Spring 2014Insight

Internationally British

Inside:Where are you from? The challenges of living in another culture

Skills for life A broad spectrum of learning

Moving on up! The transition from junior to senior school

Age is no barrier The benefits of language learning

Summer 2014 issue Advertising booking deadline:

Wednesday 28 May 2014 Email: advertising@britishschool.nl

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Spring 2014|3

ContentsPublisher

The British School in The Netherlands

Editor-in-chief Tracy Tigchelaar

Editor Sallie Taylor

Editorial and research Uhuru Tyrie-Socha

Ginny Mees

Advertising Pauline de Zwart

Telephone: 070 315 40 72 Email: advertising@britishschool.nl

Design and layout Craig Stevens

www.craig-stevens.co.uk

Distribution Pauline De Zwart

If you would like to receive additional copies of the magazine, please send an e-mail to

BSNInsight@britishschool.nl

Printed by Kapsenberg van Waesberge bv

Schuttevaerweg 160 3044 BB Rotterdam

BSN Insight is a termly publication from The Marketing Department

The British School in The Netherlands Vrouw Avenweg 640,

2493 WZDen Haag Telephone: 070 315 40 76

www.britishschool.nl

All rights are reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, or used in any form, without

prior written permission from the Publisher.

Every effort has been made to ensure that information in this publication was correct

at the time of publication, the Publisher and writers cannot accept any liability for the

accuracy of the information included.

The BSN takes no responsibility for the quality of goods or services advertised in this publication.

Summer 2014 issue Advertising booking deadline:

Wednesday 28 May 2014 Email: advertising@britishschool.nl

Letter from the Principal 5

Where are you from? 6A look at how the BSN supports families facing

the challenges of living in another culture

Skills for life 8Personal, Social and Health Education at Senior School;

a broad spectrum of learning

Moving on up 10A look at Year 6 students transition from junior to senior school

Age is no barrier 12The benefits of language learning are tangible for people of all ages

Spelling it out 14A glossary of educational terms and phrases

for junior school parents

Alumni News 16News of ex-students from the not-so-distant past

Family Association News 20News from the Chair and recent appointments

for the Family Assocation

Events 22A round up of the latest events that have taken place at the BSN

Experiences 26A snapshot of some of the many experiences

our students have enjoyed

The Arts 30Take a look at just a few of the cultural activities

our students have been involved in

Sport 33A summary of the latest sporting action this term

including the major ISST sporting events

The Blue Pages 40A directory of services and suppliers useful to the BSN community

Cover photograph by Chris Pilling

4|Insight

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Spring 2014|5

Letter from the Principal

Dear parents

We are fortunate to live in an international city,

but that can sometimes mean that international events take place which disrupt our lives, as the

Nuclear Security Summit did in March.

However, this seems to me, to be a small price to pay for living alongside people from so many different backgrounds and cultures, all of whom enrich our lives.

The experience of living in this international environment is something from which our students benefit every day. I have no doubt that the international education which The BSN offers, and the fact that our students have chosen their parents wisely, means that some of them will be participating in similar international summits in the future. Certainly the fact that The BSN has, for the second year running, won the COBIS World Debating Competition, suggests that we are nurturing some articulate young people, cut out to be potential lawyers and politicians of the future.

The internationally mobile nature of our student community also means that students regularly arrive from, and depart to live in, other countries. You will see that this edition of our school magazine contains an article explaining how we try to support children of internationally mobile families in this aspect of their lives. One aspect of this support is to offer as much continuity as possible, which means taking seriously student transfer from the junior schools to the senior school. The Year 6 to Year 7 transition process, and what we do to smooth the path for students in this respect, is explained on page 10.

I hope you find, much else of interest in this magazine, including a guide to some educational jargon (which we do try to avoid as much as possible) and news of the variety of activities our students engage in.

My best wishes to you for a good Spring break.

Principal|Dr Martin Coles The British School in The Netherlands

6|Insight

Does your child hesitate before answering the question Where

are you from?

For many BSN children this question often requires more clarification are you asking where were they born? What passport they have? Where they live now? Where have they spent most of their life? Or even, Where do they feel they are from? If that is the kind of response that your child gives, then the chances are they are a Third Culture Kid. Originally coined by sociologist Ruth Hill-Useem in 1950, Third Culture Kid is a term commonly used for children who accompany their parents into another society.

According to Wikipedia, the definition of a Third Culture Kid is:

A Third Culture Kid (TCK) is a person who has spent a significant part of his/her developmental years outside the parents culture. The TCK frequently builds relationships to all of the cultures, while not having full ownership of any. Although elements from each culture may be assimilated into the TCKs life experience, the sense of belonging is in relationship to others of similar background.

So, for a TCK to answer that original Where are you from? question requires them to blend together all those other sub-questions and even then they may not be able to answer it! If all of this sounds familiar, youre

not alone! You are probably typical of most BSN families. But the BSN community has many ways of offering support to everyone who faces the challenges of growing up as or with a TCK.

A warm welcomeAlmost without exception, the single most

important thing for children, when moving country or school, is to know they will be welcomed and make friends. Each child is unique in the way they deal with their move; there are those who arrive with great excitement, some who are anxious and everything in between.

In the younger years, children are encouraged to talk about their origins and to read stories in their native language which helps them to establish their identity. Noa Brume-Sandeman, a parent and International Team representative, says:

It was of huge importance for my daughter to know and celebrate where she is from. At the BSN she has the ability to be different but equal. The British-ness of our curriculum is very important, but there is huge space for individual cultures to thrive and be celebrated.

Junior School students are taught and supported by a team of individuals who understand that culture shock is real. Missing grandparents, a special friend or not feeling settled because they may move again in a few years, may affect how a child behaves or performs at school. Deborah Perrin, Junior School EAL Manager, explains how the BSN helps to smooth the transition:

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

De dnde vienes?

Do venez-vous?

Spring 2014|7

Whenever it is possible to meet the family and children before they start at school, we do. New students also have the opportunity for an orientation visit prior to their first full day in school. Having the chance to see their new school and meet teachers and students takes away some of the anxiety. Meeting other students who speak the same language in those early weeks makes a big difference.

Supporting and celebrating each other

Noa explains further how The Family Association volunteers reach out to new families:

New parents are contacted and, whenever possible, they are welcomed by an International Rep from their respective country. Having contact with the same cultural perspective and language can provide valuable practical support, such as where is the Japanese market?, etc.

The International Team also plans events which encourage children of all ages, to celebrate their cultural identity, and to enjoy those of others. The largest of these being the recently-held International Festival.

Further up the schoolSenior School Head of Department and PSHE

Coordinator, Ben Le Heux, and the School Counsellor, Vivian Chiona recently delivered a successful training programme, Being a Third Culture Kid to Year 7 students. The aim was to help BSN students to:

learn about The Third Culture Kid (TCK) understand the expat experience, its benefits

and challenges learn some practical tips to cope with change understand that help is available and to learn when

to ask for it

The benefits of being a TCKThe BSN does all it can to help students minimise

the challenges and maximize the benefits of the TCKs cross-cultural experience. While growing up as third culture kids may sound challenging, there is no doubt that children actually benefit from their intercultural experience. The advantages gained by learning additional languages and understanding how other cultures work, helps these students to grow into successful young adults with a greater awareness of the world in which they live.

If you would like to learn more check out the Family Association page on Gateway for the session planned on Third Culture Kids.

Where are you from?

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Wo kommen Sie her?

Waar kom je vandaan?

8|Insight

The subject of PSHE as it is known (or Personal, Social and Health Education, to give it its full title)

covers the broadest possible spectrum of learning and is

delivered by over 15 different members of teaching staff, not to

mention a range of experts and specialists brought in to support

key topics and areas.

PSHE tackles many life skills and aims to equip students with the knowledge of a range of subjects and issues to help them make wise and informed decisions in their future.

PSHE at the Senior School reflects the schools ethos of developing well-rounded individuals equipped with skills and a passion for learning. The PSHE curriculum has been designed to follow this whole-school approach and is truly cross-curricular; with great flexibility and a strong emphasis on helping students to develop good study habits and understand their learning styles. The breadth of issues covered including personal and e-safety, the importance of relationships, alcohol and drug awareness, personal finance, self-esteem, interview practice, strategies for dealing with stress and bereavement, first aid, and critical links with careers will give some measure of the wide ranging subject matter.

