Dear DCIS Parents and Guardians,
Time in the life of a school always seems to travel quickly and this term has been no exception. Our new teachers have settled well and everyone is continuing to work hard to ensure we are offering a curriculum of the highest quality.
The number of students continues to grow in Key Stage 3 and 4. Our Year 7 cohort has settled well and is making great progress in overcoming the different challenges they now face. They are beginning to successfully build up skills to prepare for iGCSE, IB and beyond. We have welcomed many new students in other year groups as well and all are making a huge contribution to our vibrant learning community.
There have been a number of exciting trips for the students to get involved in. Students returned from the inaugural trip to Tanzania last month and all had an amazing experience. Our Year 5 students have just returned from their 3-night trip to Telunas Beach Resort in Indonesia. They returned exhausted and I imagine spent a lot of time sleeping after they had shared the details of what they did with much excitement. These experiences give students an alternative perspective and an opportunity to discover new skills and interests. Next term we have our Thailand, Laos and Myanmar trips where students will get involved in service based work. Finally, I am delighted to announce that we have an opportunity for our Year 8 and 9 students to participate in the Alpine Trekking Expedition in Les Martinets, Switzerland. This trip is planned to take place in June and we have recently contacted parents to ascertain levels of interest.
As well as our overseas trips we have also seen a number of trips taking place in Singapore. We were the first school to visit the new Google office where students had an unforgettable experience looking at the technologies of the future and experiencing the unique Google working culture. We have also been to the Science Centre and participated in the Canon Photography competition at Suntec City.
Thank you to those parents who attended the recent Carols by Candlelight evenings. Both nights were a great success and Year 5, 6 and the Secondary School were well represented in the orchestra, choir, rock bands and the outstanding drama performance of 'A Christmas Carol'. I was very proud to witness the amazing talent we have in the school and how confidently they all performed.
Students and staff have made an excellent start to the Year 10/11 Assertive Mentoring programme. This is provides one-to-one support to all students who are undertaking their iGCSE examinations and is designed to help them maximise their levels of progress. As well as preparing for iGCSE it will also help students prepare for the demands of the IB Diploma Programme. Next term, at the end of January, we will welcome the IB organisation to DCIS for our accreditation visit. Mrs. Rinaldi has done an excellent job of preparing us and many of the teachers are currently undergoing IB training. I will provide an update on the visit at the first opportunity.
Finally, I would like to wish you all a restful holiday. Merry Christmas to those who celebrate this festival and Happy New Year to all. I look forward to welcoming you back in January for another exciting term.
John Smith
Head of Secondary School