ISSUE 1 SCHOOL NEWSLETTER #18
The British International School of Marbella
NEWSLETTER A Newsletter for Parents, Students and Friends of our School
May 2017
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SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Headteacher’s Message Dear Parents & Students, It has been an amazing month of May with some of our favourite events of the academic year taking place. The Science Fair this year was spectacular. The children really pushed their imagination to the limits with some wonderful inventions, creations and experiments taking place for all to enjoy. Professor X came to show her support as well as apologise for the glitter bomb mess she made, which led to the children writing some amazing stories about what could have caused it. Sports Day was a great success at our usual venue of Marbella Football Club. The children demonstrated excellent sportsmanship, teamwork and camaraderie throughout. It was so lovely to see the children supporting each other with the focus of having a great time rather than on winning. The month ended with the Summer Fair, which I believe was the best one we’ve ever had. There was a relaxed atmosphere despite the children being kept busy with lots of fun things to do. We raised over 2,000€ for charity, which is the most we have ever raised in one event. Thank you all so much for your generosity and support. For me personally, it’s been a whirlwind month of professional development and sharing of ideas. Firstly, I attended a Head’s meeting where all the BSF Headteachers got together to discuss new initiatives for our schools. Then the Headteacher from our sister school in Brasilia came back with me to spend a week at BISM to see our excellent teaching and learning in action, and take some ideas back to use at her school. I then visited our Spanish sister school school in Pamplona, focusing on Secondary education as we go into
Y7 next year. I was extremely impressed with what I saw. I observed many good examples of active learning with students not only collaborating but teaching each other. This progressive approach left me feeling very excited about not only Secondary education but also how Primary education could be given a little shake up too. I tried out one of the methods I saw when I covered a Year 4 maths class after my return. The children loved this alternative way of learning, some going home to say it was their ‘best maths lesson ever’. We will be discussing as a staff how we can incorporate this approach not just in Secondary but across the school. With very best wishes, Ms. Kirkham Headteacher
SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Pre-Nursery What Do You See? The children in Pre-Nursery have been delighted with their new topic ‘Bears’. After a highly successful Wow Day, the children were excited and ready to learn all about a range of bears. The story ‘Brown Bear, Brown Bear’ was an excellent hook for the children and it led to some high engagement and great use of language skills. To begin with, Pre-Nursery concentrated on practicing the colour names. To help with this, the children played a memory game to see if they could match two colours together and name the colour too. The children happily joined in and showed a great level of patience, taking turns and encouraging each other to remember where the matching colour could be. This is great preparation for the skills needed in Nursery class next year. Following on from this, once the children were familiar with the story, they made collages of each animal to add to the role play area where they acted out the story using masks as it was being read. Towards the end of the week, to show how well everyone had learnt the story, Pre-Nursery created an iMovie of the children telling the story themselves. If you missed this, it is available on the Pre-Nursery blog.
Mrs Rutherford Pre-Nursery Teacher
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SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Nursery
Great Graphs In Nursery Class we have been learning about Bears! The children loved bringing their own Teddy Bears into school and sharing information about them during Circle Time. Some of the information the children shared was the name of their Teddy Bear, what they liked doing and whether they were a girl or a boy. The last question really interested the children and they wanted to find out how many girl and how many boy teddies were in our bear cave. After initial discussion, we made a tally chart and counted the total number of boy teddies and girl teddies. We then transferred this data onto a graph, carefully colouring in our teddy template and gluing it onto the correct section of the graph. It was brilliant to see the children’s efforts reading the graph when the teddy templates were added. It prompted lots of maths learning, counting the teddies, reading the numerals at the side of the graph and working out if there were more boys or girls. Well done, Nursery Class, for showing lots of focus when designing your teddy and taking lots of interest in the graph you created. Miss Nixon Nursery Teacher
SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Reception
Knock, Knock...Who´s There?
