BULLETIN
VOL.1 ISSUE 3 / AUGUST 2024
MESSAGEFROM PUBLICATIONS
Cedar Publications is excited to present the latest edition of the Bulletin!
With the results now announced, we can advance to the next stage of our college journey: the university application process. This issue of the Bulletin features valuable messages from our Lead Counseling team They are here to provide our students with the requisite guidance and support, as they we navigate through the process of taking the SATs and prepare for upcoming challenges
In addition to the academic endeavours, we also recount our vibrant August 14 celebrations Our students worked hard to make this Independence Day a memorable one, showcasing our collective pride and enthusiasm on both campuses, reflected in a ray of green and white
As the new term progresses with in-person classes resuming, we're ready to transition our efforts from the digital realm back to campus This issue of the Bulletin features new Faculty you will meet quite soon, as well
Let’s embrace this exciting time with optimism and determination. Cedar Publications hopes to keep you informed throughout your academic year
CAIERESULTS
On August 13, the results for the AS and A2 were announced, reflecting the outcome of Cedar students’ hard work The results were shared online, giving students a chance to express their joy - or remorse, whatever the case may be - in their own environment, supported by their parents.
As always, Cedar Knights showed an exceptional performance, scoring many A*s and As, which marked another year of stellar academic achievements Teachers and parents and the counselors at Cedar, were celebrated for their consistent hard work in improving their students’ academics The children themselves were praised for their dedication and determination to achieve fantastic grades that were needed to get into prestigious universities. Celebrations are at full swing, with students’ performances being highlighted on Cedar’s social media pages for the world to see
For some it was also a disappointing day Nevertheless, they had full support from the Cedar admin Walk-in meetings with students and parents were held by the college to consider the next steps in the way forward. Academic advice and suggestions were offered to help students make a decision that best suited their needs Teachers reassured students of their abilities and motivated them to not lose hope and encouraged them to give it their all the next time they sit for the exam At the end of the day, the clear message was that no student can be defined by their grades alone, and that there is still a path open to them..
The Knights are now able to start their new academic year with fresh objectives to achieve They have goals to look forward to and a promise to end their academic journey at Cedar with phenomenal success
You wield the chisel to shape your fate, and your future will be defined by your hard work exclusively.
CEDAR CELEBRATES PAKISTAN’S INDEPENDENCE DAY
In light of Pakistan's 77th Independence Day, Cedar College hosted celebrations held at its two campuses on the 14th of August. The event at DHA as well as PECHS, witnessed a great turnout of our current students as well as our alumni Hosted by StuCo members, Bilal Siddiqui from DHA and Al Hamd Khalid from PECHS, the event started off on a strong, patriotic note, with speeches from our esteemed faculty and principals regarding the hopeful future of Pakistan Displaying their fervour, our students too expressed their love and thoughts on the promising future of our country The flag-hoisting ceremony was executed after the speeches, with our National Anthem playing in the background, creating a truly heartfelt atmosphere.
The event then witnessed soulful performances done by our talented Knights and even the faculty Mr Asad from PECHS administration performed a moving rendition of ‘Ae Rah-eHaq Ke Shaheedon’, while C-Sharp at DHA took the crowd by fire with our patriotic songs, ‘Jazba Junoon’ and ‘Dil Dil Pakistan’ The event at both campuses continued with some poetry recitals, speeches and skits by Drameybaaz, keeping everyone present engaged and entertained.
Our students had also organised face-painting and flag painting by our handprints It was truly a joyous celebration, commemorating the spirit of patriotism College had also arranged a delicious breakfast of Halwa-Puri for those present, which was followed by a cake-cutting ceremony in the light of Independence Day
Pakistan not only means freedom and independence but the Muslim ideology which has to be preserved which has come to us as a precious gift and treasure and which, we hope others will share with us
-QUAID-E-AZAM
To conclude the celebrations on a positive note, there was a plantation drive planned by the College, to move towards a ‘Greener Pakistan’.
Each student planted their own plants and helped others plant theirs too, displaying a sense of community and unity After they were done, they took pebbles, wrote their names, and put them alongside the plant that was theirs This initiative brought us together and help us move towards a greener, more sustainable and cleaner Pakistan
It is important that in everything we do next, we keep in mind the fact that, as Pakistan's youth and future, it is in our hands to make sure we inspire unity and togetherness and aim to achieve goals geared towards the development of Pakistan. Our country needs us. Pakistan Zindabaad!
