JPGS Newsletter, Issue no. 9, 2020-21

Jeddah Prep and Grammar School






Newsletter






Founded in 1967 Tuesday 15th December 2020
Issue no. 9
Happy and Healthy Winter

Holidays Contents


many children and their learning 2 Resilience for Success / Staff INSET
around the world have suffered. Sixth Form This Term / The Head Team
3
News
All pupils, parents and staff, as 4 Youngest Scientists At JPGS / EYFS
far as I am concerned, need to be Writers Of The Future
congratulated on their endeav- 5 British Monarchy by Year 2
ours and perseverance over the 6 Prep School Prefects
course of this term. I have been 7 Year 3 Learning Measurements
struck by the resilience of our 8 Safeguarding Corner
pupils, families and staff in meet- 9 Safeguarding Training for Staff / Music
ing the incessant challenges they 10 from Home
Science in Action at Prep School
have faced. For some of you, I am
Dear Pupils, Parents and Col- aware, existential challenges re- 11 Live Experiments in Year 1
leagues, main and my sympathies goes to 12 The Shang Dynasty
all those whose lives have been 13 Year 8 Poster Designs
2020 has certainly been a year of directly and indirectly affected by 14 Head Prefects / Online Assemblies
unprecedented challenge and dif- the Covid-19 pandemic. I am ex- 15 The Little Engine that Could
ficulty for everyone the world tremely proud that as a school we 16 Next Half Term Calendar
over. Naturally this also applies to were nominated and then short-
our educational microcosm here listed for the Safeguarding Initia- will be allowed to open to pupils.
at JPGS. Sometimes, I know, we tive as part of the prestigious In- As the Christmas holiday ap-
have had to struggle to find silver ternational School Awards 2021. proaches I sincerely hope that all
linings in the dark clouds which As there were hundreds of nomi- of you can take some time to re-
have beset us. nations from schools in over 60 flect, reconnect where possible
countries, this is a testament to our with families and loved ones, and
Virtual learning in education has high standards and the quality of refresh yourselves in the season of
continually improved over time provision we strive for at JPGS. goodwill.
here at the school. Teachers and The winners will be announced in
pupils a few short months ago January 2021. I shall look forward to seeing you
had not heard of Zoom, Kahoot, in the New Year on Tuesday 5 th
Pear Deck, Miro, Teams, etc. While On behalf of all JPGS staff, I would January 2021 for the commence-
Zoom and Firefly can never pro- like to wish you all a happy and ment of Term 2.
vide the pastoral and holistic di- peaceful winter holiday. We are
mensions which we must have in all hopeful that the New Year 2021 Mr Mark S. Bedford
school, it has enabled us to main- will bring health and together- BA Hons (Wales), PGCE (Oxon), MPhil
tain high standards of teaching ness. We shall wait as patiently as (Cam), NPQH
and learning at a time when so possible to hear whether schools Headmaster

Resilience For Success Staff INSET



JPGS pupils in Year 9 to 11 have
begun to think about IGCSE and
A-level pathways, there was an in-
formation afternoon to launch the
options programme, which was
followed by a series of lunchtime
subject talks.

