The Secondary Section Stories – 01/12/2023

To our valued parents and ISBe community members,

Thank you for joining us in the Festival of Lights event. Your presence added warmth and joy to the celebration, and we appreciate your participation.

The term remains bustling with numerous activities and opportunities for students. For those in exam years, the primary focus has been on preparing for mock exams and final assessments. Additionally, we’ve been engaging in discussions with both students and parents regarding subject selections for IGCSE and IBDP, aligning these choices with their future aspirations and university pathways.

Students in classes 6-8 took block exams as a proactive measure to better equip them for upcoming formal assessments in the future. Moreover, students from different grades throughout the school participated in the Math Olympiad this week. It’s wonderful to witness students pushing their limits and enhancing their skills in this domain.

Students actively participated in a variety of workshops and excursions aimed at reinforcing their skills and fostering practical, meaningful learning experiences. In one instance, class 8 engaged in a ‘Lie Detector’ workshop where Ian Wishart, a freelance journalist based in Brussels, shared insights on detecting fake news. The online session was well-received, with students enthusiastically joining the conversation and gaining valuable perspectives on journalistic work and the significance of fact-checking. Special thanks to Lie Detectors for organizing this crucial skills course.

Meanwhile, class 10 took part in a workshop led by an International Baccalaureate (IB) alumna affiliated with ‘Youth for Understanding,’ an NGO offering educational activities and youth exchange opportunities. This workshop delved into the realm of cultural differences, exploring both internal and external factors that shape one’s identity. Students had the opportunity to reflect on the various influences shaping their identities and to consider how cultural disparities impact communication.

We also hosted a  representative from Bishop University in Canada, who provided valuable insights and information to the students regarding university admissions.

The student council has planned several activities for the upcoming weeks, including a pajama day, a day to bring anything except a backpack, and a winter wonderland dance.

I am eagerly looking forward to the upcoming parent-teacher conferences and the chance to meet with all of you. It is a highly anticipated occasion where we can engage in meaningful discussions about your child’s academic progress, achievements, and areas for potential growth. Your active participation in these conferences is invaluable as it fosters a collaborative environment between educators and parents. Additionally, kindly ensure that you have booked your slots for the conferences to facilitate a smooth and organized interaction. Your involvement is crucial, and I appreciate the opportunity to work together for the benefit of your child’s education.

Warm regards,

Tala Issa
Head of Secondary
secondaryhead@isbedu.be
+32 (0)3 271 09 43
www.isbedu.be