RoundUp
Term 3 End of Term | 2021-2022
We have finally reached the end of another academic year a TLC, one where we seem to have put the restrictions of the pandemic behind us and returned to welcoming parents back into school for the events for which we are renowned.
The recent ‘Party in the Park’ event brought back happy memories of the TLC’s Got Talent events that were so popular and which seem so far in the past now and it’s with quiet optimism that we can think about celebrating Christmas properly in school this coming December as long as Covid doesn’t rear its head again. Recent events, school trips and more have really been a reminder of not knowing what you’ve missed until it’s taken away from you and these events have enhanced the happiness and togetherness of the students at TLC. Reflecting on the past year, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to suggest it’s been a great success. When exams restarted in October and January, our students banked an almost clean sweep of passes at AS and A level with the majority of those at grade A and A*.
We are now widely acknowledged as the best school in the region and this is borne out by the enormous waiting lists for most classes in the school. New teachers joining us in September made us their first and often only choice after reading our website and also talking to teachers, parents and other members of the local community to find out which was the best school to work for.
Anyone who’s ever worked in education recognises that teachers don’t teach to get rich, that it’s a vocation where the reward comes from improving the future prospects and lives of the young people in our care. That we are the best school is in great part down to the people who work tirelessly for the children but also to the children themselves. For as long as new students joining TLC become infused with its spirit, its sense of community, the care for each other and the desire to do well, TLC will continue to be the best school, one where its ethos and the students that embody that ethos are seen as unique. We would be foolish to think that we can rest on our laurels for there is always something that we can improve, new initiatives that we can evaluate that may raise standards even higher. So, as we look forward to September and the start of another school year, we can do so with great optimism and joy that we are all part of the best school community.
Laura Wells | Director
As many of you will know, I teach History and love the subject. In history we learn about cause and consequence, knowing that anything that happens has an effect on others and the subject teaches us to be careful of our actions for the consequences that arise from them.
Consequences sounds like a negative word and perhaps a more positive evocation of it for the purpose of this piece is the word ‘Legacy’.
Do you ever wonder how you’ll be remembered after you’ve left a job, a country or even after this life is over? Another aspect of history is what we remember of the kings, queens and other leaders and what they did for their countries and their people, sometimes good, sometimes bad. Whilst few of us can ever hope to be remembered in history books, (you never know though!) we can try to ensure we are remembered by some and hopefully for the good things we do.
When I left school, I had a job that paid well but which was very dull. What I did each day had very little lasting impact on the people I met and eventually I re-evaluated what I wanted to do and had a career change. Part of the decision for me was the hope that, in my life, I could do something worthwhile and for which I might be fortunate enough to be remembered. I once imagined I could be a famous author and, like authors such as Dickens, Tolstoy, Goldberg, Lu Xun or Goethe, have my name on bookshelves around the world for decades or even centuries. Alas my writing skills don’t compare favourably to such luminaries and my draft manuscripts remain just drafts. Instead, I chose one of the singularly important careers on the planet, one that had the possibility of developing thousands of people who, having learned from my knowledge, experiences and values, could go out into the world and through the sheer weight of their numbers, have a positive impact on the world far in excess of what I could ever hope to have. It was an ambitious dream but like millions of people who work with young people, it’s not an impossible one.
I’m not alone in that dream. Around the world, millions of teachers strive each day to encourage, motivate and challenge students to be changemakers, to bring hope, peace, love and goodwill to replace hate, destruction and death. For many years now, TLC Private School’s mantra (borrowed from Michelle Obama) has been that being successful isn’t about making a million, it’s about making a difference and, as a school community, as teachers and parents, we have striven to make that difference to the lives of our children and I would say that, on the whole, we’ve done a good job of it.
As we send our Year 13 students out into the world, I would like them to stop and seriously think about the baton that has been passed to them by the adults who have seen the worst the world can do and who sincerely believe that these young people can bring about a future that’s full of hope and where despair, pain and suffering is consigned to history and not their present or their future.
David Lewis | Principal
II would like to thank all the staff and students for their hard work and commitment throughout this academic year, and for your support during my first full term as Head of Secondary. I am very grateful that we have managed, despite all the difficulties faced this year, to reach the end of term and I very much look forward to planning, with the team, a well-ordered start to the new academic year.
It has been a very busy and stressful time for our older students, with a tight schedule of examinations, however, I am certain that they all did their very best and wish them luck when receiving their results this coming August.
It has been a blessing having all of the Covid restrictions lifted recently, which has allowed us to be able to invite parents on site on two separate occasions. First, with the Jubilee celebrations, which saw our Year 6 students and parents invited to an afternoon of activities along with a ‘street party’ style lunch and second, with the amazing ‘Party in the Park’ event organised by our music teachers Ms. Hurrell and Mrs. Outram which parents and students thoroughly enjoyed.