There are numerous important personal issues which are covered by PSHE, and the programme includes visits by Dutch Health Workers and our own nursing team

SKILLS FOR LIFE

The aim of the PSHE curriculum is to enable young people to become:

Successful learners who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve Confident individuals who are able to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives Responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society

Spring 2014|9

Skills for life

who talk to students about personal hygiene and teach them basic first aid skills. As a British School operating in the Netherlands, Dutch Law also obliges us to teach awareness of multiple sexual identities and to encourage toleration towards all given the BSNs rich cultural makeup, this important aspect of the PSHE curriculum is delivered with particular sensitivity and respect.

Equipping students to cope The school counsellor, Vivian Chiona, believes

that by discussing issues related to different age groups, such as eating disorders, self-esteem and body image, students are better equipped to cope and support one another. Vivian runs special sessions covering Third Culture Kids and also works with students on issues relevant to their students age, around coping with change and dealing with stress and is available to follow up or counsel on an individual or small group basis should the need arise. There are also parent information sessions arranged from time to time.

Ben Le Heux, Head of PSHE explains: The range of topics that PSHE covers is very broad and many have a direct cross-curricular relationship to other subjects. For example, learning about body image and diet can be linked to Food Technology, and lessons using budgeting apps and Excel to wisely manage pocket money, can be linked to ICT and Business Studies.

Specialists in our community The BSN also benefits from having a wealth of

experts and specialists in our community as the seminar on cultural awareness, held for Year 10 students in the autumn term, illustrates. Giovanna Del Forno and Lilla Galfi from Shells Diversity and Inclusion team, gave a workshop, originally developed for Shell employees, designed to provide an understanding of cultural values, and perspectives. Through role-playing two different cultures an American customer with a broken shoe, and a Dutch shoemaker the students watched as the two individuals went from a shared understanding of the facts, to a combative exchange! Together, all the students then discussed different ways to prevent these types of misunderstanding by becoming increasingly aware of their own filters.

At the end of the presentation, the group agreed that the most important rule to keep in mind and prevent these common misunderstandings, is to always assume a positive intent or put more simply try to see the best in people! The instructors, were impressed by the maturity of the group and Giovanna Del Forno added:

initially I was concerned this programme, which was developed for adult staff at Shell, would be over their heads, but after running this workshop, it is clear to me that this group is more mature than most average 14 year olds, and they related well to our conversation about cultural diversity.

A taste of the workplaceHelping students develop collaborative and

presentation skills, the recent Chocolate Box Challenge, run by the Careers and PSHE Departments and delivered by external careers consultants, Futurewise, gave Year 9 students a taste of the workplace. The event, simulated a business environment and students spent half a day working in teams on a simple project to make, package, market and sell a unique chocolate product. The teams formed groups, stormed ideas, designed and made prototype products and finally presented their work to their peers and judges.

Parents interested in finding out more about the PSHE curriculum by year group are encouraged to look on Gateway under Learning > Senior School > Curriculum > Year group.

SKILLS FOR LIFE Students in Year 11, preparing for this summers GCSEs, have had extensive study skills support to help them develop revision skills and manage anxiety at this important stage of their school lives.

For many students and parents the transition from Junior to

Senior School is one met with a mixture of both excitement and anxiety. For this reason,

staff at the BSN work together to manage the process very carefully. Over the years, the

school has established a very experienced group of Junior and Senior School staff who

form the Transition Team, led by Monica Davies Executive

Assistant to the Principal.

The objective of the team is to make the transition process as smooth as possible, as Monica explains further, We are well aware that Year 6 is an exciting but daunting time for the students as they near the end of their Junior School life. The Transition Team meets throughout the year to develop and monitor initiatives aimed at ensuring students feel positive and enthusiastic about the change of Key Stage. Junior School teachers prepare students for the academic, social and emotional challenges they will face with the transition, while the Senior School staff are preparing to receive and take them on in September. We are one school and we aim to provide a seamless transition.

The process begins in earnest in January when discussions take place between the Junior and Senior School transition team members about each individual child to review their strengths, personalities and targets for improvement. This period of the year also presents Year 6 with their first true experience of life at the Senior School, when they spend an entire day familiarising themselves with their future learning environment. Seeing their new surroundings helps to settle any nerves or anxieties the children may have about their big move. There is always a tangible feeling of excitement around Senior School on Transition Day and this year was no exception as some students explained afterwards.

10|Insight

MOVINGUPON

It felt different having to walk from class to class for each lesson, it was a really fun day and I cant wait to come back in a few months time. Jonas

The planning continues throughout the school year, and in June updates are provided to Senior School staff on the progress and attainment levels of each child. At this point, the students themselves are also directly involved in the class forming process. They are asked to identify learning partners friends from any Y6 class with whom they work well. Each child confidentially puts forward 3 names and is guaranteed to have at least one of them in their new class. These choices provide the Transition Team with valuable information which is used to support staff in establishing the new Year 7 tutor groups.

Once the students start at Senior School their level of independent learning increases considerably, so throughout Year 6 students are encouraged to become more organised with their learning and day to day routines. Part of this preparation involves adjusting

the homework schedule to align it with the schedule students will follow in Year 7.

The BSN recognises that the transition to Senior School marks a significant change in a parents life, so the school also takes steps to ensure theyre also supported and informed throughout the period. In May, Year 6 parents are invited to a special information evening during which they have the opportunity to tour the Senior School as well as ask any questions to members of the Leadership Team. The Transition Team have also recently posted a comprehensive set of FAQs on Gateway which aims to answer any questions parents may have about the transition process just click the Learning tab > Moving to Year 7.

In July, students return to the Senior School for a second transition day during which they will be grouped into their new classes and have the opportunity to meet their new Form Tutor for the first time. This year, for the first time, there will be a cross-school barbeque for Year 6 students and their parents on Saturday 12 July. The idea of this new event is to provide a more informal opportunity for students, parents and staff to get to know each other.

Our current Year 7 students kindly took the time to provide some further reassurance about their experiences of Senior School so far, which may help to quash any uncertainties that current Year 6 children or parents may have about their upcoming move.

Spring 2014|11

Moving on up

MOVINGUP

Dont be too stressed out or over-think things because it is not as challenging as you might think it is. Lucas

I was worried at first but everyone was really nice and it was reassuring that for the first few weeks we werent given homework. Loretta

It was kind of scary at first but everyone at SSV is really nice and I really like it now. Esther

The Senior School seemed tricky at the beginning but now its alright and it seems different from the junior school but still a fun way of learning. Pjotr

Wow, it was an excellent day, the teachers were really supportive and gave us lots of confidence. We are very excited and really looking forward to starting in September. Sarah, Jasmin, Isobel, Holly and Hannah

12|Insight

Every day at the BSN, we see large numbers of children

benefiting from a multi-lingual education. The benefits of

language learning are tangible for people of all ages.

John Coombes, Head of Modern Foreign Languages at the BSN Senior School, explains:

We find that our students benefit from studying more than one language and although there are huge benefits to learning a language at any age, the younger it starts, the better!

From an adult perspective, recent studies suggest learning another language can delay the onset of Alzheimers disease. Its good to know then, that such attention and anti-aging benefits arent exclusive to people who were raised bilingually, but they are also seen in people who learn a second language later in life.

Life-changing language learning

Alongside the schools language learning offer, to students The BSN Language Centre provides the perfect opportunity for adults to experience this too, and has many examples of how this has impacted on peoples lives;

Spring 2014|13

Age is no barrier

Lisa Crilly-McKean Lisa, an expat mother from Staffordshire in the

UK, moved to The Hague in 2013 for her husbands work. Lisa has never lived abroad before, and although many Dutch speak perfect English, she felt awkward not speaking the language. Lisa initially tried studying online, but as she now admits: I foolishly thought I could do it myself.

Now Lisa attends a BSN Language Centre Beginners Introduction course, run at the BSN Vlaskamp campus. Initially, Lisa was concerned about the amount of homework which would be required and explains: The textbooks are easy to use. You can pop in and out of a subject, and it was quite easy for me to catch up when I was ill last month. In addition, our group discusses everything from recipes, our children, telling the time, and I also found the topic of Dutch etiquette to be really helpful.

Along with the day-to-day benefits of learning the Dutch language, she is thrilled to be sharing this experience with her four year old daughter.

I can now practise Dutch with Annabel and I also enjoy being able to communicate with my Dutch neighbours, and in the shops. Raising bilingual children in the UK is not as common as it is here, and I am happy that both my daughter and I are experiencing an enhanced future, because of this opportunity.

