A g o o d t e a c h e r is li k e a c a n d le - it c o n s u m e s it s e lf t o lig h t t h e w a y f o r o t h e r s

M u stafa K em a l A ta t rk
Dear Reader, We are very happy to launch our school almanac especially this year when our school celebrates its 25th anniversary! Our first issue is totally devoted to one of the most important holidays of the year Teachers Day. academically but also socially and emotionally. They expand our horizons and encourage us to explore our potentialities to the maximum possible extent. As our age progresses, we come out of their shadows but their footprints remain etched on our life paths. Teachers hold an important position in the society. They help in the development of the society by building a better-educated and more tolerant community, thus contributing to the prosperity of the nation. By dedicating a day to the teachers we recognize the importance of having competent, qualified and motivated educators across the world. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to extend their sincere gratitude to their teachers for being an important part during their formative years of life. On the other hand, it is a glorious day for teachers to share some light moments with their students. This day, which falls on different dates in different countries, but which is celebrated with the same great fanfare all over the world, certainly, will be mentioned in golden letters in the annals of history and observed by future generations with the same enthusiasm as by us. Editorial board

For the last fifteen years almost 100 countries around the world have been celebrating World Teacher's Day on 5th October. UNESCO inaugurated the said date as World Teacher's Day in 1994. The efforts of Education International (the global union federation that represents education professionals worldwide) and its 348 member organizations have contributed to the wide - spread recognition of World Teachers Day. Every year Education International launches a public awareness campaign to highlight the contributions of the teaching profession. World Teacher's Day is celebrated to convey appreciation of the contribution, dedication and devotion of the teachers. Teachers are essential and even we can say indispensable for the effective working of our educational system. They help in the development of a child not only

Mikhail Monko, principal of State Educational Institution Secondary School at the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Istanbul, Turkey: Not to know isnt a shame, but not to learn is p.2

Personality of the year: As for me, achievements manifest themselves in successes... p.2 Do you know that: Around 30 per cent of all young people in Britain go into full-time higher education... p.3 What university to choose: Wouldnt you agree that youd better not follow the general opinion? p.7 They are so different but still we love them: Some are friendly, some are strict, and some are the ones we idolize p.9 Literature Spot: Margie did so with a sigh. She was thinking about the old schools they had when her grandfather's grandfather was a little boy p.10 Teachers Day Films: There are many different shades to a teacher-student relationship and it has been beautifully portrayed by films based exclusively on teachers. p.12 Enjoy you English: Quote, unquote. Lets smile. Brains Challenge p.13 Discover the world: Oxford-a city for students p.14 We ask, you answer: We conducted a survey in which we asked the following questions p.16

Personality of the year

Mikhail Monko, principal of State Educational Institution Secondary School at the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Istanbul, Turkey: Not to know isnt a shame, but not to learn is

State Educational Institution Secondary School at the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Istanbul was founded in 1988 as a branch of Secondary school at the Embassy of Russia in Ankara, Turkey. In 2007 it was converted into Secondary school but it started its full existence in 2011 after the complete refurbishment with the active support of the Consulate General and under the strict control of its principal, a teacher of Physics Mikhail Monko. And since then the school has been showing good results both in studying and in creative development of children. To know our hero better we offered him a traditional short interview

- What is your job for you? - Earlier my job was my life but now I consider it as a means of subsistence. - What is your recent achievement? - Achievements can be different. For instance, when your student begins to understand something he didnt understand before. Or when a person was indifferent to Physics but then he becomes interested in it and even like it. As for me, achievements manifest themselves in successes. On Friday we are having a concert devoted to Teachers Day. If it goes well and you do your best while dancing, this will be one more achievement for me. - There are successes and disappointments in our life. How do you overcome failures? - I find it really hard. I always worry and suffer when something goes wrong. When I was young, to cope with these feelings was almost impossible as I used to take everything too close to my heart. But now I try to understand my defects and accept all of them treating such situations adequately. I suppose I am a happy person. Well, luck accompanies me, I guess. But my horoscope says that to become happy I must work. So my work is everything for me. - What feelings would you like to experience? - I felt different emotions the birth of my child, meeting new peopleSomebody asked me whether I would like to live my life again. My answer is no way. I dont want to make the same mistakes. It may sound strange but pain awakens much stronger emotions in me than any positive moments of my life. - Do you like planning your future or do you prefer living the present moment? - Speaking about my job, only planning. Some years ago I planned my future. But eventually our life has become unpredictable. If earlier I knew I would get to the shore, now I try not to drown. - What kind of people are you interested in?

