Showtime
Last week KS2 put on the Disney Jnr play, Aladdin. We spent a total of 80640 minutes, which is equivalent to 1344 hours or better yet 56 days rehearsing, preparing and setting up for this spectacular event.
A lot of hard work, long hours and dedication was put into making our KS2 concert a success. Today when I look back I do not think of the challenges or the long hours, the stress or the worry in the details. I remember the fun moments we all had during our shared time. I remember the laughs, jokes and even the mishaps that made the show even more memorable.
The cast was phenomenal. They are certainly stars in the making. I admire their dedication and tenacity. Without them we would not have had this amazing play. I have seen them grow in confidence and independence. Many of them began very shyly and quietly however by the time we ended those very same actors displayed admirable traits of fortitude, bravery and confidence. It is a true reminder to us all how remarkable our children are.
As Augusto Boal said, “We must all do theatre, to find out who we are, and to discover who we could become.”
It was a tiring 4 day event and even though there was a lot of relief in its success, the evening of Day 4 left us with an empty space as we all shared the same sentiment, “What will we do with our time now?”
Comments from the cast…
“It has been a dream come true to play the part of Genie”
“I will miss the time with everyone”
“It was so much fun, thank you for giving us the opportunity.”
The KS2 concert has shown us that not only is academics important in a student’s life, but the cultural aspect is needed to nurture a well-balanced, diverse student.
Until the next show, let us share the written words of Shakespeare when he said, “All the world’s a stage.”
Nadia Mahomed
Year 4 Teacher
Watch our KS2 students sing at assembly to celebrate a successful concert:
Preparing For Examinations
“ Good preparation is better than hoping for a miracle.” – Sunday Adelaja
The end-of-year examination has dawned upon us and there is nothing worse than going into the exam hall unprepared. This is a lot like a doctor walking into the surgery without the necessary tools or know-how to deal with an emergency situation. What do you think the consequences will be for that, and do you think you can trust that doctor? Every profession requires effective performance that eventually results in success, but the key ingredient for achieving this is good preparation. Think about this the next time you enter the exam room.
So here is a useful guide to help students with their exam preparations, starting with a list of ten practical study hacks from the University of Augustana[1] and Murdoch University[2]:
- Have a positive attitude. This is the first and most important attribute.
- Begin early and find a comfortable study space to cater for your needs.
- Create a music playlist for your study sessions.
- Have specific goals for each study session and set a time frame for your goals. For instance, make a note to cover section one for two hours between 12-2pm today, etc.
- Organise your study materials before you start the session. Make sure that you create short study sessions at multiple intervals so that you do not burn out and avoid procrastination.
- Create your own study materials, for example, flashcards, mindmaps, personal study notes, etc.
- Develop critical thinking abilities where you are able to seriously question concepts. In other words, ask lots of questions!
- Explain the subject or concepts to a study buddy. If you cannot find anyone, then stand in front of a mirror and practise on your own. You are your own best person.
- Take advantage of school resources.
- Eat healthy and engage in physical exercise/meditation to beat anxiety and stress.
Remember that you are more than capable of achieving success if you put your mind and heart into it, no matter what the circumstances. All the best with your preparations moving forward into the exams. Aim to go into the new year with great success.
Michellene Williams
High School English Teacher
[1] Adapted from Augustana University. 2021. 10 Ways to Prepare for Exams. Viewed at https://www.augie.edu/10-ways-prepare-exams
[2] Adapted from Murdoch University. 2021. Exam Study Hacks. Viewed at https://www.murdoch.edu.au/news/articles/exam-revision-hacks
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Music
After our first successful BIS Arts Eisteddfod, the music department has been working towards preparing for internal and external examinations. The students are currently in the process of recording their Trinity examinations. This year, all these will be online due to the examiners from London not being able to examine the students in person.
We also look forward to our first in-person and end-of-year music concert since 2019!
This year’s concert will be on the 26th of November at 18:00 and will take place in the form of an outdoor sunset picnic. We are so excited to celebrate all our students’ hard work and achievements throughout 2021. So bring your picnic baskets and blankets, and come and enjoy a fun and relaxing evening with us.
Beverley du Plessis
Music Teacher
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