JPGS Newsletter, Issue no. 8, 2020-21

Jeddah Prep and Grammar School






Newsletter






th
Founded in 1967 Thursday 15 October 2020
Issue no. 8
Happy and Healthy Half-Term


Holidays
Contents

over 92.9% A* - C and over 54.3% 2 New Beginnings
A* - A. These are world-leading 3 School Council Representatives
statistics that in many ways con- 5 Accomodating Change
firm how well we are all doing. 5 Different Innovative Learning Platforms
Many congratulations to our pu- 6 Wellbeing Ambassadors
pils on their hard work and well-
deserved results and, of course, 7 Saudi National Day
our teachers on their support and 7 Welcome New JPGS Staff
guidance over the past two years. 12 Head Prefects 2020-21
I am always extremely proud of 13 EYFS
our pupils’ effort, hard work and 13 Year 1 Activities
Dear Pupils, Parents / Guardians, courtesy which are extended to- 14 Message from the Head Team
wards me and everyone else in the 15 Portraying Relationships Through Art
On behalf of the school’s Govern- school. 16 Next Half Term Calendar
ing Body, the Senior Leadership
Team (SLT), Senior Management Courtesy, dedication and enthusi- larly check the school’s website
Team (SMT), our teachers and asm are values that I feel are very http://jpgs.org/ and our VLE Fire-
staff, allow me to welcome you to important for us all. Please do re- fly for correspondence, updates
Jeddah Prep and Grammar School member to arrive promptly for and calendar events. Do regularly
and the very first JPGS Newslet- the beginning of the virtual school ask your child about his/her school
ter for this academic year 2020-21. day; an interruption can affect day. Of paramount importance to
The very warmest of welcomes more than just one pupil and his/ us all here is your child’s learning
goes out to all our new teachers, her learning. Hard work, good or- and progress this year.
pupils and their families. I am ganisation and a positive attitude
hopeful that you are all now feel- to learning are the key essentials We have already provided a num-
ing at home in your school. for a top-class pupil. It is up to us ber of presentations for parents,
all to ensure we adopt the right including a Welcome to JPGS;
Our August 2020 examination re- approach and build the correct Information Sessions for Year
sults for Year 13s was a very im- foundations for higher and fur- Groups and Key Stages; Univer-
pressive 100% A* - C and 74.5% ther study both here at school, and sity Readiness presentation for
A* - A. Our departing Year 13 will then later on at college or univer- KS5 pupils about to embark on
be, I have no doubt, significant as- sity and onwards into adulthood. their university applications, and
sets to the tertiary level institutions Parent Teacher Conferences for
and the degree courses that they A sound education is, I firmly be- the Prep School. Do please speak
have just commenced, primarily lieve, a collaborative and mutually to us should you need any further
in the UK. Our Year 11 IGCSE re- supportive effort between pupil, explanation and/or clarification
sults have been equally positive at teacher and parent. Please regu about any item that might prove

confusing and/or concerning. We Prep and Grammar School: ing skills need content on which to
are always pleased to assist. work. You cannot use deeper-thinking
There are those who say the route skills unless you have something to
Professor John Hattie’s, possibly forward is more facts, or knowledge- think about.
known to you for his education based learning. There are those who
meta-studies and work on ‘Visible favour deep learning, or twenty-first- Please remain reassured that, al-
Learning’, recent work on the im- century skills. This is a false dichot- though this school year is proving
pact of the disruption caused by omy, even if it is one that has been to be different and challenging in
the various Covid-19 lockdowns common for aeons. In the fifth cen- many ways, we are working very
is very interesting and reassuring. tury BC, Socrates promoted a method hard to keep things as normal as
He suggests that the effect (and it of questioning that led students to possible in providing our pupils
does vary, of course, according to reconsider their confused meaning, with a first class, positive and en-
country) is not as great as we fear inadequate evidence, self-contradic- joyable school experience.
and also opens up possibilities tory beliefs and woolly thinking. He
and opportunities to reassess how encouraged them to seek evidence, Mr Mark S. Bedford
and what we teach. examine reasoning and assumptions, BA Hons (Wales), PGCE (Oxon),
analyse basic concepts and see the im- MPhil (Cam), NPQH
I share some of his words that plications of critical thinking. The art Headmaster
sum up very succinctly and very of teaching is to balance the need for
appropriately, the sort of educa- surface knowledge with deep process-
tion we aim to offer here at Jeddah ing of this knowledge. Deeper-think-




New Beginnings





We hope they will all feel at home Responsibility: a core value of the
very quickly in our school com- school, pupils are always remind-
munity. ed that they will be held to greater
account by the wider world and
The first few weeks of the year we all have a responsibility to our-
have been unusual and very dif- selves, others and the wider com-
ferent for a new start of term. De- munity.
spite the challenges, pupils have
remained resilient and have perse- Happiness: we all want the pu-
vered to attend the virtual lessons pils to have a happy childhood
A very warm welcome to all our and have been fully engaged in and that we need to support each
new pupils joining the school in- the learning experience and I am other in this by being kind at all
cluding Year 7 and Year 12 pupils, very proud of the positive start to times and to all people we come
and also to our new staff: the academic year. into contact with.

