SISQ's very first Art Celebrations

Here we are, at the end of the very first term of SISQ. The Arts department felt it appropriate that they should take the lead and propose a celebration for this exciting landmark of having a new school, new students, and new teachers. Three months later, we have built our community of learners, we are all performing together with a proud community spirit and appreciating the artistic contributions of everyone.

The younger students have combined art and music to re-create an idea from the French author Herve Tullet. The KG students have created the decorations for the boys building and we encourage you to look closely at their work displayed high above the children’s heads. They have had a lot of fun experimenting with different ways to perform the “games of spots”.

The students have all been hard at work learning the Qatar National Anthem, irrespective of their home nationality. It has been fun to learn to sing the Qatar National Anthem in Arabic together in each class, and call upon the expertise of the native Arabic speakers to guide us through our pronunciation.

Instrumental work has been high on the list of skills developed for the children, and although they display curiosity and creativity, the challenge is always to play AND sing. Frequently the brain focuses on either singing or playing. SISQ students are developing their multi-tasking skills in being asked to perform both. As the skill level increases, so does the complexity of the task and the lyrics of the song (or another language). The children have risen to this challenge and display confidence and precision in their performing.

A celebration of our very first term would not be complete without a connection made with Switzerland of course. The children have learned to sing “Le Vieux Chalet”, a traditional Swiss song that is always represented in Swiss folk music, plus the well-known “Weggis Song”, which for this occasion we have chosen the English version and not the Swiss German… for a later date!

The PYP students were able to watch the MYP boys practise and present the traditional Qatari sword dance for the occasion of our Arts celebration and Qatar National Day celebration. They have worked hard under the guidance Mr Gaber and the Arabic department. The KG students have also entertained their peers with traditional dancing, coached by the Arabic department.

No celebration is complete without a support team, and of course spectators.  We thank all of the parents who have supported us in preparing this event and coming to watch the children. Thank you to Mr. Munim and his team who have operated behind the scenes to make this a successful end of first term.

Ms. Janet Bouwmeester (Head of Music)