NEWSLETTER

October 2024

Updates from Secondary Department

MESSAGE FROM THE MYP CURRICULUM COORDINATOR (MYPCC)

Sam Weavers
MYP Curriculum Coordinator
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Email: mypcoordinator@ais.ac.ug

MESSAGE FROM THE DP CURRICULUM COORDINATOR (DPCC)

Kenyesigye Kenneth
DP/A Levels Coordinator
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Email: dpcoordinator@ais.ac.ug

Updates from Service Coordinator

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.

New Clubs

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.

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.

Lieke Caldenhoven
Secondary Department Counsellor
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Email:secondarycounsellor@ais.ac.ug