St. George's School Cologne Newsletter - St. George's The English ...

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EVERY SECOND FRIDAY NEXT ISSUE 28TH NOVEMBER
Friday 14th November 2008
Volume 06 Issue 05
St. George’s School Cologne Newsletter
From This...
to this...
The EY Art Auction
If you weren’t at the EY Art Auction on November
5th last week, you missed an incredible
evening’s entertainment and a real chance to
bid for unique and priceless works of art.
Over 1000 Euros was raised but more importantly
the incredible Art work created by the
Early Years children and organised by Early
Years staff, was given the true recognition it
deserved. Some pieces went for hundreds of
Euros !!
How much would you bid for this smile ?
Dear St. George’s,
We would like to open this letter with a
request regarding school letters and
information. As you will be aware, St.
George’s now sends the majority of its
correspondence home via e-mail; copies
can be obtained contacting our
School Office. Whilst we appreciate
that there may be a number of letters
sent during busy periods, we
urge all families to check their e-
mail each Thursday. The information
is provided in an effort to keep you
informed of all our activities.
Our Early Years Art Exhibition
proved to be a most enjoyable evening. Pupils from our Reception,
Year 1 and Year 2 classes produced some quite stunning
artwork; little masterpieces in a sense. All pieces were auctioned
off following the viewing; a staggering €2080 was
raised. Approximately €200 will be donated to the Kinder-
Krankenhaus whilst the rest will be used to develop the Early
Years Art resources further. Congratulations must be offered
to the Pupils and Staff for their hard work and outstanding
achievement.
Our annual Round Table Christmas Fair takes place in two
weeks time and we look forward to welcoming as many of you
as possible on Saturday 29 th November to our main hall in Sülz.
Our Round Table is behind so many events here at St. George’s
and strives to improve each event; it is also a very effective fund
raising group. Every cent raised by our Round Table is used to
improve resources and activities for all members of the St.
George’s Family; we are extremely grateful for the support offered
by our Pupils and Parents also. Our Round Table is currently
working on two major projects which will benefit pupils
across the entire school; an adventure playground for younger
pupils and media projectors for classes. Your support is vital
in helping these dreams become a reality – join us for our
Christmas Fair!
Our move to Rondorf is ever nearing and it really will not be
very long before the boxes are packed and the movers join us.
We received a number of offers to help with various aspects
of the move and to help pack, we are astonished by your
generous support – thank you.
The St. George’s Transfer Team–
Rondorf rolls into action in the next
few weeks so be sure to keep reading
future newsletters to see them in
action.
We wish everyone at St. George’s a
relaxing weekend.
Yours sincerely,
R. Hollow
School Director
C. Wilford
Director‘s Letter
You should have received the following letters over the past two Thursdays: 6th Nov. WS Rondorf Transfer; Salvation Army Tin Collection;
Remembrance Day; Christmas Fair; LDFSEY Christmas activities; LS Christmas Cards; MS Trips 13th Nov.: LD Chicken Pox Alert; LS Christmas
School For Life

