NEWS
BLAST
The british school of bucharest magazine • Issue 5 • June 2015
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL
I am often amazed at the variety of activities on offer in our school, and in others around the world. This term, although shorter than the others, has continued to provide our students with experiential learning outside the classroom which contributes to making the pupils and students such rounded individuals.
Jo Puddy-Wells Principal
The Y6 PGL trip to the UK; Y3 pupils venturing off to Sinaia some of them enjoying an overnight stay without the company of parents for the first time; the numerous other year groups who have all spent time away with teachers and peers; work experience for senior students; students who represented the school at the COBIS Games in Athens and there are many more too numerous to mention in this piece.
A number of those staff are, along with a number of our pupils are moving on to new challenges and new countries. I wish them all well and know that those who are following in their footsteps will uphold the values and continue the excellent work in future years. As Hammerstein wrote, “June is bustin’ out all over”, and as I look at the students, staff and families that seems highly appropriate. Everyone
“The dedication of teachers to delivering the desired outcome for all of our students is a source of immense pride”
Of course, many of our Secondary students have had examination leave and revised incredibly hard before taking the external examinations that will have no little bearing on their future educational paths. We are all waiting anxiously to hear the results in August. It is always a nervous time for students, parents and teachers but I am confident that all will have contributed to the successful outcomes that we are anticipating.
seems to have a spirit that is longing to walk out under those trees, across that beach or just to smell the flowers and be part of summer. Summer offers so many opportunities that we have at no other time of year and I sincerely wish that you all enjoy those chances with your family and friends and return to BSB with some fabulous stories to tell.
We have also had our inspection and are delighted with the outcome. At this time I must place on record my gratitude for the hard work put in by the teaching staff throughout the year. The dedication of teachers to delivering the desired outcome for all of our students is a source of immense pride and they are assisted by all the teaching assistants and administrative staff who work tirelessly to ensure that the school operates in a manner befitting its’ reputation.
F R O M T H E P R I N C I PA L 3
Houses in Focus by Jason Porter
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his term has rounded off what has been a hugely successful year for the House system at BSB. The events calendar leapt into action with the Y8 and Y9 Crazy Sports events run over two Monday afternoons in the sunshine!
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These events involved problem solving and took on the style of a good old, traditional British sports day with competitions such as welly throwing, an egg and spoon race and the sack race. Arges hopped into the winning position. Next up was the Music Intro Quiz in the drama studio, complete with disco lights and Mr Allsop on the mic. Mures and Olt harmonised to take first place. Following on from chess and to mark Humanities Week, the four Houses battled it out again in the Geography Quiz, in which Mures navigated themselves to victory, with Danube taking second place. In House Mastermind, Mures flexed their intellectual muscle to come out in first place, with Arges second. In the House Basketball, Mures again flexed their muscles, but this time it was legs and arms which put them in top place, followed by Olt. House Music looks set to be a fantastic event, in
which each House has a timed slot to produce a musical medley and show off their skills, so with this event looming, it’s still all to play for! This term alone a great number of our students have worked tremendously hard to achieve their House Colours Award, which is awarded to students with exemplary standards of uniform, punctuality, effort in lessons and participation in House events. This reflects the enthusiasm for the House system at BSB and everything it is offering students in terms of personal development, the upholding of standards and the devotion to the life of the House and School. The Heads of House and House Captains have worked tirelessly this term to encourage and motivate all members of their House to achieve their best. More to come!
H O U S E S I N F O C U S 5
“We are honoured to announce that Dr. Katia Stewart will be soon joining the Intermedicas team, providing second opinion and primary care pediatrics.
• U.S. Pediatrician offering high quality care • Over 10 years experience in Brazil and U.S. • Research activity at the Pulmonary Vascular Institute
Dr. Lou Jacobs
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Dr. Katia Stewart
I wanted to help people and work with people, we are born with an incredible power in our body and that specific power is located in the brain.
The definition of chiropractor is the use of hand in order to remove interference from the nervous system. • U.S. doctor specialized in Chiropractic • Licensed by universities in U.S. and China to perform chiropractic acupuncture • Maine’s specialist in the treatment of musicians
#6-10 Stolnicului St. , Bucharest / T:+40 21 222 13 70 / office@intermedicas.com
www.intermedicas.com
Getting to know your TA
Where are they now?
Loredana Barbu
Philip Leitner
My name is Loredana and I joined BSB in 2008. During this time I have had the opportunity to meet some great people and work in a very supportive place. Working alongside these wonderful colleagues has given me incredible satisfaction. We have all learnt great things about education and how to work as a team. It is a pleasure for me to work with children, see them progress, how they develop their cognitive abilities and how they achieve their potential. Playing a part in their development is a great honour and I am looking forward to working with more children at BSB in the future. I have taken advantage of my experiences and now I consider that I have a very happy family and a great son. I was lucky enough to observe new teaching styles, to learn about children’s learning and development and apply best practice in both my professional and personal life. I wish everyone a nice summer holiday!
