1. AL YASMINA ABU DHABI Connect issue 3
SCHOOL Bloom JUNE 2012
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 second issue of The Secondary It also gives Al Yasmina School the chance to celebrate
PARTNERSHIP, the official newsletter of the secondary progress and achievement and provide more in depth
department at Al Yasmina School. It is emailed to parents information to parents on a wide variety of subjects.
on the 1st day of every month or on the last day of term.
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
Meet the new Director of PE 4
Cricket a popular choice 5
Sports awards winners 6
Arts festival focuses on Africa 7
Secondary Principal award winners 8
Job interview - learning the ropes 9
School counsellor based at Yasmina 10
Arabic students shine 10
Students work with Carnegie Hall musicians 12
Year 12 work experience 13
UCAS applications underway 14
Sustainability programme spreads to community 15
Students' energy efficiency tips 16
GCSE History trip to Germany 17
Thailand adventures 18
Year 11 prom and charity ball 19
Students of the month 20
The third PARTNERSHIP
Topics, trends, updates, views and news from the Al Yasmina Secondary Department
Pictured on the cover: IMPRESSIVE BATTING: Batsman Adil Subhani at the crease 2

3. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 3
JUNE 2012
FROM THE SECONDARY PRINCIPAL
AND HEAD OF SCHOOL, MR GALE
Today is the last day of the academic year and this means it is
a time for farewells, thanks and also to look forward to new
beginnings. There are a number of events that occur at the
end of the academic year in the secondary school that clearly
mark the end of the school year and this year is no different.
We have the annual awards ceremony, our end of year concert,
the release of the school yearbook and the last issue of the
Secondary PARTnership. Students in Years 10, 11 and 12
breathe a sigh of relief as their exams end - they can now look
forward to stepping back from their revision schedules and
relaxing over the holidays.
This year, the end of term is also marked by the World
Challenge students’ return from their expedition to Uganda.
Their arrival back in the UAE clashes with the deadline for
this publication, but we will bring you stories and pictures
about their adventures in the first issue of the Secondary
PARTnership next term. And of course at the end of the school skills with numerous extracurricular activities. The students,
year we always bid farewell to staff and students; this year is no who come from all across the world, get the chance to learn in
exception. We wish them every success for the future and hope a truly international setting.
they look back at their time with us with fond memories.
I couldn’t have said it better myself! I hope you all have a long,
With every end there is always a new beginning and we relaxing break. Travel safely and I look forward to seeing you
have established a platform for a solid start in September. back at school in September.
Plans for restructuring have been rolled out to stakeholders;
these provide a blueprint for moving forward, capturing the Comments, feedback and suggestions:
energy and enthusiasm of both our new staff and our team
of committed staff who are remaining at the school. It goes communications@alyasmina.sch.ae
without saying that the unfailing support from our parent
community is one of the key components of what makes Al Our roll next term is predicted
Yasmina a successful, community school. I had a chance to
to be around 1600 and we
thank all the parents who have volunteered their time at the
school at a coffee morning this week. will welcome hundreds of
new families to the school
The school is continuing to grow. Our roll next term is predicted
to be around 1600 and we will welcome hundreds of new
community.
families to the school community. For the first time, Al Yasmina
will have students in FS1 right up to Year 13. Look for a picture
of the youngest and oldest students in the school in the
Secondary PARTnership next term. And of course, we will have This year, we also had an
students who joined the school the day its doors opened now unexpected surprise - our
beginning their final journey in Year 13. selection by Ahlan magazine
This year, we also had an unexpected surprise - our selection as the best school in Abu Dhabi
by Ahlan magazine as the best school in Abu Dhabi school school this year.
this year. It’s a great honour for the school, particularly as the
winning school was chosen after counting votes received from
the public. Here’s what the magazine says about our school:
From the littlest ones attending the foundation stage through
to the oldest secondary school pupils at Al Yasmina, all are
taught the school’s basic core values – to have high standards
in schoolwork and behaviour and to be respectful and trusting
of each other at all times. These values have helped create
an environment which really helps children flourish, both
academically and personally, giving them the opportunities
to pursue their ambitions and develop their own unique set of 3

4. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 3
JUNE 2012
“OUTSTANDING” A KEY GOAL
FOR NEW DIRECTOR OF SPORT
WIDE RANGE OF SPORTING INTERESTS: The new Director of Sport at Al Yasmina School, Mr Smith, climbing Snowdonia in Wales.
Al Yasmina’s new Director of Sport, who joins the PE team next SPORTING ACRONYMS
term, says he is excited about beginning his international career
in a school that values sport and strives to become outstanding. Mr Smith says his strategies to achieve ‘outstanding’ status are
Mr Smith says he will be looking to both staff and students to based around the acronym SPORT.
raise the standards and profile of the department. Mr Smith
has taught in schools in the UK for the past 12 years in a variety S Sport for all. Encourage as many people to take part in
of roles, including Head of PE and Performing Arts and more sport or physical activity both in school and extracurricular
recently as School Facility Development Director. He has gained
a number of national governing body awards in sport, which have P Partnership. Create a positive working partnership with
allowed him to pursue coaching opportunities at Manchester parents/teachers/students and professional clubs to enable
United Football Club and at Major League Soccer in the United each child to achieve their goals
States. He also selected the rugby league team for Preston
O Outstanding. To be the best we can be in all that we do
in the Lancashire Youth Games. Mr Smith says he is eagerly
anticipating his move to Al Yasmina School. R Raise. Raise the expectation of sport within the school by
creating a culture of achieving through exam results/target
“Having met the Head of School and the PE staff their passion for setting/school squads/tours and specialist guest speakers
PE and sport was clear to see and this confirmed my desire to
work at Al Yasmina,” Mr Smith says. “The staff and facilities at Al T Talent. Showcase the sporting talent and opportunities at Al
Yasmina will give me endless opportunities to build on previous Yasmina.
success and further raise the profile of sport not only within
school, local area, but the Middle East. This position has allowed SPORTS EDUCATION PROGRAMME TRIALED
me to achieve a personal goal of becoming a Director of Sport The introduction of a sports education programme in the
in a school that mirrors my own values and attitudes to sport in secondary school will give students the opportunity to work on
pursuit of excellence.” more than just game skills during PE lessons. The programme
focuses on other skills associated with playing sport, such as the
Mr Smith says he will be looking at the squads and how they can role of a coach or referee. It also helps students develop personal
become more professional - ranging from uniforms to player skills such as teamwork, working in small groups and taking into
codes of conduct - in a bid to produce competitive teams. “ I account other’s points of view. The PE team hopes that exploring
feel sport can break down barriers in ways that other subjects different ways of becoming involved in sport will help foster a
can struggle to match, by encouraging participation, integration life-long involvement in physical activity. The scheme was trialed
and diversity,” Mr Smith says. “The power of sport makes it the this term in Years 7, 8 and 9 and will be introduced across the
perfect vehicle to bring an international community together.” secondary school next term.
