THE KNOWLEDGE
A Message from the Executive Principal
The celebratory atmosphere has been palpable this week at KGIS as we approach the end of the academic year! Our younger students have completed their exams and assessments, and are enjoying the final lessons of the year as we prepare them for the move into the next grade. Some of these students have reached significant milestones in their educational journey, and we enjoyed celebrating the end of phase achievements this week with our KG2 and Grade 5 students and parents at their graduation ceremonies. It is always a huge pleasure and privilege to be part of the journey of growth and development with our students, and these events allowed us to reflect on all the amazing achievements of these particular cohorts We wish them well as they move into the next phases of their educational journey!
A real highlight of the year is our annual Student Awards Ceremony, and this year's event was no exception! Over 160 students from Grade 1 to Grade 12 came together with their parents to receive awards after being nominated by their teachers. The awards celebrate achievement, progress, effort and contribution to school life across a range of subjects, the KGIS Universal Islamic Values and extra-curricular activities The opportunity to celebrate so many students is so special and I can't think of a more fitting way to end the academic year Congratulations to all our award winners, and special congratulations to Mohammed Gouda who was awarded the Walid Hassan Award for KGIS Student of the Year 2024 for his outstanding contribution to school life and embodiment of the KGIS Universal Islamic Values in action.
Next week is the final week of our school year and we look forward to further celebrations of learning We will be publishing the final set of student reports to all parents via the ISAMS Parent App next week, and will also share your child's Summer Pack containing important information about next academic year as well as summer holiday work to complete. On Thursday 13th June, we will have a slightly earlier finish for students with KG1 and KG2 finishing at 11:20am, and Grades 1 to 12 finishing at 12:20pm. School buses will run at these times for students who use this service.
Wishing you all a restful weekend!
P A R E N T N E W S L E T T E R 6 J U N E 2 0 2 4
Key Dates
Please make a note of the following important dates: Thursday 13 June: Last day of Term 3
Please click here to access the Academic Calendar for this academic year
Clickonthelinksbelowtoaccessthelearningoverview,homelearningexpectationsand assessmentdatesforeachgrade:
KG1
KG2
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Grade 9
Grade 10 (IGCSE exams)
Learning Overviews
KGISUniversalIslamicValueforJune: Accountability
KGIS ‘Year of Giving’ Update
We are very proud that throughout this academic year we have focused as a whole school on the Universal Islamic Value of 'benevolence'. Thank you to all the students, parents and staff who have supported our charitable drive by attending our fundraising events, by undertaking sponsored activities to raise money, and by donating via our non-uniform days and bake sales. As a community we have truly been able to make a difference to the lives of others through the spirit of generosity shown. We have supported a wide range of charitable activities within our local community, nationally and internationally including Workers Iftars, donations of gifts to children in local orphanages and at SQU Hospital, sending food parcels to local families in need, and supporting the Oman Charitable Fund in their work in helping the victims of the war in Gaza
Our biggest project of the year has been ensuring that we raise enough money to honour our commitment of building a mosque in the small town of Podor in northern Senegal. We set ourselves this huge challenge over a year ago, and I am pleased to say that we have made great progress! Thanks to your generosity, we have raised enough money to complete Phase 1 of this very worthy project
In November, Ms. Liz, Ms. Katie and Mr. Alex travelled to Senegal along with construction engineer Mr. Syed to visit the site of the mosque, meet the local community in Podor and plan the construction. Phase 1 of the project consists of building the Main Prayer Hall, Ladies Prayer Hall, ablution area and mortuary. All the building materials have now been shipped from Oman to Senegal ready for the construction to start! Ms Liz, Mr Alex and Mr Syed are travelling to Senegal again later this month to supervise the construction and will spend the summer in Podor to ensure that Phase 1 of the project is completed in a timely manner.
The KGIS Art Department have been instrumental in the design elements of the mosque. Mr. Alex and Mr. Austin have worked with students to create beautiful mosaic designs that will decorate both the interior and exterior of the building, and will leave a lasting legacy. Mr. Alex also created a beautiful floral design that has been custom made and cut in marble for the interior wall of the Main Prayer Hall, which you can see below.
We will continue to share progress updates with you over the summer period and look forward to seeing the first phase completed! This is a truly remarkable accomplishment for KGIS and would not have been possible without everyone's contributions. Thank you!
KGIS ‘Year of Giving’ Update
Extra-Curricular Activities
Click here to access the Extra-Curricular Timetable for this term
Inspired Forte Music Programme
We are very excited to remind parents of this unique opportunity available for students who learn a musical instrument! This opportunity is only available to students in Inspired schools, and offers a series of private instrument lessons with a tutor from the Royal College of Music in London - the world’s number one music conservatory.