A couple of weeks ago the school received a visit from a returning student who was back in Bucharest for a visit. Philip was here several years ago in Crèche and Preschool and was delighted to see all of the changes that have taken place in the intervening years. Following his departure the family moved Greece. They subsequently returned to Austria before a move to Chile in South America. Philip was delighted to meet a few old friends and staff who were here five years ago. We are delighted to report that Philip, and his younger sister Sarah, will be returning to Bucharest permanently and enrolling once again at BSB.
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You are then provided an individual dietary recommendation on the basis of your personal test results: You find out the foods you should avoid eating for a certain time and you also get a personal recipe book with suggestions for tasty meals that you can enjoy as an alternative.
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BSB Congratulates
Sarah Palmer and Liz Citron
Bucharest’s Got Talent
In April, COBIS was proud to recognise 15 members of staff from COBIS schools worldwide for their Outstanding Contribution to Student Enjoyment and Achievement. Liz Citron and Sarah Palmer were thanked for their commitment and hard work in connection to the planning, hosting and delivery of the COBIS Debating Competition that was held at BSB earlier this year. It is never easy holding such a prestigious event and the responsibility of ensuring a successful event both inside and outside of the competition hours can be exhausting. Add to that judging, coaching, transport, dinners, awards and so on. We hope that the staff at Edron Academy in Mexico enjoy the challenge of hosting our debaters next year.
This year’s Bucharest’s Got Talent competition was held at the American School, and featured performances from four talented groups and individuals from BSB. Irini and Annie performed a vocal duet, the dancing boys performed their winning dance from last year’s BSB’s Got Talent, Miruna sang a powerful song, and the student members of the Grease band performed Beauty School Dropout. The latter contrasted Abdullah’s all-white outfit with by wearing black and, despite a technical issue with a microphone, they put on a very strong performance. Congratulations to all the participants, and roll on next year!
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PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION
PTA Review
by Giorgiana Tecuci Paltineanu As we reach the end of yet another busy school year at BSB I thought that I would take the time to thank all of the parents and helpers who have given their time this year to assist with the various activities. Be it the Artisan Fair or the hugely successful Summer Fair, the contributions have been very much appreciated. The Toddler Group, held in the Parents’ Room is another example of parents contributing to school life. It is a vital stepping stone on the educational road and I know that several of these toddlers will be moving into the school in the next academic year. They have become used to the environment and it is a great social
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environment for the mums to meet and talk. We have enjoyed several coffee mornings with new parents at the beginning of each term and this is always valuable for those parents new to Bucharest. Please look out for announcements of future coffee mornings and do drop in to introduce yourselves to the new parents and other members of the PTA. If you have any ideas for future events, wish to become more involved or just want to contribute to the running of our events please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I wish you all an enjoyable summer vacation wherever you may be heading and I look forward to seeing you again in September.
FROM THE ENGINE ROOM It has been a busy term at the end of an extremely active year. The registration period has continued and the school visited by families from all over the world. We are certainly the school of choice for many companies now and the first stop for many incoming expatriates of all nationalities. We have been preparing for the opening of the Boarding House in September and look forward to welcoming everyone there at the start of the next academic year. The 15th Anniversary Ball was a great success and was enjoyed by everybody that attended. We hope to entertain you again next year in a similar fashion. Dancing to the music of the Rat Pack and dining with colleagues and friends provided some of the most enjoyable moments of the year.
Plans are well advanced for the Summer School that begins shortly. It is always an interesting time of year as families get to experience a BSB education, many of them for the first time. In previous years this as lead to several students enrolling in the school full-time and we look forward to an entertaining four weeks. Finally we trust that you all enjoyed the wonderful Summer Fair. A lot of hard work goes into producing an invigorating programme of events and arranging all of the food and beverage stalls that highlight the international nature of our school. Speaking to many first-timers over the past week I was struck by how many of them felt it exhibited everything that is great about our community. Congratulations to all involved. Also a great big thank you to all of the companies and individuals who donated prizes to our fabulous raffle.
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Summer School 29th June - 24th July 2015
www.britishschool.ro/summerschool summerschool@britishschool.ro 42 Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190, Voluntari, Ilfov County, Romania T. +40 21 267 89 19, +40 728 133 432, +40 728 133 433
BOARDING by Matthew Cox
With the open days in June, and of course the imminent start of BSB boarding at Arghezi House in September this year, I am becoming increasingly excited by this development. The house has already developed a feel of an outstanding residential facility for students aged between 11 and 18 years. I was delighted to receive feedback from recent visitors to the house, that it was more spacious, well-fitted and inviting than even the pictures suggest. They were very excited for the potential residents, and even wished that they were of school-age in order to take advantage of the amazing surroundings. Kind and encouraging words indeed. Those comments turned my thoughts to experience of actually being a boarder. Of course, as eager and independent pupils, both boys and girls enjoy forming life-long friendships in boarding houses, they often succeed academically and can take advantage of the high level of activities available. All very good, but what is it that boarders need to know to ensure they make most of the opportunity that modern school boarding presents. The list below is my first attempt at advice for boarders and prospective boarders. Firstly, it sounds obvious but I strongly encourage any boarder to personalise their space and bedroom by displaying favourite pictures of family, pets, actors, bands etc‌ This will undoubtedly create a great physical link with
home. In addition, add a wall calendar and they can ensure there are no double bookings, and that there is always a lot to look forward to. Emotionally, it also very helpful to have a good friend at home, or at least away from the boarding house, that you can talk to openly and honestly. It provides a necessary outlet, and keeps the thinking straight and clear. The controlled use of chocolate is also recommended as an excellent source for feeling good. In my experience of boarding, involvement in many things is important; find activities or opportunities that the school and boarding house offer and pursue them whole-heartedly. Boarding is certainly not just about academic results exclusively. Involvement also extends to getting out and about, learning more about the local environment, town or city with your friends. Boarding is like everything in life; the more you put in, the more you get out. Finally, the younger students are strongly encouraged to listen to the wisdom and experience of the senior pupils. Aspiration and role models work wonderfully in boarding, as they do in many things. We look forward to welcoming our new boarders in September. If you would like to visit Arghezi House please contact the School Office.