The year was rounded off with a wonderful and emotional graduation ceremony for our Year 13 students. This was, once again, an opportunity for the students to share their experiences, through their wonderful speeches, with their friends, family and teachers.
I wish you all a wonderful and restful summer break and look forward to welcoming you all back in September!
Ben Pavlou | Head of Secondary
This undoubtedly has been the most difficult piece I’ve had to write for TLC and the RoundUp magazine and will be issued after what will have been for many of us a very emotional week.
As you now know, we’re having to return to England to be of more support to our elderly mothers, having been unsuccessful in persuading them to relocate to the beautiful island of Cyprus where we have spent the last eleven years of our lives, seven of which have been at TLC Private School. This decision was taken after much deliberation and, in all honesty, we’re still finding it difficult as we don’t feel ready to step away. In leaving to care for members of our biological family, we feel the massive wrench of leaving the TLC family; a school which Mr Lewis and I believe is unique, one which we have never encountered before and know will never experience again.
TLC has been a big part of our lives. This sense of ‘family’ was apparent when I read the Year 13s reflections of their time at TLC as they too begin a new chapter of their lives.
In reading their pieces, and listening to students talk about their transition to TLC from other schools, it is clear is that TLC builds confidence, self-belief, and strong bonds between students and teachers. One student referred to ‘TLC breaking down anxieties they had previously faced which they credited to the family feel and support from teachers and classmates.’ We have many students that join our school having spent their formative years in the public system in Cyprus or learning in another country, following a different curriculum. Quite often, students join us with minimal, or no English. To see these students adapt to a new environment, language and curriculum so quickly, shows how resilient they are and is credit to their teachers and peers for the support they receive, enabling them to quickly become part of the TLC community.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of a diverse, international school community where I have had the opportunity to learn from others (students, colleagues and parents). Life is one long learning journey where, if we want to continually grow and develop, we should be constantly seizing learning opportunities. When asked what advice our Year 13s would give to students throughout the school, key was to ‘embrace every opportunity offered wholeheartedly’ (Issy) ‘as you never know what your heart truly desires until you try.’ (Ester).
Annie reminds us that TLC ‘isn’t all about learning from textbooks, but other aspects of school life’. I remember with such fondness our Primary Christmas Kingdom Fairs, our young entrepreneur event where students made their own products to sell, ably supported by members of our PTFA, TLC’s Got Talent, the online musical performances and last week’s ‘Party in the Park’ where we were entertained by accomplished musicians and dancers and, in the past, comedians. The sports days, speech day and prize giving events, Easter Fairs, International Day, Book Week and school trips. All these events strengthen the sense of community and enable us to have fun and join together as a wider school community with our parent body.
As a PSHE teacher to our Year 13 students, I provide reassurance to students that change and uncertainty is part of life and rather than resist it, we need to work with it and embrace new opportunities. Now I have to follow my own advice but I recognise it is not always easy!
Although for some of our TLC students it may seem some way off, when applying for universities or jobs, the competition can be fierce and that’s why it’s important that you are able to demonstrate you have lots to offer as an individual; good qualifications, wider interests, participation in voluntary or community events and evidence of the development of what is sometimes termed ‘soft skills’ such as communication, collaboration and empathy. So, my advice, along with that from our accomplished Year 13 students is to seize every opportunity offered to you at TLC, even if it takes you out of your comfort zone, because only then do you truly grow and develop as a person. Before leaving you with some further advice from our Deputy Head Girl, Lydia, I’d like to thank my colleagues across both schools for their unwavering support to me and our students, for their good humour, willingness to step in to support a team member, for their advice and introducing me to new ways of working. To our wonderful students, who are truly unique and a joy to spend time with, and to our parent body; sadly, due to the pandemic we haven’t seen so much of one another in recent years, but we maintain that a student is successful when there is a three-way partnership. I thank you for your support, company and friendship over the years. I will miss the TLC community terribly but look forward to seeing how it develops further with a strong team in place to continue the excellent work achieved by our existing team.
I end with wise words from our Deputy Head Girl, Lydia. ‘TLC isn’t just about learning new information, it’s about developing as a person and strengthening your characteristics, ready for whatever chapter comes next in the book of your life’.
May I wish each and every one of you all the very best in the future and a most enjoyable summer holiday with your loved ones. Thank you for seven wonderful years.
Catherine Lewis | Head of Teacher and Learning
Dear TLC Community,
As we come to the end of another very successful and hard-working year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your support to enable us to do the best for your children.
Today, it’s hard to say goodbye to all of you. After much thought, personal reflection, and guidance from my partner and children, I have accepted a teaching post in a private school in Limassol. Saying goodbye is never easy; however, I have full confidence in the shared mission and vision we have established here at TLC and in the new experienced staff taking over in various roles across the school from September.
It has been a true privilege to work at TLC. I can honestly say that my time here has been full of blessings and happy moments.
