Garden International School Eastern Seaboard, Ban Chang
NEWSLETTER Your choice. Their future. Our family.
โรงเรี ยนนานาชาติการ์ เดนอีสเทิร์นซีบอร์ ดบ้ านฉาง
April 2013
Inside this month's newsletter...
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From Dr Tasker: Principal
From the Principal Dear Parents, Students and Friends of GIS, As each academic year comes to an end the reality of students, families and indeed teachers moving on to the next phase of their lives becomes a reality. It is a special time for the IB2 students who will be moving on to further studies – or indeed to the workforce. The final ‘formal’ day for the IB2 students was Friday April 26, with their IB examinations getting underway on Thursday May 2 with English A and Literature and Performance and the last one being Music on May 22. The IB2 students will have their Graduation Dinner the evening of May 23. Year 11 students are already underway with their IGCSE examinations – with Art, orals and ICT practicals already completed. The first formal examination being Biology on May 7 and the final one being Physics on June 5. We wish them the best of luck too. I have had the task of recruiting staff to replace those members of our teaching community moving on. I am pleased to say that this process is pretty much complete. I will be announcing the new teachers in a future newsletter and in the June Newsletter I will also be formally fare welling our current staff who are moving on – they are:
Mr Grisdale, Head of Primary Mr Gomariz-Perez, Head of Languages Ms Wilson, Swimming Coach Mr Lynch, PE and ELS Ms Tara, Early Years Mr Baker, English Ms Howard, History
The funds raised at the Christmas Fair are in the process of being allocated. We are very fortunate to have a little additional money to spend on ‘extras’ to benefit the experience of your children here at GIS. So far we have purchased bikes, scooters and cars for Foundation, a popcorn maker, some extra furniture (including more chairs for the Primary Hall) and have been able to fund the visit of the very popular story teller Mr PiG. The remaining balance will be spent on such things as new table tennis equipment, audio visual equipment for the Primary Hall, large outdoor fans for events, examination/multipurpose tables and soft furnishings for the new Secondary ELS classrooms. Kind Regards,
Dr Stuart Tasker PhD (Ed), PGDipEd (Math Ed), PGCertEd (Ed Admin), PGDipTchg, BSc Principal Garden International School
Upcoming events Whole School May 1: Holiday – Thai Labour Day May 2: Presentation on Thai programmes at GIS, Primary Hall, 7pm-8pm May 4: Car Boot Sale, from 9am May 6: Holiday – Coronation Day May 8: Friends of Garden PTA, Library, 7pm May 24: Holiday – Visakha Bucha Day Primary May 2: Year 2 trip to Ban Chang May 7-11: Primary FOBISSEA team in Bangkok. May 10: Reception going on a zoo trip/Year 3 going to Suppatra Land May 15: House Music Final May 22: House Swimming Gala May 28-30: Year 5 trip Secondary May 2: IB Examinations start May 7: IGCSE Examinations start May 22: IB Examinations end May 23: IB Graduation Dinner
Improving Communication With thanks to suggestions from the Friends of Garden PTA we are looking to introduce 2 visual prompts for parents with our communication. Unless the communication is direct such as a specific letter or email - we will be using the following icons as a prompt.
Parent friendly - this means that parents are welcome to come along to something which is during the school day. This could be an assembly, performance, sharing activity, sports event or similar. Events and activities outside of school hours will of course be open to everyone and will not necessarily have an icon reminder.
Respond Please - this means that we need a response, some feedback or action from parents.
Best Thai Books – the winners GIS students have been helping to vote for the best English-language books based in Thailand – and the results are in! The Bangkok Book award winners, which are pictured here, are: Best Picture Book : Umbrella queen Runner up: Hush Best Junior: Tua and the Elephant Runner up: The White elephant Best Teen Book: Behind the Painting Runner up: Escaping the Tiger
Around 1,000 students from international schools all around Thailand voted and there were more than 300 blogs on a special website created for the event. To find out more about the winning books, which you can check out from our library, go to http://blogs.shrewsbury.ac.th/bkkbookawards/.
