Waves Winter 2013

Bonn International School Magazine | Winter 2013 | magazine@bonn-is.de

LIBRARY MONTH

CATCH A DRAGON READING!

BEETHOVENFEST STUDENT STORIES FROM AN EXCITING WEEK

ESCAPE TO THE EMERALD ISLE

THE WINNING COUPLE’S ADVENTURE IN IRELAND.

Front Cover: Grade 4 Choir Perform at Beethovenfest

Contents Imprint:

Bonn International School e.V.,

Library Month Busted with a Book and more

2 2

The Secret Life of Simon Vanderkelen

4

Our Nurses

5

Quiz Time!

6

EC Athletics and Activities Match

7

Agnieszka Boud

Wacky Facts from BIS Staff!

8

Anuradha Koratkar

Lego League

9

Embracing Interdisciplinary Skills

9

Martin-Luther-King-Strasse 14, 53175 Bonn

Magazine Volunteers:

Mariana Naslund Natalie Niklas Layout and Design: Janet Hannah Editing and Proofing: Steve Arrowsmith Kate Carey Owen Elias Rosemary Hewitt Photography: Thank you to the many community members who share their photos.

Printing: The Happy Printer, Bonn.

Primary Years Programme

10

Early Learning in the PYP - A Learning Journey

10

Reading Buddies

11

Middle Years Programme

12

Grade 6 Arithmeum Trip

12

Grade 7 Andernach Trip

12

Inclusion and Diversity

13

Secondary EAL Students

14

Diploma Program Grade 12 Berlin Trip

15 15

Beethovenfest

16

Escape to the Emerald Isle

20

It all started with a bicycle

22

Time Travel?

23

iPads Enhancing Education at BIS

24

The Land of the Cobalt Blues

26

Scholarships at BIS

27

Birthday Parties

28

Stressed,Under Pressure and Insecure Teenagers

30

Ripples to Waves - A BHS reunion

31

Alumni

31

Singing Matters

32

1

k o o B a h t i w d Buste Studies indicate that summer vacation is a time when students suffer a “learning loss”, yet one of the simplest ways to overcome this academic decline is by simply reading. To encourage summer reading this year, the Library Media Centre checked out books and hosted a contest.

For the first time that anyone can remember, the BIS Library Media Centre was open for summer checkout. Students were allowed to borrow books during the last week of school as well as every other Tuesday throughout the summer, resulting in over 800 items being checked out.

The photo display has now been removed from the walls to make room for all the International School Library Month activities.

However the pictures are still available for browsing in a newly bound book kept near the Story Corner.

Student Entries

Staff Entries

The Brazil Family, Lin Spitta, and Aicha Barrak

Mrs. Heinrichs, Ms. Voss, and Mr. Wake’s daughter Charley

1 Thomas

Anna

2

To keep it fun, the Library Media Centre sponsored ‘Busted with a Book’. Students and staff were encouraged to get ‘caught’ reading during their holidays and send in a photo of themselves.

Over 60 creative entries were submitted and displayed on the Library Media Centre’s walls. Through random drawing, six entrants were awarded gift certificates to the book fair.

3

2 Mackenzie

THE TWO STEVES

The BIS Library Media Centre is sponsoring a One School/One Author program for the 201314 school year. All students, staff, and parents are encouraged to read one or more books by a single author. Activities to encourage reading and participation will take place throughout the year, and the culminating event will be an author visit on April 4 - 5 as part of the Creative Waves festival.

This year, however, there will be not just one author but two: The Two Steves!

Steve Barlow and Steve Skidmore are formerteachers-turned-authors. They have written over 150 books together. They write for almost all ages and have a number of series books, including

Dia de Muertos

iHero, iHorror, White Wolf, Action Dogs, and Edge Crime. There are even free eBooks available.

Check out a book from the Library Media Centre.

Or check out the Two Steves at http://the2steves.net/

In autumn monarch butterflies arrive in Southern Mexico to spend the winter in mountain forests. Natives considered butterflies to be the souls of departed loved ones, returning ‘home’ for a short time. Therefore, on 1st and 2nd November, Mexicans celebrate with their relatives and friends making for a joyous occasion.

Day of the Dead reminds us that life goes on after death, in a new form. It is a celebration of life, which does not end with death. You can see this reflected in the famous “calaveras and calacas” or skulls and skeletons, which (decorated) ‘perform’ all kinds of activities, just as the living do: eating, dancing, even getting married!

The Media Centre at BIS joined in the spirit of the celebrations with a decorated altar and entrance area. Students were able to also decorate their own paper “Calaveras” (skulls) and “calacas” (skeletons).

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THE SECRET LIFE OF SIMON VANDERKELEN The easy questions!

Tell us about your family; what languages do you speak?

Christine and I met in Burgundy, France, and our children, Toby and Fleur where born in Melbourne, and have grown up mostly in Singapore, so we speak, besides English, mostly French at home, and bits of Mandarin, Malay, Tagalog, Italian, Dutch… increasingly bigger bits of German!

Where do you go for holidays?

We are lucky to have a cottage in Burgundy in a wine village near Beaune, so now we are back in Europe I imagine we will be heading back there very often… six hours by road is much easier than thirteen in the air.

What chore do you absolutely hate doing?

OK, has to be cleaning the oven.

Your work life What were your first impressions of BIS? Great community; friendly students, supportive parents, professional faculty, excellent support staff. Amazing campus on the Rhine!

What are your favorite hobbies?

Reading, I’m hooked on The Economist to keep up to date with current affairs, as well as the French newspaper Le Monde, then there is always lots of professional reading to do…

What is the hardest thing that you have ever done?

Well, that would be finishing up work in Singapore in June before moving here, while packing up the house and helping Christine get the kids ready to move with 200 DP French exams to mark all in the same week.

Gardening, nothing better than pruning to get negative energy out of the system…

Tell us about an inspiring moment as a teacher?

I was lucky enough to take a group of Grade 11 French B students from Melbourne to France for a three week immersion experience - it was amazing to see how much they learnt and how appreciative they were of having the opportunity to experience French culture first hand.

Jogging, when my aged joints behave themselves...

What new hobby or sport would you like to learn?

I am not the most coordinated person who has walked the planet. I once tried to learn how to ski and made a serious mess of that, so I would like to try again soon.

What is your favorite book or music?

Music… I really like live jazz, I’m a frustrated musician deep down, and that reminds me that i have to discover where to find this in Bonn...

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words what would they be?

The Learner Profile attributes that best describe me are: open-minded, principled, communicator, inquirer...

Your childhood As a student were you ever called to the principle’s office?

Yes, in Grade 7, my poor Maths teacher had had enough of me and sent me to the Principal.

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Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your teenage self?

What a great question, probably to trust myself and relax max.

Your inner being!

If you could travel in time and meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

That has got me thinking! Probably my great great grandfather who moved from Antwerp to Melbourne at the end of the 19th century selling diamonds (of course, what else) and almost as an accident of history became Belgium’s first Ambassador to the newly federated Australia in 1901.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?

James Bond, shaken not stirred.

Have you ever had something happen to you that you thought was bad but it turned out to be for the best?

Mmm, getting married? Don’t tell my wife!

Our Nurses Bee sting? Headache? Fall in the playground? If one of these

dealing with a broad range of experience from major accidents

happens to a BIS student, comfort and advice are on hand at the

to administering first aid for minor injuries.

Nurses’ Office in the Waves building.

Debra Hennessy is from the UK and is a registered nurse, school

BIS is fortunate to have two highly qualified nurses who ensure

nurse and health visitor. She joined BIS in August 2013 after

students receive first aid and other services between 8:30 and

working as a school nurse in the UK, Bahrain and Singapore.

17:30, Monday to Friday.

Debra has clinical experience in general medicine, obstetrics

Uta Crisimer is a registered nurse from Germany and has been at

and gynaecology and occupational and community health. She

BIS since 2007. She previously worked in a German hospital in

has previously worked as the Practice Manager of a polyclinic in

a variety of specialist areas and has several years experience in

Dubai and a health visitor in private practice.

Intensive Care. Uta has also worked as a paramedic in Cologne,

Unsere Krankenschwestern

The range of responsibilities and action for School Nurses varies from country to country. At BIS, our 2 School Nurses: administer First Aid

maintain confidentiality and a safe, welcoming

care for sick children

environment for students, parents and staff

act as point of contact during illness

contribute to infection control and to maintaining a safe

plan care for students in school with medical needs

and healthy school environment

administer prescribed medications

liaise with medical and insurance providers to facilitate

provide medical support for field trips, sporting and social

prompt and comprehensive coverage for families when

events

necessary

deliver and promote Health Education

provide staff training

give vaccinations advice on request

liaise with outside healthcare providers to promote occupational health

The nurses are not permitted to prescribe medicine, provide pain or headache medication or vaccinate students.

Should parents wish to get in touch with either of the nurses, they can email nurse@bonn-is.de or stop by their office, although they may have to wait during busy periods!

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How well do you know BIS? 1. How many toasties does the Booster Club make in a school year?

2. How many students did the BIS community house last year?

3. How quickly does Jade know the names of all the new families that join BIS? 4. Approximately how many books (paper and digital) are in the school library?

5. Which grade currently has the most number of students?

6. What is the farthest distance travelled by a BIS student to get to school?

7. How many hand tools does the DT department have?

8. How many man hours does it take to generate the year book?

9. What is the total number of sinks in the science department?

10. How many copy machine sheets does the school use in a year?

!

E M I T QUIZ How well do you know Germany?

Can you name these five large German cities 1. This city has the best Gothic cathedral in Germany 2. This city is the oldest city in Germany 3. This city has the oldest university in Germany - it was established in the year 1386 4. This city has one of the most photographed buildings in Germany 5. This city has the longest train station in Europe answers on last page

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EC Athletics and Activities Match The teachers at BIS not only teach our students their ABCs, they also help them to become well-rounded people by working with them on various EC Athletics and Activities. More than 30% of the BIS staff is involved in EC activities. Can you match the teacher with the activity that they support?

