Welcome to Dunecrest American School's bi-monthly community and project showcase: Making Waves. Take a peek and learn about the Dunecrest Difference! Helping Students Become the Best Version of Themselves THINK-IN LAB Design Thinking at Dunecrest "Design thinking" originated as a way for engineers to test design feasibility with prototypes. This process captured the imagination of educators and was adapted as a dynamic method for teaching problem solving.
At Dunecrest we support students in exploring and understanding a problem through the Design Thinking framework. We also lead by example; therefore, you'll find teachers and principals applying Design Thinking frameworks throughout their project implementation. IBDP- Individualized Learning Covid-19 has upended many norms and has led parents and student to think deeply about how education is delivered and knowledge is retained. This edition of Making Waves showcases the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme® or the IBDP. The IBDP honors the individual approach to learning and recognizes the fact that we approach, interact and present our learning in diverse ways. The IB goes beyond content and asks students to question why they are learning a particular skill or topic, which leads them on a path of discovery and awareness about their own approach to learning. This is a invaluable life skill, which takes students far beyond a letter grade.
The Initial Problem Grade 11 IBDP students held their first Symposium at the conclusion of the first semester. Students were asked to present a "line of inquiry" or one of the topics that excited them Follow the Design Thinking framework to better understand how two IBDP candidates rose to the challenge of creating illuminating Symposium projects.
1. Empathize Where is the end-user stuck? What is the key pain point? WATER DAMAGE
Salim Salim, empathized with the hassle of water leaks in modern homes. His family had recently endured this hardship, which got him thinking.
2. Define Redefine the problem from an end-users perspective. WATER DAMAGE
Salim defined the problem as an issue that needs early detection in an unseen environment (hidden pipes in walls).
3. Ideate Think outside the box for solutions that help solve the problem. WATER DAMAGE
Salim began to create ideas for a small drone that could travel in a pipe to detect leaks and weak areas for prevention.
CARING FOR ELDERLY
Sophia Makarem, was going through a trial in her life that many of us have faced or will face in the future: her grandfather was ill. His ALS: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis was progressively getting worse. CARING FOR ELDERLY
Sophia turned her attention to the challenges facing her grandfather's nurses and therapists as they attempted to keep him strong, both physically and mentally.
CARING FOR ELDERLY
Sophia spent hours gathering research on the disease and how it advances in patients. She had an idea of how to use alternative therapies to encourage stimulation in the brain.
4. Prototype Create models that generate data. WATER DAMAGE
Via a simulation, the group realized that information should be relayed to an app that could help a homeowner pinpoint potential "trouble-areas" as well as where leaks might originate.
5. Test Use metrics to measure outcomes. WATER DAMAGE
Salim and a group of local students that helped to run the simulation hope to begin building prototypes so they can test their tool for possible manufacture.
CARING FOR ELDERLY
She has documented her journey through this research in one of her CAS projects.
CARING FOR ELDERLY
Sophia hopes to collaborate with doctors and medical institutions about her ideas.
VIRTUAL LEARNING Life looks quite different than it did a few weeks ago but that doesn't mean that we need to stop learning! This is the perfect opportunity to dive into the mysterious world of technology. During home learning, we will showcase a new app, website or tool that can enhance your "e"xperience. VIRTUAL EVENTS Explore the IBDP, TUESDAY MAY 19 on IGLive at 11am
The IB Diploma Programme® is a challenging and rigorous program recognized by the world's top universities as the gold standard of high school education. This multi-faceted 2 year program inspires IBDP candidates to become enthusiastic life-long learners who value integrity, cultural diversity and the pursuit of excellence, preparing them to be creative, critical thinkers and socially responsible citizens of the world.
Learn more on IG Live with Dunecrest's IBDP Coordinator, Eric Barrett. IG Live is open to all. Register with us to receive a reminder a day in advance and a recording of the session after the event! VIRTUAL EVENTS 360 Digital Degrees- Virtual Learning Webinar, MAY 20 on Zoom at 2pm
The airwaves are alight with commentary on Dubai's huge range of e-learning platforms. While options range from a pack of worksheets to 6 hours of synchronous classes there are some universal strategies which will help to minimize stress, increase independence and create better outcomes for parents and children.