Sofio ShavgulidzeSofio applied for a ten week study leave from her

employer, The Ministry of Defence, in her native land of Georgia. Working in Public Relations for the Ministry of Defence, she recognised the value of improving her English speaking skills.

Sofio realised that the opportunity to be more confident when speaking English with foreign diplomats, could potentially advance her career-path: I realised how valuable it is for me to know the internationally important language of English. I already speak Russian, and Georgian, but English is becoming more important. When I studied English in school, I learned the vocabulary, and I could read and write quite well, but I was not confident in my speakinguntil I came here to The BSN Language Centre. Now I can go back to Georgia and do a better job speaking English with the foreigners I meet.

When asked about how she selected the language school while in Georgia, and also her experience during her course, Sofio shared: After reviewing many websites, I chose the BSN Language Centre for two reasons. First, it is British, and secondly, the website was easy to use. I was very nervous at first to speak, but everyone made me feel welcome. Since my cousin lives in Veghel (north of Eindhoven) I also wanted a programme in the Netherlands so I could stay with her.

Sofio returned last month to Georgia with a heightened confidence, and the knowledge that her course of intensive English lessons bring her a better professional future.

The BSN Language Centre offers English and Dutch courses for all ages and levels. For more information, please visit: www.bsnlanguagecentre.nl or call (0)70 315 4080.

The benefits of learning multiple languages

In their book, In other words: the Science and Psychology of Second-Language Acquisition, Ellen Bialystok (professor of psychology) and Kenji Hakuta (professor of education and linguistics) reported that the knowledge of two languages is greater than the sum of its parts and went on to present the evidence:

the linguistic benefits of speaking more than one language are much more than simply being able to speak two languages. If a child is learning two languages whose structures and rules are significantly different to each other, this would require the child to think in more complicated ways. Bilinguals have also been found to outperform monolinguals in reading ability. Finally, these studies have indicated that regardless of the language in use at a present time, both languages are constantly active both phonologically and semantically in bilingual individuals.

14|Insight

A Glossary of school terms and phrases for Junior School parents

As an international school with children and parents joining us from different school systems

from all over the world, or when starting school for the

very first time, the number of abbreviations and acronyms that we all have to deal with

can be confusing. Taking a brief look at this is Vlaskamp Mum,

who moved to the Netherlands last year, and helps make sense

of the educational language that faces newcomers as

they join the BSN.

As well as navigating the uniform policy and the timetable for your childs school week, it is likely that there will also be a few educational terms to get your head around and whilst there are some common terms, many differ from school to school. This can be especially challenging for international families, who may have no previous experience of the British curriculum.

Whether it be KS1, CCA or AEN, we hope to give you a brief explanation of what the various abbreviations that we hear every day actually mean!

FS, KS1, KS2 Breaking down The Key Stages

One of the most important things to know is that our curriculum is organised into blocks of years called Key Stages (KS). These are segmented according to your childs age:

Foundation Stage (FS)Age 3-4

This important stage covers the Foundation 1 (F1) and Foundation 2 (F2) classes, which offer our youngest children a carefully integrated programme of learning. Within the education system it is known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Key Stage 1 (KS1)Age 5-7

This stage covers Years 1 and 2 and introduces topic-based learning around the three pillars of Literacy, Numeracy and Knowledge and Understanding of the World these topics are cross curricular and incorporate geographical and historical perspectives. In addition children learn through Design Technology, Art, Music and Physical Education. Dutch is also taught during Key Stage 1 and continues all the way through Junior School.

Spring 2014|15

Spelling it out

Key Stage 2 (KS2)Age 7-11

This stage covers Years 3 6 and is built on the same topic based approach to learning found in Key Stage 1. Topics are structured to allow children the freedom to explore learning in a stimulating way, fostering their natural enthusiasm and independence. It also introduces them to more subject-based learning, in preparation for their move into Senior School.

Key Stage 3 (KS3) & Key Stage 4 (KS4)

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) & Key Stage 4 (Years

10-11) follow at Senior School, and well include a Senior School Glossary of Terms in the Summer issue of Insight.

Acronyms spelt out!

Co-curricular activities (CCAs)A wide range of clubs, groups and activities

take place both during lunchtime and after school, aimed at offering students the chance to extend and enrich their interests as well as provide opportunities for personal development. Children mix and form new friendships outside their own year group or campus, as they learn new skills or perfect existing ones. The lessons learnt through collaboration on afterschool projects, hours of dance rehearsal or dedicated sporting practice is invaluable. It is through a full range of clubs, activities and sports that students find their true passions and explore opportunities for personal and social development.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Many pupils already speak enough English to access the curriculum, but for those who cannot, support is provided both within the mainstream classroom and in groups by specialist staff. The EAL team are extremely experienced in welcoming children and parents from all around the world for whom English is not their mother tongue.

Additional/Special Educational Needs (AEN/SEN)

Additional Educational Needs is sometimes also known as Special Educational Needs or SEN. The BSN supports families with children with more complex learning needs by providing an extensive range of help, assistance and advice, creating opportunities for the children to develop their full potential.

Teaching Assistants (TAs) & Learning Support Assistants (LSAs)

Assisting the Class Teachers are both TAs (Teaching Assistants) and in some classrooms, LSAs (Learning Support Assistants). The role of the TA is to support the teacher in providing a secure, happy learning environment whilst delivering the curriculum. Learning Support Assistants are part of the SEN team and support individual children

Achievement and Progress Leaders (APLs)

APLs are members of the extended school leadership team and look after the learning, achievement and progress of all of the children in a key stage or phase of the school. They are responsible for finding ways to improve childrens learning, manage the impact of the school curriculum, as well as monitor and evaluate the overall quality of student achievement within their phase.

Words by Lisa Crilly-McKean Expat Mum of 4 year old Annabel, who is currently in Foundation Stage 2 at the BSN, Junior School Vlaskamp.

BSN CAMPUSES IN BRIEFYou will frequently see our school sites referred to by their initials:

SSV Senior School Voorschoten JSV Junior School Vlaskamp JSD Junior School Diamanthorst JSL Junior School Leidschenveen

16|Insight

Stay Connected alumni@britishschool.nl

Ece remembers fondly: I joined the drama club and my highlight was playing the female leading role, Golde, in Fiddler on the Roof. I remember vividly, the Jewish community came to watch one of the performances and were quite surprised when they found out that a Muslim girl was playing a Jewish mother.

Ece Ausman 1978-88, shares her memories of the BSN

Last summer, Mike Weston spotted some pictures of past BSN students he recognised, posted on Facebook by Ece Ausman in a flash, several of the students who featured in the photo had tagged themselves, commented and the chatter had begun.

After leaving the BSN, Ece attended the European Business School in London where she studied Business Administration. In 1989 she returned to Turkey (having left as an 8 month old baby!) and enrolled at Bilkent University in Ankara. After graduation, she worked for

several big international companies in Ankara: Coca-Cola, Mobil Exploration, and The Sheraton Ankara Hotel & Towers. Ece is now married and lives in Istanbul.

Here, Ece, has written of some of her memories of the BSN.

When Mr Weston asked me to write about my time at the BSN I was immediately transported to my seven year old self and the grandeur of the school on Tapijtweg, where we had music lessons up in the attic with Mr Wright. I especially remember listening to Danse Macabre by Camille Saint-Saens. Listening to the music and drawing scenes of graveyards and ghosts on the classroom walls. I would then clatter down the stairs and out into the playground where we played kiss chase!

Once at the Senior School, I really got into sport, languages and drama. Sport taught me about teamwork, competition and discipline. The languages I have learned continue to be a bonus in my life. Our teachers, in all

ALUMNI NEWSIt is quite astonishing how something as simple as posting an image on Facebook can trigger a chain of events that reunite old school friends,

teachers and BSN families and remind us how potent memories of our schooldays can be.

Spring 2014|17

Alumni News

subjects, didnt just teach us the fundamentals; each and every one of them played such an important role in my personality. Who I am today is down to their caring and challenging methods and especially their broad outlook on life.

I joined the drama club and my highlight was playing the female leading role, Golde, in Fiddler on the Roof. I remember vividly, the Jewish community came to watch one of the performances and were quite surprised when they found out that a Muslim girl was playing a Jewish mother.

That was what was so wonderful about studying at the BSN; kids from all over the world, with all kinds of different religious and ethnic backgrounds were united under a roof where the focus was to become world citizens. And that is exactly what I have become.

