Earth Day 2019, Emirates Environmental Group Public Speaking Competition,

Presenting a speech on Healthcare & Sustainability.
A team of fours students from Sharjah English School did a great job in this years competition. Their speech was very well researched and delivered. It was certainly among the best of the day. They finished fourth of about 40 schools who entered in total. Well done to the year 10 students.

Congratulations to four of our A Level Maths students who represented Sharjah English School in the 7th National Maths Competition at Abu Dhabi University.

There were fifty teams consisting of one hundred students from schools all across the Emirates and we are pleased to say that both of our teams made it through to the finals. We are extremely proud of their achievement.

Sharjah English School hosted a Space & Rocketry Programme during the Spring Break. Students from Years 5 to 10 took part, including some from other schools. Over three days, the participants learnt about living & working in space, rockets, the International Space Station, space exploration and Mars missions. They tried astronaut food, completed a number of space themed engineering challenges and built their own rocket which they launched in the desert this weekend.

Everyone worked hard and it was great to have students from primary and secondary working together. Well done to everyone that took part and I hope it has sown the seed of interest and motivation to work hard and consider a career in Space Science.

Dubai Cares Donation

Members of the Student Council visited Dubai Cares last week to deliver our donation of 10,000 dhs, raised by the Walk for Education last term.

We are very grateful for the efforts of the students, their parents and the whole school community in helping us to raise such a terrific sum.

T shirts designed to celebrate key numbers from the Special Olympics 2019.

The Spring Term is never complete without the Junior School Disco. This year DJ Gill spun up a tropical storm, we rocked the boat and danced and limboed the evening away, great fun was had by all!

The 2nd of of our new look concert series took place on Tuesday 26th March, with the inaugural Spring Concert.

Over 80% of the performers were new to the SES stage, and the whole evening was full of enthusiasm and positivity, and some amazing performances. Year 11 students were given their last to chance to perform before recording their GSCE coursework, and the music department were pleased to welcome a few performers from the last "Won't Stop Beating" concert, held in school at the start of the month. Favorites such as SES Barbershop, Concert Band and Vocal Ensemble wowed the audience, and all performers are looking forward to the next opportunity to showcase the extensive musical talents of SES.

Thanks as always go to our dedicated peripatetic staff, parents and performers, along with Ms Alvarez and Mr Laird.

On Tuesday 19th March 9 SES students attended the DASSA Athletics championships, they had qualified in the top 8 athletes in their respected events after competing in the Team Championships two weeks ago. It was a fantastic display of some elite athletics and we are proud to report 7 medals were won by SES Students.

Bronze Medal for Ryan Brown in the U14 Discus
Silver Medal for Jeena Lumumba in the U14 Discus
Gold Medals for Imani Moneyang in the U12 Shot Put,U12 Javelin and U12 200m
Gold Medals for Kenya Moneyang in the U14 100m and U14m 200m

As the Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi comes to a close on Thursday, SES salutes all the participants and people of determination who have made this such an inspiring and memorable event.
As a school we have been proud to have participated in many ways in creating great memories for those involved: from ex-SES student Chaica Al Qasimi delivering a speech at the opening, to Ms Hyland training and supporting competitive Cheer-leading in its first appearance at the Special Olympics, and to Anneketrien who led the massed student choir at the Opening Ceremony.
Well done SES. And mabrook to all the organizers and supporters.

SES student Anneketrien Van Wassenhove raises the curtain on the opening ceremony of the Special Olympic Games in Abu Dhabi last Thursday. Performing in front of 40,000 people, 7,500 athletes from 190 countries and a world-wide TV audience, Anneketrien led the choir in singing the specially composed anthem "Woven World".
"The school is really proud of Anneketrien's achievements in music. This is a remarkable distinction for such a young singer", said John Nolan, SES school principal. "The school is also delighted to be able to support this fabulous event and all the athletes of determination who are participating."

Congratulations to Megan White on passing her Young Leader Qualification for British Girl Guides Overseas.

A number of SES girls are active members of the Sharjah Guides, and put in many hours of service assisting in running of the troop. For Megan to receive this accolade is a great achievement, and sets her up to proceed to her full leadership qualification.

Sharjah Guides and SES are very proud of her.

