1. AL YASMINA ABU DHABI Connect issue 1
SCHOOL Bloom 2012/2013
Grow
Learn
Nurture
Play
THE SECONDARY
PARTNERSHIP
AL YASMINA SCHOOL STRIVES TO BE AN
OUTSTANDING INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
SCHOOL, MAXIMISING THE LEARNING
POTENTIAL OF ALL

2. WELCOME
Welcome to the first issue of The Secondary It also gives Al Yasmina School the chance to celebrate
PARTNERSHIP for the 2012/2013 academic year. The progress and achievement and provide more in depth
Secondary PARTnership is the official newsletter of Al information to parents on a wide variety of subjects.
Yasmina's secondary school. It is published eight times a
year. The Secondary PARTNERSHIP keeps you up-to-date We welcome your feedback.
with student activities across the secondary department. communications@alyasmina.sch.ae
CONTENTS
Welcome from the Secondary Principal, Mr Gale 3
OUTSTANDING GCSE RESULTS FOR AL YASMINA STUDENTS 4
THE OLDEST AND THE YOUNGEST STUDENTS 6
FOCUS ON ENGLISH 7
BOOKWORMS EAGER FOR READING PROGRAMME TO BEGIN 9
ACHIEVEMENT CENTRE OFFERS SUPPORT FOR ALL SECONDARY STUDENTS 10
WHO DO YOU CALL? 10
FOCUS ON SPANISH 11
WORLD CHALLENGE 12
MAGAZINE INTERNSHIP 14
POST-16 TEAM BUILDING AT AL FORSAN 15
CANTEEN HITS THE MARK WITh NEW MENU 16
BUSY YEAR AHEAD FOR FOY 17
students of the month 17
new al yasmina sports website 18
The Secondary PARTNERSHIP
Topics, trends, updates, views and news from the Al Yasmina Secondary Department
Pictured on the cover: Mila Jabsheh and Reece Hillier
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3. AL YASMINA SCHOOL NEWSLETTER issue 1
2012/2013
FROM THE SECONDARY PRINCIPAL
AND HEAD OF SCHOOL, MR GALE
The first issue of the Secondary PARTnership for the year
introduces the youngest and oldest students at Al Yasmina, Mila
Jabsheh and Reece Hillier. They are pictured walking through
a doorway in the school, the youngest student taking the first
steps in her educational journey and the older student looking
ahead towards a pathway to higher education and ultimately a
rewarding career.
It’s a symbolic image; walking through the doorway signifies a
fresh start, entering unknown territory and new opportunities.
The door represents hope, new prospects, the start of a new
and exciting journey. For those who pause on the threshold, it’s
an opportunity to look back and reflect before taking that giant
step forward. Our Year 13 students will be doing exactly that in
nine months’ time, stopping to look over their shoulders before
closing the door on their secondary school education. Many of
these young adults were amongst the group of 904 foundation
students who joined the school when it opened its doors in
September 2008. A lot has changed since then - and so have We opened our doors after the summer break with a large
they. cohort of new teachers and a new management structure.
Instead of the traditional pyramid, we have introduced a flatter
Student numbers at Yasmina have increased rapidly each year, structure and have broken key areas of responsibility into three,
increasing to 1149 in 2009 and jumping to 1419 the following linked to the school’s development plan priority.
year. In 2011, the roll peaked at 1445. As we go to print, the
1563rd student has joined the school. A total of 1009 students • curriculum data and assessment
are in the primary school and there are 554 secondary students. • care, guidance and support of students, and
Although the school has always been able to accommodate a • teaching, learning and professional development of staff.
full contingent of students, for the first time we are operating
These areas are managed by three Assistant Head Teachers.
at near capacity with classes from FS1 through to Year 13. We
Their appointments enable us to hone in on key areas and
have added another FS1 class, another two science labs, and
effectively manage them. The establishment of an Achievement
occupied all the teaching spaces on the second floor.
Centre (see article, page 10) adds another exciting dimension
to the school. As always, there is a lot going on in our school
We are truly an international community school, with students
community. I urge you to check our website regularly. An
from 71 different countries. Most are from the UK, with the
exciting development is the addition of designated website for
next biggest group from the UAE and then Australia. Forty
information on sporting fixtures and results. You’ll find the link
six per cent are girls, 54 per cent are boys. We have sole
on the homepage of the school’s website and more information
representatives from Finland, El Salvador, Moldova, Mexico,
on page 18.
Bangladesh, Romania, Iran and Tunisia. Having a full contingent
of students makes me think about how we can prepare students
Finally, thanks to everyone of you for the patience you have
like Mila, who will retire in around 2077, for the working world.
displayed over the construction works taking place in our
How can we predict what the future will be like for Mila and her
school carpark. It has been an immensely frustrating exercise
fellow classmates? Many of the jobs they will do haven’t been
for everybody. But now, with the end in sight, we will have a
invented yet. It is up to us to give them the skills they will need
carpark with speed bumps, signs and flashing lights. But it will
to become successful, global citizens and to ensure they have
only ever be as safe as the motorists who drive in it. Please,
a lifelong love of learning and that they are happy, confident
consider others when you enter the carpark. Student safety is
achievers.
our priority.
There are many doors to be opened at Al Yasmina School with
"There are many doors to be opened a world of opportunities behind each one. I urge everyone of
at Al Yasmina School with a world of our students to open the door, look inside and embrace the
opportunities behind each one." challenges awaiting them inside. Welcome back. Let’s make
this year the best ever.
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4. AL YASMINA SCHOOL NEWSLETTER issue 1
2012/2013
OUTSTANDING GCSE RESULTS FOR
AL YASMINA STUDENTS
Al Yasmina School has recorded exceptional GCSE results, with the majority of students convincingly surpassing their UK
counterparts, beating their predicted grades and achieving an impressive rate of progress in core subjects. The results also came
out tops when compared to other established British curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi.
