BSB School Magazine December 2023

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committed to

EXCELLENCE December 2023

WELCOME BBQ Café of Cultures

AUTUMN CUP

Winter Fair

MEET THE TEACHERS | DEBATING@BSB

‘Excellent’ The British School of Bucharest has been rated consistently as ‘excellent’ in all areas by the UK International School Inspectorate (ISI) in 2018 and 2022.

This is the highest possible rating that can be achieved after being inspected by ISI.

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HEAD OF Primary REVIEW Page 04

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In the dynamic landscape of Primary education, a harmonious partnership between parents and schools can have tremendous benefits in shaping a child's formative years of education.

This collaboration not only enriches the educational experience, but also nurtures the holistic development of children that extends far beyond the classroom. Good communication and positive interactions between parents and staff can help to foster a thriving and successful educational journey for our students.

Ongoing collaboration serves as a cornerstone for nurturing the development of the whole child - intellectually, psychologically and physically. While schools work with families to lay the groundwork for enduring academic progress, parents and teachers also contribute significantly to the social, emotional, and ethical dimensions of a child's growth. This holistic approach ensures that the child receives a wellrounded education, preparing them for the complexities of the world beyond textbooks and developing the ability to approach change and challenge with a solutions-oriented mindset.

Furthermore, working together creates a consistent support system for children as they navigate the challenges of the primary years.

The alignment of efforts between parents and schools can provide a seamless network of encouragement, reinforcing positive behaviors and values both at home and in the academic

setting. This consistency contributes to the child's sense of security, confidence, abiltiy to trust and overall well-being both at and outside of school.

Cooperation between parents and teaching staff can also directly impact on academic performance. Parents actively engaging in their child's learning process serves to not only model and bolster the emphasis we put on education, but also provides ongoing opportunities to celebrate individual successes and drive motivation. This positive atmosphere helps to foster a love for learning, encouraging children to explore, question, discover and share with enthusiasm.

Effective communication is a key feature of a successful home-school partnership and critically, this allows the adults supporting children’s learning to share essential information about children’s interests, hesitations and performance in each context. Regular updates and open lines of communication ensure that parents and teachers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of a child's academic and extracurricular progress, challenges, and achievements. This transparency not only strengthens the bond between home and school but also enables timely intervention and support for the child's unique needs, enabling educators to develop personalised strategies which can optimise each student’s development.

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In the tapestry of Primary education, the collaboration between parents and schools emerges as an invaluable thread that weaves together the rich fabric of a child's growth.

From holistic development to academic success, the benefits of this partnership extend broadly, creating a nurturing environment where children can flourish.

We have truly appreciated the parental involvement we have experienced this term, from engagement in Parent-Teacher consultations to attendance at our many school events, from participation in our FBSB meetings and discussions to involvement in single item agenda meetings to keep our children safe. We have enjoyed your presence on campus, in classrooms and during parent workshops and see the impact that this partnership is having on your children’s learning. Thank you for your support and dedication.

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and look forward to seeing you again in 2024.

Victoria Smith Head of Primary School

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FIRST DAY OF School

of this academic year

Beginning an exciting year at BSB The British School of Bucharest extended a warm welcome to both new and returning students, marking the beginning of another exciting academic adventure. For more than two decades, our School has stood as a nurturing pillar in the lives of its young learners, fostering a unique educational environment that thrives on embracing cultural diversity.

BSB proudly boasts a diverse Community, comprising over 700 students from 65 different nations. It cultivates a positive, caring, and inviting atmosphere, empowering young minds to evolve into their best selves.

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Starting on the right foot As the doors of BSB swung open once more, heralding the commencement of a new year of growth and personal development, an undeniable sense of enthusiasm permeated the air. New students were warmly embraced into the BSB Community while returning ones showcased their unwavering dedication and boundless energy.

In the months that lie ahead, we cordially invite you to join us in celebrating the values and dynamic spirit that have solidified the British School of Bucharest as a distinguished epicentre for learning and personal development.

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Pre-Nursery @BSB Pre-Nursery Review

By Aisling Kinsella WOW! What an exciting start to the year!

We have been busy making friends and getting to know each other. We have quickly become settled and secure in our new learning environments. Every day looks different in Pre-Nursery as the children initiate their own learning through play. They demonstrate the confidence to access resources and to use these to create, play, imagine, explore, investigate and construct in whatever way they choose.

The children have enjoyed experimenting with mark-making this term and have been working hard to develop their fine and gross motor skills. We have provided many opportunities inside and outside the classroom for the children to develop these skills, their particular favourite being the newly built sandpit! The children also really love playdough and messy play. We’ve had a really great time experimenting with everyday materials to make

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different sensory experiences, like Ooblek, slime and different textures of paint.

We have enjoyed our daily story times, especially the story of the Hungry Caterpillar.

We love to explore nature and the world around us.

Our Wellbeing enrichment day was a huge success, working with our older friends in Reception and Nursery. The UV room was the most exciting, where we got to use glow in the dark playdough, water, and paint. We also had a great time cooking in the Food Tech room with the Year 5 and 6 children.

We are very proud of how well the children have settled into school life, and it is amazing to see how much they have grown and changed since their first day in September.

Their friendships are now emerging, and together, we look forward to loving learning even more next term.

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Nursery @BSB Nursery Review

By Catherine Holland and Cheryl Baker What a wonderful Autumn Term the Rabbits and Hedgehogs have had together in Nursery.

We are very proud of how well the children have settled in and it has been lovely to see the new and lasting friendships beginning to form.

The children are happy and excited to come to school every day and it is a joy to watch them explore everything our wonderful EYFS has to offer.

Our Autumn Term has seen us growing in confidence in our own abilities, learning to manage and understand our emotions, trying out new things and achieving our own goals.

There have been many highlights to our term, and it is so difficult for us to pick out just a few.

We really enjoyed our topic on the Colour Monster, where we spent much time learning all about our emotions; what they felt like, what they looked like and what colour they are. This was particularly helpful at the start of our Nursery learning journey, when we were learning to navigate new environments, new adults and new friends.

Another highlight has been the time that we have spent in the cookery room this term. We have enjoyed baking a delicious jam pie, scrumptious butternut squash soup, making rainbow milk toast and of course, our Christmas cookies. We have lots more adventures and cooking experiences to look forward to next term!

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Learning about Diwali was a fantastic, handson experience for both the children and the teachers in Nursery. Thank you again to our wonderful parent expert for coming into school and sharing her knowledge and experience. We loved dressing up, making Diyas, dancing to Bollywood tunes and making rangoli patterns.

World Nursery Rhyme week was also a huge success this term. The children embraced the rhymes and activities that we undertook and had a great time engaging with them. Our favourite rhymes were ‘Row, row, row the boat’, and ‘Hickory, Dickory, Dock!’

Our Wellbeing enrichment day was a huge success, working with both our older friends in Reception and the younger children from

Pre-Nursery. The UV room was the most exciting, where we got to use glow in the dark playdough, water, and paint.

The end of our term has seen us have a wonderful time with our parents at the Christmas activity day and make both our parents and teachers proud with our performance at the Christmas sing-along. It can be so difficult standing up in front of our families, but we were brave and tried so hard to remember the signs and words of the songs!

Well done, everyone!

We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas break, and we look forward to seeing you all in January for Spring Term!

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Reception @BSB Reception Review

By Jenna Batson In Reception, we've embarked on an exciting journey at the start of this academic year.

Our initial focus was on fostering strong connections and building friendships among the children. Through engaging circle times and team games, we've created an environment where everyone can discover more about their classmates, exploring shared interests and understanding individual preferences.

A key aspect of this term has been instilling the foundations of effective learning. The children have embraced the Golden Rules, designed to promote collaboration and create a safe, secure, and enjoyable learning space. These child-friendly guidelines aim to cultivate personal and social skills, encouraging children to respect the thoughts and feelings of their peers. Through practices such as attentive listening, demonstrating kind hands and feet, sharing, and caring for one another and their belongings, the children are actively contributing to the development of independence throughout the year.

Our approach to cultivating learning skills involves presenting Reception children with a diverse range of activities. They've discovered that being a proficient learner involves being open to 'having a go', 'keeping on trying', 'problem solving', and, importantly, 'learning from our mistakes'. These principles form the

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bedrock of our educational journey, equipping the children with the mindset and skills needed for a successful and fulfilling academic year ahead.

Reflecting on the Autumn Term, it has been a remarkable chapter in Reception, filled with a blend of enjoyment and learning. The exploration of various ways to move our bodies has been coupled with the development of fine and gross motor skills through crafting, cutting, sticking, painting, and engaging activities like throwing, catching, climbing, and hammering in our woodwork shed.

In the realm of phonics, this term has been dedicated to laying the groundwork for reading by immersing the children in the pure sounds of various graphemes. Through focused efforts on segmenting and blending sounds, we've been shaping the essential skills needed for reading fluency.

The children have made commendable progress, applying their newfound phonic knowledge to compose messages, create greeting cards, and even craft heartfelt letters to Santa as we approach the close of the term. This hands-on application of their phonetic skills marks a significant milestone, demonstrating their growing ability to translate sound recognition into written expression.

Encouraged to pursue their interests in diverse ways, the children have impressed us with their growing confidence in tackling unfamiliar challenges. Our weekly escapades to Baneasa Forest provided a captivating opportunity to witness the seasonal changes at their peak.

As we express our gratitude to you, parents, for your unwavering support, we eagerly anticipate the upcoming term and the continued growth and exploration it promises.

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Year 1 @BSB Is it a bird? Is it a plane?

NO! It’s the Year 1 Superheroes!

By Ann-Marie Isaac, Matt Ratcliffe and Jeremy Closs What a fantastic start the Year 1 children have had! They were so excited to see old friends back at school and make new friends along the way. It has been an incredible journey watching them settle into life in Key Stage 1 and a smooth transition from EYFS. At the start of the term, the Year 1 children were visited by Master G, the head of all the superheroes, requesting urgent help. All the superheroes had left Bucharest, and he wanted the children to train and become superheroes by setting challenges linked to their learning.

The children enjoyed learning about the different adventures of Supertato. This included sequencing the story, creating a story map, using adjectives to describe the different characters, and creating their version of the story. They even made Supertato in Design and Technology.

They started counting to 20 like superheroes; some even used their superpower to count beyond 20. They counted forwards and backwards, found missing numbers, and used lots of Superhero mathematical language. Further in their training and the Page 14

more confident they became with counting, they started developing their addition and subtraction skills with number bonds to 10.

During Science lessons, they better understood the different body parts. The chidren used their super senses to understand the world by walking around the school. They explored everyday materials, their names, and their properties as we experimented to discover waterproof materials.

The children enjoyed two wonderful trips exploring the forest, one for the final Superhero Challenge, discovering how to jump like a superhero, making badges, capes and wands from natural materials and using sticks and stones to show direction. The other was during the Wellbeing Enrichment day, where the children compared the difference between how the trees looked in the forest to the first time we went. They thoroughly enjoyed making dens, dancing and playing various games with music.

What an extravaganza the Winter Singalong turned out to be. So many confident and talented singers smiled on the stage in front of

such a big audience, and they did a fantastic job reciting the poem they had learned.

We hope you have a wonderful Winter holiday and have some well-deserved family time. We look forward to seeing you for some more learning in Spring Term.

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Year 2 @BSB

All Aboard Year 2…

By Kelly Salmon and Ellis McConnell It has been a wonderful and busy Autumn Term in Year 2! The children have settled into Year 2 so quickly and it has been great to see the children so happy and excited to come into school every day.

children. By combining physical, mental, and educational components, the Enrichment Day provided a well-rounded platform for Year 2 to explore, engage, and absorb valuable life skills in an enjoyable and collaborative setting.

understanding of healthy and unhealthy food choices. The combination of hands-on activities and nutritional education makes these lessons a flavourful journey for Year 2, blending fun, skill development, and a taste of healthy living.

Museum Trip

Food Tech

Year 2 concluded our Dinosaur topic with an educational trip to the Grigore Antipa Natural History Museum. The museum visit allowed them to explore exhibits featuring diverse animals and even some dinosaur fossils. The children loved the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and understanding of our Science topic about animals, habitats, food chains and carnivores, omnivores and herbivores.

Following the museum excursion, Year 2 enjoyed the afternoon at the nearby Kiseleff Park, enjoying the time with their friends in the outdoors.

Year 2 has embraced the world of culinary exploration in their exciting Food Technology lessons. Filled with enthusiasm, the children have honed essential skills like weighing, cutting, and mixing whilst crafting delicious and nutritious creations. From making healthy hummus wraps to personalised pizzas, the students have not only expanded their skill sets but also delved into the significance of different food groups. These engaging lessons go beyond the kitchen, fostering an

Well done Year 2 on a fantastic Autumn Term!