We have grown immensely, we have built deep relationships, and we have learnt alongside each other as students, staff, parents, and community partners. When people hear about TLC, the reputation is full of strength, care, and a community spirit.
As many of you know, I’ve spent five days a week with students for the last seven and a half years and change is never easy. Not for you, but neither for me. I hope I will be remembered for providing a safe, secure and stimulating class environment, for promoting self-discipline and curiosity and for kindness and compassion, creating a place where students were happy to be. While I will start my journey somewhere else next year, I’m also a little sad not to see the students move up and succeed in all they do. I will think of them with a smile on my face, as I know they are in good hands at TLC as they will be given many opportunities to develop academically in the best possible way.
I have also been humbled by how the TLC community have embraced me as a Primary leader for the last two years and I am so grateful to the team who have supported me. TLC has been a great place to work. My colleagues have been my rock and I would like to thank them for all their patience, enthusiasm, dedication and friendship. They will always have a special place in my heart and it was true privilege working with them.
At TLC, we have grown a strong community that has come together through hardships and has celebrated much. TLC is stronger than it has ever been in its history and continues to grow because of your active support. As I step out of this role, I will take the TLC spirit with me and I will close by saying what I say every morning to our students… “As always, make today a great day!”
So please enjoy your summer holiday with your children, ready to return in September. For those of you who are saying goodbye to the school as your children move onto secondary education, or move to new primary schools, I wish you and your children happiness and success in the future.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Ms Miranda Matthee
Miranda Matthee | Head of Primary
It is hard to believe that we have completed the year; it has gone so fast! It has been an absolute delight this year to watch the progress of all the children in Early Years and see how they have matured and developed into independent, confident and responsible students.
We had many new families join our school this year and each new personality has made their own little contribution to our Early Years family.
I would like to thank all the parents for their amazing support this year. We made a good team! I wish all the children and parents a fun filled, safe and restful summer holiday and send regards and the best of luck to my Reception students. You have learnt so much this year and have made me proud, I know you will impress your new teacher next year too!
Sadly, this is my final year teaching at TLC, so I will be saying goodbye, not only to this year’s students, but to all the children, parents and my colleagues. It has been an amazing experience and I will miss you all.
Toni Hayden | Head of Early Years
Year 13 Graduation
On Thursday 23rd April, we said goodbye to our Year 13 graduates at a very moving and emotional ceremony held in the grounds at Parklands. Mr Ben, the Head of Secondary wished the students well, noting that they will take bags full of memories with them, Catherine Lewis, our Head of Teaching and Learning, provided anecdotes on all the students in her speech whilst David, our Principal, asked them to consider the legacy they could create in their lives, leaving the world a better place from their careers.
Apolytirion certificates were duly presented to each student and perhaps it is testament that several of the students are considering a career in education or working with young people as a result of their experiences at TLC.
The ceremony was followed by a dinner for all attendees where we all had the chance to reflect on the time that the students enjoyed at TLC. Our thanks go to Miss Valentina for creating such a special evening for us to bid our stellar students farewell.
Prom
We were determined to hold our Year 11 and 13 Prom to celebrate the incredible efforts of our students. It was disappointing to have had to cancel the traditional TLC Prom in each of the last two years due to COVID-19 restrictions, but we made up for it this year! A wonderful evening for all was held at Korantina Residences Resort in Coral Bay for our Year 11and 13 students who were joined by their friends in Year 12. They all looked amazing and had a great night celebrating their achievements.
Year 6 Graduation Ceremony
Year 6 Graduation was held on Thursday June 16th. It was an emotional ceremony filled with many memories shared by pupils throughout their TLC journey.
The celebrations began with some beautiful singing, a lovely poem written by the class and some elegant ballet dancing.
To the Year 6 class of 2022 – your new adventure begins! We have admired your team spirit, loyalty, and willingness to do things for others and perhaps above all your positive attitude towards everything you do. I feel privileged to have known you and to have admired your determination and perseverance in the classroom and your kindness to others. We are confident you will carry this with you in the future. It has been an honour to know each and every one of you and to call you members of the TLC family. Rest assured, you will all have a special place in our hearts. Wherever your future leads you, we at TLC will be watching and cheering for you. Congratulations on your day, follow your passions, continue to be leaders and best of luck for the future.
Ms Evie
Party in the Park at TLC Private School
On Wednesday the 15th June the Music Department presented “Party in the Park”. The first live concert seen since the start of the pandemic took place in the beautiful surroundings of our Parklands Estate. There were twenty three performers in total from both our Primary and Secondary Schools. A generous gathering of students, parents and teachers were treated to a wide variety of performances. The range of performance styles really proved how much musical talent we have at TLC. The crowd were entertained by instrumental performances on piano and guitar, dances and singing. A diverse range of genres were presented including, Ballet, Hip Hop, Classical, Jazz, Rock, Musical Theatre and Gymnastics. Refreshments were provided by Mr Lewis and Years 11 to 13 and a great night was had by all. Miss Clare and Mrs Outram would like to reiterate their thanks to all of the wonderful performers and everyone involved in helping on the day. It truly was a magical evening and we look forward to the continuation of “live” events such as this one in the next academic year.