I have so many fond memories but too little space in which to share them but do want to say that I am forever grateful to all my wonderful teachers.

Teachers are alumni too! Keith and Gaynor Tong were teachers at the BSN for a total of 77 (!) years until their retirement in 2009 and have stayed in touch with large numbers of ex BSN students of all ages. Earlier this year, Keith and Gaynor headed for the West Coast of America where they renewed friendships with several students, some of whom they had not seen for 40 years! Here, Keith explains how the reunions in the USA came about.

In October 2013, Gaynor and I attended a BSN Alumni reunion held in London. It was a very successful evening with about 130 ex-students attending. During the evening, Martin Coles, the Principal, pointed out that I didnt really need a name badge as I had taught all those in the room! That got me thinking and a few months later, whilst planning a visit to the West Coast of America, I posted our

intentions on Facebook. Little did Gaynor and I realise, but the holiday we were planning to celebrate my birthday was going to turn into something much bigger and much more memorable.

Imagine meeting a young boy who you had not seen for 40 years, or meeting a colleague who taught in the same faculty as you years earlier. Imagine a successful ex-student flying from San Francisco to meet up for dinner in San Diego or sharing a joke with a successful musician busy scoring the soundtrack for an upcoming Disney movie. We did all those things and more.

Keith promises to write soon, with details of his and Gaynors American reunions with: Charles Michalec (1980-84), Andrew Jurkiewicz (1971-76), Kris Aasted (1971-76), Joan Fleming (ne Meek) (Staff 1981-90), Mo Mustapha (early 1970s), Paul Overbaugh (1978-83) and Kevin Doucette (1987-98).

Andrew Jurkiewicz (1971-76) then and now!

Muhaimi Mo Mustapha who was at the BSN in the early 1970s

Golden Globe Nomination for BSN Alumnus!

Kevin Doucette (1987-98) left the BSN in the summer of 1998 and obtained a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Queens University in Kingston, Canada. He then attended Berklee Music College in Boston to pursue a career in something at the opposite side of the spectrum: film scoring (writing music for the film industry). In 2005, he graduated from Berklee and headed for Hollywood. Kevin now lives in Santa Monica and works as a Film/TV Composer for award-winning AR Rahman. Kevin s musical engineering talent can be enjoyed in Highway and The Legend of Hercules, both of which were released in February 2014. This year will see the release of Kevins scoring work on the upcoming Disney film, Million Dollar Arm scheduled for release May 2014. When you watch this film, look out for Kevin Doucette, Sound Engineer and BSN Alumnus!

18|Insight

Stay Connected alumni@britishschool.nl

Former BSN students represent the Netherlands

In March, two ex BSN rugby playing students, represented the Netherlands in international matches at the National Rugby Centrum in Amsterdam. Tom Roper (2006-13), who played for the U17s against a British touring team from Wilmslow, Cheshire and Maliq Holden (2009-13), who plays for the U18 Rugby Team which took on Luxembourg and won 25-19.

Maliq will run out for the Netherlands again when they take on Spain in the European Championships in Poland in April keep an eye on Facebook and Twitter for news.

The BSNs first Spirit of Alumni Award Winner, Deirdre Rieutort-Louis

In September 2012, when most of my high school friends were packing their books and pencil cases for university I found myself packing my whisks, spatulas and knives and heading off to culinary school to study pastry at lcole Lentre in Paris. After an intensive six month course I graduated with distinction with the Lnotre masterclass diploma. Just two days later I moved into my new college dorm room at the Culinary Institute of America where I am working towards a Bachelor in Baking and Pastry Arts.

My freshman year was over before I noticed, and it was time to start my 18 week work placement at the 3-star Michelin restaurant Jean-Georges in New York City, where I worked crazy hours in a kitchen during the busy Christmas season making it a unique experience!

I still maintain contact with a lot of my former teachers back at the BSN and it is wonderful to pop into school on the rare vacations that I get (kitchen life is tough!) just to say hello! I had the good fortune to get back into the Senior School Food Technology kitchens to judge a baking competition. It felt strange to walk into the FT kitchen in my chef uniform rather than my BSN uniform!

With every place I have lived and studied in the past two years, I have never stopped carrying the values that I learned at the BSN. Going to a school like this really opens your mind to multiculturalism and new languages. For example, living in the United States has really put my A-Level Spanish to good use and Im extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to master this language at school.

So where are you actually from? is a question I have been asked a lot since I left the British School. I am French and (even though I have picked up a rather noticeable American accent after only a few months here), being at the BSN for 14 years has really made me a citizen of the world.

Spring 2014|19

VACATION RENTALLarge private villa (sleeps 11) overlooking the north end of Lago di Garda in northern Italy

Additional pictures, rental availability and rates are available on www.homeaway.com/152915 We offer a 20% discount off the published rates to the BSN community of staff, families and alumnae For more information, please call Ginny Mees on (06) 3979 0178 or email ginmees@gmail.com

VILLA TEggIOLE

Luxury duplex apartment in Calis near Fethiye

An intensive, but fun, introductory programme

for new EAL students joining the BSN

in September 2014

Monday Sept 1 to Thurs Sept 4 from 9:30 to 15:30

For children aged 5 to 16 Groups will be based on age and level

Attendance is based on recommendation of the EAL level of your child. If youd like to register your child, please email languages@britishschool.nl

or call 070 315 4080. You must first register your child before applying to the workshops. Deadlines: EAL Programme - 28 July 2014

Workshops - 25 August 2014

Two workshops for newly arrived parents to make you feel at home here at the school and in the Hague

Dutch Language and Culture Tues Sept 4 from 9:30 to 12:00

BSN English Thurs Sept 6 from 9:30 to 12:00

EAL Welcome Programme Two Language WorkshopsIncluding

20|Insight

The Family AssociationNews from

Flexibility is in season this spring. Members of the BSN community, frequently demonstrate flexibility to an unprecedented level. Not

one of us has escaped the Nuclear Security Summit and its far-reaching impact on everyday life in this part of The Netherlands

and the Family Association is no exception.

Family Association, Chairman Anne Nielsen de Brard writes: Despite many months of planning for the International Festival when we discovered it was on the same weekend as the summit, we knew that we would have to reschedule. This was no mean feat and meant that more than 150 participants, actors and parents rearranged their weekend plans and were happy to co-operate with a new date. I was struck by how incredibly generous and flexible the BSN community can be. I am sure many of you have stories about flexibility: rescheduling holidays, social activities etc However, I always find it incredible when it involves so many people and how seamlessly they can adapt. Well done to all those involved with the International Festival traditionally one of our most successful events!

Having been part of the FA for many years now, I know that there are periods of change which impact our wonderful team of volunteers. Right now, we can enjoy the luxury of having two strong team leaders again! Ute Limacher-Riebold is our new Sessions Team leader and has already planned sessions on how to use Gateway, as well as nutrition and eating disorders in early teens, expat life and mindfulness (keep an eye on Gateway for dates). Mirjam Stommen is our Social Team

leader and her head is full of great ideas, so watch out for activities starting soon.

We are very pleased to welcome our new secretary Mariska Rupcic, who will take our precious minutes. These can be found on our FA pages on Gateway click on the Community tab > Family Association > scroll down to find Minutes.

Thank you to Ute, Mirjam and Mariska for joining the Family Association organising team we welcome everyone in the BSN community to join in our activities. Michelle-Jane from the Bring and Buy Team, would welcome a few volunteers to help her organise the Bring & Buy Sale (these take place only three times a year). Jackie Lockwood, from the Second Hand Uniform Team, is always happy to share her experience of selling second hand uniforms and in June, when the Summer Fair takes place, we will all hear Lisa Brunslevs voice calling, or shall I say shouting, for volunteers!

Please dont hold back get in touch and let us know if you can help out for a few hours.

Have a lovely spring.

Anne Nielsen de Brard

Make a date Friday 16 May Bring & Buy Sale including Second Hand Uniform 09:3014:00 JSLSaturday June 28 Summer Fair 11:0016:00 JSL Every Week Drop in Coffee Mornings Friday 8:409:45 JSV Thursday 9:0010:00 JSD Wednesday 9:0010:00 JSL Tuesday 9:3010:45 SSV

Spring 2014|21

News from the Family Association

The Family Association

Ute Limacher-Riebold first found out about the Family Association when her son started at the BSN in 2007. Having had previous experience in organising events she thought it would be a great opportunity to become leader of the Sessions Team and coordinate valuable and informative talks about various topics relevant for families living an international life.