We hope you all have a very Happy Holidays, enjoy the break and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Enrichment Day Year 2 enjoyed an enriching day of collaborative learning during a special event with Year 3. The day featured a holistic approach, incorporating activities such as yoga and mindful breathing to promote well-being. The children also engaged in a mindful drawing exercise, fostering creativity and focus. Alongside these activities, they took part in an informative session on dental hygiene. The cross-year interaction not only enhanced social bonds but also offered a diverse learning experience for all of the Page 16

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Year 3 @BSB

By Matthew Scragg

Oceans of the World & Celebrations Around the World Year 3 pupils have completed a dynamic Autumn Term, embracing a rich tapestry of learning across diverse disciplines.

Exploring the realms of English, our young wordsmiths immersed themselves in recount writing, instructions, poetry and vivid character and setting descriptions. Guided by stories like ‘Dougal's Deep Sea Diary’ and ‘How The Stars Came To Be’, they embarked on literary adventures while discovering celebrations around the world, broadening their cultural horizons.

In the numerical realm, the foundations of Maths were laid with an exploration of place value, followed by developing their understanding of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Their focus on the 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 10 times tables fortified their mathematical prowess and mental agility.

Science became a playground of discovery as pupils delved into nutrition, human and animal bodies and the marvels of light. These explorations unveiled the secrets of health, anatomy and the intriguing properties of light and shadows, igniting curiosity about the wonders of the natural world.

Artistic endeavours saw pupils experimenting with colours, shades, and tones. In the kitchen classroom, culinary creativity blossomed as they crafted dishes using seasonal produce, nurturing an understanding of healthy eating habits.

PSHE discussions delved into personal thoughts, feelings and family life, promoting empathy and understanding. In our computing lessons, block coding and cyberbullying awareness equipped students with technical skills and digital safety know-how.

Humanities lessons focused on Geography, with the pupils unveiling Earth's human and physical features. Armed with map skills and a developing skill of using Google Earth, students navigated the globe, fostering a deeper understanding of global diversity and similarities.

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Trip to Reptiland In an exciting and educational outing, Year 3 pupils from BSB embarked on a thrilling adventure to Reptiland, a renowned reptile zoo and educational centre, located in the heart of the city. The trip aimed to enhance the students' understanding of the fascinating world of reptiles and their vital role in the ecosystem. The facility houses a diverse collection of reptiles, from slithering snakes to majestic turtles, offering students a unique opportunity to observe these creatures up close and learn about their habitats, behaviour, and conservation.

The day began with enthusiastic students gathering, buzzing with excitement for the adventure that awaited them. Accompanied by their teachers and chaperones, the children boarded buses bound for Reptiland, where a day of discovery awaited.

Upon arrival, the pupils were greeted by knowledgeable guides who led them through the various exhibits. The children marvelled at the vibrant colours of exotic snakes, the slow and deliberate movements of turtles, and the incredible diversity of lizards. Each exhibit featured educational signage, providing students with valuable information about the different species and their importance in maintaining ecological balance.

The educational aspect of the outing extended beyond the exhibits, with a wonderful art activity where the children were able to use felt tips and fluorescent paper to decorate a wooden cut-out of a chameleon. After their focused decorating, the children went into Reptiland’s ultra-violet lit garden and saw their Chameleons glow!

As the day came to a close, the tired but happy pupils gathered for a group photo, showcasing their newfound knowledge and the smiles of a day well spent. The trip to Reptiland left a lasting impression on the Year 3 pupils, fostering a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.

The Reptiland excursion not only provided an entertaining and educational experience for

the young participants but also highlighted the importance of hands-on learning in fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world.

As the pupils returned to their schools, their minds were filled with memories of a day filled with adventure, discovery, and a newfound appreciation for the fascinating realm of reptiles.

A Galactic Christmas Extravaganza: Year 3 Production Takes Us ‘Out Of This World’ On 14th December, BSB witnessed an unforgettable Year 3 Christmas Production that took the audience ‘Out Of This World’. The talented students showcased their creativity with a mix of space adventure and holiday spirit.

The performance opened with the lively ‘Out Of This World’ song, leading into the journey of astronauts facing challenges in a high-tech spaceship. Concerns about missing Christmas festivities were highlighted in the festive tune ‘Back On Earth For Christmas Day.’ The astronauts' space-walk, set to the enchanting ‘Starry Night’, turned into a crash landing on the unknown planet Zork. The encounter with the Zorkonians and the delightful ‘We Are Zorkonians’ song added suspense. The astronauts, explaining Christmas to the Zorkonians through the charming ‘Christmas Ditty,’ beautifully conveyed the universal joy of the holiday season.

Adding to the charm was a news report segment where Year 3 children shared their perspectives on Christmas, from favourite dishes to holiday plans. The heartwarming descriptions of the perfect Christmas party added warmth to the overall production. The climax revealed the Zorkonians' generosity, offering their only spacecraft as a Christmas present, emphasizing the shared warmth that Christmas brings.

The production concluded with a rousing reprise of ‘Out Of This World’, celebrating the newfound friendship between Earth and Zork.

Congratulations to the students, teachers, and everyone involved in bringing this heartwarming production to life!

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Year 4 @BSB

Off to a Flying Start in Year 4!

By Karen Cojocaru, Stephanie Nasskau and Adam Pegrum Transitioning to a new academic year brings about significant changes for all students including new classmates, teachers and classrooms. Despite the inherent challenges, our resilient Year 4 students approached this transition with enthusiasm and fully embraced the first half-term of learning, which was centered around the theme of Harvest.

Their dedication culminated in a remarkable display of artistic prowess during the inaugural Production of the year, which was attended by proud parents and school friends.

production as we delved into the production processes that render food palatable. The scripting of explanatory texts allowed for the incorporation of relevant grammatical features, and the themes paved the way for our highlyanticipated Production. Our children enacted the roles of the various entities involved in the growth and production of our daily sustenance, demonstrating their hard work, dedication and newfound confidence on the stage. What a fantastic way to develop confidence and selfesteem!

features of non-chronological reports. To further enrich our understanding, artistic expressions took form as our children meticulously designed and created Viking shields, drawing inspiration from motifs and colours associated with these historical artifacts. This comprehensive and immersive approach to learning has not only broadened the children’s knowledge, skills and understanding, but has also increased their confidence, preparing them for the academic rigours that lie ahead.

A pivotal aspect of our curriculum in the first half term was the theme of food. In Humanities, we delved into the physical features of Romania, comparing different locales to identify the similarities and differences in their geographical attributes.

Discussions extended to the agricultural aspects, where we explored the varying suitability of different regions in Romania for crop cultivation. Simultaneously, our Science lessons dissected the journey of food through the digestive system, unveiling new scientific vocabulary and inspiring hands-on activities such as crafting models of body parts.

After half-term, our academic journey shifted towards a history-based unit spotlighting the Vikings, including their invasions and lasting influences on Britain. This thematic thread permeated all aspects of our curriculum, providing a comprehensive and interconnected approach to learning. Exploring the Vikings’ invasion of Anglo-Saxon England became the foundation for English lessons, where the children delved into the Anglo-Saxon legend of ‘Beowulf’. Character development and vivid descriptions formed the focus, culminating in the rewriting of the story’s ending based on the children’s predictions of what they had read.

With that, we are ready for what this year has in store. Bring on Spring Term!

Design and Technology classes focused on the preparation and cooking of seasonal ingredients sourced from Romania, resulting in the creation of outstanding recipes. The British Curriculum seamlessly wove into this theme of food

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Our research into Viking influences and lifestyles seamlessly translated into non-fiction writing, wherein we crafted a captivating double-page spread article employing the

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Year 5 @BSB

Out of this world!

By Carl Helps, Emily Marsh and Alyssa Bullen Embarking on Year 5 marked an exciting journey for our children as they explored the cosmos of knowledge through a captivating study of 'Earth and Space'. Just like the vast universe, our Year 5 experience has commenced as: out of this world. This academic year introduced our children to new classmates, teachers, and classrooms, presenting them with unique challenges and opportunities for growth. Undeterred by the changes, our resilient Year 5 children approached this transition with infectious enthusiasm. The first half-term has been an extraordinary voyage centred around the captivating theme of 'The Space Race'. Their engagement shone brightly, offering a glimpse into the positive prospects that lie ahead.

In the realm of Science, Year 5 delved into the wonders of the solar system, unravelling the intricacies of our position as Earth within our vast Universe. From the mesmerising phases of the moon to the remarkable time it takes for our planet to orbit the impressive star, the Sun, the exploration was nothing short of extraordinary. Confronted with the vastness of astronomical figures and facts, the children not only rose to the challenge but soared above it. Their intellectual ascent materialised in the creation of informative biographies highlighting the accomplishments of astronauts and cosmonauts, turning a complex subject into a showcase of insightful written work.

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Art brought forth a constellation of diverse shooting stars in the classroom. The children embarked on the creation of captivating lino prints, exploring the vastness of space through a repertoire of techniques. Drawing upon their understanding of colours, they delved into the world of monochromatic shades, discovering the nuances of contrast, complementarity, and the intricacies of primary, secondary, and tertiary hues. This artistic endeavour not only ignited their creativity but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the rich interplay of colours in the cosmic palette. The result was a stellar showcase of individual expressions and a collective voyage into the boundless realms of artistic discovery.

After half-term, our focus shifted towards a captivating geography-based unit that centred on North America, encouraging children to delve into a comparative exploration of its similarities and differences with Romania.

The enthusiasm of the children reached new heights with the introduction of 'Holes' by Louis Sachar, a compelling narrative that revolves around the trials of Stanley Yelnats, a character unjustly sent to a 'camp' as punishment for a crime he did not commit.

This literary journey had a profound impact on the children, inspiring them to write their own narratives featuring characters experiencing the challenges of camp life and grappling with the twists of ill-fated fortune.

With the build-up to Christmas and the winter holidays approaching, our children enthusiastically immersed themselves in learning this year's Christmas songs for the upcoming 'Singalong'. Their melodic voices not only filled the classroom with joy and warmth but also showcased their exceptional talent during the performance. Without a doubt, each member of Year 5 deserves to take pride in their achievements this term. We look forward with excitement to the upcoming terms, eagerly anticipating the continued growth and success of Year 5.

‘Well done, Year 5. You are all superstars!’

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Year 6 @BSB

The Importance of Resilience

By Rebecca Doganay The dictionary definition of resilient is ‘to be able to spring back into shape after bending, stretching or being compressed’ and ‘able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.’

This term, the whole of Year 6: both students and staff have been resilient. They have changed shape with and welcomed several new students, as well as said hello and goodbye to members of staff in the year group.

They have stretched their brains to cope with the high expectations of being in Year 6 and the responsibilities that bring. The work the children have produced this term has been fantastic. Starting a year learning about Europe in the 20th century is no mean feat. They have coped with the more complex Mathematics, the stretch and challenge of working with the Secondary science teachers in the lab and expanded their knowledge and understanding of vocabulary and grammar.

They have been bent metaphorically in their ability to put on two performances for parents: a wonderful Remembrance Assembly and a festive Christmas Singalong. They have moulded themselves into mature, sensible role models for the School. As well as physically being bent in their gymnastics lessons!

The children have learnt about how soldiers fighting in both World Wars were able to recover quickly from difficult conditions. They

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investigated the resilience of soldiers on the Front Line during World War I. They learnt about how children and their parents coped with being separated through Operation Pied Piper when children were evacuated from big towns and cities to towns and villages in the countryside. And, recently used sources to find out how resilient people were during the Spanish Flu pandemic at the beginning of the 20th century as well as the most recent COVID pandemic in this century.

The Year 6 team have themselves recovered quickly from difficult situations: Academically, from finding using fractions to solve problems; complex coding in Computing; using fronted adverbials and passive voice in stories, learning English for the first time and using sources to make decisions.

Socially, by making new friends, experiencing different rules, routines, and expectations, sharing equipment and space and being the children, the rest of the Primary School look up to.

Personally, recovering from a difficult lesson, coping with friendship issues on the playground, and working with new teachers and TAs. Resilience is incredibly important. It helps us to develop mechanisms against overwhelming situations; helps maintain balance during stressful times; improves learning and academic

achievement, reduces absences from school (or work for adults), and increases involvement in family and group activities.

Year 6 have learnt a key life skill which will help them to navigate the rest of the school year and the challenges this involves.

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Flavours, Fun, and Family:

BSB’s Welcome BBQ 2023 BSB has hosted another unforgettable Welcome BBQ this Autumn Term, a cherished tradition that brings together new students, parents, and the wider BSB Community. This annual gathering is a testament to the warm and inclusive spirit that defines our school, and this year’s event lived up to the high expectations.

BSB’s Welcome BBQ 2023 – Where Memories Are Made One of the standout features of this event was the culinary feast provided by the talented chefs from Takanaka. Their culinary creations left everyone’s taste buds dancing with delight. From mouthwatering, meatbased dishes to delectable vegetarian options,

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there was something to satisfy every palate.

And let’s not forget the delectable desserts and a variety of fresh fruits that completed the gastronomic experience.

The decor at the event was nothing short of enchanting. Straw bales and an abundance of colourful flowers transformed the venue into a fairytale wonderland. As the sun set, casting a golden glow over the scene, it created the perfect backdrop for an evening filled with laughter and shared memories. The soothing chords of guitars and the resonant sounds of the saxophone added a harmonious touch to the entire tableau.

