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International Day
Students enjoy seeing 25 different countries! FS 3D shapes Secondary Brightway Apprentice - who won?
15 OCTOBER 2010
15 OCTOBER 2010
October 20
Secondary Residential Visits
20
Shunyi KS2 House athletics
SHUNYI
SANLITUN
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SHUNYI
21- KS2 Activity Days 22 (all KS2 children and staff) 25- Last week of After29 School / ExtraCurricular Activity Programme, Season 1 28
29
Shunyi Open Day. Evening BBQ and chance for parents to meet and speak to Secondary Staff Halloween Day at SY PS
November 1-3 ABRSM music exams 1-7 Secondary Readathon Week 2
Season 2 ASAs start
2
SY Piano Competition 6pm theatre
5
5
SY PA Bonfire Night event The University of Edinburgh Visit
Sixth Form Science
Playground Games
Phonics
Biotic and abiotic testing in Miyun District outside of Beijing.
Sanlitun students enjoy Playground Games ASA this week!
Foundation Stage learn phonics through their Pyjama day at BSB.
From the Executive Principal
D
ear Parents I am currently attending a Nord Anglia Education board meeting.
We have visited a number of schools and met our new Director of Education after the retirement of Dr. David Singleton. Professor Ayre has an enviable track record and is also a fellow of Oxford University. Her role is to continue to ensure that we remain committed to ensuring the highest standards through rigorous inspection and accountability regimes. Personally I believe that this is no substitute for inspection of schools. I also believe that as well as internal inspections we should be inspected by external internal bodies and that these inspections should be made public. To this end I have committed the school to a full ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) inspection. The ISI is the body that inspects UK independent schools and there inspection regime is extremely thorough. Perhaps just as interestingly is the renewed commitment to increased social activity. BSB has led a great deal of this activity and I will be discussing with my senior team how we can move to develop this further still. For our students it will mean developing them as leaders as well as scholars. It will mean educating them outside of the classroom as well as in the classroom so that they develop skills that will be transferable throughout their lives. It will also reinforce our commitment to good manners and social graces as well as social responsibility. The board meeting has been genuinely inspirational (not always the case with board meetings!). Our school is a great school of which we can be proud but BSB must not rest on its laurels…we must, like our students, strive to improve every day to better serve the young minds in our care All the best, Michael Embley
15 OCTOBER 2010
at Shunyi Campus
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15 OCTOBER 2010
passport change edit jr
An important reminder from the British Embassy
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If you live abroad the way you obtain a passport, and where you need to apply, will change over the next three years. This leaflet explains what’s happening and why. After more than 20 years of running separate passport services, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Home Office have agreed that from April 2011, the Identity & Passport Service (IPS - an agency of the Home Office) will become the single provider of full validity passports for British nationals at home and overseas.
Why is this happening? > By taking this action now, customers overseas will still have access to a passport service > In October 2010 IPS will introduce new style passports containing more sophisticated security features. They are required to do this to continue to meet international quality and security standards. It is not affordable to print these new passports overseas
theft and passport fraud; protecting you and international borders > Integrating the two passports services into IPS will reduce the cost of maintaining a passport operation overseas, allowing us to continue to offer secure passports to overseas customers
So what’s changing? > A new emergency travel document available in most British Embassies by November 2010. If you don’t have a valid passport and need to travel urgently, this will provide a fast, secure and readily available way to do so > Regional Passport Processing Centres in place by the end of 2010 > All passport printing centralised in the UK in 2011 > In the longer term all passport application processing will also be moved back to the UK
> The UK remains one of the few countries still printing passports in Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates overseas. This is expensive to do and transferring blank passports around the world presents a greater security risk
By the end of 2010 we will have created 7 Regional Passport Processing Centres, based in Düsseldorf, Hong Kong, Madrid, Paris, Pretoria, Washington, and Wellington. These Centres will process all the passport applications for customers overseas until that work is centralised in the UK.
> New designs and new processes are being introduced to reduce the likelihood of identity
The majority of overseas passport applicants will be able to send their passport applications direct to a
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Regional Passport Processing Centre. In a few countries, however, customers will still have the option to submit their application via their nearest Embassy, High Commission or Consulate reflecting specific local circumstances. You can find out where and how to submit your application by visiting your local British Embassy/High Commission website. In 2011, all passport printing will be sent to a central production facility in the UK, shared with IPS. Most customers will receive their new passport directly from the UK, but some will need to collect their new passport from their nearest Embassy, High Commission, Consulate or courier depot. British Embassy/High Commission websites will contain clear guidance on local delivery and collection options. There are longer term plans to move all passport application processing back to the UK. We will inform customers as soon as we know when and how this will affect the service.
