Contents

Page No

Message from The Principal

Boardtalk

2-3

Secondary News

Year 10 and 11 News

Curriculum & Assessment

Uplands Roar

7-8

Primary News

9 - 11

Art Department

12

Science at Uplands

13 - 15

Year 9 News

16

Japanese Culture Exchange

Programme

17

Bank Remittance

18

UPTA

18

Upcoming Events

19 - 20

To all in the Uplands Community,

It is hard to believe that there are only there more
weeks left of Term 1! There are still many more
activities, events and learning to take place before
the students and staff have a well-deserved break.
This weeks newsletter is packed with the stories
and reflections on the recent activities that have
taken place in and out of school.
I would like to wish all the students and staff who
are currently in Vietnam, representing the school at
the Model United Nations Convention and our
Tennis Players who are taking part in the FOBISIA
tournament in Jakarta every success this weekend.
We look forward to hearing their thoughts and
reflections when they return next week.
Your sincerely,

Matthew Bristow
Principal
Follow us on Twitter: @ispuplands

As we head towards the end of the first term of this academic year, the ISP Schools Association
Board of Governors would like to take a moment to reflect on some of the more important Board
and School matters since the beginning of term.
First and foremost, in August 2014 we welcomed the arrival of our Principal, Mr Matthew
Bristow, along with his wife and family. Mr Bristow has a B. Education (Physics) from the
University of Cambridge and holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship. We
hope that many of you will have had the opportunity to meet Matthew and his family and
welcome them to the School. As is normal at the start of every new academic year, in August we
also welcomed a number of new members of staff and many new families to Uplands. We
sincerely hope you are all enjoying your time here in Penang, and most especially, being a part
of the School community.
Anyone familiar with development in Penang will know how difficult it can be to ensure building
deadlines are met, but a massive amount of work by Governors and School staff ensured Block F
was completed, inspected and ready for School opening on August 18th 2014. The additional
classroom and activity space that Block F provides is of immense value to the School and our
students, but as with all new buildings, there have been a few teething problems which the School
has done its best to address as quickly as possible. Special thanks are extended to the
Development Committee, chaired by Mrs Leigh Pratt, to teachers and School staff who were
involved, as well as the architects C. G. Cheng, and contractors Prestige Construction, fore the
huge amount of time and effort put into ensuring this project stayed on track for the duration of
the build, and was completed in time for occupation in this school year.
Many of you will also be aware, through previous correspondence, that we have another
development project ongoing at this time. The building of our new Boarding facilities is on land
adjacent to the School and comprises 2 apartment blocks. We are pleased to advise that at this
time, the project is still on course to be completed by January 2015. This enhancement of current
facilities will give the School purpose-built boarding facilities close to the current campus, and
we hope these improvements will make boarding at Uplands more attractive.
We would like to congratulate all students who sat for the IGCSE and IBDP external examinations
this past summer. When looking at the achievement of our students, it is important to remember
that for many of them, English is not their mother tongue. To get to a level in a second language
where one can understand and sit for challenging examinations like the IGCSEs and IBDP is
something that warrants praise and recognition. Also, and this is very important, Uplands is a
non-selective School, so we are open to students of all abilities and do all that we can to help them
progress through the School, and ultimately, to do the best they can in formal examinations.
Every year we are proud to see that our students perform very well in external examinations and
often perform well-above world averages. Our IGCSE results this year were good, with over 80%
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of candidates gaining passes A*- C grades, of which 41.8% were A*- A grades. The IBDP results
were exceptional, with 97.7% of candidates awarded the diploma, and our average points score
of 35.28 points was more than a full 5 points higher than the world average. Almost 32% of our
IBDP candidates scored 40 points and above, with one student achieving the maximum score.
Congratulations to Lim Sheau Yun on being awarded the full 45 points in her IBDP examinations.
We would like to thank everyone who took the time to complete the online survey which was
recently sent to members of the School community. We look forward to the findings of this
survey, and appreciate that the information garnered may prove to be a useful tool in guiding
the Board, Principal and Senior Management in our efforts to make Uplands the best it can be.
The International School of Penang (Uplands) was established back in 1955, and so in 2015 the
School will celebrate its 60th anniversary. Please note that the confirmed dates for the 60th
anniversary celebrations are Friday 13th March Sunday 22nd March 2015. If anyone would like
to volunteer their services to help with preparations for this occasion, or would just like to share
ideas of what events could be incorporated in the celebrations, then please do contact the School.
We would also very much appreciate it if parents and staff would spread the word about our
60th Anniversary, as we hope to reach out to as many ex-Uplanders as possible.
Please be aware that the Board is mindful of the importance of doing all it can to ensure the School
campus remains a safe, happy environment for all students and staff. The external security
situation is continuously monitored, and appropriate measures are being taken to tighten
security at the School.
With the end of yet another very exciting School term and the Christmas holidays fast
approaching, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the School community
for all they do for the School and its students. We wish you all Happy Holidays and to those
who celebrate Merry Christmas. A Happy New Year to all.
Susan Lee
For and on behalf of the ISP Schools Association Board of Governors.

