BSB School Magazine - June 2011

The British School of Bucharest Magazine

Issue 5 - June 2011 Visit the BSB website at www.britishschool.ro

HRH Prince Nicolae enjoys BSB Eco Visit On Friday the 27th of May, the students of BSB received an extra special visitor, as Planet BSB Patron, HRH Prince Nicolae of Romania, enjoyed his first official visit to speak with the students of BSB about the need for citizens of the world to become more eco friendly.

Summer Fair enjoys record crowds

Arges win BSB Sports Day Trophy for 2011

Author’s Visit - Mr Alan Durant

Saturday June 4th saw record crowds flood through the front gates of BSB to enjoy the annual BSB Summer Fair. Under 30 degree blue skies, students, parents, teachers, and friends of BSB enjoyed a Gastonburyish extravaganza, complete with live entertainment, international cuisine, and lots of fun and games for the children.

As events got underway the roar of supporters could be heard at Iolanda Balas Soter Stadium as students dressed in red (Arges), blue (Danube), green (Mures), and yellow (Olt) cheered on their House teammates.

And it was last year’s winners Danube who drew first blood, with Raphaele crossing the finish line first in the Year 7 100m sprint.

Our visiting author this year, Mr Alan Durant joined us on the 2nd May until the 4th May. He worked with all the age groups from Crèche through to Secondary.

Mr Durant is the author of a wide range of books including the popular ‘Game Boy’ series, ‘Burger Boy’ and ‘Dear Tooth Fairy’.

Visit the BSB website at www.britishschool.ro

Editor’s Note

The Issue 5 Editor’s Note is always a pleasure for me to write as it is the one time I take a few moments out to look back over the entire year of events and to reflect on the highlights of the year for me personally. In this particular case, if school years were vintage wines, then I would have to say that this has been

a particularly good year- like a ‘1928 Krug’ or a ‘47 Cheval Blanc’ -and that the memories from this year will remain with me long into the distant future, maturing like a fine wine to keep me company like a dear old friend in my FAR DISTANT retirement and beyond.

I would particularly like to thank Sarah Waterfield and the PTA for what has been a wonderful year. Sarah, Em Rowlands, Kerstin Neuhauser, Christina Reis, and Wendy Russell have worked tirelessness throughout the year organizing the Parent Coffee Mornings, Parent Lunches, Various Parent Outings, the Artisan and Summer Fairs, the BSB Summer Party, as well as a number of student events and trips which have all contributed to the feeling that this has simply been a great year. They have also done a wonderful job along with the rest of the parent body raising money to support many local charities and have given freely of their time in this regard. So on behalf of everyone at BSB, thank you.

It has also been a wonderful year for the students and this is from the students themselves. The Heads and teachers have managed to put together a busy school calendar with something interesting

Key Dates July Monday 4th - 29th

BSB Summer School

September Monday 1st 1st Day of Term: Primary Crib/Creche/Preschool Home visits start Tuesday 2nd 1st Day of Term: Secondary Monday 4th Meet the Teacher EYFS 3:15pm Tuesday 5th Meet the Teacher Primary/Secondary 3:15pm Monday 12th Clubs Start

Adult English lessons start Wednesday 14th Parents Workshop Monday 26th - 30th Language Week October Monday 3rd - 7th Monday 3rd Sunday 9th Monday 10th - 14th Monday 17th - 21st Friday 21st Monday 24th - 28th

going on every week. There have been more class trips away than ever with the School Ski Trip to Haut Lac in Switzerland, Two Drama Trips again to Switzerland and then London, the Year 6 PGL trip to London, the Year 7 trip to Madrid, the Secondary School Trip to Paris, and the Year 3 trip to Sinai, Year 4 trip to Brasov and Year 5 trip to Moeciu de Sus, many of which you can read about in this issue.

In addition to these extended overnight trips, there have also been and almost endless succession of day trips which are too numerous to name here, and all this has led to the students being able to enjoy a richer educational experience whilst at BSB. Term as always is a very busy term and this year has been no different. In this issue you can get to know some of our students in Country and Student Spotlight, find out what’s been going on in the after school clubs and why some our students are receiving Dutch lessons, what happened during our annual ‘Visiting Author’ visit, what Ms Naima Hussain got up to at the CEPES Conference, what to expect in science from EYFS through to Year 13, which Romanian football team Mrs Camelia Ion, the school nurse supports in ‘Who are

PTA Social Coffee Morning 8:30 - 10.00am Thursday 1st September Friday 2nd September

Jeans for Genes Week Secondary Drama Trip departs Bucharest Marathon Healthy Schools Week Harvest Week Last day of 1st half term Mid-term break

Please note that some of these dates could change

BSB Bake Sales 3pm start September Friday 23rd Friday 30th

Reception MFL

October Friday 7th Friday 14th Friday 21st

Year 4 Y10-13 Year 1

In the Parents’ Area

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the people in your neighbourhood, and perhaps more importantly who are the winners of this year’s House Competition.

All this and a lot lot more.

This is also the time to say goodbye to the students and families that are sadly moving on to new locations around the world. I would like to wish you all the very best in your travels. You have all contributed to the living tapestry of life at BSB and now extend the community of BSB out into the world. We hope that you will stay in touch and look forward to seeing you again in the near future.

To the majority of you who are returning next, have a wonderful summer break.

We look forward to seeing you back September 1st ready for another great year.

Kendall Peet kendall.peet@britishschool.ro

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Principal’s Report Dear Parents and Friends of BSB This edition of Newsblast marks the end to another eventful year at BSB, and as we reflect on the academic year we all have different memories that will make this year special.

Personally some highlights include noticing the increased independence of our students, watching the performances at the talent show was wonderful but I was also impressed by the maturity of the Student Council that organised the event. The Secondary Student Council have also put together their first year book and some individuals within this group have embraced the responsibility of this initiative and executed the task superbly. I have been very proud when our students have shown visitors around the campus, their hosting skills have been commented on by our guests and the students also relish the opportunity to show off their school.

Humanity, and the establishment of our Summer School illustrate how the school continues to grow and go from strength to strength.

The strong responses from our Parent Survey were encouraging in supporting our work as well as providing new ideas for the school to consider and move forward. So while we look back on a great year we are also looking to our next academic year and all the promise that September brings.

Once again we find ourselves saying goodbye to some of our families and staff members as they move on to pastures new. We wish them all the best and thank all of them for the impact they have made to ensure BSB is the school it is today.

For our returning families we hope you have an enjoyable summer and return safely to us in September Jo Puddy-Wells, Principal principal@britishschool.ro

A number of new initiatives within the school such as the Sixth Formers work with Habitat for

The Front Desk

Pipera Office

Administration If you need any information or help in regard to your child’s education and support at BSB, please do not hesitate to contact our office team during normal working hours, 8.00am-5.00pm, Monday-Friday.

Email: office@britishschool.ro Tel: 021 267 8919 Fax: 021 267 8969 For specific help relating to school transport and student lunches, please contact:

Email: services@britishschool.ro Mob: 0728 133 432/3 Tel: 021 267 8919 Fax: 021 267 8969 For admissions please contact Ms Madalina Cioc either by e-mail at: Email: admissions@britishschool.ro Phone: 021 267 8919 Fax: 021 267 8969

Mrs. Camelia Ciuta

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Who Are the People In Your Neighbourhood?

“Who are the people in your neighbour, in your neighbourhood, in your neighbourhood, in your neighbourhood, yes, who are the people in your neighbourhood, they’re the peole that you meet each day”.

This week I had the opportunity to speak to someone we have probably all spent some time with in the past year or two, Mrs Camelia Ion, our school nurse. I asked Mrs Ion a little about her experience nursing and she told me that she decided she wanted to become a nurse in high school when she did some work for a charity organization called Heart to Heart. She said she saw how much people needed nurses and doctors and so decided that this is what she wanted to do.

She studied hard at school and got good grades and so was accepted in the Baptist Church Nursing Academy and graduated top of her class. I asked her what her most interesting nursing experience has been and she said that in 2008 she worked for a short time in South Africa, in Johannesburg, working in the field of child therapy. She also said that she worked in a hospital in Romania in the CIC department (Child Intensive Care) with terminally ill and traumatized children and said this was a life changing experience. I asked her if she has ever had an accident herself where she needed medical help and she told me that she once broke her leg while trekking in the mountains when she was 16.

Some things that you might not know about our school nurse is the fact that she was born in Bucharest and has three brothers- she is the third oldest in her family. Her favourite colour is blue, her favourite music: classic rock, her favourite food: pizza, her favourite sport football, her favourite team: Steaua Bucharest, and her favourite holiday destination: Dubai. She is also a very talented artist. In fact she has lots of photos of her water and oil paintings on her phone, so if you are nice and

Iulia with Ms Camelia Ion.

ask her she might show you. She said she loved art in school and has always spent time painting.

Her favourite artist is Van Gogh because he has a different style of painting and is completely original, reflecting the fact that he was able to look at life in a unique way.

I’m sure she’ll be great. Mrs Ion, thank you for taking the time to talk with me today. We wish you all the best in your future studies and hope that you will achieve your dream of becoming a doctor in the not too distant future.

Iulia, Year 11

When we spoke about the future, Mrs Ion said that she is studying to become a qualified doctor and hopes to work as a child psychologist in the future.

PTA Final Report for the 2010-2011 We are at last able to celebrate the arrival of summer; it was a long wait, but it arrived just in time for the Summer Fair. I have always enjoyed the event as a parent and it was marvelous to see so many families in attendance this year. I have to say a huge thank-you to all the parents for their support firstly for the excellent International Food Tables which reflected the many cultures at the school and allowed everyone the opportunity to ‘travel the world’ through their taste buds!

Secondly, as someone who was fortunate to see all the International Baskets, they were beautiful and the lucky winners will no doubt be grateful for the generosity of those who donated items.

For the PTA, the event is especially important as it raises funds for us to spend on activities for the children. Through the PTA we are able to provide extra-curricular events and activities to reward the children throughout the year.

The Summer Fair is one of the events the PTA organises at the end of the school year, but not the only one. Wendy Russell has been busy with class activities across the school from Discos and Cinema Trips for Primary to a Summer Dance for Secondary and a Barnaby Bear Picnic for EYFS and KS1.

The PTA would like to say thank-you to the parents for their continued support by volunteering to assist with the various events- without you these activities could not take place. I would also like

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to say a big thank-you to the teachers, the team of people in the office and the maintenance staff for their assistance, dedication and patience answering our numerous questions and for being willing to support both myself and the PTA. On a personal note I would like to thank the PTA committee for their amazing support, effort and commitment. Kerstin for arranging the parent’s activities, Cristina for acting as the new parent coordination, Wendy for arranging the class activities as well as running the cooking universities and Em for keeping track of our funds and supporting me as the vice-chairwoman. It has been a privilege having the opportunity to work closely with you all.

The end of term always seems to arrive so quickly, especially when it marks the end of the school year. Unfortunately, this time it also means that we will be saying goodbye to friends. I know many families will be leaving for pastures new or even old, and we want you to know that you will be remembered not forgotten besides you can always come back and visit, I recommend the Summer Fair, a perfect event to catch up with old friends!

Wherever your travels take you this Summer, I wish you good luck, much happiness and to those returning, I look forward to seeing you at the welcome coffee morning on the first day of term in September.

Sarah Waterfield, PTA President

Visit the BSB website at www.britishschool.ro

Where are they now?

Well it’s almost two years since we made our sudden departure from Bucharest, and found our selves back in our home country, England. Life has had its ups and down buts after 3 home moves in 18 months we have recently brought an old Victorian house and are putting down roots. School life has changed dramatically: Bridget and Maddie are at a small village school with only 80 children and Harry attends a school with over 800 pupils, but they are all doing well.

The children still miss BSB and we talk about all of are friends and experiences there often.

Steve didn’t give up football when we left FC Bats; he now coaches a girl’s team in which Maddie is a rising star. Harry has discovered the very English sport of cricket, but still finds time for football and fencing. From her first lesson of Drama with Miss Doina, Bridget has always loved drama and she has now added singing and dancing to her skills and has just been in a production of Alice in Wonderland.

And me, well I’m working in a school, helping out with scouts, loving owning and decorating my own home, and generally having fun, but I still miss my fantastic team from BSB and my very special Pre School class who’s progress I still follow.

All the best to all the staff, Parents and children of BSB. Helen Calthrop

Dear friends, After leaving BSB I moved to Taunton School in Somerset, England. I now play many sports including A team Rugby, Cricket, Hockey and Golf.

I am also taking part in a row across the English Channel to help raise money for charity “Help for Heroes”.

I am one year into my GCSEs and it is all going very well!

Just to let you know that Nick, Chris, Alex, Myles and (Cox) Toby successfully crossed the Channel from Dover to Calais in 5 hours 44 minutes on Tuesday 19th April.

They were fortunate to have such beautiful sunny weather and calm seas......just a few (French) flies to bother them along the way (besides the numb bums, stiff backs and aching shoulders!)

Just after the Channel crossing

Dear BSBers, Thought you might like to hear a little news from Switzerland.

Right now the sun is out here and it is super hot and we can now be found spending most of our free time outdoors walking around town, hiking in the surrounding mountains, or playing tennis with new found friends.

Jennea has settled quickly into her new school and now has a nice group of friends and busy social life.

She is in the ISZL School Basketball team, is working on her Duke of Edinburgh and has already been on a hike to the top of Mount Rigi, and

The Calthrops in front of their new home

http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=j0v5vjQh4hQ

A big Thank you to all those who offered their generous support for Help 4 Heroes..... the boys are delighted to have raised approx £4,440 to date.

Wishing you a happy summer and best wishes from Nick.

Nick Evry, former BSB student

Some photos of the day and you can found on their website: www.channelrowing.com You can also see a short film of the row on YOU TUBE if you click on this link:

Nick

has recently tried out and got into the school choir.

We hope you are all well and have had a good year in Bucharest.

We send you all our regards, and would like to wish everyone a very enjoyable, relaxing summer break.

Veno Pillay, teacher at BSB from 2009 to 2010 Jennea Pillay, a student at BSB from September 2007 to June 2010

The British School of Bucharest Magazine

The Pillays, the view from their new home

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Charity Review 2010 - 2011 The Charity Committee would like to thank everyone who has so generously supported us this year.

Thanks to your contributions, we have been able to continue our commitment to helping those in need.

school. Many thanks to everyone who deposited items into the green donation bins outside the Parents’ Room. This project will be ongoing in the new school year.

I would like sum up the charity activities that have been going on since the last Charity report.

On the 17th of June, Ms Milligan organised a Bake Sale along with the students from her University Course, “Horse Rescue and Care.” The students raised money for the FUNDATIA PACO horse rescue centre in Pipera. As part of their course, the students have visited the centre throughout the year to learn about the plight of horses and other vulnerable animals here in Romania. The team of volunteers at the centre rely heavily on donations to

The Summer Fair was a good opportunity to meet some of our partner charities personally and I hope that you had a chance to get to know some of their projects and their valuable work.

Our partner charity Remar came to pick up second hand clothes, shoes, toys during the last week of

provide the animals with respite, medical care, food and shelter. Many thanks for coming along and supporting this worthy cause.

We wish you all a great summer and we are looking forward to cooperating with you on our next charity initiatives.

The Charity Committee Evans, French Paris, Marti, Milligan and Draser

After School Clubs As always there is a wide range of after school clubs on offer to the pupils and students at BSB. Karate, computer and football club all continue to be popular among the pupils and the warmer weather has also encouraged staff members to run two gardening clubs and also a playground games club.

We are continuing our partnership with the Calea Victoria Foundation who this term are offer photography, clay moulding and wool crafts. We are always looking to strengthen our links within the local community and this term we have begun a joint venture with ‘World Class Fitness’ who are offering an aerobics club to our students. We are hopeful that we will be able to develop this and offer more activity based clubs in the future.

Iain Davidson, After School Clubs Coordinator.

Oskar, Arish, Haruna and Stephanie building models during construction club

Dodgeball Royal after school club

Kayla and Jenisa practising their gymnastic skills

Kristian, Cameron and Hoon - at Key Stage 1 Football club

Ping-pong club fun; we organize competitions between each other all the time even though we always do argue for the score. Mr Sykes acts as out referee. We usually play outside when it is sunny but when it is raining we use a classroom. It is a fun sport that doesn’t take much skill to enjoy and have a good time. As a result I strongly recommend anyone here to join this.

Yasemin

Amy shows Ilinca how it should be done.

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Ilinca vs Ilinca

Fivos wins!

Yasemin shows off her skills. Spot the ball.

Mohammad is determined.

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www.imupro300.ro

ImuPro300 Healthy eating can make you ill Overweight, stomach and bowel problems, migraine, concentration problems due to delayed food allergies?

Ask your therapist about ImuPro300. They will provide non-binding advice as to whether ImuPro300 could provide you with a form of treatment that promises success.

The advantages of ImuPro300:

• Identication of causes instead of treating symptoms for several years • Rapid result and individual documents after approx. 10 days • Detailed evaluation of approx. 270 foods, colourings and preservatives • Analysis with utmost laboratory quality • Patient handbook with background information • Individual diagnostic findings file • Individual recipe book with approx. 100 specific recipes • Professional telephone-based nutritional counselling

When should you consider using ImuPro300?

• Flatulence, constipation, diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome • Large fl uctuations in weight from day to day, overweight, obesity • Headaches, migraine • AD(H)D • Infl ammatory skin diseases (neurodermatitis, psoriasis) • Joint pains • Frequent tiredness after meals • Intolerance to certain foods • Fasting leads to the receding of the complaints

The British School of Bucharest Magazine

Are you familiar with these complaints?

What can you do?

Continual stomach and bowel problems (flatulence, constipation, irritable bowel) or headaches and skin problems over many years (itchiness, neurodermatitis, psoriasis), chronic tiredness and obesity?

With sophisticated individual analyses, the ImuPro300 blood test identifi es IgG antibodies against 270 different foods and determines as to whether they are present in high or low amounts.

The cause of many of these chronic complaints has not yet been clarifi ed. The treatments largely revolve around the treatment of the symptoms.

