Greensteds and CIS

The week before half term we had Kay Mongardi, CIS chief accreditation officer for Africa and the Middle East, visit the school for five days to carry out the next phase of the accreditation process. Prior to her arrival, the Headmaster and SMT had to gather and produce documentation and explicit evidence to satisfy the criteria necessary to qualify to become accredited to CIS. All areas of school life are covered and we need to show that we meet the international school standards expected of CIS schools. These areas are:

A – Philosophy and Objectives
B- Curriculum
C – Governance and Management
D- Staff
E – Student Support Services
F- Resources
G – Student & Community Life.

IN each category, questions are asked of the school and we are requested to show how we meet those guiding statements or questions. The verbal feedback we received upon completion was extremely complimentary and would indicate we are a very good school achieving excellent standards. But, I know we can still fine tune and improve further.

On the final day, all staff took part in a workshop on how to conduct the self study, the next phase of the process. This could take anything from 12-18 months and involves ALL members of our community; staff, students, parents; governors. It is not as daunting nor time consuming as it might initially sound but this school is ours, not mine and so we all should have a vested interest to ensure we keep on developing, improving and offering an education which we can continue to proud of.

In the next week or so, I will be inviting members of our community to take part in an on-line survey. The information gathered forms the basis of the Self study phase so we do need your input. There is a narrow window of opportunity to complete this once the questionnaire becomes live so, watch this space please for further details.

We are expecting a written report soon and I will ensure this is published on the website for you to read.

Just for your interest, the Junior Section is also undergoing an additional accreditation process with another internationally recognised independent body called IAPS. This is specifically for Prep/Junior schools whereas CIS is whole school. Mr Bolderston will provide more details on this should you wish to find out more. The visiting inspector arrives in May 2010.

We truly have gone wireless!!

We thought of it, put it in writing and finally implemented it. Life has become easy for our student for they can fly around the world, research not just by words but they can feel the world at their finger tips.

The latest in the world of WiFi is here at Greensteds for our classes have all been configured wireless to the internet. Students no longer have to go to the IT labs to research on their other subjects but can use their laptops anywhere in the school to access both the internet and intranet. No need to worry! Proper internet safety procedure has been put in place both as a firewall to block unwanted sites and a time-access control to ensure no use at odd hours.

As we did indicate to the parents the school is going wirelessly laptop by April next year. The years 12 and 13 have already embraced this idea and we expect the same for year 11 and 10 by January and finally year 9, 8 and 7 in April 2010.

Don’t be left out in the new experience and be part of welcoming the fiber optic to Africa! Help us bridge the digital divide and let’s prepare our young ones to live in the future.

A word from Nain (Year 7)

"We didn’t expect this! It’s marvelous and I can’t wait to get my laptop come April. Yes I enjoy all my lessons but I feel comforted working on the new PC’s in the Senior IT lab, I can now easily research on my History homework at super speeds. My attitude towards ICT has changed and more of my prep is done with ease for I always look up for the answers on the net. I must say I have learnt a lot on-line and I now believe that computers are not only for recreational purposes but a very useful learning tool"

The Fun Fair Sept 2009

This annual event was again a great success with lots of fun being had by all. In the process we raised just over 72,000/-. Over 24 stalls were there to provide every thing from food and drink to curios, banking, face painting and much more. A great variety of donations from our suppliers and other well wishes made for an exciting raffle. The school band performed tirelessly. The bouncy Castle was bigger and better than we have ever had before. Along with the Tombola they took the lions share of the tokens that were sold. Look out for stories on where we spend the money raised. I know our staff and students going to the Homer Bay orphanage at Half term will be getting some assistance as will the local primary school, Little Lambs, which we regularly assist. A huge thank you to all who helped to make the day a success.

Year 11 Geography Fieldtrip to Naivasha Sunday 27th – Tuesday 29th September

We departed from Greensteds bright and early on Sunday morning and headed to the Malewa River. It was here that the students undertook various river studies investigations. Despite the fact that the river was extremely low there were many students, not mentioning any names; Lindsay and Kimuli, who did mange to fall in and get soaking wet.

Following our investigations we then headed to Naivasha where we stayed at Elsamere Field Studies centre. The students enjoyed various things at the centre, including; chilling by the lake, Mr. Kimani’s bonfire stories, prep (!), Hippo Askaris and table tennis - despite the fact that Mr. Glover was undoubtedly the table tennis king!

During our stay in Naivasha we headed to Mt Longonot where the students investigated the impacts of footpath erosion. The students completed their investigations fully, which to their great pleasure, allowed us time to trek up to the top of the mountain. The students all did this very well and showed real team spirit in helping one and other to achieve the goal of reaching the top. A number of boys, including Noman, Quinn, Martin and Michael all ‘motored’ up the mountain in 40 mins. Quinn also ran down the mountain in 18 minutes so was therefore up and down in less than 1 hour! Eat your heart out Bear Grylls!