Last night I was doing some valuable reading and research as part of my Masters programme.
As I am studying through distance learning, via a university in Australia, my next activity was
to listen to a podcast, where my lecturer explained in detail what our major assignment consisted
of. It got me thinking about how technology has changed education today. Technology is
ubiquitous. Mobile devices have changed the world, especially for students. Although they have
the educational benefits of previous generations, they obviously have plenty more, with
countless virtual libraries at their fingertips. Smartphones, tablets and laptops are a common
sight around the campus at Uplands and it is important that we all encourage the students to
adapt and embrace technology to meet their educational needs. We need to make the most of
this new technology as it is changing at an amazing rate. More importantly we must educate the
next generation to use technology wisely. I do hope this can be a discussion topic you can have
with your son or daughter in the near future.
IB Diploma Information Evening Year 11 and the Uplands community:
We will be hosting an information session to be held on Tuesday 9th December for the community
to learn more about the IB Diploma Programme. The evening will start at 7:30pm and it will be
held in the new MPH. It is extremely important that the families of current Year 11 students
attend this session, however other members of our community are also encouraged to attend to
assist them in planning their childs education. Next Monday morning our Head of Curriculum,
Mr Paul Rose, and our IB Coordinator, Mrs Kathleen Hollis, will be speaking with all of the Year
11 students in regards to the benefits of studying the IB Diploma.
Have a great weekend
Craig Skinner
Head of Secondary
craig.skinner@uplands.org
Follow us on Twitter: @UplandsSecSch

The Year 10 and 11 students have been exceptionally busy this week as they have been involved
in a range of activities. There are currently students in Indonesia and Vietnam competing in the
FOBISIA tennis and model United Nations events. I wish all of the students representing
Uplands the very best of luck.
Fifteen Year 10 and 11 students hosted St Patricks School from Singapore in a football match on
Wednesday. St Patricks are rated in the top 5 schools in Singapore for football and were keen to
end their school year on a high. The game was a close encounter with end to end action, and two
penalties; one of which was saved by Ollie Muller, with Ong scoring the other! The Uplands
boys went down in the end 3-2 but played amazing football.
Work Experience
The week beginning the 8th of June 2015 is the start of the Year 10 work experience. Students will
be working with a company for a week and gaining an insight into the world of employment.
The week is a fantastic opportunity for our students, and they get to experience some amazing
things - last year, one student was allowed to observe 5 medical operations!!
The week relies on the generosity of the local community, and this year students will be
challenged to find their own placements. When we return from the holiday in January, students
will be preparing their CVs to send to employers in an effort to gain a position with them. If you
or your company are able to support the work experience programme, please can you let me
know by e-mailing me at Iain.driscoll@uplands.org.
Iain Driscoll
Head of Year 10 and 11

