AL YASMINA SCHOOL STRIVES TO BE AN

OUTSTANDING INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

SCHOOL, MAXIMISING THE LEARNING
POTENTIAL OF ALL
AL YASMINA
SCHOOL
CONNECT
BLOOM
GROW
LEARN
NURTURE
PLAY
ABU DHABI ISSUE 5
FEB 2014
PARTNERSHIP
THE SECONDARY
CONTENTS
WELCOME FROM THE PRINCIPAL 3
YEAR 8 'MAKE A DIFFERENCE' 4
MATHS IN FOCUS 5
'BLOOD BROTHERS' SCHOOL PRODUCTION 6
ECONOMICS STUDENTS' MUMBAI EXPERIENCE 9
MMUN CONFERENCE 11
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH 11
SCHOOL COUNCIL SURVEYS STUDENTS 12
MUSIC CONCERT SUCCESS 13
SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS 14
FOY NEWS 15
Welcome to the latest issue of The Secondary
PARTnership for the 2013/2014 academic year. The
Secondary PARTnership is the publication for Al
Yasmina's secondary school.
It gives Al Yasmina School the chance to celebrate
progress and achievement and provide more in depth
information to parents on a wide variety of subjects.
We welcome your feedback.
communications@alyasmina.sch.ae
The latest PARTnership for this academic year 2013/2014
Topics, trends, updates, views and news from the Al Yasmina Secondary Department
WELCOME
Pictured on the cover: Lead actor Emily Simpson in the school production Blood Brothers
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ISSUE 5
FEB 2014
AL YASMINA SCHOOL
3
FROM THE PRINCIPAL, MR GALE
If everyone is moving forward
together, then success takes care of
itself - Henry Ford
February has been intense. As the cover photo suggests,
the spotlight has not only been on the school undergoing two
inspections, it also fell on the main stage mid-February at our
secondary production Blood Brothers. I would like to dedicate
this edition to Emily Simpson, our lead performer in this years
show.
If an inspection team is looking for evidence of the schools
impact on students current and future learning, Emily admirably
represents our student body. The school strives to maximise the
learning of all children. It strives to ensure students play their
PART to ensure they are well rounded and can take their place as
global citizens.
But what does that actually look like in reality? We approach the
end of term for another cohort of Year 13s. It is at this time we
have mixed feelings about their departure from school. However,
on a positive note, you get to see rst-hand the fruits of your
labour. Following a shaky start from an independent school in the
south west, Emily quickly settled into life at Al Yasmina.
She has such a positive approach to learning and has taken great
pride in her work and her school. She has constantly aspired to
achieve her best in all aspects of school life, whether it is in the
arts, sport or academics.
She has been a team player and represented our values of
respect and trust. Throughout her time here, watching her go
from strength to strength has been a privilege. Her condent
delivery in her leading role was a special moment. A moment
in which we knew our job was done. Emily, like so many of the
students in the school, has huge potential. It is getting the recipe
right to unlock it.
As the PARTnerships cast a spotlight on all aspects of school
life, what is emerging are many more Emilys. Watching their
moment in the spotlight and witnessing their performance is a
privilege.
Enjoy edition 5 of 2013/2014.
ISSUE 5
FEB 2014
AL YASMINA SCHOOL
Year 8 is being encouraged to make a difference this year, with
specic opportunities being offered to help students build skills
outside the classroom.
Without the pressure of exams or options choices, we want to
get them involved in wider school life and to take part in activities
beyond what is strictly academic, says Year Leader Mrs Hewitt.
Its all about developing them as young people.
The easiest way to achieve this is through Extra Curricular
Activities (ECAs) after school. Students have been encouraged to
sign up for one or more clubs, and participation is high across a
diverse range of activities.
Year 8 assemblies have followed the theme, with issues
canvassed ranging from the achievements of Nelson Mandela,
through to the looking at the world as a global village and
examining the students place in it, the effects of peer pressure,
and the importance of cultural awareness.
Make a Difference Day is planned for the spring. It will see all
Year 8 students off timetable and taking part in activities through
which they will acquire a new skill, or perhaps undertake
volunteer work or a mini-work experience for the day. Parent
support will be needed to make this day a success.