Spellings R Us In preparation for Year 1, all the children of Reception have recently started weekly spelling tests. The children have been really excited by their tests and new spelling books and have done really well trying to remember how to spell words after a week´s practise. All the class have made great strides with their spelling throughout Reception, with some children already spelling the days of the week and all the numbers in words to 20. I am confident they will all continue to make real progress for the remainder of the summer term too. Mr Holden Reception Teacher
The Reception Class had their final assembly of the year featuring every child performing as a character chosen by them. There were dragons, spies, police officers, superheroes and sports stars, including those capable of knocking out teacher´s with a single punch. Inspired by Sally Grindley and Anthony Browne’s classic children’s story, “Knock, Knock, Who´s There” all the children in turn knocked on their classroom door whilst in character but were denied entry by their teachers Mr Holden, Mrs Toro and Mr Steele. At the end the children revealed their real identities in unison and of course their teachers let them in. Mr Holden Reception Teacher
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SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Year 1
Raving about Robotics Terrific Transport This month in Year 1, as part of our Computing Curriculum, we studied Robotics. We thought about how scientists can explore places that humans can’t get to and then used Lego to build our own science rover, Milo. Once he was built, we connected him, via bluetooth, to the We Do 2.0 application on our Ipads and then wrote code, telling him what to do. We had to use our growth mindsets to solve problems and work together as a team. It was a lot of fun and we are looking forward to seeing what other robots we can make. Well done, Year 1! Miss Armstrong Year 1 Class Teacher
In Year 1, we are learning about the history of transport. This month, to help us kick off the topic, we had a WOW Day. We began the day learning about the Wright Brothers and then had a go at making our own aeroplanes, which we enjoyed testing out on the playground. Then we thought about road transport and were shocked to see images of early cars. We completed a traffic survey to find out about all of the transport that passes our school and were amazed by how many cars went by. At the end of the day, we looked at boat travel and worked in groups to make our own boats. We had to think carefully about the materials we used and shape of the boat. We then gave our boats a name and tested them out with a boat race. What a fantastic day. Miss Armstrong Year 1 Class Teacher
SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Year 2 Measuring in May During the month of May the Year 2 class were learning about measuring weight, length and capacity. The children were very excited when they first saw the equipment entering the class and you could see the excitement beam in their eyes. In particular, the children enjoyed learning about reading different scales of measurement. Firstly they worked within the class to present different types of scales and how to work out the worth of each increment. They found this hard initially but with a bit of persistence and hard-work they were able to read scales. The class really enjoyed the practical work of collecting different amounts of water into their measuring cylinders trying to add up a total of 1 litre and also half a litre. As you can see from the pictures, they had a lot of fun. Believe it or not they did not spill much either. The enthusiasm within the class is clear for all to see and it is with great pride that I can see my class maturing well and getting ready for Year 3 very soon. I am sure for the final month of the school year all of the children will continue to try their best and overcome any challenges they face! Mr. Thomas Year Two Teacher
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SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Year 3 Trying out Yoga As part of their topic around ‘Healthy Me,’ Year 3 went to Eva’s dance studio to participate in a yoga session. The children were taught many different poses, including the snake, the boat and the very popular frog pose. After the first few wobbles the children demonstrated their ability to hold strong, still positions. The class also learnt that yoga is good for keeping both your body and mind healthy. Well done, for demonstrating enthusiastic attitudes towards learning new skills. Miss Allen Year Three Class Teacher Miss Griffiths Year Three Teaching Assistant
SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Year 5 Living things and their habitats ‘Look deep into nature, then you will understand everything better’ - Albert Einstein. As part of our Scientific study of ‘Living things and their Habitats’, Year 5 enjoyed an afternoon of exploration at the Bonsai Museum and Arroyo de la Represa Park. Firstly, the students enjoyed the exquisite exhibition of bonsai trees, said to contain the best collection of Bonsai trees in Europe, and the best Olive Tree collection in the world. They also saw the “Pinsapo Pine” which is close to extinction, and an Acebuche Olive tree that is more than 300 years old. After studying the plants, the students enjoyed a question and answer session which described how the bonsai trees were grown and cultivated, linking to our previous learning about ‘Sexual and Asexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants’. After a picnic lunch in the park, Year 5 then embraced their role as ‘Natural Scientists’ finding specimens of living things in the beautiful surroundings of the park. Our observations included terrapins, ducks, fish and geese while our findings included plants, seeds, a dragonfly, butterflies and moths. Upon making the discoveries, the Scientists collected specimens using nets and safely stored them in their special containers with magnifying lenses. They then made observations which they used to make detailed watercolour pencil drawings in the style of Linnaean and/or zoological illustrations. Clare Williams Teacher Lisa Flanagan Teaching Assistant
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SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Year 5 ‘Enlightening’ Visit To The Stupa Of Benalmádena. Earlier this month Year 5 took time out of a busy school day to learn, reflect and meditate in a different place of learning and teaching, the Stupa of Benalmádena. The Stupa is a vivid monument to the enlightened mind, a Buddhist monument for peace, prosperity and harmony of the world and the largest Stupa in the West. It was built due to the inspiration of the great Buddhist Master from Bhutan, Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche, with the cooperation of some of his western disciples and the support of the Local Government of Benalmádena. The Enlightenment Stupa was inaugurated in 2003 with the participation of many distinguished guests and approximately 4000 friends from around the world. According to the Buddhist teachings there are eight different types of Tibetan Stupas. Each of them represents an important event of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni’s life story. The Enlightenment Stupa symbolizes the achievement of Buddha’s enlightenment, the nature of a fully awakened mind. Year 5 have enjoyed learning about the Buddha’s enlightenment in Cultural Studies lessons, along with the teachings of Buddhism including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Each of the 8 different Stupa types is built according to very precise instructions where both the exact design and proportions have to be correctly followed. The outer structure of a Stupa has a deep meaning at many levels and its inner treasure chambers are filled with symbolical objects. Consequently qualified Lamas charge the Stupas through powerful ceremonies. To absorb its beneficial influence into our lives it is recommended to walk around the Stupa in a clockwise direction. Buddhists believe that wishes done near a Stupa may become true. Year 5 took part in this ritual, while silently wishing for our heart’s desires. Stupas are normally closed structures, which Buddhists walk around while expressing their deep wishes as being in front of Buddha himself. The Enlightenment Stupa of Benalmádena is one of the few exceptions in the world by having incorporated in its inner structure a meditation hall. This was possible due to the dimensions of the monument. Year 5 made great use of inner meditation hall taking part in meditation and discussing the enlightenment of Buddha and the teachings and practice of Buddhism. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and left feeling full of peace and understanding, with some students so inspired they have continued to practice meditation at home since our visit. Maybe you should try? ‘The mind is everything. What you think, you become.’ Buddha. Mrs. Williams Year Five Teacher
SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Year 5/6 Rap Poetry Music and Literacy combined with a creative buzz as the children in Years 5 and 5/6 explored the genre of rap.