4

5. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 3
JUNE 2012
IPADS ON THE PITCH
Technology has made its way to Al Yasmina’s sports fields. The PE teachers are using ipads in
secondary sports lessons to video students playing sport and to analyse their performance. The
ipads offer easier editing options than traditional video cameras and the students relate easily to
the technology. PE teacher Mr Dunne says recently an ipad was used to help a student master a
forward roll. “This student couldn’t quite get the hang of a forward roll and although the teacher
demonstrated how it should be done and gave them pointers on where they were going wrong, the
student couldn’t understand until they saw the video of themselves,” he says. “We were able to
show them stills and slow down the video, showing them the images frame by frame so they could
see exactly where they were going wrong.” Analysing performance is also a chance for meaningful
small group discussion.
TECHNOLOGY TIPS: The PE
department is using ipads to enhance
student performance.
YEAR 10 STUDENTS COMPLETE SPORTS
LEADERSHIP AWARD
The first cohort of Year 10 PE students have completed their junior sports leader award. The programme involves PE students
working with younger children, teaching them leadership skills through a range of games and activities. The award focuses
on specific skills, such as giving instruction and the organisation of children and equipment. The Year 10 students plan, lead,
communicate and organise activities. PE teacher Mr Stanley says the Year 10 students work with groups of around eight children
in the primary school, from FS1 up to Year 6. They set up activities that are appropriate for the age of the children which focus on
the skill development. FS2 students, for example, might play games such as catch or throwing bean bags through hoops which help
develop co-ordination and imagination.
“One of the advantages of the programme is it shows students that sport is not just about performance,” Mr Stanley says. “There are
a lot of roles in sport other than being a professional athlete, ranging from coaching through to tournament organiser and facilities
manager.” The Year 10 students working towards their junior sports leader awards were involved in running the recent Year 1 and 2
sports day at the school, organising teams to take part in around 20 different activities.
www.sportsleaders.org
CRICKET JUST THE WICKET
Cricket is becoming a high profile sport at Al Yasmina, with three
secondary teams making their mark on interschool competitions
after just two terms of playing as a team.
“The players have just got better and better as the year has gone
on,” PE teacher and coach Mr Stanley says. “You can see real
progress being made and the teams are starting to win against
schools that we were losing to at the beginning of the season.
Now we’ve got a squad, rather than a team. It’s a shame we had
to finish for the season, because the kids are really buzzing about
cricket.”
Around 35 students play in the three secondary teams. Next term
cricket practices will not clash with other extracurricular sporting
sessions which will hopefully mean even more students can take
up the sport, Mr Stanley says. Teams are 11 aside and there are 15
overs in each game. Practice is done largely at the school’s cricket
nets and there is a big focus on fielding. Some of the participants
in the Duke of Edinburgh programme have been involved in
leading cricket activities, making the sport attractive not just to
players but also to young leaders in the school.
Look for details on the secondary school’s cricket teams when the
extracurricular information is posted on the website next term.
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6. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 3
JUNE 2012
Al Yasmina's secondary male sportsperson of the year, Milan Den
Hause, has a very firm career goal - to be a member of a swim
team competing at the Olympics.
The Year 9 student swims six times a week - sometimes twice
a day - at the Neptunes Swim Club, under the watchful eye
of coaches Mr Todorov, from Al Yasmina's PE department,
and Mrs Naylor. "It's demanding, but it comes with a reward
at the end," Milan says. His preferred events are individual
medleys and breaststroke. He has competed in the British
Schools of the Middle East swim meets and in Speedo events
in the UAE. This summer he will compete in the Belgian Junior
National Championships. Milan had to meet a strict selection
criteria, submitting personal best times and race times. He will
MOTOCROSS CHAMPION: Winner of the Jack O’Donnell Award for sporting
excellence, Ryan Wynn. participate in the 100m breaststroke, 50m freestyle and 200m
individual medley events.
MOTOCROSS ACE WINS AWARD FOR Lucy Thompson won the secondary female sportsperson of
SPORTING EXCELLENCE the year. Unfortunately Lucy was on study leave and could not
be interviewed, but look for her story in the next Secondary
When he was four-years-old, Ryan Wynn watched motocross on PARTnership.
television - and was instantly hooked on the sport.
He spent the next year begging his parents to buy him his own NEW UNIFORMS FOR SPORTS TEAMS
bike. A year later they relented and he became the proud owner
of a 50cc motorbike. Since then, Ryan has gone from strength The school's secondary sports teams will have a new,
to strength, making his mark on in local motocross events. His professional look next term. New uniforms have been ordered
achievements were recognised by Al Yasmina when he was for the school's netball, cricket, hockey and girls' football teams
awarded the Jack O'Donnell award for sporting excellence. and will arrive in time for the winter sports season. Boys' rugby
and football teams already have their new kit (see 'Thanks to
Ryan competes in two championship series in Dubai and Um Al Sponsors, below). Check out the Secondary PARTnership next
Quwain. Three years ago he finished seventh out of eight riders, term for pictures of the teams in their new uniforms and details
and, unhappy with this result, he set himself a goal to be the top on how to order the new sporting attire.
rider in the 85cc category. He committed to practicing 2-3 days
a week in Dubai and embarked on a programme of running and
swimming to increase his fitness levels. His hard work paid off THANKS TO SPONSORS
the following season when he came first in Dubai and second in Al Yasmina has the generosity of sponsors to thank for providing
Um Al Quwain in the 85cc category. He has since moved up to new sports uniforms for the secondary boys' football and rugby
the 125cc category and is riding a Honda CRF 250R. He placed teams and enabling it to buy a gazebo for sporting events. The
second for the season in Dubai and first in Um Al Quwain, despite purchase of the gazebo was co-ordinated by Teaching Assistant
being one of the youngest riders in this category. Ryan is fully Mrs Korff, whose son plays in the school's secondary rugby
sponsored by a local bike shop Sandstorm, which provides him team. Her efforts resulted in a 5000dhs donation from Meher
with a new bike and covers his costs for the racing season. and Cheryl Al Khatib through their family company, Cravia. This
He hopes one day to win the American Cycle Association Pro was topped up by Friends of Al Yasmina (FOY) who made 1500dhs
National supercross title, but he also plans to complete a degree available from its fundraising activities. Portable Shade provided
in computer graphics. a discount on the price of the gazebo.