Mr Steven Apsey; Head of Sixth My main message at the start of Congratulations to last year’s Year
Form, Mr Darryl Matthews; Head each year and which I believe in 11, Year 12 and Year 13 pupils on
of English, Mr David Kitt; Head strongly is that we are here to help their fantastic IGCSE, AS and A
of PE, Mr Ahmed Gul; Mathemat- and provide the best future for all level results. They were exception-
ics, Mr Connor McFadden; Geog- our pupils. This consists of the fol- ally strong year groups and we
raphy, Mr Martin Eldridge; PE, lowing key themes; are extremely proud of all they
Mr Nikos Demetriou; English, achieved, both in terms of aca-
Mr Khalid Raza; Art, Mr Abdul- Breadth of opportunity: I en- demic outcomes and in terms of
lah Chowdhury; English, Mr Ste- courage you to get involved in being impressive young people.
phen Springthorpe; Maths, Mr everything offered at the school Year 13 leave with our warmest
Abdul Aziz Qayyum; Econom- and offer ideas and volunteer for wishes as they head off to study a
ics and Business and Ms Fatima something that you might be in- wide range of subjects at excellent
Jabeen; Art. terested in setting up yourself. universities across the world.


2

The past few months have been tube.com/watch?v=2ezFSBt5VtA starting new schools and building
hard on everyone, including our relationships with friends again.
young people. But there are lots The new website will help parents Visit https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/
of things we can do to support to spot signs that their children are every-mind-matters/
them at this time. Better Health - struggling with their mental well-
Every Mind Matters will help you being, understand how to sup- Wishing you all the very best for
find what’s right for your child - port them with managing their the year ahead.
whether it’s listening to them talk emotions and deal with unhelp-
about the challenges they’re facing ful thoughts. It provides tips and Mr Khalil Ahmed
or helping them develop skills to advice to help parents to support BA(QTS), MA, NPQH, FRAS
cope with their emotions. Watch children and young people when Deputy Head / Head of Grammar
the PR film here https://www.you- coping with stressors including


School Council Representatives



A warm welcome to the Jeddah the opportunity to raise issues, • School Council Meetings are
Prep School Council. share ideas and take part in dis- held monthly.
cussions that involve all of their
At Jeddah Prep and Grammar classmates in reaching a demo- • Discussions are then reported
School we are proud to have pu- cratic solution. Pupils at JPGS back to each class/tutor group by
pil representatives from each class know that this is their school and the representatives and discus-
in the Prep School and each tutor their thoughts and ideas matter. sions/ideas brought back to the
group in the Grammar School. The next School Council Meeting.
elected School Reps were formally • School Council Representatives
introduced in a special assembly are voted in by pupils in their The School Council will meet for
on Tuesday 29th September and class/tutor group – they are not the first time on Tuesday 6 Octo-
th
they will hold office until January. chosen by their teachers. ber and the agenda of the Meeting
will be Pupil Survey of JPGS Vir-
The School Council is in place so • Each class/ tutor group will com- tual School.
that pupils have a voice and are municate issues, concerns, worries Mr Munsoor Shahzad
involved in the decisions about the or ideas that they wish to discuss Assistant Head / DSL /
school that affect them. Through at the School Council meeting. Head of KS4
the School Council all pupils have















Inaya Ahmed Talia Al Banna Musa Mahoon Hussein Mohamed Eshal Arsalan Maryam Zuberi
1A 1B 1C 2A 2B 2C















Julie Azzam Faris Al Sahsah Ahmad Darian Hala Radwan Kenda Elesily Mohammad Faiz
3A 3B 3C 4A 4B 4C

3

Karim El Danab Omar El Danab Talah Ostaz Ahmad Arfan Elif Beyza Senol Roshan Kazi
5A 5B 5C 6A 6B 6C
















Hibaa Al Akraa Haytham Siddiqi Ibrahim Zogheib Joud Bahamdine Saleh Gandeel Sarah Alakhal
7X 7Y 7Z 8X 8Y 8Z
















Rayan Din Maria Yzzabella Racho Sanya Saqib Adham Elesily Nour Binmahfouz Jana Fathalla
9X 9Y 9Z 10X 10Y 10Z
















Saad Bokhari Bader Baglin Athar Siddiqui Mohammad Azaam Ahmad Awais Ayat Rana
11X 11Y 11Z 12X 12Y 12Z
















