Uplands School Weekly Newsletter - Term 1 Issue 15 - 28 November 2014

8/10/2019 Uplands School Weekly Newsletter - Term 1 Issue 15 - 28 November 2014

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As we head towards the end of the first term of this academic year, the ISP Schools Association

Board of Governors would like to take a moment to reflect on some of the more important Boardand School matters since the beginning of term.

First and foremost, in August 2014 we welcomed the arrival of our Principal, Mr Matthew

Bristow, along with his wife and family. Mr Bristow has a B. Education (Physics) from the

University of Cambridge and holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship. We

hope that many of you will have had the opportunity to meet Matthew and his family and

welcome them to the School. As is normal at the start of every new academic year, in August we

also welcomed a number of new members of staff and many new families to Uplands. We

sincerely hope you are all enjoying your time here in Penang, and most especially, being a part

of the School community.

Anyone familiar with development in Penang will know how difficult it can be to ensure building

deadlines are met, but a massive amount of work by Governors and School staff ensured Block F

was completed, inspected and ready for School opening on August 18th2014. The additional

classroom and activity space that Block F provides is of immense value to the School and our

students, but as with all new buildings, there have been a few teething problems which the School

has done its best to address as quickly as possible. Special thanks are extended to the

Development Committee, chaired by Mrs Leigh Pratt, to teachers and School staff who were

involved, as well as the architects C. G. Cheng, and contractors Prestige Construction, fore the

huge amount of time and effort put into ensuring this project stayed on track for the duration of

the build, and was completed in time for occupation in this school year.

Many of you will also be aware, through previous correspondence, that we have another

development project ongoing at this time. The building of our new Boarding facilities is on land

adjacent to the School and comprises 2 apartment blocks. We are pleased to advise that at this

time, the project is still on course to be completed by January 2015. This enhancement of current

facilities will give the School purpose-built boarding facilities close to the current campus, and

we hope these improvements will make boarding at Uplands more attractive.

We would like to congratulate all students who sat for the IGCSE and IBDP external examinations

this past summer. When looking at the achievement of our students, it is important to remember

that for many of them, English is not their mother tongue. To get to a level in a second language

where one can understand and sit for challenging examinations like the IGCSEs and IBDP is

something that warrants praise and recognition. Also, and this is very important, Uplands is a

non-selective School, so we are open to students of all abilities and do all that we can to help them

progress through the School, and ultimately, to do the best they can in formal examinations.

Every year we are proud to see that our students perform very well in external examinations and

often perform well-above world averages. Our IGCSE results this year were good, with over 80%
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of candidates gaining passes A*- C grades, of which 41.8% were A*- A grades. The IBDP results

were exceptional, with 97.7% of candidates awarded the diploma, and our average points score

of 35.28 points was more than a full 5 points higher than the world average. Almost 32% of our

IBDP candidates scored 40 points and above, with one student achieving the maximum score.

Congratulations to Lim Sheau Yun on being awarded the full 45 points in her IBDP examinations.

We would like to thank everyone who took the time to complete the online survey which was

recently sent to members of the School community. We look forward to the findings of this

survey, and appreciate that the information garnered may prove to be a useful tool in guiding

the Board, Principal and Senior Management in our efforts to make Uplands the best it can be.

The International School of Penang (Uplands) was established back in 1955, and so in 2015 the

School will celebrate its 60th anniversary. Please note that the confirmed dates for the 60th

anniversary celebrations are Friday 13thMarch Sunday 22ndMarch 2015. If anyone would like

to volunteer their services to help with preparations for this occasion, or would just like to share

ideas of what events could be incorporated in the celebrations, then please do contact the School.We would also very much appreciate it if parents and staff would spread the word about our

60thAnniversary, as we hope to reach out to as many ex-Uplanders as possible.

Please be aware that the Board is mindful of the importance of doing all it can to ensure the School

campus remains a safe, happy environment for all students and staff. The external security

situation is continuously monitored, and appropriate measures are being taken to tighten

security at the School.