Academic Honesty at Uplands

In my role as Head of Curriculum and Assessment, I have taken the opportunity to speak to all
Senior School students about the importance of Academic Honesty. At a special Year 10-13
lunchtime lecture last Friday 21st November, and at this week's whole school assembly, this
extremely important area of education was addressed. Key objectives included highlighting the
following connections to this topic: our School Ethos, personal integrity and learning to be
principled; the Uplands Academic Honesty Policy; what good practice looks like; defining
plagiarism and collusion; clarifying School consequences and external Examination Board (CIE
and IBO) sanctions; where to go for support and additional resources. Good practice involves
three stages. Firstly, students must recognise that academic honesty should be considered as a
set of values and skills that promote personal integrity - this must happen in teaching, learning
and assessment. It also involves awareness of the factors that influence correct decision-making;
peer pressure, culture, parental and teacher expectations, role-modelling and skill set. Thirdly,
good practice is accompanied by a sound knowledge and understanding of the practical skills
needed to apply what is otherwise just a conceptual understanding of academic honesty. It
follows that students have rights and responsibilities, and it was pleasing to hear some feedback
already this week from students asking for more information about how to avoid plagiarism and
collusion. Practices to avoid plagiarism and the often misunderstood 'art of collusion' are difficult
to learn; all teachers at Uplands are committed to guiding students in these areas. At the same
time, the responsibilities that lie with the students were explained to them. Of significance is the
idea of intent, which is not taken into account by external Examination Boards. I invite you to
please take some further time to discuss this concept with your son or daughter. Finally, it was
explained to all students that there is quite simply an expectation that they will act in a manner
that is consistent with being academically honest. We look forward to guiding students as they
grow from Year 7 to year 13, learning the increasing importance of Academic Honesty associated
with their studies. If you would like a copy of the PowerPoint presentation shown to students, I
would be pleased to share the information in more detail with you. Thank you for your support
and consideration.
Paul Rose
Head of Curriculum and Assessment

U13 FOBISIA
Trials for the U13 selection have been proceeding well. However, unfortunately, there has been
some disruption to the trials due to fixtures, and as such, I have decided to extend the process
until the end of next week. The schedule for next weeks sessions are below:

Day / Time
Wednesday 3.30 4.30
Wednesday 4.30 5.30
Thursday
3.30 4.30
Thursday

Boys
Basketball
Football
Swimming
(until 5pm)

4.30 5.30

Girls
Swimming (until 5pm)
Football
Basketball

If you have any questions regarding the U13 FOBISIA trials, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Secondary School Sports Day
The secondary school Sports Day will be held at USM on Tuesday 16th December. Students
selected their events during their PE lessons this week and will complete their field events
(throws and jumps) during their first PE lesson of next week. These will be the preliminary heats
for the jumps as the finals will be at USM. All track events will be held on the 16 th. More
information regarding the day will be sent out next week via the newsletter. If you have any
questions regarding Sports Day, please contact me at iain.driscoll@uplands.org
Iain Driscoll
Head of Secondary PE

2014 FINA Mastbank Swimming World Cup Singapore

The 2014 FINA Mastbank Swimming World Cup is an International Swimming League
that is held every year all around the world, where swimmers can travel the world to
compete. During this meet, athletes from all around the world converge in one location
and compete for two days with heats in the morning and finals in the afternoon.
Notable swimmers attending this meet included Katinka Hossz, three-time World
Record holder; Chad le Clos, Olympic Gold Medallist and World Record holder; and
Daniel Gyurta, three-time Olympian and Gold Medal winner.

This meet was the biggest of my life! Never before have I been able to partcipate in a
meet of such international proportions. It was exactly as seen on television, with media
broadcasting, advertising, ticketing - everything. It was fantastic! The facilities were top
class, and the pool was fantastic; a beautiful shade of aquamarine; the diving blocks and
touch pad, top class. Since I was a participant, I had VIP access to pretty much
everything! When I entered the marshalling room for my event, the first person I saw
was Katinka Hossz, followed by Roland Schoeman, then Daniel Gyurta, and finally
Ruta Meilutyte, World Record Holder and Olympic Gold Medalist. I was overwhelmed.
To me, it was like meeting a group of celebrities, whom Ive always watched from afar
and admired. Now, I actually realised the experience of swimming with them! After
watching and also swimming with these world-class swimmers, this experience has
helped me to identify aspects which I could improve upon.
To me, this meet was a very important event, and from this I managed to gain a once-ina-lifetime experience. I learnt many things, and got the opportunity to witness the people
who were the best of the best showcase
their skills in front of me.
Matthew Poon (Yr 12)

EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom) has been a focus for most Primary classes as our last
units of inquiry for this term near completion. Last week, Year 6 students had a fabulous time in
Langkawi, taking on new challenges, making new friendships and developing greater
independence. It was a pleasure to accompany the children on their residential. They were
excellent ambassadors for Uplands as they cooperated with each other when working
collaboratively; their behaviour was superb! A special thank you to Ms Teese and Mr. Naidoo
for the many hours spent in planning and preparation to make the residential a success. Also,
thanks to Mrs. Yeoh, Ms Sielina and Mr. Peitao for helping with supervision. The staff also very
much enjoyed the trip and I am sure there will be a waitlist of staff wishing to accompany next
years residential. On Monday, Year 6 students will host our Sharing Assembly where we look
forward to learning more about their Langkawi experience.
This week, Year 2 children visited Weld Quay; Year 3 travelled to Ipoh on Thursday to learn firsthand about caves, and today our Reception class visited the Butterfly Farm. On Monday morning
Year 4 will learn to make a pewter bowl at the Royal Selangor School of Hard Knocks. A very
big thank you to all the parents who have supported these visits, in particular the dads who have
been available to help.
Next week the lunchtime inter-house football competition led by the House Captains will resume
for children in Year 4. On Thursday the Primary Swim Team will travedl to KL for ISAC Swim
Meet hosted by Alice Smith School. Best wishes for a successful, enjoyable meet to Chris
Jantamaneecho9t, Kelvin Kim, Miyui Shinji, Liam Khor-Brogan, Sophia Poulsen, Johanne
Dalsgaard, Will Sigloch, Carl Sigloch, Gluy Weightman, Oliver Hojbjerg,k Skye Watson and
Maya Yamashita.
Primary Sharing Assembly:
Monday, 1 December, 2.00 pm in the foyer, hosted by Year 6.
We hope many parents will join us.

End of Term Reports:

End of term reports will be issued on the last day of Term One, Friday, 19 December.
Early in Term Two, there will be opportunities for parents to meet with classroom
teachers to discuss student targets and progress.
Ali Nicholson
Head of Primary
Follow us on Twitter: @UplandsPriSch

Year 6 Residential Trip to Langkawi

What I have gained from the trip:

I learnt how to control my anger and calm down; not to get angry. I learnt to listen to other
people and focus better. When I do not like something I have learnt it is okay to politely say so.
Carl 6i
I was being a risk-taker because I was eating food I had never tried before. I am used to eating
food from my home country - Thailand.
Fern 6i
I learnt that I am brave because this was my first time ever to leave my family. I was worried,
but my friends and teachers took care of me.
Chloe 6i
I learnt that I am caring because when my friend was sick I took care of him.
Sena 6i
I am shy when I am speak in English.
I was being a communicator and risk-taker during my interviews and when I was singing Let it
go to my friends.
Ryan 6i
I showed curiosity when I visited each tourist attraction. I became more knowledgeable.
Jie Yi 6i.
I was a risk taker when I touched the snake because I was really scared.
Selman
I was a risk taker when I went in the cable car to the top of the mountain because I really dont
like heights
10

Coby
I was a risk taker when I was on the mangrove tour because the monkey could have jumped on
my boat
Fine

My dad is in Korea and my mum is the only one I can trust and I have to give that trust to the
teacher. It is not a simple thing. I was a risk taker by doing that.
Kelvin
I was caring to my roommate Fine, when I let her shower first, helped with her reflections and
said good night. I really liked being in the room with her because we both liked making our
room tidy and I also wanted to know her better.
Charlize