- I know a lot of people with interesting personalities. Of course, I advise everyone to develop themselves constantly as it helps you to meet unusual and versatile people. I find it interesting to dive into other peoples souls. I have various interests. Speaking about poetry, I admire Yesenin, Baratynski, Fyodorov, Asadov. They really inspire me. - All intellectual people have their favourite aphorism. And you? - Yes, of course. I have lots of them. In my young years it was The road is managed by walking. I also really like this one Not to know isnt a shame, but not to learn is. Work of a school in the contemporary world demands from every teacher not only full performance, high ability to work, patience, pedagogical tact, but also an active life position. Mikhail Monko has been the principal of this school for the fifth year. During this period he managed to create such an atmosphere that both teachers and students feel very comfortable here. A high level of teaching is combined with the excitement of studying. For many years of hard work and contribution to the development of education of Russia Mikhail Monko has been awarded the title of Honored Worker of initial vocational education. But the main constituents of his success are a good contact with students and his ability to find a common language with them, not only at Physics, so that they could study with diligence and soul. And then one day somewhere in the street he is approached by a person who seems unknown to him (but this is a former student who is now grown-up and maybe famous). And this person starts expressing gratitude for the knowledge he/she has. This is what counts as the highest appraisal of teachers work!
Anastasia Oznoyan, th 10 Form