From Melodies to Masks: A Day of Fun and Superhero Tales For the young ones, there were plenty of games and activities to enjoy. Face painting stations dotted the event, offering many vibrant and cheerful designs. From adorable animals to glittering butterflies, the children’s faces became canvases for creativity. But the magic didn’t stop there. Their faces lit up with excitement as they spotted superheroes like Superman and Spider-Man making surprise appearances.

This Welcome BBQ had once again succeeded in its mission of bringing the BSB Community closer together. Here’s to many more years of laughter, good food, and cherished moments at future BSB events!

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Café of Cultures 2023 Bigger and Better!

By Elisabeth Citron, Head of Modern Language Faculty This September’s Café of Cultures event was arguably the best one yet! With our growing number of students at BSB, we welcomed parents and colleagues from a wide range of nationalities to teach us about their cultures and encourage us to try out their languages.

This annual whole-school celebration is timed to coincide with the European Day of Languages and pays homage to our already rich and vibrant international community.

From 8:00 to 15:00, the Marquee was buzzing with the sounds of different languages as pupils from Year 1 to Year 13 circulated around the event, learning new phrases while completing their quiz cards to be rewarded with the delicious traditional snacks on offer.

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It was encouraging to hear so many students speaking new languages as well as discovering cultural facts and customs through fun activities created by the participants. We were lucky to have countries represented from across the globe, including South Africa, Israel, Italy, Egypt, China, the USA, Germany, Turkey, France, and many more.

Without a doubt, the day was a huge success, and thanks must go to our wonderful BSB parents, our friendly student helpers, and, of course, the MFL Faculty and Events team for coordinating this unique celebration. If you have not yet had the chance to take part, don’t worry - we will call on you again in September 2024 for another fabulous Café of Cultures.

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#Meet THE NEW TEACHERS We are delighted to welcome to BSB a cohort of amazing teaching staff who provide #ExellenceWithoutBoundaries alongside all the other BSB staff.

Join us in congratulating them and wishing them great success in their new roles!

PRIMARY SCHOOL

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GERALDINE ANDREWS

CHERYL BAKER

CRISTINA BUCUR

Primary Teacher

Primary Teacher

Teaching Assistant

ALYSSA BULLEN

SCOTT CABLE

NICOLA CARTLEDGE

Primary Teacher

Primary Teacher

Primary Teacher

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PRIMARY SCHOOL

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SUPPORT STAFF

JOANNA Voicu

MAGGIE GIORDANO

TIPPAWAN FRANKLIN

VASILIKI CHARMANI

Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant

Primary Cover Teacher

CARL HELPS

STEPHANIE NASSKAU

SARA KORDOGHLIAZAR

Year Group Leader & Primary Teacher

JONATHAN PRESTBURY

Primary Teacher

Teaching Assistant

Primary Music Teacher

CRISTINA Paduraru

MATTHEW RATCLIFFE

SAM SMITH

JEREMY CLOSS

Teaching Assistant

Primary Teacher

Teaching Assistant

Primary Teacher

ANDREEA Stanescu Teaching Assistant Page 31

@BSB

| December 2023

#Meet THETEACHERS

Matt Ratcliffe Primary Class Teacher

Do you have a special talent or skill that your pupils might find surprising or interesting?

I can juggle and count to 10 in Chinese using only my fingers!

Can you share a bit about your morning routine? How do you prepare yourself for a day of teaching?

To wake my brain, I make sure that I do the daily Wordle and mini crossword in the New York Times newspaper APP. If you could pass on one piece of wisdom to your pupils, what would it be and why?

Meet Matt, our energetic Primary Class Teacher at BSB since the start of the academic year, with over ten years of global teaching experience in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

With a dynamic approach, Matt infuses diverse experiences into the classroom, creating a vibrant learning environment.

Welcome, Matt, to the BSB community!

Be curious! Go out and learn about people because they are really quite interesting.

I’d pass this along as I have a Bachelors and Masters degree in anthropology and, to me, there is nothing more interesting than learning about people.

What influences your teaching style, especially in helping pupils explore and understand the world around them?

Making sure the children are engaged and enjoying what they are learning. And after that, ensuring that they are proud of what they have achieved.

Could you sum up your teaching philosophy in a few words or key principles?

Interesting questions are the key to interesting answers.

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Keeping lessons fresh is important. What creative methods do you use to make learning exciting for your pupils?

Using the resources that we have in various ways to ensure the children are as engaged as they can be. A very simple example is shape; what shapes can they see in the classroom?

What about the world around them? Which is the most common? Where else might they see one? Small simple tasks such as that help them have their eyes open and be aware of the world around them.

If you had the chance to take your pupils on a dream field trip anywhere in the world, where would it be, and what activities would you plan?

If this question could be rephrased as ‘anywhere…’ rather than ‘anywhere in the world’ then we’d go the International Space Station that is constantly orbiting the Earth. I’d let them look down and see how amazing our little blue and green orb is and see how we are all the same despite our differences. They could see all the different oceans and continents and be amazed at what they look like from above.

How do you approach developing self-esteem in your pupils, and what strategies have you found effective?

Make sure that they know what they do is good. Make sure they know they are appreciated. Make sure they learn to appreciate others too.

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| December 2023

How do you tailor your teaching to connect lessons with the ‘real world’ in a way that is meaningful and engaging for these young learners?

By trying to make them realise that all learning is interconnected and not all learning is found in books. You won’t be able to work out the next train or bus or plane to where you want to go if you can’t read the departure board or know how long you have left if you don’t know how to read the time on your watch or phone.

Much in the same way as being kind, helping others, or simply sorry if you’ve accidentally hurt someone, all helps make the world a better place.

In reflecting on your days at BSB, what stands out to you as the most rewarding aspect?

The positive way that the children are when they come into school in a morning. Some of the children have been on some huge personal journeys since the beginning of the term and I am proud of any small part I have had in making them comfortable and helping them want to come into school each morning.

Thank you.

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@BSB

| December 2023

#Meet THETEACHERS

Cheryl Baker EYFS Class Teacher

What's your fondest memory from teaching, and how does it still influence your teaching today?

Can you share a light-hearted moment from your teaching journey that always brings a smile to your face?

At the end of my very first year of teaching, I received a letter from a pupil’s mother. It thanked me for teaching her daughter and explained in detail how I had helped her daughter that year. It made me cry! Sadly, I lost the letter in one of my moves, but I remember so clearly what it said. It made me realise that as a Class Teacher, we have a huge influence in that small person’s life for one whole year. We really can make a difference!

When I first started teaching, I was a freshfaced 22 year old with crazy purple and pink hair. My Year 3 class used to carefully draw pictures of me wearing a ball gown, then take a pink or purple crayon and go nuts with it to recreate my hair. I loved those drawings and the thought of them still makes me smile today!

As someone blending primary education with art, what's your favourite way to spark creativity in young minds?

Cheryl has been a qualified Primary Education and Art teacher since 2005 and she boasts an extensive teaching career spanning London, Shanghai, and Bucharest. With eighteen years devoted to educating children aged 3-11 and diverse experiences (including beach school, forest school, special educational needs schools and Montessori nurseries), Cheryl brings a wealth of expertise. Delighted to reunite with BSB in 2023, she eagerly took on the role of an EYFS Teacher.

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Creativity isn’t just present in a subject like Art; it is a skill set requiring problem solving and resilience. We always need to start with what the child is interested in and build upon prior knowledge. This ensures that they are engaged from the beginning and starting from what they know gives them the confidence to take risks and try new things. I firmly believe that this approach can be adopted at any point in a child’s school career, even in Year 6. I once had a Year 6 class who loved to sing and dance (definitely not in my skill set!) and they begged me to make music videos… so we created a ‘film festival’ together, covering necessary objectives in English, Art, DT, Music and Drama.

In the world of early education, what's your go-to trick for keeping little learners engaged and excited?

I have a song for everything… And a hand puppet in case I really need their attention.

If you were to describe your teaching style using three words, what would they be and why?

1) Creative – I often get my best ideas at the moment, watching what the kids are doing and where it could go next. I always encourage autonomy and problem-solving.

2) Nurturing – I want children to feel safe and loved in my care.

3) Methodical – I want to plug any gaps in children’s knowledge and then stretch them.

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| December 2023

If you could invite a fictional character to join your EYFS class for a day, who would it be and why?

Bluey! I love how creative Bluey is and how she involves everyone in her games. She is a great role model for inclusive friendship, creativity and emotional literacy.

Can you name three things that fascinate you about your little learners?

1) Their perception of the world around them and how they connect new concepts onto the things they already know; 2) Their imaginations; 3) How they express existing ideas and process new information through play.

What would you share if you could pass on any wisdom to your students?

Don’t try to fit in, just assume that you do.

Thank you.

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@BSB

| December 2023

#Meet THETEACHERS

Cristina Bucur TEACHING ASSISTANT

What excites you the most about being a Teaching Assistant at BSB?

What do you find most rewarding about working with little learners?

I love to observe the children’s made-up worlds and to be part of their playing. I also enjoy trying to be a support for my Class Teacher and my colleagues and contribute together to the children's development.

It’s so wonderful to see them improve their behaviour, their language, the way they see the world around them, how friendly and caring they are and to witness what miracles unfold when they share a hug with one another or do a kindness act. It’s not only the children who are learning from the adults but also the adults are learning from them.

Can you share a memorable moment or achievement during this term at BSB that stands out to you?

One of the achievements was to see the children in our class starting to feel safe and relaxed in the BSB environment, with the teachers, and with me despite the fact I was new to many of them. Also hearing them share their thoughts of imagination and concerns with us, it’s a precious moment to treasure.

Meet Cristina, a dedicated professional with a BA in English and Theology from the University of Bucharest. With prior experience as a caregiver and Teaching Assistant, she joined the British School of Bucharest in 2023. Passionate about education and community service, Cristina has volunteered for seven years, working with at-risk children and leading summer camps.

Maybe Peter Pan, for having the ability to fly and for being able to invite other kids in the adventurous world of Neverland. ☺️

What would you like the Nursery children to remember you for as they grow up?

What are the things that bring you joy outside the classroom and contribute to your creativity?

Spending time in nature, painting, reading children’s books, listening to music..

For making them feel important, heard and for being someone who was silly enough to play and engage in their games and who took them seriously.

Thank you.

How do you integrate your passion for illustrating and crafting into activities for Nursery children?

I try to look for specific themed crafts ideas to make them with the children, or to draw for the kids, to prepare different crafts or resources that contribute to their learning journey.

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If you were a children's book character, who would you be, and why?

@BSB

| December 2023

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@BSB

| December 2023

Music and Performing Arts @BSB

By Lynne Sharp As always, it has been a busy time for the Music Department here at BSB! We kicked off our series of performances with a teatime recital in Nupeh on 16th November. This delightful evening featured a wide range of ensembles and soloists from Year 3 to 13, some of whom had never performed before, gracing us with their talents. The performances included their rendition of 'Wrecking Ball' by Miley Cyrus in an acoustic setup, playing Stevie Wonder’s 'Masterblaster' on Bass, performing 'Bear Dance' by Schumann on piano, a brilliant drum and piano duet, and a Year 6 extraordinary drummer wrapping up the show with a killer rendition of 'No One Knows' by Queens of the Stone Age. Our next performance took us to the Marquee for our annual Winter Concert.

This gave us the opportunity to showcase our CCA ensemble favourites such as All About Strings, Allegretto Orchestra, our in-house band Cutlery, and the newbies on the block, the Secondary beginner band.

Primary contributed with their performances from the class time of 'Stand By Me', two energetic performances from the Primary rock band, and a wonderful finale from the Primary choir of 'Count on Me' and 'All I Want for Christmas is You'. The evening was also peppered with contributions from our Year 7 actors, reminding us about the true meaning of Christmas Our superb hosts for the evening also entertained the crowd with some topical Christmas music jokes.

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In a flash, the Winter Fair appeared with some more unique highlights. Cutlery once again took the stage, and a performance from the Primary rock band and the String group, led

by Miss Laura, really got everyone into the Christmas spirit. Staff performances added to the Christmas cheer, with some oboe and violin traditional music, some Christmas solos from Miss Harrison and Miss Kinsella, a guitar and violin duet, and the staff band to wrap up the whole show.

Finally, this term we revisited the Anglican church in Central Bucharest; something that has not happened since 2019, to perform Nine Lessons and Carols for parents and teachers on 13th December. One of our talented students opened the event with an acapella performance of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’. There were readings undertaken by parents and students, and the Primary choir performed ‘Silent Night’.

Students also sang ‘Mary Did You Know’ and ‘Oh Holy Night’.

All that was left this term was for all of Year 7 to heartily perform a rendition of 'Winter Wonderland' in the final Key Stage 3 assembly, which they did with great success, even managing to sing in two-part harmony at one stage.

We look forward to the next term for more concerts, a trip to the COBIS Music Festival in Bahrain with 12 competitors, and not forgetting three nights of our school show 'Sister Act' at the end of March. There is no rest at BSB for our Performing Arts department!

