News from our Secondary Principal, Craig Randall
Dear Parents,
I wanted to take some time today to update you on a couple of things:
Relentlessness continued:
We spoke last week about relentlessness and the weekly grade checks and conversations that the vice-principals and I are having with students about grades. In addition to the weekly grade checks and conversations we are being relentless in our efforts to help students succeed academically in other ways as well. Beginning second quarter, any student who has a D+ or lower in a class will be mandated to spend an hour a week with that teacher from 3:00-4:00 until the end of the semester in an effort to provide extra help and improve grades. Students have been informed of this today and I suspect will be hard at work this weekend and the weeks to come, until the end of the quarter in order to bring those grades up.
Please be sure to keep October 22nd highlighted on your calendar as we celebrate the Fall Festival at GAA.
Sincerely,
Craig Randall
I wanted to take some time today to update you on a couple of things:
- We have been having Secondary Parent Information Sessions on Monday mornings at 11:30-12:15 in the school Auditorium. So far our sessions have been on the Transition to Middle School, Secondary Curriculum, Mathematics and the IB Diploma Programme. Upcoming sessions include Science and College/University. Please find the Links to the presentations if you were unable to attend any of these sessions, below:
- Bullying Prevention Week is upon us! From October 11 to 15 GAA students will take part in various events designed to help them accurately identify bullying behaviours in schools and learn what to do if they see bullying happen or are a victim of bullying. The week will kick-off with a Middle School assembly on Sunday. Staff members will be wearing blue to support the cause, and students will make a pinky pledge to be part of the solution, not the problem. There will be a video challenge for interested students to prepare a short anti-bullying video. The winning video makers will receive movie passes from GAAPA ( the GAA Parent Association). The week winds up with a sponge toss where students have the opportunity to throw sponges at their teachers’ and principals’ faces…all in good fun of course!
Relentlessness continued:
We spoke last week about relentlessness and the weekly grade checks and conversations that the vice-principals and I are having with students about grades. In addition to the weekly grade checks and conversations we are being relentless in our efforts to help students succeed academically in other ways as well. Beginning second quarter, any student who has a D+ or lower in a class will be mandated to spend an hour a week with that teacher from 3:00-4:00 until the end of the semester in an effort to provide extra help and improve grades. Students have been informed of this today and I suspect will be hard at work this weekend and the weeks to come, until the end of the quarter in order to bring those grades up.
Please be sure to keep October 22nd highlighted on your calendar as we celebrate the Fall Festival at GAA.
Sincerely,
Craig Randall
The GAA class of 2015 went on to study all over the world but the two most popular destinations were the USA and UK. This is not really surprising for students receiving an international education in the English language and we would expect this pattern to continue this year and in the coming years as well. With this in mind, it is important that we keep informed about what US and UK universities are looking for in applicants.
In this week’s Parent Information Session, on our IB Diploma Programme, we were able to share some fresh research findings regarding attitudes of US and UK universities’ attitudes to IB applicants. The IB conducted surveys of University Admissions Officers in both countries and compiled the research into this report available online. It contains many positive findings about how prepared they find IBDP graduates with the skills necessary to succeed at University. In the report you can also see how Universities compare scores from IB with the A’ Level and AP scores many of us will find more familiar.
Yet perhaps the most interesting result concerns how the IB Diploma itself is valued compared to homegrown national systems. On this issue, a majority of Admissions Officers in both countries rated all systems equally but on both sides of the Atlantic, the majority of those that did express a preference acknowledged IB Diploma as the best preparation for University. As we get stuck into University application with Grade 12, this is food for thought for our graduates of the future and their families.
Paddy Lyons, IB Diploma Coordinator & Sharice Welch, Academic Counsellor
In this week’s Parent Information Session, on our IB Diploma Programme, we were able to share some fresh research findings regarding attitudes of US and UK universities’ attitudes to IB applicants. The IB conducted surveys of University Admissions Officers in both countries and compiled the research into this report available online. It contains many positive findings about how prepared they find IBDP graduates with the skills necessary to succeed at University. In the report you can also see how Universities compare scores from IB with the A’ Level and AP scores many of us will find more familiar.
Yet perhaps the most interesting result concerns how the IB Diploma itself is valued compared to homegrown national systems. On this issue, a majority of Admissions Officers in both countries rated all systems equally but on both sides of the Atlantic, the majority of those that did express a preference acknowledged IB Diploma as the best preparation for University. As we get stuck into University application with Grade 12, this is food for thought for our graduates of the future and their families.