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PRIMARY SCHOOL REVIEW
Robert Ford Head of Lower School
As a teacher and also a parent I know that when it comes to schooling we want nothing but the best. We want children to be happy, to be safe and be given expert teaching and learning to allow them to excel and achieve their full potential. This needs to be backed up by a wide range of enriching, high quality, extra-curricular opportunities that allow them to grow and develop as individuals. The Primary school at BSB offers guidance and support for our youngest students in an environment which is caring and nurturing, but which allows them to take risks and learn from their mistakes. We are preparing students for life in the future, a future which is exciting but as yet unknown. We want students to be confident and responsible and able to make the right choices in their lives. The recent Arts Enrichment Days have been an excellent opportunity for students to use and develop their creative skills. I was amazed at some of the amazing outcomes which were produced. For many staff, days like these remind them why they go in to teaching. The days provide opportunities to come off curriculum and extend learning in ways which the normal curriculum does not always allow. A parent once explained that the reason he had chosen to send his child to BSB was because he liked the thought of his child having a ‘creative curriculum’ as he had seen described by Sir Ken Robinson on TED Talks. Days like these are good examples of teachers looking at learning in a different way. As we come to the end of another exciting year I have been amazed at the changes in many of the students in the Primary School. When reading
end of year reports there are recurring themes of ‘growing in confidence’, ‘excellent role model’ and ‘great progress’. The partnership that exists between home and school helps to develop this.
“The Primary school at BSB offers guidance and support for our youngest students in an environment which is caring and nurturing, but which allows them to take risks and learn from their mistakes.” I would like to thank you all for your support this year and in particular the staff who I believe are among the best I have worked with over the last 25 years in teaching. I hope you all have a wonderful summer break and enjoy your time with your children. Be careful they grow up very quickly.
P R I M A R Y S C H O O L R E V I E W 15
EYFS
Summertime in Crib and Crèche by Claire O’Brien and Raina Myson
It’s almost the end of the school year and what an exciting time it has been. The children in Crib and Crèche have been so busy exploring and discovering everything. But now the sun is shining and it is time to be outside enjoying our fantastic new garden.
Pupils have been able to spend time planting in the new garden area
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There are many new features within the outside area and it is making for some interesting new learning environments. There is a veranda for role play, a shady and calm reading area as well as the planting area.
The veranda has proved invaluable for role-play and quiet reading
“Say cheese!�
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EYFS
There’s a rumble in the jungle! by Priscilla Varban and Katherine Dibble
We have been talking about where the animals live in a jungle and how animals will find homes within their habitat (the jungle) which they make into a home for them and their families; this could be a nest, a den, a burrow, under a rock, in a hollow tree trunk, etc. Some of our next activities include: Making Gorilla Bars, yummy! Planting our own grass to make an animal habitat and making jungle masks. In Preschool D we have also been keeping to an animal theme.
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We have learnt about nocturnal animals, where and when they sleep and where they come from in the world. We have begun to take a look at the countries of the world and the children are starting to grasp the concept of the fact that we have all come from different places. We have started talking about methods of communication as we prepare for some of our children to move on to new countries.
EYFS
Learning about Lifecycles and Minibeasts in Reception by Kayleigh Evans and Isobel Ford
In Reception we had class caterpillars which were very exciting. The children really enjoyed watching them each day, and talking about the changes they could see from the day before. It really inspired many of the children to learn more about mini beasts and took us on a new learning journey. We began by looking at a range of books about mini beasts; both fiction and non-fiction. It has been very exciting watching the whole process. The children have seen the butterflies up close as they open their wings for the first time and the excess colour drips from their wings. We have seen them use their straw like mouth (proboscis)
Releasing the butterflies
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to drink water and juice from the oranges and move around the butterfly garden. Once the butterflies were 3 days old we needed to release them into the garden and say goodbye. It was very exciting to see them fly away on their new adventure. During our mini beast adventures we also had exciting changes made in our Ringwood garden which made mini beast hunting outside even more enjoyable. The children enjoyed making bug hotels, and small homes for the favourite insects, as well as lots of crafts including life cycle hanging mobiles, large scale paintings as well as paper mache large bugs.