Aiza Shaikh Nafisah Ayub
13X 13Z

4

Accommodating Change


The academic year 2020-21 con- social interaction, and of course
tinues to see the Kingdom deal- keeping the mind active by learn-
ing with a global pandemic. Strict ing new and challenging topics
measures have been enforced by and concepts.
the Ministries to ensure the citi-
zens and residents of Saudi Arabia The collaboration between our
are kept as safe as possible, pro- staff, parents, pupils and students
moting healthy life habits. is one of our school’s strengths to
ensure a successful year ahead.
As the restrictions have continued We have all adapted tremendous- “Having a mentor is like having a
since March 2020, JPGS pushes on- ly well to sudden changes both at lighthouse in the dark ocean”
wards to accommodate the change school and personally. Following You Jung Sun
we have all had to face by imple- the instruction from the Ministry
menting various improvements of Education to extend the school JPGS will endure to be the ‘light-
to our virtual school programme. closure until January 2020, there house’ for our pupils, students,
The pupils and students learn- is no doubt that our home-school staff and families.
ing, pastoral care, and well-being partnership will develop further
is a priority for our school and for to ensure the best possible learn- Mr Raymond Garnett
many younger pupils schooling ing journey for the pupils and stu BEd
is a foundation stone for them, dents in our care. Head of Prep School
incorporating a sense of routine,



Different Innovative Learning Platforms



Yes, we are indeed living in un- load research. Here is an example
precedented and strange times. of some Y12 History research and
This does not mean that we must collaborative virtual lessons.
constrain and limit ourselves men-
tally as we are limited physically. Even when we are welcomed back
We continue to adapt, innovate into our classrooms which we so
and push on. This is as true in hu- miss. Some of these virtual learn-
man spirit as it is in Virtual Learn- ing techniques may continue on
ing techniques. answering in text boxes. These an- into the future to help consoli-
swers are saved and then fed back date and reinforce our learning,
Jeddah Prep and Grammar School to the pupils for revision and re- not only within the classroom
has a robust and well-tested Virtu- flection. This platform is best used but once young learners leave the
al Learning Environment (firefly) with younger KS2 and 3 pupils. school campus and complete their
that is currently utilised in con- assignments or homework from
junction with Zoom. Though this MIRO: the home.
is the standard for virtual learning
in JPGS sometimes teachers like to
explore other avenues and inno-
vative platforms that engage the
pupils and allow them to interact
with the resources they are taught.

Some examples of these are: An online collaborative white-
board geared towards teams and
PearDeck: older KS4 and 5 students. Any-
An innovative online PowerPoint one with the link can access the Mr Eric Mason
presentation that pupils can inter- board and write, copy and paste, History Teacher / Head of KS3
act with by writing on slides and make spider diagrams and up-


5
1

JPGS Wellbeing Ambassadors

















Yusuf Ahmed Tasnime Khlouf Leyana Hamdan Lina Selim Saisha Lalchandan Camila Calles
5C 5C 6A 6B 6B 6B















Saad Bokhari Mira Hussein Zina Hashish Veronica Bekhit Lubna Al Salloum Ahmad Awais
11X 11Y 11Y 11Y 12X 11Y

Congratulations to our newly ap-
pointed Wellbeing Ambassadors


Wellbeing Ambassadors are role
models within our school who are
keen to promote our shared val-
ues of: respect, kindness, do the
right thing and set high standards.
They have been selected because Amna Saqlain Hattie Britton Ammar Vora Tamara Sarawak
they really care about the wellbe- 11Y 11Z 13X 13X
ing of the children in our school,
treating others how they want to other leadership opportunity we When I first heard
be treated and believe listening offer our pupils. The duties of the about School coun-
to one another is extremely im- Wellbeing Ambassador will be:
portant. Wellbeing Ambassadors cil, I got very excited
and decided to run
work with the staff and the chil- •Raise awareness of Bullying/ Cy- for it. I wasn’t lucky
dren across the school supporting, ber Bullying ( PHSE and Anti Bul- the first time but I
helping and leading others. They lying Week) didn’t give up and tried again in
take on specific roles across each
term. •Support victims of bullying and the second term and thankfully I
won. My friends voted for me the
report them to Mrs McDonagh second time because they thought I
We have recruited Wellbeing Am- and Mr Shahzad had good ideas and believed that I
bassadors from the upper schools will be able to make things happen.
of both Prep and Grammar. There •Arrange activities in mindful-
were many applicants for this role, ness Unfortunately, school had to close
due to COVID-19 and most of our
which highlights the caring na- requests could not be achieved. I be-
ture of our pupils. All Wellbeing •Drop in service during lunch lieve our school is good but with our
Ambassadors will complete anti times (during the virtual school efforts we can make it even better.
bullying training online from the this will be on Zoom)
Anti Bullying Alliance (www.an- I cannot wait to be back at school
soon and see all my friends and
ti-bullyingallaince.org.uk), which teachers again.
is free and certified. This is yet an
Julie Azzam (Year 3A)
6

Saudi National Day



The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia This year we celebrated the event
was once known as the Kingdom though a whole school virtual
of Nejd and Hejaz. On Septem- assembly, which started by the
ber 23 1932, by virtue of a royal school singing the Saudi National
rd
decree from King Abdul Aziz Ibn Anthem followed by an introduc-
Saud, the name – change took tion by the Head Boy and Head
place. It marks the unification of Girl. Farah Bakhsh our Deputy
the modern-day Kingdom of Sau- Head Girl then introduced us to
di Arabia. the Saudi inventors, there was also
an Arabic poem read Aya Albakrey
Saudi Arabia National Day only –Year 6. We also learnt about the
became a public holiday in 2007. In 10 most beautiful regions in the
2005, Saudi Arabia’s late King Ab- Kingdom and the regional dress
dullah bin Abdulaziz announced for each of the different regions.
that from the 75th National Day,
the occasion will become an an- Lastly, Mr. Miller shared his trav-
nual National Holiday. els around the Kingdom and his
experiences of the various regions.
Every year in JPGS we celebrate
the day with special events and Ms Rehab Mohamed
treats for all pupils and teachers. Head of Arabic
But this year JPGS celebrated the
Saudi National day virtually.