This year we marked Remem-
brance Day on the 11th November
with a poignant reminder of those
Dear Parents and Pupils, who died during the 1st and 2nd
World Wars. Mr Bedford and Mr ‘Jeddah Prep and Grammar School
As we come to the end of a very Mason alongside our pupil leader- organised the first of the Staff IN-
unique first term, I want to thank ship team presented a virtual as- SET days on the 1 November.
st
all our teaching and support staff, sembly, remembering those who We were honoured to welcome a
pupils and families for their con- lost their lives in conflicts around number of key speakers from the
tinued hard work and resilience the world. world of education who delivered
as we continue to deliver teaching two of the sessions.
and learning though our virtual As we persevere with virtual
school. Our focus at Jeddah Prep school it is increasingly important Our first speaker was Ian Grove
and Grammar school has been to not to lose our focus and remain Stephensen who is the CEO of
ensure the following three key engaged and motivated, however Yacapaca which is an online as-
areas in delivering virtual learn- hard this may be at times. The key sessment system offering a suite
ing for our pupils. The wellbeing to this is having a growth mind- of tools. Ian works mostly with
and health of our pupils has been set. Having the mind-set of seeing schools in England and British
our main concern whilst they have virtual school as a challenge that International Schools around the
been learning remotely. It is im- can be overcome. Putting effort world. Ian has already helped
portant that we also focus on the into engaging with lessons, com- over 100,000 teachers to assess the
social and emotional needs of our pleting work to the best of our work of 3M+.
pupils. ability and accepting that making
mistakes is so important for con- Our second speaker was Caroline
We have been constantly review- tinued learning. Beckett who is a Lead Tutor, In-
ing our programme and have structional Designer, Professional
always planned with the best in- I would also like to reiterate that Certified Coach and Trainer at
tentions in mind. We have been teachers are all here to help. Please Jigsaw.coach. The professional
prepared to make adjustments do email teachers should you wish development training involved
as we have moved through this to talk about anything. We are all learning about coaching skills that
academic year, learning from last in this together! staff can use in the classroom, for
year’s virtual school experience. educational leaders and in life!
We are keen to ensure pupils have I would like to wish all our com- Staff focused on some of the fun-
face to face lessons, robust assess- munity of parents, pupils and col- damentals including: Building the
ments that measure what pupils’ leagues a very safe, happy holiday Alliance, Making distinctions be-
know, understand and can do and Merry Christmas and a Hap- tween coaching, mentoring and
and extend this learning to de- py New Year! therapy, Questioning skills - open
velop more independent learners. and closed questions and Levels of
It is impossible to recreate the Mr Khalil Ahmed Listening.
complete classroom experience BA(QTS), MA, NPQH, FRAS
through virtual learning and we Deputy Head and Head of Gram- Colleagues consider continued
recognise this but we must focus mar School professional development is a key
on what is essential, and create to being a teacher here at JPGS.
meaningful learning opportuni-
ties for all our pupils.


2

Sixth Form This Term



Another busy term for all involved that Lord of the Rings is a better place since the start of term with
in the Sixth Form. The Sixth Form franchise and series of films than bragging rights at stake as to the
have been working hard in and Star Wars” (motion passed), “This brainiest sixth former. This caps
out of lessons, with well-being House Believes That a Bad Law off the week and is regularly at-
ambassadors helping to plan and Deserves to be Broken” (motion tended by a cross-section of the
take assemblies in anti-bullying passed), “This House Believes the sixth form. Students are also now
week, and the head team leading Manipulation of Human DNA is involved with the ECA’s and in
the Remembrance Day assembly. an Ethical Necessity” (motion de- many cases helping to run the
In tutor time the pupils have been feated), and “This House Believes clubs alongside the teachers.
following the VESPA Sixth Form Individual Apathy is the Great-
mindset, a package of study skills est Threat to our Climate” (mo- UCAS/University Update:
that cover vision, effort, systems, tion passed). We have held these
practice and attitude. This allows debates either in form time or in
students to develop their study assembly with some very articu- Congratulations to our pupils that
skills and create smart targets to late and well-reasoned arguments applied early, with offers already
improve the efficiency of their from students on both sides. coming in from institutions such
learning and independent study. as Warwick, Leeds, Nottingham,
Pupils have also presented as- ALIS tests for Year 12, have now Birmingham and Lancaster uni-
semblies with a group of Year 12 been conducted and results shared versity. The remaining Year 13 are
boys most recently teaching us the with departments which have al- in the process of applying, remem-
importance of a positive mindset lowed more individualised target ber the deadline is January 15th
in success. Year 12 and 13 pupils grades to be assigned and to give for UK university applications.
have also got involved in the PALS teachers a better understanding of
programme mentoring and teach- the learning styles of the pupils. Pupils have also been applying
ing in a variety of subjects, passing We will use these to update the through the common app to US
on their expertise to younger pu- target grades in the forthcoming universities and to those in Cana-
pils and peers and so improving reports so parents may see a slight da and in the Middle East.
outcomes. change in the target grade of the
pupils. Mr Steven Apsey
BSc (Hons), PGCE, MSc
The Sixth Form have also taken Head of Sixth Form
part in weekly debates and voted Enrichment:
using microsoft forms. Recent
questions included subjects as A lively weekly quiz has taken
diverse as; “This house believes


