Dear PBISS Parents and Guardians, As we step into the exciting realm of the 2023/24 academic year, it is with great pleasure and anticipation that I share with you a glimpse of what the year ahead holds for our beloved PBISS. Our commitment to providing an exceptional education experience remains unwavering, and we are thrilled to embark on this journey of growth and exploration together.
Upgrading the School Site – Our dedication to creating a nurturing and inspiring environment for our students continues to be a top priority. Throughout this academic year, you can look forward to ongoing updates and upgrades to our school site. We believe that a well-maintained and modern campus is not only a source of pride but also a crucial component of effective learning. These enhancements will include modernized classrooms, improved recreational spaces, and a continued focus on eco-friendly initiatives that align with our commitment to environmental sustainability. Rest assured that your children will have access to a dynamic and welcoming setting that enhances their educational experience.
Building on Academic Excellence – At PBISS, we take immense pride in our track record of academic excellence. Our students have consistently achieved outstanding results in IGCSE and A-level examinations, showcasing their dedication and the exceptional quality of education they receive here. In the year ahead, we are committed to building on this foundation of excellence. Our dedicated faculty members are working tirelessly to ensure that our students are not only well-prepared for their exams but also equipped with critical thinking skills, creativity, and a love for lifelong learning. We eagerly anticipate celebrating the continued success of our students in their academic endeavors.
Expanding Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) – In today’s rapidly changing world, we understand that academic excellence is just one aspect of a well-rounded education. Equipping our students with essential life skills is equally important. As such, we are excited to announce our continued focus on the development of our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program. SEL equips students with the tools to navigate life’s challenges, foster positive relationships, and develop emotional intelligence. In the coming year, we will be further enhancing our SEL resources and initiatives, ensuring that our students receive comprehensive support for their holistic development. This investment reflects our commitment to nurturing not just bright minds but also compassionate hearts.
Stakeholder Engagement for Future Developments
At PBISS, we strongly believe in the importance of involving all stakeholders—parents, guardians, teachers, and students—in shaping the future of our school. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment where your voices are heard. As we look ahead, we will continue our focus on stakeholder engagement. Your valuable input and insights will play a crucial role in guiding potential future developments within our school. Your involvement ensures that our school remains responsive to the evolving needs and aspirations of our community. In conclusion, the 2023/24 academic year holds promise, growth, and opportunities for all of us at PBISS. We remain dedicated to providing an exceptional education experience, fostering academic excellence, nurturing social-emotional development, and engaging with you, our valued stakeholders. As we embark on this journey together, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support and trust in PBISS. Together, we will make this academic year one filled with achievement, discovery, and lasting memories.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss any aspect of the upcoming year, please do not hesitate to reach out. My door is always open, and I am here to assist in any way I can. Here’s to a wonderful and enriching year ahead!
Looking ahead from the Foundation Stage & Year 1
Welcome to EYFS! This is the year for our young learners to shine brilliantly, and be the absolute best they can be. It is with great enthusiasm that I, Amanda Murdoch, Head of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Year 1, welcome you to what promises to be a year filled with exploration, learning, and fun.
All About Me – The term begins with the theme, “All About Me.” This theme invites our young learners to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Through a variety of engaging activities, our students will explore their unique identities, talents, and interests. This not only fosters a strong sense of self-worth, but also lays the foundation for building meaningful friendships. We believe that understanding oneself is the first step towards understanding others.
Nursery: Science and Exploration – My Five Senses Our Nursery class will delve into the fascinating world of sensory exploration. The theme “My Five Senses” will take our youngest learners on a multi-sensory adventure. They will discover the world through touch, taste, smell, sight, and sound, enhancing their understanding of the environment. Expect to hear giggles and exclamations of wonder as they engage in hands-on activities that stimulate their senses.
FS1: People Who Help Us – In FS1, our young learners will explore the theme “People Who Help Us.” Through imaginative play and interactive experiences, they will learn about the roles of various community helpers, developing a deeper appreciation for the people who make our world a better place. This theme also reinforces the values of cooperation, empathy, and gratitude.
FS2: Around the World – For FS2, the term unfolds with the theme “Around the World.” Our students will embark on a global adventure, exploring diverse cultures, traditions, and landscapes. Through storytelling, crafts, and activities, they will broaden their horizons and gain an appreciation for the rich tapestry of our world. This theme encourages curiosity and a love for learning beyond borders. The world is our classroom!
Early STEM and Multi-Sensory Learning – At PBISS, we recognize the importance of early STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. Our term ahead will be filled with STEM-inspired activities, designed to spark curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a love for inquiry-based learning. Multi-sensory experiences will be integrated into our curriculum, engaging all the senses to deepen understanding. We look forward to a brilliant year of discovery, friendship, and fun! Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of nurturing your child’s growth and development.