Unfortunately, the causes have not been tackled.

Treatment lasting several years can be necessary - and some forms of therapy invariably involve unpleasant side e ects. Or the cause may remain unclear in spite of a range of examinations and the complaints continue.

Important for you to know: Chronic discomforts can be triggered by delayed food allergies.

You are then provided an individual dietary recommendation on the basis of your personal test results: You find out the foods you should avoid eating for a certain time and you also get a personal recipe book with suggestions for tasty meals that you can enjoy as an alternative.

Ask your therapist about ImuPro300. They will provide non-binding advice as to whether ImuPro300 could provide you with a form of treatment that promises success.

The decisive question is: What is the cause of the discomforts and what triggers them? Only when this question has been answered is it possible to successfully ght the complaints.

Today we know that many chronic pains can be caused by in ammation reactions. Food products can also cause these inflammations - when certain antibodies are created. These antibodies can be uncovered with blood tests. This means you gain a picture of which foods can cause what complaints.

Many people are thought to su er from a so-called delayed food allergy without knowing it. The complaints are often wideranging and only occur several hours or even days after the consumption of the relevant food product. For this reason it can be helpful to look for these foods with a blood test and to make them, visible‘ in this way.

www.imupro300.ro

Additional information is available from: S.C. Imupro Distribution S.R.L ImuPro Distributor - Romania & Moldova T. +40 735 303 001, F. +40 21 267 89 69 E. office@imupro300.ro www.imupro300.ro

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Science Learning Pathway - Chemistry Throughout their time in school children are studying Science. For the purpose of this article we have looked at work connected with Chemistry.

In EYFS this involves a lot of observation and investigation as the foundations for science learning are laid. Children are encouraged to be curious about the world around them and explore their environment using all their senses.

In Primary we learn about ‘materials’. Moving from learning what they are, their properties and how they are used. As the children move through the school they are taught to seek answers to their questions through experiments. The properties of materials are tested and children develop both their knowledge and ability to form an experiment and record it as well as a more sophisticated understanding of what materials are made from.

Vocabulary such as molecules is learnt and pupils learn about how these behave under different circumstances.

Then, when they enter the secondary school the abstract subject of chemistry can be taught and understood using the foundations learnt earlier in the school.

Learning to use science equipment and how to measure accurately are all skills that are practiced throughout the Primary School.

Children learn to recognise that materials have different properties and group them together accordingly.

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Claire Sugdon Science Faculty Co-ordinator

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More technical vocabulary such as ‘transparent’ are introduced and children learn what these words mean and which materials to apply them to.

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Children learn how to conduct experiments into materials, such as this one to investigate which materials are best at keeping things cool.

This student has considered elements such as ‘fair testing’ and how to interpret results.

Chemistry is one of the branches of Science studied at BSB. Although a little abstract at times, the study of Chemistry can help us to understand many processes that we see in everyday life.

For instance, what is cooking, if not a series of chemical reactions?

As the reactions between substances forms the bulk of what we study in Chemistry, I have chosen to look at a particular set of reactions for this Learning Pathway; namely the reactions of acids with different substances.

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Chemistry topics in Year 8 tend to focus on particles and rocks. However, we do look at the reactions of acids with rocks in the form of the chemical break down of carbonates.

Again, this presents an ideal opportunity to conduct practical work and draw conclusions.

Acids and Alkalis is one of the most popular topics studied in Year 7. There is plenty of opportunity for practical work and students are able to test many substances using indicators they can make from beetroot or flowers. They also start to learn about some of the common reactions that acids take part in. Students would be expected to describe these reactions as word equations.

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Chemistry in Year 9 is set into a series of real-life contexts. We take a further look at the reactions of acids with metals and also at the causes and effects of acid rain. Students would now be expected to start using symbol equations to describe these reactions.

Acids, their characteristics and reactions, form a considerable part of the IGCSE syllabus. We are no longer looking at an acid as tasting sour or as alkali as feeling soapy, but rather in terms of H+ and OH- ions. Students would also start to look at the reason one acid may be described as strong whereas another may be considered weak.

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We will be running AS Chemistry for the first time at BSB next year, which makes this an exciting time for the students and the department. As you can see, progression takes something of a leap to incorporate mathematical equations to assign values to the concepts we have studied earlier in the school.

Don’t worry potential AS Chemists… it’s not as bad as it looks!

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South Korea Spotlight Benedict Lee 1M

Describe South Korea to somebody who has never been There are a lot of beautiful places in South Korea. The capital city in South Korea is Seoul and it is amazing because it is really busy and exciting

Hyun Jung 6H

How does living in South Korea differ from living in Bucharest? (Culture, food, activities and weather) In South Korea the buildings are taller and fancier.

How does being at BSB compare to your previous school?

In South Korea it was better system of school for learning math. However, at BSB I like my friends and the freedom to choose clubs and universities.

Where in South Korea are you from?

Changwon.

How long have you lived in Bucharest?

2 years.

What do you like about the school?

The teachers are really kind.

Hyun Ji 5M

How does being at BSB compare to your previous school?

At BSB I like my riends.

Where in South Korea are you from?

Seoul.

How long have you lived in Bucharest?

2 years.

What do you like about the school?

Friends, teachers and clubs.

I like the club activities and I like the students in my class.

Describe South Korea to somebody who has never been There are a lot of beautiful places in South Korea. Capital city in South Korea is Seoul as you can see in the picture it is beautiful.

Chi Bin 6H

In Seoul, it is very nice as there are lots of tall and beautiful buildings.

The teachers are very kind.

How does living in South Korea differ from living in Bucharest? (Culture, food, activities and weather) In South Korea the buildings are taller and more fantastic.

South Korea is a beautiful country.

It has lots of high buildings which I mostly like.

Where in South Korea do you come from?

Changwon How long have you lived in Bucharest?

2 years

How long have you lived in Bucharest?

3 years

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How does living in South Korea differ from living in Bucharest? (Culture, food, activities and weather) In South Korea the buildings are taller and more fantastic. The school is different.

What do you like about the school?

(Friends, teachers and club.)

The teachers are kind

Hyo Min Yr 9

How does living in South Korea differ from living in Bucharest? (culture, food, activities weather ) Living in South Korea is a lot easier than living in Romania because people in South Korea usually live in apartments. Around the apartments in South Korea they have everything you need such as schools, markets, restaurants etc.

How does being at BSB compare to your previous school?

At BSB there are many nice teachers such, which was not like my school in Korea. Also the school playground at BSB is much better with a beautiful swimming pool, exciting climbing frame and wonderful gardens.

What do you like about the school?

I love that there are some many activities to choose from for after school clubs and University.

Kyu Min 1P

How does being at BSB compare to your previous school?

I find that the activities that we do at school are very different. We get to move around a lot. We have more lessons outside of the classroom and not at our desks, that’s what I really like.

What do you like about the school?

Friends, teachers and club.

I simply like everything about BSB.

Where in South Korean are you from?

Chang-won, Gyeung-sang-nam-do How long have you lived in Bucharest?

About 2 years Describe South Korea to somebody who has never been.

There are a lot of things to do, all the buildings are very high and nice, and I think most of the things are well organized.

How does living in Romania differ from living in South Korea?

We speak different languages?

Actually all the things are completely different.

I find it different because of the all the amazing food we have in Korea.

If you have never tried Korean food, you should because it is very healthy and tasty.

Where in South Korea are you from?

Seoul

Describe South Korea to somebody who has never been There are a lot of beautiful places in South Korea. Capital city in South Korea is Seoul as you can see in the picture it is beautiful.

Describe South Korea to somebody who has never been.

South Korea is a country which is small but wonderful. In the capital city, they have lots of amazing and spectacular buildings.

Describe South Korea to somebody who has never been.

There are a lot of beautiful places in South Korea. The capital city in South Korea is amazing. It is full of large, tall buildings and green parks. There are lots of Korean temples and there are restaurants everywhere! South Korea is great.

How does living in South Korea differ from living in Bucharest? (Culture, food, activities and weather) The foods are very different. In Korea we eat as a group where everyone shares the food. The food is very delicious and very spicy.

Half a year

How does BSB compare to your previous school?

In my previous school there were more students than in BSB and I used to have exams more often than I do here. But we both wear uniforms.

Where in South Korea are you from?

Mirayang.

How long have you lived in Bucharest?

What do you like about your new school?

I can learn English here and I think it is a really good experience for me.

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Soo Min Yr 12

Chi Bum Year 11

Where in South Korean are you from?

I am from Seoul which is the capital city of South Korea Where in South Korean are you from?

Seoul, South Korea How long have you lived in Bucharest?

2 Years and 3 Months Describe South Korea to somebody who has never been.

There are lots of skyscrapers with busy people everywhere.

How does living in Romania differ from living in South Korea?

I feel there is less pressure here and a peaceful atmosphere, I have fewer friends but with the friends I do I have, I have strong bonds How does BSB compare to your previous school?

A smaller amount of people, its like a family here. You know people’s names and which year they are.

What do you like about your new school?

I like the location of BSB, every view from every window is relaxing and pretty. There are also fewer students so teachers focus on each individual student encouraging them and support them. I think this is very important when you are studying.

How long have you lived in Bucharest?

I came to Bucharest in 1st.March 2009 which I can say I have been living in Bucharest for 2 years and 2 months 18 days. (Around 2 years and 3 months) Describe South Korea to somebody who has never been.

South Korea is a country that has developed economically tremendously over last 20 years which is because numerous South Koreans have been working diligently and never stopped challenging themselves .There are clearly four seasons in a year (spring, summer, anthem and winter) and it is a very comfortable country to live as the infrastructure and facilities are awesome. In fact, South Korea has the fastest internet technology in the world.

How does living in Romania differ from living in South Korea?

My life in Romania basically got more monotonous, probably because it’s time for me to study. I used to spend half of my day to hang out with friends in Korean, but in Romania, I got more into study. The time I spend with my friends has been reduced.

It is awesome to have a mall in Romania because there is no mall in

The night stalls in Seoul

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South Korea and I adore this fact (in South Korea, it’s just tall buildings and people go in to buy clothes. It’s slightly different to the mall).

How does BSB compare to your previous school?

BSB has less students than my previous school. I currently have 14 students in my class and in my previous school, I had about 23 students in one class. Luckily, because I was the first student to my previous school (when I started to go to my previous school, the school has been just built), everything was state-of-the-art (there were elevators, movie theater, separate gym building etc). But I like the curriculum and people in BSB much more than my previous school because BSB students and teachers are so much nicer than people in my previous school.

What do you like about your new school?

I like the teachers in BSB because they are very lenient. They forgive a lot of mistakes or troubles that students made. Also having food shop inside the school is awesome because I can have food whenever I am hungry.

Seo Yearn Year 7

I have lived in Bucharest for 1 year Describe South Korea to somebody who has never been.

South Korea is a very beautiful country. There are a lot of beautiful mountains,very very clean water because there isn’t any oil so water is free at all restaurant. Korean Food is delicious and very healthy, there are different types of food from different cities. Here is some typical traditional Korean food: Kimchi,Bulgogi,Bibimbap(Michael Jackson loved the Bibimbap).

These food have lots of vegetables, vitamins,minerals! I LOVE KOREAN FOOD!!! Most of the buildings and markets are jammed and very close to apartment. In Korea, there are lots of historical monuments like the South Gate of Seoul “Namdeamun” (this gate is the treasure of the country).

And many Korean people are very friendly, they have the spirit of team work, I think it’s very important. So, I LOVE KOREA, AND PROUD!!!

How does living in Romania differ from living in South Korea?

I think, Korea has more fertile soil than Romania. When I planted a seed in Korea it was not difficult to see it grow. but in Romania it’s difficult because the soil is more dry.

In Romania there is more clean air than Korea and the sky is clearer than Korea.

How does BSB compare to your previous school?

I think BSB is better than Korean school because BSB has more activities and I enjoy my school life.

And an important point is about the teachers, some Korean teachers are scary and strict. But teachers at BSB are very friendly!!!!!!!!

Where in South Korean are you from?

I am from Seoul How long have you lived in Bucharest?

What do you like about your new school?

I like BSB teachers,school environment,school friends and other things... I LIKE THE SCHOOL! FOREVER AND I WILL NEVER FORGET BSB!!!

South Korean Countryside

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Lower School Report I have very much enjoyed this last Newsblast as it has been as full and dynamic as the last school year itself. Seeing the children achieve another successful year of learning is always the biggest pleasure of the Summer Term, despite having to compete with all the other exciting events and activities that happen in the jam-packed Summer months.

Now that the children have returned from their trips, performed to a packed audience for their productions and finished their assessments teachers, pupils and parents are all able to reflect on their successes of the previous year. From our youngest to oldest children in the Lower School these successes have been many and varied.

From finding confidence in trying something new

The Club with a difference. With so many health clubs in town deciding which one is right for you and your family is a challenge. Le Club will take the difficulty out of that decision. We guarantee our support for you to live the harmonious healthy life style we all crave.

Starting this Summer you have the chance to become a member of our community, and a state of the art facility awaits you. If you have decided that this is the year you unveil a new year, then come along and let us talk about how we can help you accomplish your dreams.

A new future awaits you.

Contact: 0314329002; office@le-club.ro

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to honing and developing skills to take them to the next level; all our students have developed considerably over the last year. I hope that everyone is as proud of this year and enjoys seeing just a selection of their activities laid out in this last issue. I know that I am.

I hope everyone has a lovely relaxing holiday and comes back refreshed and ready to learn some more next year. I will be working in a different role next year so I wish all the best to Miss Moorcroft who will take over as the new Head of Lower School. I am sure that she will enjoy it as much as I have.

Naima Hussain, Head of Lower School

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Crèche are ready to move on Preschool Gafencu During this last term, the children in Crèche have become very grown up and independent.

They are becoming more self confident as each day passes. They are displaying this in many ways, from having the confidence to take part in special events such as our Spring Bonnet Parade and practicing for their Sports Day to becoming independent thinkers within their classroom. They are able to select and choose what activities they may like to do and make decisions for themselves, about if they would like to play inside or outside.

Sometimes they are so confident that they actually take over and do the teaching! Especially if it involves reading a story to the group and asking questions about it after.

We have had a busy few weeks in Preschool. The children have made kites and flown them outside with the help of Mr Wind! They drew ‘Incy wincy spider’ pictures. They have been looking at the rain and pictorially representing it on paper. We have been learning about sea creatures and water sports for our learning journey.

The children have been progressing with their numbers, colours, letters and sounds. Story time has been fun and informative as well for them.

Sadly this is the last Newsblast from Gafencu before we leave. Gafencu has provided a warm and friendly environment for the children with a feeling of ‘home’ about it. It has been a pleasure to work here. I would like to thank Miss Adriana, Miss Alex, Miss Lory, Miss Priscilla, Miss Camelia, Miss Nicoleta, Miss Rodica and not forgetting Mr Jonathan and Mr Mugur for all their help in making Gafencu a happy learning place for the children.

Also a big thank you to all the parents who have supported us throughout.

We are going to miss you, but especially the children and the fun we have had. We wish them all well in their future schooling Goodbye from Miss Chris.

Our get up and go, just got up and went!

We also visited Pipera as part of the children’s transition process, where they had their music and PE lessons. The children listened quietly when they had story time with an author who read two books about a snake and a fish. Pipera is very big compared to Gafencu but the children seemed to adapt to their surroundings.

Goodbye!

Chris Stowe, Gafencu Preschool Teacher

Reception Gafencu take to the high seas for some fun and adventure Its summer and many families spend these days fishing, boating, at the beach and maybe visiting an aquarium so we decided to develop our knowledge about the creatures that live under the sea.

Enayah reading the story to the class

Monday Brunch at Gafencu

Lending a friend a helping hand

They also enjoyed a visit to a farm where they got to see animals such as ostriches, goats, horses, sheep, chickens and calves, which they saw being fed with bottles of milk. The children were allowed to feed some animals with grass, which was fun. One highlight of the visit was a peacock with his tail in full spread. He was indeed proud as a peacock himself! Another highlight was Albert seeing the gruffalo who was sitting in his shed!

Akshay and Alex are searching for hidden treasures

Old Gafencu had a farm!

Mishaal passing around the fruit

They have also developed some very good social skills and use these to help each other, as well as enjoying each others company. This is largely seen during snack time by helping to pass the fruit around or helping somebody with washing their hands.

Are you ready Pre-School? The Crèche children are on their way!

Claire O’rien, Crèche Teacher

The British School of Bucharest Magazine

The children have also been playing with water, shaving foam, sand and gravel. We have a lot of potential Bob the Builders in our midst! Riding tricycles and cars, making trains and climbing are popular pastimes, as are football and games such as, ‘What’s the time, Mr Wolf?’.

Inside the classroom, the children love playing with connecting bricks and blocks and the train set. Meanwhile, in the home corner delicious lunches and cappuccinos are served regularly.

Jamie Oliver had better watch out!

Greta and Alessia are searching for seashells to match to a given number

The children pretended to be fish swimming in the water and we asked them: “What type of fish do you want to be?” How would you rest when you are tired? How would you eat? Where would you hide if there was danger?” We had the children describe what they imagined in their underwater world. We enjoyed making an Edible Ocean and playing Pick up the fish,(a Fine Motor game).

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Our “Under the sea” theme next led us to our adventure of piracy when our class went on a hunt for buried treasure. We created a pirate story that explained how we ended up with our treasure chest full of sand and hidden fortune: “The treasure chest had arrived at Mrs. Nicoleta’s house the night before. It belonged to her greatgreat-grandfather’s uncle, who served as first mate on an English ship. We thought he had been lost at sea, but we later learned that he had joined the crew when his ship was captured by pirates.

This is all that is left of his fortune. Then we had the children search through the sand for real or imitation coins, plastic jewelry, and other “jewels” we had hidden. When they finish sifting through the treasure box we recorded what they found and added it together to show the total of the fortune. The book ‘How I Became a Pirate’ written

by Melinda Long and illustrated by David Shannon took our class into a world within a world, leading them in play tactics and using their imaginations.

