News from our Secondary Principal Craig Randall
Dear Parents,
Can you believe that we are already 3/4th of the way through the school year? My wife always says that as a parent the days are long and the years are short. And though I think we all experience our moments of long days the time really does fly by.
The end of each quarter is a signal that parent/student/teacher conferences are on the way. Sitting in the gymnasium as I write, I find myself watching, and sometimes listening in, as students, parents and teachers are engaging in conversations about their children, their progress, and their areas for growth. Putting on my parent hat this morning, I know that one of the most satisfying parts for me during my own children’s conferences is when I hear suggestions not only on areas for academic growth, but also areas for holistic human development growth. The most satisfying part for me is when I feel like the teacher knows, understands, and gets who my kid is. I hope your conferences were a very positive experience for all.
The end of the third quarter is also a signal that the end of the year is fast approaching. This is a year of uncharted waters for all of us in the sense that Ramadan has not overlapped the end of the school year in decades. We know that the projected start date for Ramadan is June 18th. We know that the school day will be shorter during Ramadan. Beyond that it will be interesting to see what else happens those last two weeks. Because of Ramadan I can share that we have scheduled 9th to 11th grade high-school final exams from June 14th-18th, with make-up exams scheduled for June 21st. Also as a reminder, grade 12 exams are scheduled for May 31st-June 4th. Finally, the last two weeks look to be an exciting time as well as teachers will be working to incorporate as much project and experiential based learning into the classes as possible.
In other news, exciting things are going on in the arts department. Our instrument order arrived over the break and our grade six students have already been having fun trying some of them out. Also, mark your calendars for our secondary Arts Festival on Wednesday, May 6th from 6-8 p.m.
Take care,
Craig Randall
Secondary School Principal
Can you believe that we are already 3/4th of the way through the school year? My wife always says that as a parent the days are long and the years are short. And though I think we all experience our moments of long days the time really does fly by.
The end of each quarter is a signal that parent/student/teacher conferences are on the way. Sitting in the gymnasium as I write, I find myself watching, and sometimes listening in, as students, parents and teachers are engaging in conversations about their children, their progress, and their areas for growth. Putting on my parent hat this morning, I know that one of the most satisfying parts for me during my own children’s conferences is when I hear suggestions not only on areas for academic growth, but also areas for holistic human development growth. The most satisfying part for me is when I feel like the teacher knows, understands, and gets who my kid is. I hope your conferences were a very positive experience for all.
The end of the third quarter is also a signal that the end of the year is fast approaching. This is a year of uncharted waters for all of us in the sense that Ramadan has not overlapped the end of the school year in decades. We know that the projected start date for Ramadan is June 18th. We know that the school day will be shorter during Ramadan. Beyond that it will be interesting to see what else happens those last two weeks. Because of Ramadan I can share that we have scheduled 9th to 11th grade high-school final exams from June 14th-18th, with make-up exams scheduled for June 21st. Also as a reminder, grade 12 exams are scheduled for May 31st-June 4th. Finally, the last two weeks look to be an exciting time as well as teachers will be working to incorporate as much project and experiential based learning into the classes as possible.
In other news, exciting things are going on in the arts department. Our instrument order arrived over the break and our grade six students have already been having fun trying some of them out. Also, mark your calendars for our secondary Arts Festival on Wednesday, May 6th from 6-8 p.m.
Take care,
Craig Randall
Secondary School Principal
The SAT, also known as the SAT Reasoning, is the most widely used college admission test around the world. It consists of three primary sections: critical reading, math, and writing. Each section is scored from 200-800 each, giving a total range of 600 -2400 points. The test includes three kinds of questions: multiple choice, student-produced responses (mathematics only), and an essay question. Total testing time is 3 hours and 45 minutes. The test is offered six times a year at international sites around the world.
The SAT is a test for which testers can study and prepare. Many students elect to take organized courses or to have individual tutoring. Self-study is also an option for the motivated and disciplined. There are lots of study aids available at virtually no cost (books, software, and online). The best materials for test content are the ones provided by the test maker, the College Board.
Students wishing to take classroom-based courses will find several prep companies in the area. For the more independent student who might appreciate a technological component, there are online study options and GEMS Education has partnered with TestRocker in the USA who offer an online SAT preparation tool at a discounted rate for GEMS students. You may have already received email correspondence about previously read about it in past newsletters. No matter the preferred method, one thing is certain, students should prepare!
Familiarity and comfort with the test are two key factors for improvement. At GAA we attempt to address this through offering an official practice test made by the test maker called the PSAT. It is available to students in grades 10 and 11. The purpose of taking the PSAT in grade 10 is to become familiar with the format, content and timing of the test. In addition to this, for grade 11 students, the PSAT also serves as the qualifying test to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program (for US citizens and permanent residents).
