November Highlights from
Mr John Smith
This term had a number of exciting trips for the students , from the inaugural trip to Tanzania to the Year 5 trip to Indonesia
Dear DCIS Parents and Guardians ,
Time in the life of a school always seems to travel quickly and this term has been no exception . Our new teachers have settled well and everyone is continuing to work hard to ensure we are offering a curriculum of the highest quality .
The number of students continues to grow in Key Stage 3 and 4 . Our Year 7 cohort has settled well and is making great progress in overcoming the different challenges they now face . They are beginning to successfully build up skills to prepare for iGCSE , IB and beyond . We have welcomed many new students in other year groups as well and all are making a huge contribution to our vibrant learning community .
There have been a number of exciting trips for the students to get involved in . Students returned from the inaugural trip to Tanzania last month and all had an amazing experience . Our Year 5 students have just returned from their 3-night trip to Telunas Beach Resort in Indonesia . They returned exhausted and I imagine spent a lot of time sleeping after they had shared the details of what they did with much excitement . These experiences give students an alternative perspective and an opportunity to discover new skills and interests . Next term we have our Thailand , Laos and Myanmar trips where students will get involved in service based work . Finally , I am delighted to announce that we have an opportunity for our Year 8 and 9 students to participate in the Alpine Trekking Expedition in Les Martinets , Switzerland . This trip is planned to take place in June and we have recently contacted parents to ascertain levels of interest .
As well as our overseas trips we have also seen a number of trips taking place in Singapore . We were the first school to visit the new Google office where students had an unforgettable experience looking at the technologies of the future and experiencing the unique Google working culture . We have also been to the Science Centre and participated in the Canon Photography competition at Suntec City .
Thank you to those parents who attended the recent Carols by Candlelight evenings . Both nights were a great success and Year 5 , 6 and the Secondary School were well represented in the orchestra , choir , rock bands and the outstanding drama performance of ‘ A Christmas Carol ’. I was very proud to witness the amazing talent we have in the school and how confidently they all performed .
Students and staff have made an excellent start to the Year 10 / 11 Assertive Mentoring programme . This is provides one-to-one support to all students who are undertaking their iGCSE examinations and is designed to help them maximise their levels of progress . As well as preparing for iGCSE it will also help students prepare for the demands of the IB Diploma Programme . Next term , at the end of January , we will welcome the IB organisation to DCIS for our accreditation visit . Mrs . Rinaldi has done an excellent job of preparing us and many of the teachers are currently undergoing IB training . I will provide an update on the visit at the first opportunity .
Finally , I would like to wish you all a restful holiday . Merry Christmas to those who celebrate this festival and Happy New Year to all . I look forward to welcoming you back in January for another exciting term .
Kind regards ,
Mr . John Smith Head of Secondary
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