YEAR 8 MAKE A DIFFERENCE THIS YEAR
4
It is hoped that all the students will soon begin working towards
a First Aid qualication which can be completed in Year 9. St John
Ambulance will give First Aid instruction during PSHCE lessons
in term three, which students will supplement with a full-day
practical with school nurses and already-qualied First Aiders
at school.
In addition, Mrs Hewitt is hoping to introduce the students to sign
language. It would be another skill the students could make a
difference with, she says.
A number of Year 8 students recently took part in the Montessori
Model UN (Mmun) Conference held in Abu Dhabi. They returned
to school brimming with enthusiasm and armed with new
condence and skills. They even hosted an assembly in order to
share their experience with their year group. They could see how
they could make a difference and have an impact on the world.
Next week there is a Science trip to the GEMS Planetarium and a
Geography eld trip is planned which will see them kayaking in
the Eastern Mangroves.
Mrs Hewitt says the year group is making fantastic progress
and is clearly keen to take advantage of extra-curricular
opportunities. We want to build them as individuals and arm
them with skills for the future.
ISSUE 5
FEB 2014
AL YASMINA SCHOOL
September saw a fresh start in the Maths
Department, with six out of eight teachers
new to the school.
The department wanted to quickly
establish an identity and set new
priorities and it has. In order to achieve
a new identity the department ran a
logo competition, with maths students
from throughout the secondary school
submitting their designs.
We want the students to feel that it is
their area when they come to maths and
that it is focused on their engagement and
their progress, says Curriculum Team
Leader Mr Meakin.
The winning logo was designed by Year
10 students Tina Kamel, Kyrellos Kamel,
Tamara Batty, and Uthman Ibn Yahya, and
was selected by the judges for its bold and
creative design which included a number
of mathematical elements. It was painted
on to the wall by Mr Atkinson and Mr
Khan.
LOGO LAUNCHES NEW LOOK FOR MATHS DEPT
5
That logo competition really set us up
with an identity and allowed us to impress
upon the students what was happening
in maths and our expectations of them.
Feedback from the students has been
positive. They love it.
A goal for the department now is to make
maths more engaging for students and to
allow for more collaborative learning. We
are trying to implement more investigative
work and more group work that is
associated with real-life situations, Mr
Meakin says.
There has been a focus on group work
related to statistics, and some Year
8s have been doing trigonometry and
Pythagoras related to building heights and
the shapes of the roofs.
Our main aim going forward is that we
make outstanding progress in attainment
in the maths department by providing
engaging and collaborative learning
opportunities for all students.
We are bringing in new schemes of work
where students are taking responsibility
for their learning, rather than relying on
the traditional chalk and talk approach,
he says.
I think maths is a quite difcult subject to
get across because it seems to not be very
practical. Our aim is to make it as active
and practical as possible.
World Maths Day is March 6 and the
department plans to involve the whole
school for the day with group work and
puzzles and challenges.
Looking to the future, there could be off-
site visits and eld trips to support the
learning in the classroom, but for now the
priority for the department is establishing
the groundwork for success.
Once that is done we can start thinking
about other activities that students would
like to be involved in.
ISSUE 5
FEB 2014
AL YASMINA SCHOOL
6
BLOOD BROTHERS SHOWCASES STUDENT TALENT
There was barely a dry eye in the house
when the curtain came down on the school
production of Willy Russells play Blood
Brothers.
The 33-strong cast put their heart and
soul into the production and the results
were outstanding, says Mr Washbrook,
curriculum team leader for Drama.
New to the school in September, Mr
Washbrook says Blood Brothers is a play
that he has always wanted to direct.
When I arrived at Al Yasmina and saw the
calibre of the students I thought it would
be an amazing opportunity to show off
their talents.
He says it is a play offering diverse roles.
There are comedy elements in there,
along with dancing and songs, and of
course, the acting.
There are difcult moments in it, too.
The lead role of Mrs Johnstone, played
superbly by Year 13 student Emily
Simpson, very much holds the building
blocks of the play together.
She was the best person
for the part and she gave
it everything. She was
incredible, Mr Washbrook says.