Exploring the new outdoor play areas behind Ringwood
Relaxing with lunch after the Magic Show at The Teddy Bears Picnic
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KS1
Key Stage 1 The theme for the summer term in Y1 has been ‘Growing vegetable soup’. The pupils had great fun investigating and exploring different plants and flowers discovering what conditions and elements were needed to grow a strong and healthy plant for our scientific experiments. They have used a variety of seeds and explored range of conditions to attempt to germinate the seed. Classes have looked at the local environment to assist in forming ideas and theories that help the pupils to understand where and how plants will grow. This theme has integrated well with art topics looking at the work of Giuseppe Arcimboldo who used fruit, vegetables and other plants as the basis for his popular artwork. In English pupils looked at the traditional tale of Jack and the Beanstalk, creating their own alternative version with new characters and events allowing them to use their skills and creative ideas to give the story a new lease of life. The children have also cared for virtual crops on apps such as hay day and have taken responsibility for the growth and development of the crops. Y1 have enjoyed a weekly maths puzzle or challenge based activity where they are encouraged to work with their friends to solve different problems using the maths skills they have developed over the course of the year. The children worked extremely hard producing and performing ‘Pirates vs Mermaids’. This was a great success enjoyed by all and the efforts of the children were visible through their fantastic performances. Arts Enrichment Days afforded the opportunity to participate in a range of creative challenges throughout the school. This allowed staff to share their talents and personal interests with the students in a variety of ways ranging from drama, to music, to
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dance. This was a huge success enjoyed by all after such a busy inspection week. Y2 have had a fabulous summer term making the most of the gorgeous weather by using every opportunity available to teach and learn outside. Pupils have been using directional language and instructions in Maths and even enjoyed guided reading lessons in the fresh air. Snack time was made all the nicer by making the most of the benches and lovely shaded area outside. During Art and Design lessons all pupils searched for plants and leaves to draw before completing an observational drawing of a flower in the lovely playground. Hunting high and low for habitats of different bugs and animals was enjoyable for everybody. In order to give Y2 pupils a taster of the four languages they can choose from next year, MFL teachers offered them a taster session in French, German, Mandarin and Spanish. All Y2 pupils showed great enthusiasm for languages and were highly engaged in the taster lessons. Here are some of their impressions of the event. “All of them are my favourites because all of them are easy and fun and all of them are languages I know.” “My favourite language is French because the games are fun and the teachers are fun and we speak French.” Hasan and Jacob “My fayvret langwig is Spanish and the ticer was sow nise and her gams wore tricky and riliy interesting.” Vinnie “I like Spanish because it is very easy to speak in Spanish and I liked finding body parts too.” Salima “I liked German because I liked the card game when we had to guess what it meant in German.” Ellie
The beautiful weather results in teaching taking place outside the classroom
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KS2
Key Stage 2 What a fun-packed term Y3 have had! The children took advantage of the great weather to extend their understanding of how plants grow in Science lessons, incorporating a visit to Herastrau Park. Here they looked at the different kinds of plants and learnt about seed dispersal by blowing the seeds off dandelion clocks. Art was also a focus and the children took the opportunity to draw some of the beautiful flowers closeup. These provided the basis for work with oil pastels to create beautiful pictures to put inside the photos frames the children made in DT lessons. The children planned an investigation into what plants need for healthy growth and closely observed how cress seeds grew under different conditions. Geography work compared and contrasted the geographical features of Sinaia and Bucharest, and the reasons for the differences. This was the perfect groundwork for the overnight residential trip to Sinaia and the excursion in the cable car up the mountain in Busteni. The children really understood about the differences in weather according to altitude after that! In Maths, the focus was on deepening the understanding of using formal calculation methods and English work was based on reading and performing play scripts in preparation for the two amazing performances of the summer production. 15 songs, to celebrate the 15 years since our magnificent school was founded, were linked together through one theme and provided a journey back into musical history for all parents and teachers. Y4 have also had a wonderful year. They have had lots of fun learning about the Egyptians, The Vikings, the Rainforest and famous people around the world. The pupils have improved their English and Maths in many ways. The three enrichment days improved skills in different areas of the curriculum. Full advantage has been taken of the beautiful weather with stories being read in the sunshine and art being produced in the outside “classroom”. The summer production ‘Hubble Bubble Macbeth’s in Trouble’ engendered a new love for Drama and performing. The pupils have been on a residential trip to Poiana Brasov, and learnt about the importance of teamwork and more about the local area. Y5 would like to thank all parents for their hard work and baking skills that enabled pupils to work with Second Chance at the