Join us on Wednesday, May 20 at 2pm for an interactive Zoom panel discussion with Dunecrest's team of Virtual Learning experts to better understand how to transform your distance learning experience. Registration required.
THE ART WORLD'S DIGITAL REVOLUTION Amina Al Lakis
Darien Jade Stankowski
Sophia Makarem
The pandemic has forced a revolution in the way we consume art. Museums have rushed to curate on-line viewing experiences for the billions of patrons home-bound, while popular events in the art world such as Art Basel have prioritized the development of digital viewing rooms. Whether you create or consume art, this is the inflection point in history when everything changes. What an incredible time to starting your artistic journey. Ms. Darien Jade Stankowski, Middle, High School & IB Visual Arts Teacher, likes to work alongside students, particularly when they are exploring a new medium, technique or display. This enables students to see new projects modelled. In addition, students see that there is not a large gap between them as young practicing studio artists and herself as an artist who has displayed in art galleries. ARTIST STATEMENT
My artwork begins by searching for the old, the forgotten, the discarded. I like to go out and physically find these objects. Rust, eroded wood, dust are features that attract me. I am fascinated by furniture and other household objects, as they are a part of our daily home lives with expressive potential. Though they seem insignificant, objects we see in our daily lives can trigger forgotten memories; especially if they are traumatic or life changing events. I attempt to rebuild these memories in a subtle and poetic manner so viewers can interpret and relate to their own life experiences. I aim for viewers to wonder if they have witnessed such an item and also to provoke possible nostalgia, mystery and even a compelling confusion. The repressed memory is something that both intrigues and disturbs me. How is it fair that our minds remember subconsciously, yet we do not consciously have access to it? It is my goal to touch a point where we almost remember.
- Darien Jade Stankowski EAGLE SPOTLIGHT At Dunecrest you will continually witness people being the best version of themselves from students to teachers and alumni to parents. Here we celebrate these amazing individuals! FOLLOWING YOUR OWN PATH IN THE IBDP Dunecrest is jet-fuel for their engine. Abdulla Alzamga is a Year 1 IBDP candidate. He joined the school in this academic year due to the small, supportive nature of Dunecrest's IBDP. Before joining, he spent many hours discussing his interests and goals with IBDP coordinator, Eric Barrett. "I always had the goal of studying business in university but unfortunately, a business class was not available at Dunecrest for this year. Due to the unavailability, the school decided to enrol me into a business online program named "Pamoja." "Where other schools may have encouraged a student to shift its focus, Dunecrest found an optimal way to support it's student's goals. Mr. Alzamgan notes: "I have been able to cope very well with (the business course) even though it was an online course." It also had the unintended effect of getting Mr. Alzamgan very prepared for the current learning environment. "Elearning has taught me how to be able to manage my time very well as I had different time zones to follow as the program followed different country timings. I was able to cope with this by improving my time management skills and knowing when its time to have the work done while having a bunch of other (deadlines) for different subjects. Now as I am very prepared and used to eLearning." Mr. Alzamgan has been an excellent example of the skills needed to succeed in a modern world. While no one could have predicted COVID-19, his ability to navigate his studies, personal life, and communication with e-learning has been nothing short of amazing. Online courses will continue to flourish in universities as we navigate these uncertain times. Mr. Alzamgan has demonstrated an excellent attitude and aptitude as his grades continue to rise. The confidence he has gained will be invaluable as he takes the next steps in life. AIMING HIGHER At Dunecrest American School, our focus is on raising achievement every day, every way. This culture of always aiming higher is evident in all we do from our lessons, to our sports and art program to our school's long term growth plan. Now in our second year of operation, "Aiming Higher" will showcase some of the exciting changes we have in store for the community in the 2020-2021 academic year. NEW ART & PUBLIC SPEAKING OFFERINGS 2020-2021 Over the past several weeks we have showcased three of the top new courses being offered to American High School Diploma and IBDP students: Introduction to Business, Culinary Arts and Strength & Conditioning. This week we turn our attention to new high school courses in Visual and Performing Arts as well as public speaking, debate and diplomacy in the form of Model United Nations. NEW: FILM - Cary Smith - Grades 11 & 12 The film course develops students to be interpreters and makers of film texts. Using a variety of film texts, students examine concepts, practices, and