What will this mean for me? As a British national living overseas you will still have the ability to apply for your passport overseas whether it is a renewal or you are applying for the first time. When making your application you will need to allow time for the passport to be returned. In line with the service in the UK, for customers renewing a passport we aim to return your new passport within four weeks from receipt of correct
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documentation and fee. If you are applying for a passport for the first time you should allow at least six weeks. For more information see the FCO website www.fco.gov.uk
Will there be any additional cost? Yes. You will need to pay to send your application (and any supporting documents) to the Regional Passport Processing Centre and for the return of your new passport and supporting documents. We will keep our customers informed of any future price changes.
What should I do now? > Continue to look after your passport. Identity theft, passport fraud and related crime are on the increase. This is a precious document > Check when your passport expires and plan ahead > When you need a new passport allow plenty of time to renew: Did you know you can renew your passport up to 9 months before it expires? The extra time will be added to the validity of your next passport > Check the local British Embassy/ High Commission/ Consulate website for details on how and where to apply
What if I need a new passport urgently? Should you need to travel urgently and you do not
Changes to Overseas Passport Services
have a full validity passport (including if you have applied for a new one and have not yet received it) the local British Embassy/High Commission/ Consulate will be able to provide you with an emergency travel document to allow you to travel.
What if I lose my passport? You should contact your local British Embassy/High Commission/Consulate for assistance. If you need to travel urgently the Embassy/Consulate will be able to provide an emergency travel document and advise you on the new process of applying for a new full validity passport.
What other options are there? If you travel frequently to the UK and have a UK residential address, you can also apply to renew your passport by post or at your nearest IPS Regional Office. Details about how to apply while resident in the UK can be found at www.direct.gov.uk. Alternatively if you travel frequently you can apply for a second passport. For details please check your local British Embassy/High Commission/ Consulate website.
Where can I find more information now? www.fco.gov.uk The Identity and Passport Service are working with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to ensure that these changes are introduced seamlessly. We look forward to welcoming our overseas customers.
www.fco.gov.uk
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From the Headteacher, Sanlitun
Back to School! Dear Parents, What a lovely week it has been for weather. Everyone returned to school refreshed after the holiday and our Pre Nursery children walked back into class as if they had been at school for years! Many parents told me how much they had enjoyed the family trip to the Silver Pagoda and there will definitely be more like that organised. The parent society had a great meeting this week with 41 attendees and lots of exciting ideas for Halloween and Christmas. There is only Y1B who has not got a class rep now so if anyone out there would be willing to help in that position please let us know. If you want to meet up with other parents to chat you are all very welcome to use the seated area in the main campus and I am sure Jo Jo our receptionist could sort out some coffee. If you have a moment, take a look at our website as Elliot has put the photos from the ‘pastries with parents’ event in the media section. Also on the website is a section called ‘A student’s week’ where I post all the weekly blurbs that go out to parents and it makes for very interesting reading and gives an excellent overview of how much goes on in the school each week. I have been walking around both campuses this week admiring all the new displays that are being put up. If you are passing please feel free to walk around and see all the fabulous work on display. For those parents who have children in Y1 to Y6 we will be holding an Open Morning on Friday 29th October from 8.30am till 10am which gives you the opportunity to see your own child in lessons and have a look at what happens in other year groups. Parents from the Foundation Campus are very welcome to visit the main campus that day as well. Finally a massive thank you to the Shunyi Parent Association who organised International day at Shunyi today and made both the Sanlitun Parent Society and our children so welcome. It was a fabulous experience and something your child will be able to tell you all about. Have a great weekend, Janet Brock
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Foundation Stage, Sanlitun
Autumn colours and sweets! Autumn is here and the leaves are beginning to fall off the trees. The Pre-Nursery children have been busy collecting them and looking at the beautiful Autumn colours. What fun we have had learning our new song “The leaves on the trees are orange and brown,� whilst pretending to be the leaves swirling around and brushing them up. We also made hedgehogs out of our handprints and learned more about this animal. The Nursery children had a great week tasting and smelling a variety of treats from chocolate to cheese and from melon to M&Ms! We had fun guessing smells and telling the difference between coffee and perfume, tea and lemon. We made our own sweet and savoury snacks and enjoyed them at snack time. It was hard work spreading the chocolate and the cheese but worth the effort when we tasted them! This week in Reception we have been looking at patterns. We have discovered lots of different ones such as animal print, sound and rhythm, shape, colour, and patterns in Aboriginal artwork. We have tried hard to understand and continue these patterns and have also made patterns of our own.