Do you know that

BRITISH SYSTEM OF EDUCATION

SCHOOL SYSTEM There have been great changes in the educational system in Great Britain since 1988. A few education acts have been issued (from 1988 to 1994) to raise standards at all ability levels, to give parents a wider choice of schools and to make further and higher education more economically available to large numbers of people. All children and young people between the age of 5 and 16 must get full-time education. Over 90 per cent of all school children attend schools maintained from public funds (state schools). Although overall responsibility rests with central government, most of these schools are financed and maintained by Local Education Authorities (LEAs). Education at these schools is free. Every publicly maintained nursery schools in Britain and people have campaigned for a long time to get more opened. There are private nurseries but these are expensive and a lot of families cannot afford them. Children start at 9 a.m. and finish at 3 p.m., they have their lunch at school and usually a rest in the afternoon. They play, paint, dance and sing and do the same things that all little children do. They do not have proper lessons. PRIMARY EDUCATION Primary education is provided by primary schools. The working day begins at 9 a.m. and usually finishes at 3.30 p.m. Compulsory education begins at 5 (at 4 in Northern Ireland), when children go to infant schools or departments (5 - 7). The infant school has its own building and playground and is next to the junior school, with its own building and playground. So, although you move up into junior school at 7 you do not have to change completely. There are usually about 35 children in a class and, in the infant school, as well as a teacher, there is usually a teacher's assistant. Also mothers (and occasionally, fathers) often go into the Infant Schools to help with painting, reading and practical lessons. Emphasis in the infant school is on learning through experience, through drawing, painting, musical activities, movement and play. Children learn to read, write a little and do simple counting. Classrooms are bright and cheerful with children's work displayed on the walls and books, games and a computer in each classroom. The children usually sit in groups at tables and have drawers to keep their work in. At 7 many children move to junior school or departments, where the work is more systematic. Children learn English, maths, science and technology, geography and religious knowledge. A lot of learning is done through project or topic work, with an emphasis on children finding things out for themselves. They also learn about the environment and, of course, do art, music and P.E. Children have the same teacher for one year and she teaches nearly all of the lessons in the class. Perhaps another teacher has them once a week for music or physical training. The government is discussing changing this so that there are more specialist teachers in the Junior Schools. The children would then have different teachers for different lessons. The usual age for transfer from primary school to secondary school is 11 (12 in Scotland). SECONDARY EDUCATION At the age of 11 pupils transfer from primary school to secondary school. About 90 per cent of state secondary school pupils go to Comprehensive schools. These were introduced in 1960s and the word "comprehensive" means all-inclusive. Most of these schools are very large and vary in size, 900 to 1,500 pupils is the most common. They take children of all abilities and provide a wide range of secondary education, both academic and practical, for all or most of the children in a district within the 11- to 18- age range (12 to 18 in Scotland). About four per cent of children attend Grammar Schools which they enter at the age of 11 on the basis of their abilities. Grammar Schools offer a mainly academic education for the 11 to 18
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school has a governing body which includes members appointed by LEAs, teachers and parents. Besides this state system of education there are also fee-paying independent schools - private and church (for about seven per cent of children). Both types of schools are subject to official inspection. Boys and girls are taught together at most primary schools and more than 80 per cent of pupils at state secondary schools attend mixed schools (in Northern Ireland it is less, in Scotland almost all secondary schools are coeducational). Most independent schools for younger pupils are mixed but the majority of private secondary schools are single-sex. The tendency, however, is towards more mixed education. School uniforms are worn in most private schools and at many state secondary schools (especially Grammar schools). Children at some primary schools wear uniforms too, but parents vote about them. Almost all state schools are day schools which have classes from Monday to Friday. The school day usually begins between 8 and 9 a.m. and ends around 4 p.m. It includes a fairly long morning and afternoon break and about an hours lunch break. The school year in England and Wales normally begins in early September and ends in the following July (Scotland varies a bit). The year is divided into three "terms". The first term lasts from September till Christmas, the second one from January till Easter and the last one from April till July. There are some holidays between terms. Students and pupils have usually six weeks holidays in summer. The state system of education is divided into four stages: pre-school and primary education, secondary education, further education and higher education. PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION Pre-school education is provided by nursery schools. In England over one half of three- and four-year olds attend school and many other children attend pre-school playgroups, mostly organized by parents. (In Wales more than 70 per cent do so, while in Northern Ireland only about 15 per cent, but about 45 per cent start their compulsory schooling at 4). There are not enough state