If you were unable to attend the event please click the link below to watch our performers’ audition videos.
Ms Maria and Ms Clare
Jubilee Celebrations
Queen Elizabeth II celebrated seventy years as monarch of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. TLC Private School, with its origins in the UK, couldn’t let the occasion pass, especially as it was being celebrated in many countries around the world.
Our Primary School enjoyed a fun afternoon of games, food and competitions on the day whilst our Secondary School marked the occasion on Friday 3rd June with a ‘street party’ in the grounds of Parklands accompanied by a very informative timeline of events that have happened during her reign. Students designed and presented their own ‘Platinum Jubilee’ lunchboxes which were filled with traditional British picnic foods and, after lunch, they played traditional British games.
TLC Private School wishes Her Majesty well for even more years as the UK Head of State.
World Day for Cultural Diversity 2022
Last month saw the marking around the world of the United Nations International Day of Living Together in Peace and Harmony. Few will fail to notice the irony in this given the situation in central Europe but TLC Private School students felt it would be an opportunity to show how young people can look beyond politics, religion and race to form and strengthen friendships across the barriers that adults put up.
Our primary school children dressed up in the colours of their country and enjoyed lessons which helped each of them learn more about the homelands of their friends for, after all, knowledge and understanding is a foundation for acceptance.
At our secondary school, many also came in their country’s colours and here they enjoyed learning about countries from the experiences of those born in them, listening to traditional stories and finding out about their food and culture.
New Books
Many thanks to parents and children who have donated good quality books to the library.
Our primary children visit the library weekly, so there’s always a high demand to find something new to spark that love of reading and learning.
A shiny new book always has the impact and power to ignite curiosity and excitement, encouraging children to read and develop literacy.
Carol Matthews
TLC School Librarian
Years 7-9- Zephyros Adventure Sports
KS3 enjoyed some end of term fun on the water this year, teaming up with Zephyros Adventure Sports Years 7-9 were able to Kayak, Snorkel and have a raft building competition all at St Georges Harbour. A great deal of team work, communication and collaboration was seen from everyone – especially when they had to ‘save the teacher!’ All pupils had a fantastic day and came home with smiles on their face, sand between their toes and paint in their hair! A great end to the year!
Ms Clare
Trip to Saint George Harbour
Continuing a tradition which began two years ago, the Greek department took all the primary school students to Saint George’s harbour for an ice cream. The students had the chance to order their ice cream in Greek and practise their speaking skills. People praised our students for their manners, politeness and how well behaved they are. We are extremely proud of our students and how much they have achieved. We wish them happy summer and we remind them to keep practising their Greek!
Mrs Maria
Mrs Katerina
Ms Alexia
Kangourou Mathematics Competition
Our warmest congratulations to Giorgos Evripidou who participated in the Kangourou Mathematics Competition earlier this year and received a Bronze Award.
Well done Giorgos!
Mental Health Awareness Week
For Mental Health Awareness Week this year, we have been raising awareness of the impact of loneliness on our mental health and the practical steps we can take to address it. As a part of these activities, we welcomed Ms Elli from Neapolis University who presented our students with ways to help tackle these issues. The presentation focused on what loneliness is and how it can mean different things to different people. Students were surprised that you can experience loneliness even when you’re with a crowd of people. Miss Elli also explained how excluding others can cause them to feel isolated and lonely. We all know that the pandemic and having to isolate prevented us from enjoying social activities and feelings of loneliness were commonly experienced from it. Miss Elli explained how to recognise if you are feeling the negative effects of loneliness and how you can overcome them.
Thank you Ms Elli and Neapolis University Pafos for the support and guidance you have offered to our students which is very much appreciated.
Young Journalists
This term in English lessons, our students have been developing their skills in journalism. They studied the ethics of journalism, how to structure an article, effective research skills and how to write in an engaging style; using the principles of pathos, ethos and logos. Students were given the opportunity to chose the topic they wanted to write about, which led to a diverse range of articles that were both personal and passionate. These articles were submitted to the Young Global Journalist Awards, a worldwide competition organised by The Day. To our great delight, our very own Lily Kalotheou from Year 10 achieved the place of runner up in the Sports Journalist of the Year category. Congratulations Lily, we are so proud of you! The English team were very impressed by the high standard of articles across the school and the wide range of concerns our students wanted to voice. Well done to all!
