KGIS Weekly Newsletter 30th May 2024

THE KNOWLEDGE

A Message from the Executive Principal

We have had a fantastic week celebrating the culture of creativity and Performing Arts at KGIS! Performing Arts is one of the Inspired key pillars and is central to the holistic curriculum we offer All students have Music and Drama lessons as part of the core curriculum, and are encouraged to pursue their individual talents via our extensive range of extra-curricular activities. As many of you are aware, I am a musician and started my career in education teaching Music so of course I am passionate about supporting and growing the Arts in school!

This week we enjoyed our LAMDA Showcase Evening where Primary and Secondary students who have been following the LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts) syllabus performed a variety of monologues, musical performances and short dramatic pieces in an intimate setting in our Drama Studio. KGIS is proud to be the only LAMDA accredited examination centre in Muscat licensed to offer this unique set of qualifications that develop so many skills and also contribute to university entrance.

Finally, perhaps the biggest highlight of the week was our amazing 'KGIS Has Talent' show where students from KG1 right up to Secondary showed off a range of unique talents to their peers. Performances included singing, musical pieces, mime, dance routines, sports demonstrations, drama, stand-up comedy, magic tricks and more! The variety and quality were simply astounding and made the judge’s jobs very difficult in selecting winners! Congratulations to all the students who took part, and in particular to Primary winners Korkemay Zholdas (Grade 1) and Adam Al Ghoui (Grade 5), and Secondary winners, the band 'Slab' comprised of Sofiya Hussain, Lily Simpson, Amber My Dinh and Barseen Talebi Garakouei (Grade 8)

Wishing you all a restful weekend!

Ms Liz Stanley Executive Principal

Key Dates

Please make a note of the following important dates:

Sunday 2 June-Monday 3 June: KG1 and KG2 Parent Consultation Meetings

Tuesday 4 June: KG2 Graduation Ceremony

Tuesday 4 June: Grade 5 Graduation Ceremony

Tuesday 4 June: KGIS Student Awards Ceremony

Thursday 13 June: Last day of Term 3

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

Clickonthelinksbelowtoaccessthelearningoverview,homelearningexpectationsand assessmentdatesforeachgrade:

Grade 6

KG2

Grade 1

Grade 2

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

Grade 7

Grade 8

Grade 9

Grade 10 (IGCSE exams)

Extra-Curricular Activities

Click here to access the Extra-Curricular Timetable for this term

Extra-Curricular Activities

A reminder that our programme of extra-curricular activities has now started for all students. We have a huge variety of activities on offer before school, at lunch times and after school. There really is something for everyone! All activities are free of charge and students are encouraged to join as many as possible in order to broaden their skills. Please click on the link above to see the timetable of activities.

LAMDA Showcase Evening

We were very lucky this week to be treated to an intimate and very personal performance by our LAMDA students in the Drama studio on Sunday evening. Students from Grades 2 to 9 treated their parents and teachers to a range of performances including poetry recitations, live music and singing, acting and even mime! The showcase of talent was nothing short of breath taking and the audience was not disappointed in the slightest. A very special thank you to Ms. Kat, our LAMDA Coordinator and her co teacher Ms. Denise. They should be very proud of each and every student’s achievements.

LAMDA students study with the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts and our KGIS LAMDA participants all took their exams earlier this year, passing with flying colours! If you would like your child to become involved next academic year, please let Ms. Katherine know at katherine.h@kgis-edu.com .

Extra-Curricular Activities

Click here to access the Extra-Curricular Timetable for this term

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

We have so many exciting activities planned for our little ones in KG over the next two weeks, including the school trip and our class parties on the last day! This week saw the start of our end of year celebrations, with our youngest children taking part in, and being an amazing audience for, the 'KGIS Has Talent' competition. A huge well done to all our children who showed off their talents at all stages of the competition, you are simply brilliant and we are so proud of each and every one of you, every single day! We were particularly proud of how beautifully our youngest learners sat as they watched their fellow students perform, they were so engaged and showed exemplary behaviour.

A Message from Mr. Ian, Head of Primary

Primary News

This week we enjoyed one of the most anticipated events of the school year; 'KGIS Has Talent!'

Drama and Music are highly beneficial for children's development in several ways, encompassing cognitive, emotional, social, and physical aspects. Here are some of the key benefits:

Cognitive Development

Enhanced Memory and Attention: Learning lines, songs, and music pieces helps improve memory. Paying attention to cues and instructions enhances focus and attention span.