Thai Studies Earlier in the year our Thai Director, Khun Lalita, gave a presentation to parents at a Friends of Garden PTA meeting about our Thai programmes at GIS. A request was made for another presentation for all parents on what our different Thai programmes are and what parents should expect in terms of attainment and progress in the different courses. This presentation will be next Thursday, May 2, in the Primary Hall from 7pm to 8pm.
เรี ยนท่ านผู้ปกครอง คุณลลิตา, ผูอ้ านวยการโรงเรี ยนฯได้มีการ นาเสนอเรื่ องหลักสู ตรวิชาภาษาไทยของโรงเรี ยน นานาชาติสวนระยองในที่ประชุมสมาคม ผูป้ กครองและตัวแทนครู ในต้นปี ที่ผา่ นมา ทั้งนี้ ทางโรงเรี ยนฯ จะมีการจัดการนาเสนอกับ ท่านผูป้ กครองอีกครั้ง ในเรื่ องหลักสู ตรภาษาไทย ของเราซึ่งมีความหลากหลาย เพื่อปรับใช้ให้ เหมาะสมกับนักเรี ยนไทย, นักเรี ยนที่เรี ยน ภาษาไทยเป็ นภาษาที่สอง และ นักเรี ยน ต่างชาติ รวมถึงผลลัพท์และความคืบหน้าในเรื่ อง ในหลักสู ตรภาษาไทยที่มีความหลากหลายด้วย การนาเสนอเรื่ องหลักสู ตรภาษาไทยดังกล่าว จัด ขึ้น วันพฤหัสบดี ที่ 2 พฤษภาคม 2556 ณ ห้องประชุมชั้นประถมศึกษา เวลา 19.0020.00 น. ด้วยความนับถือ
Songkran at Garden GIS celebrated Songkran with a flurry of activities and traditional Thai games. The whole school took part in the celebrations, which are held annually to mark the Thai new year. Foundation and Primary held water-based games while in secondary there was a special assembly, organized by the Thai department, which explained the meaning of Songkran. Students also demonstrated traditional Thai activities, such as Muay Thai, before students poured water over their teachers’ hands, as a mark of respect.
Earth Day
A whole school assembly was held on the first day of Term 3, April 22, to mark Earth Day. Led by Head of Humanities Mr Elderkamp, students explained the work that was taking place in school to help the environment. Among the excellent work taking place is a recycling scheme, which is organised by IB students, which allows recycled plastic bottles to be sold for money, which in turn helps pay for new plants around the school. Students were also encouraged to create their own poster to help raise awareness about the importance of the environment. IB1 student Paul also explained how, by switching off air-conditioning units and lights when they are not in use, could result in huge energy savings. The assembly ended with an electricity-free, acoustic performance by GG and Seren of Joni Mitchell’s ‘Big Yellow Taxi’. There have been reports of mysterious green ‘eco-ninjas’ patrolling the school’s corridors in search of lights and air-con that have been left on needlessly or hunting for litter. Let us know if you’ve seen them – they’ll be back in school on a regular basis!
From Mr Grisdale: Head of Primary and Foundation
The Grunch This was a tremendous success and hundreds of spectators enjoyed the show. We had three performances in front of an audience and children from REPS summer school, ISE, St Andrews and Regent’s all enjoyed the show immensely. The evening performance
was a suitable climax and was also accompanied by a very successful auction of memorabilia. The children subsequently enjoyed a post-production party. Many thanks to all the teachers, teaching assistants and maintenance who spent many hours making sure that the play was the best it could be and that the children got the most out of it. In particular I would like to thank Ms Sally and Ms Michelle for the music, Ms Jane for the set and running backstage, Ms Jenn and Ms Claire for being co-directors and Mr Ken for being the producer. We are lucky at GIS that we have so many talented and dedicated professionals.