Assistant Head Teacher of Curriculum, Data and Assessment, Mr Commons, describes the results as “outstanding. The results are
first and foremost due to the hard work of the students themselves. This is coupled with high quality teaching and effective
intervention strategies to support students to stretch themselves further,” he says. “Last, but not least, the success is due to the
support from parents in ensuring students are working hard, both at home and in school.”
The Bottom Line
• 100% of Al Yasmina Students successfully passed five or more GCSE subjects with 98% of this group achieving the
expected benchmark of five GCSE subjects with marks between A* - C
• 91 % achieved five or more GCSE subjects with marks from A* - C, including Maths and English
• 75 % achieved five or more GCSE subjects with marks from A* - B in any subject
• 36 % achieved five or more GCSE subjects with marks from A* - A in any subject
• 28 % achieved nine or more GCSE subjects, with marks from A* - A in any subject
The percentage of students attaining A*-B grades has risen significantly (+11%) from 2011 to 2012 and is significantly above the UK
national averages (+30.1%). This is can be directly attributed to well-targeted intervention, modifying assessment and challenging
targets. The outstanding attainment of 28% of students who attained 9 or more A*/A grades further underpins the impact of key
actions outlined in the school’s secondary improvement plan.
COMPARING AL YASMINA RESULTS TO UK
NATIONAL AVERAGES
UK National statistics Al Yasmina School UK National Al Yasmina School
2011 results 2011 Statistics 2012 results 2012
Five A* - G 98.8% 100% Not yet 100%
available
Any five A* - C grades 74.8% 98% 98%
Five A* - C, incl maths and English 54% 89% 91%
(+35%) (+37%)
Five A* - B grades 44.9% 64% 75%
(19.1%) (30.1%)
Five A* - A grades 23.2% 29% 36%
(+6.2%) (13.2%)
Nine or more A*- A grades 28%
Average added value (from CATs 1.3 grades (raw score 1.25 grades (raw score
data) 4.4 to 5.7) 4.95 to 6.20)
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5. AL YASMINA SCHOOL NEWSLETTER issue 1
2012/2013
KEY STAGE 3
The figures in the chart below show that by the end of Key Stage 3 (Year 9), Al Yasmina students are
consistently outperforming their counterparts in the UK, with marks well above the UK national averages
in the core areas of English, maths and science. This trend is exhibited over a four-year period.
English 2008 UK 2009 2010 2011 2012
Published
Results
(DFES)
4+ 100% 100% 100% 100%
5+ 76% 97% 98% 91% 85%
6+ 38% 38% 62% 46% 58%
7+ 9% 0 28% 4% 12%
8 NA NA NA NA NA
Maths 2009 2010 2011 2012
4+ 100% 100% 100% 100%
5+ 79% 91% 100% 100% 100%
6+ 56% 64% 87% 72% 92%
7+ 28% 41% 57% 56% 73%
8 NA 0 16% 24% 23%
Science 2009 2010 2011 2012
4+ 100% 100% 100% 100%
5+ 76% 97% 98% 98% 100%
6+ 43% 39% 64% 61% 88%
7+ 14% 0 9% 28% 38%
8 NA NA NA NA NA
From 2010-12, Al Yasmina’s focus has been on challenging the more able learners and improving the
quality of learning for all. The impact of this is reflected in improved standards of attainment in the core
subjects. (2012: Level 6+ 58% in English, 92% in maths, 88% in science of students at the end of Key
Stage 3 were at least 3 sub levels higher - which is more than one whole level - than the UK national
averages.)
YEAR 10 GCSE MODULE RESULTS
A* - A A* - B A* - C A* - C
GCSE Science Completed GCSE 61% 80% 94% 100%
Biology 66% 78% 88% 100%
Chemistry 60% 77% 95% 100%
Physics 53% 78% 91% 100%
History Module 1 47% 68% 85% 100%
Geography Module 2 57% 82% 89% 100%
Maths Module 1 47% 80% 89% 100%
Business Studies Module 1 39% 89% 100% 100%
AS Results: Thirteen courses were studied at AS level. There was a 100% pass rate in 12 of the subjects
with an average of 56% A*-C grades. 5

6. AL YASMINA SCHOOL NEWSLETTER issue 1
2012/2013
THE OLDEST AND THE
YOUNGEST
Little Mila Jabsheh observed Year 13 student Reece Hillier
carefully, looking at him with enormous eyes as he bent down to
ask her name. She was too shy to answer, but watched him with
interest as our photographer started taking snaps of the FS1 and
Year 13 students, who represent the oldest and youngest students
at Al Yasmina School. Reece, who was born on 19 September, is
19-years-old, while Mila, who has just turned three, celebrated
her birthday the day before. A little overwhelmed by all the
attention, Mila remained silent but curious, and was happy to
give Reece a high five, then a low five, before returning to her FS1
classroom.
OLDEST AND THE YOUNGEST: Mila Jabsheh and Reece Hillier
NEW STAFF
OFF TO A GREAT START: New teachers who joined Al Yasmina School this term are: standing, from left: Mr Wood (Curriculum Team
Leader, Design and Technology), Mr McNaught (Science teacher), Mr Harwood (Science teacher), Mrs Eaves (ICT teacher), Mr Donald
(Curriculum Team Leader, Science).