Preschool Pirates In Preschool E, we have been enjoying our Pirate Ship role-play area and the different Pirate related activities along the way. To begin, the children looked at many different ship pictures and catalogues in small groups to decide what they wanted the ship to look like, and the different colours they should use. We then practiced our letters and sounds by carefully writing a list of items we would need for our Pirate Ship and read some exciting Pirate Stories to give us an idea about who Pirates are and what they do; our favourite story is “The Night Pirate” by Peter Harris.

Stefan, Lucy and Lena developing their hand-eye coordination carefully when following instructions to make their own pirate’s hat.

Yassin is making a Pirates ship using construction blocks. He is able to recognise the features of these and carefully place them where needed.

Our aquarium display was put together with the help of the children

Maria, Lena and Stefan on a pirate hunt; using their phonics to find different objects with S or P as their initial sound.

Our role play pirate ship was very poplar

Now that the Pirate Ship is complete the children have enjoyed acting out different Pirate Roles whilst playing in there. One of our favourite Pirate jobs is writing messages in a bottle, which usually say, “You can come to my house.” After we had a collection of bottles containing messages we took our snacks to the Science Garden and excitedly placed our bottles into the pond and are awaiting to see if they will float back again soon.

As the school year comes to an end we give you back your child, the same child you confidently entrusted to our care last fall. We give him back pounds heavier, inches taller, months wiser, more responsible, and more mature then he was then.

It has been my pleasure and privilege to watch the children’s personalities unfold day by day and marvel at this splendid miracle of development.

I wish everyone a lovely summer holiday and for those of you who are moving on the best of luck. I look forward to seeing the remaining children back in school in September.

Xavier and his Pirate Ship Junk Model, that he designed and constructed independently.

We have been displaying our creative side by making our own pirate hats, this required us to follow simple instructions and carefully fold our papers in several different ways. Then we designed our own Pirate Ships, and painted our own very large ones, and needed to apply own letters and sounds knowledge of ship vocabulary to label them.

We developed our knowledge and understanding of the world, through different investigations involving floating and sinking. We then used various resources with our junk modelling to make our own ships and investigate whether it floats, and why this is. In addition, we have been continually developing our use of mathematical language, whilst making our own treasure maps and directing the Beebot to different positions to find the gold coins.

Priscilla Varban, Gafencu Reception Teacher

Kayleigh Evans , Preschool E Teacher David is applying his letters and sounds knowledge to write a message in a bottle.

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Lighting up the Lighthouse with Preschool ‘Sea’

and where it should be planted. Having these activities in our role play area allows the children to teach each other how to do the activities, which has helped develop confidence in many of them. We currently have sunflower seeds growing and the children are writing in diaries for each development of their plant. All in all the learning that has been taking place in the flower shop these last few weeks has been remarkable and extremely enjoyable to watch.

Preschool C has gone ‘under the sea’ crazy learning all about the ocean floor, ocean animals, pirates, and much more. However one of our favourite aspects in our learning so far has been finding out about Lighthouses. Not only has the class been reading and researching in books about sea life and sea animals; watching aquarium footage on the interactive whiteboard; and re-creating a ‘sea world’ and ‘beach’ scene in the classroom; but they have also learnt about the importance of Lighthouses!

Deanna Beggs, Reception Class Teacher

Leo and Isabelle playing ‘The Pirate and the Princess’ while using their investigative skills exploring floating and sinking

Preschool C take advantage of the sunshine for a photo

Elsie and Samuel develop their imagination and speaking and listening by pretending to work in a flower shop.

The children really enjoyed learning about Lighthouses and watched a clip of ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ delivering a bulb to a Lighthouse, trying to make it before dark so no ships got lost at sea. Following the clip they were very eager to paint their own Lighthouse pictures and there was lots of talk about what a Lighthouse is. Here are some of the children’s thoughts on Lighthouses…

‘Lighthouses keep the ships safe’, Anais

‘If there is a storm the lighthouse shine tells the pirates’,

Smiling Preschool children lighting up the lighthouse

Sasha

‘The light can show the sailors where to go’, Daniel ‘It will help the ship not crash in the rock because the man driving the ship can see the rock and not drive the ship in the rock like the Titan[ic] ship, that needs a lighthouse to help it’, Parsa ‘The lighthouses are in the sea or on the land next to the sea’,

Ayesha develops her number recognition and counting skills by taking money from customers and counting out coins for them.

Florence

We also used our Lighthouse work to help in PSRN. The children have begun learning to count in tens and using their Lighthouse artwork we were able to make a lovely display counting in tens with Lighthouses.

It is hard to believe it is already coming to the end of our fun filled year in Preschool C. Myself, Miss Cristina and Miss Gabriela have all really enjoyed getting to know all the children over the last year.

We will miss the children who will be leaving BSB this year but wish them all well wherever the future may take them, and we look forward to seeing the children who are staying with us at BSB blossom further through their Reception Year.

All the children in the class have made wonderful progress this year in all areas of learning and it has been such a pleasure to work with them and observe their progress and development.

It has also been a pleasure to get to know all the EYFS children from Crèche right through to Reception, and to work with all the classes over the year. On behalf of the EYFS team I would like to thank all EYFS parents for their support over the year and wish you all a wonderful summer.

We look forward to seeing many of you again in September and give our warmest wishes to those of you leaving us this year.

Claire Cowlishaw, EYFS Coordinator

The British School of Bucharest Magazine

Parsa develops his knowledge and understanding, using books to learn more about sea explorers

Flowers for Sale It is always such a pleasure watching the children take part in role play activities, especially the way in which they talk, listen and interact with each other. We have set up a flower shop in our class where we have observed the children experimenting with new vocabulary and negotiating plans. They have developed the area into a space that they love learning in. They started by making and designing flowers and that led into writing greeting cards, many with very thoughtful messages in them. Then they started assigning roles in the flower shop, such as customers, cashiers and we even have a manager.

Recently, the children were designing seed packets where they had to think about how much water the plant would need, how much sunlight

Sofia works independently to write her observations of her growing plant in her journal.

Carmen and Mariam develop their speaking and listening skills in English.

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Gafencu BSB - A walk down memory lane The Gafencu site first opened its doors in 2005 offering a friendly and intimate learning environment for Foundation Stage children. As we are looking forward to continuously seeing our school grow into an attractive and thriving place for learning and education our BSB Gafencu site will be moving to Pipera to enjoy outstanding facilities in a mature campus. While the location of our school is changing, our mission will always remain the same, this being to continue to focus our energies and resources on teaching students to think critically, creatively, to question with confidence and to act with conviction.

Looking back, our school has grown so much and there have been teachers based at the Gafencu site who have promoted the joy of discovery and the curiosity of children (Melody V., Debbie Stanley, Sarah Rahou, Gina D’Entromont, Angela Harvey, Kath Homer, Kelly Anne Feeney, Priscilla ) Our teachers’ multicultural background and experience have made Gafencu a unique school dedicated to educating students in a stimulating environment to the highest possible academic standards.

As we turn the page on yet another stage in the development of our school it is with great pleasure that we look back at the time we spent learning, laughing and enriching our lives together.

Priscilla Varban - Gafencu Coordinator

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Creche children and Mrs Christine Stowe 2009

Reception Class 2009

Reception class 2008 with their teachers Miss Harvey and Mrs Pantella

Creche class and Mrs Priscilla Varban 2008

Creche children and their teacher, Mrs Debbie Stanley

People who help us

Miss Alexandra & Reception class

Gafencu Summer party with Mrs Gina D’Entremont

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Go Green 2010

Reception class 2007

Gafencu staff at the staff party 2007

Carpet time with Ms Melody Viczko

Swimming lessons with Mrs Gina D’Entremont

Snack Time

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EYFS Extravaganza This summer at BSB has been filled with the excitment of performances and productions from all the children, one of which was the EYFS jungle themed production extravaganza; jam packed with a medley of songs, music and dance. Over the course of the 8th and 9th of June, EYFS took to the stage each morning reinacting a favourite children’s book ‘Giraffes Can’t Dance’ by Giles Andreae, which tells the story of a giraffe who is sad when he sees the other animals dancing at the jungle dance and feels he can’t join in. That is until he realises he

can be happy and dance with the other animals, he just needs his own special song! The children performed the story in a dance-musical style, working hard to learn dance routines to a variety of music and performing all their songs and dances beautifully; looking fantastic, bright and colourful in their wonderful costumes.

All the children from EYFS worked extremely hard with their teachers and the results showed on the day with super performances from all classes. We

would like to thank Mr Jonathan for his hard work with the children in preparation for the productions and would also like to thank parents for helping with costumes, practicing lines and for all your support with our productions throughout the year.

It was lovely to see so many of you at the production and we are glad you could join us for this lovely event as we near the end of another year.

Claire Cowlishaw, EYFS Coordinator

All the EYFS classes worked very hard together in dress rehearsal practicing the songs and routines ready for the show

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Rhinos were the first act on stage kicking the group acts off with a bang!

The children’s costumes were themed to their ‘dancing animal’ characters and looked bright and colourful for the tropical jungle theme

The sad giraffes danced with glee when they realised they just needed the right song

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Gafencu classes travel “Around the world in 20 minutes” “Let’s pack our things and hop in the car with mummy and daddy we’re going real far”…….. and that is how the Gafencu children began their tour around the world for our summer production. From the Grand Canyon to Italy to Norway our students delighted the audience with their performance followed by our garden party when everyone enjoyed sipping lemonade, eating ice cream and looking back at everything the students have accomplished this past school year. We would like to thank all of our Gafencu parents for their support throughout the year and we look forward to seeing everyone back in school, this time at our new location in Pipera. We wish everyone an enjoyable summer.

We travelled to see the whole world

Priscilla Varban , Gafencu coordinator

We went this way and that way over the deep blue sea

Around the world in 20 minutes

Year 1 Summer Production The Year 1 summer production was our own adaptation of the story ‘The Lion Who Wanted to Love’ by Giles Andreae. The story is about Leo the Lion who did not want to eat other animals just love them. He has to leave his pride as he won’t kill other animals. In the end his mum realises she was wrong and that Leo is a very special lion.

tapping their feet in time with the music, some even joined in with our end number ‘All you need is love’.

I would like to thank everyone involved for all their hard work in putting on such a fantastic show Tiffany Moorcroft, Ks1 coordinator

The children all worked really hard to lean their lines and lots of different songs. I was very impressed with how many lines they were all able to remember. Each class was dressed up as a variety of jungle animals and with lots of help and inspiration from Miss Camelia they all looked amazing. We all worked hard to make animal collages for our backdrop which really added to the overall effect.

Each class performed their scenes wonderfully and the whole class songs had the whole audience

What a lot of animals in the jungle

Year 1 singing and remembering all the actions

Year 2 Summer Production Year 2 celebrated the end of their KS1 career with a fabulous summer production. The theme was transition and moving on and it used the Dr Seuss book Oh the Places You’ll Go as its basis.

The book itself is a fantastical story about growing up and the trials and tribulations that we encounter later on in life. The story is an inspirational pep talk about accepting the changes that life throws your way and trying to make good decisions and work with the bad things that happen.

Year 2 thought that this was a good topic for thinking about moving on to the next stage. We wanted to celebrate the fun that we have had in KS1 and the friends that we have made and we also wanted to explain that we are ready for the challenges ahead.

In addition, we wanted to showcase our efforts this term and make links to our curriculum by displaying our geographical knowledge about ‘Islands’. 2F set the scene in the Isle of Struay where the Katie Morag stories are set and then our main character travelled by daydream to Hawaii, where he learned about graduation and the traditions of the island. The Daydreamer in our story ended up in Iceland and by the end he had learned about the different types of islands around the world.

Year 2 had great fun learning about the process of transition and also learning about the world at the same time.

Kellyanne Feeney, Year 2 Class teacher

All wrapped up warm for their adventures in Iceland

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1M - Zoo Visit

YEAR 1P

One of our recent topics has been Carnival of Animals. As part of this we have been learning all about African animals. David suggested that at the end of the topic we could visit the zoo to learn more about them. We all decided this was a great idea.

We made lists of animals we hoped to see, made tickets and even wrote some questions we hoped we would find out at the zoo. One of them was, ”Can a lioness jump?”. Another was ”Can a tiger swim?’

Year 1P have enjoyed doing African art recently and also have enjoyed combining styles of different artists within the African theme. As a result they have painted some wonderful Matisse inspired safari animal pictures and also have carried on the idea of bold and bright colours to paint their Masai tribal people.

Maths has also proven to be very fun and ‘hands on’, as we learnt about symmetry. Who knew folding paper with paint blobs on it in half could be maths? Or colouring butterflies? Or looking in mirrors? We like this topic!

ICT and the range of technology we can use in the classroom now is just astonishing. It is so funny as we investigate our local environment to use Google street maps or 3D globes to find our way around.

Sometimes we just can not imagine that there would be anything left for us to learn as we have already learnt so much this year!

Tiffanie French-Paris, Year 1P Class Teacher.

Alex displays his art skills

Lisa’s enclosure design

All of Year 1 went on the trip. When we arrived we split into smaller groups to try and find out the answers to our questions. Miss Anca’s group saw the lioness jump onto a jeep in her enclosure so this answered one of the questions. The other groups went to vist the tigers but sadly we didn’t see any swimming so we had to wait till we got back to school to find out the answer.

After looking at lots of animals we met up with the other groups and classes to eat our snack.

The children enjoyed talking about what they had seen while eating their apples and having a drink of water. After the break we went back to see some of our favourite animals to do some sketching and take a few more photographs.

African art by Sasha Excellent art work by Tudor

1S - Let’s find out more about Romania and our school 1M arrive at the zoo

When we returned to school we completed some work on enclosures. We discussed what we had seen at the zoo and then set about deciding what a perfect enclosure for our chosen animals needed to have. The children then designed a new enclosure.

The children had some fantastic ideas and their designs can be seen on the board outside 1M’s classroom.

We also wrote some great recounts of the zoo trip and finished finding the answers to our questions.

We discovered from the Internet that tigers are great swimmers.

Thank you David for having such a great idea.

Tiffany Moorcroft, Year 1M Class Teacher

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Marta’s imagination produces some wonderful art

This term the Year 1’s have started a new topic which is all about the world, Romania and our school within it. The children have made a fantastic start and are excited to learn more about the world they live in. The class started with a challenge. They were given three minutes to come up with as many countries as they could think of. The children thought about all the different places we come from. Natalie and Anya thought of New Zealand, thinking I was from there, but Remi and Thea remembered I came from the United Kingdom. The children enjoyed looking for each others’ countries on a map of the world and a map of Europe. Filomena was pleased to see that Ireland was next to the United Kingdom and said we were neighbours. Arish knew we lived in Romania and found it on his map. Stephanie and Zsuzsanna thought Africa was a country and were interested to learn it was a continent. Moritz also realised that Cairo was the capital of Egypt

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Winding Up, the Western Isles and Wonderful Maths!

and pointed out the Suez Canal on our globe. The children will have the chance to investigate all different types of maps and begin to create their own. Emile already knows that some maps are flat whilst a globe is a sphere shape. Omar knew that the North Pole was at the top of the globe and the South Pole at the bottom.

We have been learning about islands in Geography. We have been exploring the fictional Isle of Struay based on the Western Isles of Scotland where the Katie Morag stories are set.

Paloma is playing this character in our summer production and Julia is playing the role of the Lady Artist.

Giraffes showing their world maps with each others’ home countries coloured in.

It is the end of the year for 1S and it has been a wonderful one. The children have worked really hard and I am proud to have been their teacher. I wish them luck for next year.

Helen Stevens, Year 1S Class Teacher

2B Nature All Around Us

Rares has been very interested in finding the Western Isles on a globe and the class have all demonstrated wonderful mapping skills in replicating the island itself. Nicolas also created a wonderful map which was drawn to scale.

Tom was able to explain to the class that the UK is made from four countries. We have been discussing what an island is and Kristian and Daniel were able to explain this due to their University course on New Zealand.

We have been talking about what kind of transport you use on an island, (Honzik and Thomas decided that boats and ferries were the best type) ,and we have also been discussing features such as weather, terrain, hobbies and what life on an island would be like.

In Design Technology we have been investigating wind up toys and this proved to be quite tricky.

Tudor was very interested to see how a pulley worked on a wishing well. Mete was a great help in doing this as he held the mechanism in place.

Amina designed her own wind up toy and she learned about the purpose of the support and its importance. Gregory was able to show her by twisting the handle on a spinning top and letting it go!

Thea and her labelled world map.

Haifa, Claudia and Sebastian looking for items to use in Art

In Numeracy we have been working very hard with fractions and Sophie created some wonderful 2D shapes that she shaded in beautiful colour to show halves and quarters. Isabella was also able to calculate fractions in her head.

We have also been learning about data handling and Sara and Letitia were able to successfully read a graph to discuss which the most and least popular pets in 2F were.

Kellyanne Feeney, Year 2F Class Teacher

Oliver, Hoon, Theodore and Tristan trying to find items that will work best for their Art collages.

Stephanie, Zsuzsanna, and Filomena’s list of countries for the 1S Geography country challenge.

We brainstormed some questions the children wanted to find the answers to by the end of our topic. Oskar wants to find out more about the bears in Romania and wondered what species live here. Arina wants to find out what flowers there are in Bucharest.

The Art topic this term in 2B was Mother Nature, where the students examined natural patterns outside and what you can make using items from nature. The students made collages of scenes from nature. They experimented with different types of paper and fabric to bring interesting shapes, textures and colours into our work. The results have been beautiful, naturally!

This term in History we have been exploring and celebrating island life and those that live on islands. We learned about the life of Grace Darling and her heroic act of risking her life to save the lives of those in a boat accident. The students enjoyed seeing how life might be if you were limited to an island.

Letitia learning about creating graphs and using them to analyse information.

In Science we have been learning about Plants and Animals and some plants and animals that live in our region. The students were very excited to take a field trip to Ferma Animalelor where the students were able to touch and see animals up close!

Emile and Omar thinking of as many countries as they can as part of their Geography country challenge.