The Head has become my school career’s the Prep Quiz we host each week.
highlight in merely a few months’ My role is that of management
Team News time. We have gathered many and logistics, I spend the majority
of my time writing emails, plan-
achievements despite, the instruc-
The journey a Head Team goes tions that restrict us from studying ning sessions, creating forms and
through is crowded with chal- on the campus. We have managed preparing agendas. Apart from
lenges and hardships, however, to set up an online Peer Assistance this, I assist the other members of
if there is a team spirit that drives Program, formally known as PALS. the Head Team in their duties just
us all then little feels difficult, our Along with PALS, we hosted a few as they assist me in mine. Togeth-
greatest achievements feel effort- assemblies via Zoom, such as, the er we make a strong team as we
less, and most importantly our Remembrance Day Assembly, all share the same agenda, which
ambitions touch the stars; we have where we paid tribute to the many is to connect every member of the
the liberty to dream because we brave individuals who have made school with each other, therefore,
trust in each other and we know sacrifices for our well-being. How- we shall progress together.
that all that we aspire to achieve ever, the greatest achievement of
can be brought to life; if we sup- all is that we have begun to con- Ammar Vora
port each other. The Head Team nect with the Prep School through Deputy Head Boy


3

Youngest Scientists at JPGS



Science in the Early Years Foun-
dation Stage (Nursery and Re-
ception) is covered in the ‘Under-
standing the World’ area of the
EYFS Curriculum. It is introduced
indirectly through activities that
encourage children to explore,
problem-solve, observe, predict,
think, make decisions and talk
about the world around them.
At JPGS, our youngest scientists
have been busy learning about the
5 senses through lots of fun and
practical activities!
Eleina’s Sense of Touch Hala’s Sense of Sight
























Nameera’s Sense of Smell Lulwah’s Sense of Hearing Liyana’s Sense of Taste


EYFS Writers of the Future



bining the 5 senses. Can you guess
how many senses are being used?

‘I can write the letter k and e from my
name, the shaving foam feels so good.
It’s so much fun!’
Kenzy
FS1


Starting from our first week in Re-
ception, we learn letter sounds and
formation, following the Read,
Write, Inc. programme. Once we
are really confident with our first As we are now fast approaching
Nursery children have been busy few sounds, we are ready to blend, the end of Term 1, look at what
linking writing to the topic of My and start to apply our knowledge we can do! We are so excited to be
Senses. They had lots of fun writ- to forming words on the pages of able to write all by ourselves and
ing in shaving foam whilst com- our books. we hope that you like our wonder-

4

ful neat handwriting, which we
are all so proud of!


One day, some of us may grow
up to be famous authors, and we
might write stories for children
just like us to enjoy!











Mrs Nargas Gulzar
Nursery Teacher
EYFS Coordinator





British Monarchy by Year 2



In Year 2 we have been learning
about the British Monarchy in our
History lessons. We love mak-
ing cross-curricular links and in
Art we created our own crowns
and made a portrait of ourselves.
I think you’ll agree…they do look
rather regal!

Mrs Fahmida Master
Year 2A Teacher
KS1 Coordinator





Daniel Zogheib Ibrahim Ceesay
2B 2C



At the beginning of this year, I was really missing my school and
my friends. But by time, I started feeling as if we are at school dur-
ing our zoom sessions.We are learning and enjoying our time. I like
my math sessions a lot and I love working on my science experi-
ments. I really enjoy listening to all the stories about the kings and
queens of the UK. Also, the Peardeck and the Breakout rooms are
great fun, as we are sharing and discussing our ideas. Lastly, I like
that I still have time to play and go to my swimming training after
I finish my sessions and all my tasks


Hussein Moustafa Mohamed
School Council Rep
Lynn El Batal
2A 2A

5
1

Prep School Prefects



A very warm welcome to our new- staff. Our main objective is to pro- Being given the title and position
ly appointed Prep School Prefects. vide pupils with an opportunity to of a Prep School Prefect is an hon-
At Jeddah Prep and Grammar develop lifelong leadership skills. our and privilege and the school is
School we are proud to have our very proud of those selected. We
Year 6 pupils represent and lead The Prep Prefects will play an im- look forward to working with you
the Prep School as a Prep School portant role throughout the entire in assisting us all to maintain the
Prefect. Prep School community. They are high expectations we have for our-
responsible for helping to set the selves and others at JPGS.
The position of Prep School Prefect atmosphere amongst the pupils
is a position of responsibility and and for maintaining and enhanc- Mrs Saira Ali
one which provides an important ing the ethos of Jeddah Prep and Year 1A Teacher
connection between pupils and Grammar School. Assistant Head of Prep



















Mohammad Abdullah Anaya Khan Hana Shabaik Ibrahim Alakhal Leyana Hamdan
6A 6A 6A 6A 6A


















