Dear All, As we draw closer to the end of term with just a week to go, many of our students have already taken some of their IB or IGCSE examinations. Our Year 11 students will be interrupting their holiday to sit their OKE Polish examinations. After the break, senior students enter various examination rooms with the expectation that they can show off the vast array of knowledge that they have accrued during their time with us to amaze external examiners across the globe. We wish them every success and looking at their predicted grades, we can be confident of another excellent set of results. Last year, our IB students achieved a staggering 35-point average in the IB Diploma Programme, 6 points above the figure for all schools. This year, we are predicting an equally high average with a quarter of students achieving 40 or more points. At IGCSE, we are predicting a 5% increase in the overall pass rate in the top grades. We have high expectations of our students and we hope that they can rise to the challenge to be the best that they can be. It is hardly surprising to have similarly high expectations of our teachers. After an amazing victory by the Teachers’ Team at the PTA Quiz night, it is clear that our teachers are some of the best in the world. They do not just teach facts and figures; they inspire students to learn. Learning is the greatest gift that we can give to the younger generation. It takes place in classrooms as well as in the wide range of clubs and extra activities on offer to our students in Warsaw.

One example of learning beyond the classroom was demonstrated when students engaged in an exciting chess competition last Saturday, with an exciting finish. We crowned Artem Varentcow as the victor this year. We rounded off the week with a fabulous production of the Secondary School Musical, “Grease”. The Dining Hall at Limanowskiego transported us back to Rydell High in the 1950’s. The enthusiasm of the cast on stage and all those who helped behind the scenes and in other supporting roles truly demonstrated the spirit of The British School, Warsaw. It was a real team effort and we were not surprised that it was sold out on both nights. Thanks to all who have supported the various sporting, academic and artistic events that have taken place over the term. Next week, our Newsletter will be replaced with a review of the term in pictures. So, in case I do not see you before the end of term next Friday 18 April, have a safe and restful break. We look forward to welcoming students back to school on Monday 5 May.

Kind regards,

Issue 26 11 April 2014

Newsletter

Yours truly, Dr Terry Creissen OBE

Principal

The safety and security of our students and staff is a top priority The British School, Warsaw. We have been implementing a number of measures as part of a comprehensive plan aimed at ensuring our school remains a safe place for our students to learn. One of the procedures our school has been practicing is a lockdown drill, which we successfully conducted this week. During a lockdown drill, classroom doors are secured and the students remain inside the room until instructed by the teacher to resume their activities. All exterior doors are locked and no one is permitted to enter or leave the building. Students are kept inside the school and classrooms when circumstances make it safer to stay in the classroom rather than evacuate. Just as we prepare our students to properly respond to a fire drill, they also need to be aware of the proper response during a lockdown drill. These drills should be treated with the same level of importance as fire drills. Practicing lockdown drills is in the spirit of something we call coping or being prepared, and it can be a positive experience. When a child is dealing with something potentially frightening, if they can be prepared for the anxiety, then they will feel more in control and have a greater sense of competence. It is important that students understand that the teachers have a plan, and the whole thing can make them feel quite safe. I encourage you to speak with your children about the lockdown and fire drill procedures at school. Please be really honest and discuss the low probability of a stranger entering the school, who would want to hurt us. But please reiterate that we want to make sure we have a solid plan. The manner or style in which you communicate this is important. Please consider beginning the discussion in a relaxed atmosphere and talk about it with a lot of confidence and competence. This is because your children read your tone of voice and the emotion in the presentation. Please communicate that we're in charge, this is our school, and we want to make sure that only people who belong here are here. Just like if there a snow day we have a plan, if there's a storm we have a plan, if someone who doesn't' belong here is in the building, we have a plan to handle it.

Zoe Richardson Deputy Head of Primary

Focus on Year 3Practical opportunities to apply and understand learning

In order to appeal to all learning styles, especially Visual (see it), Auditory (hear it) and Kinaesthetic (do it), the children from Year 3 are given many different practical approaches to apply and consolidate what they have been taught. This approach enables the children to be creative, enquiring and risk take when trying something new. In Literacy, the children have been creating their own play scripts. The scripts had to include key features such as stage directions, cast list and scenes. The children then had the opportunity to role play their script. This gave every child an opportunity to improve their presentation skills, and appreciate the importance of using expression when reading. In Numeracy, shape building has been the focus allowing the children to create common 3d shapes, and described the shape properties using mathematical terms they had previously been taught. In Art, the children have applied what they learnt about magnets during Science lessons, recalling that they attract to iron and steel, and have designed and created their own fridge magnet.