The British School of Bucharest Magazine

Brianna Beitz, Year 2 Class Teacher

Sophie displaying her knowledge of fractions

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2S - Researching the Past and the Present

The children had a balanced mix of fact and fun to help them learn to read the time under different formats - digital, analog and words.

Ancient Egypt

This term in Literacy the Year 2’s have been researching dinosaurs for their unit ‘Report Writing’. Why did dinosaurs go extinct? What was the smallest dinosaur? What animals do we have today that look like dinosaurs? These are just a few of the questions that the students answered in their detailed reports. It seems that there are so many questions to be explored and too little time left in the school year to do so.

Finlay and Karen assess each others’ progress in time.

At the end of the topic Year 4 had to complete a project on a ancient Egypt and then parents and other pupils were invited in to look at the work and give some feedback.

In Year 4D we studied the Ancient Egyptians and we looked at Egyptian Society, the geography of Ancient Egypt, major changes to the environment, Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt, mummies and mummification and Pharaohs.

Electra and Levana research dinosaurs

When they were not doing research on dinosaurs, 2S and 2B were busy preparing for their class assembly entitled ‘Around the World’. Given our uniquely diverse school population, we decided to try to represent not only all of our home countries, but also countries that we have visited. Using the internet we researched the unique qualities of different places, learning about a variety of capital cities, languages, climates and tourist attractions.

We made colourful collages filled with the information that we acquired, and we presented these to the parents at our assembly. We hope everyone came away with the feeling that it really is a small world after all.

Kristen Swanson, Year 2S Class Teacher

What Time?

3M have been practising telling the time in maths. Telling time is an essential life-skill and is a big stepping-stone in a child’s life. 3M have discovered that it takes lots of time and patience to learn to do this well!

Natalia and Tabitha developing their understanding of time

We discussed our favourite TV shows and their starting times, finishing times and durations to help us calculate time intervals. Even though this concept is tricky, everyone made progress in this area of Maths.

One thing 3M have realised is that learning about time completely, is just a matter of time!

Tracy Milligan, Year 3M Class Teacher

Geography in Year 3 As a lot of learning involves making links and connections across different areas of knowledge, in Year 3 we have tried to integrate the topics we study as much as possible. This term we are focusing on the local area, the view from our window and how things have changed over time, combining geography with history, art and PSHCE. Map-making skills are an important factor in the geography curriculum and 3T were proud of the maps they made of the school grounds. After finishing, we walked about and explored all the secret short cuts we could, making sure they were marked on our maps.

The first things we looked at was Egyptian Society.

We had to write some information about society including Pharaohs (kings), slaves, soldiers, builders and priests. Then we drew a pyramid, at the top there were fewest numbers, which were Pharaohs and Priests, in the middle there was the builders and at the bottom there were the slaves and soldiers.

We also looked at the mummification process we made our own canopic jar.

Alessandro and Mattia 4D

4H Lowry Landscapes In Art this term 4H have been studying the work of a famous British artist called Lawrence Stephen Lowry. Lowry is most famous for his painting of urban landscapes in the northern parts of England. He has painted many scenes of dreary, grey industrial areas, using colour and tone to amplify the often gloomy emotions of the people on their way to work in dirty factories and dingy mines.

Emily Thomas, Year 3T Class Teacher

Kristopher’s pastel landscape

Caroline and Darius assess each others’ learning in ‘time’.

Our target was to learn how to tell the time to the nearest 5 minute interval. We have used a mixture of resources to explore time including interactive computer software, board games, activity sheets, teaching clocks, watches and time number fans.

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3T had to consider scale and proportion when drawing maps of the school grounds. They then had fun walking round school to try them out.

The pupils have been experimenting with drawing stick-like people that are characteristic of Lowry’s work. They have explored their choice of colour to create both gloomy and cheerful scenes.

Looking more closely at the artist’s work, 4H have identified that he shows perspective through his use of tone and size of objects as they disappear into the distance. We have experimented with using these skills ourselves and successfully added a depth to our own sketching and painting work.

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meet every night but what they didn’t know is that Tim the Ostler also admires Bess. This story is tragic and moving and shows that the power of love overcomes everything.

at a lot of pictures of different types of shelter, we made sketches and also a detailed scaled diagram for our own design. We then had to make an information poster for our shelter.

We all had a blank picture of the Highway Man and we had to colour it in according to the poem.

Another thing that we did was some drama, we all had to take it in turns and freeze frame a scene from the poem.

One of the most important and fun things that we did was when we had to rewrite the poem as a story we were allowed to change the ending a bit or add in a few parts. I think that the Highwayman is a great poem and a lovely story to learn about.

Bram has successfully practised using shading in his sketches

Catriona 5L

5M Science Focus This term in 5M the science focus has been on life cycles of plants. We have looked at how a plant starts off life as a seed and how it then grows through different stages and finally produces more seeds to start the cycle again. The class has investigated a variety of different ways that seeds are dispersed by plants. The many different ways of dispersal have been very interesting and we have watched some amazing videos from the nature expert David Attenborough of seed dispersal all around the world.

Shading and hatching were carefully used by Aniela to add depth to this outline of a horse

Alessandro making the base for his teepee

In the first week we looked at different ways of connecting straws together to make a basic base.

In the second week we started building the simple base out of straws, glue, card and a lot of skill. We connected straws together by cutting out triangles from card and making joints. Some of us needed to bring supplies from home to be able to build our shelters. On week four the shelters were starting to (kind of) take shape, even though some of the shelters kept falling down: take the igloo for example. Finally on the seventh week our shelters were finally done. Everyone had amazing, different shelter from around the world!

Zain and Hassan

Some of the pupil’s work has really stood out.

Notice how Aniela has carefully used shading and hatching skills to complete the outline of a horses head. Doesn’t it look realistic? Bram has worked hard to use shading and tone to reproduce one of Lowry’s famous sketches. Using pastels, Kristopher has created a superb replica of another one of Lowry’s pictures. Notice the careful choice of colour and the element of perspective shown in his work.

PHSCE in 6H

Stuart Harrison, Year 4H Class Teacher

5L - ‘The Highwayman’ Sara from 5M investigating seed dispersal

Around school during spring there have been lots of examples of different seeds sitting on the ground and floating in the air. Have you seen them?

In 6H, during our PHSCE lessons we have been focusing on ‘Similarities and Differences’ between people around the world. We had an opportunity to share with the class things about ourselves that make us the same and different from others.

We even got to take a Multiple Intelligence test to determine our secret skills, however most of the information that we discovered we already knew. During our lessons on differences we learned the definition of discrimination, which is treating someone unfairly because they are different. We also learned about different types of discrimination which include; racism, ageism, sizeism, sexism and not treating people as equals because of disabilities. Once we had a good understanding about discrimination and the problems it can cause, we were asked to write stories, create skits (plays), and power points. We even got to act out our skits.

Dan Madsen, Year 5M Class Teacher

Making Shelters

Arina and Raluca using freeze framing to investigate characters in a classic poem

5L have been studying a famous poem called ‘The Highwayman’. When we started to read this poem we had to break it up because most of the words that were in it we did not understand but we learned their meanings as a class by using our team skills. We discussed what the poem was about and this is what we have come up with: The Highway Man is a tragic tale of love and envy when a dastardly Highway Man has given his love to the Landlord’s daughter Bess. The two lovers

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Youngsters Jorge and Patrick ask to play basketball, but teenagers Chi Bin, Haris and Francois are discriminating due to size and age in a PSHCE skit in 6H Thanos building his igloo shelter.

For the past seven weeks 6B has been working on their amazing shelters from around the world.

There was a huge variety of shelters, from the icecold igloos to the amazing Teepee’s. After looking

In our skits and stories we not only had to write about the problems associated with discrimination, but also come up with positive solutions. Hopefully some of the skits and stories will encourage others and make the solutions a reality.

Kayla and Angela

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CEPES Conference At the end of May I was invited to attend a conference entitled “Life after graduation: The Role of Graduate Employment and Tracking Systems for Continuous Curricula Development and Quality Enhancement in Higher Education” which was held in Sibiu and was A Joint initiative of the UNESCO European Centre for Higher Education (CEPES) and The UNESCO Chair in Quality Management of Higher Education and Lifelong Learning, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu (LBUS).

My role was to represent the education sector as an international employer and to make a contribution as to what schools look for in terms of knowledge, skills and competences when recruiting and retaining educators.

The keynote speakers were from a wide variety of Universities and fields, some as far away as China and Australia and they delivered a range of fascinating talks on a variety of subjects. I found it a fascinating experience, not least to contribute my part in order to help Universities train the workforce of the future but also to hear, first hand, the work

that Universities are doing around the world in order to prepare the next generation for the challenges of the next fifty years and beyond.

At BSB we have long been interested in ‘future proof’ skills and the idea of innovation in education so I felt very privileged to be able to discuss ideas with such a wide range of professionals and to bring ideas back to share with my colleagues here at school. All round, it was a very interesting and informative conference.

Naima Hussain, Head of Lower School

Primary House Competition

Hi everyone!

Hi Everyone

I’m Alex, the House Captain of Danube and Danube has really much improved in the past few weeks. I am extremely pleased that we are 1st in House points now with an amazing score!

This is my first time that I have written for the newspaper.

We will have Science Day in which Danube children are going to cooperate and do teamwork to win.

Danube never gives up and we will be top of the leader board if we continue like this. Danube is the best and it will remain the best!

GO DANUBE! GO DANUBE! Alex

Today is the house captain assembly so I am a bit stressed because of that, but I hope it will go well. Tomorrow is going to be Science Day so this is a very special week for me and I think every one is going to have a lot of fun and win plenty of house points.

Matteo

In the last few weeks Mures acted beautifully in assemblies and listened brilliantly to what I and François (the vice captain) instructed them to do.

Mures has improved a lot since the beginning of the year in everything possible and luckily soon the House team competition will be arriving!

So, then we can show our teamwork improvements.

Mures we have lots to do but till now we are trying our best!

I promise you that by the end of the year we will be beyond best!

Good luck Mures and keep behaving wonderfully!

It is a magnificent opportunity for me to be a house captain!

Go Mures go go gooo!!

Gaya

Hello Everybody, As you know my name is Patrick and I am the house captain of Olt. This term Olt has worked hard but was disappointed with the result.

We are second place, trailing by 500 house points but that won’t stop us in the race.

Today, I and Antoine have made a PowerPoint because it’s the house Captain Assembly. Tomorrow we have Science day and we are going to have lots of fun.

Nothing will stop us winning except ourselves, so be positive if you want to win win.

Olt doesn’t do things because they are easy but they do things because they are hard.

By disappointment we can make determination and that is what we are going to do this term.

Keep going if you want to win.

Patrick

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Student Council Update As always, the Primary Student Council has had a very busy and exciting year. As a recap, we have organized and run the BSB Play Pals, Friendship Day, Craze of the Month and the BSB’s Got Talent Show. Throughout all of these experiences we have worked extremely well as a team to get the job done! It has been a real learning experience as we have had to vote and make decisions that affect the whole school.

For the BSB’s Got Talent show we had to discuss which acts would make it to the semi-finals, which was very difficult because all of the people who auditioned did a great job. Then, our Primary Student Council President (me - Alina) got the amazing opportunity to sit on the judge’s panel and choose the participants who would move forward to the Finals. In the end, the show was even bigger and better than last year.

Overall, it has been an awesome year and we wish the Student Council of next year the best of luck!

Alina and Angela 6H

All of BSB watches as Stefanie 6B performs Abba during the 2nd Annual BSB's Got Talent Show!

University Update We have had some exciting new University courses this year.

World Class have been running a dance course for KS1 for University 3. The children will be showing what they have learnt with a performance at the summer fair. When I went to watch the dancers Campbell said, ‘It is fun, I am not nervous about dancing anymore’.

In KS1 we have also had new courses in felt crafts, card making and meditation.

New courses in KS2 have included Straw Craft, Health and Well Being and Latin.

We have also had a course named ‘Shakespeare Drama University’, pupils have been learning about Shakespeare and then rehearsing and performing some scenes from Hamlet . They have performed in KS2 assemblies. Laura in 6B said 'Shakespeare University is a perfect time to improve your drama skills. Ms Emily is an amazing teacher, patient and kind, we also learned a lot about Shakespeare's life. Go drama go!'

Children learning about the spine in Health and Well being university.

Card making helps the children learn many artistic and fine motor skills.

Latin university students hard at work.

During Open Day many parents went to join in with straw crafts.

All these courses have given the children a wide range of new skills that they can take away and continue to work on.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all parents who have led courses this year; your time and effort is really appreciated.

If you are interested in running a course next year please contact the school office.

Tiffany Moorcroft, University coordinator

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Splish Splash We’re Swimming!

The sun is out and the pool cover is off! That means the PE Department have started teaching their swimming lessons for all EYFS, KS1 and Year 3 classes. The children are unbelievably excited about it too!

Our main focus is to build upon confidence and skills in the water which help to facilitate the children learning to swim. This of course encourages water familiarisation, enjoyment and movement.

There is a strong emphasis on developing personal water safety skills, greater independence and confidence. We do all types of activities which include walking, floating, breathing, pushing off the side, gliding, kicking, and stroke work on the front and the back. Children get used to hearing about the BLABT principle: Body position, Leg action, Arm action, Breathing and Timing. Swimming strokes and technique will be progressively refined and the emphasis on personal water safety will increase as the weeks go on.

1S - Arish, Remi, Moritz swimming with Mr Burt

1S swimming across the pool with Mr Burt

1S swimming across the pool with Mr Burt

Daniel with the kick board and Sasha waiting for his turn - Pre School C

Look out! You’re next Years 4, 5 and 6. You will begin your swimming lessons at the beginning of the next school year where there is a strong focus on water confidence, independence, stroke technique, development and building endurance levels. Have a great summer break - be safe in the water. Splish Splash!

Billie Jones, PE Teacher

Pre School C - We’re building up our confidence in the water by collecting the colourful dive rings that sink to the bottom of the pool

Handwriting Competition Once again BSB children have excelled themselves at handwriting for our annual handwriting competition. It is a shame that we can only have one winner and runner up, as many, many children did beautiful work. Well done all!

Special congratulations go to our overall winner: Cristina from 5L.

Here are the winners class by class: 1P: 1S 1M 2F 2S 2B 3M

Winner: Winner: Winner: Winner: Winner: Winner: Winner:

Tudor Stephanie Melissa Daniel Patrick Claudia Claudia

Front row - Zubeyde, Boris, Cristina, Kristopher, Claudia, Clara and Nina Back row - Hyung-Jung, Laura, Joanna, Aniela, Cristina, Klara, Darius and Jorge

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Runner up: Runner up: Runner up: Runner up: Runner up: Runner up: Runner up:

Kyu Min Filomena Andra Letitia David Smruti Darius

3W 4D 4H 5L 5M 6H 6B

Winner: Winner: Winner: Winner: Winner: Winner: Winner:

Boris Nina Kristopher Cristina Joanna Hyun Jung Laura

Runner up: Runner up: Runner up: Runner up: Runner up: Runner up: Runner up:

Cristina Zubeyde Aniela Clara Klara Jorge Stanislav

Key Stage 1 winners: Front row: Kyu Min, Tudor, Filomena, Stephanie, Melissa, Andra.

Back row : Daniel, Letitia, David, Claudia, Smruti

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Spring Bonnet Parade On the 14th April the EYFS and KS1 classes took the spotlight once again while performing their annual Spring Bonnet Parade. This was a first time event for our younger children in Crèche and some of our Preschool children and new starters this year, however some of the returning EYFS students and the KS1 students were real pro’s after taking part in the bonnet parades over the last few years. All the children arrived at school with wonderful creative bonnets and were very excited to parade for their parents. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t feeling so ‘springy’ so the parade had to be held indoors but the colourful hats and the children’s wonderful singing brightened up our day. The children worked very hard in the lead up to the parade, practicing their singing with Mr Jonathan and Mr Green, and the results showed on the day when each of the EYFS and KS1 classes took turns to perform a song then parade their hats, and were greeted with lots of applause and cheering from the audience who really enjoyed the parades.

Many thanks to everyone who supported the children at home in making their beautiful bonnets

and to all those who were able to come on the day to cheer on the children.

Claire Cowlishaw, EYFS Coordinator Brianna Beitz, KS1 Class Teacher

ICT Competition 2011 This year the ICT competition was focused on the theme of ‘ICT in the Future’. The children were asked to draw what they thought ICT might look like in 10, 100 or 1000 years time.

There were some very interesting entries with ideas ranging from floating TVs which carried out all of your entertainment and communication needs, MP3 players which were stored in your teeth, phones which also doubled as fashionable earrings, and messaging systems which used beams of light.

All the ideas have been patented by Mr. Leese!

The KS2 winner was Zain from 6B with his ‘U3 Humanoid’; a robotic attachment to your face which has multiple uses as a camera, mobile phone, MP3 player, and memory card reader!

Smiles for the camera!

Year 1 were very creative!

All the lovely hats created by KS1

Year 2 getting ready to show off their bonnets.

All the lovely bonnets from EYFS

Zain’s idea for the future of ICT - the U3 Humanoid!

Running Competition BSB vs Mark Twain On May 19th, despite only having a few days to prepare, Mr Burt took a small team of primary children to a running competition hosted by the the Mark Twain international school. A boy and a girl from each year group in KS2.

Year 3 was represented by Sarah, 3M and Theodor, 3T. From Year 4 were Leoni, 4H and Alesandro, 4D. Year Five was represented by Marcel, 5L and Hanna, 5M and in Year 6 were Stanislav, 6B and Hannah, 6H. Between them they brought home 4 gold medals and 2 silvers. They were a true credit to the school and should be very proud of their efforts.

Clayton Burt Primary PE Teacher

The BSB Primary running team.

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Just a couple of our many medals; Leonie and Stanislas achieve golds.

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Thanks for all the cakes!!

A huge thank you to all the mums, dads, grandparents, nannies, students, staff and anyone else who has ever made something delicious for our bake sales.