Welcome New JPGS Staff



the world? Creativity is the visual will be learning as much from you
expression of our mind, our ideas, as you will from me. I will give
opinions and moods. It is our first you my best and that is all I expect
love in learning, the uninhibited from you in return. While we wait,
joy of mark making, paint, col- have a think about what is your
our, details and most importantly favourite painting and piece of de-
thinking. My goal is to keep you sign. And your reasons?’
there and then help you apply
yourself. Bring fun and grasp the
Mr Khalid Raza theory of visual communication to
BA (Hons), PGCE, CELTA the mix and you have a core skill
Teacher of Art and Design that is transferrable into every part
of work and life.
Mr Raza has taught creativity at all
levels of the life-long learning expe- Outside of the classroom I have
rience: Primary, Secondary, Further a range of passions. I enjoy trav-
and Higher Education, Community el and outdoor activity, sports
and Flexible learning, in addition to (squash, tennis – fancy a game!)
many years as a creative practitioner and cinema. I also have a keen
including as an Art Director for glob- interest in world affairs and in
al technology brand and running his my spare time run a small charity Mr Nikos Demetriou
own consultancy. making a global impact providing BA (Hons), PGCE / QTS
the gift of mobility to disabled in Teacher of English
‘Did you know that the creative need. I want to connect with my
industries are one of the biggest in students. I am interested in you. I Mr Demetriou is a qualified teacher

7
1

from England, long-time English in various projects as a student Seeing the students graduate from
educator, and both a secondary and which involved any sort of teach- the school and go on to successful
further education practitioner. He’s ing. Hence, deciding to become a destinations drives me as a head
on a mission to ensure learning is teacher was an easy decision as I of Sixth Form and I am privileged
inclusive and accessible to everyone. just had to follow my passion. to be in the position to offer advice
Currently, Mr Demetriou is explor- and guidance to our oldest stu-
ing the possibilities of incorporating I am fortunate to be able to teach dents which allows them to fulfil
an extra-curricular activity: British maths as it allows students to de- their dreams.
Sign Language by using various plat- velop their analytical and problem
forms like SignWorldLearn.com . solving skills and train them to Outside the classroom I have seen
link together complex concepts to the benefits of extra-curricular
At JPGS we believe that learning is solve a problem. activities and student leadership
wholistic: learning should include in students final destinations. I
enjoying the process of growing I look forward to meeting the high- firmly believe these activities help
stronger physically, mentally and ly able JPGS students and helping to develop the character of the stu-
spiritually in a safe and loving them progress to their greatest dent and can help to set students
environment. At JPGS we under- strengths and prepare them for an apart when applying to univer-
stand that we do not all learn at exciting future. I’ve also played sity. I have a love of running and
the same rate, but we guarantee chess since a very young age and hiking and I have led the Duke of
you will develop as an all-round- look forward to some exciting Edinburgh programme in my last
ed, confident individual, ready for chess battles as well” two schools. I am looking forward
the next step which lies ahead. to getting out in the hills around
Jeddah and once more getting in-
Prepare yourself to be positively volved in this side of school life.
challenged and together we will
be ready for our ever-changing
world.”













Mr Steven Apsey
BSc (Hons) MSc PGCE
Head of Sixth Form / Teacher of
Science
Mr Connor McFadden
Mr Ahmed Gul Mr Apsey has taught Science, primar- BA (Hons) PGDE
BSc (Hons) MA PGCE ily focusing on Chemistry and Phys- Teacher of Geography
Teacher of Mathematics ics for 18 years in state schools in the
UK. For the last 5 years he has been Mr McFadden is a newly qualified
Mr Gul completed his education at Head of Sixth Form at two schools, teacher having just completed his
King’s College London and UCL and the latter of which he set up and ran a PGDE at John Moores University,
has taught Mathematics at several brand new Sixth Form from to its first Liverpool specialising in Geography.
schools in the UK and Middle East. set of excellent A level results and has
He recently worked as a Maths teach- overseen the UCAS process with suc- ‘I was lucky enough to explore
er at a British school in Kuwait and cessful candidates entering a range of my passion in Geography for
has also worked as an A-level Maths destinations including Oxbridge and three years at the University of
examiner for Cambridge and Edexcel. Medical school. Liverpool, as well as spending 6
‘I have enjoyed teaching Science months in Sydney, Australia, for
“I’ve had an interest in educa- in the state sector in the UK and a study abroad semester. It was
tion and teaching from a very more recently overseeing the Sixth during these three years where
young age and used to participate Form education in two schools. I spent two summers in the USA