The photograph shows the Chief Commissioner for BGO, Diane Thomas, presenting Megan with her badge and certificate last week, when Diane visited Sharjah as part of a Middle East visit.

On Thursday, Students from SES competed in "Choirfest Me" an international choir competition for school across the country. Led by Ms Lis, the choir performed 3 songs and were adjudicated by professional choir directors. Competing against DESC, Dubai College and Winchester School, students were treated to some exceptional choir performances. We are very pleased to say that our vocal ensemble came out winners of the "choir of the day", something which recognizes the dedication and talent of both our students and staff. A huge congratulations to all involved, especially Ms Lis and the participants for once again showing the quality of the music opportunities at SES.

Congratulations to three SES students made the finals of the Kellogg's Spelling Bee at Motiongate, Dubai. Nishant Sood (y9), Rhea Sequeira (y10) (returning contestants) and Anna George (y8), a newcomer to the competition. Nishant went on to make joint 6th overall and was the highest ranked Sharjah student. The registration for next year's competition will open in term 3 with Miss Somers (for years 6-10) and next year, we hope to launch a new competition with the spelling bee organisation for years 1-5!

During the Year 7 design and Technology students at SES worked on an innovative moisture sensor project. The students were put into groups of four and began the day with a research project on the importance of water around the world. They then put their research into action and learnt about development of water management systems and electronic circuits.

For the first time ever, SES celebrated International Mother Language Day and its translation into more than 19 languages on Thursday February 21st.

The event, built around the concept of flight and travel, was marked in Key Stage 3 with over 30 students introducing their peers to their culture and language, encouraging other students to discover greetings and a little of someone else's mother tongue. As a celebration of our diversity and inclusiveness, it was a fabulous success.

At SES we value the importance of social responsibility. We are delighted to share that our whole school community raised over 5000 aed for Dubai Cares in our recent 'Walk for Education'.

The event allowed us to stand together as one school to highlight children across the world who do not have access to education. The student leaders would like to pass on their thanks to all who contributed.

SES will be undergoing an accreditation visit / inspection by BSO in three weeks time. The inspection team, from the UK and international schools, will be assessing our school against the standards applied to independent schools in the UK. This updates our accreditation previously obtained in 2013 and 2016.

Head of Secondary Tracy Morley with conference presenter Pauline Taylor-Guy, at a session on Continuous School Improvement. All members of the Senior Management Team last week attended the Sharjah Private Education Authority organised event. SPEA is working closely with outstanding Sharjah schools in order to lead and foster real educational progress within the emirate.

Under 16 Netball Team played against Emirates International School Jumeirah on Sunday. The team played really well and saw rewards of their hard work in training. Final score was 29-3 with Lara Parsons as player of the match.

Thursday February 21st

This year, Sharjah English School will celebrate International Mother Language Day and its translation into more than 19 languages. SES recognises that linguistic diversity and multilingualism are a vital contribution to global citizenship as they promote intercultural connections and tolerance.

ex-SES Student Meets Pope

Chaica Al Qasimi, a graduate of Sharjah English School, met with Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi today.

Chaica has become a distinguished medal-winner at international karate competitions, and will represent the UAE as torch-bearer at the World Games, scheduled for Abu Dhabi in March.

Having graduated from SES with GCSEs, Chaica is a leading advocate for people of determination in the country and abroad.

"We congratulate her on her achievements," said Mr. Nolan, "which have led to Chaica being selected to meet the pope on this historic occasion; a day marking tolerance and amity between people of different cultures and faiths. Her participation and the event itself represent so many of the ideas and values which the school tries to promote."

A record 22 SES students attended the annual YMOG competition in Bahrain. Congratulations to Patrick O'Connell who finished first in the composition category, and Anneketrien VanWassenhove who made the Gala Final and won Best Female Vocalist.

The school's extraordinary record in this competition, a fiercely competitive and prestigious international event, is enhanced by Anneketrien and Patrick's achievements; both are repeat winners, having been top male and female vocalist last year.

To celebrate the diversity of our SES family the Primary school celebrated the Chinese New Year last week. Our F2 pupils who had recently chosen to investigate China led us through the story of the Zodiac and a wonderful dragon Dance. Our pupils who celebrate the Chinese New Year led us in song with the traditional New Years song of 'Gong Xi, Gong Xi' Thanks to Miss Harrison and Mrs Morley for their work in preparing the children.