Class Creche:

We have had healthy bake sales, ice-cream sales and of course lots and lots of delicious cakes. As well as providing us all with a much needed tasty treat at the end of a week, the bake sales provide classes and groups within the school a means to fundraise for a variety of things. The Student Council have sent most of the money they raised to help with the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami relief fund and have kept some to spend on a variety of things including the summer party and some wet playtime games for Secondary students. The Eco Schools have all donated their money to the Japan relief fund and have used the rest for various Eco projects around the school, including composting and resources for next year’s Green Day. Last year they bought seeds, pots and plants for classes.

Each year group or class gets a bake sale of their own and they are free to decide what they would

Preschool E:

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Preschool C: Reception: Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6

Where the money went…

Fake flowers for role play, a yellow shower curtain, Boogie Beebies DVD, google eyes and confetti flowers for creative crafts and bedding and food for Jerry.

Children’s CD's and music, themed crafty materials, cushions, fairy lights, lamp, and a blanket.

Childrens CD's, cushions, fun lamps, finger puppets.

Play tent with tunnel, heart shaped boxes for friendship week, a car mat.

Reading corners. Food for our rabbits and turtles.

Indoor and outdoor hutch, 2 rabbits, bedding and food Construction games and fun resources for Golden Time.

Half to the Japanese Tsunami fund and half has been kept for a special event at the end of the year - most likely a pizza party!

Class prizes for a bread tasting competition and food and drink for a class party.

A bowling trip and class pizza party.

like to spend the money on. The children make the decision together and the teachers help them to put the money to the best use.

As Year 6 have said, “We really enjoyed our bake sale and our bowling trip’, so happy times all round.

Thanks for all the cakes!

BSB

2B enjoying their new furry friend

From sugar to really sweet - Ringwood are all going bananas for the KS1 bunnies.

The very expensive super hutch

Y1 have gone to town on soft furnishings to make a really cosy book corner.

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Primary Art Gallery This term has been an exciting one for BSB’s burgeoning artists.

On May 12th many students took part in their first art exhibition as participants in BSB’s Primary

Art Gallery. The work on display represented the efforts of Year 1 to Year 6 students throughout the year. The show included sculptures, paintings, drawings, collages, mosaics and masks.

Ana - Maria and Hyung Jung from 6H enjoying their work on display

The parents and primary classes all had an opportunity to take part in our celebration of artistic talent by visiting the gallery throughout the week. I would like to thank all of the students who submitted work, in particular

Hyun Jung in 6H, Andreeas in 4D and Electra in 2S for contributing several pieces of quality work.

Kristen Swanson, Primary Art Coordinator

The Primary Art exhibition in the Foyer at Crawford was enjoyed by parents and students alike

Primary Science Day All children from Year 1 to Year 6 took part in the Primary Science Day. The focus this year was investigations.

The day was split into two parts. In the morning class teachers organised activities which the children rotated around. There were some wonderful

activities such as: stretchy tights, parachutes and lava lamps.

For the afternoon all children were in their house teams for science themed challenges. Each challenge had a group from each house taking

part. The teams were awarded points not only for how well they did in the challenge but how well they worked together.

It was a wonderful day and the only dampener was the weather which

forced us inside. This didn’t seem to affect anyone and a great day was had by all.

Vanessa Broadbent, Primary Science Coordinator

Drinkable Water House Challenge

Chair for Baby Bear House Challenge

Absorbing Water with Miss Moorcroft

Investigating Rainbows with Miss Swanson

Rapunzel’s Tower House Challenge

Dancing Raisins with Mr Leese

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Science Day in Year 6 On the 12th of May was Science Day. We had tons and tons of fun.

First we had Miss Broadbent. With her we did Soapy Speed Boats. We had to cut a small piece of card into different shapes and at the back we had to cut a tab. Then we had to put the boat in a tray of water, take a pencil with washing up liquid soap and pour a drip in the hole of the tab and like that the soapy speed boat would travel in the water. But if we would try it once again it wouldn’t work so we had to empty the tray and fill it with new water.

Our second activity was with Mr. Leese. With him we did dancing raisins. In our groups we had to decide if we would change the liquid or the object.

We could choose between: Fanta, Coca Cola, Sprite and fizzy water. Between objects we could choose: Gummy Bears, raisins, pasta and skittles. Then we had to fill a plastic glass with one of the liquids and put 4 or more objects. Then we had to count how many times it went up and down.

The next activity we did was with Mr. Madsen. We had to make two paper airplanes. We had to do a competition. One was to see which paper airplane flew further and the next to see which one stayed in the air for the longest time. Our last activity before the house competition was with Mr. Hamacher. We had to see if a raw egg could float in water. After we had discovered that it didn’t we had to then use salt to make it float.

The last task the whole school did was the interhouse competition. Every one was put in one of the 3 tasks. One task was to make a chair for a Year 1 child to sit on out of newspapers and tape. Another task that we did was Rapunzel’s tower. We had to make a tower out of pasta and marshmallows. We had to put an egg on the tower without it falling. In the last task, they gave us a bottle full of dirty water, sand, rice and soil. We had to filter the water so that it was clear.

That was our Science Day. As we said before it was tons of fun.

Laura and Alexandra 6B

Mapping and Orienteering training for all Primary staff ‘The Primary Geography Quality Mark (PGQM) is an award for primary schools who wish to achieve recognition for the quality and progress in geography curriculum development, learning and teaching in their school.’ Geographical Association Our school currently holds the Bronze PGQM status. We are in the process of reapplying for the bronze status and aiming for the silver. The school has always highlighted the importance of Geography and celebrated the international learning environment we work in.

The teaching of mapping skills has formed an important part of the schools approach to Geography. Children currently have the opportunity to learn, amongst others, what a map is, how we can use them and how to draw their own. The children are introduced to maps at the beginning of their primary curriculum. In each year group, the skills they have learnt previously are developed upon to ensure progression. The school recognises the importance of ensuring there is a progression of geographical skills throughout the year groups and that children are given plenty of opportunities to build upon them.

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have grounds that lend themselves perfectly to such activities and present the children with a wonderful opportunity to become active in their own learning. The staff were able to participate in a co-operative mapping exercise that saw them looking for clues all around the grounds. They had to use a map of the school campus, which had the markers identified, and each took turns to go to the correct place to collect the clue. Through simple, enjoyable activities the staff needed to read the maps, recognise a variety of mapping and orienteering symbols, find the clues and then work with their team to solve the problem. The whole process involved a variety of skills being used both geographical and social.

Mr Davidson is off to find the first marker point

The focus of our recent staff training was to bring the process of mapping skills out of the classroom and into the outdoors. At BSB we are lucky to

The training has given the staff some ideas about bringing the learning outside of the classroom.

By the end of the year, each class will have the chance to partake in its own simple orienteering activity. With each opportunity the children are given to learn these skills, the more they themselves will initiate their learning and naturally progress.

Helen Stevens, Geography Co-ordinator

Studying a map of the school and deciding who will go to which marker

A competitive Miss Milligan rushes back to her team with her clue

Mr Davidson returns with the correct clue

The winning team who solved the clues to spell the word ‘Antelope’

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Stefan, Y6B gains prize in international competition Early in May, Stefan (6B) gained 3rd Prize in the piano section of the prestigious Citta di Barletta in Italy, an international competition for young musicians. Even more remarkable is the fact that he has been playing for just two years under his teacher Cristina Carp.

Stefan doesn’t have a favourite composer and enjoys the different qualities of all types of music.

In Italy he played a Chopin etude and a Mozart sonata. The secret of his success is his dedication to practice: he plays for two or three hours each night when home from school. Stefan hopes to be a concert pianist when he grows up.

Steven Green, Primary Music Teacher

Stefan, Y6B, concentrating hard at the piano

Attending the competition in Italy

Stefan Mircea certificate

New arrivals to Ringwood We are pleased to announce the arrival of two new rabbits and a turtle to the Ringwood garden. The rabbits, called Hop Hop and Lollipop are sharing an enclosure with Happy the tortoise. They have a beautiful new hutch that Year 2 bought with their bake sale money.

Each class will be taking it in turns to look after the rabbits. This will include cleaning the hutch, feeding and changing the water. The children will learn about caring for rabbits and the responsibility that comes with this.

The new turtle, Poppy, has joined Shy who was donated last year. They have a lovely new pond in a separate enclosure that is maintained by the KS1 and 2 gardening clubs. The children are able to look over the fence to watch the two turtles swimming and basking in the sunshine. Thank you to the school maintenance team who have been adjusting our fence so we get a better view.

We had a competition to name our new animals.

Children wrote down their ideas for names and we came up with two shortlists. Everyone then voted for their favourite name. We used this as an opportunity to learn about tally charts and graphs. The winning names were chosen by Sanziana 1P, David R 2S and Maia 2S. Tiffany Moorcroft, KS1 Coordinator

The British School of Bucharest Magazine

Hop hop and lollipop

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BSB Students Go Dutch Since the start of the school year a small group of students from BSB, including Luka, Isabelle, Sebastian, Eva, Thomas, Nicolas, Duncan, Tristan, Astrid, Antoine, Klara and Jarod have been receiving Dutch lessons every Monday. These lesson have been organised by NTC, which is a Dutch Language and Culture school run by teacher-director ’Jan Struys’, an accredited native Dutch speaker with work experience in Flanders - Belgium.

When asked about the course he runs after school at BSB, Jan said that he uses methods and materials imported from the Netherlands such as “the Reading Key” (de Leessleutel) and “Language Active” (Taal Actief).

The curriculum followed covers the needs of Dutch expatriate students (who are enrolled in the International School Systems) with supplemental Dutch language instruction, keeping them current on Dutch language requirements as taught at schools in the Netherlands and Belgium. This ensures that these students can more easily return into the Dutch school system upon repatriation back to the Netherlands or Belgium.

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The NTC currently teaches children aged 4 -12 years old, with the students receiving 2.5 hours of Dutch lessons a week, which in 1 school year amounts to 120 hours on Dutch and Culture.

During the lessons we focus on developing and improving Dutch vocabulary, speech, reading ability and writing skills (spelling & grammar), Jan said. We combine class-room language instruction with learning games, Dutch music & songs, drama (roleplay), arts & crafts and cooking (ranging from making Dutch delicacies from scratch to putting together an entire "Rijsttafel"): all in an effort to more closely experience Dutch language and culture.

Lessons are student centred, catering to the individual developmental needs of each student.

We test our students on a regular basis to track their progress and accordingly can adjust the curriculum based on the outcome of the tests.

NTC also organizes cultural events ranging from: a “Sinterklaas Feest” or “Koninginnedag Feest”, to a Streetgameday or a culture walk in the forest.

The school also maintains an extensive library offering a broad range of materials to help students improve their reading and comprehension skills at the beginner, intermediate and advanced level.

Jan says that NTC make every effort to group the students according to their age, their grade level and their knowledge of the Dutch language.

If you are a Dutch speaker and would like to know more about these classes, please contact the office or Jan Struys directly: jan.struys@ddtransport.ro

Meester Jan looks at the answers by Thomas , Duncan and Nicolas

The 12 students in the Dutch NTC-school.

Klara works on her Dutch contract

Astrid gets an explanation

Visit the BSB website at www.britishschool.ro

Romanian National Philatelic Museum Exhibition While the exhibition from the Romanian National Philatelic Museum was packed from the Crawford foyer and the one from the Peasant’s Museum was starting to take shape, the Newlands Library had to expand to accommodate a small but very interesting set of items brought to our school from the Aviation Museum. As our school trips to the museum were always a success, we were more than happy to have the roles reversed and become the host of interesting exhibits on display. Our

students could see samples of dried food used by astronauts during intercosmic flights, pilot goggles and headpieces, badges and parts of astronaut costumes, together with a set of photographs presenting key moments in the history of Romanian aviation. The children loved them and I am planning on having the exhibition expanded when we return to school in September.

Midnight to be a future mother

Ana-Maria Marin, Librarian

Unfortunately Midnight will no longer be a guide dog. Instead her future is now to become a breeding dog! On Thursday the 5th of May Midnight was taken to meet her new mating partner. His name is Snoopy. Snoopy is a fit and handsome black Labrador. I am sure that together Midnight and Snoopy will have the cutest puppies and those lucky puppies will make the world a better place. So keep your eyes peeled because in two months, those puppies will be here!

Veronika, Year 5 Exhibits from the Aviation Museum

Insight into what flying meant a few decades ago

The British School of Bucharest Magazine

Our students could see what food means for an astronaut

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Peasant’s Museum Exhibition - “Traditional Childhood” To mark the celebration of the International Children’s Day, The British School of Bucharest and The Peasant’s Museums organized an exhibition in the foyer of Crawford House. The museum kindly put together an exhibition called “Traditional Childhood”. The items presented were different samples of toys from the past, most of them made of wood or clay, and samples of traditional Romanian outfits for children.

“The game fulfills a key role in the lives of children, develops complex relationships between children and is determined by the environment in which the child lives, the mentality of a particular society, adult habits and events of everyday life.

Children copy through games and toys, gestures and activities that they observe around them.

In the traditional village toys were made of rags, paper, corn husk, but mostly they were made of burned clay and wood and were used to develop intelligence, imagination, agility and skill of using musical instruments.” explained Adriana Ispas, the representative from The Peasant’s Museum.

Our students enjoyed visiting the exhibition. They comparied the toys they play with nowadays with the ones the Museum brought for them to see. “We like the toys we have now more, but we would still like to play with that beautifully painted doll-size furniture” said Erin and Ipek from 4D. Ana-Maria Marin, Librarian

BSB students visiting the exhibition of toys from the past

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Old toys captured students’ interest

The toys exhibition was a success

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Secondary Review question and look up and there are only 10 minutes to go! We are at the end of the school year - how has the time passed for you?

Have you made the most of the school year?

Have you made the best possible use of your time?

Have you taken advantage of the opportunities made available to you this year?

Do you feel that you’ve had too much work to do and no time to do it?

Don’t start reading just yet just wait 30 seconds……

It was actually only 30 seconds. During that silence 30 seconds ticked away - 30 seconds of your life and 30 seconds of my life. We can never bring those seconds back - they’re gone forever. Nevertheless we can reflect on how we used those 30 seconds…

When you’re bored, time seems to slow down.

It’s almost as if the hands of the clock are going backwards. When you’re bored you just seem to fritter the time away, and the more bored you get, the longer the minutes and hours seem to be. Then there are the occasions when the opposite happens and time flies. Usually when we are really enjoying something - a football game, a film, or when we are really concentrating on what we are doing - such as working hard in an exam. You get to the last

I have been asked to review the year for our secondary students for this issue so I started by going back through the previous issues and then as I started looking, flicking through the pictures and reading my time literally flew because I was enjoying myself so much. It is fantastic to see our secondary students taking opportunities available to them and getting so involved in their education attending international debating competitions, drama workshops, residential trips, performing in front of crowds, involved in charity events across Bucharest, being competitive during a house competition, working hard on the yearbook, enjoying a good book on the reading race, using blogs and moodles to access their work, being involved in eco committee initiatives, representing our school at other schools, exhibiting their work for others to see, attending university fairs, going on work experience, showing enterprise by running bake sales, event managing on the student council; but more than this doing all of these things additional to the curriculum we provide at The British School of Bucharest. I was talking to the students very recently about skills and qualities and we watched a video together, about how the

world is changing at a phenomenal rate and how qualifications are vitally important but employers are looking for additional skills and attributes on top of qualifications. Therefore involvement in all the ventures and initiatives at The British School of Bucharest on a daily basis is adding to our students ever-growing repertoire of skills and attributes for their future employers.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our students on a very successful year, myself and Mr O’Brien are looking forward to receiving our examination results in August for our Year 11 and Year 12 students. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish the students leaving us at the end of the year all the very best and I hope they cherish the memories they have made at The British School of Bucharest. I will leave you with a short poem. I hope you have a restful and safe summer break and we look forward to welcoming you back in September energised, motivated and ready for another year.

Take time to work - It is the price of success.

Take time to think - It is the source of power.

Take time to play - It is the secret of perpetual youth.

Take time to read - It is the foundation of wisdom.

Take time to be friendly - It is the road to happiness.

Take time to dream - It is hitching your wagon to a star.

Take time to love and be loved - It is the privilege of the gods.

Take time to look around - The day is too short to be selfish.

Take time to laugh - It is the music of the soul.

Jen Kemp, Assistant Head of Secondary

Secondary students taking time to work, think, read, laugh and be friendly

The British School of Bucharest Magazine

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Student Council Update Student Council has been kept very busy this year, so here is a look at what we’ve been up to over the past three terms!

The first term will be remembered for the very scary Halloween party that we organised on October 20th 2010.We also set up a Yearbook Committee to prepare the first ever BSB Yearbook. At Christmas, the whole school participated in a Secret Santa in which each student got a small anonymous gift from another class member.

In Term 2, to celebrate International Pancake Day, we had a Pancake Bake sale on Wednesday 2nd February. This year’s Friendship Day was held on February 14th 2011 and Secondary students exchanged presents as symbols of friendship.

For World Book Day on March 2nd, students were invited to come dressed up as their favourite book character. Our most successful event this year

proved to be Crazy Hair Day - we managed to raise a staggering 2720 RON to support a Romanian orphanage and the flood victims in Pakistan. Right before the holidays, we held BSB’s Got Talent auditions from 1st April - 15th April following the success of last year’s event.

During the last term, we held BSB’s Got Talent semifinals on May 18th; the finalists performed during the Summer Fair on June 4th. Finally, to celebrate all our hard work and numerous achievements, the Secondary end-of-year party was organised on June 10th.

Overall, it’s been a great year and I would like to thank all the other Student Council Representatives, Mr. McGowan and Ms. Vollaire for making these events possible for everybody to enjoy.

Ana, Year 9

BSB collaborating with Instituto Cervantes Did you know that Spanish is the world’s fourth most commonly spoken language and the second language of international communication? Well, it is! 400 million people, in around 20 countries, speak Spanish. It is also the mother tongue of Cervantes, Federico García Lorca, Mario Vargas Llosa or Pedro Almodóvar. These are some of the names that have made the culture of Spain and Latin America one of the most open, plural, diverse and creative.

The Instituto Cervantes was set up in Spain in 1991 to promote and teach Spanish and to spread the culture of Spain and Spanish speaking countries around the world. In Bucharest there was a high

demand from Spanish speaking families to have support in their children’s education as they are receiving it in a different language.

