Dear Parents of Secondary School Students
We would like to express our sincere thanks to our parents who attended the Online Learning Platform Workshop last Wednesday. As we said, a lot of information was shared in a short time, but the main objective was to raise awareness of what is available to our students and their parents in order to consolidate and extend learning at home. Questions are always welcome so do not hesitate to get in touch with your child’s Form Tutor for further guidance. Please see attached the presentation as a pdf file.
Head of Secondary School
Unfolding STEAM and a demonstration of it in Secondary School
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths. STEAM’s five subjects share a common approach and focus: they require gathering and using evidence to create knowledge or solve problems. STEAM learning happens naturally every day as children explore play, and try new things. When young children have the opportunity to investigate the world around them, they learn and experiment with new STEAM skills and theories. Research shows there is a positive relationship between early STEAM experiences and future success in school.
On Thursday 1 November, Year 11 students of Physics presented ‘Know your gadget fair’. The theme was discussed with the student team back in the month of May. They had been asked to choose their gadgets before the summer vacation. The students explored different objects before making their selection. Over these last few months, the students completed their task and rehearsed, becoming more confident to present as the day approached.
The show came out to be an excellent demonstration of hard work and perseverance by these seven students, they included Marc Ato, Ahnaful Hoque, Sharmita Sivam, Sharvez Sivam, Tasneem Binti Samsuddin, Samudra Prasetyo and Shesha Taylor.
Adults can foster children’s development of STEAM skills by providing learning opportunities and materials that support exploration and discovery. STEAM really is all around us, ready to be discovered by our willing young explorers. Here are some of the reflections shared by the participants:
Shesha Taylor 11A
I think Know My Gadget was a unique fair. I had never dismantled an electrical object before, so it was a new experience. Applying the knowledge I had learned in class practically was great because I understood what some of the parts' functions were! It was time consuming but useful. I can't wait to see other year groups take part in this event in the future.
Sharmita Sivam 11A
The Know My Gadget Fair had a very convivial atmosphere and the students were just amazing listeners. I personally felt I learned a lot about my gadget and was truly mesmerised by what made up my gadget. I would also like to say an immense thank you to Ms Singh for giving my fellow classmates and me such an amazing opportunity as we explored the very daily appliances we use almost every day.
Sharvez Sivam 11N
The Know Your Gadget fair was so excellent, it gave us an opportunity to familiarise ourselves with the daily appliances we use, such as a hairdryer and an iron. The fair gave me a deeper understanding of my gadget and this also helped me explore my knowledge practically. It also gave us the opportunity to pass on the knowledge we gained to all the other Secondary year groups. Everybody who came to my station was so curious to find out about the science behind their daily appliances. A huge thanks to Ms Singh for introducing this wonderful fair to the school.
Ahnaful Hoque 11N
I really enjoyed taking part in Know your Gadget this year. Based on all my experiences and knowledge of Physics, I was eager to dismantle my gadget. After dismantling my gadget, I found out there were many components unknown to me. My thirst of knowledge pushed me into researching further. And I developed a clear understanding of many other electrical instruments. Furthermore, it was fascinating to see my friends’ gadgets and learn something new. We practised our presentations for weeks until we were ready. Everyone worked hard especially Ms Singh to ensure we were ready. Overall, Know Your Gadget helped me to expand my horizons. I hope to take part in this event in the upcoming years and recommend the younger children do as well.
Secondary Science Teacher
Making history: first IMYC Entry Point for Year 9 this morning!
The International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) started in Year 9 today with an Entry Point designed by the Science team. The theme of the entry point was Responsibility and this big idea will run through the planning and lessons of all subjects for the remainder of the half term.
The year 9 Entry Point took the form of a House event, with each House being split into two teams to compete in tasks created to test their team work, leadership skills and ability to accept responsibility for their choices. Each team faced a decision to choose the level of each task in English, Maths, Science, Humanities, MFL and PE.
The students performed enthusiastically and thoroughly enjoyed the creativity of each task as well as the competitiveness of the House event. It was a pleasure to see the students adapt and for the different personalities to work together with some taking on leadership roles within their teams. The event highlighted the importance of each subject for students and how they link as a whole, for a well-rounded education.
The IMYC is an internationally minded, concept focused curriculum. Implementing the IMYC for Key Stage 3 is an exciting phase for NAISAK as it will challenge students to reach their full potential. A truly world class curriculum will be created adapting unique Big Ideas that will guide the experiences and ideas our students have. Modules will enrich learning and provide students with the 21st Century skills needed to succeed in a developing world.
Head of Key Stage 3