Swimming Gala Football Fixture Parents Sports 51
Nageena Noreen Lorylene Dogoldogol Eunice Sahagun Sachini Chethika Angela George Susan Guzman Rosalie Grantos Rumbi Manyare Ponza Kunga Catherine Engelbrecth 52
Joean Hipolito Berin Susan Mary Grace Carino Richel Hallara Gavin Mahilum Sugar Andico Lalaine Sobrecarey Annalina Dela Cruz Vanessa Devoma Merriam Hermogeno 53
Abigail Moratillo Ami Perry Ana Lisa Funcion Anita Harris Elsie Dalaguan Gelli Dianne Samson Janice Aluad Joriel Jane Peoro Katherine Menesis Kristine Esguerra Ponza Kunga Neetu Vivek Ravleen Kaur Saima Imran 54
55 What do learners learn in this school? How do they develop their super talents?
STRAND Citizens School is a global school. We have such a diverse community, and it has been great in this first year to have had so many opportunities to share our cultures with each other. On Flag Day and UAE National Day we celebrated the country that we call home – the UAE. There was a terrific performance to celebrate the National Day as well as brilliant local entertainment and food. We came together as a community to support charitable appeals both internationally supporting those impacted by the earthquake in Syria and Turkey and locally when you donated food and toiletries for our cleaners and security to give them a festive treat. The first Citizens International Day was also celebrated, and we have set ourselves an incredibly high bar to clear for next year. The children learned about different countries through the week and then learned from their friends whilst collecting stickers for their Citizens Passport. The parents' stalls were sensational, highlighting the best of each of our different countries and there was terrific entertainment from all four corners of the globe. Andrew May Year 4 Mentor GLOBAL HAWKS 56
National Day Flag Day International Day 57
STRAND Our school implemented a bespoke sustainability curriculum aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across different year groups. Examples of some of the learning that took place across the school are as follows: Year 1 learned how extreme weather events can affect communities; Year 2 learners examined recycling, learning about waste reduction and proper recycling practices; Year 3, held a Farmers Market to promote responsible consumption and locally sourced products; Year 4 learners explored the vital role of bees in biodiversity conservation; Year 5 connected with a London-based CEO who launched a sustainable school clothing company, inspiring discussions on cleaner fashion practices and Year 6 learners examined waste management, tracing the journey of waste from its source to the local sorting facility. Our Greenhouses were utilised by learners throughout the school to grow crops like basil, coriander, lettuce, chillis, strawberries, cucumbers, aubergines, and parsley, fostering understanding of sustainable food production. By organising the curriculum around the SDGs, our school empowered learners to become informed global citizens. Through initiatives tailored to each year group, we aimed to cultivate a sense of responsibility and active participation in creating a more planet friendly future. Maryam Denton Cardew Year 5 Mentor & Leader of Sustainablility 58
Citizens Greenhouse Farmers Market Waste Management Learning about Sustainability 59
STRAND Earlier this year, Citizens School launched its first iteration of the Growth Mindset Curriculum under the title, ‘the I Can Initiative.’ Our learners have enthusiastically risen to the challenge and have looked for ways in which they can pursue their goals and dreams and never let anything stand in their way of success. With a Growth Mindset, anything is possible. As part of the initiative, our learners have engaged in weekly mindset sessions covering everything from courage and bravery to fairness and self-regulation. The sessions have been complemented with weekly newsletters and themed podcasts with our host Mr. Chris and a range of mentors and leaders from our community. Each four-week themed block has been introduced with a whole school assembly and concluded with an ‘I Can Collaborate’ session where our youngest and eldest learners have come together to solve puzzles and problems. The learners have also been competing for the ‘I Can Trophy’ by receiving weekly nominations and certificates from their mentors. Next year, following development on all six strands of the Citizens Futures Framework, Growth Mindset and ‘the I Can Initiative’ will enter a new phase with more new and exciting ways to engage our learners. Christopher Birch Year 6 Mentor & Key Stage 2 Leader of Learning MINDFUL MANTAS 60
I Can Captains I Can Assemblies I Can Awards I Can Collaborate I Can Podcasts I Can Activities 61