Secondary students are working hard to ensure they are ready for the school show West Side Story. Show your support on the 12th or 13th of February, tickets are 25AED and available from the Secondary reception.

Our Year 6 pupils explored the Heart of Sharjah on a recent school excursion. The pupils had the opportunity to investigate the passage of time by visiting key heritage sites within the city as well as a modern art installation. If you get the chance do ask our Y6 pupils about their experience..

Cross Country Achievement: Last week the Primary pupils competed in the Primary Cross Country event at Rashid School in Dubai.
The pupils ran a magnificent race and overall we had winners and celebrations in the following categories.
Y3 & 4 Girls - 1st place
Y5 & 4 Girls - 1st place
Y3 & 4 Boys - 2nd place

Perseverance was the theme of the Primary assemblies this week. Our PE team discussed the importance of being persistent in all aspects of our lives! We are delighted to share with you the winners of the Perseverance awards from F1 to Y6. These awards were given to pupils who continuously try their best!

December's Board of Governors' meeting saw the departure of Fiona Nicholas. Fiona has spent a remarkable 26 years as a selfless and dedicated SES governor.

She was for many years our Honorary Treasurer, and can be credited with guiding the school through a number of financial tempests, including securing and overseeing the finances for the move to our current site, and the several phases of building which have occurred since. Her advice to SES principals and bursars over the years has been astute and patient; her impact on the school has been immense, though often under-acknowledged.

The students participated in two exercise sessions led by the Sharjah Womens College students, the first was a High Intensity Workout, followed by a zumba class.

Afterwards, some students had the opportunity to 'earn their smoothie' by peddling as fast as they could on a bicycle which powered a smoothie maker.

Mrs Stuart, Deputy Head Primary congratulating Kareem Moufti in Year 5. Kareem recently took part in the Kenken International Championship where he placed 2nd in Sharjah and 8th overall in the UAE. Well done Kareem, a great achievement!

Yesterday as part of Anti Bullying and Tolerance week we wore odd socks to highlight to our primary pupils that being different is perfectly OK! In addition we explored the...
• The definition of respect
• That bullying is a behaviour choice
• That we can respectfully disagree with each other i.e. we don't have to be best friends or always agree with each other but we do have to respect each other
• That we all need to choose to respect each other, both face to face and online

Diwali is a special celebration and festival for many of our families. Miss Burman helped the primary pupils to understand a little more about this festival of light, in our assembly last Thursday. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the start of tolerance week!

A few photographs from our 'Spooks and Sparkles' Day . The day proved to a wonderful opportunity for pupils and staff to have a fun filled experience outside of the traditional curriculum. A big thanks to the PSG who provided beautiful spooky themed treats for the pupils, it really enhanced their experience of the day!

Students of GCSE and A Level drama have presented a series of pieces as part of their courses. These were performed in the old Foundation Building, which has now been converted into an intimate performance space.

An audience of their parents and teachers saw the students offer their responses to various stimulus materials. These devised pieces are very much the students' own work, and showed a variety of interpretations of ideas associated with identity, racism and other contemporary concerns.

All of the SES Netball teams have had some great success this week in the final matches of the Sharjah Schools Netball League season.

Under 10
A fantastic first season for the girls in the Under 10 team, they have developed so much. They played their first competitive game in the Sharjah Schools league and were rewarded with a second place finish. Well Done to all players and Coach Mrs Price.

Our students recently visited the ME Fit Pro Conference at the Hamdan Sports Complex where they worked with top performance coaches to develop their knowledge and understanding of elite performance. Aligning both their curriculum understanding and practical work, they also learned about the importance of preparing both mentally and physically to become a successful athlete.

In recognition of the reputation which the school now enjoys, SES leaders were invited to make a presentation to over 120 other Sharjah schools at the Radisson Hotel this week.

The topic was "Self-Evaluation and Continuous Improvement in Schools", and the event was organised and hosted by Sharjah Education Council. SEC feel that Sharjah English embodies many aspects of good practice in this area, and that sharing our experiences would enhance education provision among the emirate's private schools.