With the end of yet another very exciting School term and the Christmas holidays fast

approaching, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the School communityfor all they do for the School and its students. We wish you all Happy Holidays and to those

who celebrate Merry Christmas. A Happy New Year to all.

Susan Lee

For and on behalf of the ISP Schools Association Board of Governors.


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The Year 10 and 11 students have been exceptionally busy this week as they have been involved

in a range of activities. There are currently students in Indonesia and Vietnam competing in the

FOBISIA tennis and model United Nations events. I wish all of the students representing

Uplands the very best of luck.

Fifteen Year 10 and 11 students hosted St Patricks School from Singapore in a football match on

Wednesday. St Patricks are rated in the top 5 schools in Singapore for football and were keen to

end their school year on a high. The game was a close encounter with end to end action, and two

penalties; one of which was saved by Ollie Muller, with Ong scoring the other! The Uplands

boys went down in the end 3-2 but played amazing football.

Work Experience

The week beginning the 8thof June 2015 is the start of the Year 10 work experience. Students will

be working with a company for a week and gaining an insight into the world of employment.

The week is a fantastic opportunity for our students, and they get to experience some amazing

things - last year, one student was allowed to observe 5 medical operations!!

The week relies on the generosity of the local community, and this year students will be

challenged to find their own placements. When we return from the holiday in January, students

will be preparing their CVs to send to employers in an effort to gain a position with them. If you

or your company are able to support the work experience programme, please can you let me

know by e-mailing me [email protected].

Iain Driscoll

Head of Year 10 and 11
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Academic Honesty at Uplands

In my role as Head of Curriculum and Assessment, I have taken the opportunity to speak to all

Senior School students about the importance of Academic Honesty. At a special Year 10-13

lunchtime lecture last Friday 21st November, and at this week's whole school assembly, this

extremely important area of education was addressed. Key objectives included highlighting the

following connections to this topic: our School Ethos, personal integrity and learning to be

principled; the Uplands Academic Honesty Policy; what good practice looks like; defining

plagiarism and collusion; clarifying School consequences and external Examination Board (CIE

and IBO) sanctions; where to go for support and additional resources. Good practice involves

three stages. Firstly, students must recognise that academic honesty should be considered as aset of values and skills that promote personal integrity - this must happen in teaching, learning

and assessment. It also involves awareness of the factors that influence correct decision-making;

peer pressure, culture, parental and teacher expectations, role-modelling and skill set. Thirdly,

good practice is accompanied by a sound knowledge and understanding of the practical skills

needed to apply what is otherwise just a conceptual understanding of academic honesty. It

follows that students have rights and responsibilities, and it was pleasing to hear some feedback

already this week from students asking for more information about how to avoid plagiarism and

collusion. Practices to avoid plagiarism and the often misunderstood 'art of collusion' are difficult

to learn; all teachers at Uplands are committed to guiding students in these areas. At the same

time, the responsibilities that lie with the students were explained to them. Of significance is the

idea of intent, which is not taken into account by external Examination Boards. I invite you to

please take some further time to discuss this concept with your son or daughter. Finally, it was

explained to all students that there is quite simply an expectation that they will act in a manner

that is consistent with being academically honest. We look forward to guiding students as they

grow from Year 7 to year 13, learning the increasing importance of Academic Honesty associated

with their studies. If you would like a copy of the PowerPoint presentation shown to students, I

would be pleased to share the information in more detail with you. Thank you for your support

and consideration.

Paul Rose

Head of Curriculum and Assessment


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This meet was the biggest of my life! Never before have I been able to partcipate in a

meet of such international proportions. It was exactly as seen on television, with media

broadcasting, advertising, ticketing - everything. It was fantastic! The facilities were top

class, and the pool was fantastic; a beautiful shade of aquamarine; the diving blocks and

touch pad, top class. Since I was a participant, I had VIP access to pretty much

everything! When I entered the marshalling room for my event, the first person I saw

was Katinka Hossz, followed by Roland Schoeman, then Daniel Gyurta, and finally

Ruta Meilutyte, World Record Holder and Olympic Gold Medalist. I was overwhelmed.