SPORTS TROPHY ACKNOWLEDGES
SWIMMING ACHIEVEMENT
SHADING YOUR APPRECIATION: Thanks to Al Yasmina’s sponsors
GAC spent around 35,000dhs for the new-look secondary rugby
and football uniforms. Parent Darren Ball says both his children
are active in the sports teams and he was keen to see the old
uniforms retired in favour of full matching kits. The uniforms also
promote brand awareness for the services GAC provides, he says.
SWIMMING SUCCESS:
Al Yasmina’s secondary male sportsperson of the year, Milan Den Hause.
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7. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 3
JUNE 2012
AFRICA COMES TO LIFE IN
DAZZLING DISPLAY
Africa came a step closer to the Middle East when the art, music and drama
departments combined to bring the culture of the continent to Al Yasmina School
as part of a two-day arts festival.
Teachers worked with the school's able, gifted and talented secondary
students across the performing and creative arts departments. Each of the
three departments embarked on an exploration of African arts which included
composing African music, filling giant canvasses with African images and
EXPLORING AFRICA: Arts, music and drama students creating a musical show version of The Lion King. The show was performed
showcase achievements in two-day festival. for parents at the school's
award ceremony last week. A
highlight for music students
in Years 7-10 was a workshop
by members of Dubai Drums,
which enabled students to
explore African drumming
techniques and rhythms. They
also created a composition
around a piece of African
music entitled "Yiri", working
initially in groups and then
joining together for a final
performance.
ABRSM EXAM RESULTS Curriculum Team Leader - Music, Mrs Hudson, says the musicians worked
really hard and had lots of fun. "They especially enjoyed the Dubai drum
Violin workshop, learning new playing techniques and rhythms. They even performed
Danielle Reynolds, grade 2 - merit some African Dance moves! It has been a pleasure working with these talented
Emmanuelle Vuileumier, grade 2 - merit students. I have been impressed with their creativity and how well they have
Shan Coley, grade 1 - pass worked together as a team to produce three performances of a high standard.”
Leila Al Qaimi, grade 2 - pass
Art students in Years 9, 10 and 12, many working in pairs, brought the magic of
Ali Al Hashmi, grade 1 - pass
Africa to life in giant canvasses which were mounted on the art department's new
Voice easels and using acrylic paints to depict exotic African landscapes and wildlife.
Emily Simpson, grade 5 - pass The drama department's focus on The Lion King explored the idea of cultures
Alex Rashed, grade 3 - pass living and working together - the ethos of the circle of life. They took inspiration
Cello from the idea of African storytelling to create their own versions of different
Richard Gardiner, grade 2 - pass stories and morals which were all inspired by the lyrics in The Lion king.
Brass
Leon Radin, grade 3 - pass Students took part in strenuous movement workshops, creating their own
Flute African Savannah characters from lions, gazelles, birds and warthogs and
Jef Vanden Auweele, grade 2 - merit created masks to fit their characters, taking inspiration from African masks and
Madeleine Korff, grade 1 - merit artwork. A highlight was receiving training from a voice coach and working on
Claire Dempsey, grade 4 - pass African chants and language from the lioness hunt in The Lion King.
Kyle Wynn, grade 2 - pass
Hannah Morris, grade 2 - pass “I have really enjoyed working with new people
Emily Simpson, grade 3 - pass
Piano
that I would not normally know, as well as being
Adnan Al Armouti, grade 1 - merit taught in detail lots about how to fully develop a
Abdullah Al Armouti, grade 1 - merit character.” Roxy, Year 7
Toby Cross, grade 2 - merit
Leon Cheng, grade 1 - merit
Zara Woodrow, grade 1 - merit “The students have been a pleasure to work with. I
Natasha Callow, grade 1 - pass
Cassia Reynolds, grade 1 - pass
have never seen a more focused group of students
Rachel Foulsham, grade 1 - distinction willing to commit and try new ideas."
Edward Drew, grade 1 - distinction Mrs Hayward, vocal coach
Imogen Baig, grade 1 - pass
Alexander Fairbairn, grade 2 - merit
Katherine Hill, grade 2 - pass “ The Arts event was a really good way to open our
Darius Rameshni, grade 2 - merit
Isabella Jarman, grade 2 - pass
eyes and ears to different ways of making music
Lara Wahed, grade 2 - merit and improving our skills. I would definitely do it
Yeain Lim, grade 3 - pass again” Hannah Green Year 7
George Willcoxson-Staines, grade 3 - merit
Oliver Barwell, grade 3 - pass
Anisha Pachisia, grade 4 - pass http://www.dubaidrums.com
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8. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 3
JUNE 2012
WINNING SMILES
Recipients of the inaugural Secondary Principal's award, which is given for an all-round contribution to the school are: Standing
(left to right) Diala Nasser (Year 7), Kyle Crighton (Year 8), Edward Drew (Year 9), Elena Castillo Guijarro (Year 9). Sitting (left to right)
Luke Read (Year 10), Head of School and Secondary Principal Mr Gale, Amber Loane (Year 8) and Cameron Steyn (Year 7). Absent:
Anissa Johnson (Year 10). Separate awards will be made to Year 11 students when they return next term, following their external
exam results.
YASMINA STUDENTS SHINE IN BIOLOGY
CHALLENGE
Five Year 10 Al Yasmina biology students have picked up awards
in the 2012 UK Biology Challenge.