or 19-year age group. Six per cent of children attend Secondary Modern Schools which provide a more general education up to the age of 16, although pupils can stay beyond the minimum leaving age. At the age of 16 students may leave secondary school and enter some type of training courses. 65 % of all children leave the secondary school. FURTHER EDUCATION All 16- and 17-years olds are guaranteed a place in full-time education or training and all suitable qualified people are encouraged to go into higher education. Almost 65 per cent of young people receive some form of further education (after the age of 16). Further education is provided both by the top two classes of a comprehensive and grammar school and by independent six-form colleges or tertiary colleges. Six-form colleges are schools which provide academic and non-academic education beyond the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education), while tertiary colleges offer a range of full-time and part-time vocational courses as well as more academic ones. Many students attend college part-time, either by day or block release from employment or in the evening. When students leave secondary school at the age of 18, they can enter either - training courses or universities. NATIONAL CURRICULUM FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION In order to raise educational standards, the Government has introduced the National Curriculum in state schools in England and Wales and has given school education of 14- to 18-years olds a more practical basis. The object is to make the education more relevant to the working environment and to improve skills in science, technology and modern languages. Pupils in their last year of compulsory schooling are encouraged to undertake a period of work experience as part of their education. Previously, many students had tended to specialize too early, dropping important subjects like science, technology and foreign languages. The National Curriculum defines four key stages, and ten statutory subjects: key stage 1 age 5-7 (infants) key stage 2 age 7-11 (juniors) key stage 3 age 11-14 (PRE-GCSE) key stage 4 age 14-16 (preparation for GCSE) The three "core" subjects are English, mathematics and science and there are seven other "foundation" subjects - information technology, history, geography, music, art, physical education and modern foreign languages (in Wales Welsh is also a core or foundation subject). All children in key stages 1 to 3 must study the first nine of these subjects. In key 3 stage they must also study a modern foreign language (pupils in Wales must also study Welsh). Pupils aged 14 to 16 must currently study the core subjects, technology, a modern foreign language and physical education plus either history or geography or short courses in both. Parents must be sent an annual report on their child's progress at school, including assessment and examination results. Also not part of the National Curriculum, religious education for all pupils, and sex education for pupils in the secondary phase are statutory requirements. All schools must hold daily collective worship. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from both religious education and sex education classes, and from collective worship. The curriculum in Scotland and Northern Ireland is only slightly different. QUALIFICATION The main qualification taken by secondary pupils at around the age of 16 is the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). If the results are good pupils can stay on and prepare other two years for A-examination. The General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced (A) level is normally taken after other two years of study in two or three subjects. GCE A level is currently the main standard for entrance to higher education and many forms of professional training. This examination is marked by a board, which is connected
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with universities. Three good A levels mean that the student has a chance to go to university or some other form of higher education. The Government would like to see more schools offer vocational qualifications; therefore it has introduced a new type of vocational qualification - the General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ) which will provide pupils an alternative to the more traditional GCEs and A levels. The Scottish system is slightly different. INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS About seven per cent of children attend independent or private schools not funded by the state. These schools charge high tuition fees of about 4,000 a term for senior boarding pupils, but many offer scholarships. Independent schools range from small kindergartens to large day and boarding schools and from new experimental schools to ancient foundations. Around 550 independent schools for pupils aged 11 to 19 are commonly known as "public" schools, although they receive no state funding. Most independent schools for younger pupils are mixed, but the majority of private secondary schools are single-sex. Most schools require school uniforms. Public schools accept pupils at the age of about 13 and Preparatory schools (called "prep" schools) prepare children for entry to the public schools. Names of some of the most outstanding public schools together with the date of their foundation are: Eton (close to Windsor, 1440), Harrow (London, 1571), Winchester (1382), Rugby (1567), Shrewsbury (1552), Westminster (London, 1560), St. Paul's (London, 1509, day-school). These schools are very old but there are others which are even older: St. Peter's (York, 627) and St. Alban's (Hertfordshire, 948). Most public schools are boarding schools and they have about 500 pupils but Eton is much larger. Some public schools are called "Colleges" (Eton College, Winchester College). Although many independent schools follow the National Curriculum, their students do not have to pass tests. The quality of individual schools varies, but very often the most prestigious schools are very good. HIGHER EDUCATION Around 30 per cent of all young people in Britain go into full-time higher education. Higher education covers all post-school courses above GCE A level standard. Higher education institutions include universities, teacher training colleges and other colleges of technology, art, and profession allied to medicine. Britain has 89 universities, including the Open University, and 70 other HE institutions. All these institutions enjoy complete academic freedom, which includes appointing their own staff and deciding which students to admit, what and how to teach and which degree to award. British universities can be divided into three groups: Oxford (1167) and Cambridge (1229) - the oldest and most famous universities. In Scotland there are St. Andrews (1411), Glasgow (1451), Aberdeen (1494) and Edinburgh (1583) "Redbrick universities" which were founded in 19th century - London (1836), Manchester (1851), Wales (1893). Universities opened in 20th century, mostly after 1960 - Bristol, Birmingham, Liverpool, Reading, Nottingham, Exeter, Sussex, York. There are also new universities in Scotland such as Strathclyde in Glasgow, Herriot-Watt in Edinburgh, Dundee and Stirling. There were two waves of opening new universities after World War II. One in the 1960s when such universities as Sussex in Brighton, York (both 1963), Warwick in Coventry, Kent in Canterbury were established. The other wave came in the 1990s when 39 new universities were created. The Open University is Britain's main distance-learning institution for adults (established in 1969). No formal academic qualifications are required to enroll in undergraduate courses, but the standards of its degrees and other qualifications are as high as other universities. Most university courses last between two and four years. Sandwich courses, which include a period of work experience outside the institution, can extend the length of the course by up to a year, and medical and veterinary courses require five or six years. Although most students take degree courses, some are on sub-degree courses such as Higher National Diploma (HND) or Diploma in