WOW Day
We began analysing the structure of raps and how they share some similarities with other forms of poetry, but also how they are different. By focusing on the idea of rhythm and rhyme, the children became more aware of the importance of syllables in creating a rhythm within verses. Once the children were more familiar with our success criteria, they started to brainstorm some topics which they could rap about. Drafting is an important process in writing and the children used this opportunity to test drive their raps to see if they contained rhythm. They performed to each other and made amendments where necessary to improve the flow. Lastly, we added a backing instrumental rap track to add some more authenticity to their verbal delivery. The final outcome was fantastic and the children were really supportive of one another as they performed in front of the class. Mr Anthony Year 5&6 Class Teacher Ms Worsfold Year 5&6 Teaching Assistant
As a big finale to the Stone Age learning and an introduction into the times of the Anglo Saxons, the children in Year 5/6 put all their archaeological skills to the test as they ‘unearthed’ relics hidden and worked against the clock to put together a picture of what it is and when it was made. The day started with a Kahoot quiz which got the children to think back over all the History they’ve studied this year. Once their minds were brimming with knowledge from the Stone age to the Anglo Saxons, they were presented with sand boxes hiding a variety of artefacts. Using fine brushes and delicate hands, the children worked in teams to dig up the hidden objects. Then, using their reasoning skills they had to justify their opinions on what the items were by referring to their combined chronological knowledge of history. Once the children had studied all exhibits from A-I, they then made Google Slide presentations to present their findings. To spice up the competition, the groups scored points for correctly identifying the object, its purpose and when it was made. It was an amazing day which totally enthralled the children and has got them ready for the real thing when they visit the Dolmenes De Corominas museum near Estepona next month. Mr Anthony Year 5&6 Class Teacher Ms Worsfold Year 5&6 Teaching Assistant
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SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Foundation Stage
Teddy Bears´ Picnic
Foundation Stage kicked off their new bear topic with a fantastic Teddy Bears´ Picnic. The children invited their Teddy Bears to the park to enjoy some special sandwiches, fruit and cake. The bears were on their best behaviour thanks to the children setting such a good example. Before the picnic begun the children and their Teddy Bears listened to the story, ´We are Going On a Bear Hunt.´ After the story, the bears and children worked very hard to create teddy faces, make bear caves and retold the story using instruments. This was just the beginning; the picnic was still to come. Holding the hand of their Teddy Bear and an adult, the children very sensibly walked to our picnic location. To their surprise there was already a greedy bear tucking into the picnic. Decorated with bunting and picnic blankets, the children and their Teddy Bears enjoyed their picnic together. We all thoroughly enjoyed the outing.
Miss Nixon Nursery Teacher
SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Key Stage 1 - Debate A Ban On Playtime? In KS1, we were told that Miss Kirkham planned to ban playtimes to allow us to complete more work. We had very mixed opinions about this so decided to have a debate to find out what we thought. First, we discussed what a debate is and then thought carefully about the roles we wanted to play. We then split into 3 groups; a group agreeing with Miss Kirkham, a group disagreeing with Miss Kirkham and a group of judges. We then spent some time preparing for the debate. On the day, both sides put in some carefully thought out points and listened to everyone’s opinion. The judges then had a difficult decision to make...which side would they agree with? The final result saw the judges siding with the team that disagreed with Miss Kirkham. So in KS1, we think that playtime should not be banned! Congratulations to all of Year 1 and Year 2 who showed excellent teamwork, listening skills and sportsmanship. Miss Armstrong and Mr Thomas Year 1 and Year 2 Class Teachers
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Lower School IT Club Making Maps In the Lower School IT Club, we love programming. We wanted to help the Reception children start programming so we thought about what we could make that would be useful to them. We decided to make maps for Bee-bot, an early programming robot. We thought carefully about our designs and how they would work. We then made them and visited Reception to deliver them and to teach them how to use them. Well done, Lower School IT Club. Miss Armstrong Lower School IT Club Teacher
SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Special Events Science Fair What a display of scientific talent at our Science Fair! As the famous Einstein once wrote, ‘Education is not the learning of facts but the training of a mind to think.’ It was certainly obvious how much thought the children of BISM had put into each experiment. As the children were moving around the fair they were asked to fill out a comment card about the various experiments. Here is some of the feedback the children wrote: ‘I liked Adam’s (Year 2) lava lamp. I liked watching the aspirin react and make the food colouring separate from the oil. He also explained it really well!’ ‘I liked Victoria’s (Year 5/6) experiment because it was very creative and you could eat it afterwards!’ I liked Stacia’s (Year 5) experiment because it worked really well and was very exciting to watch.’ A big thank you to everyone who took part and to the parents and teachers that supported the smooth running of each experiment. Rebecca Allen Year 3 Class Teacher/Science Coordinator
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SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Special Event Summer Fair
Another fantastic Summer Fair was enjoyed this month with so much on offer to truly entertain all. There were face painting stalls, lucky dips and the children’s favourite...splat the teacher! The entertainment provided by the children was wonderful - it was great to see the Y2 Samba band in action once again. The gymnastics and music club came together too for a joint performance of ‘Walking on Sunshine’. Together we raised a staggering 2,196€ for ‘Hogar Betania’, a local charity for orphans and vulnerable children. Thank to all the staff for their hard work and a special thank you to all the parents that either volunteered their time or donated gifts for the raffle. Please click the link below to see the video. https://youtu.be/ztSGzF8Qg74
SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Special Event Primary Sports Day Tuesday 23rd May saw the Primary children walk into school in their house colours, ready for battle. House pride and bragging rights were at stake as the Vikings and Saxons had already collected trophies in earlier inter-house competitions. The children had been practising for a number of weeks in the run up to the event and as they boarded the bus to the Estadio de Marbella, there was little left to do except get there and perform. After a brief recap, the children got to their stations and the games were underway. A number of aspects within athletics were tested: from hurdles to relay, shot putt to discuss, obstacle races, balancing tests, long jump and the hotly anticipated 100m. The children had been challenged to throw further, jump higher and run faster, and they did not disappoint. Right across the age spectrum children from every house pushed themselves to achieve their very best. Great technique and style were on display in a number of impressive performances. A palpable sense of camaraderie pervaded the stadium, added to by the parents urging their children on. Examples of our charter values of ‘Teamwork and Leadership’ were everywhere as the children helped and encouraged each other throughout the morning. The winners were announced in the following assembly and feelings of anticipation led to a hushed audience. The trophy was revealed with ribbons of red adorning its handles. The Normans had taken the title. Congratulations to them and to all who took part and did their best. With one inter-house competition left in the calendar, can the Romans do it and claim a title? All the action of the swimming gala will follow next month. Mr. Herron Deputy Head
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Special Event IMPS Festival On Friday 26th May, BISM hosted their first ever IMPS Festival and what a great event it was. This was a celebration of the hard work, progress and dedication spent to the IMPS program over the year, and for children to showcase what they have achieved. There was a range of different abilities, repertoires and instruments which were showcased during the morning. We began with the KS2 performers at 8.45 where KS2 classes and audience members saw piano solos, rock bands, saxophone and vocal solos. The second half of the concert saw the younger generation of the school perform with children as young as five performing a solo on the stage. KS1 and FS classes watching saw another very impressive show with different vocal groups, rock bands, vocal duets and piano solos. It was a very enjoyable morning and well done to all performers who took part. It was also great to see so many audience members watching and thank you to the ECA for providing and selling refreshments during the morning. Miss Green and Mr Pattison
SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Sunflower Competition How Tall Can They Grow?
