INDUCTION SUCCESS

Last Friday, students in the Prep School and Years 8 and 9 celebrated International Day. For students in the Secondary School the day was made up of a variety of events and lessons all based on the theme of internationalism.

The day kicked off with 250 students in the Assembly Hall participating in a chocolate production and trading role play that focuses on the experiences of Ghanaian cocoa farmers in the cocoa trading chain. Students were allocated roles as shoppers, buyers, journalists (some of whom turned to corruption quite quickly), independent coco farmers and coco farmers who were members of co-operatives. The role play took the participants through various twists and turns and I am confident the students learnt an enormous amount about the role of international trade in the manufacture and marketing of chocolate and the way that the trading system affects the lives and livelihoods of the farmers. 

Students were then allocated a Drama, Music or Art group, where preparation started for what was to be a most memorable assembly. The Art groups made props and costumes; while the Music group formed themselves into a Samba band and the Drama groups threw themselves into international dance experiences.

Following on from this high energy activity, Year 8 studied a variety of poetry from different regions of the world (including Wales, South Africa and New Zealand); while Year 9 picked up the chocolate trading theme and worked on marketing campaigns for a new chocolate bar.

The afternoon was dominated by an assembly that was quite simply a stunning exhibition celebrating both diversity and unity. The Music Samba band marched in and performed a high-energy and very rhythmic piece all dressed in the costumes made by the Art group. This was followed by examples of poetry written by students in particular styles. Next came presentations from the Business Studies Department for their chocolate marketing campaigns, followed by some quite unique dancing! A group of boys in Years 8 and 9 performed the New Zealand Hakka; a group of girls (and many members of the audience) then danced the Macarena; this was followed by a very selected and talented group of boys performing a belly dance (of sorts); and a sensational Bollywood inspired dance and finally a line dance.

The day was a wonderful opportunity for students to reflect on internationalism and celebrate elements of both diversity and unity. The students were impeccably behaved throughout the day and their enthusiasm and energy, as well as level of involvement, was outstanding

Many thanks should go the staff that helped make the day a resounding success. Particular thanks to Ms Gavin, Mr Mead, Ms Jefferies, Mr Herbert, Mr Michael, and Mr J Beere.

Nichola Sparrow, Director of Studies

English Examination Successes

I wrote in a previous Harrovian article that this term in Secondary the primary focus is examinations. Year 11 students are now well into the swing of their IGCSE’s and most are around a third of the way through these crucial examinations. Year 12 A/S Level examinations have also started and study leave for Years 12 and 13 starts on Monday (23rd May). In addition, the Year 8, 9 and 10 examinations started today.

However, throughout the entire academic year, many of our students are preparing for second language English examinations, particularly KET, PET and FCE. Indeed, last weekend, a large number of students sat these examinations which, thanks to the English Department (especially, Mr. Howe and Ms Dava) and the Examinations Office, were expertly run and smoothly executed. Mr Howe, writes in this edition of the Harrovian, and explains in more detail the intricacies of these examinations. 

• Since June 2009, 40% of all FCE grades have been either A or B; • Since March 2007, 91% of all KET grades have either been Pass or Pass with Merit; • 79% of all PET results since March 2007 have either been Pass or Pass with Merit. 
 Just as enlightening and encouraging is that we are now at the stage whereby all of sets 1-3 in Year 10 and 11 sit a First Language IGCSE English, with sets 1 and 2 also sitting IGCSE English Literature, and we are often in the envious position of receiving rewards for Best In Thailand and even Best in the World at IGCSE (CIE) English.

Reminders and Notices 

• Wednesday 25th May is International Day for students in Years 8-9. If students in these year groups wish to dress in internationally themed clothes, they may. If students do not come in international clothes, they should wear their normal school uniforms. • Study Leave – Years 12 and 13. Please ensure emails/ letters have been received from any students in Years 12 and 13, if they wish to be approved for home study leave.

Nichola Sparrow, Director of Studies 

I have to admit to being unimpressed at the thought of spending last Friday night at school as part of a staff presence at the Secondary School disco. At the danger of sounding as old as I am, (a child of the 80s), school discos evoke memories of wearing odd fluorescent socks with a rather fetching cerise pink, electric blue ra-ra skirt with a banana yellow hair hand; dancing (badly) to music from Soft Cell and Toni Basil and drinking flat coco-cola and sickly sweet Kiaora.

I was, however, very pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the evening, and it strongly reaffirmed what an amazing community of young people make up the student body here at Harrow. It was striking to see students from Year 8 all the way to Year 13 socialising with one another and enjoying each other’s company; it was both satisfying and rewarding to know this amazing event had been organised not by teachers, but by the prefect team (with a little help from Mr Machin) and it was unsurprising, yet still gratifying that the behaviour of all students was impeccable (as were the manners of the students, many of whom were courteous enough to thank both the prefects and staff who attended the event).  

It was (in my opinion) the best school disco to date and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Thank you to the prefect team for your hard work - you were impressive and will be remembered both for your organisation and your costumes!  

A few notices/reminders…..
Study Leave – A reminder that parental permission (letter or email) is required for students in Year’s 11, 12 or 13 to take home study during their examination period (for Year 12 and 13 the exam period begins on Monday 23 rd May). 

Years 8, and 9 Internal Examinations – Friday 20 th May – Tuesday 24 th May (inclusive).  

Year 10 Internal Examinations – Friday 20 th May – Wednesday 25 th May (inclusive).

Nichola Sparrow, Director of Studies