Robotics Club

German Drama Club 1. Josefino Rivera

2. Beth Winkler

3. Lorraine Heinrichs

Board Games Club

Drama Club

Math Club

GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) 4. Marc Unkel

5. John Haskell

6. Zoe Grigoriadou

BIS Band

BIS Primary Choir

International Voices Choir Boys Rugby 7. Janine Lockwood 8. Ed Smith

9. Sukvinder Dhillon

U14 Boys Football U14 Boys Basketball

Varsity Girls Volleyball

answers on last page

10. Joe Szalay

11. Tanya Talbot

12. Suzanne Kaegi

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Who lived in Indonesia and climbed smoking mountains with a hiking club called Java Lava?

1 2

Dagmar Birkfeldt

Elissa Francemone

Julie Powdrill-Stade

Riane Jobe

Who lived in Thailand and was on holiday in Borneo when she got attacked by a trigger fish while snorkeling, but was pulled out of the sea and saved by a Russian spy?

Tosca Killoran

Colleen Butler

Lauren Scott

Karin Shipley-Tanus

Who has ghostwritten and published two books on football in the UK?

3

Tim Johnson

Charlotte Box

Clive Frank

Ed Smith

Philippa Gautrey

Wendy Weisbart

Who grew up in New Guinea amongst real Stone Age cannibals?

4 5 6 7

Kimberley Henderson

Tami Albrecht

Who worked for Singapore Airlines coordinating training for and translation of in-flight announcements in 10 languages (60% of which are still used today!)

Josefino Rivera

Chris Wake

Simon Vanderkelen

Jo Tilton

Who participated in workshops by the Royal Shakespeare Company in England and appeared in Düsseldorf in a production of “Pyramus and Thisbe”?

Zoe Grigoriadou

Stuart Smith

Veit Koch

Jeannette Waeder

Who acted and sang in the off-Broadway musical in New York entitled “Epidemic of Fear” as well as acted in a movie with Grace Jones and Tim Curry?

Cijith Jacob

Jade Montgomery

Chris Müller

Michael Bailey

Peter Vaughn

Alicia Denning

Who was Michael Buble’s private butler?

8

Michael Smith

Abigail Button

Who was part of the California Coast Guard Reserve for 6 years and took part in cleaning up oil spills?

9

John Haskell

Gil Grant

Cindy Rogers

Ann Martin

Who worked in the Canadian film industry to produce Hollywood movies (with stars like Harrison Ford)?

10

Janine Lockwood

Sarah Falconer answers on last page

8

Cynthia Melo

Jennifer Romano

The First

Lego League

For the 3rd year, Computer Technology Teacher Ms. Sukie Dhillon is heading the BIS Robotics Club. This year’s group has 10 students from Grades 6 - 8. They meet on Wednesdays after school and talk about the impact of robots on the world, their purpose and current research – and of course building and programing robots too! Right now, they are preparing for the BIS Robotics Competition and have divided into 2 teams – one working on building motors and the other on developing sensors.

On Sunday, 10 November, the Robotics Club hosted The BIS Robotics Tournament. This event is a practice tournament in preparation for the First Lego League tournament later this year that is taking place in Königswinter at the CJD Christophorusschule. The BIS Robotics Tournament will take place in

Demonstration

the Waves Sports Hall with 7 other teams from 7 different schools from the NRW region.

What happens at a First Lego League tournament? First, teams of up to 10 students are given a challenge to program an autonomous robot to score points on a themed playing field. Past challenges have been based on topics as diverse as nanotechnology, climate, quality of life for the handicapped population, and transportation.

Tournament

the programming complexity will award specific set points when completed.

Since this is the first time that the BIS Robotics Club has experienced a tournament such as the First Lego League, the goal for this year is to get experience under tournament conditions and to prepare for the Nature’s Fury competition that will take place on 1st December at the CJD College.

Some thoughts from the robotics team “I am really excited to enter my first A group of judges evaluates how well robotics tournament” the robot met the challenge outlined, if Ines. the team related the challenge to a realworld issue and if the team adhered “I have experience in the Robocup Junior to the core values of fair competition competition last year, this one is a different and values espoused by the First Lego though, with a new set up and new rules, I League. The robots have to meet as many am looking forward to gaining lots of new tasks as possible in rounds that last only experiences in this type of tournament” 2.5 minutes! Each task, depending on Anton.

Embracing Interdisciplinary Skills:

maths music languages

Maths teachers know all too well the sinking

phrase going down, and ending on the related

feeling of being asked, “And what do you do for

dominant chord. In languages, how about: ich is

a living?” The word ‘teacher’ may be enough to

to mir, as wir is to what?

slow a pleasant conversation, but hang the ‘M’

So, should we be surprised at finding people who

word in front of it and it is guaranteed to kill 99%

are drawn to more than one of these disciplines?

of discussion dead.

In our own BIS maths department, we have two

Imagine, however, a mathematician adding that they are also

teachers who enjoy singing with the Bonn Philharmonic Chorus

involved in music. Suddenly, a more interesting and attractive

(here we are pictured at a recent festival concert in Lucerne with

proposition? Or foreign languages – exotic? You may be surprised

the London Philharmonic Orchestra ).

to find that many studies have shown strong correlations (sorry to use such a mathematical word) between both maths and music, and maths and languages aptitudes...

This season our choir is celebrating the hundredth anniversary of Benjamin Britten’s birth with a concert on 8 December at 11:00 in the Beethovenhaus. The programme will include his

Mathematician and pianist Tim Gowers is convinced that maths,

famous Ceremony of Carols. On 16 December there is an all

music and language learning have many skills and interesting

Beethoven programme at the Beethovenhalle as part of Bonn’s

puzzles in common. All of these disciplines involve abstract

Beethovennacht festival. Further details can be found on the

structures – in learning a foreign language, for example, you

choir’s website.3

1

have to understand its grammar and syntax. Once you get to Grade 6 maths lessons, you cannot escape the abstract world of algebra. In music you have the abstract sphere of keys. You have to solve similar style problems in music and maths, such as the ‘A is to B as C is to D’ kind. Here is an example: what is to multiplication, as zero is to addition? 2. In music, consider the opening two phrases of Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik (get on a Ryanair flight to listen to this endless loop!). What is to the first phrase going up and in the tonic key? Answer: the second

And because I couldn’t decide which subject I liked best when I left school, I went on to do a degree in maths and, natürlich...

Deutsch. Sue Bailey Tim Gowers is professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University and is a jazz pianist. His full article on interdisciplinary links was first published in The Independent in July 2011 and can be read in full at this link www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/classical/features/ the-enduring-myth-of-music-and-maths-2307387.html 2 The answer to the puzzle is: When you use zero in an addition problem, the answer remains unchanged e.g. 7 + 0 = 7. So in multiplication, you need to think, what number leaves the answer unchanged? It is clear that this number is 1 e.g. 1 x 6 still equals 6.

3 Philharmonischer Chor der Stadt Bonn - website www.philharmonischer-chor-bonn.de 1

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Primary Years Programme Early Learning in the PYP - a learning journey It

is

Wednesday

morning

at

Bonn

building with Kapla blocks, preparing

Between the ages of three and six,

International School. Making our way

fruit and vegetables for snack time, or

children’s social, physical, emotional,

through the corridors, past a myriad of

painting on the easels. On the surface

linguistic

multi-coloured backpacks, gymbags and jackets, we enter the Early Learning wing.

Here,

children

between the ages of three

it

“We firmly believe that children learn best when engaged in purposeful, structured inquiry.”

and six are on their learning

may

and

cognitive

development

appear

is huge. In Early Learning, we base

messy and sound

our practice on the understanding that

noisy, but a closer

children’s

look reveals deep

does not all happen at the same rate.

concentration and

For anyone who is a parent of more

engagement on the

than one child, or who has worked with

learning

and

development

journey, in an exciting environment of

children’s part. Everywhere we look, there

young children, this is obvious, but it

discovery, work and play. Glancing into

is a sense of purpose, and all children

has significant implications for teaching

one of the classrooms, we can see a

are working hard at making sense of the

and learning at school. To cater for this

group of five year olds involved in their

world around them.

range of development between the ages

morning meeting, chanting the months of the year with great enthusiasm. Another classroom of five year olds is busy at language learning stations; working in small groups on sorting letters, writing (or drawing) in their writing journals, lacing beads or creating collages with paper and glue-sticks.

Further down the hallway, we enter the

At our school, we firmly believe that children learn best when engaged in purposeful,

structured

inquiry,

giving

of three to six, we base our curriculum on developmental continuums, rather than age-related benchmarks.

them opportunities to create their own

Working with developmental continuums

meaning and develop their understanding.

allows us to not limit children’s learning to

The teachers’ challenge is to know the

only the things we deem appropriate for

children well and to provide them with the

their age, and not forcing children to meet

right environment, prompt, or task to help

age-related benchmarks. For instance,

them develop further. It requires teachers

a child in EL3 who is ready and shows

domain of the three and four year olds. In

to be skillful at assessing children’s

interest in reading and writing, is not

the corridor, a small group of four year olds

development in lots of ways, in order to

asked to ‘wait until Grade 1’, but rather is

is listening to their teacher reading a story.

provide the learning experience that is

provided with learning experiences to help

Some children are trying to follow the

‘just right’ for that child or a specific group

further development. Equally, children in

words in their own books as the teacher

of children. This is a task that demands

EL5 who are not yet ready to embark on

reads, noticing familiar letters along the

skill, knowledge and expertise, and one

more formal, academic learning, are given

way. Inside the classroom, children are

that our teachers are well trained for.

opportunities to develop their readiness.

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PYP We have articulate, socially adept five

In Early Learning in the PYP, we know that

every day as we guide and accompany

year olds who cannot yet distinguish

every child’s learning journey is going

our students on their own unique learning

between the letters of the alphabet, and

to be different. We also know that every

journey.

four year olds who are accomplished

child is capable and will be successful

readers but are still learning to share and

in many different ways. These are the

take turns. We have three year olds with

guiding principles that drive us each and

Diana van Mersbergen

a fascination for numbers but who won’t speak to strangers, and six year olds who address big audiences in assembly, but haven’t quite mastered counting.