For more information on the SAT, please visit the College Board’s website at www.collegeboard.org
*The SAT will be changing its format and structure in March 2016. For more information on the SAT, visit: www.collegeboard.org
Reprint of Article from September 11, 2014
Testing, Testing 1, 2, 3
Standardized Tests: SAT, ACT, TOEFL, SAT Subject Tests
Standardized tests are the “norm” in college and university admission. Universities rely on these test scores because the results are the only common comparison they have between students coming from a variety of schools and backgrounds. Tests carry more weight in the selection process at some colleges than others, but colleges typically do not base an admission decision on scores alone and review them in relation to the student’s academic record and program of study.
SAT
The SAT Reasoning, more commonly referred to as SAT, is the most well-known college entrance exam. It is a three hour and forty-five minute test that measures critically reasoning ability in reading, math, and writing. It is the United States’ most widely used admissions test. It is also recognized by other national university systems as a valued standardized test.
All juniors and seniors are encouraged to take the SAT at least once. Time and time again students change their minds about where they want to go to college. It is better to have the scores ready rather than to be scrambling at the last minute. Juniors typically take the SAT in the spring of the junior year.
Many students will also repeat the SAT in the fall of the senior year.
*The SAT will be changing its format and structure in March 2016.
For more information on the SAT, visit: www.collegeboard.org
ACT
The SAT might be the most popular, but it is not the only option. The ACT is another standardized college entrance exam. The ACT measures achievement and is based on academic knowledge and skills typically taught in the high school courses of English, math, reading, and science. The test includes an optional writing test section. Total testing time with the Writing Section is three hours and thirty-five minutes.
For more information on the ACT, visit: www.actstudent.org
TOEFL
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required for many students who have a native language other than English. Each college or university sets their own criteria for TOEFL scores, so students will need to do their research to determine if the test is necessary.
There is another English as a foreign language test called IELTS. This test was created in the UK and tends to use British English whereas the TOEFL was created in the USA and uses American English.
SAT Subject Tests
Some colleges and universities require 2 to 3 SAT Subject Tests. Subject tests are one hour in length and a student can take a maximum of three on a test date. There are many different subject tests to choose from across all academic disciplines: Literature, US History, World History, Mathematics I & II, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and several languages.
PSAT
A practice test for the SAT, called PSAT, is offered annually to students in grades 10 and 11. The PSAT is also the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The test is approximately two hours and 15 minutes. Students take the test in October and receive a details sore report in December.
The SAT is a test for which testers can study and prepare. Many students elect to take organized courses or to have individual tutoring. Self-study is also an option for the motivated and disciplined. There are lots of study aids available at virtually no cost (books, software, and online). The best materials for test content are the ones provided by the test maker, the College Board.
Students wishing to take classroom-based courses will find several prep companies in the area. For the more independent student who might appreciate a technological component, there are online study options and GEMS Education has partnered with TestRocker in the USA who offer an online SAT preparation tool at a discounted rate for GEMS students. You may have already received email correspondence about previously read about it in past newsletters. No matter the preferred method, one thing is certain, students should prepare!
Familiarity and comfort with the test are two key factors for improvement. At GAA we attempt to address this through offering an official practice test made by the test maker called the PSAT. It is available to students in grades 10 and 11. The purpose of taking the PSAT in grade 10 is to become familiar with the format, content and timing of the test. In addition to this, for grade 11 students, the PSAT also serves as the qualifying test to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program (for US citizens and permanent residents).
For more information on the SAT, please visit the College Board’s website at www.collegeboard.org
*The SAT will be changing its format and structure in March 2016. For more information on the SAT, visit: www.collegeboard.org
Reprint of Article from September 11, 2014
Testing, Testing 1, 2, 3
Standardized Tests: SAT, ACT, TOEFL, SAT Subject Tests
Standardized tests are the “norm” in college and university admission. Universities rely on these test scores because the results are the only common comparison they have between students coming from a variety of schools and backgrounds. Tests carry more weight in the selection process at some colleges than others, but colleges typically do not base an admission decision on scores alone and review them in relation to the student’s academic record and program of study.
SAT
The SAT Reasoning, more commonly referred to as SAT, is the most well-known college entrance exam. It is a three hour and forty-five minute test that measures critically reasoning ability in reading, math, and writing. It is the United States’ most widely used admissions test. It is also recognized by other national university systems as a valued standardized test.