More than 30,000 students from around the world took part in
the online competition, which aims to encourage an interest in
biology beyond the school curriculum and stimulate curiosity in
the natural world. Questions were set on the topics covered in
most general biology courses for pupils in Year 9 and Year 10.
Al Yasmina was the only school in the UAE to compete in the
challenge, according to the UK Society of Biology. One hundred
Yasmina students took part in the challenge.
The following students received awards:
Gold: Mohammad Shahrour
Silver: Usman Liaqat
Highly commended: Hibah Hassan and Luke Read
BIOLOGY WINNERS: Left to right: Luke Read, Sarah Munro, Hibah Hassan,
Commended: Sarah Munro Usman Liaqat, Mohammad Shahrour and Biology teacher Mr Wan.
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9. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 3
JUNE 2012
TACKLING THE JOB
INTERVIEW PROCESS
Applying for their first job will be less daunting for Al Yasmina’s
Year 9 students, who have been through a robust process
designed to prepare them for the interview process.
The 90 students applied for four positions that were advertised
in the UK for those aged 16 and over - a housekeeper or a
room attendant at the Holiday Inn, store assistant at Tesco and
crew member at McDonalds. The roles were placed on a job
advertisement board at the school. The students had to look
through job descriptions, select a relevant job for their skills,
complete the application forms and prepare for an interview
by one of the Year 9 PSHCEE teachers. Of the 90 students who
took part, 35 made it through to the interview stage and 11
were successfully appointed. There was a follow up session for
those who were unsuccessful which looked at why they didn’t
get the role they applied for and focused on what they could do
differently next time.
Mrs Cox-Jones, who co-ordinated the scheme, says the
PSHCEE teachers decided that looking at job applications would
be a great idea for Year 9 as they start to look at their GCSE
options for Year 10 and 11. “Many have ideas that they ‘deserve’
a good job but realised very quickly without the skills they would
not meet the criteria,” she says. “It also aimed to show them
what jobs they could get if they left school after their GCSEs.
The students learnt that applying for a job and being interviewed
is stressful and the time and effort that is put in is important.
They learnt interview skills, how to dress, how to behave, how
to wait appropriately and how to complete application forms
relating to job descriptions and their skills.”
JOB HUNTERS: Students discuss their job options (above) and at the interview process (top)
MOCK JOB INTERVIEWS - LESSONS LEARNT
Being prepared, answering questions succinctly, maintaining eye contact - these are just some of the skills that the Year 9 students
who got job offers say they learnt about the interview process. They all say they now have specific tools for job interviews and the
confidence to go into an interview knowing the kind of questions they may have to answer.
Derek Lee applied for a job at McDonalds and went into the interview knowing the role would involve multitasking and that teamwork
would be very important. His interview focused on teamwork and problem solving. “What I found the most challenging was to find the
right words to answer the questions without sounding either arrogant or inexperienced. The preparation that we did on our PSHCEE
lessons helped me a lot to remember and think about what to say and what not to say. The skill that I made most progress on was
choosing my words wisely to suit the questions I was asked – and doing it on the spot. When you are filling out an application form on
paper or on the computer, you can go back over what you wrote and improve it. However, on a one-to-one interview, you need to have
your answers prepared and think of what to say to give a convincing answer because once you’ve said it, there’s no way back!”
Sarah Pace, who applied for Tesco fresh food assistant role, says the interview was challenging as she wasn’t used to being put on
the spot to answer questions. “It was also challenging because I knew that I wasn’t the only one applying for the job and there was
more chance that I wouldn’t get it. From this interview experience, I have learnt that I need to learn to be comfortable in telling a
stranger about myself and why I suit the job. I also learnt that it is very important that you are confident, and an interview isn’t as
easy as it may seem. Some skills I’ve learnt is that you need to be consistent and give the right amount of information and to be
confident and comfortable with yourself. Even if you know you’re not a confident person and you get really nervous, don’t show it
and try to hide it, because that will make the interviewer uncertain about your place in the company. Next time, I would increase my
enthusiasm towards getting the job, and not be as nervous as I was and I will be more comfortable in sharing personal information.”
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10. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 3
JUNE 2012
COUNSELLOR BASED
students improve their spelling of Arabic words and distinguish
between words which sound very similar, but have different
AT AL YASMINA meanings and are written differently. Native speakers used the
competition to hone their grammatical rules for Arabic script.
SCHOOL Three overall winners and 10 top achievers were chosen from
both the primary and secondary school. Mr Abu Saleh says the
competition was keenly supported by parents and a number of
Sharing a problem is
them made contributions to the prize pool.
now a lot easier for Aldar
Academies’ students,
The first place winner was Year 8 student Fadwa Qadan (left),
who can talk through any
who had an overall score of 99.5 per cent. Year 9 student Rayan
issues that are bothering
Sayegh (middle) finished in second place and Sally Zeidan
them with a school
(right), Year 7, was third.
counsellor.
Ms Darwiche is based at
Al Yasmina School, but is
available to see students
enrolled in any of the
five Aldar schools in Abu
Dhabi. Students can see
Ms Darwiche after being
referred by senior staff,
or, if they are in Year 10
or above, they can self refer. Students in the primary years and
up to Year 9 require parental consent. Referral to the school
counsellor is usually made after a range of strategies have been
put in place by staff to assist students. At Al Yasmina referrals
for secondary students are usually made by Year Leaders or the
Learning and Progress Leader for Students, Mrs Peacock.
Ms Darwiche says typically she sees students who are having
The 10 runners up were: Year 7: Laila Moharram, Diala Nasser
difficulties at home or at school. Students may want to discuss
and Christina Chaar. Year 8: Aya Zeidan, Samuel Lynch and
issues such as bullying, grief or loss, exam pressure, parents
Ryhana Rasidi. Year 9: Easa Al Shehhi, Rowan Smith, Sarah
separating or issues around moving to another country or
Ali and Edward Drew. Alf Mabruk (congratulations) to the
school. Group sessions can be organised for students who
secondary school winners.
are facing similar problems. “Counselling is a type of therapy
that helps students offload negative emotions and focuses on
100 PER CENT
helping them find solutions to the problems they are facing,
whether it’s a social, emotional or behavioural problem,” Ms
SUCCESS RATE IN
Darwiche says.