This term BSB has started collaborating with this project. I am extremely proud to be able to help Cristina Reis and this amazing institution. We have started with an introductory course and we are willing to continue in September.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information and visit this website if you are interested in the projects that Instituto Cervantes are doing (www.cervantes.es) Rocio Marti, Spanish teacher

Logo Instituto Cervantes

La Chandeleur: French Pancake Day Year 8 French celebrated a very important French day : la Chandeleur (French pancake day). Having watched and read about the preparation of pancakes in French, the students worked in a group and prepared delicious pancakes. The tradition requires people to flip pancakes in the air and I am happy to say that Filippo was able to perform a beautiful double flip and the class were also treated to a synchronised flip by Alexandru and Filippo !

Chaque année en février les français célèbrent un jour formidable : la Chandeleur. La Chandeleur 2011 était un jour extraordinaire à BSB parce que nous avons préparé des crêpes : le meilleur dessert français ! Nous avons beaucoup aimé cette leçon. Mais nous avons eu quelques déboires quand nous avons préparé la pâte. La partie la plus intéressante, c’était de faire sauter les crêpes ! Fillipo était très fort à ça. Nous avons partagé les crêpes avec nos professeurs et nos familles à la maison. Ils ont dit que les crêpes étaient délicieuses. Le plus dur, c’était de laver les plats, on a essayé de ne pas le faire mais malheureusement on n’a pas réussi ! Enfin, c’était amusant. Je crois que c’était la meilleure journée des crêpes. Merci Madame Vollaire!

Mariam, 8V

Huzaifa, Rhys and Hristos making pancakes

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Year 5 Learn about French festivals This half-term Year 5 French have been learning about the different festivals which take place in France throughout the year. Understanding the culture behind the language is an important aspect of language learning and a good way of making the language come to life.

La Fête de la Musique is a French festival which allows French citizens to play music in the streets of Paris and other cities, this special day takes place on the 21st June. People go on the streets and have fun.

Here is what Year 5 students found out:

La Fête du 14 Juillet (Bastille Day) is the national day in France. The army has a parade and part of its route goes near the Arc de Triomphe. The Air force flies over Paris and planes make the French flags out of coloured fumes. People watch fireworks.

La Fête des Rois : you eat a yummy cake called Galette This festival is in January, the person who finds the figurine (la fève) wins a crown and becomes the queen or king (la reine ou le roi).

Sasa, 5M and Vlad, 5M

For Carnaval (carnival), people dress up and party in the streets. It usually happens in February or in March.

Anisia, 5M and Sara, 5M

Pâques (Easter): People make nests and put them outside their houses. Over the night, lots of bells come and give chocolate. It is a traditional celebration in many countries: Romania, England, Canada Slovakia etc… but there instead of bells, rabbits bring chocolates.

Marcel, 5L and David, 5L

Sasa, 5M Vlad, 5M and Radu, 5L

On the 25th December, it is Christmas (Noël).

People decorate their trees with globes (les boules de noël) and other decorations. People receive presents (les cadeaux) from the Père Noel (Santa Claus). They eat la Bûche en Chocolat (a French Christmas cake) and spend time with their families.

Clara, 5M

Anda, 5L; Samaa, 5L and Veronika, 5L

Paris Trip 2011 Preparations for the Paris trip are well on their way, and the excitement is rising. The flights have been booked and the itinerary is finalised. Students going to Paris will have the opportunity to pay a visit to the “grande dame” of art: the Mona Lisa in her home at the Louvres museum. We will also enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the river Seine and see and visit the most famous and beautiful monuments of Paris: the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Sacré Coeur and the Pompidou Museum. We will also be able to sample some of the more unusual sights of the French capital as we will drop by the Cité des Sciences and the catacombs which are underground burial chambers that can be found the under the city. Going a little further afield from the capital, we will of course admire the beautiful Château de Versailles and its impressive French gardens and wonderful Halls of Mirrors or Galerie des Glaces. No trip to France would be complete without meeting the two famous French comics’ characters Asterix and Obélix. This year trip will also coincide with la Fête de la Musique on the 21st June, when France celebrates music with free concerts on the streets.

Manon Vollaire French Teacher and Trip Organiser

Clara’s Year 5 Poster about French festivals

Eiffel Tower

‘Figures in Movement’ Year 9 have recently taken part in a collaborative activity organised by the PE and Art department.

Students were photographed making simple hitting actions, whilst playing badminton. Mr Burt used a continuous shot camera which was able to take 23 pictures per second. The photographs gave the students a range of activities to choose from in the

Art room, including animated flip books, studies of figures in movement and futuristic paintings.

This activity really helped them to develop their observational drawing skills and gave them the challenge of investigating foreshortening, as they studied arm and leg movement. They chose vibrant background colours and geometric shapes to

complement their designs. Well done to all of the students who were very engaged in this activity and produced exciting work in response to the theme.

Eda during her badminton lesson

Eda interprets movement in badminton

Nikita creates an animated flip book

The British School of Bucharest Magazine

Martina Greaney Creative Faculty Coordinator

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Visit the BSB website at www.britishschool.ro

It’s Examination time again!

GCSE and A’level Art students have had a busy term planning for their Art examination and preparing their coursework for assessment. There was an energetic atmosphere in the Art room leading up to the deadline, as students spent every spare moment they had, displaying their work in creative ways, assembling their portfolios in a professional manner and putting final touches of paint on their sketchbooks. I was very impressed by the focus and enthusiasm displayed by the students involved.

The theme for this years GCSE Art examination was ‘Similiarities and/or Differences’ and students responded in very original ways to express their personal interpretation of the subject matter. They were inspired by a wide range of cultures and art movements that displayed their personalities, range of cultural backgrounds and personal interests.

A’level Art students’ examination theme ‘Mystery and Imagination’, gave them the opportunity to explore the work of surrealist artists as well as more experimental work by glass sculptors such as Luke Jerram.

Both A’level and GCSE students have had a very productive year and their very innovative work was on display for our Art Exhibition in April. Key Stage 3 also contributed to the exhibiton, displaying their talents in observational drawing, graffiti design and sculpture. The Year 7’s particularly enjoyed creating enlarged versions of everyday objects

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Maria focuses on the relationship between mother and child

Iulia’s imaginative response to the GCSE examination theme

including lipstick, headphones and ipods. Year 9 Design Technology also proudly displayed their creative t-shirt designs. It was wonderful to have the

opportunity to celebrate the students’ imaginative and creative designs. Well done to all involved!

Martina Greaney, Creative Faculty Coordinator

Andreea’s composition takes a surrealistic approach

Innovative compositions by Year 12

Imaginative designs by Key Stage 3

Soo Min explores the theme ‘Mystery and Imagination’

Visit the BSB website at www.britishschool.ro

BSB debating trip to AISB On Wednesday 13th April, 7 members of the BSB debating club visited the American International School of Bucharest (AISB) to celebrate Earth Day with a couple of friendly debates. Upon arrival we were introduced to our fellow debaters, and were split up into teams of four; each team had a different motion to do with the environment to debate.

We were all given an hour and a half to prepare with our teams. After 3 very exciting debates which were recorded, we all received some very positive feedback. Lunch followed, and we were then invited to take part in the 1 hour assembly during which photos were presented and students showed off their Eco-creations. To end the day, there was an official tree-planting ceremony,

during which,(as the name suggests), a tree was planted.

Overall, it was a great day and on behalf of the students who went, I would like to thank Mr. Nichols for organizing the trip and for providing us with this educational experience!

Ana Year 9

Key Stage 2 to 3 Transition On Wednesday 18th May, Year 9 students paired up with pupils from the Year 7 classes and made their way over to the Primary ICT Suite. The purpose of this odd march I hear you ask? To explain what Secondary is like to the young Year 6s and to dispel any issues or worries the future Year 7s might have about moving up a year.

We don’t enjoy doing homework We enjoy watching movies We have similar tastes in music

What are 3 songs you all like to listen to?

‘Grenade’ by Bruno Mars, ‘Waka Waka’ by Shakira, and ‘A year without rain’ by Selena Gomez

List at least 5 things that differ between you (not physical attributes): We had different tastes in books Our colour preferences were also different Our ideal holiday destination Our favourite food Our favourite subject What are 2 things you all look for in a friend?

Smile/Sense of Humour Trust What are 2 things that people do that annoy you both?

Screaming Being Late

An ideal dinner menu for all of you would include…

Chinese food The one dinner item you all detest is…

Asparagus!!!!!!

Lola Yr9, Finn Yr7, Raph W Yr7 , Julia Yr6 and Stefanos Yr6

What are 3 songs you all like listening to?

Grenade ET What’s My Name

Jan Yr9 Fivos Yr7 and Roberto Yr7 discussing their plan

We started off by preparing a short presentation in which we explained the absolute basics of Secondary: uniform, sanctions, rewards, exams, subjects, main differences, main similarities, etc, etc, etc. The Year 6s demonstrated their attentiveness by paying careful attention to everything that was said and asking lots of questions.

An ideal dinner menu for you would include…

Pizza and Ice Cream!

The one dinner item you detest is…

Brussel Sprouts Diana Yr 9, Adam Yr 7, Raphaela Yr 7, Laura 6B, Patrick 6H

Alessandro and Stanislav 6B burning iron wool

List at least 5 things you have in common (not physical attributes): Dislike Justin Bieber Like sports Like nachos Like french fries Like ICT List at least 5 things that differ between you (not physical attributes): Different music style Different ages We don’t have the same favourite food Different favourite subjects We don’t come from the same place What are 2 things you look for in a friend?

Trust Sense of humour

Key Stage 3 students working together to plan their presentation Key Stage 3 bonding

We then got into small groups of 5 or 6 and discussed several pre-prepared questions to get to know each other better. You can see the questions and answers that we came up with below.

Ana Yr 9, Tom Yr 7, Jesus Yr 7, Alessandro, Luca, Hannah and Hung Jung Yr 6 List at least 5 things you have in common (not physical attributes): We all love travelling We love pizza

The British School of Bucharest Magazine

List at least 5 things you have in common(not physical attributes): Football, drama, swimming, pizza, and chocolate List at least 5 things that differ between you(not physical attributes): Horse riding, lions, not all of us are from Columbia or Greece, or Belgium What are 2 things you all look for in a friend?

Trust and the sense of adventure What are 2 things people do that annoy you all?

People that eat slowly or people who lie

What are 2 things people do that annoy you?

Poking Making fun What are 3 songs you all like to listen to?

Waka Waka- Shakira Grenade- Bruno Mars What’s your name- Rihanna An ideal dinner menu for all of you would include…

French fries The one item you all detest is…

Brussels’ sprouts Nikita Yr 9, Andrea Yr 9, Mena Yr 6, Alexandra K Yr 6, Stanislav Yr 6, Antoine Yr 6, Alina Yr 6

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What are 2 things you both look for in a friend?

Helpful and reliable What are 2 things that annoy you both?

People who lie and people who tease What are 3 songs you both like to listen to?

Billionaire, Grenade, Take a bow An ideal dinner menu for both of you would include…….

Pizza The one dinner item you all detest.

Paella!

What are two things people do that annoy you both?

People that don’t keep your secret What are 3 songs you all like to listen to?

We do not have any because we all like different types of music.

Jan Yr 9, Fivos Yr 7, Roberto Yr 7, Ahmet Yr 6,Emma Yr 6 and Haris Yr 6

An idea dinner menu for all of you would include…

Pizza The one dinner items you all detest is…

We all have different taste in food

Arif, Hassan, Zain and Stefanos taling with Ms Sugdon about the experiment

Eda Yr 9, Illinca Yr 7, Elena Yr 7, Calista Yr 6 , Alex Yr 6 and Chi Bin Yr 6

List at least 5 things you all have in common (not physical attributes): We are all at BSB We like pizza We don’t like tests We all speak English We all love swimming List at least 5 things that differ between you ( not physical attributes): Different favourite subjects Some love playing football, others not Some love soup, others detest it Different favourite colours Different favourite films

List at least 5 things you have in common (not physical attributes): All of us like to eat All of us enjoy sports and P.E. class We like listening to music We enjoy going to the park All of us love going to the cinema

Hannah, Emma, Calista and Alexandra - a team effort

What are 2 things you both look for in a friend?

A friend who is helpful and reliable

List at least 5 things that you have in common We are all confident working with computers

What are 2 things people do that annoy you all?

When people scare you and tease you

List at least 5 things that differ between you Our dreams and what we want to be What are 2 things that you both look for, in friend?

Trustworthy people and people who are nice to us

What are 3 songs you both like listen to?

Songs from Green Day 21 Guns Songs from Rihanna An ideal dinner menu for all of you would include…

Pizza The one dinner item you both detest is…

None!

Danial Yr9, Hyo-Min Yr9, Chirea Yr 7, Athanasios 6B, Jorge 6B and Angela 6B

Emma, Stanislav and Alexandra 6B getting ready to burn some magnesium

List at least 5 things you and your mentees have in common.

We all liked sports, holidays, sleep, music and video games List at least 5 things that differ between you.

Favourite football team, favourite video games, some students like school and some don’t.

Reading, Cars.

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List at least 5 things that are different between you? (not physical) We have different religion.

We come from different country.

We like different types of music.

What are 2 things you both look for in a friend?

Trustworthy Friendly

What are 2 things people do that annoy you both?

Showing off and people who make other people feel uncomfortable An ideal dinner for both of you would include …

Spaghetti The one dinner item you all detest is …

Macaroni Cheese Sophie Yr 9, Mesar Yr 9, Sam Yr 7, Eleanor Yr 7, Hassam Yr 6, Kayla Yr 6, Gaya Yr 6

List at least 5 things that differ between you (not physical attributes): We have different tastes in food (e.g. spice) Our favourite holiday destinations are different Our preferences in movies and genres are different We have different taste in books Favourite subject What are the 2 things you all look for in a friend?

Trust/Honesty Sense of humour What are 2 things peopled do that annoy you all?

Loud and mocking Being disrespectful What are 3 songs you all like to listen to?

Grenade Waka Waka What’s my name?

An ideal dinner menu for both of you would include…

Pasta The one dinner item you both detest is…

Brussel Sprouts

Introducing the Bunsen Burner

List at least 5 things you have in common? (not physical) We all speak English. We all speak a different language. We all like Sports.

We all wear Uniform for school.

Laura, 6B, concentrating hard

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Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor…

As I write, students are in the midst of exams, studying, exams, revision, exams, exams, exams.

But what does it all do? What is it all for? Why do we put them (and ourselves) through it?

Think back. Remember what it was like: the fretting, the worrying, the anticipation when results day came round. Did you know what you wanted to be, to do?

Our students are on the brink of being launched into a career world which could see them rocketing to the stars or tumbling in to the sea. We have to prepare them to approach this world with knowledge, confidence and a sense of humour. To this end, we provide PHCSE, work experience, presentations from university representatives, access to careers information on the internet and careers guidance.

Our aim is give students the information they require to make informed decisions about their future based on what they are interested in and what they actually like doing.

Perhaps the question one asks of children should no longer be, “What do you want to be?” but “What are you interested in?” One way of investigating interests could be a mind-map with what some parents might consider to be a hobby at its centre and see where it might lead and what could be studied at school and university to facilitate entry into the possible careers: Hobbies don’t often result in successful related careers but using them as a jumping off point may well result in some surprising ideas. Our students are frazzled just now but it will soon be all over and results day will be upon us. I wish all the students all success in the exams.

Pat Lovelock, Post-16 Coordinator

The British School of Bucharest Magazine

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Habitat for Humanity Project On Wednesday, June 15th, five students from Year 12 travelled to Oarja near Pitesti to spend the day working on house construction with Habitat for Humanity, Romania. When we arrived, we were met by Mia, the coordinator, Catalin, a member of one of the partner families who have to contribute 1,000 hours of “sweat-equity” labour, and Cristi, the site overseer, and introduced to the rules and regulations: gloves and hard hats at all times and sensible safety using tools.

become very untidy and difficult to use as a wood store so we were handed hammers, for removing nails from wood that had been used previously and a bucket to put the nails in and taken to the house and left to get on with it. As it turned out, our idea of tidy was not Cristi’s but once he’d put us right we got on with it, sorted the wood into neat piles of equal length and width and made quite a difference to the huge pile of randomly thrown wood we had been confronted with.

There are four houses on the site in varying states of construction and, when we arrived, there was a group of student engineers putting the wood cladding round the frame of the least advanced house. Our job, in the afternoon, would be to clad the walls with polystyrene, once the students had completed cladding at least two of the walls. In the meantime, one of the houses that is nearly finished had been being used as a store for wood and had

After lunch, the students suddenly became much more organised and started to work together as a team; they had needed some direction in the morning but now they were directing each other.

We carried on sorting out the wood for a little bit and once the students had finished cladding the second wall, Cristi issued us with electric drills, polystyrene (and the means to pin it to the wall) and ladders and demonstrated the procedure.

Alex, Andreea, Senia and Alexandra labeling their hard-hats

Now we’re round the corner...

Teamwork

Instructions from Christi

Last wall!

Look at the difference we made!

Alexandra, Andreea and Denis attacking the pile of wood

And we’re done!

Certificates and congratulations all round

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By this time, the students were playing to each others strengths and learning more about themselves – Denis forgot he was afraid of chickens (for a little while) and Alex overcame his discomfort on ladders – their efficiency and speed impressed Cristi and, by 4.15pm we had run out of polystyrene!

Once we had cleared up, Mia and Cristi presented all with certificates of appreciation and Cristi commented that they were glad that we weren’t staying longer because they had run out of work for us to do. Next year when we go for five days they will have to save up a lot of work!

The students had an excellent day and were a pleasure to be with. They learned a lot about themselves and benefited greatly from the experience. I hope to see them all there again next year.

Pat Lovelock, Post 16 Coordinator

Visit the BSB website at www.britishschool.ro

Author Visit

to make a popular "fortune teller" origami device that has a range of applications.