Ms Alexandra
Ksenia Baranova, Year 10
Lily Kalotheou, Year 10
Yael Voytich, Year 8
Yoav Shwartz, Year 10
Ava Wells, Year 8
Olivia Korjevski, Year 8
Veronika Venzhego, Year 8
Year 11 Art IGCSE
Olivia Ronnenberg
Yasmina Kalotheou
Yasmina Kalotheou
Rowen Torres
Sofiya Mircherva
Louise Rogers
Salome Bauer
Congratulations to the Year 11 Art students who have completed their IGCSE qualification. This year’s group overcame the challenges and disruptions caused by the various Covid measures to produce an accomplished selection of artwork. The photographs shown are a small selection from some of the exam coursework produced by students Salome Bauer, Sofiya Mircherva, Louise Rogers, Olivia Ronnenberg, Yasmina Kalotheou and Rowen Torres.
Ms Zoe
Year 11 and 13 Fundraisers
Year 11 and Year 13 are looking forward to their Prom Night on Monday 27th June. Such events are always very expensive so the students decided to take the initiative and find ways to reduce the ticket price so all could attend. A host of business ideas were suggested beginning with a cake sale last week followed by a Movie Night for our primary pupils held on Friday afternoon and which was a great success and enjoyed by all. In the final event, the students are going to complete a much needed task – washing the teachers’ cars in the secondary school car park. Hats off to them for their ingenuity and enterprise!
Biology IGCSE
As part of the Biology IGCSE curriculum, students study different organs and organ systems. One of these is the Urinary system which gave them the opportunity to dissect a kidney and study its anatomy with a hands on experience. Students were excited to use a scalpel and perform the dissection and are looking forward to our next dissection of a heart.
Ms Maria
Paphos International Sailing Club Summer Regatta 2022
William Hogben,Year 11
Artur Vergiles, a former TLC student
As a keen sailor and former member of the Paphos International Sailing Club, I was delighted that William Hogben (Year 11) scooped first place in the Kestrel class and won the Blevins Franks trophy as overall winner of the Summer Sailing Regatta, as a crew member for PISC Instructor, David Brown.
Artur Vergiles, a former TLC student whose sister still attends TLC, came second, crewing for Graham Flint in an Osprey dinghy.
We’re very fortunate to have established a strong partnership with the Paphos International Sailing Club where students from the age of 14 have the opportunity to attend an eight-week course in Laser Picos. Well done Will and Artur – we’re very proud of you both.
Catherine Lewis
Head of Teaching and Learning
Sailing Club
Luna Kafizas, Year 9T
Sailing makes me feel as though I have no bounds.
When I am out on the water there are no rules, no worries, no stress. All you have to do is make sure you do not get a nice bang on the head, while you get lost in admiring the sea and its beautiful waves. Sailing might not seem so appealing when all you are doing is getting your boat ready, but once you are out on the water it is quite the opposite. Being on the water is not only fun, but it also feels freeing, and by that, I mean that you feel like you are sailing away from all your problems, and they cannot chase you because they are all confined to the distant land. Sailing creates an image in your head, that image being different for every individual person. That is why I want to say Thank You to the Paphos International Sailing Club.
Thank You for letting me feel free.
Lia Shoham, Year 9
When I started sailing I was scared of being alone on the boat I didn’t really know how to control the boat when the wind is moving and I was scared of getting stuck in rocks (which did happened once and was not very funny) or getting lost in the Mediterranean Sea but the sailing club team and our instructors helped and guided me and explained to me how to control and be able to sail by myself. At first someone “jumped” into my boat and helped me and told me where to go when I should tack… I really appreciate how the sailing club helped me and my team to be comfortable on the sailing boat and how to control it. I really enjoy sailing and I hope that slowly, slowly I will get better in it.
Nicholas Frel, Year 11
Sailing is a sport that is one of a kind. Whenever I am out sailing, it is just me, the sea, the boat and most importantly the wind.
The wind is in charge most of the time when I am sailing, but I find a way to work with it and use it to go as fast as possible. Personally, the stronger the wind the better, because it makes you go faster, and that is what makes me feel joy.
Being alone in the boat gives me time to relax and feel all the freedom and independence I have on the water, at the same time, there is an aspect of challenge. Figuring out where the wind is coming from and where and when to turn.
Overcoming challenges in the sea gives me confidence in life. Finally, having the ability to sail out to sea when there is so much of it around you is an amazing experience.
William Hogben, Year 11
Sailing is such an amazing sport and I am so thankful that I discovered it. There is no other sport like sailing in my opinion because when you’re out on the beautiful clear ocean in your own little sailing boat, sailing with the wind in your face you have such an unreal feeling. This sailing course has made me consider using sailing as my career path. Sailing allows you to be at one with nature, it can be relaxing and calming but it can also be exciting, fast and competitive that is what I love about it. You’re using nature to your advantage, using the wind to propel you through the water which is so cool because we are not polluting it with an engine. This is the exciting and challenging part because you need to figure out where the wind is coming from, what angle to attack it at and on top of everything try and enjoy the scenery.