Ute is a multilingual expat-since-birth and an Adult Third Culture Kid. She explains: my passport says Im German, but I never lived in my parents home country. I was born in Switzerland, grew up in Italy, studied and worked in Switzerland, Italy and France before moving to the Netherlands in 2005 with my husband and son. My daughters were born in the Netherlands a year later. Like many trailing spouses, Ute had to reinvent herself when she arrived in this country: I have a PhD in French medieval literature and worked as a researcher and lecturer in Italian and French Literature and Linguistics. I am now a language teacher, writer, blogger and I am helping internationally living families feel at home abroad.

Im really looking forward to planning and organising Sessions with the support of other driven members of our community.

It was during the new parents coffee morning at the BSN that Mirjam Stommen was invited to join the Family Association by one of its members. Mirjam experienced firsthand how the people around you can make all the difference in ones life when living abroad. Having met some of her dearest friends during coffee mornings and trips organised by the school her children were attending, she decided to join the Social Team as its leader.

Mirjam spent the majority of her life in different parts of The Netherlands before moving to Egypt in 2008. She tells us When my husband got the opportunity to work for The Netherlands Embassy in Egypt we took the chance. I quit my job and our whole family had an amazing time in Cairo. It was a challenge at some points, but we never regretted our decision to go as it has enriched our lives in many ways. Now back home her family is facing the challenge of finding their way again.

Little by little we all are settling well. The kids are happy again. My husband is getting used to his new routines, and now it is my time.

I love meeting new people, connecting people and helping new people make a good start in the Netherlands.

Mariska Rupcic our new Family Association Secretary.

Welcome to our new team leaders

22|Insight

The school calendar is packed with events taking place across the BSN these range from performances to international days, prizegiving to book weeks, performances to expeditions. Here are just a few of the events that have taken place this term keep an eye on Gateway and Facebook for daily news.

Events

Fairtrade at JSLThis term the children and staff at JSL were

involved in a variety of special activities during Fairtrade Fortnight. Last year just one class took part, but the level of participation increased significantly this year, with six classes from Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 involved.

Throughout the fortnight the children wrote emails and letters to supermarkets and food companies around the world to lobby them to sell more Fairtrade products. Visitors to JSL will have also seen the wonderful display in the reception area, which included some very informative facts as well as a number of exceptional Fairtrade themed pieces of artwork.

The Fairtrade Fortnight culminated in a banana cake baking competition in which, no less than 25 cakes were entered. The cakes were enjoyed by everyone who came along to a special Fairtrade tea-party held in the school hall, including a number of specially invited guests from the local community as well as The Principal, Dr Martin Coles. Many congratulations to the winner Yasmine Fredj as well as all of the runners up Emma Stock, Lucas Ciric, Ben Stevens and James Trenchard.

The project was organised by Year 4 Teacher Richard Human who was taken aback by the commitment

levels of everyone involved: I was particularly struck by the way our school embraced the event and the way the movement grew in such a short space of time. In order for this to happen great teamwork was required to give it life. Starting small and letting the event grow organically made the whole project fulfilling for all those involved. I believe many of us, adults and children alike, felt that we had ownership of the way the fortnight unfolded. All those involved were genuinely open to learning and willing to change themselves, and they also took time to learn about another community and its culture.

Speaking on the wider impact of the project, Richard added: In only ten days the children have understood that they can make a difference to the world in which they live, by persuading others to change their habits. They understand that without their input, we will not have a successful community. They also know a little more about the plight of farmers in other parts of the world, whilst producing artwork that they never considered possible.

Richard summed up with a further point: Many important lessons were learnt during the two weeks, not least by those who attended the Tea Party and who now know that eating 25 slices of banana cake in a single afternoon might not be such a great idea!

Spring 2014|23

BSN News: Events

Students host Open DayOn 5 February, the BSN offered prospective

students, their families and other guests an opportunity to visit and tour the campuses during a school day. Tours of each school were conducted by student ambassadors and wherever possible, in the native language of the child. Sixty two families paid the BSN a visit. While the visitors were very impressed with the calibre of the BSN, it was the ambassadors who received the highest praise. Everyone commented on the students welcoming nature, level of maturity and insight whilst showing visitors around the school.

Two of our ambassador stars from JSL, Eveline de Bekker and Max van der Snel shared their experience from the Open Day both Dutch, Eveline (11), and Max (10) joined the BSN a year ago and said of the visits:

My favourite part was showing people the Library and The Music Room. I liked being able to show that how we learn is different. At my old school we had language, spelling, maths before break, and all we did was work by ourselves. Here it is a learning lesson, and there is lots of help, said Eveline.

Max shared: Teachers show the school differently. Children show it how we know it. I am very happy at BSN.

Here we use interactive learning: doing, instead of just reading and memorising.

At Senior School the prospective families were shown around by students from Years 12 and 13 who were available to speak an array of languages including Russian, Dutch, French as well as Italian. Without exception, the visitors who had a tour of the school were extremely complimentary about the students who showed them around.

The JSD Language Ambassadors, and some of Year 6 were chosen to be tour guides, Harshini from D6CP commented: I was really happy because the lady liked and appreciated the tour. I enjoyed it.

Each of the families who returned from their tours of JSV were just as complimentary about the Y6 students that showed them around and commented on what a fantastic job they had done in representing the school.

Archaeologists for the DayThis term JSV Year 3 enjoyed a fascinating insight into the world of Archaeology, during which the children were

more than happy to get their hands dirty whilst participating in a range of interesting and exciting activities. Throughout the day the children learnt and discovered all about the techniques and tools applied within an archaeologists day to day work, including surveying, excavating and analysing the artefacts they find in the ground.

The children were also very fortunate to hear directly from a trained Archaeologist, none other than Ms Apps, who closed the day with an interactive demonstration on the processes and different stages of an excavation project, from the early planning right the way through to delivering the artefacts to a museum.

Junior Schools Celebrate Internationalism JSV and JSL both celebrated their International Days this term in recognition of the cultural diversity of the BSN.

Both days began with a colourful and spectacular costume parade in front of the parents, in which the children dressed up in an array of spectacular international outfits from either their country of origin, or simply a country of their choice.

The children later returned to their classrooms to participate in a host of internationally themed activities during which they expanded their knowledge and understanding of other cultures and traditions.

An International Day would not be complete without food and this year was no exception with the children and parents preparing a range of delicious dishes from around the world for the children and staff to feast on!

JSD will also celebrate International Day towards the end of the term so look out for photos on the Gateway and Facebook.

24|Insight

Students Teach the TeachersProfessional development is something thats

highly valued across the BSN and as part of their recent Staff Development Day, Junior School Diamanthorst decided to try something slightly different. Seven Year 6 students were invited to share their knowledge and expertise with the teachers and facilitate a session on using the iPad as a learning tool.

Earlier in the term all Year 6 students were invited to apply for the opportunity to become a Digital Leader. The students submitted their applications which included a video promoting their skills and suitability for the role. Seven students were shortlisted and even though just six positions were available the standard was so high that all seven were offered a job.

During the Staff Development Day the students each ran a breakout group, and supported the teachers who were tasked with producing a short film, music or animation using a range of iPad apps such as iMovie and GarageBand. Not only did this provide the opportunity for the students to demonstrate their skills to the staff, but the session also stimulated some very interesting ideas and inspiration for the teachers to take away and use with other students.

The Digital Leaders showed confidence and capability and relished their opportunity to teach the teachers a thing or two! As one of the students, Jules Battaglia, explained afterwards: It was terrific, I really enjoyed the experience and opportunity to demonstrate my skills in using an iPad as a learning tool.

JSD Learning Technology Manager Craig McNeil who coordinated the training session added: The children worked exceptionally hard. They dont often get the opportunity to work with teachers in this way and they clearly enjoyed it! Our students have a lot

of experience with technology and this was an ideal platform for them to share it with our teaching staff and I know that our teachers learned some new tricks that they will share with their classes too.

NASA Astronaut Visits JSV The children at JSV received a special treat this

term when they welcomed Steven Smith, NASA Astronaut. Steve Smith is a veteran of four space flights covering 16 million miles and seven space walks totalling 49 hours and 25 minutes in space. Smiths space walks place him in the top five of the all-time American and World space walk duration lists. He joined NASA in 1989 in the Mission Operations Directorate, and has received three awards from NASA: NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, NASA Space Flight Medal and NASA Exceptional Service Medal.