ideas from multiple perspectives to develop critical thinking and reflective analysis of the art & craft of film. Through practical activities, students will acquire skills and creative competencies to express their own ideas and voice using film and multimedia technology. The course will develop an appreciation of film and an understanding of the development of film across time and culture. NEW: THEATRE Asha Lynch - Grades 9 to 12 Theatre is an introduction to the theater. Students become acquainted with the history of the theater and various significant plays. Areas of technical production such as make up, lighting, costuming, and set design are studied. Class requirements also include limited performance work and a final project demonstrating skills and knowledge applied in this course. NEW: MODEL UNITED NATIONS (MUN) - Michael Glavanis - Grades 9 & 10 Model United Nations, also known as Model UN or MUN, is a course in which students role-play delegates to the United Nations and simulate different United Nations committees. This activity takes place at MUN conferences, which are organized locally in Dubai or abroad. To prepare for MUN conferences, students will research individual countries, discuss issues relating to international relations; prepare written statements on current issues and practice public speaking and debating. During each conference, students compete with students from Dubai or abroad to be recognized as an outstanding delegate. MINDFUL ME Our students well-being is at the heart of all we do at Dunecrest. This month we turn Mindful Me over to two of our incredibly talented Visual Arts IBDP Candidates who demonstrate that art can help us... to remember, to forget and to heal. Welcome to my playground.
your loving mother, war.
ARTIST STATEMENT As a young girl, I fell in love with installation art; as an IBDP visual arts student, I fell in love with my conceptualized installation art. The IBDP Visual Arts class has enabled me to explore my artistic practice in hopes of revealing my concept to the audience. A concept potentially triggering: an emotion; a response; a reaction.
In words, my concept may simply be stated as: people of today's modernized society have become ignorant of the reality those in pain endure.
This specific work of art falls under my subconcept "children: growing up young". Specifically, the war on children. Images 1, 2, and 3 explain the process of my art piece. I utilized tape, hence painting them black, to outline the borders to emphasize on the scenic shot I was aiming to recreate. In my Visual Arts Process Portfolio, I explain my aim to revive a cacophonic classroom. "I decided to paint a vivid resemblance of the classroom of the kids in territories of destruction and juxtapose the lifestyle to those who are fortunate to live in a peaceful, prosperous, perfect region." Whilst producing my art, I learned a technique. It was poking holes- to resemble bullet holes- with scissors into my canvas and then ripping sections to elucidate on the destruction of war. The bullet holes created an auditory perception in the form of a staccato tune, again, to revive the setting. Furthermore, I extracted another excerpt from my Visual Arts Process Portfolio that states my decision on why I recreated the sadistic reality on canvas. "The image would be painted on a gigantic canvas to recreate the scene. It will allow individuals to situate themselves in that lifestyle. A life where bullet holes are the coolest stickers, praying for one's life is the most popular song, and limited education creates prodigies."
- Amina Al Lakis
Sophia Makarem May 2020 IBDP Year 1 ARTIST STATEMENT This piece is of buildings that have been destructed by war and violence. I shaded the buildings with a graphite pencil (HB and 2B) to create a brick look. The juxtaposition of the precision on the buildings and layout with the scattered texture in the surroundings emphasize past and present and a home being broken-literally. I used texture paint (coarse beads) mixed with various colored acrylic paint to convey sand, rubble, and scraps that are apparent in war-torn countries. I also used modeling paste on and around the buildings to bring the image to life- per se; allowing the context of the painting to stand out of the frame. I did this to draw attention to the existing crisis of violence that is ongoing in multiple middle-eastern nations, especially. The issue of war is often overlooked in modern global politics; this piece was inspired by Diana Al-Hadid and her focus on war-torn Syria. This piece is titled "Buried Rubble" and is one of a three-part series labeled 'Chaos'; the second and third pieces will, too, include mixed-media to elucidate the crisis of war and destruction.
PASS IT ON Thank you for taking the time to read our Project & Community Showcase, Making Waves. We would be delighted for you to share all of the amazing happenings at Dunecrest American School! The below "Pass it On" button, enables you to download a pdf, which can easily be shared on email or via What's App.
Educationally yours, Team Dunecrest Dunecrest American School Dubai, UAE +971 4 508 7444 | info@dunecrest.ae
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