KGIS Weekly Newsletter 25th May 2023

THE KNOWLEDGE

A Message from the Executive Principal

As we enter the last few weeks of the school year, we have some wonderful events taking place. This week our KG students enjoyed a Splash Day, our Model United Nations Team took part in a global virtual debate competition, and our Grade 2 students enjoyed a visit to Snow Oman!

We also have a plethora of trips going out over the next few weeks including more students visiting Snow Oman, PDO Planetarium, Oman Sail, ATC Training Institute, Oman Aquarium, Qantab Beach, Dimaniyat Islands and more! The end of term brings more excitement for the students as we hold our Graduation Ceremonies for students in KG2, Grade 5 and Grade 12, as well as our annual Student Awards Ceremony where we celebrate pupils who have excelled in both academic and extra-curricular endeavours.

These activities and events illustrate some of the things that define us as a school: aspirational, engaged, communityfocussed. Moving the learning process beyond classroom walls ensures that our students receive a truly holistic and experiential educational experience where learning is not just an abstract process, but is brought to life and placed in context resulting in true mastery and deep understanding.

We are already busy planning for next academic year to ensure more opportunities for our students including a wider variety of international trips We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with you and thank you as always for your support.

Ms Liz Stanley Executive Principal

Key Dates

Please make a note of the following important dates:

Thursday 1 June: KG Stay and Play Open Day for new students (1:30pm)

Sunday 4 June: Grade 12 Oman Bilingual Diploma examinations start

Thursday 8 June: KG Stay and Play Open Day for new students (1:30pm)

Monday 19 June: KG2 Graduation Ceremony (9:00am)

Monday 19 June: Grade 5 Graduation Ceremony (1:30pm)

Tuesday 20 June: Grade 12 Graduation Ceremony

Wednesday 21 June: Term 3 Academic Reports published to parents

Thursday 22 June: Student Awards Ceremony

Thursday 29 June: Last day of Term 3

Please click here to access the Academic Calendar for this year

Please click here to access the Academic Calendar for next academic year

Learning Overviews

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 (no overview due to IGCSE exams)

Extra-Curricular Activities

a-Curricular Timetable for this term

Extra-Curricular Activities

Extra-curricular activities continue as normal this week. Please use the link above to see the timetable for Term 3.

Water Sports at KGIS

We are pleased to continue to develop our working partnership with Oman Sail to provide opportunities for all KGIS students to experience a range of water sports and activities that enrich the curriculum Once again this term, students will experience sailing, kayaking, and paddle boarding through dedicated taster days, and we will also be introducing a scuba diving taster course using our very own swimming pool! We look forward to sharing more information over the next week about these exciting activities!

KG News

KG Update

There was loads of fun in KG1 and KG2 this week as we did our best to beat the heat! On Monday and Tuesday the children had Splash Days! They had a fantastic time jumping in and out of their paddling pools, playing with water squirters, spray bottles and sponges They also played with shaving foam and bubbles and generally made a big mess! They had a splashingly good time!

No day in the sun is complete without a cold treat and they enjoyed a well-deserved rest with a nice icy cold tub of ice cream A big thank you to Ms Katie and the rest of the KG Team for organising such a fantastic event, I am sure it will become a fixture on our calendar for years to come!

A Message from Mr. Ian, Head of Primary

I hope you are all keeping well and have been preparing for our end of year exams which begin next week. In Grades 3 to 5 children will undertake the Cambridge Primary Progression tests. These are UK designed assessments which help teachers understand your child’s strengths throughout the school year and areas where they may need more support. These short tests indicate where your child is on their learning journey, instead of just showing right or wrong answers.

These assessments alone will not form your child’s final level (Emerging/Expected/Exceeding/Excelling) as Cycle Testing is used as a way to formulate a whole year long measure of progress and attainment Teachers will use the results to inform them on how best to support your child, areas of the curriculum which children have strong foundations in and areas where, as a school, we may need to apply more focus on going forward We will primarily use the results for internal data and as a curriculum planning resource.

In Grade 1 and 2, we will use a mix of in-house designed and UK standardised assessments which will be based on previous learning. Children will also undertake a Phonic Screening Test and Read! Write! Inc! assessment which will allow teachers to understand the level of phonological attainment across the groups and the results will be used to inform teachers for future planning and groupings.

Please do not stress about these exams and, more importantly, do not allow your children to stress. While some anxiety and worry is normal and a healthy part of exam preparation, it should be made clear that a child not doing well or finding the exam difficult may result in not progressing to the next grade!

Wishing your children the best of luck in their upcoming tests and I am confident that every child, regardless of ability, will achieve their best!

Grades 1 and 2

Grade 2 had an exhilarating and unforgettable experience during their recent visit to Snow Oman! From thrilling snow activities to building towers with snow blocks, making snow angels and sledding. Best of all they took part in the ‘Penguin Master’ workshop. Here they learned about penguin habitats, different species of penguins and other key facts. The trip was fantastic as it formed part of pre learning before further investigation of Polar Explorers within our Science curriculum. A few children had some frosty noses and toes but the cold could not stop their fun.