To me, it was like meeting a group of celebrities, whom Ive always watched from afar

and admired. Now, I actually realised the experience of swimming with them! After

watching and also swimming with these world-class swimmers, this experience has

helped me to identify aspects which I could improve upon.

To me, this meet was a very important event, and from this I managed to gain a once-in-

a-lifetime experience. I learnt many things, and got the opportunity to witness the peoplewho were the best of the best showcase

their skills in front of me.

Matthew Poon (Yr 12)


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EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom) has been a focus for most Primary classes as our last

units of inquiry for this term near completion. Last week, Year 6 students had a fabulous time inLangkawi, taking on new challenges, making new friendships and developing greater

independence. It was a pleasure to accompany the children on their residential. They were

excellent ambassadors for Uplands as they cooperated with each other when working

collaboratively; their behaviour was superb! A special thank you to Ms Teese and Mr. Naidoo

for the many hours spent in planning and preparation to make the residential a success. Also,

thanks to Mrs. Yeoh, Ms Sielina and Mr. Peitao for helping with supervision. The staff also very

much enjoyed the trip and I am sure there will be a waitlist of staff wishing to accompany next

years residential. On Monday, Year 6 students will host our Sharing Assembly where we look

forward to learning more about their Langkawi experience.

This week, Year 2 children visited Weld Quay; Year 3 travelled to Ipoh on Thursday to learn first-

hand about caves, and today our Reception class visited the Butterfly Farm. On Monday morning

Year 4 will learn to make a pewter bowl at the Royal Selangor School of Hard Knocks. A very

big thank you to all the parents who have supported these visits, in particular the dads who have

been available to help.

Next week the lunchtime inter-house football competition led by the House Captains will resume

for children in Year 4. On Thursday the Primary Swim Team will travedl to KL for ISAC Swim

Meet hosted by Alice Smith School. Best wishes for a successful, enjoyable meet to Chris

Jantamaneecho9t, Kelvin Kim, Miyui Shinji, Liam Khor-Brogan, Sophia Poulsen, Johanne

Dalsgaard, Will Sigloch, Carl Sigloch, Gluy Weightman, Oliver Hojbjerg,k Skye Watson and

Maya Yamashita.

Primary Sharing Assembly:

Monday, 1 December, 2.00 pm in the foyer, hosted by Year 6.

We hope many parents will join us.

End of Term Reports:

End of term reports will be issued on the last day of Term One, Friday, 19 December.

Early in Term Two, there will be opportunities for parents to meet with classroom

teachers to discuss student targets and progress.

Ali Nicholson

Head of Primary

Follow us on Twitter: @UplandsPriSch


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Year 6 Residential Trip to Langkawi

What I have gained from the trip:

I learnt how to control my anger and calm down; not to get angry. I learnt to listen to other

people and focus better. When I do not like something I have learnt it is okay to politely say so.

Carl 6i

I was being a risk-taker because I was eating food I had never tried before. I am used to eating

food from my home country - Thailand.

Fern 6i

I learnt that I am brave because this was my first time ever to leave my family. I was worried,

but my friends and teachers took care of me.

Chloe 6i

I learnt that I am caring because when my friend was sick I took care of him.

Sena 6i

I am shy when I am speak in English.

I was being a communicator and risk-taker during my interviews and when I was singing Let it

go to my friends.Ryan 6i

I showed curiosity when I visited each tourist attraction. I became more knowledgeable.

Jie Yi 6i.

I was a risk taker when I touched the snake because I was really scared.