Higher Education (Dip HE). Students, who start to study at university, are called "undergraduates". Degree titles vary according to the practice of each university. A Bachelor's degree (Bachelor of Arts - B.A., Bachelor of Science B.Sc.) is given to students who pass examinations at the end of three or four years of study. Bachelors are called "graduates" and they can study further to get Master's Degree. The Master's degree (Master of Arts - M.A., Master of Science - M.Sc.) may be obtained by attending a postgraduate course or by writing a paper, or thesis. The degree of Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) is given for a thesis both in humanities and science (e. g. Ph.D., in Physics, English, History, etc.). A medical student can either take his wholetraining in the medical school of a teaching hospital, or complete his training in hospital after taking a degree. Those who do not want to study at universities can be trained in some training courses (in nursing, secretaries, banking, accountancy, manufacturing or service industry). STUDENT FINANCES Over 90 per cent of full-time higher education students are eligible for non-repayable maintenance and tuition grants from public funds. Parents contribute to maintenance costs according to income. Government-funded student loans were introduced in 1990 throughout the UK as a way of sharing student support more fairly between graduates, parents and the taxpayers.

church schools remain single-sex. School attendance is compulsory in the United States between 6 and 16 and the system of education is divided into pre-school and elementary, secondary and higher education. SCHOOL YEAR, EVALUATION Almost all state schools are day-schools which have classes from Mondays to Fridays. The beginning of the school year varies in each state from mid-August to mid-September and the school year ends in May or June. At some schools the school year is usually divided into three terms - fall, spring and summer - similarly as at British schools, at other schools into quarters. After each term or quarter children get a report card which informs their parents about their results at school, and at the end of the school year they get a transcript. Marks in most US schools are: A (excellent) B (superior, above average) C (satisfactory) D (passing grade) E (completely unsatisfactory). The school day usually starts between 8 and 9 a.m. and ends at around 3 p.m. It includes a lunch break and sometimes free hours during the day. School uniforms are worn only at private schools. PRE-SCHOOL AND ELEMENTARY EDUCATION Pre-school and elementary education includes nursery schools and kindergartens which are for children at the age of 4-6. Most of them are private. Many public schools have kindergartens attached, for the age group between 5 and 6. These kindergartens do not charge any money. Compulsory education starts at the age of 6. Both elementary and secondary education is comprehensive in the U.S.A. - it means that there is no selection for various types of schools (every school learns the same subjects). Years are called "Grades" in the U.S.A. Elementary school lasts between 6 and 11 years of age. It is from the first till the fifth grade. The children at elementary schools learn to read, write, and do arithmetic, elementary science, history, geography, arts and crafts, physical education and music. The atmosphere at elementary schools is usually friendly. Teachers keep to the idea that children's happiness and interest are the two most important things. SECONDARY EDUCATION Secondary education is based on the ideal of mass education with equal opportunity for all. Over 90 per cent of students continue in school until the age of 18. Secondary education is provided by Middle Schools (from 11 to 14 years of age - sixth, seventh and eighth grade) in the areas where they exist, or by High Schools which are often divided into Junior High School (at the age 11 to 14 sixth to eighth grade) and Senior High School (at the age of 15 to 18 - ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade). Where the population is very big, Junior and Senior High schools can be separate institutions. In large towns or communities there may be a wide choice of secondary schools. In some places you may have the opportunity to attend a specialized school, such as a school for science, a school for the performing arts or a high school for the navy, or to go to the central high school in the area. If a student chooses to remain at the central high school, he or she, again, may have an opportunity to choose among a variety of subjects from traditional ones such as English, modern languages, mathematics, science, history, geography, civics, physical education and from many elective subjects (European history, world political issues, Business education, Foreign languages, Music, Driver education, Health, Computer skills, home management, Black history). Some schools may also offer different programs of study; some give an opportunity to choose a level of academic study which is known as a "track". The entrance to the most difficult programs or tracks, usually
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AMERICAN SYSTEM OF EDUCATION