Boarding at St. George’s
Boarders Outing to
Phantasia Land…
On Sunday 2 nd of
November all of us
spent a day at Phantasia
Land, with Mrs.
and Mr. Aitken. We
had great fun and
enjoyed a wonderful
time together.
We tried lots of different and exciting rides, including
the extremely fast and powerful Black Mamba, which
was really fun. Even our newest boarder, Xiangxiang
went on the craziest and exciting rides, which no one
expected. Some of the rides Xiangxiang went on were
the Black Mamba and Mystery Castle. However, we
enjoyed the Colorado Adventure rollercoaster the
most; we went on this at least seven times. If you ever
go to Phantasia Land we recommend that you try the Colorado Adventure;
it is one of the fastest and longest rides in Phantasia Land.
Overall, it was a great experience and we can’t wait for the next fun
trip.
Malte Year 12 A Level
Halloween in Bornheim…
On Halloween, when we
came home after a long
school day, we entered the
Chapel which was in darkness
except for a few glowing
pumpkins on a little table.
It was Halloween in the
Boarding School!
We had loads of fun and also
played many games including dunking apples. We ate plenty of
Sweets, like everybody does on Halloween. In the end we had a
very big balloon fight where all the boarders and even Matron and
Mr.Bennett took part. It ended with a few loud bangs but everyone
happy. We would like to thank matron for doing all these wonder-
ful things for us and
making sure that we
had a lot of fun.
Luna Year 6 and
Xiangxiang Year 10
A Relaxing Saturday
in Bornheim…
On Saturday Mr. Hollow
took us out onto a walk, exploring the nearby countryside.
It seemed like the last day of summer, the weather being
mild and sunny at the beginning of November, allowing
for a pleasant trip with t-shirt and short pants.
There was no deeper meaning behind this, only a way
The Boarding
for us boarders to relax for a little, forgetting school
Diaries stress and prep hours, enjoying the scenery as we
went. If one just frees one mind and takes the time to
look around, there is a lot to be seen in the Bornheim countryside.
In the evening we made our own hamburgers from scratch and enjoyed
the opportunity to relax in front of a film. Overall, we all enjoyed
a relaxing Saturday.
Yannic Year 12IB
Foundation Stage
Autumn, but the Ladybirds
are still here...
Hello and welcome to the Ladybird Group!
It is our pleasure to take you on a tour around
our classroom,
show you
our vivid
displays
and talk
about our
themes
and daily
activities.
Over the
last couple
of
weeks we
have been
learning a
lot of different
topics.
Through out the theme ‘Colours’ and its various
shades we have used all sorts of materials,
paints, watercolours, crayons, pencils
and felt-tips to decorate art crafts and tint
worksheets.
As for autumn time, it is a wonderful experience
for the children to discover all the
bright shades of yellow, orange, gold and
brown within the fallen leaves that lay on the
ground. Therefore, to adapt the design to the
season, this year’s idea of wax rubbing the
leaves onto the surface of our St. Martin’s
Lantern was fun and seemed like a magic
trick to the children.
In the meantime we are busy discovering all
about the ‘World of Shapes.’
We are learning rhymes, poems and reading
books related to the mentioned topic. We
cut, glue
and paint
circles,
triangles,
squares
and rectangles
in
all sizes,
colours
and materials.
We thank
you and
we hope
you enjoyed
reading
our little
article!

Lower School
Work of the Week 09
Work of the Week 10
Nils, Clara, Kieran, Christoph, Eirini, Nicolas, Timur,
Paula, Assanali, William, Enes, Kira, Yasmin, Leon,
Jonas
Shiho Ko, Savannah, Elisa, Heather, Giulia, Elisabeth,
Tristan, David, Assanali, Marina, Jana, Malik, Felix,
Tim
Hello
to
LS
Hallowe’en
On 31 st October,
Lower
School got into
the theme of
Halloween. The
children
dressed up in
scary costumes…as
did
the teachers.
The Round Table
organised a
Halloween
disco which
was thoroughly
enjoyed by
everyone. As
you can see by
our pictures we
had a great
day.

