News from our Secondary Principal Craig Randall
Exciting Changes in High School
Science
I want to share some exciting changes taking place in the way we will be teaching science in the high-school next year in 9th and 10th grade. Currently our students take a year of biology in 9th grade and a year of chemistry in 10th grade. Though it is great to have a year of biology and a year of chemistry there is a missing link. A student taking the IB Diploma program could sign up to take physics, generally considered one of the two most challenging classes in school, without having taken any physics since middle school. In my mind, this does not sufficiently prepare students for IB physics. Additionally, it does not allow for the breadth of overall science experience that exposure to all three disciplines provides. So after exploring different options we have developed a new program of science for 9th and 10th grade.
Next year will be a transition year and by 2016-17 our new program will be fully in place. Fully in place, the program will have students in 9th grade take a semester of biology and a semester of chemistry. Students in 10th grade will take a semester of physics and then by choice take a second semester of biology, chemistry or physics. This allows students to be equally prepared to take HL or SL biology, chemistry or physics, or to take SL environmental systems. Next year, our transition year, 9th graders will take a semester of biology and a semester of chemistry as previously discussed. Because next year’s 10th graders have already taken a year of biology, the choice option won’t be present for next year. Instead they will take a semester of chemistry and a semester of physics. Thankfully, this will still leave all of our students prepared to take any IB science at the HL or SL level. We are truly excited to make these changes to our science program to better serve our students.
On a completely unrelated note, wow, was that International Fair amazing. I think I was still full Saturday morning. Thank you to everyone for all the incredible food choices. I tried food from every country, literally.
The IB Leaner Profile
One of my favorite things about IB is the focus on the 10 IB Leaner Profile Traits. These traits designed to help our students grow and become well-rounded world citizens are:
- Inquirers
- Knowledgeable
- Thinkers
- Communicators
- Principled
- Open-Minded
- Caring
- Risk-Takers
- Balanced
- Reflective
Whether in PYP, middle school or the IB Diploma program I believe these are important traits to be talked about, role-modeled, taught and honored. As a piece of this work we have instituted the IB Learner Profile Student of the Month program. Our first Learner Profile Trait of the Month was risk-takers. The following students as recognized and nominated by their teachers are our inaugural Risk-Takers of the month:
- Matilde Fultaro - Grade 6
- Caylee Watters - Grade 6
- Elijah Grubb - Grade 6
- Rayhaan Timm - Grade 7
- Acalia Randall - Grade 7
- Vinuthna Vemireddy- grade 7
- Sean Barcoe - Grade 8
- Abdulla Alenyadi -Grade 8
- Chiara Fargnoli - Grade 9
- Anna Bohning - Grade 10
- Abigail Bohning- Grade 11
- Peter Martyn - Grade 12
We hope you take the time when you see these students to congratulate them on a job well done in making bold, brave choices.
Craig Randall
Secondary Principal
GAA Secondary Sports Days 2015
Hello Parent/Guardian,
One of the most exciting events of the Year, Secondary Sports Day, is fast approaching! The students will represent their homeroom house Lions (yellow), Tigers (orange), Puma (red) or Panthers (green) in a mix of competitive athletic events and fun multi-sport races during the day. We would like to invite you to come along and support the children with lots of enthusiasm and your loudest cheers! This year’s Secondary School Sports Days will be organized by grade levels and held here at GAA. The spirit of the day is friendly competition and everyone taking part will accumulate points for their homeroom house. A dress down day will be awarded to the house with the most overall points. The winning house will be announced at a victory school assembly the following week. Students and parents are encouraged to wear their homeroom colors on the day.
Dates and times are listed below:
Grade 6 & 7 Sports Day
Thursday 26th February 8.00am to 11.00am at GAA Sports Field
Grade 8, 9 & 10 Sports Day
Thursday 5th March 8.00am to 11.00am at GAA Sports Field
We look forward to seeing you at sports day to support the students as they participate in this fun and enjoyable event.
Kind Regards,
GAA Secondary PE Team
One of the most exciting events of the Year, Secondary Sports Day, is fast approaching! The students will represent their homeroom house Lions (yellow), Tigers (orange), Puma (red) or Panthers (green) in a mix of competitive athletic events and fun multi-sport races during the day. We would like to invite you to come along and support the children with lots of enthusiasm and your loudest cheers! This year’s Secondary School Sports Days will be organized by grade levels and held here at GAA. The spirit of the day is friendly competition and everyone taking part will accumulate points for their homeroom house. A dress down day will be awarded to the house with the most overall points. The winning house will be announced at a victory school assembly the following week. Students and parents are encouraged to wear their homeroom colors on the day.