11

Year 7, 8 and 9 Music Concert on Thursday 11th December

Year 7, 8 and 9 students who are currently taking music lessons in Term 1 will showcase their
music learning outcomes in a concert on Thursday 11th December in Block F MPH from 7 pm to
8 pm. This performance will be a part of their music assessments for this term. If your child is
part of this performance, you are welcome to attend to support them.
Primary & Secondary Christmas Concert on Wednesday 17th December
Christmas is around the corner, and we will be celebrating it with a concert on Wednesday 17th
December. Performances from primary students, primary clarinet trio, senior choir, fiddle band,
and Uplands Orchestra promise to enthral us all. The concert is scheduled to be held in Block F
MPH at 6.30 pm. You are invited to come and help us celebrate the festive season together.
Posters made by primary and secondary students are now on display on the school premises.
The posters chosen as the best from primary and secondary are by Vinesh Teoh (Year 1) and Yu
Jia Phor (Year 7), as seen below:

Tomoko Ogusu
Head of Music

12

As you have probably read elsewhere in the newsletter, on Wednesday the Science Faculty
helped to host thirty girls from Tanjong Katong Secondary School, Singapore. Like most students
at an Asian public school, they have had very little experience of practical science activities. We
therefore decided to do the most practical-based activity that we could think of using Chemistry
to make rocket fuel and using our Physics knowledge to launch them into the sky and at Mr
Skinner!
The girls had to make hydrogen gas (by reacting magnesium with hydrochloric acid) and fill a
certain proportion of a plastic drinks bottle with it it is vital to get the proportions correct. NASA
space engineers know this too but I am not revealing the proportions here. There was some
hesitancy from the girls at first but by the time they made oxygen gas, they were much more
confident at handling scientific apparatus. With our bottles of rocket fuel (hydrogen and oxygen
- the same fuel that the space shuttle used), we headed for the field.
Mr Hari had his rocket-launcher set up and the girls took it in turns to drop their rockets in the
launcher and hastily run back to safety as Mr Hari lit the fuel. Some groups had got the
proportions wrong and the rockets just popped and remained stationary. Some rockets,
however, ignited wonderfully and flew through the sky towards Mr Skinner never quite
reaching him though. By the end, Mr Hari had singed his hands and was shaking, but whether
with excitement or fear, Im not too sure.
Miss Ortiz then followed this up with a demonstration of larger rockets, fuelled by hydrogen
peroxide and ethanoic acid. The first one just gently popped off its base, while the second one
fell over and flew straight towards Miss Ortiz. The final one however, spurted into the sky, flying
over the audience (soaking some of them with ethanoic acid - vinegar) and landing in the school
pool. Spectacular!
We wish the girls of Tanjong Katong well, and I must thank Mr Hari and Miss Ortiz for running
the event. I would also like to apologise to Mr Metcalfe for soaking the astro-turf in vinegar and
to Mr Ben for lowering the pH of the pool.
Rockets away!
Andrew Cartlidge
Head of Science

13

14

This weeks Year 9 students science lessons were really shocking! They learnt about electrical
circuits as they experimented with power packs, voltmeters and light bulbs in the great Science
activity pictured! Wiring components in different ways can result in surprising outcomes.
Students tried changing the voltage in the circuit to make the light bulb glow brighter. They
checked their models and drew circuit diagrams. Students enjoyed a variety of challenges that
involved wiring the bulbs in a series or a parallel circuit, replacing bulbs, placing ammeters
before and after the different components, increasing voltage, splitting current, etc. They
certainly had fun in interactive science lessons this week!
Can you compete with a Year 9?
Try the Electricity Crossword below to find out.

Across
1.
This device measures the difference in electrical energy between two points in a circuit
2.
Electrical current is measured in these
3.
A circuit is this type if there are no branches
4.
If you put more lamps into a series circuit the lamps will be dimmer/brighter than
before
Down
1.
Our homes are wired using this type of circuit
2.
This device measures electric current
3.
Voltage is measured in these
4.
The surname of the Year 9 tutor who is also a science teacher!