8

in a summer camp and realised, I at the forefront of teaching that has experience of being a Head of Year,
am inspired by young people and skill. Whether it be the sonnets of managing CPD and working with
enjoy having a positive impact on Shakespeare or the significance of elite performers in athletics, cross
their lives. social media, the ability to express country running and football.
yourself, show empathy and un-
I believe it is fundamental to teach derstanding through a common I have remained deeply engaged
Geography to every young per- language is of course essential to by, and committed to improv-
son, as I believe Geographers hold thrive and develop in this ever- ing life chances - through educa-
the keys to the world’s problems. changing and demanding world. tion - of the students I teach and
My goal is to motivate the next Watching a student grow in char- practitioners I develop. The fun-
generation to want to find a so- acter and confidence as they ap- damental ambition that underpins
lution to them. With the ongoing proach the difficult world of work my work is a desire for people to
pandemic in the world, Geogra- is both a great inspiration and re- leave the educational setting with
phy has never been more impor- sponsibility. as many choices from their learn-
tant. I am excited to get started in ing, and showing them the pos-
Saudi Arabia, guiding JPGS pupils It has always been my guiding sibilities to realise them. Always
in their development into creative, principle that every student must having a keen interest in sporting
confident and dedicated individu- have the opportunity to reach activities the opportunity to pro-
als who will go on to become suc- their full potential and to achieve vide an in depth understanding of
cessful adults and make a real that a teacher must reach out to the PE specialism for the next gen-
change to the world!’ their students and draw them into eration at JPGS is one that I feel
the endless world of learning, to I can be pivotal in shaping. My
inspire an inquiring mind and to whole career has revolved in de-
create resilient and passionate in- veloping the person as a whole to
dividuals ready to take on what- lead a flourishing life.
ever challenges they are confront-
ed with. I look forward to bringing I hold my UEFA and The England
my experience and knowledge to FA coaching certifications that
JPGS in the hope that I can contin- allow me to work with elite ath-
ue to engage and inspire the next letes in professional academies. I
generation of JPGS students. am grateful for the opportunities
given to me by Brighton and Hove
Albion FC, Chelsea FC, Fulham
FC and AFC Wimbledon .

A keen sportsman, I like to chal-
Mr Darryl Matthews lenge myself. I believe this to help
BA (Hons) MA PGCE role model to peers and students
Teacher of English Language and my passion for sport and an active
Literature lifestyle.

Mr Matthews has 18 years of experi- Working at JPGS is genuine privi-
ence teaching English in the UK. He lege, an extremely stimulating and
has taught in both state and private unique opportunity and one that
settings as well as A level and Adult will advance my own pedagogy
education. More recently he taught in Mr Martin Eldridge and expand my experience.
Malaysia, where he worked as a KS BA (Hons) Physical Education and
coordinator and Assistant Principal. Coaching QTS I feel certain, through position at
He is now joining JPGS as the Head Teacher of Physical Education JPGS, I will make a significant and
of English. positive impact and relish the op-
Mr. Eldridge has taught Physical portunity to drive JPGS forwards.
I cannot recall a time in recent his- Education in the state sector in In-
tory where the ability to commu- ner London at four various and suc-
nicate with each other has been so cessfully outstanding schools. He
important. It has been my privi- was Head of Physical Education
lege over the past 20 years to be Department before joining JPGS and


9
1

with success? (or failure?). can remember every child I have
taught over the last eight years
2. Intellectual – by breaking down and I am looking forward to get-
a skill and practicing it I learned it ting to know my new class too.
and then got better at it – maybe Children I have taught often say
I can apply this to other parts of they have enjoyed my lessons as
my life. By watching my partner I am always looking for the best
perform I could analyse where im- ways to engage children in their
provements could be made – could learning whilst making sure that
I apply this process elsewhere? they enjoy their learning. I have al-
ways enjoyed strong partnerships
Mr David Kitt 3. Social – why did our team win with parents and I look forward
MSc, BA (Hons), PGCE (or lose?) How was my warm-up to building them again over the
Head of Physical Education presentation? Did I support course of this new academic year.
my teammates? Why was that
Mr Kitt began teaching PE in 2001, team talk so motivational? … And I enjoy learning about new cul-
since then he has taught in many how FANTASTIC did WE feel tures and languages and have
schools in England. He has also been when WE won? lived in both the Kingdom of Bah-
director of a successful outdoor edu- rain and the Sultanate of Oman. I
cation business. Previously he served My ambition is to bring as many like to say that I can say hello in
onboard Type 42 Destroyers in the PE ‘PIES’ (Physical, Intellectual, around 15 different languages. I
Royal Navy. As well as a master’s de- Emotional and Social) to as many have learned most of these greet-
gree in Sports Science, Mr Kitt also lessons as possible at Jeddah Prep ings from children in my classes
has a 2:1 BA degree in European His- and Grammar. I am looking for- as they like to teach me too! My
tory and International Politics. ward to joining my team. I hope Arabic needs some work though
all our students will remember, as I can only really say hello and
Still a keen sportsman, Mr Kitt en- benefit and enjoy our PE ‘PIES’ for count to 10 which I learned from
joys playing all sports (knees, an- the rest of their lives. my own children.
kles, shoulder permitting!!). He’s a
keen cyclist, regular gym goer and I am excited for the year ahead
a single-figure handicap golfer. with a new class and in a new
home.’
Throughout all my experiences of
teaching, there is a common per-
ception that PE is only enjoyed by
the ‘sporty kids’. When it comes
to PE in England, children either
‘love it’ or ‘hate it’. I guess the
same logic is applied by all other
school children, all over the world,
to all other subjects. We usually
enjoy the subjects we are good at,
and not so much the others. Some- Mr Alastair Taylor
times a subject can lead to a career; BA (Hons) LLM QTS ( SCITT)
mathematicians may become ac- Primary Teacher
countants; translators were prob-
ably good at languages and most Mr Taylor has taught a variety of year Mrs Doreen Miller
doctors knew a thing or two about groups across both Key Stage 1 and BEd Primary Education
biology and chemistry. Key Stage 2. He has taught in both the Primary Teacher
UK and at the British School of Bah-
I believe there are three compo- rain. His most recent teaching was in Mrs Miller has taught primary edu-
nents of PE that will also stay with Yorkshire, Uk before joining JPGS. cation in Oman and a few inner city
us forever: schools in London. Over the years she
‘Teaching is a job that I love. No has had the opportunity to lead Mu-
1. Emotional – how did it feel to day is the same as another and sic, Art, D.T and R.E.
win? (or lose?) How did I cope no child is the same as another. I