On our last day we headed into Nakuru where the students undertook their settlement studies. They pestered the people of Nakuru as they went along with their daily lives. All of this pestering was completed in the morning so we headed to the Menengai Crater for the afternoon and a spot of lunch.

Throughout the trip the Year 11 students behaved exceptionally well. They represented the ‘G Unit’ fantastically and were a real credit to the school. Well done guys!

Greensteds International School - Student Council

The student council has been established to create and maintain a respected and formalised student body to represent student views that can help inform the decision-making process for pastoral, academic and whole school development.
     
The aims of the student body are:

1. To provide the student body with a voice in the organisation and development of Greensteds International School.
2. To organise and run extra – curricular activities.
3. To be proactive in the implementation of the ideas and initiatives of the student body.
4. To be a positive influence in the development of the school
5. To work in partnership with the school’s management, teachers and the student body.

The student run organisation consists of two student members, both male and female, from every year group in the secondary school. All members of the Council have been elected by their peers from their respective year group following a written ballot. Each council member will act as a representative for one academic year. The student council representatives are:
Year 7 – Tove and Sean
Year 8 – Cynthia and Gitau
Year 9 – Elisa and William
Year 10 – Saskia and Kiiza
Year 11 – Gabby and Quinn
Year 12 – Irene and Dennis
Year 13 – Lois and Rahul

The Student Council will meet at least once a month in their mission to make valuable contributions to the quality of school life through the sharing of student issues, ideas and taking action where appropriate. Among other matters, the Student Council works to improve the learning environment, working conditions and the welfare interests of the pupils. We look forward to witnessing the work and school wide improvements that the Student Council will undertake during the forthcoming academic year.

Media student debut at varsity studios

All Media Studies students were out last Tuesday (15th of September) for a major mission – to conduct an independent investigation of the media.   We made a stop at the doors into the Daystar University studios. This is home to the first student-run radio station in Africa (Shine 103.1FM).

GCE: Media Studies- Communication and Production is offered at A-levels. Learners are expected to plan, research and produce a professional standard media product in either print, audio video or multimedia format. The course coursework emphasizes on developing adequate media skills required by the industry and media training institutions. Greensteds International School is the first British school in Kenya to introduce the subject in its curriculum.

 It was a day well spent as students were taken through the daily routines of a radio station. They had a chance to mingle with the presenters and try their hands on the on-air studio equipments. The impact of such trips on students is enormous.

While writing her reflections from the trip a Year 12 student (Liseta) said: “The trip was beneficial because we had a chance to see how most of the equipments were operated. It was my first time inside a radio station. The lesson we learnt is that whatever the mind can conceive we can achieve – let us always dream big.  I have developed several media skills useful in any sector of media such radio, television, newspaper, magazines and advertising industry.”

 Another Year 12 student (Jackie) found the experience a great eye-opener to her class projects. “I learnt a lot about synergy in the media – how various departments work together to make a production. I would like to work as a journalist some-day.”

Newton (also Year 12) wrote this in his report: “I developed my thinking skills – since media practitioners are often confronted with several situations where they have to think outside the box. I also intend to improve on my speech and presentation skills. I would like to work in the journalism field. I think it is more enjoyable to tour places and have adventures.”

Also on this trip were about 35 other Year 9 students. Developing media skills for these young learners is one of the objectives of the English department. They were excited by the whole idea of a student run-newspaper (Involvement) and even grabbed several copies for their peers back at Greensteds.

The Media Studies Department hopes this trip has provided more ideas to strengthen our own yearly school magazine and bi-termly newspaper (The GreenScene). The newly established Video Production Club, Photography Club and Newspaper Club have been offering hands-on experience to the students.

Choir/Band Tour to the UK!

I had numerous complementary comments from audiences attending our music concerts from Brighton in the East of England to Plymouth in the West. To a man/woman each person stressed what terrific ambassadors for Kenya and the school, our young musicians were. Mr Mwashimba put together a rich and varied music programme of solo items, choir pieces, band items and of course the now infamous vocal boom box. I was very proud of all of them and it is a real pity that everyone I Kenya cannot witness the very positive impact of Kenya our students make. More to follow later but here are a few pictures to whet your appetite.

Work goes on in school

A comprehensive Irrigation system has now been put in place (funded by Cricket Kenya and the ICC) on the main field as we continue to make progress towards an International status cricket ground.
But, there is more;
We have now almost completed the construction of three more staff houses; new toilet and showering facility in the 6th form boys; a new Prefects lounge; an extension and refurbishing of the cafeteria area and the library is undergoing a major face lift; re-painting in the boarding houses is well underway too.

