General
General
Primary
School
News
Primary
Secondary
School News
Secondary
Issue25
76
Issue
59
27 August
2015
[2015-2016]
10 October 2013 Issue
23 JuneThursday,
[2015-2016]
Events & ASA
Events-ASA
School
SchoolClinic
Clinic
Sports Activities
E– Team
Summer Vacation -29 June–27 August 2016
School Reopens–28 August 2016
RWA Staff Changes for 2016-2017
Dear Parents,
Raffles World Academy (RWA) continues to build on its many strengths and improve each day for the
benefit of every child studying at RWA. I take this opportunity to thank you for your continued confidence
and support for the school.
With the Council of International Schools (CIS) accreditation awarded, a successful KHDA inspection and a
wonderful celebration of our students’ achievements in the recently held graduation ceremony of the class
of 2016, RWA stays its course towards excellence.
There are some changes in the school leadership team for the next academic year. In order to further
develop and support the progress of the school there have also been some new appointments.
Mr. Julian Williams will be leaving us at the end of this academic year after four years as Principal.
Julian was initially appointed as our first Quality Assurance Director – Innoventures Education. Since 2012,
he has ably led the school through a period of significant growth and change and has actively promoted
parent and student voices throughout his tenure. His leadership skills and sense of humour will be missed
as he pursues new opportunities.
Mr. Giles Mongare, Head of Secondary School will be leaving at the end of this academic year. Giles has
made a significant contribution to the RWA Leadership Team over the last two years. Giles will be taking up
new responsibilities in a different country.
I wish to place on record our gratitude for their notable service and the positive impact they have had on all
constituents of the RWA community.
To ensure effective leadership in the School, I am delighted to announce that two highly experienced school
administrators will join Raffles World Academy.
To ensure effective leadership in the School, I am delighted to announce that two highly experienced
school administrators will join Raffles World Academy.
Mr. Timothy Roberts will be joining RWA as the new Principal.
Tim joined Innoventures Education at the beginning of this year and has contributed
significantly as a school improvement partner to all our group schools. He has held
leadership positions in international schools across the Middle East, Europe and
Africa. A graduate in Business Education and Information Technology, Tim also has a
Masters in Educational Leadership and Management. He brings with him extensive
experience as a teacher, Head of School, and as an ISI inspector of schools for many years.
Continued on page 3
RWA Staff Changes for 2016-2017 [contd]
Mr. James Edward Lynch will assume the role of Head of Secondary School.
A highly experienced senior educational professional, James is passionate about
ensuring that young people have opportunities to be successful and achieve their
aspirational dreams. He takes pride in supporting staff, students and parents to ensure
that students are happy, resilient, independent lifelong learners and responsible
citizens. An honors graduate from the University of Exeter, James also has a Masters in
Education besides a post graduate qualification in E-technologies. We look forward to
Secondary
welcoming James and his family to Dubai.
School News
Secondary
We are sad to be saying goodbye to Ms. Carla Swinehart, Deputy Head of the Primary School who is moving
to be with family in India. Carla and her husband, Mr. Sangamesh (HOD Expressive Arts) have each made
significant contributions to life at RWA and will be missed.
Mr. Damien Marshall will assume the role of Deputy Head of the Primary School
overseeing pastoral care.
Damien has been Leader of Digital Learning at RWA for the past two years and has driven
the 1:1 iPad initiative and BYOD. He also worked as Group Digital Education Coordinator
at Innoventures Education for this academic year.
We look forward to welcoming back continuing members of the leadership team and staff.
Our deep appreciation to those departing and our best wishes to all.
Sincerely,
POONAM BHOJANI
Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]
Tel +971 4 3684111|Ext 106
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and Friends of RWA
The academic year has now drawn to a close and I find myself with a little time to write a ‘Thank you’ to all those
staff, parents and students who have made my time at the helm of RWA so enjoyable. Perhaps the best way I can
do so is by sharing with you a ‘Winnie the Pooh’ story. Many of you will have come to know about the bear
invented by the writer A. A. Milne. Before Winnie the Pooh became part of the
Disney universe, he was the endearing character brought
to life by mothers reading bedtime stories to sleepless
boys and girls or by teachers in the mid-20th century surrounded by goggle-eyed primary school children eager to
hear about Secondary
the adventures of Winnie and his friends.
The original
drawings
School
News by Ernest H. Shephard also have a
Secondary
finesse and innocence that I feel Disney’s cartoonists
failed to capture. You also might have wondered why I
had a picture of Pooh and his small friend Piglet on my
office wall, walking around and around a tree following
tracks (their own) in the snow, thinking, “Think, think,
think…”. This is yet another analogy of school leaders
chasing their own tails!
At various times during my years in teaching, I have written stories for my students, (and sometimes staff),
in the style of A. A. Milne, but placing Pooh in the context of the school where I am. So, are you sitting
comfortably? Then imagine, for a few moments how it would be if Pooh and friends were students at RWA….
Pooh and Friends prepare for the long summer break
Pooh and his friends were sitting in the Sports Hall for the final Assembly listening to the Principal’s sonorous
and soporific drone. “How much longer?” groaned Eeyore as he struggled to keep his drooping eyes open.
“About two and a half centimetres, I think”, squeaked Piglet, gazing intently at the small plastic ruler he took
around with him to measure how much bigger the world was than himself. “Two and a half centimetres until
home time?” pondered Eeyore, “not too long then.”
Pooh and friends has been looking forward to Eid and the long
summer holidays for some weeks, but the harder they looked
forward the further away it seemed to be. “If you just keep
yourself busy”, whispered Christopher Robin, “time will seem to
get shorter and go faster.” Tigger, who liked doing everything
faster than anyone else, bounced his way through the mornings
so energetically that he reached the afternoons before the rest of
his friends and then had to wait for them to catch up.
Wol, hooted imperiously that it had something to do with
Einstein’s Theory of Relativity and that it was all relatively
simple really. Pooh said that he felt sorry for any relatives of Tigger.
Pooh, on the other hand, continued to amble slowly through each day, dreaming of the pots of honey that were
being stored up during the Ramadan fast. He remembered ordering a pot to be delivered daily in a very long
letter that he had written with lots of help from Christopher Robin. “I can’t quite hold the pencil”, he said, trying
to squeeze his paw around it, “not having any fingers is a bit of a disadvantage.” So, once again, as was now the
habit, Christopher Robin actually had to do most of the writing while Pooh dictated. “H-U-N-N-Y”, said Pooh,
pronouncing each letter very precisely.
Continued on page 5
Message from the Principal [contd]
“It’s not ‘U’”, corrected Christopher Robin, “It’s ‘O’”, hoping that Pooh would understand the finer arts of
spelling. But Pooh was a bear of little brain but a big heart. Spellings and grammar, for him, were very advanced
concepts, like algebra, or long division, or tying shoelaces. “Yes, it’s ‘OH – so good’”, laughed Pooh and gave
Christopher Robin one of his especially wide grins. “What else do you want to order?” sighed the boy. “Just write
‘more honey, please’ until you run out of paper”, said Pooh, rolling his eyes and patting his tummy in
anticipation.
Pooh awoke from his reverie just as the Principal finally arrived at the
conclusion of yet another speech about ‘the learning journey’. Such a journey
for Pooh, would always be at the beginning and seemed to stretch out
Secondary
interminably, like the Principal’s speeches. Eventually, the Assembly came to
School News
Secondary
an end and Pooh sighed a sigh of satisfaction. Pooh and friends trooped up to
the Principal’s office to ask for his autograph in their Year Books. “Dream
BIG”, wrote the Principal in Pooh’s copy. “You can write, ‘Dream BIGGER’ in
mine”, pleaded Piglet. Pooh shook the Principal’s hand and thanked him for
all those long words and longer spellings, for the numbers that wouldn’t quite
add up, for the weighty ideas that sank out of sight, for the bright sparks of
brilliant ideas snuffed out like candles and – most importantly – “Thanks for
all the fun”, he said very politely but with a radiant look on his face. “Did you
have fun then?” asked the Principal, hopefully. “Oh yes,” assured Pooh, “except
for the sums,…and the reading,…and the writing,…and the PE, (I got out of
breath), and learning all about….whatever it was,…I mean whoever, or…
whenever”, he stuttered. “But, yes….oodles of fun, like sticking your head in a
honey pot!” He paused a moment. “We shall miss you - and your tin of sweets.
