MESSAGE FROM THE MYP CURRICULUM COORDINATOR (MYPCC)
The MYP 1-4 MAP assessments are administered twice a year, measuring students’ proficiency in reading, language usage, mathematics, and science. Delivered electronically, these standardised tests evaluate progress in specific skill domains within these subjects. The most recent MYP 1-4 MAP assessments were conducted between Tuesday, August 27, and Friday, August 30. The results of these assessments are useful in refining teaching approaches and enhancing learning experiences.
Academic Integrity sessions for MYP1-4 were held on Wednesday, September 18, and Thursday, September 19. During these sessions, students were introduced to various forms of academic misconduct and strategies to avoid them. Offences such as plagiarism, collusion, cheating, and duplication carried significant consequences, potentially leading to disciplinary action. Students were encouraged to build arguments based on the ideas of others while acknowledging those contributions, expressing their perspectives, and submitting original work in their own voice. Ongoing guidance was provided to help students develop these critical skills.
A strong three-way partnership between students, parents, and the school has been recognised as essential for fostering an environment conducive to student growth. In support of this partnership and to give parents deeper insights into their child’s learning experience, recent Coffee with Curriculum Coordinator (CCC) sessions were held.
The MYP5 Information Session for parents and students occurred on Friday, September 13, at 3:30 PM in Room SS2. During the session, we covered several key topics essential for student success in the upcoming academic year, including what to expect in MYP5, the importance of academic integrity, and eAssessment registration information. We would like to thank all attendees for their participation and engagement, and we look forward to continuing to support you throughout this important year.
Sam Weavers
MYP Curriculum Coordinator
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Email: mypcoordinator@ais.ac.ug
MESSAGE FROM THE DP CURRICULUM COORDINATOR (DPCC)
On September 24, 2024, our DP1 students participated in a session aimed at helping them fully understand their responsibilities as IB Extended Essay students. Key topics covered included the role of the supervisor, the role of parents, the Extended Essay assessment criteria, and the importance of academic integrity. Students reviewed the school’s and IB’s academic integrity policies and took part in interactive activities and presentations. At the end of the session, they signed the Academic Integrity Pledge. The session was led by Ms. Marie Nayiga, the Extended Essay Coordinator, with support from the DP Curriculum Coordinator, the school librarian, and other staff members.
On Friday, September 13, 2024, we held an Academic Integrity Parent Information Session for the parents of DP and A Levels students from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. The session covered key topics such as the role of parents in supporting their children’s academic journey, the academic integrity policies of the school, IB, and Cambridge, and what constitutes academic misconduct, including the procedures and consequences for violations. Additionally, there was a brief discussion on school attendance and retention policies, directly linked to candidate registration and the important requirements and expectations. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all parents who took time from their busy schedules to attend.
On September 4 and 5, 2024, we hosted “Coffee with the Curriculum Coordinator” sessions for Cambridge A Levels and IBDP parents from 3:30 – 5:00 PM and 1:30 – 3:00 PM, respectively. These sessions explored our teaching approaches at Acorns, focusing on how we support student learning in line with our educational philosophy of empowering students to reach their personal best. Parents engaged in hands-on activities to experience these teaching methods. A special thank you to all parents who attended and contributed to these meaningful discussions.
Kenyesigye Kenneth
DP/A Levels Coordinator
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Email: dpcoordinator@ais.ac.ug
CAS and Service
The new academic year has commenced with enthusiasm, energy, and notable achievements in service learning.
Here are some highlights:
The Duke of Edinburgh International Award
Our MYP 4 students have enrolled in this prestigious programme, beginning at the bronze level. This award fosters collaboration, resilience, and leadership. They will undertake their first practice journey in Jinja on October 5-6, 2024. Meanwhile, our silver participants will embark on their qualifying adventurous journey in Jinja, and our second group of gold participants will head to Kabaale for theirs.
Red Cross Club
We are now official members of the Red Cross Club, allowing our students to engage in health protection, community service, and the dissemination of humanitarian principles. They are eager to make a positive impact on society.
Interact Club
We’re excited to announce that we are on track to be chartered by Rotary International. Interact members look forward to inspiring, serving, and making a difference in our community.
Robotics Club
The Robotics Club aims to enhance our students’ learning experiences and future readiness. It will spark creativity, foster problem-solving skills, and deepen their understanding of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Students will work on hands-on projects to design, build, and programme robots, developing essential skills for today’s technology-driven world.
IB Global Youth Action Fund Updates
On June 15, 2024, the Global Youth Action Fund kick-off focused on menstrual health, sustainable product creation, and effective project management, highlighting communication and prioritisation.
The first workshop, “Using Media to Promote Projects,” took place on September 7, 2024, teaching students how to write press releases and enhance project visibility. The next workshop, “Systems Leadership,” led by Daniela Papi-Thornton, is scheduled for October 5, 2024. Certificates will be awarded in December following the completion of a project reflection form.
The International Baccalaureate (IB), in collaboration with the United Nations International School (UNIS), hosted the Your Voice, Your Future International Youth Summit. Our students submitted several projects, including:
It was exciting to witness DP2 students introduce CAS to DP1, demonstrating their understanding and readiness to share knowledge. Their engagement through questions and answers was remarkable, marking a proud moment in CAS progress.