Sitting , from left: Mr Atkinson (Maths teacher), Miss Natschowny (History teacher), Ms Crighton (Teacher of Learning Support),
Mrs Gale (Examination Officer), Miss Greenwood (DT Teacher), Miss Harrison (English teacher), Mrs Cuven (Modern Foreign
Languages teacher), Mrs Dunn (ICT/Business teacher), Mrs Wood (History teacher), Mrs Alley (Assistant Head Teacher- Learning and
Teaching/Continuing Professional Development), Mrs Hodgson (Subject Leader, History)
Not pictured: (Mr Smith – Director of Sport), Mr Dube (Curriculum Teacher Leader, ICT & Business Enterprises), Mrs Hewitt
(Psychology teacher), Mr Davies (Curriculum Team Leader, Modern Foreign Languages), Mrs Prestwood (Learning Support Assistant),
Mrs Jeannie Munro (Learning Support Assistant).
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7. AL YASMINA SCHOOL NEWSLETTER issue 1
2012/2013
TOP GCSE ENGLISH
RESULTS FOR AL
YASMINA STUDENT
With an A* for English language and an A for English literature,
Year 12 student Priyanka Iyer was one of the cohort of top attainers
in Al Yasmina's GCSE English results. Priyanka says she was
pleasantly surprised by the A* as she felt her strength was more
in English literature. "I enjoyed English literature because I enjoy
reading books and analysing text and I also enjoy creative writing,"
she says. The class studied the John Steinbeck novel "Of Mice and
Men" and the play "View from a Bridge" by Arthur Miller, analysing
the characters and themes.
Priyanka is heading for a career in medicine so has opted for
physics over English literature this year but says she is leaving
English behind with some regret. "It's definitely something I enjoy."
"I enjoyed English literature because I
enjoy reading books and analysing text
and I also enjoy creative writing."
TOP MARK: Priyanka Iyer scored an A* in English language and an A for English
literature
IGCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE RESULTS IGCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE RESULTS
98% of learners achieved A* - C 91% of learners achieved A* - C
84% of learners achieved A* - B 82% of learners achieved A* - B
37% of learners achieved A* - A 39% of learners achieved A* - A
OUTSTANDING
PROGRESS IN
ENGLISH FOR A LEVEL
STUDENT
Reece Hillier thought his eyes were deceiving him when he opened
his AS exam results. His predicted grade for English was a D, and
the Year 13 student was fully expecting to see his a mark around
that level on his exam results. But instead, a grade B leapt out at
him. "Deep down I thought I would do better than what I'd been
predicted to do," he says. "I put in the hours, I did the work - I
enjoy my subjects. But when I opened that envelope, I thought
what?"
Reece attributes his success to his teachers, who he said
constantly encouraged him, urging him to keep studying and
providing ongoing assistance. "They worked with me constantly. I
studied practice essays and improved my writing style." Despite
his preparation, Reece says he was shaking before I went into
the exam. Now, with a 'B' under his belt, he has changed his A2
options. "I was going to drop English and take physics. I got a good
grade, it would be a shame to waste it."
He has chosen the two books he will study for the year - A
Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood, and George Orwell's 1984.
"I put in the hours, I did the work - I enjoy
my subjects. But when I opened that
envelope, I thought what?" IMPRESSIVE PROGRESS: Reece Hillier received a B for his English exams
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8. AL YASMINA SCHOOL NEWSLETTER issue 1
2012/2013
BOYS ALLOWED: English literature for Shahmir Khan
A LEVEL ENGLISH
She says Al Yasmina’s English teachers make a concerted
effort to choose text that will appeal to boys and to adopt a
LITERATURE CHOICE FOR
style of teaching that will appeal to male students.
FUTURE LAW STUDENT
Deciding what novels to study during Year 12 is a consultative
process. “In Year 12 we look at Gothic literature so we get the
students’ input, give them the choices of the novels that we
Year 12 student Shahmir Khan believes English literature will help can study and let them go away and do some research and tell
him reach his future career goal of becoming a lawyer. Shahmir us which ones they would like to learn.
says he really enjoyed English in Year 11 and received an A*
for the subject in his GCSE exam. “I have decided to do English “We study Shakespeare and we teach it in quite an interactive
literature because I want to study law in the future and it’s about way, so they are not just sitting behind a desk. We also
having a broad range of subjects, and I thought English would fit look for theatre productions so they can experience a live
into that category. performance.” Ms Banks says in Year 13 students are able
to choose the two novels they would like to study and they
“It also appeals because at A level it’s about opinion and how you complete a portfolio of coursework.
identify with the text and how you can relate to it. That’s what you
write about in the exam - it’s really personal. It’s not something
FOSTERING A LOVE FOR
like maths, which is black and white, there is one right answer
and the rest is wrong. You are given a lot more freedom of thought
READING
and that appeals. Like history, it is open to interpretation, so I
thought history and English would go well together.”
Shahmir will study two pieces of prose - Pride and Prejudice, A peer mentor scheme aimed at turning Year 7 boys into
by Jane Austen and The Yellow Wallpaper, by Charlotte Perkins enthusiastic readers will be launched after half-term break.
Gilman and two plays by Shakespeare, Othello and King Lear. The scheme will involve pairing up male students in Years 11-
Shamir and his fellow English literature classmates will be taught 13 who love reading with Year 7 boys to read with them, talk
by two teachers, Ms Magee and Ms Stephenson, and will have six to them about books, foster a love of reading and encourage
periods of English a week. them not to give up reading. Curriculum Team Leader for
English, Ms Banks, says Year 7 is a pivotal year for boys, with
many abandoning their books. “They often see reading as
boring and would rather play on computer games than pick up
A LEVEL ENGLISH a book. But when they do start reading, they enjoy it.”
LITERATURE A GREAT Boys often put down their books when they became
independent readers and no longer had the routine of reading
CHOICE FOR BOYS with their parents. There is considerable evidence which
showed that non readers are often weak in English and a lot
of reluctant readers are boys, Ms Banks says. Many Year 7
Al Yasmina’s English teachers want to encourage more boys to parents have approached the school, saying that their sons
take English literature for A levels. Curriculum Team Leader for were good readers at primary school but aren’t any more, and
English, Ms Banks says English is optional at Year 12 and 13 and asking what they could do to encourage them to read again.
is seen by many boys as “a girls’ subject.” The peer reading partners will join the Year 7 boys once a
week, during morning break in the secondary library.