Saleh Binmahfouz Aya Bakry Ibrahim Shehzad Elif Beyza Senol Joud Al Sayyaf
6A 6B 6B 6B 6B



















Lina Selim Mohammad Bitar Reina Zogheib Sadeem Masood Khanday Victor D. Racho Jr.
6B 6B 6B 6B 6B




6

Saisha Lalchandani Archie Britton Berry Kinawi Kuzey Urkmeyen Leah Accaoui
6B 6C 6C 6C 6C



















Muhannad Alakhal Roshan Kazi Yasmeen Ali
6C 6C 6C




Year 3 Learning Measurements And


Science Investigations



3C have been hard at work in
maths, learning all about measure-
ments. First, we studied different
units of measure and we learned
to use the correct unit for each
measurement. Next, we practiced
reading different scales and then
we went on a hunt! We found ob-
jects with different measurements
and ordered them from smallest
to largest. Here is a photo of Lina
Khanani (3C) with her selection of
objects. She chose liquids and she Lina Khanani working hard on her sci-
correctly put them into size order. ence investigation. She had to test the
strengths of different papers and then
rank them in order. As you can see, she
made sure that the test was as fair as pos-
sible and she also made a thoughtful pre-
diction as to the outcome.


Ms Melanie Widocks
Year 3A Teacher


7
1

Safeguarding Corner




























Mr Mark S. Bedford Mr Munsoor Shahzad Mr Raymond Garnett
Headmaster Designated Safeguarding Lead Deputy Designated Safeguarding
Lead
Anti Bullying and create their own solutions to staff attended safeguarding train-
a complex and prevalent issue in ing. Everyone who comes into
The JPGS Anti Bullying Policy our world. To be able to put an contact with children and their
states all pupils have the right to end to bullying, we have to work families has a role to play in safe-
work in an environment, which together to ensure that everyone guarding children. School staff are
is free from bullying and harass- feels safe, and protect those who particularly important as they are
ment. Everyone has a responsibil- do not, and with the assembly and in a position to identify concerns
ity to respect the feelings and con- PSHE task, we hope that we were early and provide help for chil-
cerns of others and to behave in a able to play at least a small part in dren to prevent concerns from es-
way that does not cause offence. that. It is often that people associ- calating. The aim of the inset was
ate bullying others with gaining to:
Anti Bullying Week at power and strength, but in reality, 1) Define safeguarding
JPGS the true strength lies in those who
are kind. Choose kindness, and 2) Highlight that safeguarding is
protect each other. the responsibility of all staff in the
Anti Bullying Week was on Sun- JPGS community
day 15 November – Thursday
th
19 November, and to acknowl- Lubna Al Saloum 3) Emphasise that concerns need
th
edge this, the Wellbeing Ambassa- Wellbeing Ambassador to reported to the Safeguarding
dors hosted an assembly that shed Team
light on the reality of bullying, and
the life-long consequences that are Safeguarding Training Wellbeing tips during the
attached to it. In this assembly, we
tackled what bullying is, where for Support Staff Virtual School and School
and how it occurs, and how to cope Break
and grow from it. We found it to
be of utmost importance to recog- Stay active – Don’t get drawn
nise this, and share what we learnt into the You Tube trap! Get some
in our anti-bullying training, as fresh air and maintain a routine
to create a unified and tight-knit that balances online activities with
community here at JPGS. Bully- other things.
ing is a serious issue that unfortu-
nately occurs very often, and so, Do something fun – Make sure
as Wellbeing Ambassadors, we you do something fun every day
also set a PSHE task that allowed On Wednesday 2 and Thursday to help yourself feel good. Draw-
nd
the pupils to recognise bullying, 3 December the school support ing or writing a list of fun things to
rd
8