Will it still be here next term?” he enquired hopefully. The Principal assured him that, yes, the tin would be here
and, yes, it would be full. “Then I shall come back!” said Pooh, emphatically. And with his paw firmly clasped by
Christopher Robin and with Piglet scurrying behind, Pooh smiled then turned away and tumbled and bumbled
towards the buses, occasionally running to keep up with Christopher Robin, but more often being dragged
unceremoniously along the ground, which was something to which he had grown comfortably accustomed and
did not mind in the least.
Soon the Principal was left alone to type his last farewells and the school grew quiet. “Time to turn yet another
page”, he said under his breath as he closed his office door for the last time, a little sad to be leaving,
but stepping out into the sun with a
smile and with a little shake of the head,
secure in the knowledge that
re-enrolment, at least for Pooh and
friends, would never be a problem.
Julian Williams
Departing Principal
Raffles World Academy
With apologies and acknowledgement
to A. A. Milne and E. H.
Shephard.
Notice to Parents - iSAMS
Dear Parents,
This letter is to introduce our new student management system that we will be using at
Raffles World Academy (RWA) from the 2016-17 academic year. The new system is called
iSAMS and further information can be found at https://www.isams.com/. iSAMS is a
cloud-based, standardised management information system that is being used by schools
across the world and is now being implemented at RWA.
Secondary
School News
Secondary
This new system will allow us to better administer our responsibilities to students as well as
enhance communication with parents. Part of this will be in the form of a new app and a
parent portal, which will give parents better access to matters such as school timetables,
activities and notices. The system will also allow easy retrieval of past students’ reports and
academic performance should you need a copy for future reference.
RWA will be transferring all student information from the current system to iSAMS. Please
be assured that iSAMS Independent Limited will only have access to personal data stored in
the iSAMS Management Information System for data processing purposes and only as part of
maintenance and support responsibilities. They will have no other access or control over any
personal data which will be protected
All families will receive new login information in the new academic year with an easy
step-by-step guide for using iSAMS. In addition, we will look to hold some parent information
and training session in iSAMS in the new school year. Our staff will be comprehensively
trained to operate the system, so that we have a smooth transition in the new year.
We trust that with this new system, our access to information and ability to share information
with you quickly and reliably will support us on our continuing journey Towards Excellence.
Best regards,
Julian Williams
Principal-Raffles World Academy
General
Primary
Secondary
Secondary
Events-ASA
School Clinic
News from KG1C
Wow, what a year! We have covered a lot of material
and participated in many fun and exciting learning
experiences. We started to develop the learning
profile attributes and develop skills needed for the
next academic year. We made many new friends
along the way too.
Take a look at some of the learning experiences we
did in KG1C
General
Primary
Secondary
Events-ASA
School Clinic
Message from the Head of Secondary School End of year
As we move towards the end of another very busy school year, it’s again time to reflect on all that’s been
achieved. No two days are the same for a teacher or a student- that’s why we do what we do.
You simply can’t predict what will happen on a typical day and given that our school is a hugely complex
organisation, full of diverse individuals and characters, it is no surprise that every day is different for a
teacher. Interacting with young people, teachers and parent s on a daily basis is a real pleasure and a privilege. Imagine a whole year where no 2 days are the same… welcome to life at RWA! Add to this the huge
range of activities, events and ‘extras’ we offer and you have the most exciting (and sometimes challenging!)
please to work in the world.
Thankfully, lots of things that we do are predictable and can be planned for. Every year our students will take
examinations at the end of grade 10 and 12 and every year there will be students who are very successful and
some who are not so. We spend our year preparing our students for exams and hoping that they do as well as
they possibly can. But is that the only purpose of a school? Good exam results? Surely not?
I am asked frequently, “What makes a School Outstanding”? It’s a good question. The simplest way to look at
the answer is, ‘excellence in everything, everywhere, all the time’. Pockets of ‘good’ are simply not good
enough anymore. The drive from Innoventures and from the leadership teams within RWA has been (and will
continue to be) relentless. We want Outstanding, not good. Not even very good. I read recently, “One of the
key functions of teachers and school leaders is to ensure that we squeeze every drop of potential out of our
students and minimise the number of students who underperform”. While I agree with this statement, it’s the
‘other stuff’ that sets us apart from other schools. It’s the internationalism. It’s the way our students interact
with each other in the corridors and in the classrooms with our staff. It’s been commented on again and again.
We are a unique school, with a unique personality. Our relationships with each other and our ‘school
character’ in broadest sense set us apart from all our competitors.
Many things have improved this year. We have a better than ever view of our learners (your children!) and
data has become an integral part of life for our teachers. They’ve responded so well to the demands of an
ambitious leadership team. Gone are the days of ‘just’ teaching and going home.
The number of activities we offer our children, the number of additional opportunities we offer students and
the overall quality of provision has all improved year on year. We really are on the threshold of Outstanding!
As we head into the holidays, let’s keep looking FORWARD (;-) and let’s keep positive. While you take your
time to read through the pages of this year’s Yearbook, think about what last year looked like and then find
time to reflect. Look at all the additional opportunities, the trips, the events, the activities in the classroom,
the improved facilities… the list is endless.
As for word ‘potential’, I’ve decided that I’m going to try and stop using this word wherever possible when
talking about youngsters. Why? Who’s ever achieved their full potential? We shouldn’t put a limit on what our
children can achieve. Have a great holiday and thanks for your support, your contributions and your hard
work in helping RWA go from strength to strength. If you’re travelling this summer, stay safe and we all look
forward to welcoming you back for the start of the next academic year.
With kind regards,
Giles Mongare
Head of Secondary School
Message fromSecondary
the Deputy Head of Secondary School
Dear Parents,
A lot has happened since I last wrote an article for the newsletter. IGCSE, IB and internal end of year
examinations have taken place, we have begun the process of reviewing the assessment and behaviour
policies for the up-coming academic year, and most significantly we have begun the implementation of a new
school management system that will enable RWA to improve many aspects of what we do including
communication with our parent body!
With so many things happening I was unsure about what should be the topic for my article. In the end I have
chosen to ‘cheat’ by using my article space to share with you a piece written by a colleague. As part of the
secondary school’s drive to improve standards we have undertaken a mixture of professional development
initiatives this year ranging from a choice of PD pathways for our teachers to professional learning visits to
other schools. One of the activities that offered a more unique approach to encouraging teacher reflection was
our ‘student for a day’ initiative. Basically, it involved a number of teachers putting away their whiteboard
markers and red marking pens for a day and replacing them with exercise books, textbooks and a school bag,
buddying up with a pupil and spending a day in the life of one of our students. Teachers that undertook the
challenge arrived in reception at the start of the day where they were met by a student who had been told
they were to look after a new pupil. The teacher, now student, then spent the whole day as a student
including breaks, lunch and, were necessary, in after school activities.
What follows is a teacher’s, Mr. Daniel O’Sullivan’s (teacher of History), overview of his day as a student.
I hope that you find it interesting.
Kind regards,
Matthew Gilberthorpe
Deputy Head of Secondary
“Student for a day
A couple of months ago I was swamped with work, so naturally, I went onto Facebook. I was casually scrolling
down through my page filled with pages like ‘How you can get rich in fifteen days’ and ‘Get those six pack abs
by doing this one simple trick’, when I suddenly saw a link that stood out and made me pause. “Teacher
follows student for a day, and is shocked what he discovers!” This was just what I was looking for, a perfect
article that will pass time instead of planning lessons. The article amused me, but more importantly, it made
me re-evaluate my own teaching techniques and habits through the points it raised.