Selman

I was a risk taker when I went in the cable car to the top of the mountain because I really dont

like heights


11/2011

Coby

I was a risk taker when I was on the mangrove tour because the monkey could have jumped on

my boat

Fine

My dad is in Korea and my mum is the only one I can trust and I have to give that trust to the

teacher. It is not a simple thing. I was a risk taker by doing that.

Kelvin

I was caring to my roommate Fine, when I let her shower first, helped with her reflections and

said good night. I really liked being in the room with her because we both liked making our

room tidy and I also wanted to know her better.

Charlize


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As you have probably read elsewhere in the newsletter, on Wednesday the Science Faculty

helped to host thirty girls from Tanjong Katong Secondary School, Singapore. Like most studentsat an Asian public school, they have had very little experience of practical science activities. We

therefore decided to do the most practical-based activity that we could think of using Chemistry

to make rocket fuel and using our Physics knowledge to launch them into the sky and at Mr

Skinner!

The girls had to make hydrogen gas (by reacting magnesium with hydrochloric acid) and fill a

certain proportion of a plastic drinks bottle with it it is vital to get the proportions correct. NASA

space engineers know this too but I am not revealing the proportions here. There was some

hesitancy from the girls at first but by the time they made oxygen gas, they were much more

confident at handling scientific apparatus. With our bottles of rocket fuel (hydrogen and oxygen- the same fuel that the space shuttle used), we headed for the field.

Mr Hari had his rocket-launcher set up and the girls took it in turns to drop their rockets in the

launcher and hastily run back to safety as Mr Hari lit the fuel. Some groups had got the

proportions wrong and the rockets just popped and remained stationary. Some rockets,

however, ignited wonderfully and flew through the sky towards Mr Skinner never quite

reaching him though. By the end, Mr Hari had singed his hands and was shaking, but whether

with excitement or fear, Im not too sure.

Miss Ortiz then followed this up with a demonstration of larger rockets, fuelled by hydrogen

peroxide and ethanoic acid. The first one just gently popped off its base, while the second one

fell over and flew straight towards Miss Ortiz. The final one however, spurted into the sky, flying

over the audience (soaking some of them with ethanoic acid - vinegar) and landing in the school

pool. Spectacular!

We wish the girls of Tanjong Katong well, and I must thank Mr Hari and Miss Ortiz for running

the event. I would also like to apologise to Mr Metcalfe for soaking the astro-turf in vinegar and

to Mr Ben for lowering the pH of the pool.

Rockets away!

Andrew Cartlidge

Head of Science


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This weeks Year 9 students science lessons were really shocking! They learnt about electrical

circuits as they experimented with power packs, voltmeters and light bulbs in the great Scienceactivity pictured! Wiring components in different ways can result in surprising outcomes.

Students tried changing the voltage in the circuit to make the light bulb glow brighter. They

checked their models and drew circuit diagrams. Students enjoyed a variety of challenges that

involved wiring the bulbs in a series or a parallel circuit, replacing bulbs, placing ammeters

before and after the different components, increasing voltage, splitting current, etc. They

certainly had fun in interactive science lessons this week!

Can you compete with a Year 9?

Try the Electricity Crosswordbelow to find out.

Across

1. This device measures the difference in electrical energy between two points in a circuit

2. Electrical current is measured in these

3. A circuit is this type if there are no branches

4. If you put more lamps into a series circuit the lamps will be dimmer/brighter than

before

Down

1. Our homes are wired using this type of circuit

2. This device measures electric current

3. Voltage is measured in these

4. The surname of the Year 9 tutor who is also a science teacher!

Miss Arminda Ortiz, Tutor of 9P


16/2016

On Thursday, 27th November, Japanese language students (from Year 7 to Year 9) participated

in the annual visit to the Penang Japanese School, as part of the Cultural Exchange Programme.PJS welcomed us, and Year 8 student, Lucia, made a short speech of thanks for the hospitality of

our hosts.