On his final day, Mr Durant hosted a book selling and signing session in the parent’s room for which there was a very long queue for quite some time. It was lovely to see the enjoyment his books brought to BSB children, which was evident by the way many of the children came into school the next day clutching their signed copies!

French-Paris, Primary Literacy Co-ordinator

Mr Durant shows 1P what a book looks like when it’s first printed.

Our visiting author this year, Mr Alan Durant joined us on the 2nd May until the 4th May. He worked with all the age groups from Crèche through to Secondary. Mr Durant is the author of a wide range of books including the popular ‘Game Boy’ series, ‘Burger Boy’ and ‘Dear Tooth Fairy’.

His activities whilst working with the children ranged from reading them some of his stories, to making ‘Jibber Jabbers’, to helping children to write their own stories. The ‘Jibber Jabbers’ seemed to be very popular and involve folding paper into triangles

This month we were priviledged to have a visit from a leading children’s author Alan Durant, from th U.K. We decided to let him work with our Year 7 classes in a series of workshops which were aimed at ‘getting the children to write’. In a very short space of time three separate groups managed to produce the beginning of their own mini novella based on something they liked.

Creche children enjoying Mr Durant’s stories

It was very interesting to note how creative our children are with a basic title; how they can quickly shift their minds in to gear and start scribing. For me as the Drama teacher, it was more interesting to hear them read, and story telling will certainly become a part of the curriculum next year.

Kevin Kelly English Faculty Coordinator Year 7 hard at work creating their own stories

Physiotherapy Bikes to help Don Orione Orphans It was a while ago now but, as many of you will remember, BSB had another annual Crazy Hair Day. The money that was raised was split between the victims of the Pakistan floods and a disabled children orphanage called Don Orione.

All of the children at the orphanage have physiotherapy and moving around and playing helps them both physically and mentally. When a specialised school in the south of England called Chailey Heritage School heard about the orphanage’s need for physiotherapy equipment, they were more than happy to help. Chailey decided

Working on the bikes

that they would donate some of the physiotherapy bikes that they had but were no longer using.

The money that the school raised along with other donations helped to pay for the bikes to be brought over from the south of England, and to help refurbish the bikes. Many of the bikes needed new tires and because tires of the correct size could not be brought in Romania some were even brought over from Germany while my dad was on a business trip.

The bikes have been an absolute blessing for both the carers and the children. The bikes help give

The bikes help give children more freedom to move

many of the children more freedom to move than ever before and just the look on the faces when they saw the bikes is enough to see how much they are appreciated.

On behalf of the children at Don Orione, I would like to thank every single person who helped raise money for this worthy cause. I would also like to thank my mum and dad who have been working on bringing the bikes over and refurbishing them so that they are ready and safe for all the children to use.

Emma, Year 11

The bikes are an absolute blessing for both carers and the children

Yearbook For the first time, BSB is going to be producing a Secondary yearbook. The idea was first proposed at the end of the first term. At the start of the second term, we appointed the very first Yearbook team.

Emma was appointed as the head of the committee but everybody made a great contribution. The other representatives were Eda (Year 9), Noor (Year 10), Alexandra (Year 12), Fivos and Jarod (Year 7) and Max (Year 8). The Yearbook is now nearing completion and will soon be sent for printing.

There are individual photos of every student, (with their own individual comments), as well as class photos. In addition, there are photos of the main

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events throughout the school year. I hope you are as impressed with it as I am. I would like to express my gratitude to a few extra people. Firstly, our 3 photographers have been amazing. Mihnea (Year 11) did all of the individual photos, and they were absolutely stunning. I would also like to thank Mr Mugur and Miss Weident for their great contributions as well. Finally, I would add a special thanks to Noor in Year 10. She put a great amount of effort into the format and design, as well as devoting so much personal time putting it together.

Ciaran McGowan Head of Humanities / Yearbook Committee

Yearbook Committee

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Visit the BSB website at www.britishschool.ro

Healthy Schools Week During Healthy Schools week there were lots of activities happening throughout the school, where the theme was A Heart for Life.

In the lower school the nurse visited the classes to teach children about their hearts and how to look after them. The children enjoyed joining in with lots of healthy aerobic activities and the school invested in sets of pedometers so the children could see just how active they were during their day. The younger children had a great time trying to take the most steps.

Secondary students were visited by a fitness instructor from World Class and celebrate of the week with a professional aerobics session! A couple of members from each house wore heart rate monitors and other students monitored their heart rate throughout the aerobic sessions. All students who participated in the competition gave full efforts. Well done, Secondary!

Hold that position and work your muscles

Preschool children enjoy a chance to learn about how their hearts work with the school nurse.

Hyo Min Yr9 recording heart rates

Whole School stretching

The school nurse instructs KS1 children about how to look after their hearts.

Whole School warm up

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‘Healthy Schools’ is not just a one-off focus week, we like the strands of ‘Healthy Eating’, ‘Physical Activity’, ‘Emotional Health and Well-being’ and

‘PSHCE’ to run through the curriculum. Working together with ‘Light in to Europe’, I invited some health care professionals from the U.K. into school to talk to our Year 9 and 10 students about the dangers of smoking, alcohol and drugs.

Our students were very interested in the topics and issues covered and asked very interesting questions. We would like to work with them again in the future.

Jen Kemp, Healthy Schools Committee

Yr9 and Yr10 working together for a discussion about the effects of alcohol

Learning how to use a pedometer in Preschool so we can be sure how much exercise we are taking.

Visit the BSB website at www.britishschool.ro

A Moveable Feast No matter which way you look at it, it was a magical weekend: an inspiring run under blue skies through the forests and meandering foot hills of Moiecu de Sus; the unexpected change in weather that brought a heavy fall of fresh snow; the walk through the snow to the restaurant where we wined and dined our way to merriment; and the social festivities that carried on to the wee hours of the morning; it was one of those weekends that remains with you as- to borrow from the words of another- A Moveable Feast, to be revisited many times over like a dear old friend.

The inspiration for this trip was an email from Ms Tiffany Moorcroft tempting seven brave souls to consider taking on the eco challenge, which would see them pass through 14.2km of rustic Carpathian countryside, up and down a collective height of 2000ft, over bridges, through forests and an idyllic Chaucerian countryside, transported back in time to the days of yore when we lived off the land, were defined by the land, enjoying for the most part a harmonious, ecologically sound relationship with our surroundings.

Saturday morning, early rise and shine, visible excitement and a dash of nervousness in the air, bright clothes, leotards, stretching, a robust pre run Romanian breakfast that Dorothea swore would knock 5 minutes off our best time, laughs and jokes about pre event preparation, or lack of, and there we all were- for better or worse- at the start line waiting for the starter’s gun.

The great thing about the Eco Marathon is that it is the sort of race that you can walk and still feel good about yourself in the morning as there are many places where you have to walk, such as the steep slope ascending trough ’La Mandru’ forest, where everyone ahead of you is walking with no possibility of getting around those in front of you on the narrow winding uphill trail. This run is perfect for the unseasoned athlete -such as yours truly-as you walk the uphill sections and jog the downhill and flat sections.

Pre race team rally

It’s also the perfect race as you forever find yourself immersed in nature, surrounded by scenery that makes you want to stop just to breath it all in.

Every valley seems like a little pastoral utopian paradise where time has little meaning and people talk referring everything to the seasons. I’m sure everyone who ran, walked, and crawled the course is already looking forward to next year’s event, scheduled to take place on May 5th, 2012: http:// www.ecomarathon.ro/ .

In one way or another all seven BSBers made their way around the course and returned to the finish line with a smile that told the whole story. It was a great race, a great experience made more poignant by the storm that came in unexpectedly from nowhere in the evening, returning the picturesque spring mountain setting to an alpine wonderland.

Well done to everyone who completed the race: Ms Helen Stevens and Ms Tracy Milligan (who placed 7th and 8th respectively in the Women’s section, finishing in a time of 1.53mins), Ms Dorothea Draser, Ms Kristen Swanson, Ms Martina Greaney and Ms Sally Murch. It was a privilege to be counted as one of the seven. Thank you also to our amazing support crew: Ms Jen Kemp, Ms Rocio Marti, Ms Vanessa Broadbent, Mr Bill Ellis, Mr Daniel Brown, Ms Maria Cole, and Ms Kayleigh Evans. You were all amazing and made the weekend the incredible to-be-repeated success that it was.

Kendall Peet, Miracle Mile Man The support team

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Visit the BSB website at www.britishschool.ro

IBSB football tournament I hope you will all join me in congratulating our year 3/4 football team Tudor, Mattia, Darius, Alessandro, Lucas and Matthieu in winning the third place cup and medals at the IBSB football tournament. They all worked very hard as a team and put in a valiant effort to secure their third place win against very strong opposition. The boys were very polite to the other teams and shook hands with the opposition whether they won or lost. They were all a true credit to our school and I was very proud to be their coach.

Clayton Burt, PE Teacher

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Celebration after scoring

Darius making a save

On the attack from a kick in

Mattia sprinting for the ball

The team with their bags from Dinamo

Medal presentation

Proud winners of the third place trophy

Visit the BSB website at www.britishschool.ro

Strengthening Japanese Community Ties This has been a very colourful year in regard to BSB strengthening links with schools and groups in the local community. As an international school with as many as 40 nationalities present on campus at any one time, it is important to continue to work hard to forge new relationships and to strengthen current community links to ensure that our students have every advantage available to them in their education. Already we have trips to the French and German institutes and a learning programme established with the Dutch Language and Cultural School NTC, and more recently we have established a new link with the Spanish Institute Cervantes.

All this to the advantage of the various language students involved in these visits and joint courses.

The latest BSB community initiative is the newly formed relationship with the Japanese School of Bucharest. We were lucky enough to be visited by School Principal Mr Fukasawa Katsuyoshi recently

and had the opportunity to talk about the ways in which students from the Japanese School might be able to work alongside students from BSB. As a result of this meeting our first interschool visit was organised.

to enjoy a morning lesson with a BSB class. The younger students headed off to enjoy a Key Stage 1 and 2 class, whilst the older students were taken to a Year 9 Science class to get a feel for how a class runs in a British School.

On Tuesday the 24th of May, BSB students had the opportunity to get to know some of the Japanese School students as Principal Mr Fukasawa Katsuyoshi brought a group to visit our school, including 8 teachers and eleven students.

All students agreed that it was a great day, and are already keenly looking forward to their next visit.

The group arrived at 11am and were formally welcomed and offered food and refreshments. The guests were then taken on a tour of the school by Alex, Year 10, who was a student at the Japanese School and so was able to conduct the tour in Japanese- way to go Alex.

On behalf of all the students and teachers here at BSB, we would like to thank the Japanese School Principal Mr Fukasawa Katsuyoshi, teachers, and students for visiting our school. We look forward to your next visit and hope to be lucky enough to hear some Japanese drumming, which we have heard is a special cultural activity practiced ardently at the Japanese School.

Kendall Peet

After the tour the students were divided into small groups and taken, along with a Japanese teacher,

Enjoying a snack before heading off on a tour of the school

Students and teachers had time to enjoy viewing the Primary School art exhibition

The visiting students and teachers from the Japanese School

Enjoying exploring the Science Garden

Taking a little time out to explore the climbing frame

Visiting the music room and trying some of the instruments firsthand

Some of the younger students about to have a tour of Newlands

The visiting students all had the chance to enoy a lesson with BSB students

Students and teachers had time to enjoy viewing the Primary School art exhibition

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Visit the BSB website at www.britishschool.ro

Sports Day… and the winner for 2011 is…

BSB’s highly anticipated annual Sports Day was held on Wednesday 25th May under 28’C sunny blue skies, after a morning of hard fought competition, it was Arges who took the stage at Iolanda Balas Soter Stadium to receive the The British School of Bucharest Sports Day Trophy from the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, Romanian silver medalist in the 400m hurdles: Ionela TirleaManolache.

Right from the get go the stadium was alive with a sea of red (Arges), blue (Danube), green (Mures), and yellow (Olt). All BSB staff and students arrived sporting their precious House colours ready for battle.

2011. A huge congratulations and to all the students who took part in the various events. Thank you to all of the staff who helped make this day possible and also to the many parents who turned out to support the students. To our event sponsors Aqua Carpatica, Le Club and Imupro 300 thank you for helping to make this event possible. Finally, a big thank you to Ionela Tirlea-Manolache for agreeing to present the trophy to the students in the closing ceremony, your presence was an inspiration for all the aspiring young athletes.

TOTAL POINTS FROM THE EVENTS both track and field:

Well done to Arges who won and got to lift the Sports Day Trophy for

Billie Jones, PE Teacher

EYFS & KS1 Olt 161 Mures 124 Arges 116 Danube 75

YEARS 5 & 6 Danube 206 Mures 149 Olt 139 Arges 113

YEARS 3 & 4 Mures 191 Arges 144 Danube 139 Olt 105

SECONDARY Arges 350 Olt 245 Danube 209 Mures 173

OVERALL BSB SPORTS DAY RESULTS 2011 1st place Arges 723 points 2nd place Olt 650 points 3rd place Mures 637 points 4th place Danube 629 points

5M girls Hannah, Clara, Dora with Miss Kemp clean up in the Track medals. It must have been Mr Madsen’s training

All colours from the 4 Houses are represented. At the end of a long and hot sports day waiting for the relay races to begin

ARGES!!! Absolutely rapt with the overall win for Sports Day 2011

100m Race Year 7 Girls

And the race is on! The boys from Pre School C running to the finish line...and the winner is...

Ilinca 7S from Mures competing in the Year 7 girls High Jump. Check out the determination on her face!

A fiercely competitive running competition from the girls in Miss Deanna’s Reception B class

Arges from KS1 with Miss Stevens eager and ready to start the day

Ionela Tirlea- Manolache handing the trophy to the winning house - ARGES!!

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Ionela Tirlea- Manolache, Akis Yr 10, Eda Yr 9, Matteo Yr 5 from Arges

Look Out! Andreea 2S from Danube is on her way with the BIG ball roll

Raphaela, Arges and Ilinca, Mures in the Year 7 girls 400m race

Is that a 3 point jump from Alexander 4H, Mr Harrison...?

An Arges competitor popping out of the tunnel on the obstacle course

Sebastian 2B finishing the obstacle course closely followed by his Arges team mate

It’s a sea of yellow and red for this EYFS race

Lucy Pre School E being careful not to spill even a drop of water for Arges

Theodor 3T from Olt making his way over the hurdles with fast feet during the KS2 Activities

It’s going to be a close call judges!

Year 9 and 10 boys 100m race

Miss Kayleigh, Miss Camelia, Miss Cristina and Mr Jonathan have Arges EYFS children raring to go!

Let’s get started!

There it is! The British School of Bucharest Sports Day Trophy in all its glory

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Visit the BSB website at www.britishschool.ro

The British School of Bucharest receives Royal visit On Friday the 27th of May, students and teachers at the British school of Bucharest received their first official visit from their new Planet BSB Patron, HRH Prince Nicolae of Romania. The purpose of Prince Nicolae’s visit was to speak with the students of BSB about their new Planet BSB initiative to become a role model eco friendly school for schools throughout Romania and around the world.

Prince Nicolae’s visit included a meeting with School Principal Mrs Puddy-Wells, and several members of staff and students on the BSB Eco Committee, where students had the opportunity to speak directly with HRH about they work they are doing to reduce the school carbon footprint.

As a part of his visit, Prince Nicolae had the opportunity to enjoy a student-led tour of the

school, viewing the Newlands Science Garden, equipped with a pond and outdoor study area, and the Key Stage one Nature Garden, with local resident rabbits Lollipop and Hop Hop. Students also pointed out the various eco warning labels and signs placed strategically around the school and the new recycling bins. Astrid, 5L: said of the tour, “It was very exciting meeting a Prince and showing him around our school.”

The visit was completed by HRH attending an assembly in which he had the chance to watch Bucharest International School Debating Champions debate whether or not the current rate of extinction of species on Earth is a natural phenomenon or a man-made one. Following the passionately argued debate, Prince Nicolae presented a prize to the winner of the Planet BSB logo competition, Sandra,

from Year 8, and thanked the students for his invitation and urged them all to continue the good work they are doing to help make the world more eco friendly.

The British School of Bucharest would like to thank HRH Prince Nicolae both for agreeing to be the Royal patron of Planet BSB, and for taking the time out of his busy schedule to visit the students of BSB. His visit was an inspiration to the students and a positive motivating force in the drive for BSB to become a more eco friendly school. It’s extremely important for students to have positive role models and in Prince Nicolae they have certainly found one: “It was really exciting to meet an eco-friendly Prince!”

Jenisa, class 4D.

Letter from ASR Principele Nicolae al Romaniei I would like to thank you for a very enjoyable visit on Friday 27th May. The school has some very impressive facilities of which the students seemed very proud of.

The recycling system with the eco - warriors is a very good idea and looked to be working very well. Please thank all of the students who gave me a tour. I thought they were very knowledgeable and determined to make a difference and is a pleasure to see amongst the youth today.

I look forward to hearing from you about future events and the progress of Planet BSB. Yours Faithfully, ASR Principele Nicolae Al Romaniei Prince Nicolae enjoying a tour of the Key Stage 1 nature garden with Ms Beggs and the eco rep guides

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Eco reps Jenisa, Dora, Natalya, and Astrid showing HRH an eco recycling display

Following the debate Prince Nicolae prepares to present the prize to Sandra, Year 8V, winner of the Planet BSB logo competition

Eco Commitee presenting the BSB vegetable garden to Prince Nicolae

Prince Nicolae with Eco reps Jenisa, Dora, Natalia, and Astrid

Eco Reps giving Prince Nicolae a tour of the school

Secondary Eco Assembly

Visit the BSB website at www.britishschool.ro

BSB receives Best Support Award at the Steaua Hope House Hospice Competition On Saturday the 27th May, Team BSB disembarked from their streamed-lined silver long-hall team bus, pushed their way through screaming fans into the Steaua Football Stadium packed to capacity, en route to a date with destiny and a Hope House Hospice Cup match final against the 1986 Steaua Champions League team- the first eastern European team to win the Champions League. The vision was clear In reality things were just a little different.