Specific strategies are provided, giving students skills to deal
with issues such as anger management, stress or helping them MINISTRY ARABIC
build social skills. Everything discussed between a counsellor
and a student is confidential. Ms Darwiche is a social worker AND ISLAMIC STUDIES
who has more than 10 years experience in social work and
counselling in the UAE and her native Australia. She is an
Arabic speaker also.
EXAMS
All the school’s Year 12 students have passed their Ministry
Islamic Studies and Arabic exams.
rdarwiche@aldaracademies.com
Amr Hanafy, Ahmed Al Dhaheri, Mohamed Al Nuaimi,
FURSAN AL-IMLA
Mohamed Al Suwaidi, Ayman Faghmous, Ahmed Khan,
Kaddijatou Sanyang, Khalifa Saleh, Rafeh Safdar, Hasan Al
WINNERS CHOSEN
Mashani, Alya Al Suwaidi and Yasmeen Luqman all passed
Arabic and/or Islamic Studies with marks ranging from 63-90
per cent.
Secondary students’ Arabic spelling and grammar has improved
significantly following the school’s inaugural Arabic spelling Among the native speakers Amr Hanafy score the highest
bee, Fursan Al-Imla’. All students in years 7, 8 and 9 took part in Arabic (81) while Rafeh Safdar topped the non-Arabs in
in the competition, which spanned the first half of the term. Islamic Studies with 90 per cent. Formally known as the ‘unified
Curriculum Team Leader for Arabic, Islamic and Social Studies, examination’, it is mandatory for all Muslim students to write
Mr Abu Saleh, says the participation of students was beyond his Islamic Studies. The Arabic exam is essential for any students
expectations. The success of the competition means the Arabic wanting to get their UAE Higher Secondary Equivalence
Department plans to organise an inter-school competition Certificate which is a prerequisite for admission into any college
next year. He says the competition helped non native speaking or university across the country as well as for higher education
scholarships granted by certain government agencies.
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11. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 3
JUNE 2012
MATHS CHALLENGE A THIS MONTH’S CHALLENGE
MONTHLY FAVOURITE The magic W - can you place the numbers 1 – 9 in the circles so
each set of 3 adds up to the same number? There are several
FOR YASMINA DAD solutions, I have found 4.
Maths has long been Taisir Al
Saqri’s favourite subject, both
at school and university and is
a key component in his job as a
civil engineer. So it follows that
he would be a keen supporter
of the Secondary PARTnership’s
maths challenge, which appears
in each issue of Al Yasmina’s on-
line newsletter. He submits an
answer to each maths quiz, only
missing sending in his answer if
he’s too snowed under at work.
Mr Al Saqri describes the quizzes
as “easy to medium” in terms of their difficulty, but says
they are always challenging. This is reflected in his success
rate, which is around 90 per cent. Mr Al Saqri has passed his
enthusiasm for maths onto his son, Year 10 student Ahmed,
who is also a keen mathematician. Please email your answers. The solution and the person who
solved it correctly will be published next month.
Mr Al Saqri correctly solved last month’s puzzle, outlined below. crichards@alyasmina.sch.ae
Without lifting your pencil from the page and only drawing 4
straight lines can you pass through every dot in the square YEAR 7-8 UKMT MATHS CHALLENGE WINNERS
below?
Thirty Year 7 and 8 students have received medals in the Junior
UKMT maths challenge. Best in school in Year 8 was Ahmed
Al Ali. In Year 7 the top award went to Hannah Green. Maths
challenges for different age groups are set throughout the year.
YEAR 8
Gold: Ahmed Al Ali and Sarah Binnie
Silver: Chris Lincoln, Mustafa Hamdani, Kelsi Friedenthal,
Ryhana Rasidi, Georgie Jones
The correct answer for last month’s challenge was provided by Bronze: Kamal Khraisheh, Carol Al Mokatash, Nikita Amir,
Ihab Kilada. Solving this one needs a little bit of algebra from Sam Lynch, Grace Chuan, Kareem Khan, Raghav Mathur, Jason
your school days…solving simultaneous equations. Paul is half Howe, Josh Lynch, Syeda Ahmed
as old as Sarah. One year ago Paul’s age was just two fifths of
Sarah’s age one year from now. How old are Paul and Sarah?
YEAR 7
Gold: Hannah Green and William Ayass.
2P = S
Silver: Zaid Jafarey, Hashir Safdar, Rachel Foulsham
P-1 = 2/5 (S+1) Bronze: Shanna Chung, Makyla Fahmy, Adam Barron, Roxanne
Gardiner, Alice Von Wedel, Adnan Al Armouti, Robyn Cooper
Paul is 7 and Sarah is 14 Okanome and Jassim Fahkroo
11

12. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 3
JUNE 2012
THOUGHT OF HOME
PROVIDES MUSICAL
MAGIC
Finding the inspiration to create a musical composition based on an
Egyptian folk song was a personal journey for Al Yasmina musicians
Ashkan Bafti and Ramya Iyer.
The students, who were selected to work with musicians from
Carnegie Hall in New York, joined 13 other pupils from schools in
Abu Dhabi to participate in a workshop after school each night for a
week. The students performed their music at the National Theatre
on Abu Dhabi Young Artists’ Day, which was part of the Abu Dhabi
Festival. Year 9 student Ashkan is a violinist and Ramya, who is in
Year 8, plays both the piano and euphonium, but was selected for
her expertise at the keyboard.
The students’ main task was to create a composition based on
an Egyptian folk song, Zourouni, written by composer Sayyed
Darwish. The students spent several days discussing ways to
enhance the music and developing various musical techniques to
augment certain parts of the tune. They were then split into groups
depending on which instrument they played and made different
variations to the piece before eventually merging the various pieces
together for their performance. “Our version of the piece was to
express our varied cultures and backgrounds based on Zourouni’s
tune,” Ramya says. “Through the music we were asked to express
what we most miss living out here in the UAE. The piece had an
element of everyone’s home countries and personal stories which
made the piece very special to each of us 15 students.”