School Council
choose from can be helpful

Gratitude – Draw or write at least “The school council is an esteemed pupil lunches, usage of multiple
one thing that you’re grateful for organisation populated by indi- online platforms and improve-
each day. This will help you focus viduals who form a team, that as- ments for Firefly; every week dur-
on all the positive things in your sists the school with its progress. ing the Grammar Council and
life What is different about this or- the Prep Council. The solutions
ganisation and these individuals are then discovered in the Whole
Reach out to your friends – Con is that they aren’t members of staff School Council meetings on Tues-
nect with extended family and or a part of the school manage- days, where the Headmaster
friends online. Set up regular ment, they are pupils. Whilst this along with the pupils attempt to
times to connect. might seem unusual, it is the most search for methods through which
efficient way to achieve progress, we can improve the school life and
Ask questions – Talk to a trusted because who knows the school bet- environment.
adult about any questions you ter than the pupils who are the
have about COVID 19. Don’t be key elements within it. These pu- The members of the Head Team
scared to share your feelings. pils are chosen by their own peers also play a major role in these
Knowing the facts can help reduce through democratic elections councils, through their chairing
your worries. which take place in each Year’s Tu- of the meetings and noting down
tor group; they are the representa- minutes. The council has become
Mr Munsoor Shahzad tion of their peers ranging from one the greatest achievements of
Assistant Headteacher Year 1 all the way up to Year 13. JPGS due to its ability to adopt
Designated Safeguarding Lead The variety of opinions and ideas democracy efficiently within the
KS4 Coordinator from each year group are what school’s day to day environment.”
makes this council unique.

Together, we share ideas such as,



Music from Home


The switch to online Music lessons
has presented many challenges
but also a number of opportuni-
ties. We have missed making Mu-
sic together in a School setting but
that has not stopped us from being
creative at home.


In the Prep School we are collect-
ing thousands (literally!) of videos
from our students, singing and
dancing and creating their own in-
struments from materials found in
the home, most noticeably ‘kitch-
en drum-kits’ borrowed from an
assortment of cooking pans and
utensils. Many of our students
have enjoyed dressing up for
their performances and we have
been uplifted by the large num- the younger ones.
ber of videos of students perform-
ing with their siblings, the older Mr Shane Porter
brothers and sisters encouraging Music Teacher



1
9

Science in Action at Prep School



Science is everywhere! It’s all about You can also see some engaging Rohaan with his fishing rod
learning by doing. Children are pictures from Y2 where Abdul- ready to catch some mag-
hands-on learners and they love to rahman Alnemarie, Omar Sarhan netic fish!
explore, investigate and discover. and Ayoub Khlouf are conducting
There’s no other way to get young an experiment to test static elec-
scientists excited about learn- tricity. The test consisted of them
ing than to make them conduct rubbing a balloon on hair and then
an experiment. Despite the chal- watching the pencil move in the
lenges of virtual learning, pupils direction of the balloon without Mixed Martial
in Prep School had some thrilling the balloon touching it. That was a
experiences conducting all sorts of lot of fun and truly magical! Arts
investigations from testing mag-
nets and absorbent materials to Mrs Hussain
making reflections and shadows. Year 3B Teacher
Year 3s came to know that some Prep Science Coordinator
biodegradable shoes have seeds
built into them. So when they are
worn out, they can be planted in
the ground to see beautiful flow-
ers growing from old shoes. Isn’t
that eco-friendly and sustainable?

Here’s Youssef Aly from FS2 C Get ready for some great new
who recently dressed up as a sci- workouts in Grammar School vir-
entist, and showed all his class- tual PE lessons next term. An ex-
mates how to make an erupting plosion of punches, blocks, kicks
volcano. His mum wrote the in- and katas are coming JPGS way
gredients on his small whiteboard with a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
but Youssef explained the whole style combat class. Delivered
process to his class on Zoom. The Faris (3B) testing absorbency of kitchen through a variety of fantastic high
children were thrilled to watch the towels energy music tracks, pupils will
volcano erupt! safely learn a range of all the key
MMA techniques - in the comfort
of their own home!


MMA combat adds an excit-
ing addition to JPGS (PE) online
learning experience. Keeping our
pupils fighting-fit by improving
their heart and lung function and
toning and shaping key muscle
Is this what you had predicted
Abdulelah? groups. Meanwhile maximising
calorie burn, developing speed,
co-ordination and agility. Add-on
improving bone density, posture,
core strength and balance. MMA
Combat builds self-confidence,
strength and power...

Mr David Kitt
Head of PE


Layal testing to see which metal coins are
magnetic

10

Live Experiments in Year 1



Science Investigation On ing to their properties. They were ter was poured on them and wrote

Waterproof materials: presented with a scenario, which their results individually on a Pear
was that Mrs.Riaz had torn her Deck slide.
Children have been learning about umbrella and she wanted to find a
different materials and their prop- material to make a new one. Pupils
erties. This week they learned had observed their teacher testing
about the difference between wa- different materials (by pouring
terproof and non waterproof ma- water on them). They made sure
terials. that their teacher was conducting
a fair test and made predictions

This level one science investiga- before every test (whether the ma-
tion is to make children pick out terial was waterproof or not water-
the waterproof materials accord- proof). Next they observed how
every material reacted when wa-


Talia from 1-B shared her experience about the experiment conduct-
ed online with everyone.