Looking ahead from the Primary School
Parental Support for Metacognition – At the start of the holiday I shared these articles from Liz Keable about ways in which parents can support their children over the summer to be more ‘metacognition ready’ at the start of the new term. Last year, we made a very good start in facilitating our learners’ thinking in a more metacognitive way, supporting its development at home can still contribute to improvements in well-being and academic progress.
Her first article looked at the need for a successful learner to have a positive view of their own abilities and how we can develop that more effectively at home. If you missed that issue, you can read it here.
Article 1: Positive self-view and its development at home. Click link here
Article 2: Understanding how learning works and the role of active listening and engagement. Click link here
In this issue we’re going to focus on the importance of a child or young person appreciating that they have a role to play in the learning process. Developing metacognition allows a learner to engage more consciously with the curriculum in order to become more independent in school. An important starting point is that the student actually appreciates the need to take responsibility for their own thought processes, and become a more active learner.
Practical Suggestions for Parents – Remember what metacognition involves; being able to assess your own thinking, decide what’s working and what isn’t, and then make the necessary changes in order to achieve a better result. So, to help your child or young person appreciate the active role they need to take in relation to their own learning, try the following suggestions.
Introduce Responsibility – Make sure your child learns to shoulder some kind of responsibility at home, to create a starting point for conversations about doing so in school. They need to appreciate what responsibility looks like and feels like, in order to sense the extent of the involvement they need to have in their own learning.
Promote Diverse Perspectives – Expose children to the idea that a whole range of perspectives may exist in any given situation, and help them express their own opinions whilst respecting those of others! Children should recognize the significance of their own thoughts in terms of their well-being and academic progress. However, it’s equally important for them to accept that differing opinions exist and feel at ease sharing and listening to explore potential possibilities.
Model Changing Your Mind – Allow your child to see you ‘change your mind’ sometimes, and always explain how new information has led you to have a different view. Flexible thinking, a crucial metacognitive skill, should be based on reasoned analysis of newly acquired information before altering existing beliefs.
Eliminate “Can’t” – The sub-conscious brain believes everything it’s told, so help your child remove the word ‘can’t’ from their vocabulary! The non-thinking part of our brain has a strong influence over conscious thoughts, so it’s really important to offer a solution, by saying ‘I can do this, I just need some help’. Don’t encourage’ ‘I can’t do it YET’, because the subconscious will still focus on the ‘can’t’. In our training recently, I asked the staff to consider how recognising and celebrating confusion as the beginning of learning something changes the impact it has on our learners.
Effort and Determination – Help them to see that it’s the level of effort someone is prepared to put into a task that’s the vital ingredient, not a pre-destined ability! Some learners give up when faced with challenges, assuming that others find it easy. It’s crucial that they learn success comes from persistence, whether in academic pursuits or mastering skills like riding a bike, playing an instrument, or excelling in video games.
Praise Effort – Praise effort, focus and persistence, so that achievement is seen to come from personal endeavour! When you praise a child or young person make sure you’re supporting the development of the skills you want them to have more of. Notice that these skills all come from having a particular mindset, not from any specific level of ‘ability’.
All of these principles are what we have implemented in Primary with an eye to reaping the benefits of the compound interest, accrued day by day, improving the educational and life chances for our children and young people.
Looking ahead from the Secondary School
Welcome back to PBISS for the 2023-2024 academic year! We hope you had a rejuvenating and enjoyable summer break. As we embark on a new school year, we would like to extend our warmest greetings to you and your children.
Introduction to the Academic Year
This year promises to be one filled with exciting learning opportunities, growth, and achievements. We are thrilled to have your child back with us, ready to embark on their educational journey.
You should by now have received the Teacher Profile document by email. This document provides introductions to our dedicated faculty members. We believe that a strong partnership between parents, guardians, and teachers is essential for the success of our students, and this document will help you get to know the educators who will be guiding your child’s academic development this year.
We are also excited to introduce our new teachers who are joining the PBISS community this year. They bring fresh perspectives, passion, and expertise to our school, and we are confident that they will make valuable contributions to our students’ learning experiences. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to them.
New IGCSE Program
In addition to our warm welcome, we are excited to introduce an exciting development at PBISS – the launch of a new three-year IGCSE program beginning with Year 9 students. This extended program will provide students with a more comprehensive and in-depth preparation for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations.
STEM+ Program
At PBISS, we are proud to offer an innovative and comprehensive STEM+ program that extends beyond the traditional STEM subjects. STEM+, for us, means integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics with a holistic approach to education that includes the development of essential soft skills. Our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals is reflected in our approach, which emphasises collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills across all subjects and grade levels. We firmly believe that these skills are not only valuable in the ever-evolving world of STEM but are also essential life skills that empower our students to thrive in any field they choose.
Through hands-on projects, interdisciplinary learning experiences, and a supportive learning environment, we aim to equip our students with the tools they need to excel academically and succeed as adaptable, forward-thinking individuals.
PBISS Values
Our obligation to providing a safe, nurturing, and academically rigorous environment remains unwavering. We will continue to prioritise the well-being and academic growth of every student, ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Throughout the year, we will keep you updated on important school events, academic progress, and opportunities for involvement. We encourage you to stay connected with us through our school website, newsletters, and parent-teacher conferences.