In partnership with The Royal College of Music in London, Forte has launched the Pathways to Performance programme exclusively for Inspired students. The programme offers a package of private lessons with otherwise inaccessible top music tutors, verified by The Royal College of Music, the world’s #1 ranked music conservatory. Every private tutor currently teaches at or has received music education training at The Royal College of Music, so they are not just excellent Royal College of Music musicians, but they have also been trained by the best in music teaching practice.
The programme caters to students at senior school level who desire to achieve advanced levels in their instrumental abilities and to those preparing for auditions or public performances. Upon completion, students will have the chance to get certificates of attendance issued from The Royal College of Music, further reflecting their hard work.
Further information can be found: https://fortelessons.com/inspired . The following video also offers more insight into the programme: Click here for video
Extra-Curricular Activities
Click here to access the Extra-Curricular Timetable for this term
Inspired Summer Camps
Secure your spot at one of the Inspired Global Camps this summer!
Watch our YouTube video here!
As we approach the summer months, we wanted to inform you that some limited spaces are left in our phenomenal global summer camps, which are experiencing high demand. Last year, we had amazing feedback from Inspired families, who decided to enrol their children, so we wanted to offer the remaining spaces to you first!
If you are keen for your child to join this July or August, we encourage you to secure your child's spot as soon as possible.
Whether your child thrives in academic pursuits, enjoys sports, or loves expressing themselves through the arts, we have something for everyone.
Even though spaces are limited, we continue to offer our exclusive Inspired 10% discount, applicable to each camp booking This is an opportunity not to be missed!
To secure your child's place simply visit our website or contact use the contact form to ask a question directly. We can't wait to welcome your child to a summer full of fun, learning, and unforgettable memories.
KG Update
After a very busy few weeks of practising, rehearsing and support from Ms. Sarah, KG2 proudly graduated on Tuesday 4th June at the Hormuz Hotel! It was an amazing event where the children shared songs and collected certificates to celebrate all of their wonderful learning achievements as they move up to Grade 1 next academic year.
This year the KG2 children have made unbelievable progress in all areas of the Early Years Curriculum They have been on three school trips, had many craft and parent events and showcased their storytelling abilities to parents on a number of occasions. We are all very proud of the wonderful KG2 children and we wish them all the very best on the next step in their learning journey into Grade 1. Good luck KG2! Remember, you are all amazing!
KG News
A Message from Mr. Ian, Head of Primary
Primary News
It was a bittersweet day on Tuesday as we celebrated our KG2 and Grade 5 children to mark the close of two very important stages in their educational journey When I joined KGIS in 2019, those same Grade 5 children were beginning the newest chapter of their education in Grade 1 and I have an immense sense of pride in reflecting on how they have grown and learnt This cohort bore the brunt of the Covid pandemic and online learning, and as a result faced many challenges in learning new skills at such a young age. Nevertheless, through their hard work, the dedication of their teachers and their supportive parents, we saw 75 young men and women stand on stage and say, “We made it!”
It was a pleasure to stand alongside them and share this joyous moment and I wish them every success in their move to the Secondary Phase and beyond.
It was an equally proud moment to see the KG2 children receive their graduation certificates. They joined the KGIS Family as tiny children, entrusted by their parents to us as they began to navigate the world outside of their home and families. It is a testament to their teachers, Ms. Isobel, Ms. Najat and Ms. Alison how well-prepared and grown up they are as they get ready to embark on the next steps in Grade 1.
To all our graduates, I wish you the very best of luck with an Irish proverb, “Go n-eirí an bóthar libh” which translates to “May the road rise to meet you all,” or to put simply, no matter where you go, may the journey be smooth!
Grades 1 & 2
Our Grade 1 students were recently learning the Arabic story of 'The Wolf and the Lamb'. They learned what to do if they encountered a problem and how we can use our quick wit and intelligence to solve our problems as the lamb did in the story by tricking the wolf! The children then wrote thought provoking stories of their own using the story as inspiration!
Grades 3 to 5
Primary News
Grade 3 were thoroughly entertained at the Planetarium this week. They were immersed in an amazing journey through the planets and stars supporting their learning in this term's Science topic. We have been visiting the PDO planetarium from KGIS for many years now and it never fails to impress teachers and students alike!
As you read above, we had our Grade 5 graduation. We were treated to a slideshow of some pictures of the children over the years which I think is only fitting to share with you all!