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Key Stage One, Sanlitun
Beijing facts & 3D shapes Literacy It sounds like Year 1 had a fantastic time on holiday last week. In Literacy they designed and wrote postcards about their holiday. It was great to read about all the exciting things that Year 1 got up to in their holidays, whether they went to another country or stayed in Beijing. Year 2 have been looking at Non-Fiction texts. They have been finding out interesting facts about Beijing and China. They have been busy gathering information from books, pamphlets and the Internet. Some Year 2s also wrote stories and made them into books. The children have worked hard and have produced fantastic books with illustrated front covers, blurbs, barcodes and publishers – they look like real books! Numeracy There are certainly some budding mathematicians in KS1. Year 1 have been learning about place value. They enjoyed playing games with cards, cubes and towers to show how many Tens and Units are in a number. In addition, they have been learning about doubles using a ladybird, dice and a variety of games. Year 2 have been working with 2D and 3D shapes. They investigated the properties of each shape and then made comparisons between them. Topic In Topic, Year 1 are continuing to learn about homes around the world. This week we focused on homes in China from the past and present. We discussed similarities and differences between them and played a sorting game. Some Year 1s also made some beautiful silhouette pictures of Beijing at night. Year 1 are very excited about their trip to the Lama Temple next week where we will look at the structure of buildings. Year 2 have been learning all about the seaside. This week they have been focusing on what holidays were like in the past. They have compared and contrasted holidays now and in the past, including clothes worn and activities carried out. KS1 had an amazing time at Shunyi celebrating International Day. They visited stalls which had information and activities on different countries around the world. They learned about some of the customs, festivals and even got to taste some of the food – yum yum. What an exciting day!
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Key Stage Two, Sanlitun
The Blue Zoo
In literacy this week, year 3 are looking at the differences between fiction and non-fiction texts. In topic we are studying things to do with the ocean. We managed to combine these two areas of study by making sea creature documentaries at the Blue Zoo Aquarium. Once there, we assumed the roles of documentary filmmakers and presenters. We were given the challenge of producing an informative film about 4 or 5 of our favourite aquatic creatures. We had to use all of our research skills to fill our films with relevant information, and all of our speaking and listening skills to ensure our pieces were audible and entertaining for our potential audiences. After a hard afternoon researching and filming, we settled down for our packed lunch and had just enough time to squeeze in some shopping at the gift shop. Apart from Mr. Thomas being too scared to go near the shark enclosure, we had a great time and produced some fantastic documentaries. Mr. Thomas
Literature ASA
The first few weeks of Literature ASA have introduced members of the club to the opening chapters of three outstanding novels: “The Indian in the Cupboard,” “Ramona Quimby, Age 8,” and “The Trumpet of the Swan.” Students have demonstrated their creativity and curiosity in guessing what comes next each time a stopping point in a book is reached, and they are all being encouraged to check these books (and others!) out of the school library to read themselves. We’re all looking forward to next Wendesday afternoon! Mr. Fromer
15 OCTOBER 2010
Utter Nonsense!
In year 5 the children have been studying ‘nonsense poems’ by significant authors. They enjoyed reading ‘The Owl and the Pussy Cat’ by Edward Learand even wrote their own versions of this. Their favourite poet was Spike Milligan and they wrote some of their own poems based on his style. Included here is an excellent example by Eujean Lee.
On the Ping Pang Pong By Eujean Lee On the ping pang pong where the cats go mong and the monkeys all go moo. Theres a pang pong ping where the flowers go ling and the teapots go rummy jubby doo. On the pong ping pang where the dogs go wang and you just can’t run when they do. So its ping pang pong cats go mong pang pong ping flowers go ling pong ping pang dogs go wang. what a crazy place to belong its a ping pang ping pang pong!!!
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Treasure Maps
Year 3 have tackled non-chronological reports based on their oceans theme. Children have looked at the features of this type of text and they have begun to experiment with note making. Children have looked at texts about various marine animals after defining the difference between fiction and non-fiction. They have collected lots of information and they are now ready to write their own reports. In numeracy children have worked hard on solving one and two step worded problems involving money. As well has this, they have started a 2D shape investigation and have had a go at Sudoku logic puzzles. Following on from treasure maps in topic, the year 3 classes merged their ideas by making a whole class map. The next step is to design and make a giant year-3 3d treasure map! As part of this unit, children looked at grid references and compass points by playing games of battleships. Year 4 The new literacy topic in year 4 is explanation texts. Children began by looking for the features of these texts and remembered a lot of vocabulary from recounts. The week was ended by skimming and scanning information texts about Roman baths and made notes about all of the important bits. Next week they will start writing their own explanations. Year 4 also had a focus on grammar this week, where the children experimented with punctuation, connectives and sentence structure. In numeracy, year 4 reviewed their current knowledge of shape by hunting for 3D shapes around the school and by using water to ‘paint’ 2D shapes on the tiles outside. Children also revisited problem solving and were challenged to make estimates and use the inverse operations to check their answers. In topic, year 4 delved further into the life of Celtic Queen Boudicca and investigated how she led her troops into battle against the Romans. Children dramatized parts of her life and dramatic battle scenes, including how she kept the heads of her enemies as trophies!