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beginning of this term. The children produced some Roman inspired mosaics on boxes using tiles. They had a lot of fun making real mosaics! The highlight for many children was the phenomenal production of ‘Cinderella Rockefeller’. All the children rose to the challenge. Parents and staff were impressed by Y5’s professionalism and hard work. It was a sensational show. The children were very excited to find caterpillars in the classroom this term. They studied the life cycle of different plants and animals and watched as the caterpillars transformed into beautiful butterflies. After admiring their metamorphosis they were able to set them free. Making and designing a stomp rocket was an apt introduction into the chronology of the space race. The children were keen to learn about who were the main contenders in the race, and also to refining their research skills to create 5 Fab Facts flyers. It is amazing how many children want to know more about animals in space! This term, the pupils have looked both back in time and into the future in their English work. The Science fiction genre captivated the imagination of many in creative writing. The children created some fascinating tales and also explored poetry on the theme of Earth and Space. They have also been looking at the work of Charles Dickens in order to gain a better understanding of what life was like around the time of the Industrial Revolution. Y6 have had a great term of work and fun activities. As well as an unforgettable trip to the PGL centre in England pupils have been taking a closer look at the features of effective ‘Journalism’. They have looked at a wide range of journalistic sources and have really had their investigative hats on when considering the who, where, when, why, and what behind a news story. Returning from the PGL centre students produced some fantastic examples of journalistic writing, remembering to include catchy headings, eye-catching pictures and memorable quotes. Map skills have been a big focus during topic lessons this term and pupils enjoyed a fantastic afternoon of all things geography. Children had to use all the skills they’ve learnt this term such as six figure gird referencing and using a compass in order to solve clues and find the exact location of the next one around the
Arts Enrichment Days provided the opportunities for pupils to express themselves in many different ways school grounds. The children enjoyed themselves immensely in the Arts Enrichment Day and some superb pieces of work were created. Homework has been of a particularly high standard this term with many students bringing in huge research projects and then teaching their findings to the rest of the class. Y6 have been enjoying their final few months in the primary school and making the most of all the opportunities it has to offer. All pupils have been taking part in transition activities with the secondary school in order to prepare for the move and thinking about all of the exciting challenges ahead. A highlight of this term was the trip to a PGL Centre in Liddington, England where the focus was on teamwork and communication in order to complete some difficult challenges. During the raft building activity, pupils worked in groups to design an effective raft and then put their ideas into practice! Two of the rafts carried their teams across the lake; however one raft fell apart very quickly. Nevertheless, everyone learnt about working together
and communicating! Other highlights of the trip included the ‘vertical challenge’ and ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ as both activities involved supporting and cheering each other on as everyone ventured to the top of incredible structures! All overcame their fears and by the end of the week everybody was incredibly proud of everything that had been achieved.
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Science lessons in Herastrau Park
Playing rounders in the summer sunshine
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Building musical instruments as part of the Arts Enrichment programme
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Taking a break from all the excitement on the PGL trip
Still time for a group photograph before returning home
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Y5 anxiously awaiting the coach to Moeciu de Sus
The obligatory photo opportunity for Y4
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PRIMARY PRODUCTIONS 30
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P R I M A R Y P R O D U C T I O N S 31
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P R I M A R Y P R O D U C T I O N S 33
UNIVERSITIES Building a strong foundation
by Charlotte Smith
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t has been another successful year of Universities at BSB and all of the primary students have enjoyed three University courses throughout the year.
At BSB, we believe that children are born with a natural ability to learn from their surroundings and their peers; learning extends beyond the classroom and Universities allow the students to develop their learning in a broader context and pursue excellence through curiosity and questioning. Here is what some of our Y6 students had to say about Universities as they near the end of their time in Primary: “Universities are fun because you get to learn new skills during school time, which you would not get to do otherwise.” Lily – 6J “Universities are excellent because you get to spend time with other children who are not in your class.” Jesse – 6J
Whodunnit? in the school’s very own CSI
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“Universities are fun because they give you options for when you are older as you get to learn and try out new skills. When you are older, you also have the skills of working with different people!” Haifa – 6S “I enjoy them because the teachers are always really nice; I have learnt lots of new skills which I have been able to share with my friends and my class teacher.” Alice – 6J “I loved Newspaper University because you got to explore the school and see parts of the school which you would not normally get to see.” Matttias – 6W
Capturing the beauty of the campus in Photography
Taking a break during Coding for Girls University
U N I V E R S I T I E S 37 37
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Photo: BSB
CLUBS CCA encourage all students to develop skills
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Learning balance and poise in Dance
Having fun with Jenga in Board Games
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Ensembles, orchestra and individual lessons are all available
Engineering Club making full use of the DT suit
C L U B S 41
SECONDARY SCHOOL REVIEW
Philip Walters Head of Secondary School
We are currently constructing our students’ timetables for next year; a complex puzzle of vital importance. I am absolutely delighted that our recent inspection team highlighted the excellence in the breadth of the curriculum that we offer and were also highly impressed by the manner in which we seek to develop personalised curricula as much as possible. Individual choice is of paramount importance to us and is evident in the creation of our Key Stage 4 & 5 timetables in particular, which are built entirely around student choices each year. Individual student timetables are adapted throughout the school with different withdrawal points for EAL students according to particular strengths, whilst additional time to develop specific musical or sporting talents is factored into individual schedules. This means that we have many exceptions to a “normal” timetable.