Sailing is the perfect mixture of excitement, danger and freedom. When you are crewing a one person sailing boat alone its relaxing, challenging because you have to control this boat in the deep blue and things could go wrong but there is a safety boat just in case which gives you all the confidence in the world and it teaches you how to overcome your fears which is a great skill in day to day life as well.
The sailing club (Paphos International Sailing Club) where my course is taking place, has a great team of adults supporting us and they all make the students feel very confident and comfortable.
Terra Cypria Presentation
On the 15th of June, Mr Orestis Karghotis from Terra Cypria came to give our 6th formers the final presentation on Generation Klimact. He advised our pupils to start taking an active role in our community in regards to saving our environment and gave ideas on how this can be achieved. It was a very successful and interactive presentation which our pupils enjoyed immensely. We are looking forward to continuing our collaboration with the organisation next year to influence our youth to make a change for the better.
Ms Valentina
Computing Awards and Recognition 2021-22
This year has been a hard year for all the computing students. There have been many topics to cover to catch up after Covid and online lessons. The students have learnt more about networks, communication protocols, acronyms and programming, along with other topics. They have all had some practical lessons in programming ranging from Scratch to HTML Web Pages and Python. They have also been able to program and test the Lego robot we built earlier in the year.
There have been many outstanding students during this period but some in particular stand out, these are:
• Year 7 – using Scratch to create instructions for the Primary students, Tomer Gwanter and Mykola Botsyura.
• Year 8 – using native HMTL to create a web page, Veronika Venzhego and Yael Voytich used Notepad to show they understood and could use HTML tags without the assistance of web editing software.
• Year 9 – using both HTML and Python, Johnathon Walker, Sasha Bogdanov, Stephan Seliuk and Robin Hammer.
Also I’d like to make a special mention for excellent work throughout the year alongside their assistance and support for me and other class members, of Mykola Botsyura, Ruby Tierney, Brandon Bartropp, Ava Wells, Keanu Nair, Stephan Seliuk and Robin Hammer.
We have a new class moving up from Primary in September and Year 9 will move onto KS4 to select their exam subjects. Let’s see what next year brings for the Computing department and I wish all my students well and for them to have a great summer holiday.
Miss Lorraine
Early Years -Trip to Pykni Forest
The highlight of this term was when we were finally permitted to go on school trips again! On Tuesday 24th May, Early Years went to Pykni Forest.
We started by having a Scavenger Hunt where we had to use concentration and our powers of observation to find things like, four different types of green leaves, a brown leaf, a pine cone, something completely round, something a mouse would like to eat….. We then went on a Minibeast Hunt and drew the insects we found.
Kindergarten have been studying the five senses this term so we used our senses to complete a range of different activities. We got into groups to do leaf and bark rubbing, making friends with trees, made smelly cocktails and constructed some beautiful natural sculptures.
It was lovely to see the children helping and supporting each other on the team building exercises. A wonderful time was had by all.
Ms Toni
Reception Plus and Year 1-Fire Fire!
In Reception Plus and Year 1 we have been learning all about the Great Fire of London. We pretended to be Samuel Pepys and wrote diary entries using our senses and created some silhouette pictures of the burning houses. We also built replica 17th century houses. As part of our Stone Age topic we visited the Neolithic remains in Kissonerga and Lempa.
Ms Emma and Ms Louise
Year 2-Trip to The Place in Paphos
The Year 2 students have been learning about materials and their properties this year and found out that some materials like wood, glass, silk and cotton are used in traditional Cypriot crafts. To explore some of these materials hands on and to find out what exactly they are used for, we visited The Place earlier in June. The Place offered our students an unique opportunity to watch and admire the skills of the potter, the mosaic artist, the woodcarver, the art of fused glass, the chair maker, the art of wood burning, basketry and other traditional crafts. Mr Costas then helped the students to make their own piece of pottery and he was very proud of the result. Well done to all!
Ms Miranda
Year 2-Seaworld installation artwork with Ms. Debbie
Students in Year 2 have been enjoying creating three-dimensional octopi using recycled frappe coffee lids covered in papier-mache. Students have made tentacles for their octopus out of papier-mache covered wire that they styled into spirals to suit their octopus. Students have also made three-dimensional clay turtles and added sand and shells to their artworks. This has created an awareness and sensitivity towards the preservation of Cyprus marine life and to recycle to be kinder to the environment.
Ms Debbie
Year 2 -Beside the Seaside
This term the Year 2 students have been learning about the topic ‘Beside the Seaside’. Students had to observe the coastline, rock pools, and waves. They also identified different shells, followed with some observational drawings. In Art, students had the opportunity to create stone sculptures with Miss Debbie. Furthermore, students also learnt what a visit to the seaside looked like during the Victorian times. They all agreed that visiting the beach in the present times is way more fun!