Students sit all day on uncomfortable chairs- the teacher stated he will try and get students to do at least
one activity standing up.
Students have heavy bags.
There is a lot sarcasm directed at students.
You have to deal with a disruptive student once a day. Their class has to deal with the student all day, for
all classes and have no respite from them.
Many teachers have different rules, and students need to know the rules for each class.
Continued on page 10
Message from the Deputy HeadSecondary
of Secondary School [contd]
It raised a personal question that I had forgotten to ask myself in a while. Specifically, 'What is it like to be a
student in my class?' I did become more aware of my teaching after that. I got the students standing up more
and I stopped using sarcasm, (for a while!). I thought it would be a worthwhile project to do in my own
school, so when the Deputy Head of Secondary, Mr. Gilberthorpe, sent an email requesting teachers to be a
student for a day, I enthusiastically applied!
This enthusiasm waned somewhat when the night before my 'first day' in school actually arrived. I was to
shadow a Grade 11 student the following day and the thought filled me with a sense of excitement and
perhaps, just a little trepidation. I even went stationary shopping! My new kid enthusiasm evaporated even
more when I noticed that math’s class was first up on our timetable. It had being eight delicious years since I
had last looked at a math’s question. My stomach began to churn!
‘Are you familiar with the product rule?’ the teacher inquired.
‘I haven’t a clue!’
I was surprised at how much I'd forgotten. I struggled. I don’t know how to find derivative of
f(x)=(7x4 -5x+2)6
I don’t even know what derivative means! However I managed to get through it. As the lesson progressed,
the rules of algebra slowly returned like, if not dear old friends, at least tolerable acquaintances.
f(x)=(7x4 -5x+2)6
let (7x4 -5x+2) = v
v6 =6v5 (boom good use of product rule!!)
and then with a bit more trickery and magic you find the answer!
Next Class IB English
The students were studying Edgar Allen Poe, and had to create a cartoon on themes and motifs. The class was
highly engaged in the activity and I thought how different teaching had become since I was a student. I don't
remember ever having a class that was so creative, fun and still educational.
The day continued with chemistry, where I learned you can make plastic with milk and vinegar. A snap
biology fun quiz about antibiotics and bacteria and I was happy to achieve full marks in. This was then
followed by assembly and an anti-bullying meeting at lunch time. The afternoon brought Business and finally
to termine the day with Spanish irregular verbs. I will also use La Biblia Verbal as I holiday in South America!!
The business class was the most fun for me as a student, as I had to prepare a research project to the class
and answer questions. I came up with the proposal “To determine if organic beef would increase customers
and customer satisfaction at Sheikh Shack.” I was delighted with the gold star I received from my teacher and
my mother said she was very proud of me when I rushed home to show her!
Continued on page 11
Message from the Deputy HeadSecondary
of Secondary School [contd.]
Having spent the day shadowing my student, I reflected on the observations I had made.