“I would like to convince boys to reconsider by saying that it is
an academic subject and it is very well respected by universities “The Year 7 boys will look up to the older students and if the
worldwide,” Ms Banks says. “It develops communication skills younger boys see them as enjoying reading and benefitting
and is a subject that will definitely open doors.” from it, doing well at school then hopefully it will encourage
them to read too,” Ms Banks says.
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9. AL YASMINA SCHOOL NEWSLETTER issue 1
2012/2013
READ TO SUCCEED
Around 400 secondary students crowded into Al Yasmina’s atrium last week - and
you could have heard a pin drop. The only sound was the rustling of pages being
turned as the students, from Years 7-9 settled into the atrium, quietly absorbed
in their books. The reading event was staged by the secondary school’s English
Department to introduce its new Accelerated Reader Programme, which is aimed
at improving the reading abilities of students and promoting a lifelong love of
reading. Year 7 students are the first to take part in the scheme, which will be
rolled out to other secondary Year groups next year.
Assistant Curriculum Leader, Miss Walsh says Accelerated Reader is a tracking
and monitoring tool used to encourage students to read and is based on students’
individual ability. They are tested on their basic language and literacy skills and
the results are used to put together a range of books for them to choose from.
After finishing each book, students take part in a quiz to test their comprehension
level. Points are awarded to students each time they win a quiz and these points
are exchanged for prizes. Miss Walsh says the Accelerated Reader Programme is
research-based and is the most successful reading product of all time. RELAXING WITH A BOOK: Key Stage 3 students kick off
the Accelerated Reading Programme with a mass reading
session
There are three main advantages to the programme:
• it motivates students to practice their reading on a regular basis at a level showed to increase their reading proficiency
• teachers are able to personalise book choice for each student’s needs and adequately monitor their reading progress
• students set goals and these are reinforced through immediate feedback and incentives, which encourages them to become
responsible for their own achievement.
“Everybody knows that reading is important; it transports students to wondrous realms of limitless possibilities and determines
success, not only in the classroom, but in life,” Miss Walsh says. “This programme will foster a love of reading and an understanding
by students that if they read, they will succeed.”
http://www.renlearn.com/ar/
BOOKWORMS EAGER FOR READING PROGRAMME
TO BEGIN
Natasha Callow, Kayan Khraisheh, Matthew Pretorius and Miles Natasha says she loves reading. “I’ve read the Percy Jackson
Wright can’t wait for the Accelerated Reading Programme to get series about five times, I’ve read the Young Bond books and
underway. The Year 7 students are all avid readers, keen to talk I’ve just finished Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series.” There
about their favourite books - Percy Jackson, The Hunger Games was some debate about Harry Potter - a definite yes from
and the Twilight series. They all read for pleasure and Miles Natasha, but Kayan wasn’t as big a fan. Alex Rider didn’t rate
says how much he reads depends on how thick the book is. He as highly with the girls either - too boyish, they say. But they
just polished one off over the weekend “and that was a thick all unanimous in their support for the Accelerated Reader
one, but I read it in a day.” The boys both describe reading as a Programme. “I think the programme is a good idea as it
hobby and something they love to do. rewards you if you do well in your reading and if you don’t like
reading it might get you into it a little more,” Natasha says.
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10. AL YASMINA SCHOOL NEWSLETTER issue 1
2012/2013
ACHIEVEMENT CENTRE The team works with the school’s Able, Gifted and Talented
Coordinator, Ms Magee, to make sure that provision is there for
OFFERS SUPPORT FOR ALL more able learners and they are identified, are being challenged
and have an enrichment opportunity to explore their area
SECONDARY STUDENTS of strength, whether it is English, DT, Science or across the
curriculum, Ms Crighton says.
ACROSS THE ABILITY “This could be changing the task they do in the lessons,
RANGE
differentiating the curriculum, posing more challenging
questions or by providing alternative pathways for exploration to
ensure their talents are being nurtured.”
While the team will provide assistance for students throughout
the secondary school, support tends to taper off as students
reach Post-16. For Year 12 and 13 support is offered on a
more tailored basis. Ms Crighton says she might work with
an older student after school or at lunchtime, reviewing work
they had completed, proof reading it with the student, making
suggestions for improvement and helping with revision, study
skills and organisation.
“Specific learning difficulties, like dyslexia, present challenges
that some students will need to deal with throughout their life,
therefore it is essential we encourage these students to develop
strategies to overcome these challenges and take ownership
of them,” Ms Crighton says. “Our aim is to work with student
HERE TO HELP: Teacher of Learning Support - Achievement Centre, Ms to encourage, inspire and promote independent learning and
Crighton (centre) with Learning Support Assistants, Mrs Munro (left) and Mrs thinking skills that will serve them throughout their lives.”
Prestwood.
Supporting students to reach their potential is the focus of Al
Yasmina’s new Achievement Centre, which provides assistance
WHO DO YOU CALL?
for students having difficulty accessing the mainstream
curriculum and offers extension opportunities for gifted and Need to talk to a secondary staff member, but not sure who to
talented learners. approach?
Academic query
The centre is a new initiative and was established this term. Begin by contacting your child’s subject teacher.
Teacher of Learning Support, Ms Crighton and two Learning Next step: Talk to your child’s Curriculum Team Leader.
Support Assistants, Mrs Prestwood and Mrs Munro, work And finally: If you feel the situation is still unresolved, contact
with students who need support to enhance their learning the Assistant Secondary Head responsible for curriculum, data
and achieve their potential. The Achievement Centre team and assessment, Mr Commons.
offers support for students in the classroom, working with the
specialist subject teacher to tailor provision for those who may Pastoral query
need tasks differentiating further in order to address a specific Begin by contacting your child’s Learning Mentor.
need. This can be for a variety of reasons, ranging from a Next step: Talk to your child’s Year Leader.