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Hapkido Club
The Hapkido Club at the British School of Beijing is getting ready to promote it’s first group of students
to 9th Gup or Yellow belt. They have had some very exciting experiences in the past months such as meeting with the Movie Star & Kickboxing Ambassador for World Combat Games held in Beijing last month “ Don The Dragon Wilson”. Mr. Wilson gave each of the Student a sign autographed picture as a keepsake. The Club also preformed for the grand opening of a new western medical center at Jinsong, and a staged performance at the Miss Lao Wai Beauty Pageant. Mr. Yong Sung Lee a 9th degree Black Belt in Hapkido from the United States who taught the FBI and CIA agents came to Beijing a few weeks ago taught two classes for the BSB KS1 and 2 classes. The Children are on a ‘Quest to be the Best’ and they are doing a job of getting there!
Playground Games ASA
In Playground Games, we have played some really fun games using a parachute. Things like Fruit Salad, where the children are given a fruit name and if Miss Jones called out their fruit, they would have to run underneath the parachute and find a new place to hold it as quickly as possible! If Miss Jones shouted ‘Fruit Salad,’ everyone had to run under the chute and find a new place to stand! Slightly chaotic but loads of fun! We have also played lots of other parachute games like Cat and Mouse, All Change and Sharks. As well as all these , we have played games like Duck, Duck Goose, What’s the time Mr Wolf? and Captains Coming. The children are learning to work together, take turns and share the equipment we use, but most importantly, we are having lots of fun, learning new games and making new friends! Have a look at some of our photos and see!
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EAL
It has been a great week in the EAL department! The EAL students are getting more and more confident at speaking English and are making real progress in their studies. The intensive EAl students have been having daily lessons and are currently working on using the correct grammar and vocabulary to tell the time and talk about their daily routines. The other EAL students have been receiving in-class support to help them access the school curriculum without missing any of their class lessons. All the EAL students in the school have different requirements, and we are working hard to ensure that each student gets the support they need to access the curriculum. A tip for parents this week: even if your child is not being taken out of class, don’t think they are not getting EAL support. We communicate regularly with class teachers to find out how we can help your children. In many cases, in-class support in specific subject areas is much more useful than taking the children out and making them miss important curriculum lessons Kaz Michalak
Sanlitun Library
In primary library a ‘Let’s Read’ programme has been launched with all KS1 children this term. This activity is aimed to encourage children to read more books by showing how many books have been read by their class. Seven bookworm head icons have been lined up to represent each class. By borrowing a book from the library, a child will help the worm to grow up one line. The more they read the longer their class bookworm will grow. The children are very excited to see their class bookworm growing when they borrow books from the library. We will find out which class has read the most at the end of the term. Catherine Mang
Sanlitun Chinese
All groups of students experienced another busy and dynamic week in SLT Chinese classrooms after a long holiday. In Group A Y3 students made yummy salad with the fruits and vegetables they learnt this week. In group B Y4 students learnt words and characters about foods. They played character body twist game to help them to recognize all these characters and children enjoyed the game very much. In the heritage group, students gave a warm welcome to their new Chinese teacher Mrs. Judy Zhang, who is a very experienced teacher from SY campus.