Rebecca Knags Head of Year 3

Primary News

The British School Chess Competition 2014 took place last Saturday (5 April), between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. We

had a good turnout with 33 contestants from Year 2 to Year 11 who played in 7 rounds. The overall level of

players was high and especially in the last rounds there were many surprising outcomes. The medallists of

Chess Competition 2014 were:

1st place - Artem Varentcow (Year 5)

2nd place - Sung Joon Kim (Year 10)

3rd place - Oisin Verhoog (Year 8)

We would like to thank Mr Pior Górski (arbiter), Mr Budzinski (organiser) and other members of staff who

came to assist us during the event. We are also grateful for the prizes sponsored by the PTA.

From the IB front Year 12 students, after our successful MUN conference, have their primary focus on the academic work and they are thinking about the fast approaching end of the year exams (May 26-30). The grades on these exams are of high importance as they will represent student’s academic achievements on their university applications in the autumn. In addition, Year 12 students are working hard on their Extended Essays. Students are expected to complete most of their Extended Essays on 9 May, EE Writing Day and prior to the summer holidays. They must submit a full and only draft of the essay on Sept. 1st. Good luck to all Year 13 students who will soon go on their study leave. They are charging their batteries and getting ready for the big day of May 5nd, the first day of IB exams. The last a couple of weeks were hectic in making sure that all the internal assessment and oral exams are done, recorded and documented in time to be send to the appropriate examiners around the world. All of this is done now and Year 13 students can peacefully focus on preparing for their multiple (15 in some cases) exams. There are only 23 days left to the exams so may the force be with the students now and during the exams.

Jacek Łatkowski IB Coordinator

Chess Competition

"Tell me and I forget, show me and I remember, involve me and I understand." The buzz word around Dąbrowskiego at the moment is ‘inquiring’. The students know and understand that they are inquirers, when they ask questions because they want to know more. The last part of the quote above is the essence of inquiry-based learning. Inquiry implies involvement that leads to understanding. Furthermore, involvement in learning implies possessing skills and attitudes that allow you to seek answers to questions and issues while you acquire new knowledge. Memorising facts and information is not the most important skill in today's world. Facts change, and information is readily available, what is needed is an understanding of how to get and make sense of this information. As teachers our role is to understand that as a school, we need to go beyond accumulating information and knowledge for the sake of it and move toward useful and applicable knowledge, a process supported by inquiry learning. No one can ever learn everything, but everyone can better develop their skills and nurture the inquiring attitudes necessary to continue the generation and examination of knowledge throughout their lives. For modern education, the skills and the ability to continue learning should be the most important outcomes. These are the values, attitudes and attributes we promote at Dabrowskiego. Through the process of inquiry, students learn to seek appropriate resolutions to questions and issues. For teachers and other adults, inquiry implies emphasis on the development of inquiry skills and nurturing inquiring attitudes or habits of mind that will enable individuals to continue the quest for knowledge throughout life.

Michelle Stevens Head of Dąbrowskiego

Dąbrowskiego News

Dates for your diary Monday 14 April 07:30-08:30 Parent and Pastries Monday 14 April 16:15-17:15 Year 10 Parent Forum Tuesday 15 April 13:00-15:00 PTA Easter bake sale at Dąbrowskiego Friday 18 April Last Day of Term: School finishes at 12:00 Monday 5 May Back to School Monday 5 May 08:30-09:30 Parent Seminar ‘What is High Performance learning and how

does it affect my child? By Simon Porter Tuesday 6 May Primary school drop-in morning at Limanowskiego 6-8 May Advantage book sale at Limanowskiego Wednesday 7 May 17:00-18:00 Primary parent seminar on Mathematics Thursday 8 May 09:00-10:00 Dąbrowskiego drop-in morning Thursday 8 May 08:30-09:30 Primary parent seminar on Mathematics 8-9 May Advantage book sale at Dąbrowskiego 9-10 May Nord Anglia Education European Sports Tournament

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School Notices

Key Stage 2 Girls Football match In preparation for the Nord Anglia Education European sports tournament our Key Stage 2 girls football team took part in a competitive match against KS Ząbkowia (a local girls’ football club) last Tuesday (8 March). The girls all played well and were delighted with the overall score of 4:1.

Dance We are delighted to welcome back to The British School, Warsaw Gayle Greene, who is a highly acclaimed Dance teacher and moderator in the UK. She has spent the past week with students from across the school teaching then a range of dances from the New Zealand Hakka to Jazz. She will be here next week too and we are looking forward to her classes.

Davis Cup Tennis We were delighted to receive 60 tickets for the Davis Cup Tennis tournament last weekend from the President of the Polish Tennis Association Krzysztof Suski. Students, Teachers and Parents loved the opportunity to watch Poland v Croatia at Torwar.

Nord Anglia Education European Sports Tournament Training is well underway for the annual Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 Nord Anglia Education European Sports Tournament. This year is our turn to host. We will welcome students from our sister schools in Prague, Bratislava, Budapest and Champittet. The sports are Football, Netball and Floorball. The tournament will take place on 9 and 10

May at Warszawianka Sports Club. Put it in your diary to come and cheer the Warsaw team on.