“... a strong presence of arts education in a curriculum is an essential element of schooling”
Ken Robinson achieved international renown for his 2006 TED talk, “Do Schools Kill Creativity” and he has argued persuasively for over twenty years for more creativity in teaching and the curriculum. I hope that Ken would applaud the manner in which we seek a “flexibility that allows learners to pursue their interests and strengths” via the timetabling mentioned above and through encouraging early examination entries in Maths and for several of our highly talented linguists and subsequent personalization of their curricula. The impact of our new Design Technology suite has been a particular highlight this year and the possibilities for next year are at an advanced planning stage. Robinson espouses that a strong presence of arts education in a curriculum is an essential element of schooling and a range of recent case studies demonstrate how the arts
engage students whilst also raising standards across the board. Seeing the success of recent Y7 DT enrichment days and the obvious enjoyment amongst the students reinforced this belief and I am excited by the dynamism generated within our students and the skills that they are developing. I do my best to illustrate this type of learning and event at BSB on twitter, so please do follow me (@philip_w ) and the school (@britishschoolro) to see more.
Personalised curricula and superb facilities aside, no education system exceeds the strength of its teachers. Their imagination, professionalism, dynamism, openness to change and subject knowledge are key variables. I am privileged to work alongside a wonderful group of professionals and I would like to thank them for their contributions to BSB this year and hope that all of our community have a wonderful summer holiday.
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Transition Day by Jason Porter
It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that schools are ‘sausage factory’, input-output machines and forget about what happens in between. At BSB we understand the value of the ‘output’, of course, but we place huge importance on the process of getting there. This is the educational process itself of nurturing our individual students, helping them to develop academically and personally and strengthening their resilience for the transitions they will face in life. One of these transitions is the move to Y7. In addition to the usual cross-School lessons such as science, languages, drama, physical education, maths and music, the transition process began in May when Y7 students visited Y6 to collect questions about their move to Secondary. The Y7s then worked in groups
Y6 Transition Day included time in the Secondary library
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to produce short transition videos on iPads which were shown to Y6 students on the Transition Day itself on 9th June. In addition, Y6 students took a tour of Secondary by means of a QR code treasure hunt, overseen by our Y12s and then had a session getting to know the library, led by Mr Appleton. Then it was heads down and into four Y7 taster lessons led by art and DT, Humanities, PSHCE and English. There were smiles all round and the day finished very positively with a parents’ information session. We value the proximity of our Primary and Secondary schools, but also do not underestimate the significance that the 30 metres between the two buildings can have on a young person’s life!
Work Experience by Gordon Robertson
It has been a very busy month for our Y11 and 12 students at the British School of Bucharest. After completing their IGCSEs and A level examinations they embarked on a one week long work experience placement. They had the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a variety of practical working environments. This year our students participated in work placements in Architecture, Auditing, Business, Diplomatic Missions, Engineering, Investment Banking, Law, Medicine, Music Production, Hospitality and Strategic Management. The programme has been extremely successfully and we would like to extend our thanks to the community of The British School of Bucharest for making this possible. In particular, we would like to thank all the organisations that supported our students during the programme. It was a valuable learning experience for our students and all have commented on the vast amounts of knowledge and skills that they have managed to developed in such a short time.
Dr. Cristina Popescu Andrei Oastahie Ada Palea/Daniela Toader Iuliana Tudor Kate Dibble Ionut Constanten Oana Pienescu Taher Al-Boraishi Mihaela Allardin Martin Slabbert Adela Predescu Angelica Negut Mr. GJ Buisman Andrei Boncea Ruxandra Gruza
Pipera Family Clinic Media Galaxy KPMG Fundatia Inocenti The British School of Bucharest Fashion TV Intermedicas Instant Group Optim Nepinvest Radisson Blu European Environment USA Embassy Netherlands Embassy Sound Studio Production Dentons Europe
Charity and Community by Hannah Straw
The past few months have been busy for BSB as students have become ever more involved in their local community. A group of dedicated student volunteers from KS3, 4 & 5 have continued to donate their time and positivity at Centrul Don Orione this term. It’s not easy after a full day at school to plunge yourself into what can sometimes be a challenging endeavour. Seeing children, the same age as you but with such different possibilities open to them challenges our students emotionally. However, it also helps them to develop maturity, empathy and resilience. Despite the rigours of an average Monday, BSB student volunteers bring smiles and fun to the disabled children at Don Orione during their after school activity. Crucially, our students remind the children at Don Orione that the community has not forgot about them. And that their lives do matter. Participation in the community is not limited to Mondays. Student volunteers have also continued to be involved in Fundatia Inocenti’s programme at a baby hospital in the city
centre. The first few months of life are crucial and our students gain an invaluable insight into child development whilst also donating their time in a meaningful way – providing play opportunities to babies currently living in the hospital. We are on the lookout for additional community service opportunities for our students, so if you know of a worthwhile cause which could use the time donated by our student volunteers, do get in touch!