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND TYPES OF SCHOOLS In the U.S.A. there is not a national system of education; it is mainly the responsibility of the individual states. Although the Federal Government often gives money to schools, it exercises very little control over administration or curriculum. Each of 50 states has its own school system and every state wants young people to go to school. The age limits vary 7 to 16 or 6 to 18. Every child gets minimum 13 years of education regardless to child's race, religion, sex, learning problems, physical handicap or ability to speak English. Education is different in various areas of the U.S.A. and there are usually grades 1-12. All schools are controlled by an elected local body known as the "school board and by the city and state in which the school is located. Therefore there is quite a large difference between schools in different cities and states. The majority of all schools are public schools, i.e. publicly owned schools, financed by state or local governments. These schools are free. (Public schools in the USA never mean private schools as they do in England). Then there are also private schools which charge high tuition fees and this is why usually only children from rich families attend these schools.

But nearly all private schools offer scholarships. Only those private schools which are financed by various religious groups or organizations are, however, much cheaper. All public schools are mixed schools (coeducational - for boys and girls), some private or

academic, depends upon what one would like to study in the future and upon one's marks which are also called in the USA "grades". If one has high grades and is interested in a certain field of study, one may enter the higher class, such as advanced biology or physics. On the other hand it is possible to study all subjects, but the level of instruction will not be as high. Students should take on average 17 subjects during their studies. Those who want to enter university should take over 20 subjects. High schools generally organize much activity outside the classroom; many of them have football, basketball and baseball teams, an orchestra, a choir or a jazz band, and various clubs and societies. High schools in the USA are comprehensive, coeducational secondary schools. The secondary school system does not include specialized vocational schools as in the Czech Republic, but some high schools may offer specialized courses or subjects, such as business, computer science, running a shop, or music and film appreciation. QUALIFICATION The basic school leaving qualification after successful completion of a broad secondary school curriculum is High School Diploma given to students (18) by the individual school or local school district. After passing an examination General Education Diploma (GED) is awarded but it is very exceptional. There is no national schoolleaving examination in the U.S.A. but there is a national examination used to help to select students for college or university entrance - the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) which is taken in English and Mathematics. HIGHER EDUCATION Higher education is extremely competitive and selective. About one third of high school graduates go on for some "higher education". The system of higher education consists of following institutions: A/ THE TWO-YEAR OR COMMUNITY COLLEGES These schools provide continuing general, vocational and semi-professional education for people with a High School Diploma. After two years graduates are awarded Associate of Arts (AA) degree. B/ VO-TECHS (VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL SCHOOLS) They offer vocational and technical education in the courses from 6 months to 2 years. After finishing them people usually take an employment C/ UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES Colleges provide undergraduate education leading to the bachelor's degree while universities provide both undergraduate and graduate education leading to the master's and doctor's degrees. Successful applicants are usually chosen on the basis of their high school transcripts and recommendation from their high school teachers. But it is not enough to have a high school diploma and an interview to be admitted to some universities and colleges. There are two tests which are used by universities as standards for comparison: the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), which measures aptitudes in verbal and mathematical fields and the American College Testing program (ACT), which measures skills in English, mathematics, and the social and natural sciences. Foreign applicants must pass the TOEFL test (Test Of English as a Foreign Language). Most universities and colleges offer courses of 4 years for undergraduates (the first-year student = Freshman, the second-year = Sophomore, the third-year = Junior, the fourth-year = Senior). Bachelor's Degree (Bachelor of Arts - B.A., Bachelor of Science - B.Sc.) is given to students after successful completion of four years' study. Some universities and post-graduate colleges award also Master's Degrees usually after other one to three years of study (Master of Arts - M.A., Master of Science - M.Sc.) and Doctoral Degrees after two to five years of study. Every university has its own
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curriculum. On the average, only about half of the bachelor degree students complete full four-year courses. Undergraduate students must select their "major ", the field in which they want to get their degree, plus a certain number of "electives" or one "minor" subject. The U.S.A. has both state universities funded by the individual states, and private universities (25%). The oldest and the most respected universities are usually private. Harvard, Yale and Princeton - the best universities - form so-called "Ivy League". Tuition fees are rather high at American universities, especially at private ones, and federal loans are not very big. That is why a majority of the students take on part-time jobs. It is possible to say that within the US educational system anyone can study anything at any age. INTERESTING FACTS