Fronting up for Team BSB, were Alex Cirtu (Team Captain), Clayton Burt, Anthony O’Brien, Brad Hamacher, Dan Madsen, Sonny Leese, Bohdan Pantella, Bill Ellis, Jonathan Crispin-Moore (Goal keeper), Babatunde Olabinri, Mr Sandu Nicolae, and last but certainly not least, Mr Coco.

Eager and ready, like stallions at the Grand Steeple, they took the field against their first rival team, Raiffeisen Leasing, play a hard fought game, losing in the end 4-2, with Dan Madsen drawing first blood for Team BSB sending the ball just wide of the keeper to find the back of the net.

All was not lost however as the BSB Support Team, consisting of parents, teachers, TAs, and friends of BSB, let our boys know that win or lose, BSB was behind them all the way.

Next up it was Steaua, winning 3-1, with Alex Cirtu scoring the only goal for Team BSB and Jonathan Crispin Moore doing a super job in the goal to prevent Steaua from reaching double figures.

In the end, there were really no winners or losers as the event was organised by Steaua to raise funds for Hope House Hospice, a non-profit organization that provides free palliative care services for children and adults with incurable diseases in advanced and terminal stages.

In the final two games of the first round Team BSB lost 0-3 to Proctor & Gamble, and went down in their closest fought game 2-3 to The Intercontinental.

All players agreed that they had thoroughly enjoyed themselves, commenting that fair play was alive and well, with Proctor and Gamble setting the standard. Well done to all those who took part.

Alex Cirtu

British School of Bucharest - The Amazing squad of 2011

Mild training before the first kick off

Jonathan Crispin catching a glimpse of history

One Big Happy Family - Fun and Charity, all that matters in the end

Jonathan Crispin, best goalkeeper of the event, Valentina and David

Steaua 86 Legend Adrian Bumbescu handing Alex cpt the Hospice Cup participation trophy and Best Supporters Diploma

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The BSB Midsummer Party Good Food, Good Wine, Dancing, and the Champions League Final On Saturday 28th Parents, Teachers and Friends of BSB gathered at Fratelli Studios for the annual BSB Midsummer Party to celebrate the end to another successful school year. Traditionally a popular event, this year was no exception with tables full and the sound of jubilation heard across the swelling tables.

Kicking off at 8pm, arriving guests, including British Ambassador Martin Harris OBE, Mr Hoesch, attachĂŠ to the German Embassy, and Mr Valvis, the founder of LaDorna, among others, were greeted

by BSB staff, and the pleasing view of an elegantly decorated dining room and the lake beyond.

Everything was set for a great night of festivities.

Ready for the party to begin

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And for those football fanatics unable to pry themselves away from the Champions League final, a special viewing screen was organised - How could it be any other way at a British Midsummer Party with an English team in the Champions League final on the same night?

All in all, the night was a huge success, the Champions League result aside, thoroughly enjoyed by all. Thankfully everyone has a full year to recover before the next BSB party rolls along.

Tiffany Moorcroft, Head of Key Stage 1

Providing the entertainment for the evening were the popular British band Plan B, flown in specially for the event, imbuing all those in attendance with the feeling of movement and the inspiration to dance the night away to the late hours.

Enjoying the evening with friends

Plan B band, entertaining the audience

Dancing the night away

British Ambassador Martin Harris and Mrs MacLachlan

Visit the BSB website at www.britishschool.ro

A Huge Thank You to the PTA!!!

Thanks to everyone who has joined in with a PTA activity and a special thanks to all the Parents and Teachers who work together to fundraise for the school. Thanks to all your efforts the children have really enjoyed their treats such as discos, parties, cinema visits and picnics. They have also enjoyed the new play equipment that the PTA have funded for us.

The EYFS children in the photos below are certainly enjoying all the creative play opportunities provided by these new, PTA funded, role play boards.

Samuel and Elsie visit the flower shop

Alexander and Maria double up the pirate ship as a writing area

Yassin the pirate explorer!

Anya and Samuel work with pretend money during imaginative play

BSB students proudly using royal wedding bookmarks when reading

Royal wedding boookmarks

PTA donations for BSB 2010 - 2011 Student magazine subscription 335 ron Utensils for the DT room 80 ron Selection of Board games for Secondary 2252 ron Toys for Gafencu 1324 ron Soft panels and K’nex for KS1 2000 ron

Individual Christmas class parties and gifts for EYFS, KS1 and wrap party for KS2 1155 ron Chocolate Santas for all the children 668 ron Donation to Santa to help towards the cost of his gifts 2000 ron Contribution to the Royal wedding book marks 1100 ron

Face paints 195 ron Summer class activities of cinema visits, disco and Senior school summer dance 4500 ron Children’s prizes for the summer fair 2015 ron Purchase of new DVD’s 1030 ron THE PTA WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT

PTA and Student Council Games for Secondary The PTA and the Student Council worked together to buy games for the students to play at lunchtimes.

Students completed a survey to indicate which games that they would be interested in. The most popular were Uno, Chess, Jenga and Pictionary. We would like to thank the PTA and the Student Council for organising and purchasing the games, which the students have greatly enjoyed.

The Secondary School Council Students play Jenga

Mohammad and Filippo

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Students playing games

Robert and Danial playing Articulate

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The BSB Summer Fair: Sun, Fun, and Happy Memories In all respects the British School of Bucharest Summer Fair was the perfect end to what has been an exceptional year for the students at the British School of Bucharest. Under blue skies, with temperatures hovering around the thirties, students, parents, teachers, and friends of BSB gathered numbers just pushing the 1000 mark to celebrate the end of another academic year. On the menu for the day: live entertainment and a colourful variety of artisan and international foods stalls and activities, with something for all to enjoy.

One of the main events of the day was the BSBs Got Talent Competition, with the celebrity guest Judges this year, Marius Nedelcu, ex lead singer of the band “Akcent’ and Sorina Fredholm, a finalist in the original Romanian Star Competition present to help decide this year’s winners. In the end it was Reese, Year 8, singing Wonderwall by Oasis and Gaya, Year 6, singing Price Tag by Jessie J who received the winning accolades. Well done Gaya and Reese, and thank you to all the other competitors who

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put on what was a very enjoyable afternoon of entertainment. One parent compared the day to a mini Glastonbury Festival, so I think this says it all.

Congratulations also to winners of the Pool Climbing Competition and the to the various winners of the BSB Eco Fashion Show The highlight of the day however was undoubtedly the many international food stands on offer on the day representing countries such as Saudi Arabia, France, Holland, South Korea, Greece, Germany, and England to name just a few. The food and drink provided on the day was great and I’m sure left many feeling that a week of exercise and salads was required to balance the day out. Thank you to the many parents who took the time to prepare the food. We hope you will return next year to tantalize our taste buds once again.

Thank you to all those people who made this event possible, but especially to the main sponsors BRD,

and to Algida for supplying the shade, and City Grill for putting on a BBQ for all to enjoy. Thank you also to the many sponsors of the Summer Fair Raffle, including Happy Tours, Le Club, World Class Gym, and Real Hypermarket, to name just a few. Thank you also to Sarah Waterfield, head of the PTA, and Em Rowlands and the other members of the PTA and the parents who got involved for all their hard work. Without your huge effort I doubt there would have been a Summer Fair at all. The Summer Fair was an incredible success for everyone involved, including the many charities represented, including Second Chance, Light in to Europe, Our Lady of Mercy and Humaini, to name just a few, and so we look forward to the BSB Summer Fair being even better next year, if this is possible. Please mark June 9th down in your Calendar- we look forward to seeing you all there to celebrate what I am sure will be the end of another great year.

Kendall Peet

The Karate demonstration

BSB students entertaining the audience

Bouncy Castle very popular as always

Face Painting

The Summer Fair 2011 We have jut celebrated the annual Summer Fair on the 4th of June. As always it was another unforgettable event and everyone had a great time. There were numerous events, prizes, stalls, and international foods that you could enjoy and admire.

finals. Next were the finals, which were held on the massive stage which was built especially for the summer fair. All semi-finalists performed at the Summer Fair. This year’s Secondary winner was Reese, and the Primary winner was Gaya.

Each class had a stall in which they had an activity offered. Some of these included, guessing the number of candies in a basket, bobbing for apples, and getting a hair and/or nail make-over.

Some vendors brought in their goods to sell and share with us. These goods included: shoes, clothes, books, jams, etc. People had great fun and joy in buying these things for their families and friends.

Children also had the chance to show and perform their talents in front of parents, teachers, and students alike as part of BSBs Got Talent. Earlier on in May students auditioned to perform. Students who passed the auditions went on into the semi-

Probably the mot exciting moment was the Raffle.

There were prizes like wine, TV’s, bikes, trips, etc.

People enjoyed this a lot. There were over 100 prizes so lots of people had great times, and I hope they are all enjoying their new things.

Lots of people think that the Summer Fair is only a place where you eat play and win things, but NO that’s wrong, at the Summer Fair students, parents, and teachers all could reunite with people who had left the school. The beauty of the Summer Fair is that it’s not only for families of BSB it’s for everyone who wants to come and join.

Many other things happened than the above mentioned things, yet there are just too many to count, you’ll have to go to the next year’ summer fair to find out yourself.

Emma and Mena 6B

Fun games and activities

Pool climbing competition

Meeting old friends

Thank you to all our parents who organised the very popular food stalls

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Eco Fashion Show This year I had the pleasure to organize the “Eco Fashion Show� and to present it at our annual Summer Fair.

We had 22 students form KS1, KS2 and KS3 who were competing for best designer in each Key Stage.

All the contestants had to make outfits from recycled materials, old clothes and everything that could be reused. All students had wonderful outfits that they presented in a real runway show on stage like true professionals!

The winners were Yasmin KS3, Veronica KS2 and Amina KS1.

Well done to all participants and congratulation to the winners and big thanks to judges and everyone who helped organizing this lovely event! I hope that we will get to see some new ideas next year!

Tamara Matvisin, Eco Fashion Show Organizer

Eco fashion show winners 2011

contestants for the Eco Fashion Show

A big thank you to our Summer Fair sponsors

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Visit the BSB website at www.britishschool.ro

B.S.B sponsors winning team in football fundraiser for children in Africa The Tumaini Cup (translation from Swahili - meaning “hope”) was the main focus of sixteen teams made up from amateur, semi pro and pro football players from both country and abroad. In the spotlight: B.S.B’s two teams; the first one contained staff members such as Mr. Dan Brown, Mr. Jonathan Crispin and Mr. Burt whilst the latter, sponsored by B.S.B, including Mr. Alex and his acquaintances.

Unfortunately the first B.S.B team didn’t manage to qualify from the group stage, and that left only one more team in the competition to take the B.S.B name further on.

B.S.B two, at the end of a very exhausting football competition, managed to finish first. Everyone gathered around for pictures and interviews and if at some point we forgot what the purpose of this event was, we were reminded in the end.

managed to build 2 classrooms and in present they are supporting 43 children in school. The school fees are as follows: 30$ / year for Primary, 165$ / year for Secondary and 800$ / year for University.

Their daily income would resume to 1.25$.

The Tumaini foundation managed to earn around 1000$ from this event, money that were about to be sent to Africa in order to support young African students to go to school. Classes in Africa have about 90 children each, and 1$ could buy a meal for 8 children per day, so every contribution was more than welcomed. 2 years ago the Tumaini foundation

The team - Tone Florin, Neicu Andrei, Mr Alex, Dragos Nitu, Laurentiu Irimia, Vlad Gabriel, Albert Ionut, Enciu Valentin

Mr Jonathan, Mr Alex, Ms Melinda and the Tumaini Cup

A day at school in Nairobi, Kenya

Lunch break at school in Nairobi, Kenya

The British School of Bucharest Magazine

Alex Cirtu

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Year 6 PGL Trip PGL is an outdoor recreational area in England. It is situated in Liddington which is not too far from Oxford. The total area is 61 hectares and filled with amazing climbing walls, football pitches, canoeing lakes and awesome instructors. Throughout your time there you get to participate in four daily activities and one nighttime activity.

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shop or eating strange British food. We got to taste many new delicacies like; custard, gravy, porridge, Cornish pasty, jacket potatoes and beef hot pots.

They even served us spaghetti for breakfast. Be ready for a life time adventure if you’re in Year 5 because no matter what, nothing should stop you from going to PGL.

One of my favourite activities was Aeroball, which is basically a new form of basketball, however you compete in teams of four and the game takes place in self contained trampoline cages. I also really enjoyed canoeing, raft building, climbing and the giant swing.

When we were not super busy with our activities, we were either sleeping, buying souvenirs in the tuck

Antoine, Y6

The children planned and built their own rafts then had fun paddling in the lake.

Relaxing in the evening with some games.

Stanislav and Jakob take a swim during the canoeing activities.

Alina and Stefanie on the the Giant Swing. It is so exciting and so scary!

Jorge, Michael, Alessandro and Aryan with helmets on: ready for anything!

Enjoying the evening games in teams.

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Year 3 trip to Sinaia First we went on a very long bus ride. We played some card games and we saw a black and white dog. We were still on the bus for snack time so we stopped to eat and have a drink and we played some running games with Mr Alex. We arrived at the hotel at 12 o’clock and we got ready for our mountain walk.

We walked to the cable car station and bought 31 tickets. Then we went up, up, up the mountain! It was fun because we had an excellent view and it was fast. When we arrived at the top we climbed a big hill then ate our lunch. You could see the city below, Peles Castle and lots of trees. After lunch, we made sure we picked up all our rubbish. Then we had a competition to make ‘3M’ and ‘3T’ out of stones. It was sunny!

3M proudly show off their creation!

We returned to the hotel by cable car. It was better on the way down because we bumped and went faster. In the hotel we unpacked and made our rooms tidy, then went swimming in groups. The swimming was good and the pool was big and warm. When we went from the jacuzzi to the pool, it felt freezing!

We had a buffet for dinner and people could eat whatever they chose. We ate lots of vegetables and healthy things. Then we wrote postcards to send home and watched Ratatouille.

We had fun in our rooms and we slept really well.

In the morning we woke up and got ready to go for breakfast. We had a room inspection and tried to be very neat! The breakfast was delicious and we ate some really good sausages and cereal. We travelled by bus to Peles Castle. When we went inside, we needed to put on special slippers. They were really big and kept falling off! We saw a lot of weapons and it was really fun. In the dining room they had twenty-four chairs. There was a secret passage in the library. We went shopping and bought souvenirs then found the boomerang man to buy boomerangs.

3T leaving their mark on the mountain.

After visiting the castle we went to have a picnic lunch in a small restaurant. Then we got on the bus and came back to school and our Mums and Dads or drivers picked us up. It was a great experience!

3T

Year 3 ready for the cable car.

Year 3 visit Peles castle and learn about its history.

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Year 5 Trip - Moeciu de Sus On Monday 6th of June at 8:30 we came to the school and put our luggage in the bus and had some time to say goodbye to our parents! At 9:30 we left the school and drove to the mountains.

When we arrived at Moeciu de Sus we discussed the rules and settled in our rooms. We then took a walk around the village and went to the pool.

Tuesday was Activity Day. There were many interesting activities such as mosaics, painting pots, painting pictures, Japanese flowers, archery and clay making. All of us had fun and the good part about it was that we learned not to copy each other and be creative.

this hike children learned to help, encourage and support each other.

On Thursday we visited the castle of Rasnov. After we ate and then we went bowling and shopping. In the hotel loft we gave out the awards and received our Moeciu bracelets. For dinner we had a BBQ and then a movie. It was a great trip and a lot of fun.

Wednesday was the Big Hike! We walked 20miles in a land where no one on Earth has stepped on! In

Year 5 students at thier mosaic workshop

Theodora 5M

Year 5 learning the Moeciu chant

The Year 5 team still smiling near the end of our 6 hour walk!

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Year 4’s Adventure to Brasov sanctuary was very welcome. Upon arrival we met our guide who walked us round the reserve, telling us sad tales of what life had been like for some of the bears before being rescued. The sanctuary looks after bears that had previously been held in captivity for whatever reason, some having been cruelly mistreated.

We headed back to the coach, children talking excitedly about the bears they had just seen, and continued our journey. We arrived at the hotel with a little free time to spare before going for dinner.

The food was excellent and the pupils enjoyed the experience of eating in style… many intrigued to learn which knives and forks to use for each course.

A real bears’ picnic

The Year 4 trip to Poiana Brasov was a great success and the children themselves have many stories they would love to share with you if you ask them.

After leaving school on the morning of the 8th June, we travelled to Sinaia where we stopped for our snack. Continuing our journey toward Hotel Alpin where we were going to stay, we stopped off at a bear reserve. After sitting on the coach for some hours, the 50 minute walk to get us to the bear

A good night’s sleep after our full day on the Wednesday meant that we were all ready for the adventures that awaited us as we woke up on the 9th. After a superb breakfast, we headed in to Brasov and visited Parc Aventura. Fitted with safety harness and having seen a safety demonstration from the park instructors, we were off; swinging like monkeys through the trees. Some of the pupils overcame their initial fears, while others, who were more confident, were a great encouragement to those who needed reassurance. By the end, all the pupils were desperate to stay longer and try more

of the routes. Even Mr Davidson braved the lofty heights and overcame initial nerves.

The afternoon was spent in a nearby park completing a geography orienteering challenge and playing team building parachute games. Then we went back to the hotel for a well deserved dinner before relaxing for the evening with a film.

The morning of the 10th brought with it thundery showers, and although this prevented us from visiting the zoo as we had hoped, it did allow us time for swimming. Many of the children raced both on the surface and under the water. There was also a water polo net set up which many of the pupils enjoyed using, testing their throwing and aiming skills in a new environment.

Our journey back to Bucharest was one of mixed emotions. We had all had a super time and had many things we were looking forward to sharing with our families, but we were also wishing it wouldn’t end so soon.

We are already looking forward to our next trip and hope it will be as much fun as this one.

Stuart Harrison, Yr 4 Class Teacher

Enjoying the envigorating walk to the bear sanctuary

Team Building - Parachute Games

Parc Aventura - Enjoying team work

Year 4 2011 Poiana Trip

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