And finally: If you feel the situation is still unresolved, contact
specific learning difficulty through to issues relating to English
the Assistant Secondary Head responsible for students, Mrs
as a second or additional language. Peacock.
The team’s current focus is collecting data, accurately KEY CONTACTS
identifying students’ needs, looking through work samples and
discussing this information with subject teachers. Ms Crighton Academic
says in secondary education, it is important that the student Assistant Secondary Head - Curriculum, Data and Assessment,
stays within the mainstream classroom, with the subject Mr Commons - rcommons@alyasmina.sch.ae
specialist.
Pastoral
Assistant Secondary Head - Students.
“For this reason much of the provision is targeted at supporting
Mrs Peacock - npeacock@alyasmina.sch.ae
students in class,” she says. “This reduces the need for the
student to catch up on any missed work and promotes inclusion. Exams
The team can operate most effectively if they are working Examination Officer
with the subject specialist in monitoring and tracking student Mrs Gale - examinationofficer@alyasmina.sch.ae
progress and also referring any students whose progress is
causing concern. Post-16
Post-16 Learning and Progress Leader
“In secondary education it is also vital that any support offered Ms Fenning - nfenning@alyasmina.sch.ae
is sensitive to the student’s academic and social needs,
For a complete list of Curriculum Team Leaders, Year Leaders,
therefore we try to circulate amongst a variety of students while
Learning Mentors and subject teachers, see our website.
at the same time ensuring that those that need support most Still confused? Don’t let the terminology trip you up. Learning
get it without feeling in any way marginalised from their peers.” Mentors were previously known as Tutor Group Leaders, and
Under the direction of the teacher, Achievement Centre staff Curriculum Team Leaders were formerly called Heads of
may also question some able and talented students, providing Department.
an avenue or stimulus for exploration. 10

11. AL YASMINA SCHOOL NEWSLETTER issue 1
2012/2013
SPANISH TAKES A HIGHER PROFILE AT AL YASMINA
Spanish at Al Yasmina School is advancing in leaps and bounds, with Year
8 students entering their second year of lessons and the arrival of two new
Spanish speaking teachers. The Curriculum Team Leader for Modern Foreign
Languages, Mr Davies, and languages teachers Mrs Cuven have joined Lead
Teacher of Spanish, Mr Rodic, who taught Spanish to the first cohort of Year 7
classes last year. Spanish has also been available as an extracurricular activity
for the past two years. The language is compulsory for Year 7 and 8 students
and, next year, for students in Year 9 as well. Mr Rodic says the Spanish
Embassy has indicated that the number of students taking Spanish at Al
Yasmina makes it one of the biggest provider of Spanish language lessons in the
UAE. Spanish is one of the most commonly taught languages in the UK and it is
predicted by 2030 more than half of Americans will be Spanish speakers.
“There are going to be many opportunities for Spanish speakers so it is our goal
to get the students speaking it now so by the time they get to a working age they
will be able to take advantage of the many employment opportunities which will
be on offer,” Mr Rodic says. He says because Spanish is phonetic it is relatively
easy to learn. Many students already have an ear for the language thanks to an
unlikely source - MTV. “The kids pick it up quite quickly because there is a lot
of Spanish on MTV, so they are used to hearing it,” Mr Rodic says. The students
have one lesson of Spanish a week and move through the curriculum relatively
HOLA: Lead teacher of Spanish, Mr Rodic
quickly.
Culture is an important part of the curriculum and students learn about Machu Picchu (a 15th century Inca site in Peru) and the
Nazca lines, also in Peru, along with Latin American folklore. There is plenty of scope for creativity in the lessons. “Students have
produced videos, created models and one student brought a guitar in and composed a song,” Mr Rodic says. Spanish is taught
interactively, with many students providing support to other students through the socio-educational website Edmodo which helps
students find links and get help with homework. Parent codes to the site are available, enabling parents to help their children with
their homework. Two other websites - Zondle, which helps students prepare for tests, and Quizlet, which helps with vocabulary, are
also used at school and at home. A number of native speaking students from other Year groups in the secondary school are also
receiving Spanish lessons. These students will hopefully complete their GCSE and A level Spanish early.
SPANISH ON GCSE LIST FOR STUDENTS
Juan Serrano wasn’t sure what to expect when the native Spanish speaker
found out it was compulsory for him to take the language from Year 7. “Initially
I didn’t think it would be particularly challenging, but I came to the UAE when I
was six-years-old, so although I can speak the language, my reading and writing
skills are not as strong,” says Juan, who is from Colombia. These skills are now
improving rapidly, and Juan is working his way through mock GCSE papers.
“The reading and comprehension sheets mean my skills are really improving,”
he says. “My parents are really happy that I’m developing this side of the
language.”
Emirati student Falah Al Rashedi is a big fan of the Spanish classes. His older
brothers speak some Spanish and he had developed an ear for the language.
He says he likes the accents, the vocabulary and the music of the language
and says he finds similarities with the Arabic language in many of the words.
Hannah Green says learning Spanish is fun. “There are lots of games, it’s
interactive and Mr Rodic makes it fun for us all,” she says. “I can speak enough
Spanish now to introduce myself to someone if I met them and have a basic
conversation.” Hannah says she also enjoys learning about Spanish culture. All
three of the students say they plan to take Spanish for GCSE.