“In science, we had a virtual experiment. It was such a fun way of
learning about waterproof materials. We all focused while Mrs Riaz
showed us how the experiment was done. She put a stuffed toy in a
glass bowl and covered it with different materials and poured water
on top. If the water went through it showed us that it’s wasn’t wa-
terproof, but when it slid off, it showed us that it was waterproof.
The waterproof materials that we tested were cling wrap and tin foil,
the ones that weren’t waterproof was the paper and tissues”.






















Last week, Year 4 began reading poetry about cats; In Art and Craft club this week , pupils were inves-
by the end of the week, they collected ideas, made a tigating perspective and painting desert scenes.
mind-map, wrote the first draft, and finally published
their own. We are so pleased with the poems written
by the children and thought you would like too.









Layal
3B


11
1

“When the members of the Head Team Levels and even to students preparing ryone: mathletes, bookworms, general
were selected, we were almost certain for their SAT, UCAT, BMAT, IELTS, knowledge brainiacs, music and mov-
that by September we would be back and other external examinations. We ie wizzes, and everyone in between.
in school. To our dismay, distance have also been successful in provid-
learning continued! We know how dif- ing online enrichment ideas to help We have some big plans for this year
ficult it has been adjusting to rarely you socialize and get your mind off but the sky’s the limit so, do not hesi-
seeing friends, staring at a screen for school stress (British Sign Language tate to send us suggestions on ways
hours at a time, and staying on top of on Thursday is my personal favorite). you think we could improve your (on-
work when your bed is just feet away. This year we hoped to also be more ac- line) school experience.”
tively involved in prep school assem-
So, we went to work, and received ap- blies and after school enrichments, Haadiya Usman
proval of the Peer Assisted Learning and therefore put forward the idea of a Head Girl
Sessions program, providing academ- weekly prep school quiz hosted by the
ic support to pupils in IGCSE and A- Head Team! We have quizzes for eve-



The Shang Dynasty by Year 6

































During this term, we have learnt animal sacrifices, their culture and
about the Shang Dynasty in Hu- their Gods and kings.
manities. Throughout our class
this term we were educated about We have really enjoyed learning
how the Shang people lived. about the Shang Dynasty this term
and are looking forward to know-
We also looked at what the Shang ing more.
people believed, their culture and
their Gods and kings. Another We will always be thankful to our
aspect of our learning involved teacher, Ms. McDonagh for the
researching, carrying out investi- lively teaching about the interest-
gations and then presenting our ing and tough life in the Shang
findings to the class. Dynasty, and everything we have
learnt.
This helped us to learn a lot about
the Shang Dynasty and aided us Mrs Gemma McDonagh
in fully understanding the Shang Year 6B Teacher
Dynasty’s life, what they believed Upper Key Stage 2 Coordinator
about ceremonies and human and

12

Year 8 Poster designs for Haunted House


Year 8 Pupils have been studying During the Zoom live classes the
about Typography. They started students were divided into groups
the lesson by designing their own of 4 in zoom breakout rooms.
font styles. Each pupil discussed their poster
design with their group members
After they had learnt how typog- and helped each other in sharing
raphy aids the artwork and can their advice and ideas. Pupils en-
be an art itself. They were given a joyed this interaction in the break-
task for creating a Poster Design out room as it motivated them to
for a Horror Game experience in a create an interesting poster. The
Fun Fair. The criteria for creating interaction helped the students to Maria Mohammed
the poster was to Think of a Name also learn how to give art feedback 8x
for their Horror Room. They had and provide their peer with posi-
to mix their illustration with their tive critique.
own font style and words.
Year 8 pupils did a fabulous job
The medium of art was kept open in creating such fantastic poster
for the students to use for their art designs. I am delighted to share
work. They can imagine any hor- some of the posters designed by
ror theme game as they wanted the pupils.
for example a creepy pirate ship
theme, a haunted house theme, a Mrs Fatima Jabeen Fahad Sulaiman
person being inside a scary video Arts and Design Teacher 8z
game.


