The composition was similarly moving for Ashkan.”We were
asked to look at our cultural backgrounds, and what we would
do if we were given the chance to go back home, and we were
asked to infuse that in our compositions. The end result was truly
spectacular, and it was a great experience for me to perform with
professional musicians and other people who are as interested in
music as I am. Now that I’ve been through that experience, I realise
without a shadow of doubt that there are not many other activities
that I do and enjoy as much as this workshop. Overall, it was an
amazing experience.” Ramya says the experience was both fun and
educational.”My experience working with the ensemble members
and especially with the other students was an amazing opportunity
and all of us developed a close relationship with each other.”
MUSIC RECITALS
Want to end the month on a musical note? The school’s talented
musicians take part in a recital after school on the last Thursday
of each month. Head of Music, Mrs Hudson, says the mini concerts
are an opportunity for the school’s musicians to perform in front of
an audience and to become comfortable with the idea of playing in
public. The recital series has grown from strength to strength since
it began two years ago and around 30 students perform at each
recital. There is a range of ages, with students from Year 1 through
to Year 11 taking part. In last month’s concert, the audience was
treated to vocal performances and students playing the trumpet,
flute, saxophone, violin, piano and guitar. The performers were
Hannah Green, Harry Baldock, George Willcoxson- Staines, Jef
Vanden Auweele, Joseph Howells, Omar Suleiman, Tejas Menon,
Ella White and Kyra Dixon.
There will be no concert today (the last day of school). MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Ashkan Bafti (violin) and Ramya Iyer (piano).
12

13. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 3
JUNE 2012
YEAR 12 STUDENTS FOCUS ON CAREER GOALS
DURING WORK EXPERIENCE WEEK
The school year has ended with a flourish for the school’s Year 12 students.
The group of 11 students returned
from the World Challenge
expedition in Uganda on Monday,
while the 15 students who stayed
in Abu Dhabi have completed
a week's work experience. All
students are completing their
UCAS applications ready for
enrolment in September 2013.
Year 12 work experience relates
directly related to the students'
choice of career, or field of study.
This means the students are able
to gain valuable experience in the
appropriate area of work and can
use this experience to support
their university applications.
Seventeen-year-old Ally Mains,
who wants to pursue a career
in hotel management, spent a
week at the Emirates Palace
Beach Club. He was responsible
for ensuring guests' needs
were met , which meant being
on hand to fulfill any request,
ranging from dry towels to
bottles of water. Ally hopes to
attend university in his native
Scotland and complete a degree
in international hospitality and
tourism management. Three of
his classmates all chose to work
in the education environment.
Brandon Rowland, 17 wants to
be a history teacher and plans to
teach PE as his second subject.
He spent the week at Al Bateen
School's PE department, working
with children from FS1 - Year 9.
He took his own lessons, teaching
students sporting techniques,
refereed matches and made
sure the students followed the
rules of the game and taught the
younger children how to be good
sportspeople.
WORK EXPERIENCE: Chelsea Lawson and Kaddijatou Sanyang.
"I learnt a lot about how
to deal with children, a lot Chelsea Lawson was able to best thing was having the kids secondary department after her
of teaching techniques, refine her career choices after come up to me after the lesson placement plans fell through.
how to keep kids quiet and spending a week with primary and telling me it was the best But she says being in a work
concentrating, and keeping and secondary music students lesson they've ever had. I played environment for the week
them focused and in the at Al Yasmina. The 17-year-old games with them, helped them was extremely beneficial. She
learning mindset.," he says. plans to do a history and music learn new songs and played the helped individual students with
"It was also an opportunity degree so she can become a euphonium for them." Kaddijatou subjects, particularly maths, and
to talk to history teachers. music and history teacher but Sanyang would like to be a helped with individual reading
All the staff treated me like says she now plans to focus on psychiatrist, and perhaps moving programmes.
an equal, which was really primary teaching." The week onto a medical degree afterwards,
nice." was incredibly worthwhile. The but found herself at Al Yasmina's
13

14. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 3
JUNE 2012
PREPARING UCAS SEPTEMBER
Final versions of CVs and personal statements are completed.
APPLICATIONS Students prioritise university choices after receiving AS exam results
Year 13 Learning Mentors Miss Albrighton and Mr Richards write references
based on data from subject teachers and historic reports.
Selecting universities and preparing applications is the focus for the school's Exam results received, allowing university choices to be firmed up.
Year 12 students.
OCTOBER
All applications to tertiary institutes in the UK, Scotland, Wales and Northern Applications are sent to UCAS by the Learning and Progress Leader - Post-
Ireland are done through UCAS, an organisation which processes university 16. This process is completed early so students will receive provisional offers
applications. Students complete an online application, create a CV and write ahead of their January exams. Knowing they can get into their university of
a personal statement. choice if exam results are good enough is a key motivational factor.
JUNE MARCH
The school holds an evening for parents, providing information on the Universities confirm places for September 2013.
application process, funding and any issues families may face lodging
overseas applications. POST-16 STUDENTS COMPLETE FIRST AID COURSE
Learning Mentors work intensively with students, providing guidance on: Eleven Post-16 students are now confident in their ability to deal with
• how to write a professional CV emergency medical situations after completing a Heartsaver day-long first
• the benefits of higher education aid course. Some of the students elected to do the course because they are
• the different kinds of universities available ie city or campus based planning to enroll in health or PE courses at university, while others wanted
• budgeting, living off a student loan and student life. to add an extra qualification to their university applications. One of the
Students complete their draft personal statement, draft CV and draw up a attendees, Chelsea Lawson, says the course had a practical, hands-on focus.
provisional list of the five universities they would like to attend. Two choices Students practiced their skills on a both a child-size an adult-size dummy.
are aspirational, two are realistic and one is a contingency option. Personal Chelsea says the course taught students CPR and outlined what to do in a
statements are 47 lines or 4000 characters long and are generic as they are variety of emergency situations, ranging from an accident, stroke, seizure
sent to each of the five institutions of choice. to heatstroke. "Before I wouldn't have known what to do in an emergency
situation, but know I'm a lot more confident," she says.
JULY AND AUGUST
Learning Mentors review CVs and personal statements.
SPREADING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE
From small beginnings, the Al Yasmina School sustainability
project is slowly spreading its tentacles beyond the school
gates.