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A Message from the Head of Primary,
Colourful Cultural Exchange International Day on Friday was a lovely end to a busy week at Shunyi! The pupils greatly enjoyed their “world tour” during the day, where they visited the tables and displays set up by our very hard working and creative Parents Society. The range of foods, photos, smells and tastes, colours, quizzes, cultural items on display was mesmerizing and the children said they enjoyed the event greatly and learned a lot. One child at the English table said it was “great fun and educational!” Many thanks must go to all parents who painted, baked, printed, pinned, organised, scheduled, rehearsed etc for the event. It was wonderful! KS2 Activity Days are next Thursday and Friday. Sign up letters have been sent home today with Y3-Y6 and these should come back into school on Monday. Parents who wish to accompany the hike should let me know as we need a couple of helpers (those familiar with insects and plant life found locally would be particularly welcome). The Activity Days aim to introduce our pupils to new sports and interests – broadening their horizons and selfconfidence. We have activities ranging from gardening, dance, horsemanship, martial arts and hiking planned. The Student Council’s influence was surely felt this week during our Tuesday Bake Sale and Kids’ Choice Lunch on Thursday. The proceeds from the weekly Bake Sale support local charities and Council projects. The Kids’ Choice Lunch is voted for by classes each term. The Council meets every 2 weeks in the library and we discuss issues important to the classes. Have a wonderful weekend, Jane Smith HoP
15 OCTOBER 2010
Year 5 Trip to an Organic Farm
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Shunyi Only
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PANDA BOOK AWARDS PANDA BOOK AWARDS 2010-2011
Younger Readers Category
Read them all to vote for your favorite.
2010-2011 Older Readers Category
Read them all to vote for your favorite.
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Foundation Stage, Shunyi
Phonics & Pyjamas
What a busy week the FS children have had! In the Teddies Programme, the younger class has been exploring the outdoors, noticing changes in trees and weather. The Teddies 1 class has been busy taking care of the school’s guinea pigs; it is a great learning opportunity for them to understand that we need to care for others. The Teddies 2 class is hard at work practising their dressing skills. They have been talking and learning about clothes. This week’s song was: “This is the way I button my shirt”. Well done Teddies! The children in Nursery have been exploring their senses; they made beautiful collages where they could feel the difference between textures. Health and safety was part of the topic as they discussed which objects were appropriate to touch and which weren’t. Great fun was had by all this week in the Nursery classes. Reception aged children were not in uniform this Tuesday! Children and teachers wore their pyjamas to school as part of their phonic programme. They focused on the letter P and had a fantastic time during their “popcorn picnic”. Patterns were the topic of the week, the children designed their own and they made patchwork elephants to consolidate their studies. Lastly, today we celebrated International Day, the children looked amazing in their traditional costumes and we would like to thank the parents for all their efforts to make this day such a success!
Key Stage One , Shunyi
Jack & the Beanstalk
After a well-earned break, the children in Years 1 and 2 have started the second half of the Autumn term on a high note! The highlight of the week has been International Day. The children have thoroughly enjoyed dressing up and learning more about different countries. A very big thank you to the Parent’s Society for organising today! In Year 1 this week the children have been reading the well known traditional tale ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ during literacy. The children have enjoyed talking about the characters using describing words. We will be displaying some of their lovely work along the Year 1 corridor over the next few weeks. Please feel free to come and have a look. In numeracy the children have started to learn about the concept of ‘measure’. This
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week they have focused on estimating a given length and then measuring it using non standard units such as cubes, glue sticks and strips of paper. In ICT the children have compiled information on how we travel to school. They then used this information to make a pictogram using the software ‘My World’. In science we have been finishing off our science topic on the senses by exploring our sense of touch and smell. Some children also stated taking about animals ready for our new topic. In Year 2 this week the children have focused on recapping work started before the holiday. During literacy the children have revisited explanation texts. They have discussed why we have explanation texts and looked at how they are constructed. They then wrote their own explanation text on how to use an old fashion bathing machine. During phonics the children have revisited the phonemes ou, ow, ai and ay. During numeracy the children have focused on doubling and halving along with rounding to the nearest 10. During topic and art the children have continued their work on the seaside. They have drawn some wonderful seaside posters showing things typical of what would be seen in the past and now.
Key Stage Two , Shunyi
Roald Dahl
In Key Stage Two this week there have been a variety of exciting activities going on. Year 5 have been looking at old style maps of places in the world. They have looked at the unique features of these maps and how they compare with more modern versions. The students have used these features to design their own ‘old style’ maps. There are some wonderful examples up in the corridor which you are welcome to view. For writing, year 5 students have been writing their own Roald Dahl stories . Over the last couple of weeks the students have been reading a variety of well known Roald Dahl books, looking at the features and structure. Like the maps, the students have used their knowledge of these features to construct their own. Year 6 have been working hard on story writing as well. This week the students learnt about the different devices an author uses to engage the reader such as introducing “Cool Characters” or using “Incredible Imagery”. The students then tried to identify examples of these devices in the Barrowquest story that they are studying at the moment. In Topic, the students have been presenting their power point presentations on a variety of important people in World War Two including Adolf Hitler and Sir Winston Churchill. These have been highly informative, well presented and very enjoyable to listen too. We are all looking forward to International Day this Friday. There will be lots of exciting and interesting activities on throughout the day. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate the fact that we have so many students from a variety of cultures and backgrounds here at BSB.