We look forward to a successful and fulfilling year ahead, and we can’t wait to see all the great achievements your children will accomplish. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our doors are always open.
Once again, welcome back to PBISS, and let’s make this academic year a remarkable one together!
What does STEM+ mean at PBISS?
Empowering Future Leaders: PBISS International School’s 12 Key Skills and STEM+ Philosophy. At PBISS International School, we’re not just shaping students; we’re cultivating future leaders armed with a powerful toolkit of 12 essential skills that transcend the boundaries of traditional education. These skills are the foundation of our innovative approach, seamlessly integrated into every aspect of our curriculum, and designed to prepare our students for the complex challenges of a rapidly evolving world through our STEM+ Philosophy.
Our philosophy views STEM+ as more than an acronym; it represents a dynamic educational journey where these 12 key skills are not just taught but lived, providing unparalleled support to our students.
- Critical Thinking: We use critical thinking to encourage students to explore, analyze, and evaluate, fostering a culture of inquiry and thoughtful decision-making.
- Creativity: Creativity is not limited to the arts here; it’s infused into every subject, encouraging students to think innovatively and approach problems with fresh perspectives.
- Collaboration: Teamwork is a fundamental pillar of our education. We believe that diverse perspectives are key to tackling complex challenges, and our students learn the art of effective collaboration.
- Communication: Effective communication is para-mount in a world filled with information. Our students are masters at expressing their ideas clearly, whether through writing, speaking, or visual communication.
- Contextualized Intelligence: Beyond mere knowledge, our students develop contextualized intelligence, ensur-ing their education is practical, not just theoretical.
- Cognitive Flexibility: Adaptability is nurtured. Our students embrace change, thrive in unpre-dictable situations, and remain open to new ideas and opportunities.
- Social and Emotional Intelligence: Empathy and interpersonal skills are cultivated, fostering well-rounded individuals who excel in their relationships and social interactions.
- Leadership Skills: Leadership is not an abstract concept but a daily practice. Our students take initiative, set goals, and inspire others to follow their lead.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: We empower our students to be job creators, not just job seekers. They identify opportunities and turn innovative ideas into reality.
- Problem-Solving: Our curriculum is rich in hands-on projects and collaborative problem-solving. Students understand that challenges are opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Negotiation and Persuasive Skills: Effec-tive negotiation and persuasion are life skills. Our students become adept in these areas through practical application.
- Lateral Thinking Skills: We encourage lat-eral thinking, the ability to approach prob-lems unconventionally, leading to ground-breaking solutions.
These 12 key skills are not theoretical concepts at PBISS International School; they are embedded in the very fabric of our STEM+ Philosophy. Our students are not just learners; they are the leaders, thinkers, and problem solvers of tomorrow, ready to shape a brighter future for all.
Our educators teach these skills as a representation of STEM+ rather than just an acronym. By nurturing these skills, our school prepares students not only for academic excellence but also to be responsible, innovative and compassion-ate global citizens.
Secondary Pathways at PBISS Student’s Direction, Destination and Opportunities Explained
Unlocking a Bright Future: Introducing PBISS Pathways for Student Success.
We are thrilled to introduce an exciting new initiative at our school that is set to transform the educational journey of our students: PBISS Pathways. In this feature, we will delve into what PBISS Pathways are and how they are designed to benefit our students.
What Are PBISS Pathways?
PBISS Pathways are customized educational routes that empower our students aged 11-17 to chart their own unique course through their educational journey. These pathways are tailored to their interests, talents, and aspirations, offering them a clear sense of direction and purpose.
How Do PBISS Pathways Benefit Our Students?
- Direction: PBISS Pathways help students discover their true passions and interests, enabling them to identify their individual direction in life. By exploring subjects aligned with their goals, they gain a deeper understanding of their chosen path.
- Destination: Our students are embarking on a journey toward excellence. PBISS Pathways provide them with a roadmap, guiding them toward their academic and personal goals. They learn that the destination is not just a place but a state of mind where they strive for excellence.
- Opportunities: The beauty of PBISS Pathways lies in their ability to unlock opportunities. By developing expertise in specific areas, our students gain a competitive edge for future academic pursuits and career paths. They learn that seizing opportunities leads to personal and professional growth.
These pathways go beyond traditional education. They encourage our students to explore, innovate, and develop the skills needed for success in an ever-evolving world.
At the heart of PBISS Pathways is a commit-ment to holistic growth. We believe in nurturing not only academic excellence but also personal development and soft skills that will serve our students well in any endeavor they choose to pursue.
We invite you to join us on this incredible journey. Through PBISS Pathways, we are empowering our students to take ownership of their education, set clear goals, and make informed decisions about their future. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and the bright futures that our students will unlock.
Stay tuned for more updates on PBISS Pathways as we embark on this inspiring educational adventure together.