ValueofCollegeCounselling
The foundation of the application process is research This is an extensive process that requires considerable time, so it's important to start early I recommend beginning your research during your AS level to identify suitable universities. Understanding the specific requirements of these universities is crucial, as they may include standardized tests like SATs or other external assessments Competitive universities are increasingly incorporating interviews into their admission processes Therefore, it's essential to be aware of these requirements ahead of time
I would advise students to be very mindful of their budget. Discuss your financial plan with your parents before you start your research It's crucial to be on the same page and have a realistic budget in mind, especially given the current financial climate
Once you have a clear understanding of what’s needed, it's advisable to meet with your school counsellors regularly. They will be instrumental in helping you with navigating the application process When you enter your A2s, the focus will shift to drafting essays Be prepared for multiple revisions to perfect your essays This part of the process is both rigorous and time-consuming, so punctuality in your meetings with your counsellor is key.
As you engage in counselling sessions, it's important to stay proactive Check your emails frequently and adhere to deadlines Working ahead of time can significantly enhance the quality of your application Personal statements, draft revisions, and recommendations all take time, so effective time management is essential. The more time you dedicate and the earlier you start, the better your application will be.
When it comes to standardised tests like the SATs, aim to take them as early as possible It’s perfectly okay to attempt them multiple times, as each attempt can help you improve your score Ideally, try to complete your SATs before November in order to submit them before the major international deadlines. This is important not only for international universities but also for Pakistani universities. SAT scores can also exempt you from admissions tests, which is a significant advantage
When preparing for university applications, focus on identifying where you want to apply, the types of schools that fit your academic profile, your budget, and your intended major. Organise this information in a spreadsheet and work with your counsellor to finalise y
Pay close attention to affordability and the nature of each university Consider what you like and dislike about potential schools, and think about internships and credentials that might be relevant. Balance these factors with the requirements of each school to find the best fit for you. The criteria you instil in your search to shortlist universities mirror the course of action that the university itself proceeds with when choosing you Communicate openly with your parents, as their support is crucial Avoid relying solely on anecdotal information or word of mouth, as it may not always be accurate or relevant
Remember that balance is critical. Universities look for wellrounded individuals, not just academically successful students Just as you assess colleges based on a variety of factors, they evaluate you based on character, leadership, and communication skills These qualities are as important as academic achievements
Our counselling team at Cedar is exceptional, with a strong support system that includes a high student-to counsellor ratio and extensive resources
Mr Mizan Rattani, Head of Counselling
Cedar College proudly announces the addition of our new faculty members, who are set to bring fresh perspectives and a deep commitment to academic excellence
Mr Raheel Masood Principal, PECHS
Mr Moinuddin Ali Further Math
Mr Zafar Ali Khan Computer Science
Mr Daniyal Ahmed Physics Mr Ibtisam Baig Chemistry
PROUDPAKISTANI
Aamir Khan holding Pakistan’s flag after he wins a gold medal in the 7th Heroes Taekwondo Championship
Pakistan celebrates another great feat this independence day: Aamir Khan, an athlete from the Valley of Swat, won a gold medal in Taekwondo at the 7th Heroes Taekwondo Championship held in Bangkok from August 10–12, 2024.
Expressing true Pakistani spirit, this devoted athlete managed this monumental victory against over 3000 competitors from countries like Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and the Philippines Moreover, he defeated athletes in his own group from India, the Philippines, and Japan to secure one final win that resulted in this gold medal.
Aamir Khan, in an interview with Dawn, also narrated that he initially wanted to cancel his trip to Thailand due to a lack of funds for an air ticket, but his passion for taekwondo led him to borrow money from friends and family a testament to his commitment to the sport
Aamir Khan dedicates this win to his homeland, the people of Swat, his family, friends, and coaches for their unwavering support and belief in his talents.
ShahAbdulLatifBhittai
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, a revered Sufi poet and philosopher, holds a special place in the cultural and literary heritage of Sindh His poetry, written in the Sindhi language, reflects deep spiritual insights and profound wisdom, emphasising love, unity, and the pursuit of truth.