Living in poverty, Mrs Johnstone has to
give away one of her twin sons. The two
brothers meet again at eight-years-old
and become blood brothers.
As they grow up, they experience lives
at opposite end of the social spectrum.
However, they both fall in love with the
same girl which ultimately leads to the
tragic nale and the heart-rending song
Tell Me Its Not True.
The cast and crew worked tirelessly on the
production for months. Rehearsals twice a
week began back in October. Staff from the
Art, DT and Music Departments also had
a critical input. More than 400 people saw
the play, with extra tickets needed for the
nal show.
Drama teacher and assistant director Miss
Whitmore described the production as an
amazing experience. As a new member
of staff and a new department I was
extremely proud of the achievements of
both students and staff. The performances
were outstanding across the cast and
showcased the talent we have here at Al
Yasmina.
Mr Washbrook is brimming with
enthusiasm about the future of drama at
school. There is a passion, a dedication
and commitment, from students of all
nationalities and year groups at the
school.
This is by far the best cast and crew
that Ive ever worked with. It has been a
privilege and a joy.
ISSUE 5
FEB 2014
AL YASMINA SCHOOL
7
CAST LIST
Mrs Johnstone
Mickey
Sammy
Linda
Kid 1
Kid 2
Kid 3
Kid 4
Mrs Lyons
Mr Lyons
Eddie
Narrator 1
Narrator 2
Milkman/Gynaecologist/Police man
Nurse 1
Nurse 2
Finance person/Pupil/Police Ofcer
Catalogue person
Judge/Perkins
Neighbour
Conductor
Teacher/Police Ofcer
Pupil 1
Miss Jones/Police Ofcer
Emily Simpson
Ryan Sayegh
Declan Ball
Ruby Hughes
Stella Wheatley
Amy Eliza Gilby
Hannah Burns
Trinidad Carrasco
Isabella Dennett
Michael Franks
Faris Al Ali
Roxy Gardiner
Sophia Bustamante
Teo Elsmore
Natasha Callow
Sierra Hedges
Abdalla Khalifa
Jessica Rae
Lewis Gilby
Ali Al Hashmi
Erin Cassels
Madison Hedges
Raumati Horsfall
Laura Webster
Ensemble - Aya Al Mukhtar,
Maryam Hanashi, Jade-Ann
McLean, Klara Suleiman,
Fayza El Hazek, Louise Jan
Hate, Jasmine Cheah Yen
Yi, Hannah Shahrani, Anie
Grifths
Music - Miss MacLeod, Mrs
Hudson, Ms McLaughin &
Sam Hudson
Choreography and Asst
Director - Miss Whitmore
Set - Mr Walker, Mrs Walsh,
Mrs Sellers, Mrs Meredith &
Miss Waggett
Crew - Tehara Moonemalle,
Zain Mustafa, Samali
Weerasekera, Laura
Kennedy, Lynda Dube, Sara
Rizal, Zain Radaiden, Malak
Abulata
ISSUE 5
FEB 2014
AL YASMINA SCHOOL
8
Economics and Business Studies students
travelled to Mumbai, India, as part of their
economics study this month.
A big part of the Year 11, 12 and 13
economics specication requires that
students study and familiarise themselves
with the rise of India and China as the
new economic superpowers and the
problems that arise with such growth.
The school took advantage of Abu Dhabis
close proximity to India to give students a
rst-hand view of successes and issues
affecting India.
Mumbai is a city of contrasts. It is
vibrant, noisy, and chaotic, but equally
mesmerizing and, should you look long
enough, orderly beneath the chaos.
Students were in awe of the natural beauty
of the city, the generosity of everyone we
met, and the opulence of the place.
ECONOMICS STUDENTS GET
FIRST-HAND LOOK AT MUMBAI
9
We stepped out of our pristine 5-star hotel
to tin shacks and the hustle and bustle of
the city. Mumbai is a city where they boast
the most expensive house in the world
(worth a billion dollars), right in the middle
of a few shanty-iron houses.
The highlight of our trip was a visit to one
of Indias largest banks, where we were
shown around the banks vault (a rst
for all of us). Our visit included seeing
rst-hand the poverty in the worlds
largest slum, public laundry, and small
businesses.
