Mr Tim Webb Weekly Update 12.01.2018

Extraordinary Exploring at BIS Hanoi

Today, Mrs Wild led an interesting Key Stage 3 assembly on the theme of positive thinking.  She explored the western tradition of setting new year resolutions.  These resolutions commonly involve self-improvement.  Just under 50% of the UK population make them every January and 8% of the population fulfil their resolution and continue to enjoy the benefits in future years. Unsurprisingly, the most common resolutions are based around a determination to exercise more and live a healthy lifestyle. Apparently, the most common month to fail in the maintenance of your new resolution is February.

Mrs Wild made a great point.  Resolutions should form part of a daily routine. She encouraged the students to reflect on each day, by asking a simple question, what has been the best part of my day?  She encouraged the students to identify something positive.  If in the event of nothing positive coming to mind, Mrs Wild advised making an instant change, that would affect the next day and result in a positive outcome. She suggested students could resolve to spend time with a friend, enjoy some exercise or begin learning a new skill.

A Real Life Explorer, Howard Limbert, visits BIS Hanoi

We began the new term by welcoming Howard Limbert, the British caver to BIS Hanoi.  Howard had an extraordinary story to tell. His tale was inspirational because it reinforced the message that if we try to discover and then pursue our passion, we will enjoy a successful and happy life.

Howard began caving at school, when he said yes to an unexpected invitation to explore the caves of the Yorkshire Dales. Later, he became a dentist and then a medical consultant but his love for exploring burned brighter than ever and in 1990, he came to Vietnam to explore its caves.  You can find out more about the caves on the Oxalis website. 

The Son Doong Cave

Howard was a member of the first team to explore the world’s largest cave. Part of the Hong Nha Ke Bang National Park, a world heritage site, the Son Doong cave in central Vietnam is so large, that the world’s next biggest cave would fit comfortably inside it. Howard shared his amazing images of the caves, some of which had never been seen before, with the children. Hopefully, the children present will  be inspired to say yes to their next challenge, as they never know where it might lead.

Professional Development is an important factor in the success of BIS Hanoi

The staff of BIS Hanoi returned early from the holidays for their annual professional development training. We enjoyed three days of outstanding training that focused on improving the mental resilience of students, sharing best classroom practice and developing IB assessment skills amongst other areas. The staff were really enthusiastic about the training events. One teacher’s comment typified the mood, “It’s been the best CPD I have ever had.”

Key Stage Three Curriculum Parent Feedback

The secondary team invite all parents to BIS Hanoi on Thursday 25 January at 5 pm. We will be sharing the findings of the curriculum survey and the Key Stage 3 curriculum we propose in response to those findings.  A letter will be sent shortly and we ask that parents confirm their attendance. 

Mr Tim Webb, Head of Secondary