Led by Ashley Kente and Ann Kemigisha, our DP2 students organised a football tournament to raise funds for cancer patients. The event was a success, and we are proud of their initiative to address such a critical global issue. The phrase “Think Locally and Act Globally” truly embodied this CAS project.
Fiona Kinyua
Service Coordinator
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Email: servicecoordinator@ais.ac.ug
Career Guidance at Acorns
As we conclude the first half of the term, we are proud of the achievements from our recent Career Days, held on September 18, 19, 20, and 25, 2024. These events provided our students with invaluable interactions with university representatives, industry professionals, and guest speakers.
We were privileged to host representatives from esteemed global institutions such as the University of Calgary (Canada), University of Kent (UK), John Cabot University (Italy), Strathmore University (Kenya), and others. These sessions offered students key insights into higher education options and application processes worldwide.
A major highlight was the University Fair on September 19, where DP1, DP2, AS, and A2 students engaged directly with university representatives, gaining essential guidance for their upcoming applications.
We also had the honour of hosting Ms Claire Amanya Rukundo-Kakeeto, a corporate and commercial lawyer, who inspired students with her 18 years of legal experience in Tanzania, the UK, and Uganda. Additionally, Mr Alex Wanda, a Satellite Navigation Expert from Senegal, and Mr Rajiv Hirani, Head of Operations at Somochem Uganda, shared their expertise in marketing and distribution.
On September 25, students benefitted from interactions with representatives from 10 American universities, including Purdue University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The event also featured Sunway University (Malaysia) and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (Canada), providing further insight into diverse educational opportunities.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all guest speakers and university representatives for enriching our students’ career awareness and inspiring them to pursue their goals. We look forward to continuing to provide these valuable opportunities as our students navigate their academic and career futures.
Simon Ainomugisha
Careers Counsellor
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Email: careerscounsellor@ais.ac.ug
From the Counsellor’s Desk
As the school year kicks into high gear, students face a lot of responsibilities: classes, homework, extracurricular activities, and social interactions. While they are trying to succeed in all, one crucial factor often gets overlooked: sleep.
Sleep is not just a time for the body to rest; it’s an active state that plays a vital role in physical and mental health. During sleep, the body undergoes critical processes, such as repairing muscles, consolidating memories, and regulating hormones. For students, these processes are especially important, as their brains are still developing and they are actively learning new information.
Why sleep matters for students
Academic Performance: Studies consistently show a strong link between proper sleep and improved academic performance. Students who get enough sleep tend to have better concentration, problem-solving skills, and memory retention. This means they are more alert during classes and more effective in completing assignments.
Emotional Well-Being: Sleep deprivation can lead to increased irritability and mood swings. A well-rested student is generally happier, more resilient, and better equipped to handle the stresses of school life. Sleep helps regulate emotions, reducing the risk of anxiety and depression.
Physical Health: Quality sleep supports immune function and helps the body fight off illnesses. For active students, adequate sleep aids recovery from physical exertion, which is crucial for those involved in sports and other activities.
Social Skills: Sleep also plays a role in social interactions. A well-rested student is better at engaging with peers, managing conflicts, and navigating the complexities of social dynamics. Sleep deprivation can hinder interpersonal skills and lead to social withdrawal.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends the following sleep durations for different age groups:
Children (6-13 years): 9-11 hours
Teenagers (14-17 years): 8-10 hours
Young adults (18-25 years): 7-9 hoursThese recommendations are essential for ensuring that students can perform at their best, both academically and socially.
Establish a routine: Encourage a consistent sleep schedule by having students go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This helps regulate the internal clock.
Create a sleep-friendly environment: Make sure bedrooms are conducive to sleep—dark, quiet, and cool. Consider using blackout curtains and white noise machines if needed.
Limit screen time: Encourage students to turn off electronic devices at least an hour before bed. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the body’s natural sleep cycle.
Encourage relaxation techniques: Introduce activities such as reading, mindfulness, meditation, or light stretching before bed to help unwind and signal to the body that it’s time to sleep.
Watch caffeine intake: Be mindful of caffeine consumption, especially in the afternoon and evening.
Current world issues, such as climate change, political unrest, and health crises, can significantly impact a student’s ability to sleep and increase their stress levels. Students may feel anxious about the future, fear for their safety, or experience disruptions in their daily routines, all of which can lead to sleep difficulties.
To support the child, parents can do the following on top of the previous tips:
Open communication: Encourage your child to express their feelings and concerns about current events. Listening without judgment can help them process their emotions.
Limit exposure to news: Be mindful of how much news your child is exposed to. Set boundaries around media consumption to reduce anxiety.
By providing a supportive environment and tools to cope, parents can help mitigate the impact of world issues on their child’s well-being.
Students, please reach out to me, or any other trusted adult in case you are dealing with issues that you could use help with. Parents, please reach out to me if you believe your child could benefit from any extra support from my side.
Lieke Caldenhoven
Secondary Department Counsellor
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Email:secondarycounsellor@ais.ac.ug
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