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai's verses are celebrated not only for their lyrical beauty but also for their message of harmony and peace His famous verse, "Wari aaween watan waro, so gaam galhiyu sand," translates to "Return to your homeland, so that I may speak of my longing," capturing the essence of longing and devotion that resonates with the human experience
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai's work offers a timeless source of inspiration and a reminder of the rich cultural roots that shape our identity
There is no light nor day
Every one can see the Lord! Those who love the Lord The world cannot hold them. Palaces do not attract them, Nor women nor servants Nothing binds them: The renouncers leave everything behind
TEDEd
TED-Ed, an initiative of the globally renowned TED organization, aims to cultivate the next generation of thinkers and change-makers by giving students the tools they need to develop and present their own TED-style talks.
The TED-Ed Club at Cedar College is a space where students can explore their interests, dive into research, and craft presentations that reflect their unique perspectives Whether you're passionate about science, art, technology, social issues, or any other field, this club offers you the chance to bring your ideas to life in a creative and engaging way. Through guided sessions, members will learn how to identify powerful topics, structure compelling narratives, and deliver presentations that resonate with audiences
The club fosters a supportive environment where students can collaborate, receive constructive feedback, and refine their ideas before presenting them in a TED-Ed style talk
In addition to building these essential skills, club members will also have the chance to have their talks featured on the official TED-Ed platform, reaching a global audience and joining a community of thinkers and creators from around the world
If you're ready to share your voice, explore new concepts, and be part of a community that values curiosity and creativity, the TED-Ed Club is the place for you Keep an eye out for our first meeting announcement and join us as we embark on this exciting journey together.
At Cedar College, we believe in the power of ideas to shape the future The TED-Ed Club is your platform to turn those ideas into reality We can't wait to see what you'll create!
SPOTLIGHT
STEMNEXT
Launched by the Pakistan Innovation Fo and STEMx, STEM: NEXT WAVE 11 is the incredible learning opportunities and exp in the STEM world. This program is sp designed for exceptional students who h national awards in science or regularly take part in Olympiads and other prestigious competitions Since October 2023, STEMx has been in partnership with Cedar School and College, among other leading high schools in Pakistan.
STEM Next consists of a series of online talks, about eight in total, by renowned scholars from every corner of the world In addition to this, various quizzes will be taken after each talk to gauge the students’ abilities and potential A number of students will be further selected through a rigorous process for the esteemed STEM program in December 2024 based on their performance in these quizzes Moreover, financial aid is also available for this bootcamp This bootcamp offers hands-on learning and provides engaging activities for those interested in the field of science
Kasab Ahmed, has demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill in her journey through A levels. From a young age, she has been deeply passionate about astronomy, a drive that has fueled her academic pursuits. This passion led her to secure a prestigious 2-week summer program scholarship at Oxford University, despite the competitive nature of the selection process
Navigating the demands of A levels, particularly in challenging subjects like Physics, Kasab remained focused and determined When presented with the chance to write an essay for a scholarship, she embraced it with enthusiasm, knowing well that she had 3 weeks only to thoroughly analyze and research on the topic whilst but she knew that even if she didn’t win, the experience woul deepen her interest and expertise in her field.
Kasab’s meticulous research and insightful analysis resulted in an outstanding essay that set her apart from other candidates Her hard work and commitment were recognized when she received a congratulatory email confirming her scholarship to Oxford
Kasab’s story highlights the power of passion and dedication. Her achievement exemplifies that with unwavering commitment and enthusiasm, extraordinary opportunities and successes are within reach
Cedar’s HighestAchievers
Hamza Yasir - A A A (Chemistry, Physics, Biology) in AS
During the first week of college, I went around asking random people about their O-level grades to see which type of people I needed to make friends with I surrounded myself with high achievers, and they pushed me to do well in my tests and mocks. My daily routine consisted of 2 hours of revision and understanding concepts. At the end of the year, when exams were around the corner, I spent around 8 hours a day solving past papers and revising. I barely had a social life. After my midterm results reflected the fact that I had spent a lot more time in my room studying than going out I’m hoping to find a good balance in A2, in which I can both study for 2-3 hours a day and also play games and socialise
Noorafshan Asad - A A A A (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Maths)
In AS, I mainly utilized the breaks in between classes to revise and practice past papers. On most days, I would do revision for one hour and then rest in my free time. During exam season, I would exclude myself from non-academic affairs and really focus on the tasks at hand I look forward to continuing my form and staying consistent I would advise against studying all night and instead capitalizing on well-rested sleep and advanced studies in the daytime
UniversityAcceptances
As the Batch of 2024 steps into their life’s newest and perhaps the most important chapter; University life, Cedar is proud to see its Knights excel and reign over their University applications. With immense guidance from our counselling team, Cedar is proud to announce that as the university acceptances pour in, our Knights have managed to score some of the top universities, from all over the world
Starting from Asia, multiple students have received their admission confirmation from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, City University of Hong Kong, and Chinese University of Hong Kong Moving over to the USA and UK, our Knights have managed to bag some of the finest colleges, like York University, University of Toronto, King’s College London, and even one of the most prestigious universities; New York University (NYU). More than just attending these universities, many of Cedar Knights have been awarded scholarships, ranging from 50-100%
Acceptances from within Pakistan have also arrived, starting from Agha Khan University which is known to be one of the most reputable medical colleges in Pakistan, to LUMS, Habib University, IBA and even GIK Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology. All in all, Cedar has seen a wide range of university acceptances, locally and internationally, and is proud to see how far our students have come within these two years in Cedar.