10

I am so excited to be part of the Jordan and the UAE. embarked on. Being a young and
JPGS family this year. Over the new teacher means I have the pas-
past two weeks I have heard the I believe that the start of every new sion and drive to contribute crea-
term ‘family’ used several times year is the start of a fabulous and tive ideas. The various settings I
and it makes me feel so special to fantastic new adventure. Together have experienced allows me to
be part of the school community - the children and I embark on a adapt to any environment, keep-
‘family”. wonderful journey through which ing a child-centred focus in order
the children’s creative, academic to support pupils learning and
I have taught primary school aged and social skills are consolidated nurture their learning and devel-
children for over 25 years and feel and developed. Even though the opment.
blessed to have a job that I really start of this academic year may see
enjoy. Being a teacher is so excit- us face challenges that we could Working with young children
ing; each year; each day, and each never have imagined even a year is always a great privilege as the
lesson is different. One minute ago, I know that together we will younger years are the most impor-
you could be teaching spelling succeed and thrive in this new en- tant when developing and grow-
rules or creating exciting displays vironment. ing. I enjoy the creativity that this
in the corridor, you may even be age and stage bring. I have had the
on a school trip observing reptiles I am a keen, conscientious and opportunity to work with adoles-
or helping to resolve a dispute at dedicated educator with a passion cence and young adults in second-
playtime! for teaching and raising standards. ary education and have dealt with
I create a classroom environment challenging behaviour but also
The buzz of school life cannot be that is productive, secure and assist in their learning to achieve
matched in any other job. Coming where every child feels respected their future higher education and
to Saudi Arabia at this time is very and academically challenged. career goals.
exciting; I am looking forward to
being part of the big change, tak- I am looking forward to moving I believe that learners excel when
ing place now, in the kingdom. I to Saudi Arabia and meeting the they engage in creativity, mind-
see it as a privilege to be part of wonderful JPGS pupils and start- fulness and to keep active in or-
this historical moment, an educa- ing my third decade of teaching der to keep their mind, body and
tor educating the next generation! with my amazing Year Threes! spiritual wellbeing healthy. This
can be done by learning a new
language, baking, taking up a new
sport and painting, which I have
shared these skills with my previ-
ous learners that have responded
very well to.


I very much look forward to nur-
turing the skills and creativity of
pupils of JPGS.’





Mrs Jade Widocks Ms Naba Anjum Asad
BA Hons (QTS) Primary Education BA (Hons) PGCE
Primary Teacher Primary Teacher


Ms Widocks has been a primary Miss Asad has taught Year 1 in an
teacher for twenty years with experi- Academy in London, UK and had
ence working in both key stages. She previously worked as an Early Years
has been a dedicated class teacher Practitioner before joining JPGS.
while also holding additional areas
of responsibility. Ms Widocks started ‘Having worked with children
her teaching career in London and has as an early years practitioner has
since worked in International British built a strong foundation for my
schools in Kuwait, Vietnam, China, new teaching career that I have

11
1

Head Prefects (2020-21)



My role involves solving any
problems between the students
and tutors in the PALS program. I
will also check the schedule/time-
table of the availability of each tu-
tor and make sure that the lessons
occur smoothly. If there are any
slots that need tutors, I would find
tutors to fill out these slots.


