Friday, 15th December 2017
Upper School Newsletter
Upper School News
So the last day of term has finally arrived and the staff and students are certainly ready for a holiday! The week started under snow and ice and I want to apologise to everyone who was geared up for the Winter Concert that never happened. It was impossible to reschedule this week, but we hope to find an alternative evening next term. That said, we had some lovely moments in the rest of the week that sent the students off in good spirits for the break.
Final Assembly
On Thursday we held the traditional last assembly in Jubilee Hall which was arranged and hosted by Serena and Costanza, both completing their first term in D1. It was a fun occasion of remembering the highlights of the term, awarding students for academic achievement and contributions to school life, some great musical acts with Yael being a revelation on guitar as well as a fascinating report from Mrs. Cobbin about her trip to Nepal where she has established links for a planned international service project next year.
Digital Classrooms!
The learning has continued through to the last day. For example, in Digital Design M1 and M2 students have been learning how to structure information they have researched into spreadsheets to create interactive maps of places of interest around the world! Also M3, students have been animating the process of meiosis with Mr. Carpenter which you can see here in this short video.
Cluedo in French!
This week, in their French lesson with Ms. Villate, M4 played a revisited version of the game Cluedo (pronounced /clu-ay-do/ in French). They had to find the answer to this question Qui a tué le père-noël? (Who killed Santa?). They had to ask questions in French to uncover the mystery. Though one of the elves was a strong suspect, the culprit was in fact one of the reindeers. They also had to find where the crime happened and the weapon with which it was committed (a snowball grenade!!!). Students displayed great strategies and good communication skills!
Swimming Next Term
Please click here to view a letter from the PHE department regarding swimming for students in M1-M4 next term with important information.
Spanish Immersion Day
The M2 Spanish trip went to Notting Hill to practice what they have learned this past half term, to try delicious Spanish food and to celebrate the holiday season in a Spanish way. You can read more about their day in this terms magazine.
We hope you have all received the Term 1 reports from our teachers. The format and contents are new (and improved I believe) though we struggled a little with the new IT system but we hope the result of a more detailed report was worth it. Do contact us with any feedback - positive or constructive criticism welcome! Where we have made any errors, please forgive us and we will remedy them as soon as possible. Students today met tutors to reflect on their progress and please feel free to make appointments with staff in early January for any clarifications.
Nepal
This is a time of year when we all try to think of others who are in greater need than ourselves. I believe this photo below sums up our international service ambitions for next year! Ms. Sen and Mrs. Cobbin met these happy students in a community state school in Nepal which we have identified as a worthy school for community service action next year. I know our young students will rise to the challenge!
Gingerbread Delights
Thank you to Alexander in M5 for treating us to an incredibly delicious home-made gingerbread house. Alexander is famous at Dwight for making one every year. Alexander said I enjoy baking with my mum and she has influenced me to like it throughout my life. It's amazing seeing people who love it and tuck into it. Hopefully I can continue to make them all to such a high standard for everybody to enjoy. We hope he does too!
Staff and students in festive Christmas sweaters today!
This term has been extremely rewarding for me personally and much due to the energy, positivity, friendliness and commitment of your children who make me smile on a daily basis. Thank you for your continued support and trust you place in our school and all the hard working staff. Whatever you are up to over the holidays, I sincerely hope you will have a restful break and spend some happy times with friends and family.
Kind regards
Andy Atkinson
Upper School Principal
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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