All juniors and seniors are encouraged to take the SAT at least once. Time and time again students change their minds about where they want to go to college. It is better to have the scores ready rather than to be scrambling at the last minute. Juniors typically take the SAT in the spring of the junior year.
Many students will also repeat the SAT in the fall of the senior year.
*The SAT will be changing its format and structure in March 2016.
For more information on the SAT, visit: www.collegeboard.org
ACT
The SAT might be the most popular, but it is not the only option. The ACT is another standardized college entrance exam. The ACT measures achievement and is based on academic knowledge and skills typically taught in the high school courses of English, math, reading, and science. The test includes an optional writing test section. Total testing time with the Writing Section is three hours and thirty-five minutes.
For more information on the ACT, visit: www.actstudent.org
TOEFL
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required for many students who have a native language other than English. Each college or university sets their own criteria for TOEFL scores, so students will need to do their research to determine if the test is necessary.
There is another English as a foreign language test called IELTS. This test was created in the UK and tends to use British English whereas the TOEFL was created in the USA and uses American English.
SAT Subject Tests
Some colleges and universities require 2 to 3 SAT Subject Tests. Subject tests are one hour in length and a student can take a maximum of three on a test date. There are many different subject tests to choose from across all academic disciplines: Literature, US History, World History, Mathematics I & II, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and several languages.
PSAT
A practice test for the SAT, called PSAT, is offered annually to students in grades 10 and 11. The PSAT is also the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The test is approximately two hours and 15 minutes. Students take the test in October and receive a details sore report in December.
Math Lab
For Sunday afternoons between 26 April and 24 May, I will be offering an after-school activity called Math Lab. This activity runs from 3 PM - 4 PM and is open to any Grades 9-12 student at GAA. During this time, students are free to come to Room 237 to work on math homework, to review their notes, to study the textbook or homework problems, to ask questions, or anything else that will help them. The goal of this time is to help students redress areas where they may be struggling, as well as to help students begin to prepare for final exams.
If you are interested, feel free to sign up via the Session Five After-School Activity sign-ups. Even if you do not sign up, students are still welcome to--and encouraged to!--stop by each Sunday afternoon to ask some questions or to work on some studying. Thanks!
Mr. Liebhart
If you are interested, feel free to sign up via the Session Five After-School Activity sign-ups. Even if you do not sign up, students are still welcome to--and encouraged to!--stop by each Sunday afternoon to ask some questions or to work on some studying. Thanks!
Mr. Liebhart
Spring Break Travels
Switzerland
Here's what our students had to say about their trip
Switzerland was an unforgettable experience that was filled with laughter, joy, and hard work. Being that it was my first time skiing, I had no idea what to expect. I learned that when you ski, falling is a part of the experience and the bruises are battle wounds that show your dedication. I also learned that when you ski, you must not forget to look around at the beauty that surrounds you. Upon our arrival to Switzerland it had just begun to snow, so when we went out to the slopes the next day, everything was covered in a breathtaking frost. Overjoyed by the winter wonderland we were in, we had an exhilarating snow ball fight. Every day was filled with a new adventure, whether it was a newly found pastry shop, a chocolate stomach ache, or a swiss band on the mountain, Switzerland never failed to burrow itself deeper within my heart.
Brianda Hickey Grade 12
Brianda Hickey Grade 12
I was very much looking forward to Switzerland for a long time, since the last time I saw snow, I was only 3 years old. When we arrived, I was greeted by the nice cold air that reminded me of my native home-country Sweden! By the time we arrived at the Chalet, it was snowing quite well and we hurried up to unpack and then go out to build snowmen and have snowball fights which was great fun! The Skiing was superb, we all started out a bit bad, due to the bad weather and the fact we haven't skied in real snow for a long time! By the end of the week, our bodies were all sore from falling down but we could Ski or Snowboard very well! We were even told that we were one of the best schools who ever came to their Chalet! I was very proud of us all and I know we all had fun skiing and exploring Verbier and Laussane! I hope we can all go back next year and I can also hope that the weather will be as perfect as it was this time!
Liam Fjellstedt grade 9
Liam Fjellstedt grade 9
Events for the Senior Class of 2015
*Junior/Senior Prom
*Senior Breakfast
*Graduation June 11th
*Graduation Celebrations (TBA)
*Junior/Senior Prom
- Viceroy Hotel, Yas Island
- Date: Wed., May 20th
- Time: 6-p.m. until midnight
- Cost 400AED per person
*Senior Breakfast
- Westin Hotel
- Date: Monday, June 8th
- Time: 10a.m. – 12p.m.
*Graduation June 11th
*Graduation Celebrations (TBA)
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