@BSB

| December 2023

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YEAR 6 WAR POEMS

@BSB

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| December 2023

War is a Horror Movie

War

War is a horror movie, A film where people just die.

An endless graveyard, So many lost souls to the sky.

War is hell. It’s a truth so stark.

As fields bleed, shadows dance in the dark.

Soldiers are like actors on a gruesome stage.

They must act naturally, despite war’s cruel rage

Sirens pierce the horizon, Bombs whistle through the sky.

Ruins the sole shelter, You can only prepare to die.

War is a faulty beacon that turns you inside out.

It is an unforgettable period of time.

We don’t dare show our white flag and drop to our knocking knees.

The blood dances on the battlefield.

Soldiers are brave lions, Freezing in terrifying trenches.

Awaiting their fate, Suffering unimaginable consequences.

Families are blankets, Furiously ripped apart.

All seeking shelter, So many shattered hearts.

War is a haunted house that sabotages the field.

Their souls lie like dead shadows of ghosts in the terrifying trenches.

The guns destroy everything as they gallop across no-man’s land.

After a million years the toxic skeletons have been found missing.

Animals are warriors, Innocent and loyal.

Giving us everything, Only to end in soil.

War is chess. Nothing more, nothing less.

Soldiers are like pieces and grenades are passive aggressive Kings.

As no-man’s land bleeds, There are no more reeds.

War is a horror movie, That no one wants to see.

An endless graveyard, An unacceptable reality.

By 6C

War is death. Our country is suffering.

One boom. One crash, and the hearts are fluttering.

Not everything can be restored.

It’s then left as a civil war.

Battlefields Blood-filled battlefields, a living hell.

A life lost every time a the clock ticks, Taking away the seconds. Tick-tock! Tick-tock!

Towns treacherously, aggressively destroyed like knocking over Lego.

Leaving home is the hardest challenge, Everytime we fight each other, we kill a loving soul.

Fields turn into oceans of blood, Intelligence doesn’t matter in no-man’s-land; Everywhere soon to be known as nowhere.

Lethal bombs destroy people’s fragile, glass skulls, Death doesn’t matter in the devil’s playground.

Soldiers served their country with a cost.

By 6D

War is misunderstood.

It scares the history books.

War is like a chain that you have to break.

You can make your take but you will cook like steak.

By 6W War Soldiers War is a wound that can not mend back together.

All of our soldiers in the hospital, Remember the great bloody war of December when the blood danced on the bloody field.

Some of us are like bloody doves, Others are not.

Lots of us may pay with our lives.

Dark trenches is where we make our mark.

Is it right to show our white flag?Kaboom!Crash!

Goes the bombs Either way, none of us win if we drop to our knocking knees.

Remember war is no less until war is no more.

So remember us when we die.

By Dorothy G

@BSB

War is made up of many things I feel like I don’t belong, In this place where most people are strong.

The world goes down in destruction, And all we have to do for that is follow the instruction.

When the others die, The rest of the soldiers would sigh.

Bullets wizz across the air, So powerful, it could even stop a bear.

When everything goes wrong, The animals stay strong.

Some get locked up in a cage, That is not even the worst stage.

They write letters to their families and friends But they never know when their life is going to end.

Their hearts get crushed, When the soldiers got flushed.

By Stefani G If the devil was here In the war, It is quite possible to be behind bars.

Try to make your way through, For if you do The Devil won’t look down on you.

Through the thorns and poison ivy Camouflaged soldiers hide like lions.

I’m warning you it’s frightful But at the end it’s rightful The sky is dull And the ground is not at all delightful.

If he was really here!

Everyone who fell for the devils’s tricks Will have to pay, The devil knows what to do for he is too slick.

If he was really here!

He’ll find you on a battlefield That leads you to the bloody, deathly sea.

He’ll find you in your trench when you’re asleep, He’ll keep you here, For weeks and weeks If he was really here!

By Alexandra M

| December 2023

Deafening War War is dark. It should be kept in a deep mountain.

It splurts blood like a fountain, Here I am on a light railway train, Waiting for it to rain.

Life is a river. When a rock called war falls in it will never be the same.

I feel something that I have not felt as they measure me. It is pain, They say that we should do this for our family. I think they do it for their gain, They said we have to maintain our ground and our brain, Civil War can be cruel or it can be grand, It has been a year in this waste land, It is rare to raise a glass here, we see mustard gas.

Here you see death, but never any grass.

War is just one long letter, Mom, I hope this will get better, Dad, I know this is like a photograph - nerve ending, Brother, you are like a chain to who I am depending.

By Saim N Gunshots Gunshots are all you can hear on the battlefield Umbrellas of stress cover everyone here Nothing can ease the clearly misunderstood soldier Sadness inflates the trenches: a funeral for all.

Horrible shrieks and screams intrude the deafening silence.

Obese explosions spread around the borders Tomorrow comes quickly for some Sometimes gunshots whizz with fire and lead to blood.

By Szonya G Bloody Battle In the bloody battle, the rifles fire Devouring the path while the soldiers retire A legacy of life marks our place Over the bloody battle the spirits race In the path of peace, the memories release Outside of war for the soldiers to breathe, Millions of soldiers running away While their hearts were drumming in the grey In the bloody battle the bombs were taking the way.

By Athar R

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@BSB

| December 2023

Exploring Nature’s Classroom: Enriching Learning Through Forest Fun

By Jodie Lewis EYFS: A Forest Adventure Every Friday For EYFS, Fridays have become synonymous with Forest Fun. These weekly trips are a chance for our little explorers to engage with the outdoors and bring their learning to life.

The forest provides an immersive environment where children can work on all of the aspects of the EYFS curriculum. From counting acorns to exploring the textures of bark, every step in the forest becomes a lesson in itself. The outdoor setting encourages curiosity and imagination, allowing EYFS students to explore, experiment, and make sense of the world around them.

Year 1: Superheroes, Wellbeing, and Seasonal Changes Year 1 students ventured into the forest for the grand finale of their Superhero Challenge, adding an adventurous twist to their curriculum. The children used natural materials to create superhero accessories, such as wands, and shields before celebrating the conclusion of their superhero theme. On a dedicated Wellbeing Day, Year 1 experienced the calming influence of nature.

The forest provided the perfect backdrop for mindfulness and relaxation and the opportunity to observe nature’s seasonal transformations.

Armed with maps, they navigated their way Page 42

through the forest, following directions from one area to another as part of their outdoor exploration.

Year 2: Respect, Observation, and Exploration Year 2 students embarked on forest trips with a primary focus on exploring a natural environment. The purpose was to develop a profound respect for nature, instilling in the students a sense of responsibility towards the environment. Armed with magnifying glasses and boundless curiosity, students observed and explored the flora, fauna, and microhabitats within the forest, whilst reinforcing the importance of preserving these ecosystems.

Forest trips for EYFS and Key Stage 1 are experiences that enrich the curriculum and crucially share a common goal, nurturing a deep respect for nature.

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CCAs @BSB Exploring Extracurricular Activities at the British School of Bucharest Introduction: Extracurricular activities are an integral part of a holistic education, offering students opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and community engagement. At BSB a wide range of extracurricular activities are available, ensuring students have a wellrounded experience alongside their academic pursuits.

Enriching the Arts and Culture Scene: The British School of Bucharest encourages artistic expression and fosters creativity through its vibrant arts and culture activities.

Students can join the Primary Choir Club, Beginners Rock Club, and All about Strings, showcasing their musical talents and participating in captivating performances throughout the year. Additionally, drama enthusiasts can take part in theatrical productions, honing their acting skills and experiencing the magic of the stage in clubs such as Sister Act Production, Sister Act band club. The MasterClass - Actionable Creative Strategies, Observational Drawing Art class, Photography club enriched the artistic experience of the students and added value to the skills of those who signed up for these art clubs.

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Building Resilience through Sports: Sports play a crucial role in fostering teamwork, discipline, and physical wellbeing. At BSB, students have access to an array of sports activities, including football, basketball, table tennis, climbing, fencing, karate and more ‘elegant sports’ such as ballet, dance, gymnastics. Engaging in friendly competitions and rigorous training sessions, students develop essential life skills such as perseverance, resilience, and leadership.

Friendly competitions between international schools were held in the football club where the students enjoyed both victories and defeats. The fencing competitions were much more serious and left with prizes and trophies at the end. The winners enjoyed both the trophy and the skill gained after the many hours spent at the fencing club.

Embracing STEM Education: Recognizing the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, BSB offers various extracurricular activities that cater to students' scientific interests. Project Zephyr club and Automotive Design club provide students with hands-on experience, nurturing their problem-solving skills and encouraging

their curiosity in the fields of science and technology. The Project Zephyr club taught the students to build a car from scratch and not only that, it taught them to drive it afterwards!

Making a Difference through Community Service: BSB instils a sense of social responsibility and empathy in its students by actively promoting community service activities. Engaging in initiatives like MAD (Make a Difference) Primary and Secondary, students learn the value of giving back to society and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. These experiences foster compassion, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to making a positive impact.

Conclusion: The British School of Bucharest is dedicated to providing a well-rounded education that extends beyond the classroom. Through its diverse range of extracurricular activities, BSB empowers students to discover and pursue their passions, develop crucial life skills, and become well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make a meaningful contribution to society.

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| December 2023

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Primary

House News

By Paul Gildea It is hard to believe that we have come to the end of the Autumn Term. It seems like only yesterday that we welcomed our new Year 6 House Captains to their role, and it has been great to see them wearing their badges with pride and striving to set an example across the school. They have been busy planning a variety of house challenges and we look forward to many more!

A highlight was the lunchtime ‘Rock, Paper, Scissors’ competition. This was a great example of how house competitions are about more than sport. Mures emerged victorious, but it was a disappointment for Olt as they trailed in fourth place. Better luck next time!

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Many of you may remember that before the pandemic House Points were awarded via a token system, which children then posted in their house postbox. In response to the feedback of the children our new House Captains have launched the ‘Golden House Point’ using the traditional tokens. The ‘Golden House Points’ are worth 5 points each and are awarded for outstanding citizenship and promoting our School Values of Self-Control, Honesty, Respect, Equality and Concern for Others.

A huge thank you to our House Captains: Baran, Portia, Ilinca, Fay, Matei, Dorothy, Leila and Nicolas for launching this initiative

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| December 2023

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HEAD OF SECONDARY REVIEW

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| December 2023

@BSB

was quickly solved by a staff member, I felt that I had had something of an epiphany. I vowed to never write a magazine article expressing exasperation at trying something new which involves a microchip.

I am writing this Secondary review having just checked in for a flight at Terminal 3, London Heathrow. If you have read the Secondary review articles in the past, you would be aware that I naturally tend to shy away from new technologies that are supposed to make our lives easier. So, as I approached the check-in desk, I automatically swerved away from the row of the newly installed self-service check in machines promising the glorious utopia of making our lives easier and saving time. Instead, I headed for the queue at the desk with a human being. It didn’t take me long to regret the decision as I shifted impatiently from foot to foot in the queue, which was moving at snail pace, surrounded by squabbling families, crying babies and the never ending stream of oversized and overweight bags presented to the check-in staff. The fracas reached it peak when a bad-tempered man at the desk began waving his arms and started a row about not paying his excessive baggage charge, followed by frantic suitcase and hand luggage re-packing on the floor in front of us. I looked around slowly at the self-service machines standing alone behind me and decided to succumb to the lure of their promises. Within minutes, my suitcase was careering down the belt and off to the waiting aircraft. With only one paper jam whilst printing the baggage tag and which

We have started this term at BSB in a similar way. We learn a lot from our established routines and traditions and keep our BSB values close to hearts as we make decisions for the community, but we are not afraid to try something new. We have welcomed new staff to BSB, not least to our Secondary leadership team and welcomed many returning staff too, each one bringing something new or returning to BSB to share their most recent experiences.

We have enhanced the facilities with new buildings, dining facilities and using technology to enter the BSB campus. Trips and extracurricular activities have seen enrichment with more educational day trips, more foreign trips and our sports teams travelling to compete in European tournaments with some very pleasing results.

The students in Project Zephyr are once again preparing to take the go-karts to the Arctic again, but this year, in greater numbers.

Our charity committee have been busy in developing our provision and ensuring that we distribute our efforts across a range of charities both at home and abroad. We have been providing opportunities for all students through a wider of competitions, some hosted

by COBIS and which have involved debating, poetry, art and e-sports. Our sports teams have been out on the playing fields competing and training and we look forward to the launch of the newly designed sports team kit.

Music has taken centre stage with concerts and recitals and our exam group students have been performing for their exam devised pieces, as well as preparing for the production which will be held in March next year. Not neglecting our staff, we have had some

| December 2023

significant developments in professional training and development, both in and out of school and we are looking forward to hosting the COBIS conference in February for Early Career Teachers. We have also welcomed visitors, such as the Self-Esteem Team who delivered pastoral presentations and Breis, a hip hop artist, running sessions on creative writing. We also started the year celebrating achievements of our students with their outstanding exam results and the success continues every day in our classrooms, workshops and studios. You will find out more about these developments as you read this magazine, but know that it is all founded on the BSB tradition and values.