By
Mr. Doyle
IB Coordinator
As IB Coordinator, I am
often approached by
prospective pupils who
want to know what the
IB is about. Why should
they study it? What
options do they have?
What marks do they
need to achieve to be
accepted on the
course? And so on.
One thing I have discovered
is how many
misconceptions surround
the whole topic,
so I shall try to make it all a little clearer.
The IB, unlike the A levels, requires the pupils
to take at least one subject from six different
areas. The Hexagon, as it is called, is
classified into A1 (i.e literature in the native
language), Languages ranging from A2
(native and near-native language) to modern
foreign languages studied as a second language,
the Social Sciences (History, Geography,
Economics), Mathematics, Science
(Biology, Chemistry and Physics) and the
Visual Arts.
In addition, there is a group of core activities,
CAS, which involves creative or social work
designed to develop awareness and initiative,
as well as an introduction to the Theory
of Knowledge and a 4000 word extended
essay. The important thing to remember is
this: the IB qualification is a DIPLOMA, and as
such requires all areas to be successfully
covered.
And that brings me to one of the most frequently
asked questions. Do I have to be an
MSUS
academic superman to take the IB? No, certainly
not. What you MUST have is all round
ability and a strong work ethic. That is the
ONLY barrier. Fortunately, at St George’s,
teachers’ dedication to and care for their pupils’
progress and performance have been a
hallmark of the school since its foundation
and this academic and pastoral tutelage is
carried over into the IB, where it makes all
the difference.
A parent once said to me that if a pupil cannot
succeed in the IB at St George’s, it’s unlikely
they will do so anywhere else. Of course, it
was meant as a compliment, but I also feel it
is true. The results of the first promotion, six
University Special
points above the worldwide average, lend
considerable support to that assertion, as
does the outstanding achievement of one
pupil, who having scored over 40 points, was
awarded a highly coveted and valuable
scholarship for study at McGill’s University in
Canada.
This last point brings me to why a pupil
should wish to study the IB. First, it is the International
Baccalaureate and as such is recognised
everywhere, its high standards making
it an extremely attractive alternative to
national qualifications. Secondly, it is specifically
designed to bring out the best in pupils
who fulfil the two criteria mentioned above,
viz. a strong work ethic and all-round ability.
University tutors often comment on the mature
and balanced view of their IB intake. The
Extended Essay, which Universities look very
closely at, is often singled out in this respect
as an additional factor in the candidate’s favour.
Thirdly, the IB qualification allows pupils
to delay their decision on the career they
wish to pursue practically up to the day they
apply. Since the range covered is often
greater than in other National Curricula, IB
candidates hold an advantage over others.
And of course for detailed explanations of the
options offered at St George’s, which are already
wide-ranging and in constant expansion,
just contact the School Director Mr Hollow,
The Head of Upper School Mr Jaggard,
or the writer Mr Doyle, for a private discussion
and we shall be more than happy to
help.
Please check back in the next issue for an
article from one of our current IB pupils explaining
why he chose the IB course.
The time to think about about our
future has come. If you want to go
to university, suddenly quite a lot
of questions turn up: What do I
want to study? What university
offers the course I want to study?
And what grades do I need? Also
the social life of a university plays
an important role and should
therefore be taken into consideration.
I, myself, as a year 13 student have
asked these questions. For those
of you, who might be like me
and still struggling a little bit with
their decision, here is what I did
and would recommend you may
also do.
1. Think about your skills and your
weaknesses. For example, if you
are not a good scientist, then possibly
a career as a Doctor is not for
you.
2. Be open minded. There might
be courses which might not interest
you at first sight, but which
turn out to be very interesting.
3. Stop thinking that your only
choices are universities in or
around London. There are a lot
more universities in the UK!
4. Futhermore, think about the
costs. Universities in the North
of England for example often
offer much
cheaper prices for
courses and accommodation
5. Visit the British
university fair on
the November, 26
at the University of
Cologne.
6. Or maybe the
UK is not the place
you want to be.
Therefore, think of
universities in other
countries. Spain,
the Netherlands,
France or even Germany offer
good courses sometimes !
If, however you still don't know
what you want to study,
you should think about getting
some career guidance.
Or you talk to your teachers and
ask them about their judgement.
The most important thing is that
you are not too rigid about your
By
Max Bauer F13
choices. If you do that, you
are likely to make the right decision.
Well I did most of these things.
However, I did not
apply to UCAS, because
I wanted to
study in Germany. If
you want to do that,
you have to talk
to the local council
of North Rhine-
Westphalia. They
can tell what grades
and what subjects
you have to choose
to be able to study
in North Rhine-
Westphalia. I did
this, and I know
now what is available for me.
But let me give you an example
and tell you what one of my class
peers did, because I think what
he has done is similar to what the
majority of St. George’s pupils
do. David Kahl from year 13, who
is doing his A-Levels at the moment,
says: "Since my GCSE's I
have known the direction in
which I would like to go. My
choice fell
to aeronautical/mechanical engineering".
But what would David advise
people to do, who don't know
what they want to study? " Firstly,
think about your plans for the
future", he says. "Do you even
want to go to university or do you
want to take an apprenticeship,
should be the next question. And
if you then decide to go, you
should look for a suitable course,
that you think you will enjoy and
won't get bored of".
David has applied for various
universities in England and now
hopes that he will be accepted at
one of his choices. David, like
almost all St. George’s pupils and
250,000 pupils worldwide used
the UCAS system in order to gain
access into his favoured universities.
Finally I hope that this piece of
information may help you, as a St.
George’s pupil or parent to understand
the whole process a
little more.