Every other week on a Friday afternoon Ms. Foster’s Grade 1 and

Ms.

Lathrop’s

Grade 5 come together for a period to learn and share. During this time the Grade 5 students become mentors for the younger kids. The Grade 1 students look up to their buddies, and it is a time for both to share their knowledge and

accomplishments

they

have made in class.

11

Grades 7 and 8 in Andernach On the 5th of September students from

this natural phenomenon. We were all

Grades 7 and 8 went to Andernach,

rushing forward to get a closer look. On

Germany to see the worlds largest cold

the way back to the discovery center it

water geyser. After a one hour bus ride

was boiling hot. The students that were

to the Geyser Discovery Center, we were

prepared enough bought ice cream and

divided into different groups. Which were

refreshments, while the others begged

our German and EAL groups. We all took

them to lend them money. In addition

a tour though the discovery center, then some groups went to a workshop. After that we ate our lunch and went on a boat ride that took us to the geyser. When the geyser finally erupted after a long ten minute wait. We were all stunned by

to that the groups also went on a long scavenger hunt through the city, where most us us were nearly crawling like dehydrated cats.

Divya K. Bilolikar

Middle Years Programme Grade 6 Maths Trip to the Arithmeum Museum On the 3rd of September 2013, the whole of Grade Six went on a math trip to the Arithmeum, a math museum in Bonn. We learned about many things, but my two favourites were how people in medieval times did math and how microchips were made.

Through the eyes of our students..... a combination of Maths and English collaborative work....

We started off by walking blissfully to the tram. As soon as we got on the tram everyone started finding their friends and taking a seat. When we were told that we would get off on the next stop an excitement started buzzing around.

We were put with our guides and went to look at the old fashion calculators, which were golden. They looked amazing, but our calculators today are better.

The next best thing was the shelf of typewriters, which looked very cool and old fashioned. As we left there was a groan because everyone didn’t want to go. Overall it was a really cool trip and it was definitely worth the walk.

Robert 12

In medieval times, not everyone was able to do math. To be considered a mathematician, you had to have a basic level of math. Mathematicians had a table with two math grids on it. People used to visit a mathematician to ask for solutions to math problems. They would then visit a second mathematician to check the first one wasn’t lying. Mathematicians who lied had their table split in half and all their money taken from them. The Italians called this “bankerupt”, which is where our word “bankrupt” comes from. They also called the place where mathematicians met a “banke”, giving us the word “bank”.

Microchips are made from a special material which is turned into a giant crystal. The crystal is then sliced into large, very thin discs from which the microchips are cut. At first, only a small percentage of the chips worked because of too much human contact. Even now, only 50% of the chips made actually work. We also saw one of the very first computers which

was so big that every company which owned one kept it in the basement. Now every worker has a laptop.

Olivia

We went on a maths trip to Arithmeum to learn about the Roman numerals. On the maths trip we had a lot of fun, and learned a lot of cool new things. We learned about what they used in the olden times. They used punched cards to tell information about people. They used punched cards to tell a lot of things, like if you are married or not, if you are a female or male, if you have any kids and where you come from and much more. These cards represent you. You can find machines to make your card, read your card and sort it. These machines used to be found in the Town Hall. At the museum I made my own card.

At the museum it was a lot of fun because I learned new things.

Miranda

Inclusion and Diversity t ans to accep Inclusion me es between the differenc to find a way persons and ther without of living toge ers. excluding oth

During the academic year of 2012/2013, Frau Brakmann’s Grade 9/10 German class went through a very interesting unit on inclusion, exclusion, separation, and immigration in terms of a varied amount of things, such as in school and disability rights. We were hence quite honoured and curious when a very special guest came to visit BIS to inform us about his intriguing life experience.

His eye sight is extremely low, yet he cannot be considered as completely blind, as he stated that he can still see a little bit of light now and then. He is currently attending a normal German school just like any other student, and manages to overcome all problems in terms of school-related issues. He biked on a tandem with his father to BIS one Monday morning and had a quick tour around the school with Louise Schulze (currently in Grade 10). He then visited our German class and informed us about the various experiences he went through as a blind person.

To elaborate, Philipp kindly showed us how he uses a laptop (he uses a completely normal laptop, yet it has a few functions that come in handy for blind people, such as a voice that dictates everything that is currently on the screen), how he completes all of his school work with Braille writing, and a number of

MYP

Philipp, 15 years of age, has been partly blind since his birth.

other mind-boggling facts. He enjoys computer programming, playing guitar, and hanging out with his friends. He showed us that nothing is impossible if there is a strong will and if there are people who are willing to include and to accept persons who are different; he attends a normal school, rides his tandem-bike often, and uses his computer just as well as any other person, perhaps even better. It was quite an honourable, as well as fun experience for us to spend time with Philipp. We hope that he visits us again in the future!

Louise Schulze: “It was a whole new experience. I have never taken care of someone who is almost blind. It was a lot of fun. I got to know a new person and also hear and see how he views things differently in life.”

Jung-Ho An: “I was glad to spend time with and learn from Philipp; it was an unforgettable experience. I hope he visits us again soon, as his visit was interesting and fun. Thanks to Philipp and hope to see you soon!”

Jung-Ho and Louise

Philipp talked to us during 45 minutes without being able to read out from a script. This is only possible because he has a trained memory and excellent study and presentation skills.

This little apparatus helps him to use a mobile and to communicate with his friends.

Can you imagine to create a website if you are blind?

Philipp showed us that nothing is impossible. Here you can see the technical device that helps him to read and write

nvention, called the UN signed a co in ts en m rn ve go 2006 many is is a rights treaty On December 13, th Disabilities”. Th wi ns rso Pe of ts the Righ y of persons with the “Convention on rights and dignit e th ts ec ot pr tions which lity under the law. of the United Na they enjoy full equa at th s re su en d disabilities an

It was not easy for Philipp and his parents to find a public school that accepted him as a blind student. Here you can see why: Every graphic has to be transformed into a 3D-document that Philipp can touch and feel. This is a lot of extra work for his teachers. But even more for Philipp himself: Imagine how difficult it is to get a “vision“ of a graph by just touching it. And thus many things easy for us present a real challenge for him.

13

In our Secondary EAL classes this year, we started off our course with a unit about the process of ‘transition.’ Gallagher defines ‘transition’ as ‘the change or passage from one state or stage to another,’ (2008:68). It is a process that all third culture children (TCC) and their families go through.

Some of the characteristics TCCs share include being raised in a genuinely cross-cultural, highly mobile world, where people are constantly coming and going. Gallagher notes that, ‘International educators frequently observe that these children have the ability to adapt to new cultures, are more open to different points of view and new experiences and have more self confidence. What makes TCC’s experience of transition more unique from the other less mobile individuals is the fact that they are coping with

MYP

changing cultures as well as locations,’ (adapted from Gallager, 2008:67, 68).

EAL in the Middle Years Programme There are five stages in the process of transition, which are: All is well (involvement stage) “We feel like we belong” Don’t want to go – or do I? (leaving stage) Anything is possible (transition stage) Perhaps this isn’t so bad (entering stage) This is OK! (reinvolvement stage) Here are some student reflections about their transitions: When I entered BIS last year, I was a bit shy and I didn’t know how to speak English very well. Luckily I didn’t have much trouble finding friends, so I quickly found my first friend: Zoé.

Since she was new too, we shared the same feelings. Even though I had a friend, everything still was new for me. Sometimes I couldn’t understand anything. This was the entering stage for me. After getting to know everything a little better, I had the reinvolvement stage: I had good friends; I learned some English, I liked all subjects. So everything was okay for me. Right now I feel like I belong. I have good friends: Zoé, Joby, Hugo, Daria, Vanessa, Sophie and my best friend Inga. I understand pretty much everything. I think BIS has changed me to a better person.

I learned a lot about stereotypes and respect. I feel as happy as a bird in the air! Kiara, Grade 6 I’m between ‘reinvolvement’ and ‘involvement’ because this is my third year. I have just started in the Middle Years Programme and we have started with lockers. I have been in five other schools and I been exposed to four languages. However I speak only two languages now, but I speak them better than the four I used to speak. Torsten, Grade 6 I have gone through the transition process in three schools, and been exposed to two different languages, English and Swedish.

Right now I am in between ‘entering’ and ‘reinvolvement’ because I have a lots of friends and I like it in Germany, although

14

I would like to understand more German to be further in the ‘reinvolvement’ stage. I can’t go to the shop or speak very well.

However, I do feel comfortable in Germany. Nora, Grade 7 So far I’ve been in three schools. I spoke three different languages, Hungarian, Slovak and English. It made me feel that ‘anything is possible’ because moving here was the best thing that ever happened in my life. I think I’m in the ‘reinvolvement stage’. I think it’s because Germany and Slovakia don’t have different cultures. Also because I’m happy to be here. Marianna, Grade 7 I have been in one school, this is my second. I’ve been taught in two languages, Polish and English. These experiences are ok.

I like school very much but I don’t have many friends yet so it’s hard to say. I think I am in the ‘reinvolvement’ stage because I settled down here, and I really like Bonn, because I can get to school in five minutes! In Warsaw it took me forty minutes by car.

Mateusz, Grade 8 This is my first transition process, and I have been exposed to a different language, which is English. Personally I feel like I am in the reinvolvement stage because in August it’s been a year in Germany for me. I really feel like this country is like a new home for me. I found good friends here. I also can communicate better with them. Ema, Grade 9 I have learnt in eight schools, including BIS. The languages that I have been taught in are Russian and English. Transition is one of the hardest things for me. It’s really difficult to describe this feeling when you are leaving the old school and loose all your best friends. In my case, I learned in different schools for a maximum of two years but still I had time to make friends there.

Getting to know the new classes and students is very slow so there was not enough time for school. At this moment I’m in the reinvolvment stage (everything is OK). I feel very comfortable in this school and look forward to staying here till the 12th grade.