Faris Al Saheal Haniya shekhani Jagaa Jaannani Joud Bahamdaine
8x 8y 8y 8x


The journey since the beginning of wasn’t worried about the amount of has been remarkable.
the Year has been a very different yet work for I was aware it wouldn’t feel
a special one. There were few benefits simple, though I was worried about its Ammar Vora
to virtual learning however, it was an management, but the use of Microsoft Deputy Head Boy
experience I shall not forget anytime Teams and Miro has cured my scepti-
soon. I’d like to take this opportu- cism.
nity to thank my teachers and heads
of school, as the effort they have put I am always thrilled regarding the
in to making sure that we do not lack schools ECAs and was disappointed
any facility or experience which we that we might not have any this year,
would have received in school is com- but since the school announced the
mendable. The online lessons have ECAs it could be claimed that there
been well-managed and far more in- is little difference left between tangi-
teresting than everyone believed they ble and virtual schooling, and I would
would be. As, a Year 13 student I say the journey to this achievement


1
13

Head Prefects 2020-21



Being named a Head boy was a started multiple online activities and reach out to students for ideas
huge honor for me, and I wasted to engage with all the students, via in order to make this year run as
no time in starting to plan events the PALS program for grammar smoothly as possible. Hopefully,
with my fellow head team mem- school and weekly quizzes for the this year turns out to be great, just
bers, not having any clue that there prep school, so that everyone gets like we envision it to.
would be a virtual start to this aca- their fair share of fun throughout
demic year. Finding out that we the week. Saif Al Banna
wouldn’t physically attend school Head boy
was really shocking and blew We also helped setup afterschool
most of our plans away. Rather enrichments to make sure students
than fussing about it, we worked have a fun and beneficial transition
hard to overcome the adversity of from online lessons to homework.
the current situation and adjust I know that most of you are hop-
our plans accordingly, to make ing for school to open again, but in
this year a memorable one. We the meantime, we will work hard




Online Assemblies Settling Down


I got empathy out of our assembly Jad Hilal In Jeddah
for Cancer Awareness Week. I had to 8Z
think about cancer and also about the
people who are suffering from it. It made me think more about the per-
Abdulaziz Banuaym son that has cancer and worry about
8Z. them. -
Yasmin Ragab
I enjoyed the Assembly on Cancer 8Z
Awareness Week because it gave us
some time to remember that there are I’m happy that lots of people started
people who are suffering from cancer. thinking about cancer patients and
I was also happy because the school I’m sure at least one of them will do
alerted us that we could make dona- something about it.
tions to help. Taya Youssef I’d like to take this opportu-
Sarah Alakhal 8Z nity to say ‘shukran’ for all the
8Z guidance and help that people
Cancer awareness week made me have shown to me as I explore
Our assembly was to spread aware- think how lucky we are to be healthy Jeddah and a new career path.
ness about cancer awareness week. I and how some families are suffering.
contributed in this assembly by talk- It made me feel more grateful and ap- The gateway to Mecca, Jeddah is an
ing about how we can spread aware- preciative and made me see how some influential cultural hub since early
ness and how we can raise money for people don’t realize how lucky they Islamic times and one that I envis-
charity. I loved this assembly the most are. age will help me grow as a person.
because it inspired me to be a better Yousef Alzaben
person and I got emotional. I’m so 8Z I’ve been able to wander through
happy that our class presented this the narrow alleys of Al Balad,
to KS3 it was really inspiring to the I started to have more thought about Jeddah’s historic centre, and
whole key stage three! the people suffering from it, and how found traditional souks brim-
Yasmine Usher they are doing with life. ming with colours and aromas.
8Z Sandra Bekhit
8Z Al Naseef House is a Roshan tow-
I was impressed about how people er house. The tower houses are
managed to keep a positive mindset known for their Roshan facades
while suffering from Cancer. with decorative windows and