We have started the year with overwhelming positivity and energy and as with the anecdote at the start of the article, we are not afraid to try something new. At BSB we also know, as with the baggage tag paper jam and while we are in that process of trying something new, of experimenting or innovating, that there will always be someone close by to extend their hand to help you. I wish you a productive and happy year ahead and a relaxing festive season with friends and family!

Jason Porter Head of Secondary School

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| December 2023

Secondary CPD

Teachers are also Learners!

By Eva Cliffe I’m sure you agree with John C. Maxwell, American author, speaker and pastor, when he said that ‘Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.’ One of the features of BSB that is important to many of our staff is the emphasis that we place on continuous professional development (CPD). As teachers, we believe we can get better, not because we are not good enough, but because we can all improve. This mindset is also something we hope to instil into our students: celebrating and sharing what we are good at, as well as working on refining our practice where we identify further potential.

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| December 2023

Learning Inside BSB

Engaging Externally

Evidence-Based Practice

Highlights this term include:

Several staff are taking part in leadership courses: Mr. Faulkner, Ms. Marnoch and Mr. Sutton-Coulson have embarked on the COBIS Programme for Middle Leaders, and Mrs. Cliffe and Ms. Mulchrone continue their National Professional Qualification for Senior Leaders based on the UK government’s framework.

While these are externally accredited courses, leaders at BSB are also able to deliver these internationally recognised programmes: Mr. Notley, Mr. Batson and Mr. Gildea are involved this year.

At BSB, we aim to be collaborative and supportive in our CPD, developing the individual as well as the faculty and the school; we make use of external expertise as well as internal work-based learning, and teachers have autonomy within a structure. Like our teaching practice, these approaches are based on research and studies on how CPD can lead to the most positive impact on students. Our vision is that our efforts will result in benefits for the whole community: staff and students alike.

● Delving into the Role of the Form Tutor and how we best support your child through their school journey, providing a positive, caring, and warm environment where they can flourish into their best versions of themselves. ● ‘Looking Inside the Windows @ BSB’ – short sessions run by BSB staff on a range of topics such as: social and emotional learning for teachers, strategies for every teacher to support EAL learners, dealing with challenging conversations, utilising lesson study for collaborative professional development, and developing our teaching of Metacognition and Study Skills.

Staff have also spent time during after-school sessions and at lunchtimes on activities like: ● Faculty development such as implementing the ‘slow practical’ in Science, learning how to use new machines in Creative Arts and sharing the use of Drama activities in Modern Foreign Languages. ● Reviewing and refining our policies on effective homework considering the latest evidence ● Making sure we effectively plan and implement safe and successful trips

Meanwhile, our Director of Pastoral for Secondary, Mr. Darren Goode, has recorded a podcast with special guest, Ann Marie Christian, an international safeguarding expert.

The episode explores the fundamentals of safeguarding children and young people.

Useful for teachers and parents alike, Ann Marie shares some helpful insights on keeping children safe. To listen to the podcast, please visit our website: www.britishschool.ro.

Looking ahead, we are excited to be hosting a COBIS conference in February for teachers in the early years of their career and their mentors. The conference will feature a range of highly qualified speakers, including Tom Bennett, famous for being a ‘behaviour tsar’ for the Department for Education in the UK, as well as BSB’s very own talented teachers.

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@BSB

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Pastoral Care @BSB

By Darren Goode This term we have much to be proud of in the realm of pastoral care. Once again, I am thankful for the committed and caring staff at BSB which all help to make quality pastoral care a reality.

The term kicked off in earnest with all students receiving 1-1 coaching with their form tutor. Just a few weeks after that, the pastoral department collaborated with the English faculty in hosting UK hip hop artist and creative writing teacher, Breis to deliver a series of workshops to develop boys’ literacy skills and creative expression. An engaging end of day performance saw some of our boys on stage sharing their creative work!

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With unwavering and sustained effort, we then hosted a day where every secondary student participated in a self esteem workshop run by skilled BSB staff and the award winning Self-Esteem Team. These workshops allowed boys and girls to explore fixed gender stereotypes and allow them to engage in critical reflection and leave with newfound perspectives.

One of the highlights of the term was our Black History Month programme which ranged from treasure hunts in the History department to tropical smoothie making in our kitchens. Equally noteworthy was the student council podcast which will soon be on our website! They have worked incredibly hard on this and should all be proud of themselves.

The horizon looks exciting as we anticipate further workshops with our boys to build a positive identity. We also look forward to continuing our financial literacy workshops with BRD Bank.

On behalf of the pastoral team, I’d like to thank you all as parents for your continued support. Have a merry Christmas and prosperous new year!

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@BSB

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CCAs & Student Leadership

Unlocking Potential: The Dynamic CCA Programme at the British School of Bucharest

By Rob Notley BSB has long been synonymous with academic excellence, and its commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals extends beyond the classroom. At the heart of this commitment lies the comprehensive Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) programme, a vibrant tapestry of opportunities designed to unlock the hidden talents and passions of its diverse student body.

One notable aspect of BSB's CCA programme is the heightened focus on competitive sports. Recognising the invaluable lessons learned through teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition, the school has expanded its sports offerings. Students are not only encouraged to participate but are actively supported in pursuing excellence in their chosen sports, fostering physical well-being and a sense of accomplishment.

The performing arts take centre stage with the annual Sister Act production, a hallmark event that showcases the creative prowess of BSB students. This theatrical extravaganza is a testament to the school's commitment to fostering artistic expression and providing a platform for students to explore their dramatic talents.

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Debating and Model United Nations (MUN) represent crucial components of the CCA programme, reflecting BSB's dedication to cultivating critical thinking and effective communication skills. These activities empower students to engage in meaningful discussions, develop persuasive arguments, and broaden their understanding of global issues—an essential preparation for future leaders.

Academic sessions within the CCA programme further distinguish BSB, offering students the opportunity to delve into subjects beyond the standard curriculum. These sessions provide enrichment, allowing students to be fully prepared for future examinations.

Impressively, the statistics speak volumes about the success and popularity of the CCA programme at BSB. An impressive 95% of Year 7 students actively participate, demonstrating the widespread enthusiasm for extracurricular engagement. Year 8 follows closely behind, with 78% of students involved, while Year 9 maintains a commendable 77% participation rate. These numbers underscore the program's resonance with students across different age groups.

The importance of enrichment and extracurricular clubs in schools cannot be overstated. Beyond the academic realm, these activities contribute significantly to personal development, fostering qualities such as leadership, teamwork, and time management.

Enrichment opportunities broaden students' horizons, helping them discover and hone their talents outside the conventional classroom setting.

The British School of Bucharest's CCA programme is a cornerstone of the institution's commitment to providing a holistic education.

By placing equal emphasis on sports, performing arts, debating, MUN, and academic enrichment, BSB ensures that students not only excel academically but also develop into wellrounded, confident individuals ready to take on the challenges of a dynamic world.

As the School continues to champion the significance of extracurricular engagement, it remains steadfast in its mission to unlock the full potential of each student under its care.

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CPML@BSB

By Rob Notley The CPML (COBIS Programme for Middle Leaders) at BSB is integral to fostering the school's operational excellence. This one-year program is tailor-made for ambitious middle leaders seeking to elevate their personal and professional capabilities. Uniquely, the CPML at BSB employs a blended learning approach, combining facilitated workshops and selfdirected learning, complemented by five days of face-to-face training events.

Participants in the CPML not only engage with eight modules covering crucial aspects of leadership but are also tasked with designing, implementing, and evaluating a Leadership Challenge project within the context of their own school. This hands-on approach ensures that the acquired knowledge is directly applicable in participants' professional settings.

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Furthermore, the CPML at BSB facilitates an invaluable opportunity for participants to build a robust professional network by connecting with fellow COBIS colleagues, providing a platform for shared experiences and insights within the realm of education.

BSB's commitment to delivering the CPML reflects its dedication to preparing middle leaders for success in their roles. By focusing on practical application, the program equips participants with the skills needed for effective departmental management, leadership, data analysis, and self-evaluation. Through the CPML, BSB ensures that middle leaders are well-prepared to contribute to the school's continuous improvement and, ultimately, enhance outcomes for students.

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Secondary

Halloween Party For many the Halloween party is one of the highlights of the Autumn Term. The party is devised and led each year by our Head Student team who design a variety of activities and along with student helpers and our events team put the programme together.

We are always delighted by the number of parent volunteers who come to help pin up the decorations, taking the form of paper

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skeletons and inflatable pumpkins. Then on the day itself, students come dressed in a wide range of terrifying costumes, completing their maths work or essay writing sat dressed as a ghost.

Then in the afternoon, the party begins with parents and Head Students running stalls offering activities, such as lucky dip, donut

eating, ‘guess the ghost’, where teachers are dressed as ghost figures, or mummifying the teacher using toilet roll. For those who would rather not dress up, there is a film on offer, complete with popcorn and nachos. Seemingly a small occurrence in the year, the annual Halloween is a much awaited and anticipated event and brings together many different parts of our school community.

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Academic Matters

By Tony George

As the term draws to a close, it would be entirely apposite to draw attention to the achievements of our Year 11, 12 and 13 students, whose last few weeks have been dominated by the behemoth that is the mock examinations. These provide vital practice of exam conditions for our students and also furnish them - and their teachers - with a snapshot of their current progress. Then, of course, the real hard work begins, as the focus begins to shift towards addressing highlighted weaknesses and honing exam technique; the final examinations may seem a long way off, but the time will pass extremely quickly.

Students will have received their results in school during the last weeks of term - thanks, it must be noted, to a Herculean effort by our committed teaching staff - in order that they can use some of the Winter break

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to undertake some remedial work should it be necessary. These grades will also be communicated with families this year via a grade-only report that will be with you before the end of term, and our pastoral and academic staff will be in touch to discuss any concerns once school reopens in January.

If students’ results are not as anticipated at this stage, it is important to remember that failure can, on occasion, be an important part of the learning process. The mock examinations are a stepping stone towards the final goal at the end of the year, and their gravity should not be over-thought - if they lead to a change in habits and dispositions from January, a refocusing of efforts - then they will have achieved their intended aim.

Wishing all students and families a joyous and restful winter break.

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The Road

From BSB Philip Walters, University Guidance Counsellor This year applications have been or are likely to be made to universities in Canada, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, UK and USA which once again demonstrates the global reach of our students.

The majority of our students will make applications to more than one country.

However, with around half of our Year 13 students making an application to the UK, we have seen a shift over the past two years with a number of early offers being made to students from universities. Several offers have already arrived for many of our UK applicants that completed their ‘UCAS’ application prior to mid-November with one student already having received offers from four of his five choices. This suggests a shift to relatively high-ranking UK universities actively seeking to

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attract strong students from overseas, which is good news for many of our students. Indeed it has been great to see competitive offers already made to our students for courses at universities including Durham, City, Edinburgh, TU Eindhoven, Aberystwyth, Royal Holloway, Queen Mary, Twente, Westminster, York and Warwick.

For all our students applying to university this year we wish them the best of luck, as they go on to take up places at a range of excellent universities, similar to that of last year’s alumni, whose destinations are shown below. The range of subjects being studied by last year’s leavers is once again remarkable and vast reflecting the breadth of both interests and opportunities at BSB. It includes Medicine, Architecture, Engineering, Computer Science & AI, Dentistry, History, Business Management,

Marketing, Economics, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Law, English Literature, Natural Sciences, International Relations, Film, Liberal Arts, Digital Innovation & Entrepreneurship, The first term is always busy from the perspective of university applications for our Year 13 students with key deadlines occurring in October, November and January.

Meanwhile, an increasing number of institutions interview applicants, often to ensure that there is demonstrated interest and commitment to a chosen course. As I write, several of our students are completing final preparations for their well-deserved interviews with ‘Oxbridge’ next week. We seek to do our best to support all our students with all their applications and course choices. Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to be in touch!

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2023 Destinations

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Debating

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By Elisabeth Citron Debating has long been a popular activity here at BSB. Our students love to share their opinions on topical issues and learning the art of a good debate is not just educational but also great fun. A multitude of world leaders and politicians tell us that they were debaters at school and highly value the skills acquired from this ancient art.

This term the two CCAs have spent time discussing a range of current issues, from the benefits of social media, to whether educators should be paid more than professional athletes, to the pros and cons of vaccinations. Students must use persuasive speaking skills to convince an audience of their views and of course, they often need to argue on the side that they do not necessarily share! This is all part of debating.

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October saw BSB compete in the annual Young Winston Middle Schools competition.

Being so early in the academic year, many of our CCA students were new to debating but nevertheless, a team of five brave Key Stage 3 students travelled to IBSB for the day and did themselves proud in the day’s debates, whilst making new friends and learning a huge amount along the way.

In November, our senior BSB debaters took part in the Winston Churchill Future Leaders competition. This is a prestigious event in the Bucharest debating calendar with schools taking part from across Romania as well as international schools from Luxembourg, Spain and Moldova. The competition was fierce and our students very much enjoyed the challenge.