Valeria, Grade 9

DP

Diploma DiplomaProgramme Program Grade 12 in Berlin

On our first day to Berlin we had to meet at 5am at the Cologne Airport. We all expected to be exhausted because we had to get up so early, but it seemed like we were too excited for Berlin to even be tired. The beginning of the trip included a lot of free time, everyone had to get into groups of 3-4 people and we had the opportunity to explore Berlin by ourselves, go shopping, eat at the places we wanted to eat, and enjoy the city.

The best part of the first day was when we got to go to the ‘Dunkel’ restaurant. The Dunkel is a restaurant where everything is dark; you weren’t able to see anything whilst you were eating. Many of us found it difficult to cut our food in order to eat it, and we got a new

We then had a two hour guided tour of the former Stasi prison

perspective on things. All the waiters were very helpful and

(Gefängnis). For the tour, we were divided into two groups: the

tried their best to make us feel calm in a dark room as well.

German-speaking group and the English-speaking group. In the

The interesting part was that the restaurant was mostly quiet

German-speaking group, the tour guide was a former prisoner of

because we all had to focus on tasting and eating the meals.

the Stasi prison.

Overall it was an amazing experience and we are all very glad that we had the opportunity to go on such a memorable trip!

Viviana On Friday, we went to the German Historical Museum (Deutsches Historisches Museum). We ate lunch in the area of the Museum Islands.

In the area surrounding the Brandenburger Gate, we were given some free time in which we bought our evening meals.

Afterwards, we went to the Reichstag for a ninety minute tour, starting at 8 pm. In the Reichstag, we were again divided into groups according to our German-proficiency.

Hélène 15

BIS @ initiative during this time; some of them

“Recommend to your children: Virtue; that alone can make them happy, not gold.”

giving confident interviews for local

the motto “Creative Cool”. To attract an

newspapers and being on television. As

audience, we created flyers, posters and

their music teachers, we are very proud of

various marketing campaigns. We even

their achievements.

organized our own press conference,

I would like to thank my colleagues most sincerely for their time, collaboration

Ludwig van Beethoven

and enthusiasm during these learning experiences.”

which was my personal highlight of the eight months that we spend together, as I moderated it as well.

In these eight months, we outgrew

Marc Unkel, Single Subject Team Leader During the past weeks, BIS students from

business. Our concert was based around

Primary School

ourselves,

reaching

so

many

goals

and gained wonderful experiences that one could only dream of. It has been

both the primary and secondary schools

Students

have had the chance to observe, explore,

experiences

and experience the professional world of music in the local community of Bonn.

eight months ago and involved two of our

and recommend this project to students

With our strong connections to the

current Grade 12 students, Windie Hoefs

in Grades 10 and 11, who are seeking

Beethoven

and Leon Schlichte

an excellent CAS project, as it is a great

Ludwig

Festival van

organisation

Beethoven

and

at

BIS

many

a great way to meet and interact with

the

new people, but also to benefit from a

Beethovenfest. The first began almost

life-lasting experience. I can only appeal

in

have

had

connection

to

Network

chance to experience different aspects,

Education Programme, we were able to

but also to learn how to overcome

take part in various interactive projects,

challenges. The “Beethovenfest” took

field trips and performances this year.

on such an important role in our lives, and contributed to an unforgettable

“It started a couple of years ago, when I attended a meeting at the ‘Deutsche Welle’ in Bonn. It was one of these long,

Schülermanager Program Part of Diploma CAS Program

experience.”

Leon Schlichte, Grade 12

cold and dark evenings in November

student managers at the where you just wanted to be at home “The Beethovenfest are a group of nine drinking tea. However, I soon forgot about the tea, when I realised that there might be a possibility of having musicians from one of the most famous Chamber orchestras worldwide visiting our school.

The Academy of St.Martin-in-the Fields, London came to BIS and worked with our students. This time we had members from the well-known Bamberg Symphony Orchestra visiting Bonn and making music together with music students in our assembly.

students from various schools in Bonn

aged 15-17. The program offers students an opportunity to have experiences in their early years, which they would usually not have at this point in their life. Students worked in several departments, which included the marketing (both print and web), press, which I led, director-general, artist supervision and the education

© Thomas Mueller 2013

Interview with Jonathan Nott

department, which was Windie Hoefs’

Three of our Diploma Music students,

role. We had the honor of organizing a

Jillian, Karim, and Robert, attended a

concert with Cameron Carpenter, who is

rehearsal of a violin concerto and then

It has been a delight to see our students

probably the most popular and eccentric

interviewed Jonathan Nott, the world-

being engaged, creative, and taking

organ player in the classical music

renowned conductor.

16

BEETHOVENFESTBONN The following is a small section of the 45 minute interview.

Jillian: When you were our age, what was your musical life?

Jonathan Nott: Just before that I was in the chorus for Singeknabbe. I stopped that when my voice broke when I was 13.

Dienstag, der 24. September 2013 war

Karim’s interview Reflection

ein besonderer Tag für die Musikschüler

By 16, I think I was playing a lot of flute, “Watching the Bamberg Orchestra and trying to sing tenor. I was studying rehearse was a rewarding experience. music in England, so I had three subjects: The closest experience I’d had prior to

der

Bonn

International

School.

Als

Musikinteressierte und Lernbegeisterte Schüler hatten wir die Ehre, an einer Probe

music, physics, and maths.

this was rehearsing with the BIS Band.

Karim: You will be performing Beethoven’s

What struck me the most about this

Wir haben einen völlig neuen Einblick in

9th Symphony at the Beethovenfest. Can

rehearsal was how tight and in-sync

das Leben von professionellen Musikern

you explain your reason for choosing it?

each individual orchestra member was

bekommen und können nun die Proben

with the others; playing would pause and

der Profis mit unseren wöchentlichen

Jonathan

Nott:

[I

wanted

to

do]

Beethoven and something contemporary or 20th century. Something that is not Beethoven,

something

newer

than

that. Then it became what Beethoven

resume in unison and without a count-in

Bandproben vergleichen. Der Vierte Satz

from the conductor. Playing in the school

von Beethovens 9. Symphonie hat uns

ensemble, I can appreciate how difficult

besonders angesprochen, welcher auch

that must be.

an unserer Schule als sehr beliebtes

symphonies would work well with other

After watching the Bamberg Orchestra’s

things? .With the 9th [Symphony], the

rehearsal,

idea of doing Schönberg was rather lovely.

Nott, their conductor. We had prepared

Because after Beethoven, any composer

questions for this interview earlier. They

after Beethoven…, this was the great

covered specific pieces like Beethoven’s

meister that everybody, especially in the

9th

symphonic repertoire, that everybody

regarding the life of a conductor. Mr.

we

Symphony

interviewed

as

well

Jonathan

as

details

tried to be as good as. Then the idea of

Nott’s opinions and anecdotes were

Schönberg and breaking tonality, and

very intellectual and allowed us, as IB

deciding to do something different, but

Music students, to get a better grasp of

still having his roots firmly in the phrasing

the responsibilities of the conductor and

of the 19th century. Then you take

how various pieces can be interpreted.”

Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, which is

Karim, grade 11

quite crazy in terms of its structure... It’s a terribly modern composition.

des Bamberg Orchesters teilzunehmen.

orchestra Symphony.

allen bekannt und das Mitsingen konnten wir uns nur schwer verkneifen. Alle Schüler und auch Lehrer waren von der Probe mehr als fasziniert und konnten sich kaum vorstellen, dass es da noch etwas zu verbessern gab. Jedes Mal als der Dirigent etwas korrigieren wollte, sahen wir Schüler uns gegenseitig an und versuchten rauszuhören, was das Problem war. Wir konnten nur selten die minimalsten Fehler hören! Dieses motiviert unsere Instrumente in die Hand zu nehmen um weiter zu üben, üben, üben.

Grade 9-12 Music students visit the of

mit oder ohne Chor. Der Text war uns

sagenhafte Ereignis hat uns alle dazu

Beethoven’s 9th Symphony rehearsal

Stück für verschiedene Konzerte gilt, ob

Bamberg

preparing

Symphony

Beethoven’s

9th

Das nächste Konzert kann kommen!

Nele, Geena, Jorunn, Grade 12 From General-Anzeiger

17

BAMBERG SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA was ready, four people from the orchestra (a string quartet made up of two violin players, one viola player and one cellist) and a tuba player arrived. We shook hands with them and they told us a bit about themselves. We all split into four groups and each group made a beautiful but different piece of music based on one

BSO @ BIS

of Beethoven’s pieces. Then we put all of our creative ideas into one piece. After

Bamberg Symphony Orchestra

we practised and we were all organized

Members visit BIS

and sure that we knew how it went, we all

The day after BIS students attended

helped set up the sports hall.

the rehearsal of the 9th Symphony,

Just before we started to set up, a lady

members of the Bamberg Symphony

and camera crew from the WDR asked

Orchestra gave a workshop for 14 BIS

me, Anne and Molly if we wanted to be

students. They focused on the opening

interviewed! I said yes right away, but

of a Beethoven string quartet, which was

that meant having to play and speak on

developed into an improvised ensemble

TV! I was so excited when they asked me

piece. This was later performed in the

questions like: Is it your first time playing?

primary assembly, following the full

What instrument do you play? How do

version of the string quartet played by the

you feel? And stuff like that.

symphony members.

Bühne Frei BIS Performances at Bühne Frei Für Beethoven The final opportunity for BIS students may have been the most memorable: the opportunity to perform as part of the festival. Students from the Primary Choir, Secondary BIS Band, and many soloists from both schools performed around the city.

I felt so many different feelings: nervous, excited, confident and proud. When everyone started coming in for assembly I was excited to perform. I felt proud playing the xylophone. I also knew I had to be confident playing beside Molly.

“The morning of the workshop I felt

After all the commotion it didn’t feel like

nervous and very excited. I was not sure

a normal school day, it just felt like a day

if the visitors from the orchestra would be

of fun. We all had a fantastic performance “On the 28th of September, BIS Band and a fabulous ending to the day!” performers and student soloists gathered

nice and easy to talk to or if they would be serious or strict. In the end, they were all very nice, fun and easy to play with.