Library Link
‘...adventure, romance and suspense…’
“Uglies is a new trilogy
by Scott Westerfeld (it’s
also the name of the first
book). The whole trilogy
winds around the life of a
young girl, Tally
Youngblood. She lives 3
centuries in the future,
where 16 year olds undergo
an operation which
makes them supermodelgorgeous.
Sounds great,
right? Wait until you see
this: not only your looks
change, but part of your
brain, too… Some of the
kids in her city have already
fled, but so far everything’s
fine. Everything, until Special Circumstances arrive.
They’re like the city police force, except every one of
them is a super-amped fighting machine, with superhuman
powers and lightning-fast reflexes. Tally learns what it’s like
to be manipulated into betraying those she loves in this
great introduction to a suspenseful new series. The second
volume, “Pretties”, takes an unexpected turn: Tally’s given
herself up; she’s allowed herself to be turned into a “Pretty.”
And not for any random reasons, either. Out in the wild, a
group of rebels have come together, and they’ve found a socalled
“cure” to the effects of the operation’s tinkering with
your brain. But they need someone to test it on, so Tally has
volunteered… I loved the mix of adventure and romance and
how Tally fights for her beliefs. The suspense and fast paced
action kept me turning the pages!” (by Mindy, 8D)
Not to spoil your fun and excitement, we won’t give any
more ‘spoilers’ away about the third volume “Specials” –
just read it for yourself! All available from the SH Library
(Age 13+). The latest instalment “Extras” will come to the
Library in March 2009. Find out more about the series at
http://www.scottwesterfeld.com/books/uglies.htm .
The Wole Soyinka Prize
Zahrah the Windseeker has won the Wole Soyinka Prize,
aka as"the African Nobel prize for literature”
The Wole Soyinka is a pan-African prize for literature designed
"to celebrate excellence in all its cerebral grace, its
liberating qualities, the honour and recognition
it brings to a myriad of people,
of diverse cultures and languages" and to
operate as "the African Nobel prize for
literature". Indeed, it's named after the
first sub-Saharan African to win the Nobel
Prize proper, Wole Soyinka, who
took the laureateship in 1986.
Zahrah the Windseeker is Nnedi Okorafor's
first novel. Aimed at teenagers, it
also features a teenage heroine with
special powers, the 13-year-old Zahrah Tsami, who finds
herself on a dangerous quest to save her best friend's life. It
incorporates West African myths into a fantasy setting where
monkeys can see into the future, clothes come equipped
with their own mirrors, and no home is complete without a
"flora computer". – “You will instantly be charmed by the
world of the Ooni Kingdom and reminded of heavyweight,
science-fiction writers like Octavia Butler, but it is classical
and absurd in the style of Lewis Carroll
Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight”–Saga, including the volumes
Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking
Dawn takes an undisputed first place, having been
loaned out no less that 16 times since
the beginning of October.
It is closely followed by Cornelia Funke’s
“Inkheart Trilogy” which was issued 12 times.
Christopher Paolini’s
“Eragon - The Inheritance
Cycle” occupies third place,
due to the
recent release
of the third instalment in the
series, “Brisingr”, which was issued
to 8 readers.
Most Borrowed books in St.
George’s Library
Watch out for other exciting titles in the library, such as the next volume of
Skulduggery Pleasant – “Playing with Fire”, the first instalment of a new fantasy
series for girls “Faerie Path”, as well as new adventures by Jimmy
Coates – “Power” and “Sabotage”.