Primary News

Grades 3 to 5

5B started reading 'The Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor' from the Arabian Nights novel After reading chapters two and three, they story mapped, recounting the main events of the story drawing on their knowledge. The next task was to change key details from the story including the settings and monsters.

Group C consisting of Aisha, Abdullah, Adam and Hamood worked excellently together in their reading group, planning, discussing and retelling their version of the story The groups then presented their changes to the class

Secondary News

Message from Mr. James, Head of Secondary

As we draw to the end of May, we are still continuing to celebrate the Universal Islamic Value of Trust The importance of trust can not be overstated. At KGIS, our aim is not merely to develop students' academic potential, but also to ensure our students leave us with the necessary character traits to make positive changes to the world.

We firmly believe that trust is a fundamental value that underpins the fabric of society. We strive to instil this essential quality in our students, recognising its far-reaching impact Trust forms the bedrock of relationships, fostering cooperation, empathy, and understanding. It empowers individuals to build bridges, cultivate harmony, and affect meaningful change in the world. By nurturing trust within our students, we equip them with the capacity to be compassionate leaders, advocates for justice, and catalysts for progress.

For students in Grades 6 to 9, although they have one more week of exams, we have some exciting trips and special days planned for the post-exam period. Our students will be able to enjoy a variety of trips ranging from Oman Sail, Snow Oman and a boat trip to the Diymaniyat Islands. Teachers are in the process of finalising details and permission slips will be given to students next week.

Furthermore, the KGIS Science Team would like to inform you about the exciting Science Day we have planned for our students on 8th June 2023. The theme of the day will be ‘Exploration and Discovery’. There will be many fun activities planned for the day with the showcase being a ‘dress-up’ as your favourite scientist or science concept. Please see posters around the school for more details

Learning and Teaching

We are so proud of all our KGIS Maths students who have achieved an extremely high level of success in their Sparx activities! Out of the hundreds of schools who use Sparx globally, KGIS has been selected as one of the very few schools to be recognised with special awards. We are now officially one of the best performing schools in the world! Well done to all our fantastic Maths students and of course, to our excellent Maths Department.

Secondary News

Our Science students spent this week discovering the relationship between the Sun and Earth, and the Sun’s influence on seasons. During their exploration, our Science students not only investigated the Sun-Earth relationship, but also delved into the Sun's impact on seasons, including the concepts of solstices, equinoxes, and the tilt of Earth's axis. They engaged in hands-on experiments and analysed data to deepen their understanding.

Grade 8 History students evaluated the fairness of the Treaty of Versailles. They collaborated in groups to come up with arguments for and against the treaty. Using revision activities such as Retrieval Practice, they could develop a sustained argument. Their level of understanding of the treaty was enhanced as well as their critical thinking skills. By engaging in retrieval practice and collaborative discussions, the students were able to analyse historical evidence, evaluate different perspectives, and articulate well-supported arguments This process fostered a deeper comprehension of the complexities surrounding the Treaty of Versailles and its impact on Germany.

Secondary News

Key Question - Why is student wellbeing so important?

At KGIS, we take the issue of mental health and student wellbeing extremely seriously. Our dedicated Student Counsellor and Pastoral Team put in place measures to ensure all students feel safe and comfortable at KGIS Our team are trained to provide a supportive and confidential space for students to express their concerns and seek guidance. We prioritise mental health education, promote self-care practices, and foster a culture of empathy and understanding to ensure the overall wellbeing of our students Some key reasons why we promote student wellbeing are noted below:

Academic Performance: Wellbeing has a direct impact on academic performance. When students are in a positive state of mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and focused in their studies Their ability to concentrate, retain information, and solve problems improves, leading to better academic outcomes. This is particularly important during exam time.

Mental Health: Wellbeing is closely linked to mental health. Promoting wellbeing in educational settings helps create a supportive and nurturing environment that can prevent or alleviate mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress Prioritising mental health and wellbeing contributes to a positive school climate and fosters a sense of belonging and emotional resilience among students.

Emotional Development: Wellbeing encompasses emotional development, including self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and positive relationships. When students are supported in developing these skills, they are better equipped to handle challenges and cope with the ups and downs of life Emotional intelligence is essential for personal growth, social interactions, and future success. These are crucial traits for success beyond school.

Physical Health: Wellbeing encompasses physical health as well. Promoting physical activity, healthy eating habits, and overall wellness in educational settings helps students develop healthy lifestyles Physical health is closely linked to cognitive functioning, attention span, and overall energy levels, all of which impact learning and academic performance.

Resilience and Coping Skills: Wellbeing contributes to the development of resilience and effective coping skills Students who have a strong sense of wellbeing are more resilient in the face of challenges, setbacks, and stressful situations. They are better equipped to bounce back, adapt, and persevere, which are essential life skills.

Lifelong Wellbeing: Education should not only focus on academic knowledge but also prepare students for a fulfilling and healthy life beyond the classroom. By promoting wellbeing, educational institutions equip students with the skills, knowledge, and habits necessary for lifelong physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

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