THE DRUM @WOODFORD
Issue
32, 16th May 2025
Nationals coming back?
By Lizelle Tupiti
The return of the SI National F6 curriculum in 2026 is welcome news, especially for Year 10 students. This allows them to choose between two main curricula for Year 11 in 2026 the National Curriculum, suited for local study and work, and the internationally recognized Cambridge syllabus, ideal for students planning to study abroad
Woodford International School
Hi all!
As many of you know by now, exams are coming! Please make proper preparations towards them and we wish you all the very best in your studies! With that being said, our next issue will probably arrive a bit later than usual As like everyone, we too have our own exams to prepare for
Anyways, hope you enjoy what we have written for this issue and happy reading :)
A teacher shared a concerned response about the removal of the national curriculum and emphasized how bringing it back benefits both the school and its students. Removing the national curriculum had placed the school at a disadvantage, leading some parents to transfer their children especially those in Year 11 to public schools where the national curriculum was still offered.
Now that it has been reinstalled, students have the advantage of choosing between National and AS and A Level courses This benefits the school by helping retain students and allows them to engage more deeply in their learning, as the school is able to provide resources that other public schools cannot.
As curiosity still remains as to why the national curriculum has been removed; that update is still to come and to be uncovered. Watch this space to find out in our next issue. All in all, a great thanks to the school for bringing back the national curriculum in giving this opportunity for our future year 11s who will be taking this course and would like to stay back for another year at woodford.
School League: Training Progression
By Lizelle Tupiti
As the much anticipated school league draws nearer, preparations for the games have been stepped up, reflecting the commitment of both students and staff. With the extension of training hours being one, now running from 3 00 pm to 5 00 pm. In addition to it, training and fitness programs have been introduced to help boost endurance, agility, and overall athletic performance, ensuring our athletes are physically prepared for the demands of competitive play. As for the progression of training going on
Rugby coach Mr Vincent shared a positive response on the team's development, describing it as “good, consistent, and dominant.” The players are training extra hard and continuing to build a strong team.
Netball Coach Ms. Wendy shared positive feedback on the girls’ progress
The team is taking training seriously, focusing on fitness drills and skill development Teamwork has improved significantly, with strong team spirit and energy on the court. The girls strive with each other, making the games both fun and competitive.
To keep things exciting, there are talks of organizing netball games between Woodford and other schools in Honiara, being hosted at our school. So for upcoming news on netball games, stay tuned on this space to find out more
Its Mufti!
By Tianna Pitisopa
Are you all ready for a splash of color and creativity? This Friday 16th May, is Mufti Day, and the theme is ‘Barbie’!
To take part, students are asked to bring a $5 dollar donation, which will go towards supporting student council projects that benefit our school community.
There will also be a range of exciting games and activities held in the hall and on the field at lunchtime. It’s a perfect way to join the excitement and enjoy time with friends.
Political Shifts in the Government
By Kilifi Ruaia
On May 6, 2025, schools were closed down (except for Woodford International School) as declared by the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development
This was Due to the possibility of social unrest during the motion of no confidence which was to be addressed on May 6th in the parliament.
Simply put, a motion of no confidence is a formal proposal in a parliamentary system that expresses a lack of trust in the government or a specific leader. This could ultimately lead to the resignation of our current Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele and the election of a new one, if the motion passses
The cause? Well, according to recent articles such as pmn co nz article: ‘Political turmoil in the Solomon Islands as former prime minister leads mass resignations’ by Christine Rovoi, the resignation of 10 MP triggered the motion,
weakening Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s parliamentary majority, which led to the filing of the motion of no confidence
The motion was seen as an attempt to challenge Manele’s leadership and potentially replace him if enough MPs supported it.
However, the motion of no confidence was withdrawn before debate by its mover, Central Honiara MP Gordon Darcy Lilo, due to a lack of support as some MPs defected back to the government. Allowing the government to maintain stability, and for schools to continue
The list of those who resigned Include: Cabinet Ministers: Fred Tuki, Bradley Tosovoi, Manasseh Sogavere and Backbenchers: Claudius Tei’ifi, Stanley Sofu, William Marau, James Bonuga and Lazarus Rima very demure kr Yerrrr
France Pushes for Tougher Sanctions on Russia:
By Sophia Ceredon
France urges harsher sanctions against Russia, arguing current measures are insufficient Leaders propose banning Russian products and targeting banks to increase pressure. With the war disrupting energy prices and trade, they call for European unity to restore stability.
South Africa Struggles with Ongoing Power Crisis:
By Sophia Ceredon
South Africa’s power crisis stems from Eskom’s aging infrastructure and supply issues, causing widespread outages Government efforts to fix stations and invest in renewables remain slow, impacting daily life and the economy.
Game!!
Fun facts!
By Anistha Goundar & Sophia Ceredon
Fireworks = Chemistry Party in the Sky
Different metal salts burn different colors Strontium = red, copper = blue, sodium = yellow every fireworks show is a chemistry experiment exploding above your head!
Water Can Be Deadly
Too much water can cause water intoxication, messing up your electrolyte balance. Even the most harmless-looking molecules have a dark side.
Elements have personalities!
Each element on the periodic table has unique properties, helium floats balloons, while sodium explodes in water!
Salt Used to Be Worth More Than gold
In ancient times, salt was so valuable it was used as currency. The word "salary" even comes from "sal" Latin for salt. Chemistry = money.
Soap Doesn’t Kill Germs
Soap molecules have two sides: one loves water, one loves oil They trap germs in tiny bubbles called micelles, then wash them away Soap is the silent ninja of hygiene. yk h else s
Ice that floats?
Water is the only substance that expands when it freezes, which is why ice floats Without this weird trick, oceans would freeze from the bottom up!
You’re made of stardust!
Almost every element in your body, yes even your bones, and brain, was formed in the core of a star billions of years ago. You're literally a cosmic! EXACTLY
Salt Is Made of Danger!
Table salt comes from sodium (which explodes in water) and chlorine (a poisonous gas). Mix them correctly, and you get something tasty and safe
By Tianna Pitisopa
This is a friendly reminder that exam week for Middle and High school students is quickly approaching. Now is the time to get ready as students are encouraged to start reviewing class notes, going through revision tasks, and attending extra curricular activities and support if available. Preparing early not only builds confidence but reduces stress
With that being said, We wish you all the best of luck in your preparation, GOODLUCK!