Language and Communication Skills: Drama and Music involve a lot of verbal expression Children expand their vocabulary, improve their pronunciation, and develop better sentence structure and storytelling abilities. Creativity and Imagination: Engaging in Drama and Music stimulates creativity. Children learn to think outside the box, innovate, and express themselves in new and unique ways.

Emotional Development

Emotional Expression and Regulation: Both Drama and Music provide an outlet for children to express their emotions Acting out different roles and scenarios or playing music that resonates with their feelings can help them understand and manage their emotions better.

Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem: Performing in front of an audience, even if it's just family or classmates, builds confidence. Successfully mastering a piece of music or a role in a play boosts self-esteem.

Social Development

Collaboration and Teamwork: Drama and Music often involve group activities, whether it's a play or a band. Children learn to work together, share ideas, listen to others, and respect different perspectives.

Empathy and Understanding: Through role-playing and exploring various characters and scenarios, children develop empathy They learn to understand and relate to others' feelings and viewpoints

Physical Development

Fine Motor Skills: Playing musical instruments requires precise hand movements and coordination. This improves fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Gross Motor Skills: Drama activities often include movement, dance, and gestures, which enhance gross motor skills and overall physical fitness.

Academic Benefits

Improved Academic Performance: Studies have shown that children involved in Music and Drama often perform better academically. The discipline, focus, and cognitive skills gained from these activities translate into better performance in subjects like Maths, Reading, and Science

Cultural Awareness and Appreciation

Exposure to Different Cultures: Drama and Music expose children to various cultures, traditions, and historical contexts. T his broadens their understanding and appreciation of the world around them.

Lifelong Skills

Primary News

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Engaging in these activities requires children to think critically and solve problems, whether it's figuring out how to portray a character or how to play a difficult piece of music. Resilience and Perseverance: Learning to play an instrument or act in a play involves practice, mistakes, and learning from them. This teaches children resilience and the value of perseverance.

Let’s take a look at a bumper picture edition this week from our 'KGIS Has Talent' show!

Primary News

Message from Mr. James, Head of Secondary

Secondary News

Congratulations to all our students who have conducted themselves with the highest level of maturity and dedication during their end-of-term final exams. It is always heartening to see such commitment and hard work, especially during a time that can be quite stressful I have been particularly impressed by the attitude shown by our secondary students, who have navigated this challenging period with resilience and grace. Your determination and focus are commendable, and you should be proud of the effort you have put into your studies.

An exam, along with its grade, represents just one stage in your child's educational journey. It is essential to remember that while grades are a measure of performance in a particular area at a particular time, they do not encapsulate the entirety of a student's abilities or potential. Each child is unique, with their own strengths and talents that may not always be reflected in exam results What truly matters is the holistic development of each student – their growth in knowledge, skills, and character throughout the school year. As we reflect on this past year, let us celebrate the progress that each child has made. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a significant achievement. Learning is a continuous journey, and every experience, whether a success or a setback, contributes to the broader tapestry of a student's educational and personal development. The resilience, curiosity, and passion for learning that our students have shown will serve them well in their future endeavours

Speaking of the future, it was wonderful to give our current Grade 5 students the opportunity to experience life in the Secondary Phase this week during our annual Grade 5 to 6 Transition Day. This special event is designed to ease the transition from Primary to Secondary education, providing our Grade 5 students with a first-hand look at what awaits them next year It is a significant milestone, and we are thrilled to see our young learners approaching it with enthusiasm and curiosity. During the Transition Day, our Grade 5 students had the chance to engage in a variety of activities and some new subjects that showcased the dynamic and enriching environment of the Secondary Phase. They participated in sample lessons, met with teachers, and interacted with older students who shared their own experiences and offered valuable insights. This immersive experience helps to demystify the transition process, making it less daunting and more exciting for our soon-to-be Secondary students

Finally, I would like to remind all parents that normal lessons will commence from Sunday 2nd June. It is absolutely essential that all students attend as these initial sessions play a crucial role in their academic progress. During this period, teachers will be providing critical exam feedback, which is invaluable for each student’s understanding of their performance. This feedback will help students identify their strengths and areas for improvement, allowing them to develop effective strategies for future assessments. In addition to exam feedback, 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 Spotlight: Grade 12 Graduation

Secondary News

As we begin preparations to welcome new Grade 6 students, it is fitting that we also had the chance to say goodbye to our much admired senior students in Grade 12 It was wonderful to listen to students, teachers and parents share their experiences and memories of KGIS. Graduations are always bittersweet; this was a point repeated on the night such is the high esteem these students are held in. However, we are also excited for the future and we are confident the seniors of 2024 will leave their own indelible mark on the world.

Secondary News

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