Greensteds becomes Hockey Champs 2009, both Boys and Girls

Greensteds Girls and Boys scoop the British Curriculum schools' Hockey league title on March 25th. The Girls defeated Peponi school at the finals while the boys won Hilcrest.
At another league, the Girls Hockey team also scooped the South Rift Valley secondary schools' Hockey title on 21st March at Nakuru High.

Mount Kenya Expedition February 2009

What better way to spend Valentines Day by waking up at 5am to trek up Mount Kenya….but that’s exactly what 4 staff and 8 students did!

Douglas clocks 11.11 seconds for 100m in Kisumu in his bid to enter the World Junior Athletics Competition.

We are trying to ensure Douglas becomes the top 100m sprinter in Kenya. In the first of three Athletics Kenya meetings Douglas travelled to Kisumu to compete against top athletes. Track conditions, grass and an uphill slope together with him not being allowed to use his starting blocks, meant a slower time than his 10.2 at Kasarani was likely. Douglas finished fourth in a dead heat finish so he will continue to work hard until he becomes Kenya’s number 1.

UK and Namibian Soccer Tours October 2009
Thank you to the parents who have replied to the proposed tours. I am still unsure as to whether these tours will go ahead as I am still waiting on replies from over 60% of parents. Please do let me have your answer…yes, or no!

UK Music Tour of UK is on! July 2009

Well done, Nasser!
Congratulations go to Nasser Lubega, a new student in year 8. In Uganda he recently received an aggregate 4 on his primary leaving exams and was among the best in the country.

His name was published in the newspapers. We welcome Nasser to Greensteds.

Read more on Kercho and Malewa Trips in the Geography Section---

U11 Boys Hockey
On Wednesday, the 21st U11 boys played Pembrooke away. They started the game with enthusiasm and played a good team game in the first half which saw them come close to scoring in the first 10 minutes.

They dominated the first half and have only themselves to blame for not scoring after missing numerous chances. Pembrooke started the second half with more determination and converted at the first chance.

We continued pressing on for a goal but Pembrooke defense held strong. The game ended with 1-0 win for Pembrooke.

Biology Subject Meeting

On Wednesday 4th February Greensteds hosted the Biology Subject Meeting as part of the British Curriculum Schools of Kenya Subject Meeting programme. There were 12 attendees drawn from nearly as many schools. Head of, Biology, Malcolm Foster organized the day with support from John Morgan Head of Science and Dr Chris Edwards. Such events enable staff to network, exchange ideas and information. This ultimately benefits the students, reassuring us that best practice is being implemented and followed. We covered the curriculum at KS3, Active learning techniques, problematical practical work and ICT in the subject. The day was very successful as indicated by the written feedback from the participants. Much debate was stimulated on the curriculum at KS3 due to the recent changes made in the UK and the local context that varies quite considerably from school to school. Visiting teachers were able to try their hand at some practical work that doesn’t always! After a very good lunch the participants were shown glimpses of a large variety of software in use at Greensteds. All left with a complimentary CD of materials from the school.

Assessment for Learning

On Monday 2nd February Ed Bolderston Head of Junior School and Malcolm Foster Director of Studies conducted a training session for most of the teaching staff on Assessment for Learning. The basic idea of this that is backed up by extensive research is that learning is improved when assessment is geared towards improving attainment rather than focusing just on grades achieved. It looks at setting targets for the individual that incorporate an awareness by the learner of where they have gone wrong and what they can to do to overcome barriers to progress. This involves realistic measurable strategies that serve to motivate the learner as well as increase awareness of the learning process by them. It is a credit to the staff that they were able to embrace the session held after school with enthusiasm having already had a long day.

Open Girls Hockey:The open girls hockey team sent warning signals..... MORE HERE...

U19 Cricket World Cup comes to Kenya in 2020: Greensteds has a role to play! MORE ON THIS

UK Football and Girl's Hockey Tour 2009: The Headmaster has cancelled the girl's hockey tour as we had no positive response from parents. READ MORE...

Gifted and Talented : Greensteds have recently implemented the Gifted and Talented programme across all subject areas in the school. READ MORE...

Greensteds vs Shah Football

Going Laptop: ICT Inspection recommends a bright future for Greensteds IT.. and... first arrangement in a kenyan school, internet connectivity to go the 'VUKA' way in all Dorms. READ MORE...

Greensteds School Club: During the 2008 July-August Holidays we constructed, using our own labour force and materials found exclusively within our school compound, a marvellous lodge type, multipurpose facility at the campsite. READ MORE...