Camillian Centre visit
Thank you to all the parents and children who have so generously donated things for the children from the Camillian Centre. They will be visiting us on Tuesday April 30. See the story later in this newsletter for details about how you can still help. House Art The House Art Competition was taken very seriously by the children in Primary and all the children who entered earned points for their House. The pieces were judged by an array of 11 judges and points allocated as shown below: Years 1 to 3 House # of votes
Name
Year
Final position
Evan
1
Tiger
34
1st
Dristhi
3
Gecko
21
2nd
Hansika
3
Tiger
16
3rd
Euro
2
Eagle
13
Oindrila
2
Cobra
10
Jahnavi
3
Tiger
8
Mary
3
Eagle
6
Boss
3
Eagle
6
Name
Year
Years 4 to 6 House Number of votes
Tessa
5
Cobra
42
1st
Grace
4
Tiger
24
2nd
Vedant
5
Gecko
21
3rd
Tanya
5
Cobra
17
Nupur
5
Cobra
11
Shasha
5
Tiger
5
Position
The top three pieces from each section, as well as the top three pieces from the equivalent Secondary competition, will be framed and displayed around the school. Congratulations to all the competitors.
FOBISSEA As you can imagine we are very excited about the upcoming FOBISSEA Games and in the next newsletter there will be a full report of our achievements. Training is happening on a regular basis and the uniforms are being designed. Thank you very much to our very generous sponsors:
Khun Aimon and Khun Ukrit Kitikoraset (Austin’s parents) of Thomai Resort and Coffee Shop have very kindly donated 7,000 baht to help pay for the T ball shirts
Thunder Cranes have donated 15,000 Baht to help pay for the T Ball shirts
Mr Frank Nichols from Victory International Family Church has donated 20,000 baht to pay for the Football kits
Mr Yindee of MYWAYS has donated 15,900 baht to pay for the Athletics shirts and have also donated 600 bottles of water.
Mr James from GIS has donated the Swimming kits
These are important dates for children involved in or people supporting FOBISSEA: April 29: FOBISSEA T-Ball match. This is a practice event to be held at Regent’s. April 30: Quiz Night. In the Primary hall at 7pm we will be holding a quiz. The cost of entry is 100 Baht per person and the aim is to raise money for the Primary FOBISSEA games. Everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be on sale too. May 4: FOBISSEA car boot sale. From 9am to 12pm there will be a car boot sale where you can buy second-hand goods at cheap prices. For a small fee, you can leave young children in Foundation while you browse. Entry is free. Contact
[email protected] or
[email protected] to reserve a stall for 300 baht. May 7-11: FOBISSEA Games at St Stephen’s Bangkok for Years 4 and 5. They will be accompanied by Mr Edwards, Ms Aletta and myself – Rob Grisdale. We return on Saturday at about midday. Pick up at school.
See the Sports section for details on the FOBISSEA Games.
House Competitions At the end of Term 2 we have the following position in the overall Whole School House Competition.
Primary Activities
Secondary Activities
Team
KS1 and Reception Sports Day
Primary Sports Day and KS1 Swimming gala
Secondary Sports Day
Secondary swimming gala
Primary Merit Points Term 1
Secondary
Environment
Total
and 2
Merit Points Term 1 and 2
Cobra
132
58
25
30
20
10
125 + 91
73 + 53
5
622
Gecko
158
55
35
40
40
20
130 + 87
92 + 76
20
753
129
62
15
20
10
40
120 + 77
111 + 72
15
671
134
66
25
10
30
30
115 + 91
85 + 65
10
661
Eagle
Tiger
Highlights this term include House Drama, House Music and the interhouse KS2 Swimming Gala. Dates are shown below. Trips As you can see from the calendar below there are a number of day trips as well as residential trips planned for this term. We look forward to hearing from all of the following trips in subsequent newsletters:
Nursery day trip to Rayong Aquarium
Reception day trip to Khao Kheow Zoo
Year 2 day trip to Ban Chang
Year 3 day trip to Suppathra Land
Year 3 residential trip to the YMCA or Brookside
Year 4 residential trip to Brookside
Year 5 residential trip to Koh Samet
Year 6 residential trip to Chiang Mai
Reports Going Home The final end of year reports go home for every child on June 20. We are always happy to see you and to talk to you professionally about your child but we need to make sure that we have no other commitments at that time. If you want to see your child’s class teacher before this please send them an e-mail or contact Khun Bonnie on the front desk (
[email protected]).