SPANISH ENTHUSIASTS:
Hannah Green (top)
Juan Serrano, (middle) and THE MOST COMMONLY SPOKEN LANGUAGES IN THE WORLD
Falah Al Rashedi (FIGURES FROM UNESCO)
1. Mandarin
2. English
3. Spanish
4. Hindi
5. Arabic
11

12. AL YASMINA SCHOOL NEWSLETTER issue 1
2012/2013
WORLD CHALLENGE
Miss Stephenson
The World Challenge expedition to Uganda in June was an opportunity
for students in Year 12 to experience something more than a holiday to
another country. The programme and itinerary were designed to allow
students to challenge themselves by camping, cooking for themselves
and finding their way around Uganda for the 16 day trip.
The trip was split into three parts: a week at a rural school helping to
teach the children and make use of their practical skills with bricklaying,
mixing concrete and painting around the school; four days in the
Rwenzori mountains trekking through mountain villages enjoying the
hospitality of the local people and absorbing the culture of the area;
two days on safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park appreciating the
diversity of the plants and animals of the country.
The 11 students spent months preparing for the trip with fundraising
activities, fitness training and a practice weekend camping in the desert.
During the 16 days, students were self-sufficient; having to budget for
and buy their own food, find accommodation and transport and camp,
cook and clean for themselves. The expedition leaders were simply
there to facilitate the trip, while the students ran their own itinerary.
As the school leader, I felt an enormous sense of pride watching the
students develop skills in an unfamiliar environment. They coped
admirably with all the difficulties of the trip and have returned as more
confident and able young adults. They were a credit to the school and to
their families.
Challengers: Chloe Moss, Nicole Crighton, Jessica Vickery, Emily Prest,
Stefan Bennett, Nick Bryant, Rafeh Safdar, Khalifa Saleh, Daniel Brundan, Jon
Alexander, Liam Troup

13. AL YASMINA SCHOOL NEWSLETTER issue 1
2012/2013
"This experience has
definitely made me appreciate
the things I have a lot more."
Chloe Moss
My experience in Uganda was a once in a lifetime opportunity
which I thoroughly enjoyed. The world Challenge Uganda
expedition was definitely challenging and it did make me feel
completely out of my comfort zone at times. However at the end of
the 16 days I felt completely at ease with my surroundings.
One of the moments of the expedition I will remember the most
is when we arrived at Jjezza School for the first time and as soon
as we got off the bus the children ran towards us with big smiles
on their faces. The children were so excited to see us and were
amazed by my blonde hair as they probably have never seen my
colour hair before and just loved playing with it. The children also
loved having their photograph taken on my camera and always
giggled when they saw their faces on my camera screen.
The experience has definitely made me appreciate the things
I have a lot more as the children I met in Uganda had barely
anything yet they were so happy and appreciative of everything
they had. The children were just so happy that we had come to
visit them to spend time with them and make improvements to
their school. Jjezza School definitely opened my eyes a lot more
as the school only had a few desks with a chalk board and no
windows and we usually complain when the school’s AC is too cold
or the computers have stopped working… Uganda was definitely
a once in a lifetime experience that challenged me and made me
more appreciative. I will never forget the people I met in Uganda
and hopefully I will see them again when I go back to Uganda in
the future.
"The expedition definitely
changed my outlook on life."
Liam Troup
The World Challenge expedition was an eye-opening and
emotionally moving adventure through Uganda. I was so excited
to go, but I had no idea what to expect when we arrived. The
people have virtually nothing, not many people have cars or
phones but they are the happiest people in the world! The
culture is so amazing, you have to be polite to everyone you meet,
the children would bring us different items such as food, water or
tools and would bow at our feet. It was the most unusual thing I
had ever seen, they looked to us as idols, so we tried our best to
be great role models.
During our time in Africa we had to learn to listen to each other
and work together, which you can imagine was pretty hard for us.
It took days of arguing before we got bored and just got on with
things. By the time we got to the mountains for our trek, we were
all the best of friends. We were all just happy to get out in the
fresh country air and move on to the next challenge.
The expedition definitely changed my outlook on life. I’ve learned
to respect things that most take for granted and how to manage
my expenses! I’ve gained great friends from our travels and the
memories are those I’ll never forget.
13

14. AL YASMINA SCHOOL NEWSLETTER issue 1
2012/2013
YOUNG SCRIBES: Laura Tibi (left), Wynona Bautista and Shahmir Khan
MAGAZINE CHICAGO - FAME,
INTERNSHIP “NEVER FORTUNE, RAZZLE
FELT LIKE WORK” DAZZLE AND ALL THAT
JAZZ
While her friends relaxed over the summer holidays, Year 11 Chicago, the musical based in the 1920’s around the jazz scene
student Laura Tibi spent three weeks working as an intern for in the mid-western American city, is coming to the stage at Al
student magazine One8One. Laura is one of a number of Al Yasmina - and it will be the secondary school’s most ambitious
Yasmina’s secondary students who have had work printed in the production to date. It will have a much bigger cast than previous
magazine, which is written by young people, for young people. productions and will also feature a live jazz band. The show
Other successful Al Yasmina contributors include Wynona will be staged in February 2013, with a matinee and night
Bautista, Niamh Griffiths, Shahmir Khan and Ramya Iyer. performance on February 10 and evening performances only
on February 11 and 12. Auditions were completed last week
Laura joined a group of interns who were picked to work for and Head of Drama, Mrs Hetherington, says singing, acting
the Dubai-based magazine, where they honed their skills and dancing roles will be announced this week. There are still
under the guidance of Editor Maria Rousan. Interns were able opportunities for students who prefer to get involved helping
to choose stories that interested them from a circulated list, backstage and also for students keen for a technical role.
or pursue their own ideas. One of Laura’s ideas was to visit a Chicago is the biggest show the secondary school has tackled
vintage clothing shop which she did - going on the job with a so far, and it will involve a considerable commitment from those
photographer, conducting the interview and writing the story, who are successful in the audition process.
which will be published in a future issue. Despite her love of
writing, Laura says it will remain a hobby and her future career “Students will sign a contract with their parents to honour
is likely to be in the science field. their commitment to the show so everyone knows what their
obligations will be,” she says. Rehearsals will be on Mondays
Shahmir Khan, who was also offered an internship over the and Wednesdays from 2.30pm - 3.30pm until the end of term,
summer, was unable to accept but has had several pieces and will increase in regularity next term. “This will be an even
published in separate issues of the magazine, several of which bigger production for Al Yasmina than West Side Story,” Mrs
discuss issues in teenage society. He also contributed stories Hetherington says. “We want to challenge both our students
on the changing face of music and another discussing how and the audience with our choice of the play and the issues
people choose to live in a ‘bubble society’. Wynona Bautista’s raised in it, as well as providing a professional show full of
contribution on the video Kony 2012 was also published by entertainment.”