Ms Miranda
Year 3- Roman Paphos
As part of our history topic, the children in Year 3 have been studying how the Romans ruled Paphos and how Christianity first came to the island. The children visited the site of Saint Paul’s pillar in Kato Paphos to see where the first Christian missionaries were taken. Next, the students made their way to the archaeological park at the harbour. Inside the park, the pupils were able to find examples of ancient ruins with mosaics depicting many different gods, people and animals. The archaeological park was a wonderful opportunity to bring the learning from the classroom to life!
Mr Sean
Year 4 History lesson with Ms. Debbie at Kolossi Castle
As part of our Year 4 Geography topic: Extreme Earth; students constructed volcanoes out of large recycled water containers by cutting the top funnel part off the water container and covering it with papier-mache. After three layers of papier-mache and a few days of drying, the students then painted their volcanoes to create a realistic effect. Using bicarbonate of soda, vinegar and food colouring the students are now at the stage to mix these ingredients together in a small plastic bottle placed under the volcano and watched an eruption of red and orange lava The students have been learning about causes and effects of volcanoes around the world and the famous, ‘Ring of Fire’.
Ms Debbie
Year 4- Art with Ms. Debbie -South American Totem Poles!
Year 4 students have been studying South American and Aborigine Totem poles and the symbolic meaning that surrounds them, the tall redwood trees that they are constructed from and the colours applied to them. Each student recycled a large water container by applying papier-mache over it, painting it and applying eyes, ears, claws, wings, beaks and all the features a typical totem pole character would have. This was a collaborative class assignment and each of the water containers fitted together to create a tall stack in a totem style.
Ms Debbie
Year 4- Science experiment -Tooth Decay
Year 4 students and Ms. Debbie conducted an experiment with nine hard boiled eggs immersed in varying liquids. Vinegar, tea, coffee, water, Cola, Red Bull, apple juice and orange juice and over the period of one week, students observed the erosion of the egg shell. Science lessons linked the tooth exterior of enamel to that of a hard-boiled egg. Students were astonished with the complete erosion of the egg shell from vinegar, Redbull and Cola, suggesting high acidity and proof that sugary drinks cause tooth decay!
Ms Debbie
Year 5T- Final Term
5T has had yet another exciting and active term. We have explored and experimented, acted and created. Being able to intertwine the curriculum across many subjects has given the students a greater depth of understanding and where possible, are encouraged to apply their new knowledge to real life situations.
Science this term was based on forces. This included gravity, air, water resistance and mechanisms. The class were able to put their expert engineering skills to test, designing, creating and testing a parachute, helicopter, plane and a boat. There is potential for a few Year 5T students to become world class engineers! Geography covered mountain formations and the school trip to the Troodos Geo Park put our class learning into a practical and hands on experience. The students learnt about the geology of the Troodos and how the many rocks and minerals found in the area came about due to volcanic and tectonic plate activity. A short stop at the Botanical Gardens allowed the students to explore the well-maintained gardens and have the opportunity to recognise the different types of eco-systems which we had previously learnt about in science.
History this term was centred on the Venetian influence in Cyprus and how many of the bridges, walls and castles built during this time are still evident. In Maths, the students were introduced to geometry where they learnt how to calculate lengths and angles and how to use a protractor to measure angles. Decimals, percentages and units of measurements were also part of the maths curriculum this term.
The students studied a variety of poetry in English and had to create their own poems and incorporate hand actions which they then acted out to the class. Peer teaching is encouraged in lessons and students are given the opportunity to be a ‘mini teacher’ to collectively discuss their ideas and thoughts, to explain how to solve various math problems and encouraged to present their work to the class. Talking in front of the class encourages not only self-confidence, but the skill of public speaking.
It has been an honour and pleasure to be the Class Teacher to Year 5T this year. I wish every student all the best as they step up to Year 6 and embrace their final year as a primary school student with the same enthusiasm and passion for learning.
Ms Wendy
Year 6
Year 6 pupils have worked so hard this year regardless of the changing demands made on them throughout the year. As we reflect on the past year we notice the many values that our class has exhibited – resilience when tackling a particularly tricky problem; courage in coping with changes, appreciation and happiness for each other and all the opportunities they are given within the school –all of which have strengthened their character and their ability to make the most of every aspect of school life.
The last term was quite a busy one! With the help of our Year 6 parents, the class held a successful fundraiser that all primary students and parents enjoyed. The class celebrated the Jubilee celebrations in secondary school where pupils were shown around Parklands Estate and met with new teachers and peers. After three long years of restrictions, our class finally had the opportunity to attend the traditional end of year camp which was a wonderful team-building experience, held at the Jubilee Hotel in Troodos. We ended off the term with a special (and rather emotional) graduation ceremony. We are pleased to see the Year 6 class transition into secondary school having had some wonderful, memorable learning experiences highlighted in their graduation speeches and gaining strong life skills that will prove invaluable in the future.