Acknowledging the endless hard work put in by our counselling department, who tirelessly escorted our students in the right direction and towards their dream university, we would like to celebrate and congratulate not only our deserving students and their families, but also our commendable counsellors Kudos to our Knights, may they continue to prosper!
ARTCORNER
The Scream by Edvard Munch is one of the most iconic images in art history, capturing a figure in a moment of intense emotion It’s an icon of modern art where Munch defined how we see our own age - wracked with anxiety and uncertainty
Essentially The Scream is autobiographical, an expressionistic construction based on Munch's actual experience of a scream piercing through nature while on a walk, after his two companions, seen in the background, had left him Fitting the fact that the sound must have been heard at a time when his mind was in an abnormal state, Munch renders it in a style which if pushed to extremes can destroy human integrity
Look closely at the swirling sky, the figure's expression, and the stark contrast of colours
What emotions do you think the artist is conveying? 1 How does this painting make you feel? 2. Why do you think it has resonated with so many people around the world? 3.
Write a few sentences on your interpretation of this powerful piece and submit it to cep@cedar.edu.pk. The best interpretations will be published in the next issue of the Bulletin.
FROMISSUEII
The different brush strokes in the painting remind me of the conflicting emotions in Van Gogh's mental state. He was seen by many historians as having BPD, and I believe his mental state was captured in the painting Inspired by the view from his window at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum in Saint-Rémy, in southern France, where the artist spent twelve months in 1889–90 seeking reprieve from his mental illnesses, The Starry Night which is why the starry night has such a calming effect on many of its views, and the fluidity of the picture almost making a moving motion depicts the constant unrest of his mind.
The Starry Night by Van Gogh may be one of the most well-known paintings to the general public; however, after some further research, I've found that artistic critics find Starry Night to be one of his most unimpressive pieces Set at night with a scene of dark Cypress trees overlooking a town, Starry Night is said to be a symbol of Van Gogh's fragile mental state at the time of painting. It is said that his mental health was deteriorating, and seeing as the Cyprus tree is often associated with funerals and sadness, that fact is confirmed However, it is interesting to note that although many critics strongly dislike Starry Night, it is still one of the most well-known paintings around the globe, and it sheds light on the concept that just because some people don't like your work does not mean everyone will be the same In my opinion, Starry Night is one of my favourite paintings because it is dreamlike and powerful The sense of wonder depicted in this painting is hard to see in any other portrayal of the night sky.
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The whimsical yet contemplative stars, the imaginary village something about this abstract scene must have meant something to Van Gogh and his suffering. It's safe to say the turbulent and dazzling rendition of the sky bears the majority of the emotional weight of this painting
In recent times, it's transcended into more of an aesthetic than just a single piece, and it's well deserved, in my opinion The delicateness and thoughtful flow of the strokes make your eye's journey across the canvas feel like a recreational canoe ride Perhaps the artist found solace in the real-world counterparts to these bright, exaggerated lanterns; nothing else was capable of understanding his burning pain
- Hamza Siddiqui
Publications Team Vol I, Issue III
PATRON Aysha Sheikh
EDITOR IN-CHIEF
Meer Matar Khan
DESIGNERS
Adeena Tahir
Kasab Ahmed
Meer Matar
Amnah Khan
Hamna Siddiqui
WORDSMITHS
Amnah Khan
Eman Mustafa
Kasab Ahmed
Hamna Siddiqui
Fatima Nadeem
Meer Matar Khan
Armeen Aamir
Sanya Ali (CEP)
Maryam Asif
- Sabicah Nouman
Vincent Van Gogh - Starry Night
- Eman Mustafa