Inspired by the new flower garden in the FS playground, a sunflower competition has begun here at BISM. After an informative and exciting assembly informing the children about the competition, classes chose a representative to carefully plant the sunflower seeds into the pots. They took it very seriously indeed, asking how much soil they needed and how much water the sunflower would have to be given each day. It was lovely to hear such keen questioning from the children. Each class will now take responsibility for caring for their own sunflower plant to see which can grow the tallest. Monitors will wear a special badge and go to water their sunflower each day. To make the area even more exciting, our resident art club teacher Miss Flanagan will be painting a mural of a farmer holding a metre ruler onto the wall behind the sunflowers- we can’t wait to see the end result. We will keep you updated on the progress throughout the term. Which class will be crowned Sunflower Champions of 2017? Mrs Rutherford Pre-Nursery Teacher and Sunflower Coordinator
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SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Foundation Stage
We Love the Outdoors The Foundation Stage open morning was a great success, showcasing our new outdoor provision for the children here at BISM. Teachers used their expertise to explain to parents how beneficial learning can be outdoors and how sometimes, what looks like simple playing is actually a great learning process where children are internalising their current knowledge, or simply learning something new. Experts have said that children become more competent learners in life when they have been exposed to good quality outdoor learning. And while that may mean that a child will get wet or get their hands dirty, the benefits greatly outweigh the washing time. After the presentation, the parents welcomed their children outside to explore the areas together. The children accessed a whole range of activities such as making mud pies, riding and balancing on bikes, mark making, reading, exploring water and playing with small world figures. Now that the teachers have carefully adapted the outdoor areas, BISM will be dedicating time for all three Foundation Stage classes to have outdoor learning time together, with a cross-curricular and cross-age related focus. More pictures of outdoor learning will be posted on the school’s blog for you to follow. As parents at home, please do encourage your children to get outside and play - grow their own plants, explore water, build sandcastles at the beach, learn to ride a bike and most importantly, to get some fresh air in the great outdoors. Mrs Rutherford Pre-Nursery Teacher
SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Talking Point: The Importance of Teaching Selflessness
Ramadhan
Selflessness is an important key to all friendships and
On Monday 29th May we celebrated the beginning of
relationships. It is also an essential key to happiness
Ramadan during assembly. After watching a short video
and fulfillment. But unfortunately, often overlooked.
clip we discussed that one of the reasons Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset is to help them focus on being
Our lives can be lived for any number of purposes.
selfless and putting the needs of others before their own.
They can be used to advance a personal kingdom for
I have asked the children to make a concerted effort to
selfish reasons (money, possessions, fame, prestige,
perform selfless acts during the month of Ramadan.
reputation). But our lives can also be lived for the pursuit
They have been given a special slip of paper to either
of justice, happiness, or growth for another person or
write about a selfless act they do, or an act someone
group of people. We can live to solve the problems we
else does for them to display in the school. Let’s hope
encounter in this world. We can dedicate ourselves to
the display board is full by the end of Ramadan. (See
advancing certain ideals. But only when we embrace
this month’s talking point on selflessness.)
service and selflessness will we find lasting significance in our world. Many will try to define success in terms of winning out over others, having power over others, or the ability to dominate others. The lust for power is common and widespread in humans - the power to order others around, the power to make decisions that will impact others, and the power to own when others cannot. But this type of happiness and influence is shortlived. It will always fade. Nobody is intimately drawn to selfishness. Nobody seeks the wise counsel of a selfish person. Nobody is willing to give themselves up for one who desires his own kingdom above all things. However, we are uniquely drawn to those who selflessly give of themselves. Those who love and give generously find a type of fulfillment that extends beyond position, title, or structure. They find an authority that reaches into our heart and soul. Their example is studied. Their counsel is sought. Their stories are told in positive ways. And their happiness is truly lasting. May we refuse to overlook the importance of selflessness. Instead, may we choose to pursue selflessness as the very means to achieve happiness— not just for our own sake, but for the sake of everyone.
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Art Club
The Art of the Ocean!
The BISM Art club and ECAs have been working on some beautiful ocean themed scenes, using their imagination to design tropical islands, pirate ships and abstract fish! They have been using a variety of different materials, such as tissue paper, card, oil pastels, coloured pencils, and sponge painting with poster paints. They are working on creating 3D pop up crafts in teams, learning to work together to create something SEAAAutiful! Aboriginal Art, Stained Glass Windows and Vincent Van Gogh Pastel Landscapes During the Spring and Summer terms, the ECAs and Art club have created some amazing artwork. They began with learning skills in pointillism with Aboriginal dot paintings. They then created their own stained glass window designs, choosing their own animal silhouette and colours. They also had the opportunity to look at the work of one of the most famous post-impressionist artists of all time, Vincent Van Gogh. The children created movement in their landscape drawings, using line, shape and colour. They also learned skills in using oil pastels. The results are fantastic!
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