Paddy Lyons, IB Diploma Coordinator & Sharice Welch, Academic Counsellor
Dear Parents,
As discussed in last week’s newsletter, our Bullying Prevention Week will officially commence this coming Sunday, October 11th. Below are events that will be taking place throughout the course of the week.
Sunday: Kick off assembly for grades 6-8, and kick off advisory lessons for grades 9-12. All Staff are encouraged to wear blue, which is the color associated with Bully Prevention weeks all over the world. Our video competition for grades 6-12 will be announced.
Monday:
Parent Workshops. 1:30 – Cyber Bullying/Protection and Tip by Mr. Brian Farrell.
2:00 - General Bullying Information by Mr. Phil Abraham, Ms. Melanie Moses, and Mrs. Katie Leishear.
Thursday:
Teacher Sponge Toss – Students will have the opportunity during lunch, recess and some break times to throw a wet sponge at a teacher to demonstrate that it’s not bullying when both sides are laughing. This is also voluntary, and does have a small fee attached. Students wanting to participate will need to pay 5 dirhams, which will allow them three sponge tosses.
Sunday – Thursday:
Pinky Pledge. GAAPA Parents and volunteers will have stations set up around the school where students can stop by and have their pinky nail painted blue to show their commitment to the cause. This is completely voluntary, so if you would like your child not to participate, please have a discussion with them prior to this week.
We encourage you to discuss bullying and its effects with your children this week. Thank you for helping us support this important cause.
Kathleen Leishear
Secondary School Counselor
As discussed in last week’s newsletter, our Bullying Prevention Week will officially commence this coming Sunday, October 11th. Below are events that will be taking place throughout the course of the week.
Sunday: Kick off assembly for grades 6-8, and kick off advisory lessons for grades 9-12. All Staff are encouraged to wear blue, which is the color associated with Bully Prevention weeks all over the world. Our video competition for grades 6-12 will be announced.
Monday:
Parent Workshops. 1:30 – Cyber Bullying/Protection and Tip by Mr. Brian Farrell.
2:00 - General Bullying Information by Mr. Phil Abraham, Ms. Melanie Moses, and Mrs. Katie Leishear.
Thursday:
Teacher Sponge Toss – Students will have the opportunity during lunch, recess and some break times to throw a wet sponge at a teacher to demonstrate that it’s not bullying when both sides are laughing. This is also voluntary, and does have a small fee attached. Students wanting to participate will need to pay 5 dirhams, which will allow them three sponge tosses.
Sunday – Thursday:
Pinky Pledge. GAAPA Parents and volunteers will have stations set up around the school where students can stop by and have their pinky nail painted blue to show their commitment to the cause. This is completely voluntary, so if you would like your child not to participate, please have a discussion with them prior to this week.
We encourage you to discuss bullying and its effects with your children this week. Thank you for helping us support this important cause.
Kathleen Leishear
Secondary School Counselor
From our Math department
The math department is off to a busy year. We just completed our first Math Contest on Thursday. There will be one each month for the next five months! The next contest will be Thursday, November 12th. Here is a brief overview of what is currently happening inside our classrooms:
Math 6 completed a unit on multiplication: multiplying patterns (multiply a whole number and a decimal by a power of 10), estimating products, and multiplying whole numbers and decimals. The students completed a successful project on addition and subtraction expressions. The projects were nicely done and are on display on the bulletin boards on the second floor. If you have time, please stop by and take a look. The current unit in Math 6 is on division. Students will be able to divide by one, two, and three digit numbers. Next week students will be dividing decimals by whole numbers then dividing decimals by decimals. In Math 7, students have been working on operations with integers and understanding the rules that are applied in solving word problems. Our Pre-Algebra students have a better understanding of variables and their role in learning how to translate and solve word problems, based on everyday life situations.
In Algebra I, students are completing a unit on inequalities. They are also busy brushing up on prior skills and knowledge needed to be successful in Algebra I. In Geometry students are working on proofs and the reasoning and logic behind writing proofs. Students are starting to see that proofs allow them to understand the logic behind the math. Algebra II students are applying their knowledge of quadratic functions and equations to polynomial functions and equations. These skills include graphing functions, factoring expressions, and solving equations. In Pre-Calculus, students are exploring twelve basic functions and behaviors of these functions. They are focusing on how to use conventional mathematical notations when describing the key features of functions.
In Math Foundations students will be producing a 10 minute Weather Forecast Report on a city they have studied since the beginning of September. Students collected data and analyzed wind chill, temperatures, snowfall, rain-fall, precipitation and what math is involved in predicting the weather. Students will also be continuing to keep track of their expenses for the month of October as we discuss what it takes to make a successful budget.