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As one door closes... by Gary Webster
As a teacher, one is more aware than most of the cyclic nature of life. The academic year follows a well-rehearsed pattern, beginning as the leaves contemplate the abandoning of their hosts and the long, warm summer days pack their suitcases and head off to the southern hemisphere to bless the beautiful beaches of Rio or Cape Town. Then, as the snow settles on the school grounds, our older students will strive to excel in their mock exams whilst many younger students yearn with indefatigable optimism for Santa Claus’ bountiful blessings. Soon, as quickly as it came, the snow has disappeared and the first green shoots signal the coming of spring and the culmination of the school year; then May is upon us and the trees are bursting with blossom. It is at this time that many students contemplate ‘The End’, for May means one thing - Exams. Not mocks, not end of year tests but THE REAL THING. The GCSE and A level exams mark the end of a stage of a journey from childhood to adulthood and are a rite of passage that will shape a student’s future life. There will be revision timetables to draw up, extra classes to attend and more homework to complete. There will be late nights relearning the intricacies of cell division for Biology. There will be intricate
mind-maps tracing Europe’s descent into World War One. There will be desperate attempts to memorise the key quotations that define Atticus Finch. There will be tears, tantrums, traumas and sleepless nights full of the fear of failure. But there will also be relief, joy and the thrilling prospect of new beginnings in hitherto unknown cities and new friends to make and old friends to leave behind – the world lies at the feet of those who are brave enough to venture forward into it. As a teacher, one is indeed more aware than most of the cyclic nature of life. For us, it may be the third, tenth or twentieth time that we have witnessed this process but we never forget that, for each student who is currently going through it, it is a unique and life-shaping experience. Our role is to guide and support then to step back and vicariously enjoy the successes that results day brings. A teacher hopes for one thing in their professional life – that they can make a positive difference, no matter how small. All of us at BSB hope we have added something to your lives. We wish all of our leaving students well and hope that you future brings everything that you wish for.
E X A M I N A T I O N S 47
Leavers Destinations by Paul Farrell
This year BSB has seen its Sixth Form students secure places on some of the most competitive university courses, and despite the changing higher education landscape in 2015 the vast majority of our students who applied have achieved a place for degree level study. We are proud of the quality of advice and support we offer our students about their options after A level. Whilst we seek to give accurate and realistic advice to our students regarding their prospects in light of their predicted grades, we remain fully committed to supporting them through the application process whatever their chosen path and our assessment of the likely outcome. The destinations and degree choices for our 2015 cohort are as follows:
Student
Destination
Studying
Country
Gruia
University of HullYork University of Bristol
Medicine
UK
Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Architecture
UK
Business
UK
Eda Jan
Politechnika Warszawska Radu University of Portsmouth Theodor Robert Gordon University Sebastian University of Coventry Victor University of the Americas - Puebla Michaela Coventry University College Noor Romanian American University Alessandra VIA University College
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Poland UK
Automotive and UK Transport Design Industrial Mexico Engineering Foundation Law UK International Romania Business Civil Engineering Denmark
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On behalf of all teachers at BSB I would like to wish this special group of students the very best of luck in their University studies and future careers.
Leavers Dinner by Paul Farrell
Senior students recently enjoyed BSB’s annual graduation dinner which was extremely well attended by both students and members of staff. The evening began with welcome drinks and an opportunity for students to reflect upon the great times they have all experienced at BSB. This was followed by a formal three course meal and after dinner speeches from the Head teacher, Mr Walters and our departing Head Boy and Head Girl.
There were around 60 people in total present for the evening which was very pleasant, positive and relaxed, although quite emotional too as the students reminisced about their time at BSB and looked forward to their life beyond school. The evening was a huge success and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We wish all the students every success in their final examinations and in their preparations for the next stage in their educational journey.
L E AV E R S D I N N E R 49
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Sciences at BSB by Claire Sugdon
The Sciences at BSB are an increasingly popular choice at GSCE and A level, with many students opting for more than one Science at GCSE and increasing numbers of A level students. Of course exami nation results are important, but at BSB we do not want to promote the Sciences as purely theoretical and students of all ages benefit from regular exposure to experimental work and fieldwork in order to develop their investigation, analysis and evaluation skills. Such an approach encourages our students to view scientific problems in an imaginative and creative way and, hopefully, allows them to appreciate the wonder of Science. “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Albert Einstein We are increasingly keen to enter students in external competitions. As such, students have participated in the Chemistry Challenge, Biology Challenge and the Physics Olympiad this year. Such competitions represent the opportunity for our students to compete internationally and next year, we
will be continuing this trend by entering students in the World Educational Games and the COBIS film awards. The students enjoy participating and the idea of competing is motivational. “Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” Carl Sagan This year also sees our first student being accepted to study Medicine at university in the United Kingdom. This is a great accomplishment and reminds us not only of how much we have developed as a department over the last few years, but also how hard working and determined our students are. Hopefully, this will be the catalyst for many successful university applications for Science related courses as we encourage our students to aim high in order to achieve their goals. “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” Albert Einstein
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ART AT BSB
I can explain Art for you, but I can’t understand Art for you by Derek Walker
Historically, creativity was consider the province of privilege geniuses, artists and eccentrics living in a loft and tortured by its mystical process creating abstracted ideas through canvas and bronze. Within the work place creativity is clearly important on a national and global level for economic growth and development. We need creative risk takers for a creative economy who are open to new ideas and challenges. The challenge for teachers at BSB is to nourish and develop children’s natural flair and creativity, not stifle it. Teachers promote promote creativity in their students by preparing regular opportunities for hands-on experimentation, problem solving,
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discussion and collaborative work. It is essential to ask openended questions such as ‘What if…?’ and ‘How might you…?’ It is important to encourage open discussion using risk taking and sometimes failure as opportunities to learn. Creativity within across the school is recognised as a practical skill that can be taught and which everyone can achieve. It is a way of thinking in which we look at familiar things with a fresh eye and a personal perspective. We examine a problem with an open mind about how it might be solved, and use our imagination rather than our knowledge to explore new possibilities rather than established approaches.