All the excitement started at 9.30am when

Sara, Grade 4

BIS Secondary Band

in front of the Bonn City Hall. Beginning at 2:15pm, the BIS Band, consisting of 30 students, performed three pieces. It

the workshop began. All the primary and

was the last performance with Mr. Jacob

secondary students started to set up their

as conductor. Despite our short practice

instruments. I felt a bit nervous playing

times, it was quite a remarkable day as

amongst the secondary students but in

it was the first time the BIS Band took

the end it was the same as when playing

part in the Beethovenfest. From 4pm,

with primary students. When everyone

students also performed solos at the

18

BÜHNE FREI FÜR BEETHOVEN “Bühne Frei für Beethoven” in front of the Beethovenhaus. The variety of music played ranged from Bach to Beethoven to Debussy. Our primary and secondary soloists played piano solos or violin duets.

I played one of Beethoven’s renowned piano sonatas, the Pathetique sonata. I think that the Beethovenfest was a very valuable experience for performing and a

Grade 4 Choir

great chance to look back and show off

“Our choir performance was very exciting,

our musical abilities.”

because we sang lots of different songs

Kwangmin, Grade 9

people didn’t know. I think the audience really enjoyed it because I saw lots of

“This year, I had the privilege to play with the BIS Band at the “Bühne Frei für Beethoven”, which was a part of the Beethoven Festival. We played on the main stage, which was at the Marktplatz in downtown Bonn. We were originally

Secondary and Primary Soloists

smiles on their faces. It was a great experience singing in front of so many

Adina, Yoyesha, Lena, Noemie (violinists)

people. It was fun performing on a big

and Honoka, Gyuhun, Kwangmin, Joseph

stage with my friends and Mr Unkel.”

(pianists).

going to play four songs, but because “When I finished playing the prelude by of a lack of time, we had to reduce our Debussy I was very happy, because repertoire to three. Everyone was a little everybody gave me lots of applause. bit nervous at the start, but overall I think

Before I was playing, I was nervous

we did really well as a band, and we got a

waiting but I enjoyed performing in

loud applause at the end.

front of my family, friends and a large

I then had the pleasure to perform a Bach

audience. I liked the flowers. I wish that

concerto for two violins with one of my

I could play again.”

best friends right in front of the Beethoven

Honoka, Grade 5

Molly, Grade 4 This year has already had many fulfilling musical opportunities for the students at BIS in both the primary and secondary sections. The opportunity to work with and observe professional musicians is very rewarding. We hope that BIS will continue to have the opportunity to participate with these world class musicians for many years to come. Special thanks to Marc

House. Luckily, the stage was smaller,

Unkel, Joseph Szalay, Kathleen Szalay

so it wasn’t as nerve wracking for us to

and Cijith Jacob who planned these

perform. It was such a great experience

activities for the students.

playing right in front of the house that Beethoven himself was born in! I am very lucky to have been able to have such a fun, musical day at the Beethoven Festival.”

Noemie, Grade 9

19

Escape to the Emerald Isle March 16th, 2013. “The Luck of The Irish” fundraiser night. All it took was knowing the goal – a new playground for BIS – and we were off selling raffle tickets like there was no tomorrow.

Every child should be as blessed as our BISers, swimming in true learning, and a new playground to top it off? Bring it on!

Michael and I were on a mission: phone calls, emails, Skype, door-to-door… Hi, it’s me, and I have an offer you can’t refuse.

And who would? If you’re lucky, you win a prize. In the worst case, you help someone. Many someones. Most people we approached gave freely with the simple wish to help. Who would have known that selling raffle tickets would be a beautiful view into humanity’s heart?

kisses, hugs, and we’re off! From car to check-in, I kept checking my left hand. It was swinging and so empty, and my thoughts were left uninterrupted. Very odd.

Destination Dublin. You can take the girl out of the city, but you can’t take the city out of the girl. It welcomed me and I stood, taking it all in: the cars, the people, the trepid comfort of a Starbucks every two blocks, the unfortunate souls who have found solace and torture in deceitful potions. No matter how many times I see it, I am shocked. I throw a silent prayer for each one and am reminded of how petty my problems are. The sounds and electricity of it all penetrate me. I am both home and so very far from it.

Irish Night was a grand event, a culmination of the Green Team’s hard work, and a celebration of everything Irish. Michael and I loved just being there, but I can’t say we weren’t excited when they announced the raffle winners. After all, we had sold tickets to friends, family, neighbors, even the real estate agent who showed us our new place. Yeah, my beau’s got charm. We were happy enough to find out that a substantial amount was raised with the different fundraising efforts. We were, however, also lucky enough to experience the first prize, a weekend trip for two to Dublin.

Our first trip sans kids. That’s eight years of travelling with extra clothes, diapers, toys, books, pencils, snacks, juggling naps, mealtimes, crying, whining, laughing, and countless adventures… and it has been capital A, amazing. But a trip without kids? Wow. Let that one soak in.

Don’t get me wrong. I love my girls. Anyone who knows me knows that. I cherish them, I drown in their snuggles, my mouth Our first stop, The National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts waters when I kiss them. That’s it. I’ve said it in public. I salivate & History. Simply impressive. There is something for everyone. when I kiss my kids. And motherhood? It’s beautiful… and crazyIreland’s history is visually retold through fashion, jewelry, making all at the same time. Did I not read the fine print or did furniture, military objects, arts and crafts. The exhibits are my mom never send me that memo? Either way, I was looking created with such insight and care that they not only give an forward to that distant and mysterious “getaway weekend” informative view of the country’s culture, but also envelop you concept I have heard of before. and leave you numb to time. Rows and rows of display cases Our girls were left in the best hands with a bag of too many glimmer with awe-inspiring finds, all painstakingly handcrafted, clothes, just-in-cases, and superfluous instructions. Some carved, handblown, cast, mitred, and fully loved into creation.

20

We enjoyed walking around the city, hopping in and out of shops at, aahh, adult pace, and hearing English, glorious English. I exhaled in Ireland. There’s just nothing like speaking your own first language, but it wasn’t just that– it’s the people, the warmth.

I missed that daily lightheartedness you feel in some cultures that is reserved for closer friendships in others. The Irish I met were kind, helpful, and downright hilarious. Even the briefest exchange was an opportunity to make someone laugh.

We joined the Afternoon Tea at the Shelbourne Hotel and relished everything about it. The Lord Mayor’s Lounge is clad in fine classic décor, with its crystal chandelier overlooking dark wood, creamy fabrics, red velvet, and muted damask prints. The room is kissed by quiet chatter and the clink of porcelain. We were served finger sandwiches and a three-tiered silver dessert tray with melt-in-your-mouth buttermilk scones and rich ginger loaf. Chocolate mousse with mango and passion fruit, and strawberry and cream pavlova were poised like peacocks looking rather pleased at the top of their tower. The selection of twenty-one gourmet loose-leaf teas was absolutely gorgeous. We lingered for hours without any pressing engagements to jolt us out of this peace. Oh yes, I could get used to this.

We had undertaken a bit of a road trip and it was time to refill our own tanks at a local pub with the fresh catch of the day. From the down-to-earth atmosphere, the number of clientele, and my uncouth peeking at plates (drool), I expected a nice, rugged, good meal. Instead, we were presented with a very refined version of some classics. Fresh ingredients and delicate textures, and still no skimping on the portions. Fabulous.

A local band had come in to play that night, and it’s as if we were listening to the soundtrack of our weekend getaway. The festive beats of traditional Irish music hopped out of the various and varied instruments. We got the band a round of drinks – the luck of the Irish has to be passed on!

It was the perfect end to the perfect holiday. As we landed back home and got ourselves to our car, I was giddy and impatient.

I drove as fast as German law allowed, to get to our babies.

Sunshine smiles and squeals greeted us, and I got me some of the most mouth-watering snuggles ever.

Yael Schloss

The next day, we drove southwest into Ireland’s breathtaking landscape, and further on to Dunmore Head, the westernmost point of mainland Ireland. The patchwork of greens was sprinkled with sheep and cows of alternating colors. Overhead, the sun mingled with the clouds, inviting the mist to their mysterious conversation. The secrets of Ireland were whispered and overheard by the fields, who drank their dew and sighed emerald sighs.

Our car rolled through charming towns with colorful buildings, over hills, past lakes, and around mountains. We stopped at a hand-painted sign: “PREHISTORIC BEE HIVE HUTS / 2MIN. WALK.” I just joined a gym, so I can handle that hike. The meager remains of a possibly 2,000 year-old settlement take us back to times of simplicity and crude survival. Just you, the elements, and stone in between.

21

It all started with a bicycle…

March 2013, and the annual BIS fund-raiser lured

Temple Bar kept us very entertained as we

us into another evening of fun, little pots of posh

marvelled at real live talent (forget X Factor,

food, and the magnetic draw of the silent auction.

they all have it here!) and the next day a bit of

So to the bicycle: while my husband returned again and again to secure his silent bid, I wondered what we would do with all that panier capacity and whether bright DHL yellow was the

cultural historical context was needed – so off to Dublinia, clearly aimed at all ages (think ‘Horrible Histories’). Only then did we grasp the centuries of poverty and hardship Dublin has endured.

right colour for bicycles this year...little did I know

Still wondering whether it was the Vikings who

he was also tempted by a sports weekend for

brought singing to the Celtic lands, we started to explore. Our unforgettable highlights included

two in Dublin during June.

How we so wanted to win the flight tickets to Ireland, a land famous for being emerald green, full of magic, legends and Guinness, not to mention the friendly open nature of its many

a huge music shop with strange traditional instruments we had never seen before, vintage and retro clothes shops, second-hand curios, street buskers (they should ALL be discovered!), a university tour that included the first illustrated

émigrés around the world. Indeed those that find

book ever written, and the oldest harp (in Ireland?

themselves at BIS did a thoroughly convincing

the World? It doesn’t matter). We topped off our

job at promoting their homeland!

trip with a visit to the Writers’ Museum. I’ll admit

Long story slightly shorter: as there were only

that I yawned inwardly at this suggestion, but

two tickets, and we went as a family for the weekend, us girls ‘sacrificed’ a chance to see a Gaelic football local derby, and valiantly opted to explore the city instead. And what a sacrifice it was!

