A Brilliant First Week in Secondary

A Warm Welcome to the New Academic Year

We commence this academic year full of enthusiasm, optimism and pride. Indeed, our Year 11, 12 and 13 students have achieved examination results they can be proud of and that open doors to brilliant horizons. Well done to all of them!

The strength of our school community lies in the shared values that unite us and the collective commitment of all stakeholders, students, parents, and staff, working together in partnership. It is through this collaboration that we continue to nurture a culture of learning, respect, and personal growth and develop confident individuals, responsible citizens and learners enjoying success.

This week, students quickly adapted to new timings and routine and warmly welcomed new students and teachers. On Tuesday, the quad area was buzzing with excitement and positivity, by Thursday new student representatives had been elected and a very studious 6th form cohort could be seen displaying the qualities of independent learning in their 6th form room and in the library.

In the Friday assembly, students were introduced to the pencil’s story, a metaphor that emphasises resilience, the importance of learning from mistakes, and the capacity each individual has to make a meaningful contribution. This reflection serves as a guiding theme as we embark on the year ahead.

We are also pleased to note the positive impact of the extended afternoon registration period, which has enabled students to meet key members of our pastoral team, including the school nurse and counsellor. In addition, students have taken part in grounding activities such as mindful colouring, designed to enhance focus, self-regulation, and concentration in preparation for their afternoon lessons.

With a strong foundation of shared purpose and support, we look forward to a successful year of learning and achievement for all.

Mme Mwangi

We warmly welcome all our students, both new and returning, to the start of this academic year. Already, there is a lively buzz around school…the basketball pitch outside the classrooms is filled with students during break and lunchtime, and the ping pong room is equally busy. It is encouraging to see students forming new friendships and strengthening old ones as they settle into the new year.

To ensure that every student feels heard and supported, a Skodel check-in has already been sent out, and we plan to use the feedback throughout the term. The mentorship programme for Key Stage 4 has also begun, giving students the chance to choose mentors. Last week, teachers completed their annual safeguarding training and remain alert to the ABCs of keeping our students safe.

We encourage guardians/carers to take a look at the school calendar, which is filled with events, trips and opportunities planned for this term. Let us all take full advantage of what is on offer, in order to ensure that students grow not only academically but also socially and personally. With everyone’s commitment and enthusiasm, we look forward to a rewarding and successful term together.

Rachel Simon

KS4 Coordinator

Art

The canvas is fresh, and the brushes are ready! As the new term begins here in sunny yet rainy Mombasa at BMIS, we are thrilled to welcome our budding brilliant artists back to a world of inspiration and creation. From the initial glimmer of an idea and targets of the year, meticulously mapped out, to the bold strokes that bring portraits and powerful creatures to life, as seen in these captivating images, every step in art is a discovery. This term, let us challenge ourselves to set meaningful art targets, cultivating new skills, enriching our knowledge, and nurturing an unwavering artistic spirit.

What stories will your art tell?

Biology and Chemistry

To kick off this term, our Year 13 students recapped their prior learning on cellular respiration by drawing detailed pathways of glycolysis and the link reaction. This activity helped them revisit key biochemical processes, reinforcing their understanding of how glucose is broken down and energy is released in cells. Their carefully labelled and accurate diagrams showcased both their knowledge and attention to detail, providing a strong foundation for the advanced topics ahead.

Business

From classroom to boardroom. Our BTEC Business students are off to a confident start this year, presenting their research on actual businesses and building essential skills for the future.

English

Geography Newsflash

Geography in Our Daily Lives - Year 7

Have you ever thought about how much geography you use before you even arrive at school?

• This morning, you probably checked the time, that’s geography, linked to the earth’s rotation and time zones.
• On your way to school or work you followed a certain direction, north, south, east, or west.
• Maybe you had tea, bread or a fruit for breakfast, do these foods grow in Mombasa, or were they transported from another part of the world?
• Even your shoes are geography: they may be made of leather, rubber, or fabric that comes from natural resources.
• And don’t forget the weather, is it sunny, cloudy, or raining today?

All of these are examples of geography in action. Geography is not just about maps and rivers; it is the study of the world around us and how people interact with it.

Ms Oira

History and Sociology

Welcome Back from the History & Sociology Departments!

We are excited to begin a new term of discovery, reflection, and learning together.

“Curiosity opens doors to understanding the world.”

French/Swahili Pathways in Year 7

This week, the Year 7 students had the opportunity to experience both French and Swahili before choosing the language they will continue with. Having come from Primary, where they studied both, the students are now moving into a more focused journey, selecting one language and following a pathway from a basic language user to becoming an independent speaker.

Their enthusiasm is a true inspiration! The excitement they bring to speaking, role-playing, and engaging in class shows that they are ready to embrace the challenge. Whether in French or Swahili, the goal is the same, to build confidence, communicate with ease and discover the cultural richness behind the language.

As they begin this new chapter, we celebrate their curiosity and determination to grow as multilingual learners.

Ms Oira & Ms Simon

Year 8 Penpals in French

This term, our Year 8 students began an exciting penpal exchange in French! They wrote letters introducing themselves and sharing their favourite activities. Through this project, learners are not only practising vocabulary and grammar but also building confidence in real communication. It is a wonderful way to see how French connects us beyond the classroom!

Ms Oira

6th Form Students

“As part of their privileges, Sixth Form students may wear home clothes to school with the expectation that they dress in a smart, formal manner. They generally present themselves very well.”

Mathematics

Year 10 and year 12 Physics

What a great way to start the year by tackling a crucial part of Physics: Physical Quantities.

Year 10 delved into an introductory part of what Physical Quantities are, examples and units.

Year 12 had the advanced part of discussing errors and uncertainties that come when carrying out experiments. These errors if ignored can be fatal in life. This also emphasised the importance of accuracy and precision as a scientist.

Year 11 started the term by looking at something that is everywhere around us. Waves! To be specific, the electromagnetic spectrum contains the visible light that is vital for vision. They discussed the use of each part of the spectrum, as well as the dangers and safety precautions needed for each.

Thinking Big: Year 7 & 8 Science Learners Map the Mind and More

Science came alive in the classroom as KS3, Year 7 & 8, students explored key curriculum themes through collaborative concept, mapping simple and creative visual illustrations. On one side, learners built a dynamic wall of ideas, sketching out core topics like Plant Cells, Electricity, Chemical Reactions, and The Periodic Table. Each ink mark represented a building block of scientific inquiry, crafted with curiosity and teamwork.

Meanwhile, another group zoomed in on the most powerful organ of all, the human brain. Their poster, titled “Inside Your Head: The Power of the Mind,” illustrated the brain as a bustling control center with over 80 billion neurons. Through thoughtful design and expressive drawing, students captured the complexity of how our minds work, linking neuroscience to everyday experience.

These activities reflect more than just content mastery, they showcase learner agency, visual thinking, and the joy of discovery. Science here is not just taught, it is built, drawn, and lived.