Ms Evie
Year 6 -Collaborative Pointillist landscape scene
Year 6 students produced landscape paintings, considering perspective and the features of perspective, influenced by the Pointillist art movement. The entire class of artworks was a collaborative collective artwork as the landscapes joined up together to form a long Mediterranean landscape.
Ms. Evie and Ms. Debbie collaborated and team taught this art project whereby students worked with mark making, using thin pieces of card and the other end of a paintbrush to paint dots and lines in place of the conventional bristle end of a paintbrush. Georges Seurat and Paul Signac developed the technique in 1886, branching from Impressionism. The movement Seurat began with this technique is known as Neo-impressionism. The Divisionists used a similar technique of patterns to form images, though with larger cube-like brushstrokes.
Ms Debbie
Year 7- Day Trip to Cap St. George
The Year 7s were treated at the end of term to a day of water sports, including kayaking, snorkeling and raft building. With Mr Marinos and Mr Will as “damsels in distress”, two teams of Year 7s raced to build a raft to save their teachers, whilst some students and beach-goers cheered them on! They were even lucky enough to spot a familiar local, the loggerhead turtle! A “thank you” from all to Ms Clare for organising the trip.
Mr William
Merit Award for Millie Golding
Millie Golding in Year 6 has achieved her Merit Award for trying her best and having an amazing attitude towards her challenging work. Congratulations, Millie! Wishing you every success going into Secondary, taking your PMA with you!
Ms Fiona
Year 7,8,9 - History
This Summer saw an exciting project in History for the Year 7s, with them each tackling the task of creating a museum from the ground up! The topic was to cover the Black Death in England and Europe as a whole, from transition and symptoms to the evolution of human understanding of diseases and medical science.
Some students went as far as creating actual models to show their layouts, others going for 3D digital models and elaborate blueprints. The task challenged students to determine what information from the period is useful, and how to use that information in a way to create an experience for others.
Well done, Year 7s!
Year 8 History:
The big task in Year 8 History in the summer term was a research task into slavery through the ages, and across the world. The classes were split up into three teams covering Viking, Arab-Muslim and Roman Slavery, and were set to explain a series of fundamental questions on each. The students put tremendous efforts into their presentations, showing them off to be competent and critical historians!
Year 9 History:
The Year 9s have had the most expansive and interesting curriculum to date this summer! After covering 19th and 20th century wars across the world, an in-depth focus has begun on new content.
Some of the topics discussed in class this term included historical conflicts in the Middle East and Western influences on it, the Suez Canal Crisis of 1956, the Iran-Iraq war, and the effectiveness of stirring up moral outrage as a means of facilitating change. Classroom discussions have always been steadfast and analytical, with new perspectives tackled on each subject.
The end of the year has seen the students introduced to essay writing and thesis statements in history, with the question “Is war the best way to bring about change?”.
Mr Will
Years 7-9 -Global Citizenship
For Key Stage 3 Global Citizenship, each year focuses on the same theme each week but with the content going far more in-depth as the years advance. The focus this past summer term has been on global trade and the effects it has on local, regional and international consumers and the environment. The complexities behind refugees, asylum seekers and migration were also taken with ease and confidence by many of the learners.
Mr Will
Year 10 Global Citizenship
After covering a range of topics over the year, including trade blocs, human rights and international court systems (to name but a few), we have started to look at recent research reports published by leading international organizations on the status of modern issues.
Most recently, we’ve looked at Amnesty International’s report on death sentences and executions – a core resource for the United Nations who are currently proposing an outright ban on capital punishment.
Amnesty International’s mission statement is as follows:
The report looks at regional and global trends, giving substance to help students formulate arguments on this heavily divisive issue. Case studies in the report have also aided students’ understanding of the real-life consequences of people affected by the practice, with the likes of Matsumoto Kenji, Rocky Mayers and Heidar Ghorbani – all under threat of the death penalty.
Mr Will
Year 8 - The History of Gaming Music
Year 8 have been looking into the compositional techniques used in Gaming Music. They have tried playing some of the most popular themes and been composing their own character themes and incidental music to accompany them. Once they had completed this they were invited to add in a visual representation of their characters.
Ms Clare
Y9 Music - Musical Futures
Year 9 have been studying the Music Industry and how to create a cover track and accompanying music video. They have been working in small groups and choosing their own tracks – click below to view.
Ms Clare
TLC Summer Camp
Throughout the last five weeks, I have had the great pleasure of getting to know all of our young campers. They are all joyful children with a great sense of humour. Some of them called me Spyro, others called me camera man, and some, Stewart. Why Stewart, you may ask? I truly do not know. Some of my favourite moments included our dragon boat racing, playing sports with the children and talking with the campers at the end of each week during our Friday barbeques. I will miss every one of them and I hope to see them next year for TLC Summer Camp 2023.
Thank you to everyone that joined us this year!
Spyro Mavromichalos (Year 11)