First impressions were mixed – as they often are when you first arrive in a new city. Nevertheless, while we trudged up the ‘wrong end’, i.e. where Dublin is a little run-down, we already noticed its student-town feel, and the many different foods

that’s what happens when you have kids in the IB programme. However I was wrong, as it all came together in the form of James Joyce, Samuel Beckett et al. who wrote about, and because of, Dublin’s unique character.

So put aside what you’ve heard about a friendly pub culture and a lot of rain.

Dublin is so much more than that and I’m betting (5 to 1, to be sure!) the rest of Ireland is just as captivating.

As for the football....

(and tattoos) on offer.

(1 point) or kicking it into the net (3

would have preferred him to have had

know, is played on a rectangular grass

points). There are 15 players on the field

equal enthusiasm for keeping his eyes

pitch, somewhat larger than those used

for each team.

on the road.

Impressively, given the level of dedication,

The match was thrilling. Meath led at half

Gaelic Football, for those who don’t

for other forms of football, with goalposts at each end that are “H” shape rugby style, but with a football style net in the

popularity,

huge

following

and

skill

time but Dublin turned on the style in the

level at senior levels, Gaelic Football

second half to end comfortable winners.

lower section (no apologies if you are

is an amateur sport. The match we

They went on to win the All Ireland Final

from the other side of the pond and are

saw at Croke Park had around 55,000

in September with a narrow one point

confused about “a football style net”).

spectators. Croke Park is a fantastic

victory over Mayo. If you are planning

The ball is round, can be hand passed

modern venue with an atmosphere to

or kicked, and has to be bounced if the

match. When we arrived in Dublin, the

player carrying the ball takes more than

city was full of talk of “The Big Match”.

four steps. Points are scored either by

Our taxi driver from the airport seemed

kicking or hand-passing the ball over

impressed that this was the reason

the crossbar and between the uprights

we had come to town, but frankly we

22

to visit Dublin, going to Croke Park to see a Gaelic Football match would be a highlight. It’s a fast and engrossing sport to watch, and the crowd atmosphere is friendly and good natured.

Rosemary and Jonathan Hewitt

Time Travel?

Robin took a deep breath, notched an arrow, drew the string, concentrated... and let the arrow fly.

HIT! The double row of archers shouted victoriously as their arrows thudded into the target as well.

No.

Robin

is

a

BIS

HIT!

parent who, along with other parents, students and staff, had an exciting day in the

Time travel to Sherwood forest? of which he had made

archers were ready to go for the throats

himself.

of the 3D dinosaur targets.

After the introductions, the

In the final contest, Kevin Smith from

participants split up into three

Grade 8 proved to be the best shot of the

woods experiencing traditional archery.

groups of seven. Each group had their

day and afterwards the dinosaurs were

The extra-curricular trip was organised

own coach: Ulf Umlauf, Stefan Ille or

like putty in his hands.

by Stefan Ille from the Technology

Molly Spitta. From total beginners to

department. The 21 strong group was

experienced archers, it was a great mix

introduced to traditional archery using

of people. In the morning, everybody

a piece of wood, a string and an arrow.

learnt how to handle the bow safely

Ulf Umlauf (www.flitzebogenschule.de) kitted

and how to direct the arrows towards

everybody out with a bow and arrows, all

the target. After a picnic in the sun, the

Archery teaches us to act safely at all times, to concentrate and to be goaloriented. It’s also great fun!

Stefan Ille

23

iPads Enhancing Education at BIS Life as a BIS iPad in Grades 6-7-8 It was a cool, dark night, electricity coursing through my circuits... awaiting with breathless anticipation... the light arrives and SWIPE! I’m on and we’re off for another day of learning and creativity. So what will it be today? Research, note taking, dictation, taking photos, developing a book, illustrating, creating video, checking my calendar, EDU2.0... I can do it all!

Since my sibling iPads and I were distributed to the Grade 6, 7 and 8 students at BIS during September, we’ve already made quite an impact on our human partners and have started to contribute to their growing and learning.

Let’s see what some of the teachers at BIS have said about using us. These snippets will give you an idea of my growing place in the curriculum.

Learning Support

Math

In learning support classes, students have been delighted to find out that they can dictate text into their iPads, and the machine can select the correct spellings for those challenging words like ‘there’, ‘their’ and ‘they’re’. They can also listen to text on their headphones, and adjust the speed and voice of the text reader

The biggest response from 6, 7 and 8th graders is that having the math text book on their iPads means that they no longer have to carry around a heavy text book.

Humanities In Humanities, student groups are using their iPads to teach their peers one of five ‘origins of life’ theories. To support this project the teacher allocated a class period to show students how to use the ‘Keynote’ app on their iPads, as well as review what an effective presentation looks like. Students will then make a ‘mini documentary’ about one of the theories.

The first assessed task on the iPads has proven a positive experience – a collaborative children’s book on Hinduism.

Students had to explain the complex faith of Hinduism in the simplified format of a children’s book. The apps available to them made this a varied and creative process.

English In English we are studying creation myths from various cultures.

Students began work on a short video about a myth while learning the ‘iMovie’ app.

Science In their science lessons, Grade 7 students have been using the timer function on the iPads to time the progress of a reaction.

Formerly students would have used a separate digital stopwatch with difficult-to-use controls. They have also been able to record data directly into tables they created and photograph class results on the whiteboard.

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Current Affairs The iPads are crucial in working towards our goal of becoming globally aware. They are used to read news articles, post analysis on our class forums and raise awareness of the media’s presentation and purpose.

The first assessed task using the iPads has been assigned – a group collaboration that creates a Digital Syrian Scrapbook.

The scrapbook’s purpose is to inform students, as well as the BIS community, on the complex issues facing the Syrian people while they endure this terrible civil war.

German The Grade 6 and Grade 7/8 German B classes produced eBooks.

After field trips to the Drachenfels and the geyser in Andernach, the students wrote about their experiences. In their eBooks, they included photos and text.

In German B class (DeB4) the students compared information in print media (newspapers) to online articles accessed on the iPad. This led to an interesting discussion on the pros and cons of print media and online news.

Personal Social Health Education (PSHE) In Grade 7 PSHE the students have been learning to keep a personal journal or diary, as well as make their own avatar depicting their positive character qualities.

and different pop-ups, they did a product disassembly. They took pictures with the iPad of things they liked in sample books, and then described what they learned from it and how they would use the ideas in their own books.

Physical education (PE) The students were tasked with creating an iPad presentation about muscles, bones and joints. They had to describe a certain movement, such as a bicep curl, and explain which muscles were relaxing and which muscles were contracting during the motion.

In addition, they had to say what type of joint was involved and the major bones used in the movement. The various apps allowed students to combine text, photos, graphics, sound and video to show their understanding.

Technology The iPads were used in the tech elective for a research task.

The students are each designing and making a pop-up book.

To help with decisions about page layout, use of different fonts

English as an additional Language (EAL) In EAL classes students created a sound track over the top of a video taken of their field trips. It was an opportunity for them to practice using the tenses we have been studying in class, for an authentic task.

The dictation feature is great for getting the kids to focus on correct pronunciation. It also increases awareness of punctuation as they have to stipulate what punctuation they would like in sentences. This helps students who have problems with spelling and/or handwriting.

Translation tools are also instantly available, another plus for EAL students.

PYP iPads Grade 3 In a ‘visible thinking’ exercise students examined a photograph on the iPad and used the ability to manipulate the photo to discover and discuss the main story of the photograph, as well as the side stories and hidden stories.

Grade 4

You can see the children’s eyes light up when it’s time to use

Students used the ‘Explain Everything’

the iPads! The number of iPads in our primary school has been

app to create a video demonstrating their

increased so that in Early Learning 5–Grade 5 all classrooms

understanding of a body system. The

have at least 5 iPads, with additional devices in single subject, EAL and Learning Support classrooms. iPads have recently been distributed to classrooms and teachers are on the journey of discovering the most effective ways to use them to further student learning.

In these early days, here are a few ways in which iPads are being used.

video contained a photograph of the hands-on model that they created, as well as text, drawings and their narration. The task allowed for different learning styles and enabled students to draw on their strengths.

Grade 5 Art students will be moving into their next unit about media and how to manipulate photographs on the iPads. They will be able

Grade 1

to continue working on the iPads, using specific apps such as

Art students used the ‘Explain Everything’ app to talk about

‘Brushes’ or ‘PSTouch’ or ‘BookCreator’, to enhance their layout

their recent texture weavings. They were prompted with leading

and presentation.

sentences to help them move through the reflection process.

Soon students will be improving their reading skills using various stories and apps on the iPads.

This grade level may serve as the test group for creating a digital portfolio in addition to their hard portfolios.

Students have been using the

Grade 2

‘Brainpop’ app as well as Internet

Students have been busy practicing their number

websites to explore and find out

facts with the ‘Math Bingo’ app.

about past civilisations.