International school -The first thing that stood out for me is how much of an international school Raffles
World Academy is. I knew about the multi-national students, but I did not appreciate how multi-cultural
the teachers are as well. I attended six lessons throughout the day and had teachers from India, Northern
Ireland, Kenya, Ireland, and Argentina, teaching me. This gives students a unique opportunity to be taught
with varying styles and beliefs that enable them to become well rounded citizens of the world.

Questions- As teachers we ask a lot of questions as part of formative learning. Most teachers have a
‘fall back student’, the student who will answer the question if the rest of the class struggles to find an
answer. The thing that struck me was that most teachers have the same ‘fall back student’. One student
could answer five questions in every class where another student might only answer one question during
the entire day.

Students write less- There was no note taking in any class. Most of the work I did was full class
engagement and discussion. Compared to when I was school, most of the time was spent copying down
from the teacher. I mentioned this observation to the student I followed, and he stated it is coming to the
end of the term and there was a lot more writing earlier on in the term.

Behaviour and attitude- It was interesting to see students’ behavior and attitudes change depending on
the subject and teacher they had. Which relates back to the article I read regarding different rules for each
teacher.

Teaching styles- It is interesting to see how teachers teach in such a variety of ways and how students
respond to these methods. We all have our own personal approaches and that is what makes each
teacher and class unique. Some styles or methods are very different from my own, but they were effective
for the students none the less. I found that a teacher who is relaxed and a teacher who is strict can
control, teach and engage a class.
Overall teachers see their students for an hour once a
day. They don’t realise what happened before the
lesson or what the next teacher will expect of them in
the next lesson. It is a long day and I was shattered by
the end of it. Now to unwind and to find another
article on Facebook instead of preparing my
outstanding lessons! Many thanks to all the teachers
who allowed me to be a student in your class and
Zaeem who was an excellent student who helped me
fit in with grade 11.”
Secondary
Message from the Dean of Students
As I reflect back upon another year at RWA there have been plenty of
highlights. Student leadership has been always been very strong at
the school but this year our group of students leaders have taken this
to a new level;

The Eteam regained the Green Flag status for the school, hosted
international visitors and shared their passion and vision for a
cleaner environment.

ABC led by Zaeem Moti, organized and ran the first student led
Anti-Bullying Conference of its kind in the UAE. This was a huge
success and demonstrated that however much you have achieved
previously there are always bigger and better projects over the
horizon.

Our Head Girl Marina Jaegar and Head Boy Mayank Triphathi had a wonderful year as student
leaders. They successfully lead the largest prefect body so far, impressed visitors from inspection team
and added some life into our student led assemblies.