The IB Studies students are working on a modeling unit. They are looking at variety of equations, how to best use their GDC, and the real life application of mathematical modeling. In IB Math SL 1, students are exploring key features of functions and ways in which the use of technology can enhance their understanding of these functions. IB DP Math SL2 students are continuing to finish drafts of their Math Exploration research project, as well as studying statistics and probability. IB DP Math HL1 students are exploring the appearance of complex numbers in solutions to polynomial equations. In IBDP year 2 of HL / Calculus we have been exploring the question of "how things change the way they do". With this, we discussed the role of mathematics in responses to environmental crisis like oil spills (calculating how quickly an oil leak could spread or how far using derivatives), we illustrated related rates problems like melting snowballs and growth rings on trees, and we explored how to animate a function to show motion on a graphing calculator. Students will soon work on a mini-project on optimization (design contest to create the ideal package for a product) and later using math to model strawberries (specifically integrals to calculate volume of complex 3D objects).
In addition to working on Mathematical concepts in all classes, students are relating their learning to real life situations, at all times. The students are not only learning, but more importantly, understand why we need to know mathematics. This is making mathematics not only fun, but students are able to make connections to other subject areas.
Reminders:
Helpful Websites:
Sincerely,
The Math Department
Math 6 completed a unit on multiplication: multiplying patterns (multiply a whole number and a decimal by a power of 10), estimating products, and multiplying whole numbers and decimals. The students completed a successful project on addition and subtraction expressions. The projects were nicely done and are on display on the bulletin boards on the second floor. If you have time, please stop by and take a look. The current unit in Math 6 is on division. Students will be able to divide by one, two, and three digit numbers. Next week students will be dividing decimals by whole numbers then dividing decimals by decimals. In Math 7, students have been working on operations with integers and understanding the rules that are applied in solving word problems. Our Pre-Algebra students have a better understanding of variables and their role in learning how to translate and solve word problems, based on everyday life situations.
In Algebra I, students are completing a unit on inequalities. They are also busy brushing up on prior skills and knowledge needed to be successful in Algebra I. In Geometry students are working on proofs and the reasoning and logic behind writing proofs. Students are starting to see that proofs allow them to understand the logic behind the math. Algebra II students are applying their knowledge of quadratic functions and equations to polynomial functions and equations. These skills include graphing functions, factoring expressions, and solving equations. In Pre-Calculus, students are exploring twelve basic functions and behaviors of these functions. They are focusing on how to use conventional mathematical notations when describing the key features of functions.
In Math Foundations students will be producing a 10 minute Weather Forecast Report on a city they have studied since the beginning of September. Students collected data and analyzed wind chill, temperatures, snowfall, rain-fall, precipitation and what math is involved in predicting the weather. Students will also be continuing to keep track of their expenses for the month of October as we discuss what it takes to make a successful budget.
The IB Studies students are working on a modeling unit. They are looking at variety of equations, how to best use their GDC, and the real life application of mathematical modeling. In IB Math SL 1, students are exploring key features of functions and ways in which the use of technology can enhance their understanding of these functions. IB DP Math SL2 students are continuing to finish drafts of their Math Exploration research project, as well as studying statistics and probability. IB DP Math HL1 students are exploring the appearance of complex numbers in solutions to polynomial equations. In IBDP year 2 of HL / Calculus we have been exploring the question of "how things change the way they do". With this, we discussed the role of mathematics in responses to environmental crisis like oil spills (calculating how quickly an oil leak could spread or how far using derivatives), we illustrated related rates problems like melting snowballs and growth rings on trees, and we explored how to animate a function to show motion on a graphing calculator. Students will soon work on a mini-project on optimization (design contest to create the ideal package for a product) and later using math to model strawberries (specifically integrals to calculate volume of complex 3D objects).
In addition to working on Mathematical concepts in all classes, students are relating their learning to real life situations, at all times. The students are not only learning, but more importantly, understand why we need to know mathematics. This is making mathematics not only fun, but students are able to make connections to other subject areas.
Reminders:
- Please remember that we offer a Math Homework Club for Middle School students on Tuesdays from 3:00-4:00 in Ms. Bhatt’s room and Wednesday from 3:00-4:00 for High School students in Mr. Liebhart’s room.
- Students who are in High School are also required to have a graphing calculator.
Helpful Websites:
- https://www.khanacademy.org/
- https://ixl.com
- https://www.purplemath.com
Sincerely,
The Math Department
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