Our students also participated in four activities that the PJS students organised, ranging from

traditional Japanese paper crafts, and sweet-making, to the more familiar three-legged race (that

everyone enjoyed very much).

We all had a very good time, and would like to extend our thanks to the Penang Japanese School.

Yoshiko Fox

Head of Japanese


17/2017

On Thursday, 27th November, Japanese language students (from Year 7 to Year 9) participated

in the annual visit to the Penang Japanese School, as part of the Cultural Exchange Programme.

PJS welcomed us, and Year 8 student, Lucia, made a short speech of thanks for the hospitality ofour hosts.

Our students also participated in four activities that the PJS students organised, ranging from

traditional Japanese paper crafts, and sweet-making, to the more familiar three-legged race (that

everyone enjoyed very much).

We all had a very good time, and would like to extend our thanks to the Penang Japanese School.

Yoshiko Fox

Head of Japanese


18/2018

Invoices for the 2nd Payment of School Fees will be sent to all parents at the beginning of

December. All school fees must be received by 9thJanuary 2015. All payments received before

2ndJanuary will be entitled to early payment discounts. Please see the school website for fulldetails of fees and methods of payment.

All fees must be paid in full before students will be allowed to start Term 2. Thank you, in

advance, for your understanding.

If you have made any payment by cheques or telegraphic transfers to the School's bank account,

please email or fax to Accounts Department, the bank-in slip or appropriate document to enable

us to identify the correct client account.

Email:[email protected]

Fax: 04-8819788

Renee Tan

Accountant

Messages from the Uplands Parent Teacher Association:

Please note that the UPTA will be supporting the Primary Christmas Concert on

Wednesday, 17th December, and that there will no longer be a separate Carols by

Candlelight event on Friday, 5thDecember.

There will be an UPTA Coffee Morning held on Tuesday, 2nd December at the

PARKROYAL Penang Resort from 8:30am to 10:30am in Tiffins Restaurant. Please

[email protected] you are able to join us for this final Coffee Morning of

2014.

Kind Regards,

Roslyn Wirth

UPTA Secretary
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


19/2019

FOBISIA Tennis Invitational hosted by BIS Jakarta Thursday 27 to Sunday 30th

November 2014

U11/U10 Football vs SCIPS Friday 28 November 2014

Year 4 Excursion Selangor School Monday 1 December 2014

of Hard Knocks

UPTA Coffee Morning Tuesday, 2 December 2014

UPTA Carols by Candlelight Friday, 5 December 2014

Parents IB Diploma Information Session Block F MPH Wednesday, 9 December, 2014

USC Secondary Prom Traders Hotel Friday, 12 December 2014

Sports Day Years 7 to 12 - USM Tuesday 16 December 2014

Primary & Secondary Christmas Concert Wednesday 17 December 2014

Term 1 Ends at 12.00 noon Friday 19 December 2014

Boarding House closes at 12.00 noon Saturday 20 December 2014


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Orientation Day for all new students morning Monday12 January 2015

Boarding House re-opens at 2.30 pm Monday 12 January 2015

Term 2 Starts Tuesday 13 January 2015

Mid Term Break at 2.40 pm Friday 13 February 2015

Boarding House closes at 12.00 noon Saturday 14 February 2015

Boarding House re-opens at 2.30 pm Sunday 22 February 2015

School re-opens Monday 23 February 2015

Term 2 ends at 12.00 noon Thursday 2 April 2015

Boarding House closes at 12.00 noon Friday 3 April 2015

Boarding House re-opens at 2.30 pm Sunday 19 April 2015

Term 3 starts Monday 20 April 2015

School closed Labour Day Friday 1 May 2015

Term 3 ends at 12.00 noon Friday 19 June 2015

Boarding House closes at 12.00 noon Saturday 20 June 2015

Uplands School Weekly Newsletter - Term 1 Issue 15 - 28 November 2014

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Transcript of Uplands School Weekly Newsletter - Term 1 Issue 15 - 28 November 2014