Quidditch Next Wednesday, our Year 6 students are in for a real treat as we have a Quidditch instructor coming to school. Yes you read it right, Quidditch from Harry Potter! He will be bringing with him broom sticks, bludgers and not forgetting the golden snitch. We look forward to sharing the pictures with you next week.

Sports

With just one more week to go before the Easter break, we are pleased to announce the Primary clubs timetable for the summer term. The club list is available online and the final page should be printed out and returned to school by Friday 18 April. Due to the popularity of the clubs we ask students to make a maximum of three choices. The feedback from last term has been very positive and we are committed to acting upon your input so we are pleased to announce the following:

Extra basketball clubs for Year 2-3 Football clubs available for all year groups who do not participate in Mr Michalak's football club One extra session of gymnastics organised by the fantastic Mrs Dalli Three new leadership courses all of which looks truly inspirational

There are more opportunities than ever so please encourage your child to get involved and take a LEAP. The internal clubs organised by British school teachers will start from Tuesday May 13. The external clubs will start from Monday 12 May. The club member lists will be available in the week following the Easter break. I urge you once again to make sure that your club choices are handed to the child's class teacher before Friday 18 April.

If you have any questions then please do not hesitate to contact me. Wishing you all a very active holiday.

Damien Blanchard Clubs Coordinator

New series in the Primary Library

Evil Pharaoh Oba has imprisoned the gods who protect Egypt, and now bloodthirsty monsters roam the land. Only one boy can stop them... Akori spends every day working on his uncle’s farm, dreaming of a life of adventure. Little does he know that he is about to fight in the greatest battle Egypt has ever known, for he carries the Pharaoh’s Mark. Akori always thought the strange shape on his arm – like a bird with its wings spread wide – was just a birthmark. Instead it proves that royal blood runs in Akori’s veins, and now it is his destiny to save Egypt from the wicked Pharaoh Oba and his monstrous supporters

For his first quest, Akori must risk his life, fighting giant scorpions and a deadly Snake Goddess. But

will his terrifying battle end in victory? “An ancient Egyptian prophecy and a challenging quest to free the gods - if you like an epic adventure

story combined with great illustrations, you’ll love this book.”

Dr Julie Anderson, The British Museum

LEAP

It was amazing to see so many participants aged from 6 to 16 years old rise to the challenge at last weekend's House Chess Competition. Thank you to the professional arbiter, Piotr Górski, and to Mr Budziński for organising this exciting event that took place in the secondary library. There were many worthy winners by year group, and the overall winners - all of which were presented with medals and prizes provided by the PTA. Well done to everyone! PTA Annual Quiz Night

The big PTA event of the week was the Quiz Night. We would like to thank the logistics team that transformed the gym into a wonderful evening venue. Delicious curry, wine and refreshing beer made for a great evening. Dr Latkowski, our professional quiz master, worked hard with the right balance of questions, and was assisted by his assistants. Our Science Teachers claimed the winning title, and over 2,500 zl was raised for Warsaw Mission and will be used to complete preparations of their new mini bus. A huge thank you again to our main sponsor SAB for supplying Pilsner Urquell, Coca- Cola

for the soft drinks, and our sweepstake prizes were donated by La Civetta, Namesta Indian Restaurant, Pure Jatomi Gym, Wine Express, and Elle magazines. Congratulations to the PTA Quiz Team Katie Stocks, Catherine Hall, Radhika Bhatia, Anne Martin, Patricia Sanchis, Isabelle Borrey and Sharon Dry.

EASTER is coming to DABROWSKIEGO This time our younger students will have a chance to enjoy cakes and treats. Join your children in the springtime fun at the Family Easter Craft Afternoon and sample the delicious cakes and cookies at the Bake Sale.

PTA COFFEE MORNING MONDAY 12th MAY at La Civetta Bistro, Limanowskiego (opposite the British School) Join us after the holidays 08:15-09:30. A Great way to meet and greet new and familiar faces, and an opportunity to give comments to the Mar wit representative. All welcome!

PTA Dates 15 April Annual Bake Sale Dabrowskiego 12 May PTA Coffee Morning 08:15-09:30

The next PTA Online Noticeboard will be Friday 18th April. All adverts to be sent to the PTA email address by Wednesday 16th April at 12pm. If you would like any further information on any of the PTA activities, please do not hesitate to contact us via email pta@thebritishschool.pl Making Sense of Adolescence course

Wednesday mornings: 8:30 – 10:30 Room: 149 April 16, May 7, 14, 21, 28, June 4, 11, 18

Maximum registrations; 25

Cost: 240pln per person; free to those who have already completed the Adolescence course and want to go

through it again – room size permitting

To register contact: Miriam mirtaylor47@gmail.com Call: 607 309 449

Oonagh: oonaghyeo@gmail.com

PTA News