Seedlings Every Tuesday and Thursday from 2.20pm until 3.10pm there is a play group for children under the age of two which meets in the Early years Room (the yellow room). This club is called Seedlings and it is run by Ms Jill (Year 1) on Thursdays and Ms Tara (EY teacher) on Tuesdays. It costs 100 baht per session per child and parents and carers are expected to stay. More details from Khun Bonnie in the Front Office or Ms Tara
[email protected]
Fitness training Every day, from about 4pm to 5pm, Mr Michael and Ms Jill are doing circuit training which involves the use of a Bulgarian Bag. It is an intense workout for an hour but will increase fitness and muscular strength. The training is free and if you want to join them please email Mr. Michael on
[email protected] Rob Grisdale Head of Primary and Foundation
Rice Mountain If you have any rice or cooking oil you can spare at home, then please consider donating it to the Camillian Centre in Rayong. GIS supports this centre every year and this year we are again asking parents, students and staff to bring in bags of rice, which we will donate. Bags can be left in reception until the morning of Tuesday April 30, or can be dropped off at Steve's Deli in Ban Chang. This activity is organised by our IB students, who have been to visit the centre, which cares for children and adults with HIV, to understand about the work that takes place there. Please donate only unopened bags, for hygiene reasons. Many thanks.
From Mr Ball: Head of Secondary
Hello, The IB examinations start on May 2 and a number of students have already sat examinations for IGCSE ICT. The month of May is one of sadness and pride. The IB2 students will have their final day of formal education at Garden before beginning their examinations. This is a time of sadness because I remember many students from their time in Garden since Year 7, and they will leave school for the final time this year. I have fond memories of these students over the last 7 years. Parth is immortalized on the library wall as the first-ever winner of the Lone Wolf trophy when he was in Year 7. Sandy drove very fast even back then, so nothing has changed there. Heta was very quiet, so a lot has changed there. I wonder what their Year 7 form tutor Mr Waudby would say if he met them now? It is also a time of pride as these students have visibly grown and matured over their time at Garden and are, I can say, ready to head out and go to university, a place where they will continue thriving and growing as both individuals and learners. The IGCSE exams have already started for some students and Friday May 3 is their final day of formal study. Many of the Year 11 students have indicated that they would like to return to participate in the IB course and this is wonderful news. I remember teaching science to many of the Year 11s when they were in Year 7 and they have continued to be as charming a year group as they progressed through the school as they were in Year 7. I wish the IB2s and the Year 11s the best possible luck in their examinations. The MAD (Music, Art, and Drama) evening showcased the wide range of skills that our students possess. The art work that was on display formed part of the IB art students’ final IB examination work. The event was well attended and the ‘French café’ feel created by the setup of the tables helped to make the evening as pleasant as it was. The renaissance of the IB student work room is now complete. Mr Martin and his team have done a wonderful job in designing, painting and refurnishing this room. If you haven’t seen it yet (and you are in Year 11) you should have a peek, it’s a great room to work in. If you are in IB2 this is a great room to revise in during your examinations. Examination week for Years 7-10 and IB1 students is fast approaching. The dates are Friday May 17 (for IB1 they start on Thursday May 16) to Thursday May 23. Form Tutors will pass on the schedule to their tutor groups. These are important exams and students should start revising soon. The Camillian Centre visited on the second day of term. The IB1s organised a talent show for the the Camillian students, which was excellent. For more information on this visit see the report by Mr Beales is below. We are trialling new eco boxes in the secondary school. These are at the top of the stairs on the first floor. Please place your cans into the eco box labelled cans and your plastic into the eco box labelled plastic. Everything earned from recycling these items is used to purchase plants and support eco activities. Sage Ball Head of Secondary
Schools of Rock A concert was held at St Andrews International School on March 27 that featured a rock band from St Andrews and four bands from GIS. And a day after they rocked St Andrews, our talented Music department took part in another show.
Garden goes M.A.D.!