Our Senior team successfully argued against restrictions to tourism and whether drug addicts should be helped rather than punished, before being narrowly defeated by a very eloquent French Lycée team in the quarter final on the topic of capping salaries for CEOs. We are now looking forward to more friendly debates with our neighbouring schools and to training the Juniors further before they compete again in the Bucharest Middle Schools Competition here at BSB in June.

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Duke of Edinburgh

by Douglas Williams This year, as with last, the Duke of Edinburgh International Award got off to a swift start here at BSB with the three Practice Adventurous Journeys taking place within the first six weeks.

First up was the Silver and Year 11 students travelled up to Zarnesti just on the edge of Piatra Craiului National Park where we stayed in Zarnesti. After arriving we had a swift turnaround which saw students back out, kitted up and good to go in 20 minutes and, in close to perfect conditions, we went first up the dramatic Zarnesti Gorge, where the epic American Civil War movie ‘Cold Mountain’ was partly filmed. We then veered off right up into the forest, a steep climb for a couple of hours before contouring around back to our left to rest at the iconic Cabana Curmatura then descending back through the forest and back to base. There was then the business of cooking dinner with most students settling for tried and tested instant noodles! Day two involved a bus round to the other side of the mountain and a long slog in the drizzle. After a punishing ascent, we arrived at the igloo-like mountain hut fora well-earned rest and lunch before pushing on up as conditions deteriorated. Students gasped as they looked back at the igloo hut where we’d stopped for lunch way in the distance. And then, as the rain set in properly, we dropped down into the forest and finally, nine hours later, back to base. The third day involved another long climb to the Magura Page 66

Ridge which we then followed south all the way to Bran, coming out of the forest almost in the shadow of the castle. There followed a much quieter bus journey back to Bucharest.

The Gold went south to explore the Danube, Comana and nearby rivers for a whole lot of kayaking. The Year 12 and 13 students stayed in comparative luxury just north of Giurgiu.

As old hands at the DoE IA the Gold students were determined not to skim on their food during their trip and so they brought a mini, portable barbeque and a selection of mici and other meats that they enjoyed after a hard day paddling. Conditions for the duration of the four days were close to perfect and students had an unforgettable, if tiring, time.

The Bronze students embarked from the 1400 metre point in Sinaia climbing up to the 2000 metre point before contouring around the plateau and stopping at Cabana Arsa for lunch before proceeding round the shoulder of the mountain with an epic vista before us and then down to Cabana Padina. Again, with the Y10s, the ramen noodle was the preferred dinner and widely enjoyed. The following day it was the return leg though by a different leg and it was chilly with a hard frost when we departed. Up through a forest, across a plateau, over past the ski station and, amid autumnal splendour, back down to the awaiting coach.

Since the completion of the Practice Adventurous Journeys students have been busying themselves with their various Physical

Recreation tasks, mostly sports and gym; with their Skills which range from language to a musical instrument to crocheting (!) and including their Voluntary Service which has some tidying litter in the forest and others helping with the charities that BSB is involved with. Little and often being the key to success - one hour for each activity each week.

Well done to all those students involved.

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EAL @BSB

Our Exceptional, Amazing Learners

By Sarah Porter Recently, a friend of mine posted some amusing Romanian idioms on Facebook and I was intrigued to discover phrases such as ‘a vinde gogosi’ (to sell doughnuts) which means ‘to tell lies’. It reminded me of the same idiom that I learned when living in Russia – but in Russian the phrase used for lying is ‘to hang noodles on someone’s ears!’

The vast difference in the language used in these idioms, but the fact that the meaning is exactly the same, reminded me of the importance of maintaining one’s home language (some people call it mother language or mother tongue) when living, working or studying in a different language to the one we speak at home. This is particularly true for our students at BSB who speak English as their second (or even third or fourth) language.

When a student starts at an International School as an ESL (English as a Second Language) student with a low level of English, so much of the focus goes onto improving the student’s English that almost no, if any, attention is paid to the student’s home language. This could potentially have an effect on the student’s emotional well-being, such as them feeling that their home language is somehow less important than English. In the longer term, it can cause what is known as ‘subtractive bilingualism’ where a child’s home Page 68

language suffers at the cost of English. That is to say, the level of the student’s academic English will improve, but their home language will remain at conversational level. After a few years they may not be able to write an academic piece in their home language, which can cause huge problems if, like some of our students, they want to return to their ‘home country’ and study through their home language.

EAL and Mother Tongue Department at Britannica - HomeSo how can we help our ESL students to maintain their home language, while at the same time guiding them on their English learning journey? One suggestion is to encourage students to research a topic in their home language but to then write it up in English. Giving students who speak the same language the opportunity to discuss tasks in their first language (at times directed by the teacher) can also be useful. Furthermore, establishing close links with parents and emphasizing the importance of speaking the first language (rather than English) at home will help our students to realise that their home language is just as important as their second, thus achieving what ESL expert Jim Cummins terms ‘additive bilingualism’, where both the first and second language develop simultaneously.

By valuing and nurturing our students’ home languages, we not only respect their culture, but we also ensure that they will be able to be perform academically both in their home language and in English. It is by immersing ourselves in such situations that we come to appreciate the linguistic diversity in the idiomatic expressions at the start of this article so well.

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Charity @BSB

By Jacques Faulkner It is a humbling experience to be in a position to help others and so far, this year the charitable spirit of our wonderful BSB community has not disappointed. Here is a rundown of the events that we have had so far this academic year:

September As usual, the Back to School Backpack Appeal kicked off our charitable agenda for the year. Through this initiative, we are able to assist the local community by providing backpacks and school supplies for children in need. This year, we provided 60 backpacks to Casa Ioana (supporting women and children experiencing domestic violence and homelessness), Fundatia Inocenti (working with hospitals, schools and family homes to support at-risk children), and Bufkids (part of Asociata Hercules - a daycare centre in an extremely vulnerable community located in the heart of Buftea).

Jeans for Genes Day encouraged our students and staff to come to school wearing an item of denim. We managed to raise over 2400 EUR for this charity, which provides relief to persons suffering from genetic disorders and supports the funding for medical research into the causes, cure, prevention, or relief of genetic disorders and the publication of the results of that research.

To raise awareness of the conditions that many homeless people face on a daily basis, our Sixth Form students participated in the annual Casa Ioana Sleepout. In addition to

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being an awakening experience for many of our students, as we approach the colder months, the Sleepout also raised over 3000 RON in support of Casa Ioana.

October To mark the autumn season, your generous donations went to St. Stelians as part of our Harvest Collection. In total, you donated 788 non-perishable items and cleaning products.

These donations were warmly received and integral to the Saint Stelian Association’s ‘Social Canteen’ project.

November In association with the British Embassy, this year our Poppy Appeal ran once again in support of the Royal British Legion. Through offering poppies for donations amongst our school community and hosting a quiz night for parents and teachers, we were able to do our part to support the RBL, which provides lifelong support to serving and ex-serving Armed Forces personnel and their families.

To celebrate Romania Day this year, students and staff were invited to wear the colours of the Romanian flag for a donation. Additionally, we had face painting and biscuit sales all in support of LiberatED. In total, we raised an amazing 7298 RON which will go towards providing education for at-risk children and communities with the aim of preventing human trafficking within Romania.

December This year your support of the Christmas

Gift Appeal has been overwhelming, and we received an amazing 110 gifts which have gone out to underprivileged children and adults designated by the following three charities: Casa Ioana, Fundatia Inocenti and Don Orione.

A message from Ian TIlling, O.B.E. of Casa Ioana goes out to all of those who participated: ‘We can’t wait to see our younger beneficiaries’ faces when they open their presents!

Please pass on our gratitude to all those involved.

Wishing you, your students and your families a wonderful Christmas and an amazing 2024!’

Running alongside the Christmas Gift Appeal was our Winter Clothes Collection for Casa Ioana. This year we had a special focus on trying to get more men's clothing, as traditionally this is under-resourced by the charity. In total, your donations amounted to 42 large bags full of second-hand winter clothing. Myself and Mr. Porter, along with a group of 10 Sixth Form students took these donations to the Casa Ioana Soup Kitchen, which provided food and new clothing to hundreds of homeless people at the Gare de Nord train station and was featured on Euro News.

On behalf of the BSB Charities Committee, I would like to thank each and every one of you who has helped out in any way, be it large or small. Your kindness and generosity really do make a difference to so many people and we hope that this trend continues so that our goodwill can touch as many lives as possible in the new year and beyond.

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Sports @BSB

By Natalie Marnoch The BSB Bears have had a busy start to the year, we have had over 100 students involved in our sports programme across a range of sports. BSB Students have had opportunities to compete recreationally in School and competitively both locally and internationally.

Let’s recap some of the highlights from the year so far.

Our CCA program got the ball rolling straight away with students able to train and play in volleyball, football, netball, and badminton. It was great to see so many students turn out for the sports on offer to either explore a new sport or continue to develop in their chosen sport. For the first time ever, this year, students had opportunities to train in a more competitive setting as we looked towards success in our local Bucharest International School Athletic Association (BISAAC) leagues and tournaments and international competitions in the newly formed International Schools Sports Council (ISSC).

Our first tournament of the year had us travel across Bucharest to the International School of Bucharest for the Lumina Cup. This football tournament gave our middle and high school boys' teams an opportunity to play competitively against other international schools for the first time this year. This was our team's first opportunity to compete together, and the experience was invaluable!

As ever our teams did us proud, worked hard for each other and represented the schools upholding our values. We were disappointed to hear the girls’ tournament has been cancelled, however, we were able to take a girls’ team to play a friendly against ISB. They were unlucky to lose 2-1 in a tightly contested match.

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have the results we wanted, the experience was vital, and the progress made by all players was incredible to see, as our teams developed their serves and spikes. The competition was tough but gave BSB athletes an opportunity to develop and experience a high level of play, something to aspire to. The girls would go on to play league matches against AISB and Avenor at BSB. This was the first fixture held at our campus. We are proud to invite other schools to our campus and to host fixtures! We were missing players but played some excellent volleyball and demonstrated resilience and determination throughout.

We kept fighting from start to finish and everyone should be very proud of their accomplishments.

BSB then hosted the Autumn Cup in early November. This was a great event which saw over 80 BSB students from Year 3 to 13 play. The open girls finished in Second Place in their tournament, losing a heartbreaker to Lycee Francais on penalties and the U13 boys finished an impressive third. The other BSB teams played well but were knocked out after the group stages. It was brilliant to see the school’s community come together to support each other. Our youngest students had opportunities to watch the high schoolers and cheer them on from the sidelines and their searing enthusiasm suggests an incredibly bright future for BSB. We have a very special community, and it was great to see us come together to support each other at our home event!

AISB hosted the Baneasa Bolt cross-country race, where students competed in Baneasa Forest. This event saw over 200 students compete! Our BSB Bears ran hard, and we had some fantastic results, notably Year 9 student, who took Second Place overall in the MS boys' category, and the girls' middle school runners who took Third Place overall in the team event!

Our fixtures rounded off with our MS boys team heading to Rome, for our first ISSC competition. This was a fantastic trip and an incredible opportunity for the MS boys to make their mark. After weeks of training, they were ready and off we went! The competition was tough, battling against teams from all over Europe including Monaco, Geneva, Rome, London, and Brussels. After two days of competition, we secured Fourth Place overall, a fantastic achievement for the first international trip.

As this term comes to a close and we look towards our basketball season, I am extremely excited about the prospect of adding more sports and fixtures to the calendar. The determination, tenacity and sportsmanship of BSB students have been incredible to see, and as a school now is the perfect opportunity to capitalize on this enthusiasm and continue to drive sports. Look out for even bigger and better things next term.

Personally, I would like to extend a thank you to the BSB Community for the warm welcome I have received. It has been an incredibly enjoyable start to my journey here and I am very much looking forward to continuing to work together to drive the sports program.

This is an exciting time for sport at BSB and as we look to continue, I urge everyone to step out of their comfort zones and try something new. I will leave you with what I feel are fitting words courtesy of Romanian icon, Nadia Comaneci: ‘Enjoy the journey and try to get better every day. And do not lose the passion and the love for what you do.’

See you all on the court, pitch or in the pool next year! #GoBears!

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BSB Autumn Cup

Goals Galore as Bucharest hit by Rain

By Natalie Marnoch November 4th, 2023, was a day to remember.

The second annual BSB Autumn Cup at Vointa stadium in Bucharest saw 356 students from ten international schools come together in one of the biggest sporting occasions of the BSB calendar. Over the next 7 hours, we would witness 66 games, 340 goals, and 25 milliliters of rain.

As the tournament progressed, for some teams it was now or never. Win and continue.

Lose and go home. As the group stages came to an end, the competition began to heat up, right as the rain continued to pour down.

The weather though did little to dampen the spirits of players who continued to play with an unwavering ferocity.