The Learning Council grew in size this year and I have found our regular meetings to be incredibly
insightful. From which several ideas have been passed onto the Senior Leadership Team.
Finding suitable successors to Marina and Maynak was always going to be difficult, but our 10 nominees rose
to the challenge of campaigning to the whole school. They each made campaign videos, a variety of posters and
spoke at various times to student audiences. At the end of which Ibrahim Mustafa and Alia Al Merri came
out as the winners. They have already started their term in office as Head Boy and Girl very positively and I
look forward to working with them next year.
It was also another successful year for the House Competition. This year over 25,000 points were awarded to
or registered by students. The competition was very close all the way up to the last big event which was the
Swim Gala. Rimal (Yellow House) came out as champions in both the Boys and the Girls Gala and that won
them enough points to end up the year as House Champions, there second title after their first in
2014.
Congratulations to all who have participated this year and a big thank you also to the House Leaders
(Student and Staff).
The individual competition finished with a new student champion who recorded the most points ever in one
year (240);
2015-16 Grade Level Champions
2015-2016 Overall House Scores
Grade
Name
House
Points
Place
House
Points
6
Zaid Hussaini
Shams
240
1st Place
Rimal
7870
7
Maxime
Decuypere
Victoria Wilson
Nakhla
183
2nd Place
Amwaj
7611
Rimal
91
3rd Place
Nakhla
7566
4th Place
Shams
6360
8
On a final note, I would like to wish everyone a relaxing and enjoyable Summer and I look forwards to seeing
you all again in August.
Tony Azoulay
Dean of Students
Secondary
Message from the Head of English
RWA Focus on Literacy
Following the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Cabinet has
approved the declaration of 2016 as the UAE Reading Year. In line with this, next year at Raffles World
Academy will see a new approach to the support of Literacy across the school. As a new, seconded member of
the SLT, I will be leading a Development Team with the goal of improving the standards of Literacy of our
students.
Literacy underpins a school curriculum by developing students’ abilities to speak, listen, read and write for a
wide range of purposes, including using language to learn and communicate, to think, explore and organise.
Helping students to express themselves clearly, both orally and in writing, enhances and enriches teaching
and learning in all subjects. It will be the responsibility of all subject teachers to drive this improvement by
including a literacy focus in all lessons.
We recognise that reading, and particularly reading for pleasure, has a direct impact on cognitive and social
communicative development. Our aim is to develop each student’s potential to the point where they are
reading at, or above, their chronological age. As such there will be an increased amount of dedicated Library
time for all Year 7-9 students during their scheduled English lessons with a robust programme of study to be
completed while there. Additionally, Form classes for Years 7-13 will include dedicated reading time as well
as mini-research projects which will correspond to areas of the curriculum and global/national events.
These projects will be presented to classmates and during assemblies throughout the year.
Furthermore, we would like to increase the level of cooperation between our students and will be
encouraging CAS students to take an active role in the Primary School classes to assist this development of
literacy and passion for reading in our youngest students. This will be supplemented with initiatives to
encourage parents to read more to their children at home or to encourage older siblings to read to younger
brothers or sister.
We will celebrate a week of Literature in March,
coinciding with the Emirates Airline Festival of
Literature and World Book Day which, with the
assistance of PARIS, will be a whole school event with
fun activities and competitions. Literacy events and
field trips will be held throughout the academic year
to encourage all students to raise their own expectations of achievement and their ability to express
themselves confidently.
I am looking forward to a challenging and exciting
year in which, as a whole school community, we can
come together to really make a difference for our
children.
Lindsay Thomas
Literacy Coordinator and Head of English
Secondary
Message from the Head of Mathematics for Grade 7
Summer Mathematics
Dear Parents/Guardians
In order that your child has the best possible start to Mathematics in Year 9, we are hoping you will
encourage them to do some revision during the holiday break.
Attached for your child as a link below is a booklet called ’10-4-10’. This asks them to spend 10
minutes a day for 10 days on mathematics revision. Whichever 10 days are best for you!
Every day there are five mental mathematics questions and two longer questions to complete. Pupils
write their answers on the sheets, but may need some paper for extra working out.
In order to help you support them, we have produced an answer booklet. In this you will find the
answers and also some hints on how to complete the questions.
Year 9 question booklet
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1skaZ3XGZkZT1FubmgwUTV2V0E/view?usp=sharing
Year 9 parent answer booklet
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1skaZ3XGZkZY1ZPTGlDVmFGckE/view?usp=sharing
In addition to this all completed booklets handed in to the Mathematics Department before
September 1st, 2016 will earn 5 house points and be entered into a prize draw for something special
to reward the students for their extra efforts over the summer.
Thank you for your support,
Meagan Briske
Head of Secondary Mathematics
Secondary
Message from the Head of Grade 8
Our Grade 8 students are in the process of completing their final year in middle school and we are
currently preparing them for next year’s IGCSE program. Although, at times, their lessons have been
challenging they have continued to work hard to achieve their personal academic goals.
Outside the classroom the students have been involved in many fun learning activities one of their
favorites was the “Educational Outdoor Experience”. This trip to Ras Al Khaimah allowed our
students to participate in various outdoor education programs, map navigation’s and Ecology
studies. This was truly enjoyable experience for them as it allowed them to activity learn outside the
classroom and afforded them the opportunity to bond with their peers.
I, along with their Form Tutors (Ms. Byrne, Mr. Porterfield, Ms. Sayyed, Ms. McDonald, Ms. De Felice
& Mr. Mishra), would like to take this opportunity to wish Grade 8 a well-deserved relaxing summer
holiday. For students who are not returning to RWA, we wish them all the best in their futures.
To returning students - we look forward to September 2016 when you will join Grade9 ready to
begin your IGCSE journey.
Colin Thomas Nicholson
Head of Grade 8
Secondary
Message from the Head of Grade 10
It has been a by and large smooth year with Grade 10s this year! Yes, we’ve had
occasional ups and downs but for the most part, G10 students have remained
focused and responsible as they have prepared their final run towards the first
academic milestone in the lives – the IGCSE exams!
Even though this has been a demanding year for our students, many of our them
have successfully participated in various school and extra-curricular activities such
as the school play, Eco activities, the ABC committee, DOE activities and MUN
conferences which are testament to their passion, tenacity and organizational skills.
For those Grade 10s who will be moving on to other schools and countries,
I wish the very best of luck in all their ventures. To those who will return to the IB
program of our school in the next year, have a welldeserved and restful holiday and come back refreshed, recharged and
motivated.
To all my Grade 10s, your teachers and I wish you the very best for all your
future endeavors.
Mahrukh Cooper
Head of Grade 10
Message from Head of Grade 11
It seems like yesterday when the current grade 11s walked in to RWA with a lot of apprehension, anxiety mixed
with dreams of making it big in the IBDP World! This has certainly been a very eventful year for them.
They were introduced to the rigors, expectations and requirements of the DP Program, they were told, “no one
said IB Is easy”, and “it is all about time management”. They took it all on board and set sail on what has been
the first year of one of the most challenging yet rewarding academic programs. From attending year group to
whole school assemblies, they are now conducting assemblies that range from subject led to theme based ones.
IB Retreat was one of the highlight of the year where they not only participated in some strenuous physical
activities but also attended academic sessions on TOK and Extended Essay. A whole school election campaign
led to a new head boy and head girl being chosen to head a group of very talented prefects. They were at the
front of the house welcoming parents and other guests during grade 12 Graduation Ceremony in May, where
two of our grade 11 students were felicitated- Janan Mostajabi for academic achievement and Rishab Jain for
CAS.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Grade 11 Form Tutors- Ms. H. Insha, Ms. G. Healy,
Ms. A. Ferrari, Mr. Salman and Ms. Farnaz- who make a wonderful team. Our parents have been most
supportive all through the year and I would like to thank them. My best wishes to grade 11 students who are
currently writing their end-year examinations, to continue to work hard and graduate with honors in May
2017.
Harpinder Kaur
Head of Grade 11
Secondary
Message from the Head of Grade 12
Class 12 Graduation
Ceremony-2016
What a phenomenal journey Grade 12 students have been on over these past two years. I, along with my
colleagues, have had the immense pleasure of seeing our Grade 12s mature and flourish over the course of
this IB Programme. Our recently graduated Grade 12s are some of the most kind, generous, caring and
outgoing bunch of kids that I have ever met and I have truly enjoyed being their Head of Grade. I take great
pride in seeing the fine young men and women that they are maturing into.
Grade 12 can often be an intense period, but nonetheless, our students have carried themselves with aplomb
throughout this course. They have successfully completed their IBDP examinations, and now they eagerly
await their results, this coming 6th July. RWA has had the pleasure of celebrating this cohort not once, but
twice during this academic year: on the 20th April there was a Whole School Assembly, and on the 26th May
there was a very prestigious Graduation Ceremony held in AUD. The following students were honoured in
light of RWA’s Core Values at the Whole School Assembly:

Collaboration – David Gonzalez & Heloise Dupuis

Personal Achievement – Jeremy Williams & Isabelle Hartung

Respect – Mohammad Elian & Sikyeong Kang

Responsibility – Mayank Tripathi & Marina Jaeger

Integrity – Angus Dickeson & Inas Kamel
Continued on page 18
Secondary
Message from the Head of Grade 12 [contd]
Students honoured at the 2016 Graduation are as follows:

IB Sportsperson of the Year – Male For outstanding achievement in sport and PE during this

school year.(nominated by the PE department) - Riccardo Bonucci.

IB Sportsperson of the Year – Female Diana-Dakota Mir de la Figuera.

CAS Award Awarded to the Grade 12 student with the most diverse CAS programme achieving all learning
outcomes (nominated by the CAS Coordinator) - Vinita Chaudhary.

Valedictorian Award - For outstanding academic achievement in the IB Diploma Programme - Iyat
Khalid.

Principal’s Award for All-Round Excellence for all-round excellence in curricular, extra-curricular and
cultural pursuits - Ariyana Chowdhury.
International Student Award - Awarded by the Council of International Schools, presented to a student who
has:

demonstrated a clear commitment to sustained interaction with students of other nationalities, languages
or ethnic backgrounds in a spirit of international understanding and cooperation.

acquired and effectively deployed knowledge or resources beyond those immediately available in the
school.

directly involved peoples of other cultures, races and political/economic systems in his/her activities
(nominated by all Grade 12 teachers) - Isabelle Hartung.
Ciara Mary O Donoghue
Head of Grade 12
Class 12 Graduation
Ceremony-2016
Secondary
Events in the Math Department
The last two months have been quite busy in
the SS Math Department with the first annual
Mathapolooza Week held from May 8th to
12th. This included all students from Grades 6
– 9 and 11. Students participated in group
activities earning points throughout the
week. There were gift card prizes (provided
by PARIS) awarded to the top team from each
grade with an additional bonus prize for one
lucky member of each team donated by Plug
Ins.
Following that we held the first round of the
Kenken International Competition on May
25th. We had 17 out of 21 participants
progress to the next round in September.
Students found it challenging and fun. For
more details on this competition please follow this link: Kenken International Championship 2016
Parents of students moving into Year 7 – 9
(Grades 6 – 8) should have received an email
letter with an activity link to help maintain
and build upon on their math skills over the
summer break. This will ensure a great start
to the year when we return in August.
Have a safe and enjoyable summer holiday.
Meagan Briske-Head of Secondary Mathematics
Email: [email protected]
News Article - Physical Education
Congratulations on what has been a fantastic Year for sport at Raffles world academy. Please see a
snap shot of the sporting highlights this year. (attached photo – Sportsman/woman 2015/16
Highlights of 2015/16
1)
RWA students enjoyed the visit from the inspiring Butch Reynolds Olympic gold medalist 400m
2)
Relay runner.
Raffles World Academy hosted the first Innoventures netball tournament for under 12, under
14, under 16 and under 18 netball teams. It was a fantastic afternoon with great performances
from RWA, DIA and RIS.
3)
Mr. Donte Greene pro basketballer hosted our very first basketball cup at RWA. The competition consisted of under 18 and 16 age groups with teams from DIA and EIS-J.
4)
Under 16 boys basketball team had the biggest sporting victory of RWA . The boys turned over
DUBAI COLLEGE in the UNDER 16 A DIVISION LEAGUE game
5)
Innoventures swim gala was a fantastic day hosted by DIA. Raffles world academy went head to
head with DIA finishing second overall.
End of year team achievements 2015/16

UNDER 12 BOYS FOOTBALL – 2015/16 DASSA B Division League Winners

UNDER 16 BOYS BASKETBALL – 2015/16 DASSA A DIVISION League runners up

-UNDER 12 Girls BASKETBALL – 2015/16 -DASSA B DIVISION -League runners up

Under 12 boys basketball – 2015/16-DASSA C Division-League Winners

UNDER 14 BOYS FOOTBALL – 2015/16 DASSA B Division League Winners

UNDER 13 boys tape ball cricket -2015/16-DASSA C DIVISION -League winners

UNDER 12 girls netball 2014/15-DASSA division 3 -league winners

INNOVENTURES COMPETITIONS

RWA SWIM SQUAD 2ND PLACE

RWA ATHLETICS SQUAD – 2ND PLACE

UNDER 12 FOOTBALL INNOVENTURES CUP 2ND PLACE

UNDER 14 FOOTBALL INNOVENTURES CUP 1ST PLACE

UNDER 16 FOOTBALL INNOVENTURES CUP 1ST PLACE

UNDER 18 FOOTBALL INNOVENTURES CUP 1ST PLACE

UNDER 12 NETBALL INNOVENTURES CUP 2ND PLACE
Continued on page 11
News Article - Physical Education [contd]
Education