Under the watchful eyes of the school's eco warriors,
sustainability projects are starting to take shape in homes
and compounds - and even in the business community. The 28
eco warriors in Years 7, 8 and 9 are responsible for emptying
designated recycling bins around the school into a recycling
cage by the secondary gate each Tuesday and Thursday.
Eco warriors Noor Sanie-Eldin (Year 7), Roxanne Gardiner
(Year 7), Elena Castillo (Year 9) and Tyler Richards (Year 7)
say although they were always interested in sustainability,
the recycling project has sharpened their interest. They
speak knowledgably about endangered turtles digesting
plastic bags which they mistake for jellyfish, of their support
for Cameron's Camel Campaign and their effects of C02
omissions.
ECO WARRIORS: Noor Sanie-Eldin (left) and Roxanne The students say their roles as eco warriors makes them TEAMWORK: Elena Castillo (Year 9) and Tyler
Gardiner empty bins into the recycling cage. proud and they enjoy the sense of responsibility. They get a lot Richards empty the recycling bins in the atrium.
of questions from other students as they empty the bins and
see this as a chance to educate them and raise awareness about the benefits of recycling. "At first I thought it was just a job but now I try and put effort into
what I do now, now it's serious - we're actually helping the environment," Roxanne says.
The eco warriors say they have also introduced sustainability measures into their own homes and communities. Shorter showers are now the norm and all the
students' families recycle. Roxanne has begun a petition to expand the recycling programme at Sal Al Nakheel and Elena wrote to the management at Al Raha
Gardens to urge it to expand its recycling scheme for residents in her community. As a result all residents at gate 19 now have recycling bins.
14

15. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 3
JUNE 2012
SCHOOL RECYCLING
PROGRAMME
INSPIRES COMPANY
CLEANUP
Eco warrior Elena Castillo’s passion for the environment has also made
a difference to the streets of Mussafah where her father works as CFO at
National Cement Factory, whose parent company is Holcim. Mr Castillo was
inspired by his daughter's commitment to the environment to organise a day
last month where all 150 staff at the company picked up 650 tons of rubbish
from a 60km area.
The police cordoned off sections of the roads to ensure staff could work
safely. Employees worked in groups of 7-10 for a maximum of three
hours outside in the extreme temperatures, placing organic, plastic and
paper rubbish into separate bags. Service to the community is part of the
company's culture and each year it selects a worthwhile project, Mr Castillo
says. COMPANY CLEANUP: National Cement Company staff cleaning up the streets of Mussafah.
A GENTLE REMINDER
Sometimes, all it takes is the right group of people to deliver a message.
When primary teacher Mrs Foote, one of the three staff involved in the
school's sustainability project, noticed some secondary students were not
separating waste in the school's recycling bins properly, she decided to call
on the big guns - her Year 2 students.
She noticed that food was being put into the bins along with paper and
bottles containing liquids that had not been emptied prior to being disposed
of. This created a major issue as the cage, where the rubbish is placed
ready for collection, was attracting cockroaches. Everyone was asked to
make more effort to separate waste more carefully. Mrs Foote says she
also assured staff and students that the school is using a genuine recycling
company. But to make sure recycling instructions were being properly
understood, Mrs Foote decided to ask her Year 2 class to reinforce the
message.
"I felt it had to be made more clear to the students how important it is that
the materials are correctly placed in the recycle bins. I didn’t want them
to receive another lecture from yet another teacher so I asked my Year 2
class if they wanted to help me give a message about recycling to ‘the big
kids’. They were more than happy to be involved as they have taken on the
recycling message with much responsibility and passion!" The secondary
students were told that the waste that is put into the recycling bins must
be correctly emptied and sorted or the recycling project will have to be
cancelled. Being reminded of their responsibilities from the Year 2 students
seemed to have the desired effect. "I concluded the presentation by pointing
out that if children as young as 6 can take responsibility for the planet, then
surely they can too," Mrs Foote says. And the reaction from the secondary
students? "The majority nodded in agreement."
Who do you call? Want to know more about Al Yasmina's recycling
programme? The staff involved in the project are Miss Williams, Miss Foote
and Dr Patricia.
THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT: Elena Castillo Guijarro (left) receives tips on separating waste
from Year 2 student Matthew Hile.
15

16. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 3
JUNE 2012
YEAR 7 STUDENTS CONDUCT
SURVEY TO RATE ENERGY
EFFICIENCY
Energy efficiency practices have come under scrutiny
from Year 7 students, who have surveyed parents,
teachers and their friends about their energy
consumption.
Students worked in teams to collect and analyse data
and then produced leaflets which summarised the
information their findings. They outlined successful
sustainability measures, areas where there is room
for improvement and what is required to be more
sustainable in the future. Curriculum Team Later
- Geography, Mrs Lawson, says Year 7 students
studied 'global actions, local affects' as part of their
sustainability unit. Conducting the survey, processing
the results and designing the leaflet allowed the
students to examine renewable and non-renewable
energy and resources and to develop their enquiry
skills. They will do more work on sustainability in Years
8 and 9.
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say they have examined the energies that are Felix
rt humans.
available, including solar and nuclear, and Michael Stu
assessed whether it is efficient and safe for the
environment. They have a lot of advice to offer on
how to be more energy efficient and say they are
concerned for the future of the planet. "We are
interested in what energy resources we can use
to make a better tomorrow," Cameron says. "We
are young, and want to change the world."
16

17. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 3
JUNE 2012
GERMANY BRINGS For the second consecutive year, Mrs Frampton,
Curriculum Team Leader for History, led an
HISTORY TO LIFE overseas trip to Munich and Berlin in Germany.