Rameen Salman Abdullah Tariq
Year 13 Year 13
Head Prefect of Eco School and Head Prefect of Organisation/ Co-
Go Green Campaign ordination

Whilst undertaking the role of My role requires me to help other
senior prefect in charge of The Eco senior prefects in their respective
School, I intend to continue to help tasks. For example, if someone
make Jeddah Prep and Grammar is organising socials, I shall help
School more ecofriendly. Build- them plan it and communicate
ing upon the previous years’ “Go Aiza Shaikh with the Head Team or the stu-
Green” campaign, I will be focus- Year 13 dents. Some of my other duties
ing on recycling. Many sheets of Head Prefect of Charities and include, collecting money for the
paper are thrown away each day Fundraising many charities, working with
in school and I believe that by plac- other senior prefects to advertise
ing one dedicated green dust-bin Being senior prefer of charities house events to students and cre-
in each classroom, we can accu- and fundraising will allow me to ate survey forms for voting.
mulate them and then send them organize exciting events during
to a recycling centre once a month. the school year to raise money for
I also plan to restart the bottle cap the school. I believe that the stu-
collection. Once a certain number dents should be actively involved
of plastic bottle caps are collected and be able to enjoy their time at
there is a centre in Jeddah that ex- school through these activities.
changes these caps into a wheel- Students should be aware about
chair which they then distribute to important causes and help raise
those in need. I believe by doing money to donate to charities (e.g.
so, we can also bring more aware- cancer awareness, orphanages,
ness regarding the problems our world hunger, helping individu-
planet is facing so the students at als with special needs). I could col- Fauwaz Shakeel
Jeddah Prep and Grammar School lect the money and ensure that it is Year 13
can make a difference. invested in a vital cause. We shall Head Prefect of Community and
partner up with organizations to Social Events
support issues and contribute,
while educating students on dif- As head prefect for social events
ferent topics, example, through and community events, my fo-
assemblies. Once school resumes, cus is to heavily involve pupils
we could charge a small fee to with community work and have a
hold events, such as, movie nights, number of social events arranged
games, bake sales and socials to to make sure that the students to
raise money. get to know each other. An exam-
ple of a social event could be a trip
to the beach or to the desert.
Sara Alsaleh
Year 13
Head Prefect of Academic Support

12

EYFS
























The Early Years Foundation Stage looking for particular coloured numbers to 10 in so many differ-
have had a positive start to the objects, we are developing our ent fun ways! We have also been
year, and we are pleased to say fine motor skills by using tweezers busy engaged in lots of practical
all children have settled extremely to sort by colour, shape and size. activities such as dipping hands
well. Our focus over the weeks We have created models using re- into paint, making binoculars, roll-
has been in the Prime Areas of the cycled material and thoroughly ing out home-made play dough to
EYFS which has involved settling enjoyed dressing up and making form the letters and numbers that
the children into virtual schooling, flags for Saudi National day! we are learning and collecting a
helping them to get used to all the range of materials with different
new routines and learning virtu- Reception have been busy in their textures around your homes.
ally. learning across all the areas of
learning linked to the topic ‘All Overall, our first half-term in the
Nursery children have been very About Me’. They are zooming EYFS has been so much fun!
well focussed and are having great through the letters and sounds
fun in all the practical activities we of the Read, Write and Inc. pro-
are doing in our daily Zoom ses- gramme. In mathematics, the
sions. We have been busy learn- focus has been on counting, rec- Mrs Nargas Gulzar
ing about colours, going on a hunt ognising, writing and ordering Nursery Teacher / EYFS Coordinator



Year 1 Activities ated beautiful masterpieces. They hearing, smell, touch and taste.

have also been busy creating some We have been so excited being lit-
In Year 1 as part of our topic ‘’ Pi- pirate hats and treasure chests tle scientists. Have a look at some
rates’’ we have looked at the art- which are essential for a pirate. In of their investigations...
ist, J.W.Turner and tried to learn Science they have been exploring
some of the art techniques from their bodies and five senses. Year Mrs Saira Ali
his work. Have a look at the work 1 have been using their senses Year 1 Teacher /
of our young painters who took around their homes searching for Assistant Head of Prep
inspiration from Turner and cre- objects with their sense of sight,




















1
13

Message from the Head Team and Deputies
























Saif Al Banna Haadiya Usman Ammar Vora Farah Bakhsh
Head Boy Head Girl Deputy Head Boy Deputy Head Girl