14

The Little Engine that Could
doors. The bases of these tower
houses are made from rocks quar-
ried from Arba’een Lake. I was able thing only one way, but working
to climb to the rooftop to catch the through a challenge to find a suit-
sunset and listen to evening Adhan. able approach to succeed, with the
conviction of knowing that you
To enjoy the sea breeze, sunset make it over the mountain.
and a cup of tea, I’ve headed to
the Jeddah Corniche. This 30-kilo- You may face multiple daily chal-
metre coastline has restaurants, lenges. Some of these may be
cafes, picnic areas and recreation more daunting than others. This
spots for young and old to enjoy. magical and simplistic phase can
I’m lucky enough to have set up a ease your stress and anxiety and
charity in the UK and raised mon- provide you with self-assurance.
ey through a running group. That
allowed me and the group to pre- Please do read the story no matter
sent the monies raised to the alz- your age.
heimer’s charity. Jeddah Running
Tribe is very similar and one that a very relevant moral to the story https://www.youtube.com/
I have enjoyed participating in. in our current time. Many of us watch?v=_2EhWYGbi5o
adults and pupils will be familiar
Starting afresh in a new country, with the story as we sat on the car- We can all be the Little Engine that
it is needed to buy the essentials pet during story time in our Early Could.
for living. Jeddah isn’t short of Years classrooms.
Malls and all are conveniently Mr Raymond Garnett
connected to a large, air-condi- The four engines in the story re- Head of Prep School
tioned area with shopping and fer to different attitudes we can
dining choices that are endless. choose to have when approaching
a challenge. What attitude have As Deputy Head Girl, it has been
Jeddah, to me, is a city that cel- you had during virtual school this a pleasure working alongside the
ebrates a diverse population term? Has your attitude changed rest of Head Team. Although mat-
Rich in history, beautiful views since we started the academic ters have been difficult due to the
and city life experiences. Jeddah year? Ultimately to overcome any COVID-19 pandemic, we have been
has featured tons of attractions, challenge we need to start with the able to achieve a lot. From arranging
both modern and dated to an- correct mind set. If we are fixed and presenting in assemblies to bring
cient times. I’m enjoying Jeddah’s in our ways and not experienc- about awareness on certain topics
unique past and present culture ing school in a positive light, per- such as the Breast Cancer Awareness
and am hopeful 2021 will bring haps we need to consider having Day, to organising and planning for
safe and dynamic destinations a growth mind-set. Look at your this term’s virtual clubs, which hasn’t
where I am able to learn about experience from the outside and been done before. In addition, we have
history that dates back to biblical reflect on your learning experi- brought back the tutoring PALS pro-
days amidst new-age entertain- ence and see what you can change gram which has fortunately helped
ment and modern attractions. to make things better. many students prosper in their aca-
demic studies. We hope to maintain
Mr Martin Eldridge The famous line from the story the friendly and comforting environ-
PE Teacher comes from the Little Blue Engine ment within JPGS, no matter the cir-
who repeatedly says, ‘I think I can cumstances.
– I think I can – I think I can…’
Farah Bakhsh
The title of this article comes from This simple phrase displays posi- Deputy Head Girl
a children’s story ‘The Little En- tive characteristics that reflects,
gine that Could’ written by Watty resilience, perseverance and being
Piper and published in 1930. The hard-working. It attributes itself to
powerful lesson that this story being confident and responsible.
teaches us has ensured its rightful This determined approach does
place as a true classic, and has not limit itself to doing some

15

The next Half Term at JPGS…



January




Tuesday 5 First Day of Term 2
Monday 11 Sports Day Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2
Tuesday 12 Sports Day Year 3 and Year 4
Thursday 14 Year 9 Options Choice deadline / Sports Day Year 5 and Year 6
Sunday 17 ECAs Term 2 Start
Tuesday 19 New School Council Representatives elected
Wednesday 20 Grammar Movie Night
Thursday 21 Grammar School Sports Day / BSME Under 13 Games (TBA)
Monday 25 Tea and Talk parents meeting with SLT
Tuesday 26 Year 7 and 10 Parent Teacher Conference
Wednesday 27 Year 11 Options 22-2021 deadline / MS MUN DHA
Thursday 28 Year 13 -11 Progress Reports Issued / MS MUN DHA
Saturday 30 Cross Country 3K UDH
Sunday 31 Year 11-13 Mock Exams Week 1



February




Tuesday 2 New School Council Announced
Thursday 4 DofE Bronze Adventurous Journey
Sunday 7 Year 11-13 Mock Exams Week 2
Thursday 11 Safer Internet Day / Year 11-13 Mock Exams End
Sunday 14 Prep Parent Teacher Conference
Monday 15 Prep Parent Teacher Conference

Tuesday 16 Year 8 and 9 Parent Teacher Conference
Thursday 18 Year 11,12-13 Mock Exam Results
Sunday 21 Half Term Holiday / Ski Trip
Sunday 28 Year 10 Work Experience Week








End of Term







Reduce Reuse Jeddah Prep and Grammar School




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