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ASA
Beginners Ballet ASA So far our little ballerinas have learned 2 of the 5 basic positions of ballet; arm positions; and body orientation. They have listened to various pieces of classical music and thought about how they make them feel and move. However ballet is not just about the arms and feet but the whole body, so the students have practiced showing there emotions through facial expressions, preparing them for some character movement. This activity will end in a short performance to parents during the final session of season 1. Miss Michelle Wheatley
Handball ASA
Handball is a really exciting fast paced game played by two teams. The team usually consists of between 5 and 6 players one of whom is in a goal similar to a football goal except smaller. The aim is to score the most goals. Each player is allowed to dribble, take three steps while holding the ball and pass. However no-one is allowed in the semi-circle surrounding the goal except the goal keeper. Every week we practice skills and then test these out by playing a number of small games. Handball is loads of fun and can be played by just about anyone. We play matches against Sanlitun and take part in a huge tournament held at the German School.
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EAL
EAL
Key stage 1 Key stage 1 has made significant progress this week. The children have got to grips with different colours and how they can use them to describe objects. Forming questions has also been a theme this week; the children mainly looked at can and can’t questioning. The EAL children have also looked at the past simple tense. We started to learn the key irregular verbs that we use most commonly in everyday speech. Key stage 2 This week the Key Stage 2 children have had a lot of fun whilst improving their English skills. They’ve tackled the different forms of the future tense and have taken on the role of future fashion designers. We’ve also looked at members of the family and how people different people relate to one another within a family tree. Following on, the EAL learners then looked at different adjectives that could be used to describe people and used a Thesaurus to enrich their vocabulary even more. A great week for both Key Stages!
Primary Sports News
House Events Next week the Primary School will be holding the first Inter-House Tournaments of the year. Tuesday will be Key Stage 1 Skills and Wednesday will be Key Stage 2 Athletics. The children have all been practising hard for these events and we are looking forward to two great, sporting mornings. Please remember your house T-Shirt for these events. X-Country On Saturday the Primary School X-Country team will be competing at Harrow School. We wish them lots of luck and look forward to hearing their results on Monday.
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Secondary D Application Seminar: ear Parents,
The Sixth Form students had the opportunity this week to hear from a representative from Exeter University on applying and studying in the UK. We also had a meeting for Year 12 and 13 students today from Les Roches International School of Hotel Management. There were discussions on 1. Hotel Management and 2. Art and Design. 3. Linden Fair (various US universities), Sunday October 17th, more information on the BSB home page Located five minutes away by car from the heart of Crans-Montana, one of Switzerland’s most renowned ski and summer resorts, Bluche sits just below at 1,274 meters above sea level. You will feel as if you are living in a village rather than a traditional campus setting. The area has a congenial climate and pristine air, long recommended by medical professionals for their contribution to good health. With one small hotel, one restaurant, a hairdresser and a post office, the Les Roches campus is by far the biggest enterprise in the village. Students or parents concerned with safety can rest assured knowing that Bluche is a peaceful and residential place. Have a lovely weekend, Rob Hewett Head of Secondary
Applying to UK Universities: How to stand out from the crowd! Year 11, 12 and 13 students were fortunate enough to listen to a presentation from Exeter University:
They discussed: -
Deciding to study in the UK? Trying to decide which University is right for you? Worried about your UCAS Application? Want to ensure that your preferred University chooses you?
Some statistic about Exeter University� The University of Exeter is a Top UK University and is ranked in the Top 10 for 19 subjects: Accounting & Finance, Archaeology, Business Studies, Classics and Ancient History, Drama, Economics, English, General Engineering, Materials and Mineral Engineering, Materials Technology, Medicine, Middle Eastern and African Studies (Arab and Islamic Studies), Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies and Theology, Russian, Sociology and Sports Science *either/both Times good University Guide 2011 Guardian University Guide 2011
Top 6 Overall for Student Satisfaction AND Top 10 since the survey began
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Year 13 Biology On Wednesday this week, Alex and
Alice in ear 13 travelled with Dr Massie to an area in Miyun to carry out some ecological sampling. The aim was to analyse what biotic and abiotic (living and physical) factors affected where different organisms are distributed. Alex and Alice sampled 2 sights looking at light levels, soil pH and plant groups based on their structure (eg mosses, grasses, woody plants and trees). They also had to take into account some of the topography, and sun direction and we also tested the oxygen content of the river to compare with sample of still water at a later date. Dr Massie
World Mental Health Day
To celebrate World Mental Health Day (which was took place on Sunday), Mr Robinson held an assembly to raise awareness of mental health issues. Students learnt that famous celebrities such as Robbie Williams, Stephen Fry and Angelina Jolie and historical figures such as Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln have suffered from mental health problems but have also been able to live successful lives. We also learnt that 1 in 4 people will suffer some form of mental health problem during their lives and watched a video which explained the day to day prejudice that many sufferers face because of ignorance and misunderstanding. Finally, students were given information about a collection of library books related to the subject and internet links where they can educate themselves about mental health issues. These links included http:// www.rethink.org/young_people/ index.html and http://www.timeto-change.org.uk/ where students can learn about different types of mental illness, the prejudice people face and ways of coping with stress in their own lives.