08:45 – A damp morning in Bucharest, but the rain wouldn’t stop us. Hundreds of footballers, coaches, and spectators began to descend on Vointa stadium. Soon the air was filled with anticipation. The sounds of a foot striking a ball, or the ball hitting the back of the net filled the air. The collective chants of ‘1…2…3…4…’ could be heard as teams began their warm-up, stretching to combat the cold, desperate to avoid an injury. Soon the noise subsided, briefly, as teams huddled up. Quiet whispers could barely be made out, as coaches gave their players last-minute instructions or recited a dictionary of inspiring words hoping to motivate their players. The nerves were palpable. Everyone was vying for the same coveted prize: Autumn Cup 2023 Champions.

13:55 - The first of the semi-finals and finals.

09:20 - The first whistle. The 2023 Autumn Cup was underway.

There was a lot of football to be played, and spectators were treated to a masterclass.

Some teams opted to play ‘tiki-taka’ football, characterized by short passes and quick movements emulating the Spaniards in 2006 or Guardiola’s Barcelona in 2009. Others would opt for the long ball tactic, neutralizing opponents with one pass, a favourite of Premier League newcomers, Luton Town and some would ‘park the bus’. An effective tactic when used correctly, much to the disapproval of Jose Mourinho, who famously coined the phrase after a meeting with Tottenham Hotspurs in 2004.

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Suddenly the stakes were higher. The tackles were becoming fiercer, the goals harder to come by, tensions were high. This was knockout football. One goal could, and on many occasions would, be the difference.

The finals were a highly entertaining affair.

In the U15 division, the boys from Avenor and CBS battled it out. The game was back and forth, 1-0, 1-1, 2-1. CBS continued to press but couldn’t find a way past an impressively organized Avenor defense. With seconds to go Avenor sealed the deal with a fantastic strike, 3-1. Avenor would again be victorious in the U13 competition with a 2-0 victory over ISB. A game played with tenacity and determination from both sides.

The U11 and U9, playing under the cowsheds, and so safe from the rain, played some of the tournament’s best football. The precise passing and darting runs from the youngest competitors were admirable, and it seems the future of Bucharest football is promising.

DSBU proving too strong for everyone else and sealing comfortable victories in both divisions.

The U18 boys' competition was an intense affair from the very first whistle. For some, it was their last opportunity to take home the bragging rights of Autumn Cup champion.

Teams would battle all day, growing in confidence by the minute. The final would be contested by CSB and Lycee Francais. Both

teams were unbeaten during the day, but only one would come out on top. It was a tight and tense opening, but CSB would finally break the deadlock. They would go on to score another late on to seal the victory. 2-0.

Perhaps the most exciting final of the day came in the girls' open division. BSB v Lycee Francais in what was sure to be epic. Earlier in the day the sides had met BSB coming out on top in an absolute thriller, 5-3! The teams knew each other now. Fatigue was setting in.

The rain was lashing down. The girls battled against each other and the elements. Full time.

1-1. The final match of the day, and the only one that would be decided by penalties. Lycée Francais would emerge victorious on this occasion, but all players should be proud of the spectacle they put on.

16:40 - The final whistle blew. All champions had now been decided.

It was unfortunate that the rain had altered plans for ceremonies. Despite this, Vointa stadium was awash with scenes of jubilation or melancholic commiseration. Chants of ‘championes, championes’ echoed around the pitches as victorious teams raised their trophies.

As quickly as the day started, the crowd cleared, and the clean-up began. Before long, a silence fell across the stadium. For now, it's time to hang up our boots, dry ourselves off and eagerly anticipate the return of the BSB’s Autumn Cup in 2024.

It would be amiss not to finish by thanking all the athletes, coaches, parents, school staff, fans and referees who contributed to the success of the tournament. It was an incredible day to bring together the international schools in Bucharest to celebrate our diverse nature through our shared love of the beautiful game.

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Secondary

House Review

By Scott Allsop

The Secondary House competition got off to an energetic start and saw us fortunate to have again received a huge number of high-quality applicants for the House Captain roles. It took a series of interviews to confirm our House Captains for this year.

Our first whole-school House competition, launched in September, took advantage of the fabulous weather to introduce a highly competitive basketball hoop shoot. In October students got creative and submitted photographs of their own Halloween pumpkin designs, while others faced off against the House Captains in a quick-fire round of Rock, Paper, Scissors.

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November was Movember, which saw the launch of our creative House competition in which all students were encouraged to design a moustache. The best two designs from each house won a Golden House Point, with competition rankings being awarded for participation. Later that month we took to the green pitch for students to take penalty kicks against guest goalkeepers. We are very thankful to Miss Marnoch, Mr. Knight, Mr. Fernandes, Mr. Stancu, and to the Arges Senior House Captain for stepping into goal!

December ended in the traditional way with P.E.-based sports competitions and the annual Festive Quiz which saw the introduction of the ‘singing teacher’ round where students had to identify the teacher from their singing voice.

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Trips @BSB

Life and Learning Outside of the Classroom

By Eva Cliffe There is no denying that trips enrich sudents’ lives in so many ways: creating a deeper connection to their classroom learning, opening their eyes to different cultures and ways of life, prompting them to step out of their comfort zone, and allowing them to compete on a global stage or serve as a global citizen. At the same time, particularly on residential trips, pupils learn so much more about themselves, developing life skills such as independence, resilience and teamwork, and challenging them to uphold our values of selfcontrol, honesty, respect, equality and concern for others in different situations. They are also an opportunity to build long lasting positive relationships with their peers.

We are delighted that there has been a gradual return to the pre-pandemic situation for trips, as organisations and schools emerge from their ‘COVID bubbles’. This term, pupils have experienced a range of learning opportunities outside the classroom, with locations ranging from round the corner in Baneasa Forest, to Valencia, Spain: Artistic Inspiration: Year 8 pupils visited the Museum of Immersive New Art, where they found themselves in an underwater world which inspired their next creative project in

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class. Meanwhile, Year 9s have been studying a module on street art and their walking tour of the street art and graffiti in Bucharest was a great way to enthuse them and allow them to see and appreciate it in the real world.

Real World Applications: Year 9 students were able to use a range of use a range of geographical methods to study the impact that humans can have on the natural environment in Baneasa Forest. Additionally, our Year 11 Physicists visited the Danone factory to observe how physics plays an important role in manufacturing, particularly around the use of robotics, as well as recognising how Biology and Chemistry are also connected to the food industry.

Competitions: Students have represented BSB outside the school in debating competitions and numerous sporting fixtures, including at the inaugural International Schools Sports Council (ISSC) Middle School Football tournament that was held in Rome, Italy.

Adventurous Journeys: This year, around 60 BSB students are taking on the challenge of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award across the three levels. These all include an ‘Adventurous Journey’: a 2-day hike in Sinaia for the Bronze Award, 3 days of challenging hiking

in Zarnesti for Silver and a 4-day kayaking trip on the Neajlov River, Balta Comana and a secondary branch of the Danube.

Immersive Language Learning: a group of 11 Year 11 and 12 linguists spent a week in Valencia. As well as morning lessons, they visited a range of attractions, and their immersion in the authentic Spanish-speaking environment enabled them to make great strides in their confidence and fluency in Spanish.

You can read more about the competitions, International Award and the Spanish Language Trip elsewhere in this magazine. Next term we are looking forward to more opportunities for ISSC sporting competitions, the COBIS music festival in Bahrain and the Ski Trip to Andalo, Italy, in the beautiful Dolomite Mountains.

@BSB

| December 2023

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@BSB

Trips @BSB VALENCIA LANGUAGE TRIP

By Paloma Vivar Duran

In the sunny city of Valencia, Spain, eleven of our Spanish students in Years 11 and 12 went on a learning trip that enhanced their language skills and gave them a strong understanding of the region's culture. They spent five hours each day studying the language, focusing on key grammar structures, vocabulary and dialogues. But the most exciting part was in the afternoons when they went out to explore downtown Valencia. They visited the old town, with its stone streets and historic buildings, and saw the Plaza de la Reina and Valencia Cathedral, which showed the city's rich culture.

A highlight was the trip to the ‘Oceanografico’, the biggest aquarium in Europe, where the group saw all kinds of sea animals, from big sharks to colourful tropical fish. The visit helped them to practise their Spanish in a real context, not just in the classroom.

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During the week, the residence where the students stayed wasn't just for sleeping but also a good place to practise Spanish. They shared rooms and planned activities, speaking only Spanish with the teachers. In the end, the trip to Valencia was more than just learning. It was an invaluable way to experience the Spanish language and culture. The students had the opportunity to live like the people in Valencia, making memories and friends that would last a long time.

Both Miss Marin and I want to thank the students for spending time with us. They were a credit to themselves and to BSB, and we were proud of their efforts to learn Spanish and to feel at home in a new country.

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@BSB

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@BSB

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#MeetTHE NEW TEACHERS We are delighted to welcome to BSB a cohort of amazing teaching staff who provide #ExellenceWithoutBoundaries alongside all the other BSB staff.

Join us in congratulating them and wishing them great success in their new roles!

SECONDARY SCHOOL

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STEVE FRANKLIN

PAUL JARDINE

NATALIE MARNOCH

Teacher of Mathematics

Teacher of Science - Physics

Head of Faculty – Physical Education

@BSB

SECONDARY SCHOOL

| December 2023

SUPPORT STAFF

LIANA STANUSI

David BURKE

MELISSA Davis

Teacher of Drama

Teacher of Design and Technology

Head of Faculty - Humanities

IRADA CHADWICK

DENISE MYERS

Andrei Bruss

Teacher of Humanities - Geography

Teacher of English

Nurse

ROBERT MICHAEL NOTLEY

BEN ROACH

CARINA SCHABER

MICHAEL NIXON

Director of Languages , Humanities, and Arts for Secondary

MFL Teacher - French

Teacher of MFL German & Spanish

Design Technology Technician

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@BSB

| December 2023

#Meet THETEACHERS

Chris Baker Head of Science

How has your academic journey influenced your teaching style and the way you connect with students?

I have always worked in cities where many of the children do not speak English as a first language, including London where trained to be a teacher. It is often said that science has a language of its own, so many of the strategies I use for EAL science learners benefit native English speakers, too. Working at outstanding schools throughout my career, I have benefited from sharing best practice with colleagues, particularly around learning through practical experience.

Meet Chris Baker, our Head of Science at BSB, who brings a wealth of global teaching experience. Chris studied Environmental Biology at the University of Lancaster and later earned a PGCE and M.A. in Science Education from the University of London.

Starting his career in East London, Chris ventured abroad, serving as Head of Year in Shanghai and enjoying three years as Head of Science at BSB. After a stint as a STEM Coordinator in the UK, Chris returned to BSB in 2023.

Passionate about outdoor education and hands-on experiences, Chris enriches our community with his dynamic teaching philosophy. Welcome back to BSB, Chris!

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Returning to BSB after international experiences, what personal connections or experiences in Romania make it feel like home for you?

Being outside in the countryside is one of my favourite pastimes in Romania and being back in the stunning Carpathian Mountains during the October half term felt like I had never been away.

As the Head of Science, can you share a memorable moment with students?

One of my fondest memories was a Year 9 parachute building competition, where pupils dropped plasticine balls from the second floor of Crawford building and timed how long they

took to hit the ground – some were incredible.

Talking to ex-pupils at the recent alumni event, many of whom are now pursuing sciencebased degrees at top universities, about such memorable practical outdoor learning activities was a pleasure and reminded me the impact that such experiences can have on a child.

Could you recount a personal story or adventure that highlights the impact of outdoor learning on students?

Well, seeing a bear visit the hotel bins one night during the Year 10 Biology/Geography trip certainly was memorable! I think some of my U.K. colleagues did not believe the story when I recounted it in recent years.

Carrying out bacterial swabs of outdoor spaces is a good opportunity for pupils to gain microbiology skills and teaches them that nature is not necessarily ‘dirty’… certainly not compared to the average teacher’s computer keyboard.

What personal aspects of the BSB Community drew you back to BSB? The friendly and family-oriented nature of the school meant it was our first choice as a teaching couple (Mrs. Baker is an EYFS teacher) once we decided to re-enter international education, this time with two children in tow.

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Beyond the classroom, what are some personal interests or hobbies that students might be surprised to learn about you?

Can you share a personal breakthrough or challenge you faced, and how did it shape your teaching philosophy?

I don’t think my hobbies will come as much of a surprise to students – they are mostly based around nature, such as bird watching.

Back in Liverpool, I had some tough classes.

One boy was very disengaged with school and had historically performed badly in science tests – very much an ‘I can’t do science’ mindset. I taught him nine days out of ten across the two-week timetable. Having discovered he wanted to be an electrician, I worked extremely hard to make sure he achieved the grades necessary to study electrical engineering in college. I bumped into him at a football match about sixth months ago and he excitedly told me all about how much he was enjoying working as an electrician.

Experiences like that act as bold reminders to keep long-term goals in view.

Can you recall a particularly rewarding moment where students' engagement in a practical experience left a lasting impression on you?

Engaging pupils who have previously not enjoyed science lessons or have felt like it is a subject they are not good at, is always incredibly rewarding. There are too many examples to pick out just one, but using a student’s existing interest as a hook is one of the most effective methods of doing this.