UNDER 14 NETBALL INNOVENTURES CUP 1ST PLACE

UNDER 16 NETBALL INNOVENTURES CUP 1ST PLACE

UNDER 18 NETBALL INNOVENTURES CUP 1ST PLACE

UNDER 12 TABLETENNIS INNOVENTURES CUP 2ND PLACE

UNDER 14 TABLETENNIS INNOVENTURES CUP 1ST PLACE

UNDER 16 TABLETENNIS INNOVENTURES CUP 1ST PLACE

UNDER 18 TABLETENNIS INNOVENTURES CUP 1ST PLACE

UNDER 12 BASKETBALL INNOVENTURES CUP 1ST PLACE

UNDER 14 BASKETBALL INNOVENTURES CUP 2ND PLACE

UNDER 16 BASKETBALL INNOVENTURES CUP 2ND PLACE

UNDER 18 BASKETBALL INNOVENTURES CUP 2ND PLACE

ALL AGES TABLE TENNIS IVEI CUP 1ST PLACE
Individual sports awards

Sportsman of the year Grade 6 - 2015/16 - AKOS HAJAGOS

Sportsman of the year Grade 7 -2015/16 - AHADALI SADEQ MANSOORI

Sportsman of the year Grade 8 - 2015/16 - Panagiotis Valaki

Sportsman of the year Grade 9 - 2015/16- Michal Dudzinski

Sportswoman of the year Grade 6 2015/16—GAJA WOJCIKOWSKA

Sportswoman of the year Grade 7 - 2015/16—Fanny Svensson

Sportswoman of the year Grade 8—2015/16—Kiera Mcdermott

Sportswoman of the year Grade 9—2015/16 - Emma Thomas
Continued on page 12
News Article - Physical Education [contd]
Beach Run
This year, the annual Beach Run took place for the eight time and it was once again a great success. Some
slight changes made to the track this year which meant the student ran a much tougher race along the sand.
There were some outstanding performances, most notable of which was from German who won the Boys Grade
6 race. Congratulations to the Yellow House for securing top spot for this year’s beach run. A big thank you to
Skechers and Anta for supporting the event again this year.
Results
Grade 6 BOYS
Grade 7 BOYS
Grade 6 GIRLS
1.
2.
German
Akos
1.
2.
Gaja
Andrea
3.
Leonardo
3.
Alexia
Grade 8 BOYS
Grade 8 GIRLS
1.
Max
1.
Dana
2.
Panos
2.
Dina
3.
Liam
3.
Aya
Grade 7 GIRLS
1.
2.
Levi
Kevin
1.
2.
Julia
Malou
3.
Ahad
3.
Anna
Grade 9/10/11/12 BOYS
Grade 9/10/11/12
GIRLS
1.
Thomas
1.
Eva
2.
Michal
2.
Dana
3.
Nills
3.
Lili
SPORTS DAY
This year the secondary sports day took place over one day. This meant all grades took the opportunity to take
part in the every event. All houses showed a great display of sportsmanship and enthusiasm. The morning
consisted of 9 events which took place on a rotation format. The afternoon then consisted of relay races for each
grade with an 8 by 100 race. Final Results – Winning house sports day 2016 Green House NAKHLA. I would
like to thank Schechers and Anta for providing prizes and medals to our winning athletes.
Swim Gala Final Results
Red
Green
Blue
Yellow
Boys
290
418
419
476
Girls
397
287
436
470
Final Totals
687
705
855
946
Congratulations to Mr. Robert Ellarby voted coach of the year 2015/16
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all students at RWA in what has been a successful year in
sport. I would also like to thank all parents and coaches for making this happen. We look forward to 2016/17
kicking off with Netball, Swimming. Basketball and Football. 2016/17 looks to be promising for our teams.
From all the PE staff have a well-deserved break. Enjoy the rest and of course some exercise.
Stephanie Carte
HOD-Physical Education
Message from the Head of Learning Support
Message from the Head of Learning Support
Dear Parents,
Ramadan Kareem! The academic year is rapidly moving towards its end and is accompanied by a
flurry of activities.
There have been several meetings to ensure that we make the class
lists with the best fit of students and teacher for the next academic
year. We are trying to fill in any gaps as we finalise the provisions for
the students with learning difficulties moving forward.
The learning support teachers are busy writing the end of the year
comprehensive reports for all their students. We are analyzing these
reports and discussing ways to improve our services – basically, it is
reflection time for all of us.
There are some changes in the teaching staff for the next year. Ms. Niamh O’Donnell and Ms. Lara
Jubran from the Primary team, and Ms. Kirsha Van Vuuren from the Secondary team are leaving
RWA. All of them have shown sincere efforts and we wish them the best for their future. At this
juncture, I would like to welcome Ms. Lubna Awan and Ms. Janette Lyons in our Primary Learning
Support Team. We are on the verge of finalizing the teacher for Secondary and you will receive an
official mail from our department to this effect. The new staff will send their introductory blurbs
early next year.
We are currently reworking the student list on our register reflecting the new admissions and
some withdrawals. The learning support teacher for the existing students will remain the same, to
the extent possible. As a department, we try to play to each other’s strengths, get better organized
and will attempt to make the optimal fit with the resources available.
Looking back, this year would probably stay in my mind as the ‘Year of Inspections’. We had visits
by the teams from CIS, INCYTE, KHDA and IB. All of the overwhelming stress of these evaluations
has been compensated by the positive feedback we received from each of these inspection bodies.
The level of support given to each student with the resources we have as a department, has been
hugely appreciated by these external agencies.
Based on their feedback, our focus for the academic year 2016-17 would be achieving consistency
in differentiation and support across all the classrooms. This holds true for students with Learning
Difficulties or students on our Talented and Gifted register.
One of the highlights of this year was piloting the Parent Support Group for our RWA community.
Till date, we have only a handful of parents consistently supporting this initiative. I will look