The school hall was packed for a special night of Music, Art and Drama (MAD). As the audience arrived they mingled and ate snacks while ambient music was provided by Peter, Reha, Benjamin, HyoJung, Jun Beom, Anushka, Pauline and Ben B. At 7.40pm the concert began with the school orchestra performing a piece by Mozart, followed by a dramatic ‘Witches’ sketch from Year 7. The Butterfly Waltz was adroitly performed by Sarah and HyoJung, then came a Year 8 skit called Mad Cows. Garden’s star singers, Praw, Trisha and Sarah, took to the stage to perform ‘You Can Drive a Person Crazy’ before a performance by the school jazz band. The first half ended with a stellar performance by the school choir of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. After a short break, rock and pop songs filled the hall, including Livin’ on a Prayer and One Way. Thanks to the Music, Art and Drama departments and everyone else involved in this hugely successful event.
Year 9’s Brand New Ideas! Year 9 students this term have had great fun becoming the CEOs of their own highlysuccessful start-up companies. As part of the fun they have created their own logos to represent the product and services offered whilst thinking carefully about the market they are aiming for. They then went on to study about brands, logos and the importance of graphic design (including a look at our own school branding). Here we see our two classes of Year 9 CEOs showing off their brand designs turned into T-shirts and key ring promotional merchandise. They designed and made the acrylic key rings and the T-shirts in the DT workshops. Watch out world, here they come - coming to a market sector near you! Mr Stokes
House Competitions
Tiger Win Art Competition A House art competition resulted in some excellent entries based around the theme of ‘communication’. The work, which has been on display outside Ms Cooper’s classroom, used a variety of techniques to represent the theme. The results were: 3rd place: Trisha (Gecko) - 4 points 2nd place: Coco (Cobra) - 6 points 1st place: Jignil (Tiger) - 8 points
IB News
GIS students welcome Camillian children
IB students helped ensure children visiting from the nearby Camillian Centre had a great day out at Garden.
The Camillian Centre in Rayong, which cares for children and adults with HIV and AIDS, brought along more than a dozen children to GIS on April 23. After having lunch in the canteen, the children enjoyed a special talent show in the Main Hall, which was won by Year 8 superstars Seren and GG for a unique percussion performance involving cups and a plastic box. After the show, the Camillian children joined individual tutor groups for games, snacks and activities. IB students took them to the ICT labs to play some online games. GIS students also generously donated toys, gifts and even school uniforms to the Camillian children and special boxes were presented to the grateful visitors. Before they left, the Camillian youngsters sang GIS students a song and said thanks for another great visit to GIS. For more on the centre, visit www.camillianrayong.org.
Pizza Day Another Pizza Day was held on Friday March 29. Organised by IB students and with help from The Camel Bar and Restaurant, the event raised 2,470 baht for charity.
IB Work Room IB students now have a specially-designed workroom. Thanks to the efforts of GIS’s maintenance team, the IB students can now work in a much brighter, more ergonomic, environment.
Healthy Talks The Canteen Committee – which includes representatives from the Student Council, Friends of Garden PTA and staff – recently met and had a ‘healthy’ discussion on our services provided. Already we now have a new system for the students for clearing plates, cutlery and waste with ‘fruit cups’ and ‘salad boxes’ being very welcome additions to the menu. President Paul and the Student Council – with the assistance of Ritchie in MIS – have also been working on the Thai menu board. This is almost finished and will enable students to see what is on offer while they queue up – which will hopefully speed things up a little.
Teacher of the Month
This month we talk to Mr Michael, English Language Support (ELS) Coordinator in Primary. 1) What's the best thing about working at GIS? The sense of community and friendliness of both teachers and students. 2) What made you choose to live in Thailand? The sun, sea, sand and….spicy food. 3) What do you do when you're not teaching? I like reading science fiction novels, exercising and going to the beach but most of my time is spent looking after my three 13 month old babies. 4) Favourite singer/band? I like all kinds of music from classical to hard rock, I have fairly eclectic tastes. 5) Favourite movie and why? Probably the original Predator movie, Big Arnie at his best. 6) What do you think of Thai food? I love Thai food and I put extra chilies on everything. It makes all other kinds of food seem bland. 7) If you weren't a teacher, what would you be doing? I’d like to think I would be pursuing a career as a boxing coach but honestly I have no idea. Teaching takes over your life and it is hard to imagine doing anything else. 8) What's the best place you've been to in Thailand? The beaches in Phuket are fantastic but I think the laid back, holiday atmosphere of Hua Hin makes it one of my favourite places in Thailand. 9) What’s the best thing about your home country? The mountain scenery, Scotland is truly one of the most beautiful countries in the world. And the friendly people of course. 10) Do you like haggis? Only if you catch them and cook them fresh!