Dates and times are listed below:
Grade 6 & 7 Sports Day
Thursday 26th February 8.00am to 11.00am at GAA Sports Field
Grade 8, 9 & 10 Sports Day
Thursday 5th March 8.00am to 11.00am at GAA Sports Field
We look forward to seeing you at sports day to support the students as they participate in this fun and enjoyable event.
Kind Regards,
GAA Secondary PE Team
BOYS VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM
This 2014-2015 school year was the inaugural season for the Varsity boys’ football team. These young men were given the option to challenge themselves by entering into two separate leagues during the past six months and they accepted. The British league, one that is reputable and has schools who have an established program, was the first on the list. After several weeks of training the first opponent to step on the pitch was given a taste of what the team would be providing throughout the rest of the season. A near flawless victory, but still a stepping-stone in the teams’ development. As the season continued the Wildcats started to gel and understand each other’s playing styles. Mid-December provided the team with stats that reflected their efforts over the course of the three months. With four wins, one tie, and only one loss the boys’ finished on top of the league, which earned them their first trophy.
Finishing first place meant they would get a bye into the second round of the single elimination tournament. This tournament hosted the British league teams. Again these boys faced teams with years of experience, but they were still able to make it to the finals, playing in a Khalifa City derby. A very close and entertaining game was played that day. The boys showed heart and determination, but this ending was not what they expected. A 1-0 defeat meant that they would have to start thinking about what they need to work on for the next season.
The second season started shortly after, and the game plan was a little different this time around. Losing was not an option. The senior boys made it known that they want to make GAA history and leave their stamp behind. Another strong beginning and end to a season with a record of three wins, two ties and one loss. The next battle meant playing some of the same teams, and losing in the finals to a team that had beaten them once was not on the menu. In their final tournament of the year they again had to play two of the stronger teams in the league, but this time around they were the victors displaying their hunger, passion, and love for football. Finishing first place and earning a third trophy!
Just as they thought the season was over, the Wildcats were given one final task. In order to move into division one, they had to beat their final opponents. Proving they are worthy of a promotion into the first division, the boys displayed skill, stamina, and desire that foreshadows a bright and successful future here in our football academy. Playing their hearts out, after a long weekend of games, the Wildcats of GAA defeated UAS 7-2.
Fantastic season boys!
Coach Korosh Sharif
Finishing first place meant they would get a bye into the second round of the single elimination tournament. This tournament hosted the British league teams. Again these boys faced teams with years of experience, but they were still able to make it to the finals, playing in a Khalifa City derby. A very close and entertaining game was played that day. The boys showed heart and determination, but this ending was not what they expected. A 1-0 defeat meant that they would have to start thinking about what they need to work on for the next season.
The second season started shortly after, and the game plan was a little different this time around. Losing was not an option. The senior boys made it known that they want to make GAA history and leave their stamp behind. Another strong beginning and end to a season with a record of three wins, two ties and one loss. The next battle meant playing some of the same teams, and losing in the finals to a team that had beaten them once was not on the menu. In their final tournament of the year they again had to play two of the stronger teams in the league, but this time around they were the victors displaying their hunger, passion, and love for football. Finishing first place and earning a third trophy!
Just as they thought the season was over, the Wildcats were given one final task. In order to move into division one, they had to beat their final opponents. Proving they are worthy of a promotion into the first division, the boys displayed skill, stamina, and desire that foreshadows a bright and successful future here in our football academy. Playing their hearts out, after a long weekend of games, the Wildcats of GAA defeated UAS 7-2.
Fantastic season boys!
Coach Korosh Sharif
OUR CHAMPIONS!! GIRLS U14 SOCCER
GAA's U14 girls, coached by Mike DiClaudio and Chris Mott, topped their league. They won the first division tournament in Dubai on February 8th. This is the first GAA sports team that has brought home a championship banner, so the GAA community is very proud of the girls and their coaches.
The U14 boys achieved a lot during this season as well, making it into the first division tournament and finishing in the top four of a very competitive league. They were coached by Korey Haugland and Erik Smith.
Well done to both teams and coaches!
The U14 boys achieved a lot during this season as well, making it into the first division tournament and finishing in the top four of a very competitive league. They were coached by Korey Haugland and Erik Smith.
Well done to both teams and coaches!
From our music department..
The GEMS American Academy Singers (10th-12th grade) were honored to be invited by the United States Embassy to sing at the National Day Celebration at the Palace on February 18th. They sang beautifully in front of approximately 1500 distinguished guests, and throughout the evening were able to meet important officials from all over the world! This photo is of the students with The United States Ambassador to the UAE, Barbara A. Leaf.
Well done students!
Well done students!
Here is our Community and Secondary School Calendar - Scroll through the months to see what's planned for this year at GAA
Please make sure you check this calendar regularly for updates and new events