For instance, pupils running races on the school field and measuring heart rate leading to a conversation about why football players usually experience cramp during extra time in a football match.

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If you were to plan a dream field trip for students based on your interests, where would it be, and what activities would you include?

The Carpathian Mountains is hard to beat, and we are restarting the iGCSE Biology (including now Double Award) Year 10 trip there in May. I honestly can’t think of a better place for pupils to develop fieldwork skills, especially the river site where pupils test for water quality.

What personal values or life lessons do you aim to instil in students, beyond the academic curriculum?

That is okay to make mistakes. Very academically driven pupils, of whom there are many at BSB, can be too hard on themselves and think that if they don’t get every aspect of a task completely correct, they have failed.

Errors are key part of science. It is how we minimise those errors next time through a process of constant improvement that counts.

Thank you.

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@BSB

| December 2023

#Meet THETEACHERS

Dr. Wallace Macgregor Macindoe, Teacher of Science

What sparked your interest in teaching, and how do you bring your love for science into the classroom?

Staying current in science education is vital.

How do you stay informed, and how does this inspire fresh approaches in your teaching?

After years of pushing back the frontiers of science in my own research area, glycoscience, I wanted to give something back to the community by sharing my knowledge in the classroom. Teaching science at international institutions provides an excellent opportunity to interact and learn from different cultures whilst enjoying seeing students thrive on the knowledge that one shares with them.

Just as I encourage my students to do, it is success critical to read around your subject.

I am in the habit of reading the magazine publication New Scientist.

As an experienced Science Teacher, what core values or principles do you prioritize in your teaching?

Dr. Macindoe, an experienced Teacher of Science at BSB, brings eight years of international teaching expertise from Ukraine, Egypt, Spain, and Russia.

With a background as a chemist in academia and the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Macindoe holds a PhD, has published articles in chemistry peer-reviewed journals, and earned an MBA from Durham University. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Macindoe enjoys exploring new recipes, learning foreign languages, and keeping fit.

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Developing the student to have an inquisitive mindset in explaining the natural phenomena that exist in our universe. Also providing a pedagogical structure in the classroom that champions understanding of the known natural world yet enables mastery of the scientific method to investigate unknown phenomena.

What's your go-to trick to make complex science topics enjoyable for your students?

To hold open discussions on some of the things we take for granted, e.g. How can a gecko’s feet stick to almost any surface? Then carry out student-led investigations to better understand this phenomenon, e.g., test different substances to measure the “stickiness” of these substances to a glass surface.

Any particularly entertaining or unexpected results from your hands-on activities with students?

Stearic acid has a melting point of 69-71°C. For one of my lessons, we were doing a melting point measurement for stearic acid.

One very observant student apart from being able to record the melting point of the stearic acid, noticed that the substance itself stays liquified after heating it for a long time.

In other words, they noticed that it took the substance a long time to return to its ambient temperature of around 25°C to become a solid. This prompted the student to carry out a calorimetry measurement on stearic acid, whereby he discovered that stearic acid has one of the highest specific heat capacities of around 2.3 Joules/g/Co, a value more than half of that of water (4.2 Joules/g/Co)!

Reflecting on your time at BSB, what's a significant teaching milestone or achievement that stands out to you?

Receiving a gratitude card that read (and with boastful intentions aside): “Thank you for being an incredible chemistry teacher and making lessons fun”.

@BSB

| December 2023

With the rise of technology, how do you think it has influenced the learning styles and behaviours of students over the years?

With the Internet being in our lives for the last three generations and now that AI is here to stay, the students of today rely on instant access to information and teachers often get caught in the “crossfire” of how best we can provide that information to students. As an anti-thesis of fostering education in the digital age, opportunities for developing literacy and numeracy skills for the student in my humble have been negatively impacted.

What, in your opinion, is the best thing about a typical day at BSB? Being supported not just by my wonderful colleagues but also by respectful students at the school.

If you could instantly be fluent in any language for a day, which one and what adventure would you have?

It would be Arabic, only for a day to explore the World Heritage Site of Thebes, as I missed out on visiting there when I taught in Egypt.

If you had to pick one favourite thing about BSB – whether it's a spot in the school, a tradition, or a specific moment – what would it be, and why does it hold a special place in your heart?

Teaching is a serious business because the future success of so many youngsters is at stake. Despite the challenges that this poses for myself and fellow colleagues, never a day passes by at BSB when I have not had a laugh with a colleague or even a student.

Thank you.

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@BSB

| December 2023

#Meet THETEACHERS

Trevor Knight Teacher of Business & Economics

How has your international teaching experience shaped your teaching style at BSB?

How do you manage to balance your hobbies with your teaching responsibilities?

As seen above, I have taught the Queensland curriculum, the IB Diploma program and now the UK international curriculum. At the end of the day, all these educational programs want the same thing, but with different approaches to teaching and learning.

Quite simple, I start work very early and finish work around 5 pm, after that I literally close ‘the kiosk’ switch off from work and enjoy cycling, exercising, dancing and spending time with my ‘mini-me’.

I have taken bits and pieces from each one of them and use them in my lessons. I have seen many great teachers from which I have learned a big deal, from classroom management to lesson activities.

Can you give an example of how you make lessons more engaging with real-life experiences?

Trevor Knight, a dedicated high school teacher since 2006, joined the BSB Computer Science, Business, and Economics Faculty in 2022, bringing a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the classroom.

Graduating from Southern Cross University in Queensland, Australia, with a post-graduate degree in secondary education, Trevor has taught internationally from Hanoi to Milan.

Beyond teaching, he's a multifaceted individual, being a qualified gym trainer, group fitness instructor, and musician, and expressing a keen passion for football and road cycling.

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Unlike other subjects (I do not want to mention), Business Studies is all about real-life cases and I have certainly been around for a long time to have the confidence to pull out of my sleeve numerous cases that relate to all the theoretical content on the syllabus. Working in the stock market, then in a beer company, then for the Australian government, had my own small personal trainer business, musician and finally but not last a teacher, all these experiences are so rich in business related issues that I have to pull back on the amount of information I share with my students, otherwise I would never finish teaching the content.

Can you share a memorable moment of impact on a student's growth?

I can not mention one in particular. To me the memorable moments as a teacher is when, in that split of a second, you see that what you are explaining / teaching is clear (understood) with the students and they are able to recall, further down the line, what you taught them in class. When they totally get it or get what is expected of them at assessment time. Those are the memorable little moments in the life of a teacher.

If you had to choose a favourite subject to teach (besides Business and Economics), what would it be and why?

It will definitely be P.E. I am passionate about sports, as you can see from my Bios. I Used to play semi-pro football in Australia, I love being outside (not during a Romania winter though), music and movement. Seeing how the kids improve their skills or their hand-eye coordination, or just having fun doing sports.

@BSB

| December 2023

What's your favourite book or movie that you'd recommend to your students?

My favourite book for students would be ‘La Sombra del Viento’ (Carlos Ruiz Zafon).

Favourite movie for students – ‘The Life of Charlie Bartlett’.

What advice would you offer to students navigating their academic journey or entering the workforce?

Don’t work hard, work (study) with joy and passion. Don’t forget to be a teenager and have fun too. Life is too serious to be taken seriously. When entering the workforce, love what you do at work, so it will not be a chore but like playing.

Thank you.

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@BSB

| December 2023

FBSB

NEWS

By Ecaterina Iordan Parents actively engaged in insightful discussions during the FBSB meetings. These sessions focused on crucial aspects of their children's educational journey. The agenda included ‘Exam Results Explained’ and ‘Creating a Culture of Learning and Teaching’ for Secondary School and an exploration of the ‘Impact of Mobile Device Use on Child Development’ in Primary school. In this article, we delve into the key takeaways from these meetings and the collaborative efforts between parents and the school to enrich the educational experience.

Secondary School: Exam Results Explained and Cultivating a Learning Culture The meetings for Secondary School parents commenced with a comprehensive discussion on ‘Exam Results.’ Recognizing the importance Page 90

of transparent communication, educators elucidated the intricacies of assessment criteria and grading methodologies. This session aimed to equip parents with a deeper understanding of their children's academic performance, fostering a collaborative approach to support student success.

Primary School: Impact of Mobile Device Use on Child Development For parents of Primary School children, the meetings addressed the increasingly pertinent issue of the ‘Impact of Mobile Device Use on Child Development.’ Acknowledging the prevalence of technology in today's world, discussions revolved around finding a balanced approach to integrate digital tools into the learning process while safeguarding the wellbeing of young minds.

Parents were provided with insights into responsible digital citizenship and strategies to guide their children in navigating the digital landscape. By collaboratively addressing the challenges posed by excessive mobile device use, the meeting aims to empower parents to play an active role in fostering a healthy relationship between their children and technology.

The FBSB meetings in the Autumn Term served as a platform for meaningful dialogue between parents and the school community. The institution aims to strengthen the partnership between educators and parents. Together, they work towards creating an environment that not only supports academic success but also nurtures the overall development and wellbeing of every student.

@BSB

| December 2023

Winter Fair

A FESTIVE CELEBRATION FOR THE BSB COMMUNITY In the heart of BSB, the Winter Fair unfolded as a spectacular evening, leaving an indelible mark on our collective memory. This enchanting celebration, undoubtedly one of the most impressive events on our annual calendar, brought together students, parents, and staff in a jubilation of joy and festive spirit!

Magic Unleashed: Santa’s Grand Entrance to the BSB Campus The magic began with Santa Claus making a grand entrance. His cheerful presence spread joy, and the air vibrated with excitement as BSB students eagerly shared their Christmas wishes. But that wasn’t the only thing that brought smiles to everyone’s faces. The Winter Fair was a celebration of artistic brilliance. Live music set the tone for an evening of magical performances, showcasing

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the vibrant talent within the BSB Community.

From traditional carols to contemporary tunes, the evening was a symphony of delight.

In a dedicated space, BSB students immersed themselves in a world of wonder with interactive games and arts and crafts workshops, fostering creativity and making the event an inclusive family gathering.

Laughter and joy echoed through every corner!

Local Artisans and Culinary Delights by Takanaka: A Taste of Authenticity Adding authenticity to the fair, local artisans showcased unique and creative offerings.

Attendees explored and purchased one-ofa-kind crafts, supporting local talent. The aroma of festive treats filled the air, thanks to our talented chefs from Takanaka, who

immersed us in the Christmas spirit with scents of traditional Romanian sweetbread and gingerbread.

A Symphony of Light and Sound The Front Lawn of the BSB Campus transformed into a canvas for a mesmerising laser show, casting a captivating glow. The grand finale was a symphony of light, sound, and applause, leaving everyone in awe. As this year’s Winter Fair concludes, heartfelt gratitude extends to everyone — students, parents, staff, and artisans — whose dedication made this magical evening possible.

This evening sets the stage for upcoming Christmas-themed events at the British School of Bucharest, and we look forward to future gatherings that will continue to showcase the spirit of unity and excellence!

@BSB

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@BSB

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About @BSB @BSB is the termly School magazine issued by the British School of Bucharest.

The British School of Bucharest (BSB) is a leading international school, providing a comprehensive international education based on the National Curriculum for England and offers EYFS, Primary and Secondary schooling, with IGCSEs to A-Levels.

BSB has offered, since the year 2000, a British education in Bucharest for children aged 2-18. It is a richly diverse learning community, with more than 700 students represented by over 65 nationalities. They benefit from an impressive pupil to teacher ratio and small class sizes, ensuring a personalised and highly supportive learning environment, offered by 100% English-speaking teachers.

The British School of Bucharest has been rated consistently as ‘excellent’ in all areas by the UK International Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in 2018 and 2022.

This is the highest possible rating that can be achieved after being inspected by ISI.

Contact: If you need any information about BSB, please do not hesitate to contact our Office Department: Tel: (+40) (0)21 267 8919 (+40) (0)728 133 433 Fax: (+40) (0)21 267 8969 E-mail: office@britishschool.ro

Other useful e-mail addresses: Admissions: admissions@britishschool.ro Data Protection Officer: dpo@britishschool.ro

British School of Bucharest Crawford House Foundation 42 Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, Voluntari 077190, Romania Registered: 17/2008 Fiscal Code: 24879960

Parking Address: The School’s car park is situated on no 65, Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, next to the Strip Mall.

Access to the car park is based on the car registration and access is restricted for the public.

After leaving your car, it is a five-minute walk to BSB.

The British School of Bucharest invites you to become a partner in the @BSB School Magazine.

For further details of this opportunity, please contact office@britishschool.ro.

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@BSB

| December 2023

As well as uniforms for BSB students, we have a great variety of seasonal gifts.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 – 10:00 and 14:00 – 16:30 42 Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, Voluntari, Ilfov

Online Shop: shop.britishschool.ro Page 94

0721 000 026

facebook.com/takanaka.catering

www.takanaka.ro

instagram.com/takanaka_delivery

British School of Bucharest Early Years Foundation Stage | Primary | Secondary 42 Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190, Voluntari, Ilfov County, Romania Telephone. +40 728 133 432, +40 728 133 433 Email. office@britishschool.ro BritishSchoolBucharest

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