Knowledge is power, and teach- precedented times. my mother who is also a teacher.
ers ensure that this power is Knowledge can be imparted by
smoothly and efficiently passed Haadiya Usman many but it can be taught only
onto the next generation. The art Head Girl by the gifted, and teachers pos-
of teaching is the art of assisting sess such a talent. They not only
discovery. This is why I believe To our beloved teachers, sharpen the minds of their pupils
that teachers are the most under- Thank you for your never-end- but develop their personalities
appreciated people in the world ing care and support, which will along the journey. I can confident-
and deserve a big THANK YOU! never be forgotten and we are for- ly claim that I have learned more
Thank you to every teacher in the ever grateful for. Thanks to you, from my teachers than all other
school, whether you are a prep or we’ve learnt almost everything institutions of society combined.
grammar school teacher. You will we need to know about how the They have strengthened me in
always be a big part of our success world works, and we can never my many failures and have kept
and will always have a special repay you back for your tremen- me humble as I began to succeed.
place in our hearts. dous efforts. You have been our As Alexander the Great once said
guides to a bright future, which when asked about Aristotle, “I am
Saif AlBanna we wouldn’t be able to achieve indebted to my father for living,
Head Boy without you. but to my teacher for living well.”
No gesture shall ever be sufficient
Teaching is a gratifying, impor- Farah Bakhsh in order to thank our teachers for
tant, but sometimes crazy and de- Deputy Head Girl their many sacrifices; however, we
manding profession, and unfortu- can make a start by saying, Thank
nately because of our busy lives Knowledge gives birth to the fu- you.
we often forget to express grati- ture, and knowledge fades when
tude to these classroom warriors. kept only to oneself. Educating Ammar Vora
On behalf of the students at JPGS is an art that has kept our soci- Deputy Head Boy
I would like to thank all teachers, ety alive throughout its existence,
the management team, members without our teachers we have no
of the IT and HR department, lab knowledge and without this edu-
assistants, janitorial staff, and caf- cation, mankind has no future.
eteria workers for making JPGS a Teachers are the foundation upon
positive, loving and safe place to which our society functions, it
learn. I especially want to thank is a profession that gives birth to
my teachers for making online all other professions. These are
learning so easy and fun and for the words that I grew up with in
being a beacon of light in these un- my hometown, taught to me by




10

Portraying Relationships Through Art



Children in Year 3 investigated
how Art can be used to portray
relationships. They learned about
shapes, forms and the concept of
foreground, middle ground and
background, before moving on
to drawing portraits. They used
their composition skills to make
a double portrait that conveys
ideas about themselves and their
relationship with another person
in their lives. Here are some out-
standing drawings from 3B. Kareema Abrar Sara Bitar
3B 3B
Mrs Nahid Hussain
Year 3B Teacher
















Faris Al Sahsa Lama Qudus
3B 3B

Layal Abou Rafeh
3B In Year 3 over the past half term, we have had a busy time with a lot
of learning having taken place. Pupils have been concentrating on their
English subject areas such as themes in their story composition; particular
attention has been given to improve their grammar work within the con-
struction of a sentence. A focus on the proper use of punctuation within
the construction of a sentence, such as the uses of capital letters, full stops
and the like was also highlighted and embedded into their instruction.

In the subject of mathematics, pupils have been looking at place value and
Reetal Yousuf the importance of partitioning numbers to further investigate the value
3B of a given number. More recently we have been working on column ad-
dition to calculate the more challenging addition questions to work them
out step by step knowing the importance of showing their working out to
illustrate and aid understanding.

Our scientists in year 3 have been busy researching ‘life cycles’, processes
and the different stages life forms go through before this is all repeated
again. We end this half term looking forward to the next half term where
further investigations and experiments will be carried out to gain a better
understanding of the cycle of life and the world we live in.

Mr Yassar Hussain
Year 3 Teacher
Rameen Pervez Lower Key Stage 2 Coordinator
3B

1
10

The next Half Term at JPGS…

October Tuesday 27 Year 7 Parent Teacher Conference


Grammar Halloween Party
Wednesday 28
Thursday 29
Year 8, 9, 11 and 13 Progress Report Issued / Prophets PBUH Birthday
Saturday 31
Halloween


Sunday 1 INSET Day / Movember Men s Cancer Charity Month
Tuesday 3 Year 8, 12 and 13 Parent Teacher Conference
Wedesday 4 UKMT Senior Maths Challenge
Thursday 5 UN International Day
Friday 6 U14 Girls Volleyball JPGS / U14 Boys Volleyball BISJ
Sunday 8 Remembrance Day
November Thursday 12 U14 Boys Volleyball TKS / U14 Girls Volleyball BISJ / BSME U15 Games
Tuesday 10
Year 9, 10 Parent Conference / Year 9 IGCSE Options Parent Information
Wednesday 11
Armistice Day

Friday 13
U14 Boys Football, BISJ / AISJ, U14 Girls Football JPGS / BSME U15 Games
Saturday 14
BSME U15 Games
Whole School Friendship Week
Friday 15
Saturday 16
Year 11 Parent Teacher Conference
Tuesday 17 Friendship Week
Thursday 19 IGCSE / A Level options booklet published
Friday 20 U16 Girls Football JPGS / U16 Boys Football AISJ
Wednesday 25 Grammar School Movie Night
Sunday 29 JPGS Science Fair / Hour of Code Week
Monday 30 Tea and Talk Parent Meeting with SLT



Wednesday 2 Grammar School Winter Concert
Thursday 3
Last Day of Extra Curricular Activities for term / U16 Girls Football AISJ / U16
December Friday 4 U16 Girls Football AISJ / U16 Boys Football BISJ
Boys Football BISJ

UN International Day
Thursday 5
Saturday 5
JPGS Family Fun Day
Prep School Reports Issued
Sunday 6
Monday 30
Last Day of Term 1 / Year 7 to 10 Progress Reports 1 Issued
Tuesday 15 Prep School Winter Concert

End of Term







Reduce Reuse Jeddah Prep and Grammar School




Recycle Tel: +966 (12) 654 2354 Email: [email protected]
14