JSV Deputy Head, Chris Bailey was enthusiastic about their esteemed visitor: Steve provided a fascinating insight into life in space, on-board shuttles and the International Space Station. He talked about the effect of zero-gravity on the body and the difficulties of carrying out the simplest of everyday hygiene tasks. Following the KS2 assembly, he then talked with the Year 4 classes in relation to their current topic, Journeys. They will now use his visit as a stimulus for further research and learning. Maybe the first person to walk on Mars is growing up in our school nowhis visit to JSV was certainly a very exciting one.

Spring 2014|25

BSN News: Events

THIMUN 2014: Focus on Africa

Over 3000 students from 190 schools worldwide, including 110 BSN students, descended on The World Forum at the end of January for The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) 2014. The focus for this year was AFRICA: Transformations and the Challenges.

The BSN was especially well represented at the opening ceremonies at the start of the week. With an International Choir comprised of both junior and senior students from the BSN and ISH. The BSN band also accompanied the very impressive flag parade on the opening day.

During a recent interview, seventeen year old BSN student Matthew Albon, talked about his role as Deputy President of the THIMUN Security Council: I have been fortunate enough to attend two THIMUN conferences, once as the Delegate of the Russian Federation in 2013, and in 2014, as the Deputy President of the Security Council. As a result, I have experienced debate from both sides, as a delegate fighting to get my countrys objectives into the resolution in question, and as the Expert Chair on

the question of the Syrian Arab Republic. Both experiences left me as a better person, with a deeper understanding of important topics on the world stage.

Veronica White, worked as a member of the Press Team and summed up her experience with good humour:

THIMUN is about passing resolutions, dressing in business clothes, getting up early, staying out late, and meeting incredible people from all over the world. Its a week of having responsibilities, whether youre a delegate and have to represent your assigned country, or an admin, having to pass notes no matter how much your feet are killing you. In a nutshell, its about having fun and learning about how the United Nations really works.

Nothing represents the city of The Hague, which is known as the International City of Peace and Justice, quite like seeing these young people and our future leaders getting involved at The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN). THIMUN began as a local MUN conference in The Hague in 1968 and The British School in The Netherlands has ties reaching back to its formation more than forty-five years ago.

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26|Insight

JSD Book Week JourneyThere was a real buzz around the corridors and

classrooms of JSD earlier this term as the children, staff and parents marked World Book Day with a variety of exciting activities. The theme was Journeys and began with teachers decorating their classroom doors with the theme of a book of their choice, the children from other classes then had to guess the title of the book with further clues provided by the host teachers, who read extracts to the visiting classes.

Visitors to JSD could not fail to spot the big red bus parked in the atrium which drew children towards the Book Bus Stop. Children were encouraged to stop for a few minutes to read as well as deposit any old books they may have already read, in exchange for one dropped off by one of their peers during the week.

Wednesday was a special day as it marked the opening of the new JSD library and media centre, during which every class made a special visit to check out the new facilities, which include new pod seating, as well as new shelving, carpets and a brand new media area. The occasion was also marked with an intricately designed book themed cake created and baked especially for the occasion by former JSD and current Senior School Y7 student Ellie Dodson.

Thursday saw the children taken on a journey through a painting, based on Van Goghs famous Wheatfields with Crows, which had been recreated by Y4. The younger children paired with the older classes

This section provides a spotlight on just some of the many experiences in which our students and children participate during their time at BSN.

Experience

and were asked to imagine walking through the painting as the older children scribed their ideas, which were collated to form an intriguing story mountain.

The week culminated in a parade through the school in which the children and teachers dressed up as characters from a journey-related book, marking a spectacular end to a fantastic week.

World Book Day was also marked at JSL in a very different but equally meaningful way as the children donated books to the Read to Grow charity which supports education in 10 of the worlds poorest countries. By doing so, it provided many children with more opportunities to experience the joy of reading as well as the chance for an education and a better future.

Spring 2014|27

BSN News: Experience

THANK YOU! from Team Kenya 2014

It is at this time of the year that the students heading for Kenya this summer, reflect on their fundraising success and really start to plan and look forward to their adventure at the end of the school year. With the generosity and support of BSN parents, students and staff, these students Eoin Gearty, Temur Mengliev, Alex Atack, Ethan Simpson, Harry Sheahan, Nathan Hart, Jess Berry, Anne Laycock, Misha Quick, Maaike Brown, Saskia Connelly and Isabel Perez have raised an astonishing 18,603.69 to date.

Since their selection in April 2013, these twelve students have worked tirelessly to raise additional funds for projects at Ndege Primary School which will pay for a new classroom, desks and chairs, water collection and storage tanks and the BSN Breakfast Programme for 2015. The money was raised through 27 different activities run by both students and parents and have ranged from Bake Sales, Book Swaps and Discos, to a Football Camp, Rock Night and Quiz Night too. Private donations are making their mark on the fundraising front as Expedition Kenya enters its fourth year of existence.

Organising these fundraising projects is an essential part of the preparation that each student goes through before heading for Kenya they need to learn resilience and the ability to work well in teams ahead of their trip. This years team will now give advice and support to their successors who have passed a rigorous written application and interview process to take part in the expedition to Kenya in the summer of 2015. Very many congratulations to: Tega Akati-Udi, Cara Campbell, Thirza Clayton, Antonio Colangelo, Bjarne Drusch, Ciaran Foley, William Goedbloed, Tessa Inglis, Julia Moss, George Ostapishin, Marcus Turner, Rebecca Wells.

Literary Soire On 3 February, more than 100 Senior School

students, family and staff welcomed award-winning writer, Fouad Laroui, A Prix Goncourt (Frances top literary prize), Moroccan novelist and professor at the University of Amsterdam, for a debate about his novel

Une anne chez les Franais and around the themes of identity, culture shock and education. This story, is of a painfully shy and bookish ten year old Moroccan child, Mehdi, who wins a scholarship to study at the illustrious Lycee Lyautey in Casablanca. His struggle to overcome shyness, and to adjust to the cultural and socio-economic differences is dramatic, but written with a sincere sense of humour.

This was truly an exciting opportunity to have such a prestigious visitor talk to our students!, said Chantal Rieutort-Louis, of the Modern Foreign Language Faculty.

The novel was part of the first selection of the prestigious Goncourt literary prize in 2010. In addition, the novelist has been awarded the 2013 Goncourt novel prize for his book Ltrange affaire du pantalon de Dassoukine.

Team Kenya 2015: Tega Akati-Udi, Cara Campbell, Thirza Clayton, Antonio Colangelo, Bjarne Drusch, Ciaran Foley, William Goedbloed, Tessa Inglis, Julia Moss, George Ostapishin, Marcus Turner, Rebecca Wells.

Children of Ndege Primary school enjoying porridge provided by the BSN funded Breakfast Programme

Team Kenya 2014: Eoin Gearty, Temur Mengliev, Alex Atack, Ethan Simpson, Harry Sheahan, Nathan Hart.Jess Berry, Anne Laycock, Misha Quick, Maaike Brown, Saskia Connelly, Isabel Perez

28|Insight

Pole to Pole with Year 4 at JSDEarlier in the year JSD Year 4 battled harsh winds and cold climates in the pursuit of learning all about the Arctic

and Antarctica, before sharing their knowledge during a fascinating and captivating expedition to the North and South Poles at a special whole school assembly at the start of this term.

The intrepid explorers had covered all aspects of the curriculum including research skills into Arctic tribes, the characteristics of a polar bear, temperature, weather and the use of thermometers. The explorers had even built an igloo to shelter from the cold!

The next learning journey took the explorers on a race to the Poles before taking on the role of Antarctic Scientists as they studied penguins, their insulating properties as well as local weather conditions by creating a weather station. Each of the explorers also took an extra expedition at home to produce a poster board filled with information about famous explorers or animals in the Antarctic. By the end of their journey theyd also created e-books about being an explorer, learnt how to draw cartoon animals from the Antarctica, made a clay penguin and learnt all about the journey of an Emperor penguin and their battles for survival.

The start of the journey had begun with Year 4 noting down and recording everything theyd like to learn about the Poles before they embarked on their journey, luckily all the questions had been answered and registered in a special class book, Mr Poppers Penguins!

Getting ready for the bees!With spring in the air, the Senior Schools

Environment Committee were able to pay a visit to the Eco Garden and take a look at early signs of progress among the wild flowers and seeds that were sown last year. The students inspected the new bee-hive which was delivered recently, and learned a few astounding facts about bees from Mr Weston, the schools archivist and expert naturalist.

Did you know ?