The trip was designed in partnership with
North Star and supports GCSE History students
in their studies. The trip focuses in on two
examination units, Nazi Germany and the Cold
War, and seeks to enhance students’ knowledge
and understanding of the topic and create an
empathetic understanding for the past as well
as develop a love of the subject! This year 28
students took part in the trip. By Laura Tibi
It was towards the end of the trip where we really shoddy, grey wall. We were not sure where to
got a taste of the rich history and impressive even start our gaze! This was an especially
architecture Berlin had to offer, and we savoured enticing visual experience as every single painting
each moment and movement slowly unfolding was a pictorial representation of what each and
around us. Berlin was a different type of city, one every artist had felt towards the construction of
which had a modern and dynamic city life mixed the Berlin wall and they expressed it through
with its ancient roots and enthralling past, giving paintings of the past, of freedom, and of the
us the perfect combination. It was the Berlin Wall oppressed people. We walked by each painting
located in the heart of the capital that took our admiring and contemplating it intently looking
breaths away. It is not only synonymous with the for its deeper meaning and trying to see the
Cold War, but also a relic, and one that has great world from different people’s perspective. The
sentimental value for the people of Berlin. excitement could be felt in the air the entire time,
We arrived at the start of the wall which each painting being more expressive and complex
seemed to stretch into perpetuity and were than the other.
given the chance to walk as far as we could and
meet after half an hour. It was not exactly the We didn’t manage to finish the never-ending wall,
concrete blocks and debris we found captivating, however we did learn about it in a way we could
but rather what this wall stood for, being an have never done while reading it from a textbook.
iconic symbol of Berlin and it’s rough past. We It was the closest we could have been to the
immediately split ourselves into groups and historical events and the suffering of the people
walked by the wall, our jaws dropping to the at the time, and we felt unbelievably fortunate to
ground as we stared at it in complete awe. It able to witness the remnants of the past. Overall
was a beautiful sight, and one that had endured the trip is one that is impossible to forget, a once
adversities since 1963. Each and every section in a lifetime type of trip and one that will remain
had been painted with vibrant streaks of colour in our memories forever.
splashed onto every corner of the previously By Laura Tibi 17

18. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 3
JUNE 2012
THAILAND ADVENTURES
By Leon Radin, Year 8
On the 26th May I was lucky enough to travel with Al Yasmina students to
Chiang Mai, Thailand. We were accompanied by Mr Dunn, Mrs Brundan,
Mr Stanley and Dr Patricia and were about to embark on a much-anticipated
adventure holiday.
When we arrived in Chiang Mai I was so excited about what was ahead in the next
6 days. Our accommodation, a purpose-built athletes’ village, had everything
we needed - with basic rooms holding up to three people. We were surprised
and delighted to have an open outlook to the resort and impressive mountains
beyond.
Our first day was not too physical – we were picked up at the hotel in a very bright
coloured touring bus (with an ‘interesting’ interior colour scheme!) and headed
towards Chiang Mai. On route, we were furnished with details of what to expect
over the next few days – basically the practicalities of being prepared for the Thai
weather and insects! We spent a reasonably relaxing day discovering the history
and culture of Chiang Mai and its religious beliefs. We visited local landmarks
and ornate temples which were very impressive. On returning to the complex we
enjoyed our evening meals eating mostly western dishes - with a Thai option for
the more adventurous.
The planned activities over the week were all off-site and early on we travelled
to Chiang Mai Jungle Flights. This amazing eco-adventure allowed us to zip
line through the rainforest canopy. It was fantastic, and even those facing fears
ended up raving about the experience. We didn’t see any animals but we really
appreciated the amazing views. Another activity we all enjoyed was mountain-
biking. Having travelled for 45 minutes, we were divided into groups and cycled
through forest paths, coming across villages and great scenery. The weather was
beautiful when we started but the heavens opened during our cycle – however
this did not dampen our spirits, it was still great fun splashing through puddles
and no one minded returning looking like swamp creatures. Fortunately, we had
spare shirts before entering our restaurant for lunch that day.
One of the other educational activities we did was survival and raft building. We
were put into groups and assigned our own guide. First, we had to build a shelter
then make cooking equipment to cook our rice, noodles, vegetables and tea.
Discovering what you can make using just a few tools and natural resources was
fascinating. All-in-all it turned out to be quite a competitive day.
The raft building took teamwork and communication. Since we were building
them from scratch, it was quite nerve wracking when we hit the rapids. Despite
a few sailors going overboard none of the rafts failed. The whole day was very
tiring so the teachers were relieved that night. One visit that seemed to appeal
to most of the students was our trip to the Elephant Sanctuary on day four.
Here, we learned of the respect that the Thai people have for them and the
important part they played in the now- banned logging industry. There were
demonstrations to showcase their intelligence – this included painting pictures
using a brush held in their trunks and even playing drums.
The latter part of the week was just as good as the beginning. A visit to the
bustling night market, ensured our wallets and purses were emptied. The
number of stalls was astounding – each with very enthusiastic sellers! However,
this did not put us off returning for a second visit. Bargaining was great fun and
we all came home with bags full of souvenirs.
On two days of our holiday we had time to swim at the sports complex. It was a
huge pool with a diving board and lots of the boys took the opportunity to show
off! In addition, we used the sports hall one night for some team relay games as
well as free time to play netball, football and basketball. Trekking on day 6 was a
real challenge - the heat and humidity tested our limits. However, the rewards
at the top of every climb made it all worthwhile – the views were mind-blowing
and we all appreciated the beauty of Chiang Mai.
Each day was full of fun and activity and we all had no trouble falling off to sleep.
I would like to thank the teachers on the trip and for Al Yasmina, as a school, for
allowing this opportunity. For me, this was a remarkable, educational trip which
I will never forget.
18

19. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 3
JUNE 2012
FORMAL
FUNCTIONS
Suits and ball gowns replaced uniforms for
the school’s Year 11 students at their end of
year prom, while parents also abandoned their
normal daywear for glamorous gowns and
stylish tuxedos at the Al Yasmina charity ball.
19

20. AL YASMINA SCHOOL issue 3
JUNE 2012
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Arabic Islamic Native Arabic Islamic Non-native Arabic Native Arabic Non-native Arabic Social Studies
Sayel Wardeh Shahmir Khan Adnan Al Armouti Edward Drew Areej Saleh
Art Business Studies Drama Drama Design & Technology
Nick Bryant Andrew Ho Junyuan Hollie Whitehouse Holly Young Jason Howe
Economics Geography Geography Geography Geography
Usman Liaqat Alina Kamal Noor Sanie Eldin Afrah Ali Jenny Howell
English French History Mathematics Mathematics
Wynona Bautista Areej Saleh Louise Morris Clara Ziada Anissa Johnson
ICT Music PE Science Spanish
Alina Kamal Samali Weerasekera Reyce Del Favero Mohammad Shahrour Kyle Wynn