Message from Mr. James, Head of Secondary
Secondary News
What a week of celebrations we have had at KGIS! It was wonderful to see our KG and Grade 5 students follow in the footsteps of our seniors and enjoy their own respective graduations this week. These milestone events were filled with joy, pride, and a sense of accomplishment, marking important transitions in our students' academic journeys. To top off our celebratory events, it was great to have the opportunity to reward some very well-deserving students at our annual Awards Ceremony. Over 160 different awards were handed out, ranging from subject-specific achievements to the prestigious KGIS Universal Islamic Values awards This diverse array of accolades underscores our commitment to recognising excellence in all areas of student life, be it academic, extracurricular, or character development. Students were honoured for their achievements in subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and Arabic, showcasing their hard work and intellectual growth. Additionally, awards for Sports, Arts, and Community Service highlighted the well-rounded talents and dedication of our students. By celebrating these varied accomplishments, we reaffirm our belief that every student has unique strengths and contributions worthy of recognition and praise.
The highlight of the ceremony was undoubtedly the awarding of the Walid Hassan Award for KGIS Student of the Year. This year, Mohammed Gouda from Grade 10 was the worthy recipient of this esteemed honour. Mohammed is a role model for his peers and younger students alike, consistently embodying each of our Universal Islamic Values. His academic excellence is matched by his character, making him an exemplary figure in our school community. Mohammed’s achievements extend beyond the classroom, as he actively participates in extra-curricular activities and community service, demonstrating leadership and a commitment to making a positive impact. His ability to balance academic rigour with personal development and service to others makes him a shining example of what it means to be a KGIS student.
We have an exciting week of extra-curricular trips coming up as we mark the end of a long and rewarding academic year. These trips provide our students with wonderful opportunities to learn and grow outside the traditional classroom setting, fostering skills and experiences that are just as valuable as their academic achievements. Students have a choice of attending the Oman Sail, Snow Oman, or German Bakery trips next week. Each trip is designed to offer unique experiences that cater to diverse interests and learning outcomes. If your child is interested in participating in any of these trips, they should speak to the relevant teachers for more information and to sign up. Mr. Sean is coordinating the Oman Sail trip, Mr. Joe is in charge of the Snow Oman trip, and Ms. Aisha is organising the German Bakery trip. Each teacher can provide detailed itineraries, answer any questions, and help with the registration process. We encourage all students to take advantage of these enriching opportunities as we celebrate the culmination of a successful academic year.
Finally, I would like to remind all parents that normal lessons will continue during the last week of school. It is absolutely essential that all students attend as these initial sessions play a crucial role in their academic progress These lessons mark the beginning of the next academic year’s work. Starting this early allows students to gain a head start on new material, ensuring a smooth transition into the next phase of their education. It sets a strong foundation for the year ahead, helping students to familiarise themselves with upcoming subjects and expectations. We encourage all parents to ensure their children are present, ready to learn, and excited to embark on the next chapter of their educational journey Your support in this transition is greatly appreciated, and together, we can help our students achieve their full potential.
Secondary Subject Spotlight: Arabic
Secondary News
Arabic students have been very busy preparing for the new academic year, striving to get a head start on their studies This proactive approach demonstrates their dedication and eagerness to excel Over the past week, these students have taken the lead by actively engaging in peer-teaching and collaborative group work, both of which are invaluable methods for reinforcing their learning and developing critical skills.
In peer-teaching sessions, students assume the role of the instructor, explaining concepts and teaching lessons to their classmates, thereby solidifying their own understanding and enhancing their communication and leadership abilities. Simultaneously, collaborative group work allows students to tackle projects and solve problems together, fostering teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity. By listening to different viewpoints, negotiating roles, and reaching consensus, students develop essential skills for academic and professional success. These activities not only prepare them for the upcoming academic year but also create a dynamic and supportive learning environment that encourages active participation and mutual support, setting a strong foundation for continued excellence
We are proud to partner with Azima Catering to offer healthy, nutritious meals for all students. Please contact Ms. Amira at admissions@kgis-edu.com for any queries or requests relating to catering.
Click here to see this week's menu
School Catering Contact the School
For General Enquiries please contact the School Reception:
E: reception@kgis-edu.com T: 2407 3500 / 2407 3501
For academic or pastoral concerns and questions, please contact your child's Homeroom Teacher in the first instance via email
Uniform Shop
The Uniform Shop is situated at the Main Reception and is open Sunday to Thursday from 8:00am-3:30pm
Finance Office
The Finance Office is situated at the Main Reception and is open Sunday to Thursday from 8:00am-3:30pm
E: finance@kgis-edu.com T: 2407 3517
Admissions
The Admissions Office is open Sunday to Thursday from 8:00am-4:00pm
To see school fees and Admissions information please click here
E: admissions@kgis-edu com T: 2407 3504 www.kgis.edu.om