Recent research has shown that bees may be capable of a degree of recognition of human faces. They appear to make out faces the same way we do. They take parts like eyebrows, lips and ears and cobble them together to make the whole face. This is called configural processing.

Bees use the sun as a compass and when its cloudy, they navigate by polarised light. Bee scouts, returning to the hive, indicate to other bees the presence, location and quality of good food sources by means of a figure-of-eight dance.

Bees are natures most economical builders not only are honeycombs one of the most efficient structures in nature they are also the most precise the walls meet at a 120-degree angle, creating a perfect hexagon.

The Environment Committee is made up of three

groups Waste, Energy and Biodiversity. It is this third group which is responsible for keeping an eye on the garden, and who are eagerly awaiting the arrival of bees to inhabit the hive. They will not arrive for a few more weeks as the habitat to sustain a hive must have time to grow and blossom. Keep an eye on Gateway and Facebook for more news from the Biodiversity team soon.

Spring 2014|29

BSN News: Experience

Debaters retain COBIS titleIn early February, the BSN hosted the second COBIS World Debate Competition. This prestigious challenge saw

over 90 students from 15 schools representing 11 countries from Europe and the Middle East converge on the BSN to battle it out for the title. The competition saw some eloquent and passionate debating conducted in good spirit and humour and without doubt, many of those students who took part are destined to be orators of the future!

The BSN, as hosts, had two teams in the competition the first team made it through to the final of the Plate competition and beat Berlin British School for the honours, and the second team went head to head with the British School of Bucharest and won by a margin to claim the title.

So, what is the secret to successful debating? Felix Bishton thinks that listening to others is the key: In order to debate successfully you must be a good orator but it is also important to listen in order to discover

the opponents arguments: this is the art of debating rather than speech making.

Colin Bell, Executive Director of COBIS, the Competitions sponsors congratulated all the students who participated in the 2014 COBIS World Debate Competition and added: The quality and high standard of debating was excellent. A true showcase of team work, respect, good humour and intellectual agility. It was an honour and a privilege for COBIS to be associated with such talented students who represented COBIS schools from across Europe and the Middle East. Sincere thanks to the competition hosts and worthy winners, The British School in The Netherlands who retain the trophy for a second year you have every reason to be extremely proud!

Learning and Developing Best PracticeJunior and Senior School teaching staff have participated in a number of innovative training programmes

this term. Those involved in the Middle Leaders Development Programme attended a session in which they linked up for a video conference with Dr. Ken Cochrum, author of the book Close: Leading Well Across Distance and Cultures. Hosted at JSL by Headteacher David Porritt, the session focussed on leadership styles and covered the core attributes and behaviours which form part of the DNA of a successful leader. The session involved staff from each of the BSNs four schools and provided a forum for discussion about the leadership challenges currently faced in leading an international organisation.

Later in the term JSL also hosted a visit from Helen Lever the Headteacher at St Johns Primary Academy in the UK. David Porritt was part of the OfSTED team that inspected St Johns which was classified as outstanding and has since sustained a level of excellence as well as gaining Academy status. Junior School Leidschenveen have kept close links with St Johns ever since and a number of staff have visited the school over the years to learn and observe their teaching, learning and assessment practices first hand. During her visit to the BSN Helen facilitated a workshop for junior school teaching staff, during which they learnt about current teaching methods, ideas and recommendations that UK inspectors are focusing on.

Looking ahead, JSL and St Johns are planning to continue and build upon their reciprocal ties by establishing classroom links, organising video conferences as well as further professional exchanges between staff.

30|Insight

Spring Art Exhibitions

The BSN Art Department is busier than ever, with 43 Year 11 students taking GCSE Art and Design this year, and 61 students in Year 10, who will take their exams next summer. Students studying GCSE must demonstrate skilful resourcing, recording (including photography and sketching), exploring an idea, learning from other artists, risk taking, experimenting, composition planning, design concepts and analysis. The majority of this is done in practical ways.

Students this year have demonstrated a range of skills through their coursework which constitutes 60% of their final mark the work has included a design-based fabric printing project from initial still life drawings; individual items of portfolio, most including a sculpture; and a project in a medium of their own choice this includes painting, collage, mixed media, sculpture, relief, textiles, printing, ceramics. Students develop an outcome from subject matter they have chosen and photographed.

This years standard appears to be high, although the exam component, which is 40% of the final mark, has still to be tackled. From this Years group we have 26 students wanting to move onto A Level Art or IB Visual Arts.

As we go to print with Insight, the IB and A Level exhibition has opened, with displays from 14 students whose different nationalities French, Italian, Dutch, Russian, Austrian and British are reflected in much of their work

This section showcases the breadth of artistic talent amongst our students by highlighting just some of the arts-related activities that have taken place this term.

The Arts

Rocky Daroen Y13 A Level

Zara Saunders, Y11 GCSE

Spring 2014|31

BSN a centre for music exam boardsThe British School In The Netherlands is the official centre for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of

Music ABRSM exams in the Netherlands, and each year our students join other children who travel from all over the country to participate in these external music exams. The exams are designed to motivate music students of all levels and ages, giving them a series of realistic goals and rewards for their achievements at a variety of levels and grades covering 35 instruments and subjects.

Earlier in the year our students achieved some impressive grades when the ABRSM exams took place, some of the stand out successes include: Loris Held Distinction Grade 4, Violin; Ruben Kill Distinction Grade 2, Piano; Cecelia Cardozo Distinction Grade 1, Violin and Grade 2 piano; Lucy Kirkwood Distinction Grade 5, Recorder; Nicole Ching Distinction Grade 5, Cello

The BSN is also an official registered Exams Center for Trinity Music School and even though no exams took place this academic year, further exams are planned for 2014/15.

BSN News: The Arts

Junior Schools Choir DayOn Thursday 13 February, Junior School

Vlaskamp was filled with the joyful sounds of singing when choirs from the International School of Amsterdam and the British School of Amsterdam joined the junior schools for the annual Junior Schools Choir Day hosted by Olivia Hube and Diana Huijser.

After a warm welcome from Sue Aspinall, Headteacher of JSV, the day began with full body and vocal warm-ups causing much hilarity amongst children and adults alike. This was followed by the first practice of the communal song Chicka-hanka, a groovy track labourers song with a catchy melody and four riffs.

After quite extensive work on our communal song it was time for each choir to perform their own programmes. The International School of Amsterdam entertained us first. Next came the Year 6 Choir from Junior School Leidschenveen directed and accompanied by Gillian Weinberg, who gave spirited performances of Aint gonna let nobody a traditional American song, and Raise Your Voice, from the musical, Sister Act. The British School of Amsterdam

gave two beautiful performances, and were followed by the Junior School Diamanthorst choir introduced by their director Clare Seymour. Their delightful singing was accompanied by two accomplished djembe players. The last choir to perform before lunch was the JSV Chamber Choir. They began by singing Owl written by their director, Olivia Hube and then went on to perform a favourite from their repertoire, Africa written by David Paich and made famous by Toto.

After a picnic lunch, and a welcome half hour of dry and almost sunny weather in the magnificent JSV grounds, the choirs reconvened for the final session of communal singing. One last practice to polish up our act, and it was time for Ms Sue Aspinall to open up the hall doors and invite classes around the school to stop what they were doing and listen to the glorious sound of 5 school choirs singing together. Choir Day is a fantastic opportunity for children to listen to other choirs and sing together. We look forward to next years event wherever it may be!

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ISTA Drama Festival in Lisbon

In February 2014, ten Senior School students took part in the ISTA Drama Festival in Portugal which was hosted by St Julians School, in Lisbon. The students worked in cross-school ensemble groups and created unique performances, attended drama workshops, and of course toured the area. Here is what a few students had to say about their experience.

Conrad Scheafer: What a trip! This trip I genuinely enjoyed. It opened a door for me that I didnt know was even there. I would recommend this trip to anyone. Frankly, I had one of the best times of my life so far. And I am sure this experience will stay in my memory for years

to come. A tremendous trip! I just wish it was longer. Conrad has written an account of his ISTA

experience which can be found on the Media Crew blog page on Gateway (Whats On > Media Crew)

It was a great experience and being part of the music ensemble let me appreciate the other groups work and gave me a chance to work with others. Rhiannon Breare

I had so much fun meeting new people and trying new activities. the location was ace and the people were all so nice! I really hope to get the chance to be able to go again ! Sophie Roper

It was such a great weekend, It was so much fun making new friends and learning new things. I just wish that it was longer, abrigada !! Ashlynn White

Gordonstoun Pipers visit JSLChildren from all three junior schools gathered

in the JSL Sports Hall earlier this term for a special performance by the Gordonstoun School Choir. The impressive choir made up from Year 5, 6, 7 and 8 students had travelled from Scotland to perform a widely varying repertoire including well known songs from the movies Spiderman and James Bond.