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National Poetry Day The new ‘Brightway’ Apprentice is Prateek is Coming Home! Pandey. Prateek produced a highly professional covering letter and CV, The English department have been celebrating National Poetry Day this week. This year’s theme was Home. Mr. Robinson shared some poems by the late Scottish poet Edwin Morgan during Monday’s assembly including the beautiful love poem ‘Strawberries’ seen here. In Mr. Nelmes and Mr. Robinson’s classes, students have examined poems by Jackie Kay, Dave Calder and Grace Nichols relating to our changing sense of home in the increasingly globalised world we live in. Students then wrote their own poems about what defines ‘home’ to them and looking at the different varieties of English they encounter everyday in Beijing. We will publish the best of those poems in the newsletter in two weeks. STRAWBERRIES There were never strawberries like the ones we had that sultry afternoon sitting on the step of the open french window facing each other your knees held in mine the blue plates in our laps the strawberries glistening in the hot sunlight we dipped them in sugar looking at each other not hurrying the feast for one to come the empty plates laid on the stone together with the two forks crossed and I bent towards you sweet in that air in my arms abandoned like a child from your eager mouth the taste of strawberries in my memory lean back again let me love you let the sun beat on our forgetfulness one hour of all the heat intense and summer lightning on the Kilpatrick hills let the storm wash the plates Edwin Morgan
and then showed excellent interview techniques, displaying both desire and knowledge when interviewed by Mr Brightwell and Mr Hewett for the position. The Year 11 Business studies students have just completed the interview process for the position of Apprentice at the ‘Brightway Company’. Candidates produced a letter of application with a curriculum vitae and then took part in a 10 minute interview with myself and either Mrs Parr or Mr Hewett for the position of Apprentice. The 2 photos below show the top four candidates and a separate photo of the winner Prateek Pandey. This activity will now put all the Business Studies students in an excellent position when it comes to producing a CV and covering letter for university or real job applications in the near future. Mr Brightwell KS4 Coordinator
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BSBCC NEWS What a great week back at BSB! Hope you guys had a fantastic holiday! This week at BSBCC our members have come up with absolutely nothing! You heard me, no new events for you to look forward to. But we do have an update on up-coming events and a reminder so you don’t miss out on all the excitement and prizes! The Halloween disco features THE TEACHERS’ BAND!!! Now this is something not to miss! Don’t forget the eating competition! It is going to be a spongy mess I assure you. If you would like to test your appetite, please sign-up on the BSBCC board in front of the resource room. A 5RMB donation will be needed to cover the costs of the delicacy you are going to devour. Pizza will be also available among other snacks, there will be a order sheet also on the BSBCC board for you to fill in if you would like to masticate on margherita or pepperoni pizza. We will also require a 5RMB donation per slice to cover our costs, we are on a budget too you know. The sign-up deadlines are on Wednesday the 27th, the first Wednesday back from residentials, the money must also be collected by that day. Just a reminder that the Disco is on the 29th of October and admissions are 15RMB and 20RMB, costume and noncostume respectively.
PANDA BOOK AWARDS 2010-2011
Mature Readers Category
Read them all to vote for your favorite.
Reminders to all that we will have snacks stalls at the Cinema of Dreams production when you want some munchies. Don’ forget non-uniform day!! Remember to wear RED and donate 10RMB for other children in need! And all these are coincidentally held on that special Friday the 29th of October. That’s it for this time! Benjamin Sy Beware: Do NOT eat before you come to the disco, or the sponges will get you~
PANDA BOOK AWARDS 2010-2011
Middle Readers Category
Read them all to vote for your favorite.