Ann Martin 25

“slowly, note by note, I began to relax and as I sang I forgot my nerves”

I am Chloe and I am in the 9th Grade. I joined the Cobalt Blues band in the winter of 2012. My auditions were just before the winter break. I went along thinking that it was just going to be an information meeting, but when I arrived they said I had 10 minutes to learn a song and perform it in front of the rest of the band members. I was so nervous. I had never heard the song

of school events including the Agora opening, International Day,

before and suddenly I had to perform. As I started to sing I was

the Talent Show and the Creative Wave’s Festival. As a band we

shaking from top to toe! Then slowly, note by note, I began to

have a lot of fun on stage and love it when the audience joins in

relax and as I sang I forgot my nerves, I was just feeling the

with our renditions of ‘Carolina Drama’ by the Raconteurs and

music. I felt great but wondered if I had done enough to get into

‘Losing My Religion’ by R.E.M. One of my favourite memories is

the band.

of singing a duet of ‘Love Interruption’ with singer and violinist,

Waiting for an answer was nerve racking. It was on the second day of the winter break that I checked Facebook and I saw a message from Dhillon, the band leader. He told me that I was in

Duncan, it was fantastic! We have a lot of creative writing talent in the band and we often sing original songs written by band members Francis and Dillon.

the band. I was so happy I ran downstairs to tell my mum. On the

This year our band is helping us deliver our community and

first day of practise I was so excited. We played ‘Short Change

service project. We will be performing at various events including

Hero’ which was my audition song. Last year we played at lots

a possible performance at a wine bar in Bad Godesberg. At this event we will be collecting money for our chosen charity ‘The German Red Cross’. We will be performing some of my favourite songs such as ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’

by Green Day and ‘Uprising’ by Muse. I love being in the Cobalt Blues and am looking forward to a great year of

making

and

performing music.

Chloe

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S cholarship s a t BI S “Before joining BIS, I was very uncertain about my educational future, yet alone the thought of going to a good university. My years at BIS really helped me develop as an individual as well as show me my full potential. Furthermore, the experience I have acquired, the people I have met and the whole educational process during that part of my life will always remain very close to me.”

Proud Graduate and Scholarship Recipient

Some of our guests at this year’s Welcome BBQ were surprised

or gender. As such, the state of NRW determines the minimum

to witness the handover of a large symbolic check from a

number of scholarships BIS offers each year in order to ensure

German federal agency (GIZ) supporting two scholarships at BIS.

that BIS honours this principle of accessibility and equitability.

These guests should not have been too surprised – BIS has been providing scholarships through its Financial Assistance Program to its student community since 2008.

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH has now funded two scholarships for two consecutive school years (2012-2013 and 2013-2014) for a total

This program is now in its 6th year. As our school grows, so

of 60.000€. This is wonderful support – and is hopefully the

too does the number of scholarships awarded. In its first year,

precursor of more funding in the future. BIS is actively pursuing

this program supported 15 students. This year, 33 students have

additional corporate and private support for further scholarships

received full or partial financial assistance. In total, 145 students

so that an education at BIS is made possible for all children in the

have profited and been able to attend our school.

Bonn area who need it: children with international backgrounds,

Scholarships at BIS are allocated according to financial need and help students who would benefit from an education at BIS

those from internationally mobile families, those who will only be in Germany for a finite period of time.

and would be a benefit to our school community. The education

For more information about scholarships and the BIS

laws of North-Rhine Westphalia mandate that every person has

Financial Assistance Program, go to the BIS website at

a right to education regardless of economic status, background

www.bonn-is.de/admissions/school-fees.

27

kindergeburtstag party

children’s birthday parties 28

Are planning children’s birthday parties your idea of a nightmare, or do you get excited at the prospect of organizing a party? Living abroad, this can be more taxing, even for the most motivated. It’s not always easy to find the items you are used to (or at least at a reasonable price) or to know where to go for your child’s party.

Sports activity party « As I have a sports background, this was quite easy and fun to plan. I bought an equipment set online that I knew we would use again (Kinderparty set from Hudora, available online at www.mytoys.de). We created

I have three children and generally enjoy

a mix of activities that all the children were

planning their parties. We typically have

asked to complete in teams.

our parties at home, as this is what my children prefer. If you are planning to have a party at home, the most important thing is to decide on a theme that your child will enjoy and that suits their age group. There are numerous resources online providing

Bouncy castle (Hüpfburgen) « These are always popular, but not easy to find at a reasonable price. We booked with www.huepfburgen-koeln.de and were very happy with the service and quality.

to create a themed party in your home.

Easter decorating party « As my daughter’s birthday is in April,

You can find such sites with search terms

we often have an Easter theme. This

ideas and practical suggestions on how

such as ‘Birthday party ideas for 9-year-

has included an Easter egg hunt, egg

old girls’. The more specific you are, the

decorating, wooden ornament decorating

better the results.

etc. You can buy craft materials from local

Here are some examples of the various themed parties we have had to date:

stores such as Woolworths, Zeeman and Tchibo, or order online (amazon and www. jako-o.de - this site has a good range of materials).

Cupcake decorating party « Pot decorating and planting Ellen Hedges came to our house and « This was a fun activity. I bought coloured coordinated

everything

relating

to

the cupcakes, her email address is cupcakecutiebonn@yahoo.com.

Treasure hunt « We have great neighbours and so were able to incorporate their gardens as part of the treasure hunt. Many of the clues involved each group completing a specific exercise or activity that was suitable for their age.

metal pots from Woolworths, and stickers and coloured markers so the children could decorate the pots and additional blank cards. We bought soil and bulbs and all the children enjoyed planting their own flowers.

Face painting « We have offered the children this option at almost every party. Getting some teenagers to help was a great inspiration, also very popular with the kids. If you have a babysitter, they are often willing to help and earn a few bob too.

Storytelling « With an inspiring storyteller and a range of appropriate props, we had a lot of fun.

The children were asked to take on roles in each story, using their body and a few props to complement the story.

Sealife in Königswinter « «Kinopolis in Bad Godesberg (www.visitsealife.com, homepage also available in A great option for a movie party English): they offer a treasure hunt during

(www.kinopolis.de, website

the guided tour and you have the option

Provided you have at least 5 children and they are all under 11, you can arrange special ticket, drink and popcorn. Prices

receives an annual ticket.

vary depending on whether you choose 2D or 3D and what treats you want also

art themed party they offer workshops for

decided to throw a disco party at our house. I ordered all items online at amazon. I bought a 60’s disco banner, disco ball, LED party lights and inflatable guitars. As expected, we played many dance games: freeze dance, crazy dance, animal dance etc. We photographed each guest posing with a guitar and sent them home with photo souvenirs. I created a playlist incorporating songs chosen by the guests, which helped ensure I got the music right (quite key I think).

If you prefer to have a party outside

included. You must book at least 7 days in advance. Kinopolis offers some English language movies.

children of different ages, and you can also

Cologne also offers some great party

organize something to eat and drink in their

options:

bistro. Alternatively, you can organize a lots of research and debate, I

German).

to bring a cake and continue with the

available in English) If you are planning an

« After

in

party in the restaurant. The birthday child

Kunstmuseum Bonn « (www.kunstmuseum-bonn.de, homepage

Disco party

is

2-hour art workshop at Bundeskunsthalle. (www.bundeskunsthalle.de).

Cologne Zoo « (www.koelner-zoo.de),

which

you

can

combine easily with the Cologne cable car

GPS Rally « (www.gpsrally.de, website in German)

(www.koelner-seilbahn.de/english/index.html).

This is a great idea if you want to be outside and in nature. They organize an

Build a Bear Party « (http://shop.build-a-bear.de).

treasure with hidden hints in the Rheinaue

Odysseum « An interactive educational museum with a

park. One of the organizers speaks

strong focus on science (www.odysseum.de).

activity called geocaching: looking for a

Pottery café « Children can paint

English.

Wald Kletterpark « For those who like climbing,

check

pots,

plates, them

up

cups the

etc.

out Wald Kletterpark in Bad Neuenahr

pick

(www.wald-Abenteuer.de, website in German).

(http://www.pottery-art-cafe.de).

their and

following

own you week

have gathered a selection of ideas

Phantasialand Soccer Center Bonn « « An amusement park suitable for all ages www.soccer-center-bonn.de (website in German).

based on parties we have attended and

They offer soccer/football parties for up to

(www.phantasialand.de).

recommendations from friends:

14 children, up to the age of 13. Prices

Don’t be afraid to ask other parents for

vary depending on when you play and

further ideas and to ask for assistance

your home there are many options. I

A useful website is www.findegeburtstag.de (in German, but easy to navigate). This site allows

include food and some extra items.

based on the area, age of child, and your

Jackelino « (www.jackelino.de/en/,

budget. A great place to start.

Jackelinos is an indoor play park in

you to search for party ideas/providers

if sites are in German, there are lots of families at school who can help you

website is in English)

Niederkassel and Cologne. You can also book the indoor soccer pitch as part of

understand the fine details.

Most importantly, enjoy!

Kerry Brazil.

your birthday celebration.

Bonner Bowling « (www.bowlingsport-bonn.de, website in German).

They offer a special deal for children under 14. They also offer parties for older children and adults.

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STRESSED, UNDER PRESSURE AND INSECURE TEENAGERS Your teenage child is in the prime of his/her life. What they do today and how they feel will help them discover who they want to be when they are older.

Teenagers have limitless things to keep up with in their lives, academic life, social life, family life, extracurricular activities, athletic life, personal life and a lot more. In a teenager’s social life there are many things that could leave them feeling insecure and negative. The things which make them feel insecure could disturb the other things that go on in their lives. or to someone their own age. Some things could even be rather awkward or uncomfortable when talking to parents.

There are many things in a teenager’s social life that could make them feel pressured and insecure. When I talk about feeling pressure in social situations, I am not only talking about teens putting peer pressure on other teens. Pressure could also mean feeling pressure to look, dress or act a certain way. The pressure sometimes is indirect and subtle and affects a teen subconsciously. For example, one teen girl has a friend who is wearing a short skirt and she is getting lots of attention, another teen girl can be feeling jealous of this attention and this way feel like the only way they get attention is to wear a short skirt. This situation links with jealousy. Feeling jealous is also known as not being happy with what you have. I know myself I have been jealous many times before and these situations along with other situations leave me feeling insecure.

Other situations that could leave a teen feeling insecure would be if someone is bullying or insulting them. This way someone is directly putting pressure on a teen. This is incredibly common in the teenage world.