Miss Arminda Ortiz, Tutor of 9P

15

On Thursday, 27th November, Japanese language students (from Year 7 to Year 9) participated
in the annual visit to the Penang Japanese School, as part of the Cultural Exchange Programme.
PJS welcomed us, and Year 8 student, Lucia, made a short speech of thanks for the hospitality of
our hosts.
Our students also participated in four activities that the PJS students organised, ranging from
traditional Japanese paper crafts, and sweet-making, to the more familiar three-legged race (that
everyone enjoyed very much).
We all had a very good time, and would like to extend our thanks to the Penang Japanese School.
Yoshiko Fox
Head of Japanese

16

On Thursday, 27th November, Japanese language students (from Year 7 to Year 9) participated
in the annual visit to the Penang Japanese School, as part of the Cultural Exchange Programme.
PJS welcomed us, and Year 8 student, Lucia, made a short speech of thanks for the hospitality of
our hosts.
Our students also participated in four activities that the PJS students organised, ranging from
traditional Japanese paper crafts, and sweet-making, to the more familiar three-legged race (that
everyone enjoyed very much).
We all had a very good time, and would like to extend our thanks to the Penang Japanese School.
Yoshiko Fox
Head of Japanese

17

Invoices for the 2nd Payment of School Fees will be sent to all parents at the beginning of
December. All school fees must be received by 9th January 2015. All payments received before
2nd January will be entitled to early payment discounts. Please see the school website for full
details of fees and methods of payment.
All fees must be paid in full before students will be allowed to start Term 2. Thank you, in
advance, for your understanding.

If you have made any payment by cheques or telegraphic transfers to the School's bank account,
please email or fax to Accounts Department, the bank-in slip or appropriate document to enable
us to identify the correct client account.
Email: accountant@uplands.org
Fax: 04-8819788
Renee Tan
Accountant

Messages from the Uplands Parent Teacher Association:

Please note that the UPTA will be supporting the Primary Christmas Concert on
Wednesday, 17th December, and that there will no longer be a separate Carols by
Candlelight event on Friday, 5th December.

There will be an UPTA Coffee Morning held on Tuesday, 2nd December at the
PARKROYAL Penang Resort from 8:30am to 10:30am in Tiffins Restaurant. Please
contact uplandspta@yahoo.com if you are able to join us for this final Coffee Morning of
2014.

Kind Regards,
Roslyn Wirth
UPTA Secretary
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FOBISIA Tennis Invitational hosted by BIS Jakarta

Thursday 27 to
November 2014

Sunday

U11/U10 Football vs SCIPS

Friday 28 November 2014

Year 4 Excursion Selangor School

of Hard Knocks

Monday 1 December 2014

UPTA Coffee Morning

Tuesday, 2 December 2014

UPTA Carols by Candlelight

Friday, 5 December 2014

Parents IB Diploma Information Session Block F MPH

Wednesday, 9 December, 2014

USC Secondary Prom Traders Hotel

Friday, 12 December 2014

Sports Day Years 7 to 12 - USM

Tuesday 16 December 2014

Primary & Secondary Christmas Concert

Wednesday 17 December 2014

Term 1 Ends at 12.00 noon

Friday 19 December 2014

Boarding House closes at 12.00 noon

Saturday 20 December 2014

30th

19

Orientation Day for all new students morning

Monday12 January 2015

Boarding House re-opens at 2.30 pm

Monday 12 January 2015

Term 2 Starts

Tuesday 13 January 2015

Mid Term Break at 2.40 pm

Friday 13 February 2015

Boarding House closes at 12.00 noon

Saturday 14 February 2015

Boarding House re-opens at 2.30 pm

Sunday 22 February 2015

School re-opens

Monday 23 February 2015

Term 2 ends at 12.00 noon

Thursday 2 April 2015

Boarding House closes at 12.00 noon

Friday 3 April 2015

Boarding House re-opens at 2.30 pm

Sunday 19 April 2015

Term 3 starts

Monday 20 April 2015

School closed Labour Day

Friday 1 May 2015

Term 3 ends at 12.00 noon

Friday 19 June 2015

Boarding House closes at 12.00 noon

Saturday 20 June 2015

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