One8One. Wynona says she write the piece after viewing the
video online, writing quickly and from the heart. The students’ Chicago is a satire about the corruption in the administration
connection with the magazine developed after Editor Maria of criminal justice and focuses on the concept of the celebrity
Rousan visited Al Yasmina, outlining to interested students what criminal. It follows the lives of Velma, an established jazz
was involved in becoming a contributor. singer who goes on trial for murder, and Roxie, a young starlet
desperate for fame who winds up in jail after also being accused
of murder. The musical focuses on how their lives intertwine
along the way. 14

15. AL YASMINA SCHOOL NEWSLETTER issue 1
2012/2013
POST-16 TEAM BUILDING AT AL FORSAN
Alistair Mains Paintball was the second activity. It was fun to watch. Students
running in all directions, trying to dodge the bullets, although
It was an exhilarating day at Al Forsan and the activities quite a few people adopted the ‘hide at the back and shoot
surpassed all expectations. Following a short briefing on health only from a safe distance’ approach! ‘The ‘A’ team’ won the
and safety, team A - the ‘A’ team - headed out to the track first, first game, ‘the Expendables’ the second. Tension ran high as
whilst Team B, ‘The Expendables ‘, sat in anticipation as they temperatures soared and the desire to win drove the game on.
heard the sounds of the go karts racing around the track. Richard Samuels said “Adrenaline was pumping. It was great”.
Nevertheless, by the end of the second game the scores were
Daniel Brundan set the pace, completing his first lap in just 85 even.
seconds, with an astonishing 6 second gap between himself and
second place. Daniel did not fail to impress with his impeccable All in all, it was a great day out with Post-16. It is the first time
driving skills as he managed to stay on top of the leader board students in Year 12 and 13 have together for such an event.
throughout the duration of the go karting. With a final time of While the competition was close the ‘A’ team were the overall
82.8 seconds, Daniel was victorious, beating off stiff competition winners of the day. Congratulations to all those who took part
from Stefan Bennett, who came close to Daniel with a final lap in the event. It pushed some students out of their comfort
time of 84.42 and his brother Josh Brundan, who took the lead zone, but it was great to see some overcome their fears. While
for the first part of the race. Daniel commented on his victory: Chelsea Lawson compared herself to Lewis Hamilton, Emily
“It felt good to win, especially against my brother.” First round Prest said, “I really got into the paintballing. I felt like Lara
winners: the ‘A’ team. Croft!”

16. AL YASMINA SCHOOL NEWSLETTER issue 1
2012/2013
MR RICHARDS’S MATHEMATICAL CHALLENGE
No one provided a correct solution for The magic W in the last newsletter, however I imagine we were all hopefully enjoying some holiday and time
with our families.
Here is an example of a correct solution is where it adds up to 13
3 4 5
9 8 7 6
1 2
This month’s challenge is hopefully a little more straightforward. Which number should replace the ? in the table? Why?
1 3 3 5 4
5 6 8 7 ?
4 3 5 2 1
Please email your answers to crichards@alyasmina.sch.ae
The solution and the person who solved it correctly will be published next month.
CANTEEN HITS THE MARK WITH NEW MENU
When it comes to the food preferences of Al Yasmina’s students, Mr Fernando is an expert. He is in charge of the school’s canteen, and has an ear
to the ground when it comes to students’ culinary likes and dislikes. Mr Fernando has used the feedback provided to him personally and input from
Student Voice to make some changes to the food on offer in the school canteen. There have been several new additions to the menu and some
changes to existing items.
Nuggets - a popular choice with many students - are now baked, not fried.
Ingredients are listed on all prepackaged food, such as sandwiches and
salads, along with the expiry date. Instead of being wrapped in plastic wrap,
sandwiches are now in sealed plastic. The range of pre-packaged salads has
been expanded to include Caesar salad, a green salad with tuna and egg and
a baked chicken garden salad. Other new items include strawberry milk,
a muesli and yoghurt mix, ANZAC cookies and different types of muffins,
including blueberry, cinnamon, bran and vanilla. Meat rolls are another new
and popular choice. The number of fruit salads provided each day has doubled.
Rice is a staple each day, but now potatoes and pasta are also on offer, along
with croissants and bread rolls. As always, hot food is disposed of after
four hours and cold food after six hours. Mr Fernando, who is the Location
Manager for Kelvins, the school caterers, says they have attempted to achieve
a balance between what students have asked for, the wishes of Student Voice
and the school’s desire for healthy food to be made available. Mr Fernando
is philosophical when it comes to the students’ acceptance of the new menu
choices. “I think we are pleasing most people,” he says.