Parents, I want to open your eyes. Your child may be feeling insecure and if you haven’t done so already, make it clear to them that you are there to talk and that you understand their situation. Usually that is all a teenager needs, a person to talk to and let everything out. If your child does not want to talk to you though, do not take it personally. It is nothing you have done wrong, usually the teen just wants to talk to a close friend instead 30

Teen issues arise not just from social problems. With the high amount of hormones in their bodies their emotions are also very high. Insecurity issues can come from an image of an ideal person in the teen’s head of a perfect version of them or of the person they want to be. It is the teen’s job to understand they are who they are and they should appreciate themselves as much as possible.

This is certainly difficult for them and they need your help even if they do not say so or maybe don’t even show it. Those last minute compliments you give them may make their day. The simple showing that you understand why they feel insecure and that you know that feeling, could help them more than you could ever imagine. There are things you can do to show them your understanding: help them figure out the root cause of their insecurities, talk to them about it, show them there are ways to solve every problem. Another thing you could do is (instead of highlighting your child’s failure or past mistake) identify their successes and their strengths. Show them you are proud of something they have once done or that they are doing. Lastly, help them stay positive. It is difficult to boost someone’s selfesteem if they are surrounded by negativity. When teens are home show them that this is indeed their home with their loving family and a stress-free zone.

I know myself that sometimes I may hassle my parents and maybe I do not even tell them everything that goes on in my life. The feeling of having someone there, ready to talk to and someone there that has been through similar situations, leaves me feeling much more secure.

Sonya, Grade 10.

RIPPLES TO WAVES In June this year students and staff from the Bonn British High School (one of the schools that merged to form BIS) met for our second reunion. One of the former students from the late 1980s was also the school’s publicity specialist, producing posters and flyers advertising events when the school was housed in the Heinrich Hertz Gymnasium on Gotenstraße. She was good enough to send to us all her artwork from those early days of international education in Bonn.

Even as far back as 1987, International Day was one of the highlights of the school calendar, establishing a format that would last to the present day. The school was much smaller then, reaching a maximum size of about 150 students. Nevertheless, the range of food and drink on offer, coupled with an abundance of national costumes, made the event truly international.

Another highlight of the school year was the ‘Pot Luck Evening’. Parents and students were invited to bring to school a national dish. Everyone attending then had the possibility to move round the school hall sampling sweet and savoury delights from around the world.

Of course, most schools have a Sports Day and BHS was no exception. This would take place one day in the

summer term on the sports ground of Heinrich Hertz and would consist of the more traditional athletics events (Ultimate Frisbee had probably not been invented then). With such a small number of students in the school, many had to enter multiple events and finish the day exhausted.

As well as very active sportsmen and women, the school benefitted from some fine musicians and artists. At the time of Live Aid (1985), American musicians raised money for charity by releasing a single called, ‘We Are The World’.

This international message became the theme for our 1988 music, dance and drama event.

For example, a student from India and a student from Japan teamed up to learn each other’s national dance, which they then performed as duets on stage.

The drama included a very funny spoof of the TV programme ‘Blind Date’ and the finale was the entire cast singing ‘We Are The World’, with myself and Mr. Best in the backing band (some things have not changed).

Mike Smith

There’s No Place Like Home! called Paul Young once had a song My t’s (Tha hat my Wherever I lay my it’s e, cas my Home)…well, in ents par with up g win toothbrush. Gro lities of not only different nationa s end rent diffe at lly but also cultura , man Ger ther (mo m of the spectru the g ndin spe and father Lebanese) Saudi first 14 years of my life in tive. rela was e’ ‘hom Arabia, the term g goin US, the in g While I was livin to y man Ger to g goin ‘home’ meant to visit visit my mother and to Egypt there, was I n whe n my father. The my to k bac was e’ going ‘back hom It’s as.

Tex , onio Ant apartment in San es mak ch whi e plac not so much the nce bala the is it as e me feel at hom I enjoy; of good friends and a job that in the city t bes the in you could live isn’t er oth the or one world, but if y of orit maj a tion sfac giving you sati e. hom at feel not will the time, you

“This is going to soun d very cliché, but it’s tru e, home is where the he despite moving to Engla art is, and nd in 1993, my heart rem ain ed in Ba d Godesberg. For the next 5 years or so , my social life still, an d that of many other revolved around Bonn classmates . Many of them still ha d parents there or youn at what was then the ger siblings British High School. Yo u couldn’t walk past Strasse without bump Koblenzer ing into someone you knew, and we would New Year in the Irish all meet for pub which used to be near the Theater Platz. go to the American PX We would to watch movies in En glish, and I religiously renewed my American Embassy clu b membership every yea r, until it finally closed in 2000.

Then there was a bit of a dark period, the emba ssies closed, the Irish pu the people dispersed, b closed, and Facebook hadn’t been invented yet. No stalgic visits in the early 2000’s we re depressing, it had the feel of a ghost tow like my old hometown n, and I felt had disappeared....unti l our first reunion last yea appears to be an annu r ,which al thing now. It was gre at to me et wit h so me teachers, the UN seems of the old to have allowed some of the international fee on, and Bonn seems to l to live be a bit more of a happ en ing pla ce ag ain , alt centre of gravity does hough the appear to have moved away from Bad Godesb remains a bit run down erg, which , compared to when I left.”

Corin Graeff

Mark Khalife

31

SINGING MATTERS

I have been musing on ways to convince the few remaining people at BIS who aren’t in choir to join The Best Club In The School. So when Ag (the editor) suggested I write about singing, it seemed like a perfect vehicle to come up with all kinds of lies about how singing is good for you. As this is a proper article in a proper magazine, I thought I might even carry out some research, so I googled ‘Singing and Health’. Can you believe it? There are 209,000,000 hits! The first page reads: Singing is good for you Heart Research UK Singing is an aerobic activity and so increases oxygenation in the blood stream and exercises major muscle groups in the upper body.

All Together Now: Singing Is Good For Your Body And Soul The Sahlgrenska Academy Singing effects heart rate variability, which is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.

Singing Boosts Your Immune System Frankfurt University Singing Mozart’s Requiem increases levels of immunoglobulin-A (proteins that function as antibodies) and hydrocortisone (a stress relieving hormone).

I found this last research reassuringly specific and now know exactly what to do if I feel a cold coming on. Other titles in this list included: Singing Invigorates Your Brain.

Choir Is Better Than Yoga.

Finding Happiness While Singing With Others.

Singing Exercises Reduce Snoring.

Medical News Today I’m not sure my husband would agree with Medical News Today, but I was delighted to discover that as long as I stay in a choir, I can give up my gym membership and look forward to enjoying the next 150 years in a whirl of health, happiness and success.

32

The 209,000,000 hits are astonishing for two reasons. Firstly, the range of health benefits apparently created by singing in a choir. Secondly, that so much research has been carried out about health, with some quite dubious methods, when the real benefit is much more obvious. I started this article planning to feed you a series of half-truths about singing, but now I’m rather offended that I’ve been beaten to it by scientific research and have decided to focus on the real reasons for joining a choir...

Singing is fun.

It’s great in the shower, it’s brilliant with other people and it’s hilarious in a bar with a microphone.

multiple, consecutive songs. We wept when the music stopped after a mere five hours, although we were too hoarse and exhausted to squeak out another note.

I may not be convinced by all of the research, but I am certain that singing is fun and singing in a choir is fun and sociable. Most of the members of the BIS community choir International Voices are in it for the social side, not for musical aspirations and certainly not for its health benefits. Being in the choir links you to all the other members and singing together creates an increased sense of community, belonging and shared endeavour. There is the thrill of performing, the satisfaction of doing well and the glow of hearing other people’s praise.

Last week I received an email about singing in the choir, so wonderful and heart warming, that I‘m overwhelmed with an urge to share it. It’s a similar feeling to singing with others.

Last weekend one hundred BIS parents joined a Karaoke fundraising evening at The Fiddlers. Not one of them bought a ticket willingly or had any intention of singing. Responses at the ticket desk “I’m not very good in English, which is bridged the narrow spectrum from I’M why I’m telling this to you via email.

NOT DOING THAT! to THERE’S NO WAY I just wanted to let you know what an important role choir plays in my life, I’M SINGING! because it gives me the opportunity to But as they held the microphones, the sing with all my heart and relieve my power of Karaoke transformed the crowd stress during choir. from modest, sensible parents to raving So thank you and have a wonderful feather-covered disco divas. Everyone week!” danced, everyone laughed, everyone had their pop idol moment and everyone sang I don’t need any other reason than that to ALL THE TIME. It was the most fun we’d continue with choir. had in about hundred years. Karaoke is silly, funny and ridiculous and yet makes Tanya Talbot you feel so fabulous. With some shame Director, International Voices Choir I remember howling out ‘I’ve Had The Time Of My Life’ and then spontaneously International Voices rehearse (and unsuccessfully) attempting the lift on Thursdays 15:45-17:00 in the with the poor guy operating the Karaoke Performance Room equipment. And I was sober. People Their Christmas Concert is on 10th who’d been forced to buy tickets and had December at the Heilig Kreuz Church, been adamant they would Never Ever Ever Cheruskerstrasse 11. 53175 Bonn. sing, had to be restrained from requesting

Quiz Time answers.

How well do you know BIS 1. 1,500 toasties 2. 670 students 3. 2 weeks 4. 30,000 books/ebooks 5. Grade 6 6. 60km 7. 18,700 tools 8. 1,550 hours 9. 28 sinks 10. 1,050,000 sheets How well do you know Germany?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Cologne Trier Heidelberg Schwangau Berlin

EC Match 9. Robotics Club 6. German Drama Club 2. Board Games Club 7. Drama Club 3. Math Club 1. GSA 10. BIS Band 4. BIS Primary Choir 11. International Voices Choir 8. Boys Rugby 5. U14 Boys Football & U14 Boys Basketball 12. Varsity Girls Volleyball

Wacky Facts 1. Dagmar Birkfeld 2. Karin Shipley-Tanus 3. Tim Johnson 4. Tami McDonald 5. Simon Vanderkelen 6. Zoe Grigoriadou 7. Chris M端ller 8. Alicia Denning 9. John Haskell 10. Sarah Falconer

CONGRATULATIONS! Varsity Girls Soccer/Football ISST Division III winners