STRAND With a growing understanding of the strong link between physical and mental wellbeing and academic success, the school is prioritising initiatives to foster a holistic approach to learner wellbeing. The inclusion of a comprehensive health and wellbeing curriculum in our school has become increasingly recognized as a crucial aspect of fostering the overall development of learners. Such a curriculum encompasses a wide range of topics and skills that empower learners to make informed decisions about their physical, mental, and emotional health. It covers areas such as nutrition, exercise, personal hygiene, mental health awareness, stress-management, and social-emotional skills. As a school, we understand that physical education and regular exercise not only contribute to physical fitness but also enhance cognitive abilities and concentration. As a result, we are implementing physical education classes, extracurricular sports activities, and recess breaks to encourage students to engage in regular physical activity. In addition to physical and mental health, we are addressing the overall wellbeing of learners by fostering a positive and inclusive school climate. We are promoting positive relationships, respect, empathy and social awareness among our school community through anti-bullying campaigns, inclusive practices, and mental health awareness initiatives. Mira Batrawi School Counsellor 62
Anti-Bullying Campaign Mental Health Awareness Breast Cancer Awareness 63
STRAND The entrepreneurship curriculum at our school has been a captivating and enriching experience for both learners and educators alike. In Nursery and FS, the children have explored entrepreneurship in many ways, particularly through role play. Learners have ventured into various enterprises, such as opening a vibrant and healthy food café, establishing their own dental clinic, running a garage, becoming farmers, and beekeepers. The diversity of their pursuits has been truly exhilarating, reflecting their interests and untapped potential. Throughout the primary year groups, learners have actively participated in various elements of the subject of entrepreneurship. Their creativity has shone through as they conceptualised and designed a variety of products, one notable example being an innovative water bottle. Our year 3, learners created their own food brand, prepared meals using their produce grown in the greenhouse, and organised a ‘Farmers Market’ where they sold their culinary creations. The involvement of 8BillionIdeas in our programme has facilitated the activation of various entrepreneurial aspects. Learners have participated in a range of experiences, such as the ‘Save the World’ event, where they worked in teams to design inventions aimed at solving major global problems. Additionally, our after-school club, 'Citizens Companies,' has brought entrepreneurship principles to life. Collaborating with Citizens Marketing Team, the '3 Stars’ company organised a memorable family photoshoot event. The entrepreneurship curriculum has undeniably sparked a fire within our learners, nurturing their confidence and creativity. It has empowered them to explore their passions, think critically, and take ownership of their ideas. Deidre McCarthy FS1 Mentor 64
Create, Sell, Buy Career Roleplay 8billionideas Farmers Market 65
STRAND At Citizens, we believe that Digital Literacy is an essential skill set for learners to thrive in the modern world. Our vision is to empower our learners with the knowledge, skills, and ethical mindset necessary to navigate and excel in the digital landscape. Starting from EYFS through Year 6, our curriculum emphasises the progressive development of Digital Literacy skills. In the early years, learners learn the basics of digital tools and responsible digital citizenship. They explore age-appropriate educational apps, engage in interactive learning experiences, and practice safe and ethical online behaviour. By nurturing a positive digital mindset, we instil the importance of critical thinking, digital security, and respectful online communication. As learners progress through the primary years, our curriculum expands to include more advanced concepts. They acquire proficiency in using productivity software, coding fundamentals, information research, and multimedia creation. We encourage collaborative projects that leverage digital tools to enhance creativity, problem-solving, and communication skills. Learners also develop a strong understanding of digital ethics, privacy, and responsible use of technology. To support this vision, we provide our mentors with ongoing professional development opportunities focused on integrating technology effectively into their teaching practices. We foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement by regularly evaluating and updating our digital literacy curriculum to align with the latest technological advancements and educational best practices. By cultivating Digital Literacy at Citizens, we aim to equip our learners with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world, preparing them to become responsible, adaptable, and empowered digital citizens. Saoussen Mbarek Arabic B Mentor 66
ICT Lab Build a Lego Robot Session Usage of VR in Lessons 67
68 New hero! Check this place out! You will see what Citizens is all about!! Let's see...
69 Follow the path of achievements... How exciting!
First Day of School August September 70
Breast Cancer Awareness Life on Mars October World Gratitude Day 71
November Flag Day December Odd Socks Day 72
Inauguration Day National Day Santa's Visit 73
January Arabic Language Day Nursery Opening 74
Arabic Workshop February for Parents International Day Sports Day 75
March First Islamic Assembly World Book Day Citizens Teams 76
April May Parent Art Workshop Parent Iftar Book Fair 77
Cinema Evening Music Assembly 78
June End of Year Performances 79 The time has come to graduate and move one step forward to become who you are really meant to be... Go on, follow your dreams.
GRADUATION 80
GRADUATION 81
GRADUATION 82
83 TO BE CONTINUED...
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