India, and specically Mumbai, has many
problems and it remains to be seen
whether they will overcome these, but it is
a place where we found the strength of the
human spirit, creativity, perseverance and
a warm welcome that only India can give.
By Mr Dube, CTL Business and
Economics
ISSUE 5
FEB 2014
AL YASMINA SCHOOL
9
10
10
ISSUE 5
FEB 2014
AL YASMINA SCHOOL
More than 130 students from Al Yasmina took on the world at the
Montessori Model United Nations meeting held in Abu Dhabi last
month.
They joined students from other Aldar Academies schools for the
three-day gathering where they became international delegates,
assigned to represent and research a country and debate real
global issues, such as the pressing need for water sustainability.
As well as learning about the subject matter, the students had to
demonstrate co-operation, communication, leadership and public
speaking skills.
It was a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their skills
in negotiation and debate and open their eyes to a range of global
issues, says teacher in charge, Miss Magee.
STUDENTS DEBATE GLOBAL ISSUES AT MMUN
It was a great learning experience, says Year 10 student Nikita
Anir. It makes you realize that there are so many different
perspectives and opinions and the world is constantly changing.
Mmun executive director Judith Cunningham says she was
impressed with the idealism and creative thinking the students
demonstrated.
They spoke with conviction and passion about the worlds
problems.
The event was held in preparation for an international conference
to take place in the UAE at the end of the year. A number of
successful participants will have the opportunity to represent the
UAE at a later Model UN conference in Geneva or New York.
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to the following students:
Fayza El Hazek (Islamic Studies - native)
Faris Mohd Rizal (Islamic Studies - non-native)
Fadwa Qadan (Arabic - native)
Roxanne Gardiner (Arabic non-native)
Abdulaziz Al Abdooli (UAE and Social Studies)
Mette Den Haese (Art)
Blair Allan (Business Studies)
Piers Skilton (Drama)
Aleksandr Ural (Drama)
Amber Harding (Design & Technology)
Ramya Iyer (Economics)
Paolo Pretorius (English)
Lotte De Rooy (French)
Owen Harcup (Geography)
Asad Aziz Mustafa (History)
Mustafa Hamdani (ICT)
Yvonne Daniels (Mathematics)
Mollie Rowland (Media Studies)
Eamonn Earley (Music)
Maryam El Gazzar (PE)
Yara Al Fawares (Psychology)
Asma Kabbani (Science)
Kirra Corrigan (Science)
Zara Woodrow (Spanish)
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ISSUE 5
FEB 2014
AL YASMINA SCHOOL
12
With the recent inspections and focus on learning at
Al Yasmina, we thought it would be good to nd out
what the students here themselves thought about
their learning and what an outstanding lesson looks
like from their point of view.
We sent some school council representatives out at
break and lunchtimes to interview students about
what they most love about learning at Al Yasmina.
WE LOVE LEARNING!
Mitch Bryant Year 12
I really enjoy physics as we get to make 3D
models that show how science works in the real
world.
Olivia Guirey Year 12
A Levels are much more in-depth than previous
learning and you get to really explore issues in
lessons which I enjoy a lot.
Dash Sinayan Year 12
My favourite lesson was my rst ever physics
lesson where we got to look at what science
is really used for and how to analyse it. I was
fascinated!
Year 13 students
The teachers use a variety of techniques such as
discussion, debates, group work and independent
learning which help everyone, instead of just
being spoon-fed. You can always go to your
teachers for help - they never turn you away.
Exam technique is so important and we think
about what has been asked already and how
questions may be put on future exams.
Amy Gilby 7 Murraba
All our lessons are fun, because of this you
learn lots and the teachers tell you about things
that are important for now but for the future too.
My favourite lessons are Science, Drama and
English. We have really good equipment in our
practical lessons.
Jasmine Cheah Yen Yi 7 Rumeilah
I enjoy school so much because of the teachers.
They make lessons creative and fun. My favourite
lessons are Art with Miss Waggett, DT with Miss
Owbridge, and English with Miss Harrison.
Karen Alexan 9 Bih
I love interactive lessons like PE, Mr Cantrill
explains things thoroughly.