ArtboothbyBoothby
Observational Drawings by
Emma F08

General Notices
www.myschoolchristmascards.co.uk
Lower School children
have designed
their very
own Christmas
cards and they are
available to order
from the website
above.
The site is very
slow loading due to
the high traffic, but
if you persevere,
you will not regret
it. Log on, click on
‘buy cards’ enter
the school postcode
‘50937’ and
choose from your
child’s class.
A unique gift for all
family & friends
Individual and Department school photos
In our last Newsletter we featured
the group photos of our Upper
School, Middle School, Lower
School and Year 1&2 pupils, taken
a few weeks ago. We would like to
give you the opportunity to order
a copy. If you want a copy of any of
these departmental photos please
contact the Office on 0221 297 899-
0 or send an email to Ms Bücker
(c.buecker@stgeorgesschool.de)
before Friday 21 st November.
Each photo measures about
18x25cm and will be € 5. We will
order these photos for you and let
you know when they have arrived
14/11/08
Rondorf watch 14th November 2008
Forthcoming Highlights
US University
Presentations
Last day for Salvation
Army TIn Collection
LD Sing-a-long
Christmas Fair, Main
Hall Sulz
FS Nursery & EY
Reception Christmas
performances 11:00 &
12:30
US F11-13 Parents
Evening 17:30-20:30
EY Christmas Y01&02
performance Main Hall
Sulz 13:30
Tue.-Wed. 25-
26th Nov.
Thu. 27th Nov.
Fri. 28th Nov.
29th Nov.
Wed, 3rd Dec.
Thu. 4th Dec.
Fri. 5th Dec.
New St. George’s Uniform -
A Sneak Preview
St. George’s has always
been proud of
our uniform and the
unity and identity
which it promotes.
However, we know
that it has not always
been easy for you to
locate and buy our
uniform for your
child. We are very
happy to report that
after much research
we will be able to
offer a secure, reliable, quality assured source .
We will be sending you full details very soon,
but for the moment here’s a sneak preview of
what will be available. You can also view a presentation
at www.cf4schools.de
Full details will follow shortly.

St. George’s Early Years
Department
Main Hall,
Sülz
St. George’s
The English International
School Cologne
Early Years Department
Presents...
Friday 5th
December
2008
A Wriggly
Nativity
Performance
Starts
1.30pm
Doors Open
12.15pm
SCHOOL FOR LIFE

St. George’s Lower
School Department
Lower School
Christmas
Carols
Tuesday 9th December
Doors open 12:45
Performance begins 13:30
Wednesday 10th December
Doors open 17:30
Performance begins 18:30
SCHOOL FOR LIFE

St. George’s Early Years
Department
Reception Invite You To Their
Annual Christmas Production...
Ralph The
Reindeer
Wednesday 3rd December 2008
12.15pm
Raderthal Hall
SCHOOL FOR LIFE

St. George’s Lower
School Department
When: Tuesday 2nd December
Where: Sulz Main Hall
Time: 2:15pm
Dear Parents,
The Lower School Drama Club would like to invite
you to their production of
‘James and the Giant Peach.’
From The LS Drama Club
Miss Craddock and Miss Lawrie
SCHOOL FOR LIFE