Student of the Month
Student of the Month for April is German Gnezdilov (pictured far left) 1) Who is your favorite teacher? Why? Mr Michael. He was my ELS teacher and his lessons were always fun. What is your favorite activity in school? 2) Swimming, because I’m good at it and I like to swim. What do you like doing in your free-time? 3) I like to play rugby and going to the library. I like to read and play computer games there. What job would you like when you finish school? 4) I’d like to be a computer programmer.
5) Apples or oranges? Oranges, because they have more vitamin C in them. 6) What's the best country you've visited (apart from Thailand)? I haven’t visited any other countries apart from Thailand and of course Russia, but I am going to visit Mexico in the summer holidays. I love Mexican food! 7) Favourite Thai food? Tom Ka Gai, I like the coconut milk. 8) Do you prefer Lady Gaga or Shakira? I don’t like either of them. I like listening to Metallica and Eminem. 9) How many languages can you speak? Two: Russian and English. 10) Favourite animal? I have two favourite animals: Walruses and Sugar Possums.
Sport
There will be no morning swimming team practice on Wednesday May 8 or Friday May 10 for primary and secondary. This is because Ms Aletta will be in Bangkok with the FOBISSEA team.
Storm Close Out Difficult Year With A Victory The Senior boys ended a difficult season, and made Mr Lynch’s final game as coach a memorable one, as they defeated ISE 56-24. The win gave GIS a third-place finish in the ESAC Conference. Thomas Cercleron, playing in his last game at GIS, scored 13 of his 16 points in the first quarter to give the Storm a 23-5 lead. Kain Lee came off the bench to score a game and career-high 18 points on 9-of-16 shooting while Teng Chilver added 10 points. Ho Dong Sa, Chris Williamson and Kheshavan Selva chipped in with four points apiece. Mr Lynch started coaching the Senior boys team in 2006 and has since accumulated a win-loss record of 52-40 (.565).
Thomas Cercleron takes a shot during his final game at GIS.
He has had the opportunity of coaching some terrific players, most notably Troy Britton Coe ’08 and Nic Neufeld ‘11, during his time at GIS and he hopes the programme will continue to grow after his departure at the end of the school year.
Volleyball Victors Volleyball Boys beat ISE 2-0 on April 25. The girls just lose out in the third set going down 1-2 in a tight game.
FOBISSEA Games Our Primary FOBISSEA Games team is off to Bangkok soon. From May 7 to 11 they will be competing at St Stephen’s – and we wish them well. FOBISSEA is the Federation of British Schools in South East Asia (and East Asia), which currently consists of 38 schools – with plans to grow quite markedly over the next few years. Being a member of the federation gives our students many opportunities to participate in Games, Festivals (such as Music, Choral and Drama), Conferences (such as Community Service and Model United Nations) and also competitions (such as Short Story and Mathematics). You may be aware that in the past 12 months we have hosted both a Primary Games and a KS3 Drama Festival. Later this year we will be hosting the 2013 Music Festival and also facilitating a Community Service Project in Chiang Mai. There are also many benefits for our staff in terms of coordinated professional development and networking.
Students’ Work Foundation
Journeys We are continuing on our study on Journeys. We have travelled by submarine, hot air balloon, helicopter, sailing ship, airplane and have visited many countries such as the United Kingdom, India, Australia, Philippines and the USA. We have enhanced our classroom environment by making fish when we were underwater; having a throne for the Queen when we travelled to England; and having a fan with red and yellow streamers to look like a hot air balloon flame when we were flying up into the clouds. Using our number skills we have been comparing amounts when we have voted and paid money to buy our tickets when we boarded different vehicles.