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Music at BSB The Primary Music Ensemble provided a delightful evening filled with wonderful music, talented instrumentalists and enjoyable singing from children aged Y3 to Y11. The Primary choir showcased a repertoire of songs and amazed us with their partsinging and harmony, whilst the School Orchestra entranced us with pieces from ‘Star Wars’ to the ‘Horse’s Bransle’. There are a number of talented students who take instrumental lessons and the audience were very lucky to hear a few of them perform: Stefan (Y3T), Adya (Y3T), Sofia (Y4P) Yul (Y4P) Anya (Y4P), Thea (Y5H), Irina (Y5K), Andra (Y5H) and Mihai (Y6J). The concert’s finale had the audience up, dancing and joining in when the choir and orchestra combined together to perform a toe tapping rendition of “In the Jungle”. The School Orchestra has expanded its repertoire to around 12 pieces now and throughout the year have had 28 players from Y4 up to Y12. It is hoped that they all return in September for rehearsals along with new players. Entry requirements for the orchestra are to have been taking private lessons for a minimum of 12 months and be able to read standard notation. Music is arranged to suit the level of each player. Aims for next year include making two separate orchestras for intermediate players and advanced players and increasing the repertoire to be able to
do a full orchestral concert. The CCA for instruments has extended the skills of 2 saxophone players, 3 clarinettists, 3 flautists and 2 ‘cellists. All Y7s have the opportunity to play instruments in their class lessons and pursue this further through ensemble teaching if they choose. Next year there will be more instruments available and the opportunity to hire them for speedier progress. The talent Show at the American School gave a chance for our ‘School of Rock’ band to perform (Jesus, Finn, Calista, Abdullah and Yeiji) along with Irini and Annie duetting, Miruna singing and Luca and his brother Alex dancing. As always it was a highly entertaining evening and it was inspiring to see the great quality from all of the local international schools. Highlights of the recent concert were the choir singing to the adults ‘We are the Young’ and moving most of the audience to tears with their beautiful harmonies and smiling faces. Eight piano players showed us a range of music from Bach to Tchaikovsky that contrasted with the Irish and Transylvanian music from Lena and Ella on the strings. The orchestra played their favourites of ‘Star Wars’ and others and were joined at the end by the choir for ‘Rather Be’ and by the audience for ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’.
The Primary Music Ensemble featured many pupils playing, singing and smiling
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M U S I C A T B S B 55
SPORTS
Sports at BSB by David Hughes
The students have been busy competing in a number of sports events in the last term, most notably the COBIS Games, Lumina Cup and the French Cup. We were excited to return to the COBIS Games with our primary school team as well as have our secondary team making their debut. The students participated brilliantly in athletics, swimming and football over the three days with the standard of performances exceptionally high. On the first day Jack won silver in the high jump with a fantastic jump of 1.4 metres. Sarah picked up bronze in the pool with a brilliant backstroke display and the girls narrowly missed out on making the podium in the medley relay. On the final day of competition the girls shone as the primary girls finished 6th overall and
All the COBIS Games performers celebrate together
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the secondary girls finished 5th. The final championship table positions for the primary and secondary teams were 15th and 11th respectively. In the Lumina Cup the U14’s participated well and finished 6th and the U18’s played well throughout and narrowly missed out on qualifying for the final stages, finishing 5th overall. Both teams played very well and ended up winning the Sportsmanship Award for the tournament. The U9’s finished their successful season off with more silverware picking up second place in the French Cup, narrowly missing out in the final. The U11’s finished 4th overall and enjoying wins against French School and ISB along the way.
Sarah collecting her bronze medal for backstroke
Jack on his way to silver in the High Jump
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Crazy Sports Day for Secondary students
Practicing sprinting in preparation for competition
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COLOR RUN 2015
Congratulations to everyone who took part!
C O L O R R U N 59
BSB’S GOT TALENT
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B S B ’ S G O T TA L E N T 61
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S U M M E R FA I R 63
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S U M M E R FA I R 65
42, Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190 Voluntari, Ilfov County, Romania
T. +40 21 267 89 19, F. +40 21 267 89 69 E. office@britishschool.ro
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