End-of-Term 1 Workshops

Skills Workshops

Students participated in various skills workshops from December 11 to 13, including one focused on the development of an ATL (Approaches to Learning) skill-based portfolio in Toddle. In this workshop, students curated a selection of their work to showcase and explained how they developed one or more ATL skills during the creation of each piece. These Toddle portfolios will be shared with parents during the Student-Led Conferences at the end of Term 2. Additionally, students took part in workshops as part of the Pathways curriculum, conducted at different points throughout the year. The purpose of these workshops is to encourage students to regularly revisit their plans and goals. This process, supported by parents and teachers, helps students make informed choices as they progress through their academic journey.

Understanding the MYP Assessment Criteria

Another workshop was dedicated to ‘Understanding the MYP Assessment Criteria.’ Throughout the MYP, students were invited to demonstrate their understanding against a set of descriptive criteria. The workshop highlighted that success was not solely about improving exam performance or increasing word count but ensuring that the work consistently matched the skill (command term) at the core of a qualitative level descriptor. This understanding was crucial for parents, students, and teachers, shedding light on why some students might feel ‘stuck’ at a particular grade despite putting in considerable effort. This workshop built upon earlier sessions on the same theme with parents and teachers.

End-of-Term 1 Examinations and MYP5 pre-mock eAssessments

The End-of-Term 1 examinations for MYP students took place from December 5 to 8. These assessments provided students with a final opportunity to showcase their knowledge, understanding, and skills. Additionally, they helped students refine their revision and time management skills as they prepared for topics covered throughout the term. MYP5 students completed a set of pre-mock eAssessments, aiming to familiarize themselves with the format and content of the May 2023 eAssessments under exam conditions.

MYP 1-4 Field Trips

These trips from December 11 to 13 provided practical, curriculum-related activities, bridging theory and practice for students. These experiences let them apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations, enriching their learning.

At Innovation Village Kampala, students gained insights into refining entrepreneurial ideas, from conception to market. A design thinking session was included. At MoTIV, students engaged with entrepreneurs in artisan, craft, and vocational sectors, learning how MoTIV supports them through workshops, guidance, facility access, and business scaling assistance. The trips enhanced students’ understanding and connected them with valuable real-world experiences.

Sam Weavers
MYP Curriculum Coordinator
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Email: [email protected]

End of Term 1 Assessments

End of Term 1 Assessments for Cambridge A Levels and IBDP occurred from December 1 to 8, 2023, offering students a valuable opportunity to evaluate their comprehension of acquired concepts and skills. Crucially, these assessments identified learning gaps for both students and teachers, facilitating personalized improvement strategies through feedback. Additionally, they served as a vital revision tool, aiding preparation for the upcoming external Cambridge and IBDP exams scheduled for April next year. We encourage students and parents to use teacher feedback for effective support strategies, prioritising growth over final scores. Thank you for your commitment to excellence in education.

Predicted Grades for DP2 and A2 Students

On November 8, we issued students and parents the initial predicted grades crucial for university applications. Meetings were held with parents to foster a shared understanding of their child’s academic progress. If you missed a meeting with the academic team, please allocate time during the upcoming PTM meetings to connect with the career and academic team. This will allow us to discuss the implications of these grades and develop strategies to support all students in achieving their personal best.

Kenneth Kanyesigye

DP / A Level Curriculum Coordinator

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Email: [email protected]

Family Check-In Meetings

The first-ever Family Check-In meetings were held on October 28. This was a great opportunity for the parents to interact with the teachers and help students reflect on their first few weeks of the academic year so that they can calibrate their academic goals. It helped the students in improving their term grades, with the guidance and support provided by the teachers.

One of our primary objectives has been to expose students to diverse career paths by hosting professionals from various fields. These sessions have broadened students’ horizons, offering insights, inspiration, and practical advice essential for their career decisions. Most recently, we were honored to host Mr. Tim Hook, a distinguished animator from Creatures Animation Studio. Mr. Hook’s illustrious career, with accolades in internationally acclaimed films such as ‘A Kalabada Ate My Homework’ (2016) and the ongoing Kizazi Moto: Herderboy Episode 1 on Disney Plus, provided invaluable guidance to our aspiring animators.

The culmination of students’ efforts is evident in their university applications, with many already receiving conditional offers. Additionally, our engagement with students and parents through workshops, such as the recent MYP3/4 Career Guidance Workshop on December 8 and 9, has been instrumental. This session facilitated discussions around subject selections and their implications for future career paths.

An exciting initiative has been the collaboration between the AIS Careers Team and the AIS PTO to secure internship placements for AS and DP1 students. This partnership has not only strengthened the bond between parents and AIS but has also significantly enriched students’ academic pursuits.

On November 9, MYP5 presented their assembly on “Emotions in Music and Dance.” The assembly showcased unity and cultural diversity through various performances, including dances, video presentations, and an orchestra performance. These performances depicted a range of emotions, from the tranquil classical piece expressing peace to both Indian and Afrobeat dances representing cultural diversity. The assembly highlighted the enjoyment, peace, and happiness commonly seen while people dance. In conclusion, this assembly served as a showcase of how music and dance help us, as stressed students, express emotions such as happiness and joy.

On November 30, MYP4 presented their assembly themed “Peace around the World,” embracing the power of unity and diversity. The message of peace was captured and showcased through a remarkable display of talent, including traditional dance performances, heartfelt presentations, inspiring peace quotes, and declarations. The atmosphere was filled with positivity as the message of global peace echoed in every corner. The students emphasized the IB learner profile of ‘Communicator’ by conveying the importance of tolerance, understanding, and communication through small acts of kindness.