Primary Year 5 produced some excellent work on ‘The Piano’ by Aiden Gibbons in relation to narrative films. Secondary
Today I am alone again…I can’t go on another day without you! Sitting here with my only friend, my only company, my trusted piano. Do you remember how we used to sit here together? I can almost feel you here, see you playing next to me. I love you Edna. Now you have gone, my life has been devastated. Why did you have to die? Why did they take you and not me? I feel trapped inside a cage and can’t find my way out. I am determined to play this tune for you. I hear her whisper ‘play, play for me’. It hurts and the notes will never sound the same but this is all I have left. My music, our music, my love. By Tessa
Grandpa panted noisily he was a medic trying to get to help is brother who had been attacked in this terrible war. He ran towards him. He was charging for the crumbling wall where he would get a better position on the enemy. Shots rang out all around and splinters flew off the chipped wall almost breaking it apart. “Should I go?” he asked eager to get involved “Is it safe?” “Yes, GO…” It wasn’t the wall that was crumbling…it was my life. I watched as you lay there motionless on the ground. Lakes of red forming under you. What had I done? Frozen, terrified, lonely. He fell to his knees full of aching sadness. His brother was dead. By Direk
It has been sixty years since you and I were married. I miss you. Sitting playing our piano, I’m feeling so lonely it has been hard to survive without you. I played the song solo and in my tune. Suddenly, when I’m playing the song I see you. I am even more determined to finish the song. Then out of nowhere you kissed me…surprised by your warmth on my cheek, I concentrate to the end. What’s happening, everything is changing in my life? Thoughts of the family make my heart beat faster. The war! My brother, I have to help him. “Brother wait…Go now” BANG, FLASH! “NO!!” It’s all my own fault, why did I say go? Why did we join the army? Why is there so much bloodshed in the world? I fall to the floor feeling helpless, alone and upset. You have gone and I have to face the family and explain my actions. By Benjamin
I feel very desolate without my wife next to me. What if I play the piano with her? I wish she could have talked to me before she died. Why did she have to die? Suddenly something appeared next to me whilst I was playing, it was my wife as a ghost. She played the tune with me. Her soft lips leaning over to kiss me…I closed my eyes to remember but then you were gone. Loss…it reminded me about the war when my brother got shot! I felt like I was solitary. Why was it not me that got shot? Why was it him that had to die? Feeling of selfishness for letting him go out there. I play the piano again to try and take away the pain. Recalling happier times; my family, my childhood. The wooden horse, that I loved so dearly, now the favourite toy of my grandson. I feel the memories and they remind me of the good and bad times. My grandson comes and sits next to me at the piano and smiles as he plays the last note. Life goes on and our tune will continue. By Adenor
Secondary Here is some more work from our talented English Language Support (ELS) students Easy Exams? By Oie Imagine how it would feel if you could change school rules to ones you like! How about taking home examinations? It would be great, wouldn’t it? Most students have their examinations at the school’s main hall and it is a fact that all the students need to take their exams at the school. However, would it be a good idea if the students will be taking their exams in the comfort of their dorm or home? But is taking a home exam really a blessing or is it a curse in disguise? A large number of students love the idea of taking their exam at home. It will take you feel more comfortable, relaxed and you will not fears about your exams. You will be given a plenty of time to complete
your exams, edit your answers; a lot more time than you would have sitting in the main hall on exam day. It would be also a less mysterious and you do not need to spend hours studying in advance. However, one of the main arguments that some students from other schools might think in the bad way because it would not be fair that all the answers did not came into their own brains. The students who took the exams at home may get the qualification, but do they deserve to get it? In conclusion, it would be a good idea if you are taking your exams at home, but bear in mind, would it be an advantage for yourself in the future?
Stressful Study By Nook Are you one of the many students in the world who have to do examinations? I usually sit exams at school but if Cambridge change the rule and let students do exam at home therefore, we can take them at home and do all the exams there. On the one hand, sitting examinations at school is usual at every school in the world because this is the way to ensure that you understand everything that you have learn and can apply in the exam. Teachers will monitor while students do the test so they can’t cheat but doing exams at school is stressful and students get much pressure.
On the other hand, sitting exams at home is less formal therefore students are flexible to do what they would like because there is no teacher at home. And if students are doing exams at home they will not feel pressure or stressful. However, students would have the chance to cheat and we cannot be sure that they understand and get all knowledge from what they have learned. In addition, some students feel comfortable sitting exams at school and work better under pressure. In my opinion, sitting exams at school is the right way to test student knowledge.
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