Lewis Gilby 9 Siji
The teachers really push you and you can always
get help if you need it. I like History and PE but
all my teachers are good and make the lessons
interactive and interesting.
Aifric Murphy 7 Murabba
The teachers explain things properly. They
understand if you are struggling and give us
house points as a way of praising us.
Paulo Pretorius 8 Butinah
My favourite subject is English because the
lessons are interactive and Miss Mozzetti is so
enthusiastic
Student Council members interview Year 13 students about
their learning experience at Al Yasmina. From left - Iassen
Mechal Year 12, Elizay Abdullah Year 7, and Matthew Pretorius
Year 8.
ISSUE 5
FEB 2014
AL YASMINA SCHOOL
Al Yasmina students received medals and certicates for
outstanding achievements after taking part in the annual
ABRSM concert at Brighton College.
The concert features the top achievers in the UAE. These
students have achieved a minimum of distinction in their
Associated Board of The Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM)
exams. They all performed terrically and were a real credit to
our school, says Al Yasmina Brass teacher Mr Hudson.
MUSIC STUDENTS PERFORM AT ABRSM CONCERT
The brass students were: Armaan Syed (trombone), who played
Ive Got My Eye On You from Pirates of the Caribbean by Hans
Zimmer; Soa Bustamante (trumpet), who played Landler
by Anton Diabelli; Louise Morris (trumpet), who played 12th
Street Rag by Euday Bowman. The woodwind performers were
Kyle Wynn and Tom Atkinson, who both played saxophone.
The students received their medals and certicates at the end
of the concert and the photographs will be published in the
ABRSM International Journal.
Year 9 English students got to experience a modern makeover of
Shakespeares Macbeth at a performance in Abu Dhabi last month, but they
are divided about how successful it was.
The musical adaptation of the classic was brought to the UAE by UK-based
theatre group Shakespeare 4 Kidz. Producer Julian Chenery says their goal is
to make the works of the 16th Century playwright more accessible to children.
We start with the language and create a translation that most English-
speaking schoolchildren can engage with and understand. The addition of
catchy songs helps hook attention and keeps younger audiences engaged.
The Year 9s have been studying Macbeth and English teacher Ms Harrison says
the production really divided student opinion, but it made for a good talking
point in class.
It really helped us understand the plot of the play, says Amber Harding, while
Adam Barron thought it was a bit cheesy. Niamh Grifths agreed the plot
was clear, but there was too much singing.
STUDENTS DIVIDED ON
MACBETH MAKEOVER
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ISSUE 5
FEB 2014
AL YASMINA SCHOOL
Al Yasmina swimmers
A number of Al Yasminas top swimmers excelled the Muscat International
Swimming Championships, held over the weekend of February 21 and 22.
A team from the Hamilton Aquatics Abu Dhabi Swim squad attended, which
included six students from Al Yasmina -- Ilayda Durgut, Tanami Loftus, Hannah
Burns, Gabrielle Loftus, Cameron Oliver and Isabelle Darling. While many
of them won various medals and achieved personal best times, for two in
particular, it was an extremely successful meet.
Year 11 student Cameron Oliver won highest FINA point scorer for 17
and above male. He broke two records in both the 100m and 200m backstroke.
Cameron also came away with four gold, one silver and one bronze medal.

Isabelle Darling, in Year 5, also won highest FINA point scorer, 9-10 years
girls. Isabelle came home with three gold, one silver and one bronze medal.
Congratulations to all our swimmers.
14
SPORTING SUCCESS BEHIND THE SCENES
Sam OShea
Sam has had a very successful few months with rst place in
following events: Roy Nasr Memorial Triathlon (Open Male), Jones
Lang Lasalle Triathlon (Open Male), 2XU Mamzar Triathlon (Open
Male) and U18 Mamzar Series 3 Races 12/13. Upcoming events
for Sam are Tri Yas this weekend, followed by the Abu Dhabi
International Triathlon on March 15, 2XU Mamzar and other local
events. To nish the season off, Sam is hoping to enter the GB
National Championships this summer.