Aside from the amazing Scottish bag pipes the performance included singing and the playing of various instruments from the brass, woodwind and percussion sections. In between the songs, BSN students were taught how the instruments are played and a couple of lucky children even got the opportunity to play the bag pipes themselves!

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ISST Teams on TourThe first weekend in March we saw four Senior

School teams travelling to Zurich (boys basketball), Milan (girls basketball), Brussels (rugby) and London (swim) for the International School Sports Competitions (ISST). From the side lines and poolside we have the following to report:

BSN Boys Basketball: this young team worked really well together, winning their first game against SJH Milano (39-30). The second match had them up against powerhouses Zurich International School (who ultimately went on to win the championship) and BSN unfortunately lost this match (61-21). The boys came 7th overall and were commended for their impeccable behaviour both on and off the court.

BSN Girls Basketball: this young squad started with a win against Bonn International School (21-7). Then they played the stronger, experienced American International School in Israel and lost (40-12). BSN got off to a flying start against Munich International School and posted a win (38-21), but Vienna International School proved too strong and won the fourth game (4513). The girls then met ASI again for the bronze medal match, and whilst they played well they just missed out on a medal, finishing in 4th place overall. Special congratulations

go to Benedetta Sechi (Y9) for being selected for the All Tournament team, an amazing achievement by our youngest squad member!

BSN Rugby Team: coaches said this was one of the tightest tournaments of the last few years, with all six participating teams having lost only one game by the end of day one. BSNs first defeat from Vienna was very close, but the boys stuck with it and won against Cobham, with the deciding factor being a final conversion hitting the crossbar. Paris was the team to beat to claim a medal position and the BSN were playing fantastic rugby. Sadly, in the end the winning Paris try was planted by an ex-BSN player. In the final match they gave Brussels a real run for their money in front of a large crowd of home supporters.

BSN Swim Team: took to the water in the London Olympic Aquatic Centre and, with its youngest team ever, competed hard and achieved an impressive 57 personal best times, in the 67 events entered. Both the varsity girls and varsity boys teams won Bronze in the Medley Relays. Kassidy Dawn finished as the ISST champion in the girls junior 100m breaststroke and won an impressive Bronze medal in the girls junior 100m freestyle final. Jack Davies twice broke the ISST 100m breaststroke record on his way to the gold medal and the ISST title in the varsity boys division. Overall the team finished a creditable 5th out of 13 schools and can look forward to a bright future in the years to come.

A hearty congratulations to all of our athletes for a job well done!

We would like to thank all those parents, staff and students who took photos of the matches and kept us up to date with progress on Twitter and Facebook.

BSN News: The Arts and Sport

Sport is a big part of life at the BSN and this section provides a snapshot of just some of the many sporting activities in which our students are involved.

Sport

Junior Inter-House Sports Children of Years 4 and 5 have taken part in the

this years Junior Schools House Sports Competitions.Rather than competing for their schools the

children have been representing their houses meaning that the children havent had very long to become acquainted with their new teammates, as the teams representing Amsterdam, Delft, Gouda and Leiden competed for this years Championship.

Two action packed mornings produced some outstanding games of football, unihoc, dodgeball and benchball, but it was Gouda who ultimately triumphed to take this years Y4 title and Delft who took home the Y5 trophy.

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Sam represents GB at Viking Race

BSNs very own Sam Airey (Year 10) became the first British Speed Skater to ever compete and represent GB in the European Youth Championships (Viking Race) in Heerenveen. Sam carried the national flag, a particularly auspicious honour as this was Sams first international speed skating competition.

During the two day competition, Sam skated four races, and posted personal bests in three of his four races. The fact that Sam qualified for the Viking Race in his adopted home of the Netherlands (the country that won 23 of the 36 possible speed skating Olympic medals last month in Sochi) is made even more impressive by the fact he is in the top 5% of all speed skaters in his region of South Holland, which is comprised of mostly Dutch skaters.

Sam said: Skating here is like football in England. Pretty much everyone watches it, and the Dutch find it really cool to have a British person skating.

Sam was recently interviewed by the BBC, during the build-up to the Winter Olympics in Sochi and has been earmarked as one of the top British prospects for the future. Well done Sam!

COBIS Games Squads Announced

Congratulations to the students from both our Junior and Senior Schools who, in the face of fierce competition and an extremely high standard of sportsmanship, have been selected to compete in this years COBIS Games.

The Junior COBIS Games is for students in Years 5 and 6 and will be held over four days from 29 May1 June. This competition is in its third year, having been hosted by the BSN last year, and this year will be hosted by reigning champions, The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.

Months of training and trials culminated in the announcement of the final team just before half term. The BSN Junior COBIS Games team is: Maisie Oxlade, Maisie Robinson, Lucia van den Boogaart Castro, Eleanor Russell, Ezinma Herler, Maddison Dawn, Giulia Alippi, Gerald Ikazoboh, Findlay Donnelly, Kasper Kranker, Caleb Ellis, Tobi Synnott, Matei Vasile, Jules Battaglia and Gabriel Del Rio Delgado.

These fifteen students will return from half term, ready to train hard to compete in swimming, basketball and football competitions at the Games.

This year will see the inaugural Senior COBIS Games for students in Years 7 and 8 this new competition will be hosted by The British International School Istanbul (BISI) in Turkey from 14-18 May.

As with the Junior squad, the BSN Senior COBIS Games squad was announced just before the half term break. Congratulations to the following athletes who will represent the BSN in Istanbul: Dario Podda, Tom Hare, Leopold Gruber, Michael Paton, Tobe Obiorah, Conor Dawn, Neil Hutchinson, Ellie Danilewicz, Gabriela Millward Vazquez, Ceri Ellis, Meryl Smith, Francesca Sorrentino, Maya Ball and Ailsa Philbin.

Differing slightly from the Junior Games, the Seniors will compete in athletics, swimming and football competitions.

With a challenging training schedule leading up to the Games, the hard work starts now!

Good luck to both our teams and well keep you posted with news in the build up to the competitions.

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BSN News: Sport

BSN Run the City Pier CityThe BSN were heavily represented at this years

City-Pier-City run in The Hague earlier this term. 120 children from JSD participated in the 1km or 2.5km distance, including budding young athletes from as young as Foundation 1 right the way through to the older children in Year 6. Ten JSD members of staff competed in the 5km, 10km and half marathon including Headteacher Mrs Parry-Davies who completed the 10km run for the second successive year!

The BSN contingent also included twelve Senior School staff members, and students who all enjoyed a fun day running in the sun. Even though it was hot, heaving

and hard going some runners hit their targets including Guy Mance who surprised everyone with his time of 1 hour 50 for the half marathon and has got to be an outside bet for sports personality of the year, along with Sven de Bruin who clocked the fastest time amongst the staff. The athletes will now rest, recuperate and gather strength for the Leiden half Marathon.

Special thanks to all the parent helpers including JSD parents Mrs Lochead and Mrs van der Merwe. Everybody involved had a fantastic day to remember.

Preparation is key When a young gymnast gets up to compete they

go out there on their own. Theres nowhere to hide. Its just them and the judges and the moves or routine that they have spent months perfecting just for that moment. In school gymnastics terms, that moment doesnt get any bigger than GISGA. 330 girls, 25 schools and 2 full days of intense competition.

This year, for some it was a dream come true, for others their worst nightmare. The star of the weekend was unquestionably Ella van Zoest making history as the first ever BSN individual GISGA champion. She helped make up a strong and ultimately successful U15 Team who finished third overall and in the Group Sequence.

For the Under 13 team it was the nightmare scenario. Illness and injury hit relentlessly on the day and laid to rest any chances the team had of placing in the top 6. The girls did themselves proud despite the disappointment of the final result.

The Under 11 team are beginners by any standards, and their 10th place is a credit to their togetherness as a group and their ability to learn fast from this experience. The Under 10 team, looking back, were also on the verge of illnesses. Not managing to produce the wow factor they had to settle for 9th overall.

The BSN didnt enter an over 13 team this time, but Alex DeCaluwe competed for the school as a

member of a mixed All-Star Team