15 OCTOBER 2010
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15 OCTOBER 2010
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University News: Important Deadlines • October 15, 2010 Last Date for BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test) entries (late fees apply) •
November 3, 2010 BMAT Exam
• November 1 through 15: Various US Early Decision Applications Deadlines. See https://www.commonapp.org/ CommonApp/MemberRequirements.aspx • December 1, 2010: UCAS Application deadline for all courses except those required to submit by October 15 (Oxbridge – Medicine and Veterinary Studies). Some art and design courses have a 24 March deadline. • December 1, 2010: Register by mail for January 22, 2010 SAT (US university entrance exams) •
December 1, 2010: Book an LNAT test slot
Information for Parents: Keep informed on your university bound student’s options and deadlines. Sign up for parent news on course options, financial aide and reminders: For UK: Sign up for parent emails at www.ucas.com/parents. For US Universities: http:// www.collegeboard.com/parents/ Useful Websites: • Student surveys on UK universities: http://unistats.direct.gov.uk • Student Reviews of US Universities: http://www.studentsreview.com • Overall information on admission and financial aid, scholarship, etc: http://www.collegeconfidential.com/ • UK Course Finder: http://ucas.com/students/coursesearch/ • Self-Assessment/course choices: http://www.ucas.ac.uk/students/choosingcourses/choosingcourse/
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stamfordtest • US University deadlines and requirements https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/MemberRequirements. aspx • The Times Top 200 Universities Worldwide: http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/hybrid.asp?typeCode=144 Upcoming University Presentations: October: Les Roches International School of Hotel Management BSB; Friday October 15, 2:30pm Linden U.S. University Seminar October 17th 2 to 5pm downtown Beijing Shangri-La Hotel: http://www.britishschool. org.cn/news/2010/USUNI/en/ Ivy International Education Consultancy (IIEC) seminar on 50 US colleges and universities. October 16; 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Ariva Beijing West Hotel. Free, but registration required: www.ivycounsel.com/registration_form1.htm October 28; 8:45 Oxford Brookes University at BSB November: November 5; 8:45 The University of Edinburgh at BSB November 10; 8:45 University of East Anglia at BSB SAT Test taking skills tutorial at BSB The University of St. Andrews
Sports update
U19 Volleyball Both squads had the final matches before their end of season tournaments this weekend. The girls will play at CISB and the boys will travel to ITS in Tianjin. Matches start at 4.00pm. Good luck teams! U19 Girls v IAB This was the girls best performance so far. Serving was more consistent and players were blocking and spiking. Result 0-3 L Girls of the Games: Gabrielle Soccer U12 Soccer The U12 boys squad will be in action on Saturday 23rd October at DCB. Games start at 10.00am U14 Soccer Both boys and girls teams will have their end of season tournaments on October 30th The boys will play at DCB and the girls will play at the Olympic Center with their tournament being hosted by BISS. Games will start at 10.00am. Players should confirm their availability. U19 Basketball Fixture lists are available on the school’s website. Players should confirm the intention to play completing and returning the Player Code & Agreement which is also available on the school’s website. The first practice session will be on Wednesday October 27th Julian Barnsley Athletic Director & Activities Coordinator
15 OCTOBER 2010
NORMANS
SAXONS
Sanlitun House Points
VIKINGS
ROMANS
Secondary Merit Awards
Shunyi House Points
Normans
475
Normans
0
Saxons
522
Saxons
0
Vikings
438
Vikings
0
Romans
501
Romans
0
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Key Stage 3 Erik Melander
24
Mina Shin
22
Amelie Auvray
19
Lawrence Greco
19
Key Stage 4
Well done Saxons!
House points begin soon for Shunyi.
JiEun Kang
10
Randy Zhang
9
Prateek Pandey
8
Silvia Vininyu
8
Parents Page BSB is pleased to widen the scope of our newsletter by including a parents’ page, items for this page should be in keeping with the ethos of the School and should be submitted to our Publications and Liaison Officer on newsletter@ britishschool.org.cn before 4pm Wednesday on the week in which they are to appear. Please note we cannot advertise businesses, the aim is to promote charitable events and personal ads.
Halloween is quickly approaching--have costumes for your children? Shop from the world’s largest online Halloween store--HalloweenExpress.com--and have Dong-Xi.com ship it to you. Even better, to save on shipping costs, Dong-Xi.com is organizing a special GroupShip for the costumes, to save on shipping costs for British School families.” Three easy steps:1. Send the link of the costume/items you want to order@dong-xi.com 2. Pay through Dong-Xi.com 3. Receive costumes one week before Halloween William Heathershaw
15 OCTOBER 2010
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15 OCTOBER 2010
ISSUE 6
More information can be found on the posters in school.