“The new items brought into the canteen are
a big hit. The addition of meat rolls was a
really good idea and the variety of hot meals is
superb.” Year 10 student
“The food is much better. I like the new salads
and the different kinds of muffins you can get
now.” Year 13 student
AIM TO PLEASE: Mr Fernando in the school’s canteen
16

17. AL YASMINA SCHOOL NEWSLETTER issue 1
2012/2013
PICNIC IN THE SUN: A welcome picnic has kicked off FOY activities for the year
BUSY YEAR FOR FOY STUDENTS OF THE
Friends of Al Yasmina (FOY) is coordinating a busy schedule of events
MONTH
over the next few months, ranging from discos for the primary and
secondary schools through to carols by candlelight and a festive fair in
December. The group, which organises projects to support the school,
kicked off the academic year with a picnic at the school last week which
provided an opportunity for new and existing school families to get to
know each other. Key dates:
• 8 October secondary disco
• 31 October Halloween bake sale
• 5 December carols by candlelight
• 8 December festive fayre
FOY will also offer support for school events being held to celebrate
International Day on November 20 and National Day on December 2
and 3. The committee is looking for volunteers to help organise the
festive fayre, and will form an organising committee when it meets
tonight (October 1) at 6.30pm in the old uniform shop on the ground
floor. Volunteers are needed to organise stalls, food and games. FOY
is particularly keen to hear from secondary students who have ideas
about stalls and who are keen to help out on the day. FOY is hoping Congratulations to our students of the month for September.
to attract new members to its ranks and in particular would like to What a fantastic start to the academic year!
find a parent who would like to fill the role of secretary. Need more
information? See the FOY pages on our website. New additions to the Sitting from left to right: Fadwa Qadan (UAE Social Studies),
site include the organisation’s constitution, minutes from meetings, Mr Gale (Head of School), Chelsea Lawson (French)
secondhand uniform prices and a photo gallery which showcases
events organised by the group. Committee members: Janine Loftus Standing middle: Diala Nasser (Science), Hannah Green (Music)
(Chair), Mahra Fares and Justine Hughes (joint Vice Chairs), Lisa Wall
(Treasurer). Standing back: Max Moffat (DT), Mitchell Bryant (Mathematics),
Jared Wolfaardt (History), Jordan Mather (Geography), Abdullah
Al Armouti (Spanish)
DISCO FEVER Not pictured: Kenan Saleh Basha (Islamic Studies - native),
Areebuddin Ansari (Islamic Studies - non-native), Sally Zeidan
A live DJ, Year 11 student Mitch Bryant, will provide the latest music (Arabic native), Jordan Youlten (Arabic - non-native), Adam
and remixes for the school’s discos next week. Year 11 student Mather (Art & PE), Faiqa Hamid (Business & Economics), Lina
Mitch has around 4000 songs on his computer so can comply with Mohamed (Drama), Khalifa AL Nuaimi (English), Ahmad Elyass
most requests, but says he’ll begin by sticking with new music. The (ICT), Priyanka Iyer (Psychology)
secondary disco kicks off 5.30pm and finishes at 7.30pm and is for
students in Years 7, 8 and 9. 17

18. AL YASMINA SCHOOL NEWSLETTER issue 1
2012/2013
NEW AL YASMINA
SPORTS WEBSITE A
WINNER
FORMER AL YASMINA
STUDENT A STAR
Al Yasmina’s new sports website is a one stop shop for all sports teams,
providing details on all fixtures and also match reports.
The site, which is accessible via the school’s website (look for the ‘sports
ON SOUTH AFRICAN
RUGBY FIELDS
fixtures’ icon on the home page) provides details on all Abu Dhabi netball,
swimming, rugby and football fixtures for the season. Details on Dubai
games will be added over the next couple of weeks. Director of Sport, Mr
Smith, says the website will also include match results and reports, videos
of the game and action shots, details on the referees for each game, contact
details for coaches and even links through to Google Maps to make sure
everyone can find the venues. Cancellations will also be listed on the site.
Mr Smith says the website will be updated by the PE teachers responsible
for individual teams. “Information will be loaded on in advance of games, so
students will be able to easily find out where they need to be, and when. It’s
going to make things hugely easier for all families who are involved in the
school’s sports squads.”
http://www.schoolssports.com/school/default.asp?Id=27412
SPORTING SCHEDULE
UNDERWAY
Hundreds of secondary students took to the pitch, pool and court last week
to try out for the school’s rugby, swimming and netball squads. Members
of the squads, who play in competitive events, will train on Sundays while
students taking part in recreational support will play on Monday, Tuesday
and Wednesdays.
The teams train under the school’s club structure, which also offers a range
of music, art and drama clubs. The rugby squad will receive some expert TRY LINE IN SIGHT: Alex Little in action during a game for the KwaZulu Natal Sharks versus
help from Harlequins coach Chris Davies, who will help prepare the team the Free State Cheetahs
for the under 18 competition at the Dubai Sevens in late November and early
December. Football and cricket squads begin next term. Sailing will also be A passion for rugby which began on Al Yasmina’s sports fields has led to a
introduced for Years 7 and 8 from January. promising rugby career in South Africa for a former student.
Foundation student Alex Little returned to South Africa with his parents in
2011. He was recently selected as the captain for the KwaZulu Natal U13
(Sharks) rugby team that played at the South African schools rugby week.
Alex played in the trials wearing his Al Yasmina rugby jersey. “Being selected
for this team is a big honour and Alex lead his side well and scored the
opening try of the tournament,” says his father Grant. “It’s a big change from
playing in Abu Dhabi temperatures to the Highveld winter where there is
often an icy layer on the grass at kick off.” Alex has also been selected for the
provincial club under 13 team to play in Johannesburg in early October and
for the KwaZulu Natal Sharks U13 seven aside provincial squad which will
compete in the national tournament in Pretoria.
MEASURING FITNESS
LEVELS
Fitness testing is underway in the secondary school. The baseline
assessments, which are being completed during PE lessons, also measure
students’ hang eye coordination, agility and speed. Testing is carried out
again at the end of each unit of work and results compared with the original
data.
GOOD PASS: The school’s squads and recreational sports club are underway
18