forward to an increased involvement from you all in the coming year.
Continued on page 24
Secondary
Message from the Head of Learning Support [contd]
Let us make this a strong body and provide meaningful support services for parents truly in need.
Please do not hesitate to contact me anytime in this regard.
I would like to take this opportunity to inform you that I have accepted a new role as the
‘Head of Student Support Services’ for the next academic year. In addition to heading the Learning
Support services, I will oversee the English as Additional Language (EAL) support and the
Counseling services at RWA.
Should you find yourself in any situation and need help with regard to any of the support services
for your child, please do not hesitate to contact me in confidence. If you want to be a parent
volunteer or share any helpful inputs, drop in a mail at [email protected].
Lastly, I would like to thank all our parents for supporting us this year. I wish you all a relaxing and
enjoyable summer holidays.
Kind regards,
Neha Sharma
Head of Learning Support (whole school)
Note: Some tips for Summer activities planning for children:
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/get-ready-summer-ideas-teachers-share-families
http://www.ldonline.org/article/23428/
http://www.wral.com/gifted-kids-tips-for-summer-fun-learning/13712327/
https://www.ixl.com/promo?partner=bing&adGroup=gifted&campaign=1453
General
Secondary
Primary
Events-ASA
School Clinic
News from the Events Corner
Dear parents and students,
The year has flown by and summer is now upon us. Before you take off to faraway lands I would like to thank
you all for your support and participation in the many school wide and group wide events that took place.
During the course of the year we had around 23 group wide events where RWA was either attending as a
participant or as a host. In addition, we also organized 11 school wide events where we had the chance to bring
our Primary and Secondary schools closer together. As we look ahead, we hope to build on the further
cemented ties with our sister schools at Innoventures Education and we also hope to make our school wide
events bigger and better. I post some important dates for our After School and Events Calendar in 2016/17.
Please use them as reference if your child is returning to RWA next year.
Safe travels!
Colin Scicluna
ASA and Events Coordinator
After School Activities 2016-2017
ASA teacher ASA blurbs due online
August 25, 2016
All teacher led ASA’s
ASA registration site opens for
parents
ASA registration site closes
August 31, 2016, 6pm
All teacher led ASA’s
September 7, 10am
All
Outside providers come to school for
payments and registration
September 6/7, 2016 from
12:20-3:30
All Paid ASA’s
First day of semester 1 ASA’s
All ASA’s cancelled
All ASA’s cancelled
September 18, 2016
September 29, 2016
October 2, 2016
All ASA’s
All
All
IBICUS
Hijri New Year
SS Exams
Last day of Semester 1 ASA’s
November 28, 2016
All
All teacher ASA blurbs due online
December 14, 2016
All teacher led ASA’s
ASA registration site opens for
parents
ASA registration site closes for
parents
Outside providers come to school for
payments and registration
January 5, 6:00pm, 2017
All teacher led ASA’s
January 12, 2017
All teacher led ASA’s
January 16/17, 2017
All Paid ASA’s
First day of semester 2 ASA’s.
January 22, 2017
All ASA’s
All ASA’s cancelled.
February 16/19, 2017
All ASA’s
Mid Term Break
All ASA’s in Primary School Sports
Hall to be moved or cancelled. Info.
on February newsletter 2017
12-16 March 2016
All ASA’s taking place
in the Primary School
Sports Hall.
Primary School
Musical
All ASA’s cancelled
March 26-April 8, 2017
All
Spring Break
All ASA’s cancelled
April 23, 2017
All
All ASA’s in Primary School Gym
are moved or cancelled.
All ASA’s in dance studio are moved
or cancelled
Last day of semester 2 ASA’s
April 23-May 18, 2017
April 30-May 18, 2017
ASA’s in Primary
School Gym
ASA’s in dance studio
Al Isra Al Miraj
Holiday
IGCSE Exams
May 18, 2017
All
IB Exams
Secondary
News from the Events Corner
SCHOOL AND GROUP WIDE EVENTS FOR 2016/17
(SCHOOL WIDE EVENTS HILIGHTED IN YELLOW)
INNOVENT NAME
AGE GROUP
DATE
VENUE
Box Appeal
All
Sep 1-31, 2016
All Schools
Peace Day
All
Sep 20,2016
All Schools
Innovents Science Fair
Grades 6-8
October 18, 2016
RIS
Mathapalooza
Grades 6-8
October 16-20, 2016
RWA
Pink Day
All School
October 27, 2016
RWA
Innovents Secondary School
Debate
Innovents A Night Of Instrumental Music
Innovents GIVE Walkathon
Grades
6-11
All Grades
October 27, 2016
CAS
November 16, 2016
DIA
Grade 3-8
November 23, 2016
All Schools
National Day Mufti
All School
November 24, 2016
RWA
UAE National Day
All School
November 29, 2016
RWA
UAE Martyr’s Day
Innovents Academic Olympiad
All School
Grades 6-10
November 30, 2016
January 29, 2017
RWA
RWA
Innovents Qu’ran Recital
Competition
Innovents Arabic Writing
Competition
International Day Mufti
K-12
February 7/8
RIS
K-12
February 7/8
RIS
Secondary School
February 9, 2017
RWA
X Factor
Grades 3-12
February 15, 2017
DIA
International Day
All School
February 23, 2017
RWA
Innovents Athletics Meet
Grades 3-12
February 16, 2017
Innovents Literary Soiree
Grades 6-10
March 6, 2017
Dubai Police Officers
Club
RWA
Innovents Chess Competition
Grades 3-12
March 8, 2017
RIS
Innovents DIAMUN
Grades 6-13
March 16-18, 2017
DIA
Innovents Film Fest
Grades 6-8
April 20, 2017
DIA
Innovents TEDx Youth
Grades 4 - 12
April 26, 2017
RWA
Innovents Recycling Cosplay
Fashion Show
Innovents Primary School
Debate
Innovents Art Competition
Grades 3-10
May 2, 2017
RWA
Grade 3-5
May 10, 2016
CAS
Grade 3-8
May 30, 2017
RIS
Innovents Quran Recital
Competition
Innovents Arabic Writing
Competition
Grades 3-8
June 6-8, 2017
RIS
Grades 3-8
June 6-8, 2017
RIS