Ryan Hunter
Ryan has recently taken part in the Jumeirah Mens Golf Open,
Interclub Scratch, team matches and the Al Ain Mens Open,
where he nished third locally. Events coming up for Ryan are
the Emirates Amateur Open and Yas Links Mens Open. Looking
further ahead, Ryan has aspirations this year of taking part in
the World Junior Championships again and the British Boys
Amateurs.
A number of students take part in sport outside of Al Yasmina.
The school would like to recognise the recent achievements of
triathlete Sam OShea, golfers Ryan Hunter and Tara Al Marzooqi,
and swimmers Cameron Oliver and Isabelle Darling.
Tara Al Marzooqi
Year 8 golfer Tara Al Marzooqi won a nine-hole junior competition run as
part of the Presidents Cup for UAE Nationals, held at Saadiyat Beach Golf
Club on January 25.
The main two-day event attracted 55 Emirati golfers and demonstrated the
rapid growth of golf in the UAE. Run alongside this tournament was the
competition for juniors aged 10 13, held on the tough back nine at Saadiyat.
Tara shot 47 for the nine holes, winning the event by 10 strokes.
Left is Tara with Sheikh Fahem Al Qasemi receiving the Junior trophy.
Over the coming weeks we will be writing to all parents requesting
a whole raft of documents and information so that we can update
the system. We will only be able to accept these documents in
soft copy (ie: disc, memory stick or emailed).
The advantages to you as parents are that this new MIS will mean
that we will no longer have to request documents from you as they
will be available electronically to all the appropriate staff for this
purpose.
We will also be able to email you a reminder when important
documents relating to your child are due for renewal. Additionally
the new MIS will automatically generate a full refresh every three
years so that we can ensure continuity of data maintenance.
NEW MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM
Over the next few months all the schools in the Aldar Academies
family will be carrying out a major update of our Management
Information System (MIS).
The need to do this comes from the increased requirement to meet
Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) and the Health Authority of
Abu Dhabi (HAAD) standards and the need to be able to provide a
more efcient administration support to parents and staff.
In order to ensure the integrity of the new MIS we need to fully
refresh all our electronic records so that our new system is
entirely up to date with every required document and that every
document is valid and current.
15
ISSUE 5
FEB 2014
AL YASMINA SCHOOL
NEWS FROM FRIENDS OF AL YASMINA (FOY)
Preparations are under way for another great day at the FOY
Tabletop Sale on Saturday May 31, from 9.30-12.30.
Once again it will be held in the atrium at Al Yasmina in the
comfort of the air conditioning. This is a wonderful opportunity to
clear your home of any unwanted items and make a little cash!
Tables cost 50AED for the sale of second-hand goods.
If you feel that you dont have enough goods to warrant a whole
table then FOY is going to set up a table where goods can be left
and the proceeds will go to the school. Alternatively, you can join
forces with friends to make up a whole table.
Anything from books, toys, clothes and household items can be
sold. Tables will not be allowed to sell plants, animals or any
type of foodstuffs. So come along and grab some bargains and
help support this great fundraiser for your childs school.
As you will have seen in the Communicator, two FOY members
are making a trip to Dhaka, Bangladesh, to visit a school and
orphanage in early March. There is room in their luggage to take
some much-needed items with them and they are looking for
donations of childrens clothing, (new or good condition second-
hand), toiletries (new), nappies, powdered milk, or school
supplies. The collection area is in reception and the closing date
for drop off is March 6.
Last year FOY donated some outdoor bean bags to the primary
school. They were such a hit with the students that FOY has
purchased some for the secondary students to relax in at
lunchtimes or for outdoor activities.
Dont forget the regular FOY activities such as the second-hand
uniform sale which is held on the last Wednesday of every month
and the FOY Veg boxes.
The boxes continue to be very popular because of the great
quality of produce and the excellent value for money. Go to
foyveg@hotmail.com to place your order and leave your money in
a marked envelope in reception.
The FOY committee has been working on putting procedures in
place to ensure that funds raised by FOY reect our constitution
of helping to support school initiatives and also providing funds
for the relevant charity of the year.
If you would like to be more involved in your childs school and
the FOY charitable work then the next FOY meeting will be held
on Tuesday, March 18.