development time reflecting on the programme’s development and we will use these to help
develop a plan for going forward.
Daniel Todd
MYP Coordinator
<dtodd@isumail.ac.ug>