Japanese and South Korean kids are the best in the world at science and maths. American adults have spent more time than anyone in education . There are 22 countries where more than half the population is illiterate. Fifteen of them are inAfrica. More than half of Indonesia's primary school teachers are under 30years of age . Teaching salaries in Switzerland start at $US 33,000. Kids in Mali spend only 2 years in school. More than half of them start working between the ages of 10 and 14. Central European men dont teach. In Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, over 75 percent of lower secondary teachers are female. Longest published word is Methionylglutaminylarginyltyrosylglutamyl...serine (1909 letters) Longest word in a major dictionary is Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis (45 letters) Longest unchallenged nontechnical word is floccinaucinihilipilification (29 letters) The shortest word in the English language that contains all five main vowels is eunoia (6 letters) which means "beautiful thinking" or denotes a normal mental state. The most common English nouns found in writing around the world are 'time', 'person' and 'year'. The youngest headmaster in the world is Babar Ali at the age of 16, the Raj Govinda school, West Bengal. The oldest student was Kimani Maruge from Nairobi, who at the age of 80 studied in the 4th form. Michael Kearney is the youngest college student, who enrolled at Santa Rosa Junior College when he was only 6 years, 7 months old, and the world's youngest university graduate at the age of ten, receiving a bachelor's degree in Major anthropology and Minor geology/geography from the University of South Alabama. The longest school year in the world is in Norway. It runs from mid August to late June. The first University in the World was Bologna which was founded in Northern Italy, almost 1000 years ago, in 1088. The biggest school in the world is the Rizal High School in Caniogan, India, which has over 33,000 students, and the last known head count was in 2008. The smallest school in the world is an elementary school near Sanhe in Southern China that boasts just one solitary pupil and one 61 year old teacher called Li, who teaches all the core subjects himself, including maths, Chinese, Korean, History, Geography and P.E. The largest university in the world is the Allama Iqbal Open University in Islamabad (Pakistan) which has a staggering 1.8 million students! Thats the population of the whole of Northern Ireland. The longest lesson lasted 54 hours. It was taught by a professor of Biology in Australia, 2003. The person who studied the longest was Robert Cronin who spent 52 years on his education finishing at the age of 72.
Alexander Khublaryan, th 8 Form

What university to choose?

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings powered by Thomson Reuters are the only global university performance tables to judge world class universities across all of their core missions - teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook. The top universities rankings employ 13 carefully calibrated performance indicators to provide the most comprehensive and balanced comparisons available, which are trusted by students, academics, university leaders, industry and governments. Times Higher Education world reputation rankings 2013 Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 14 16 17 18 19 20 20 22 23 24 25 2012 Rank 1 2 3 6 5 4 7 9 8 10 11 12 15 14 13 16 16 19 18 21 22 23 20 23 29 2011 Rank 1 2 3 6 4 5 7 12 8 9 10 13 23 15 11 17 16 22 14 19 24 27 18 21 37 Times Higher Education world reputation rankings 2013 Rank 2012 Rank 2011 Rank

Institution Harvard University Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Cambridge University of Oxford University of California, Berkeley Stanford University Princeton University University of California, Los Angeles University of Tokyo Yale University California Institute of Technology University of Michigan Columbia University University of Chicago Imperial College London University of Toronto Cornell University US US

Country

Institution University

Country

27 27 29 30

32 28 34 27 25 33 25 36 30 39 35 41 43 31 51-60 44 39 42 38 49 51-60 44

31 26 51-60 25 31 36 29 30 35 42 40 39 45 34 51-60 51-60 19 48 43 45 61-70 38

University of Texas at Austin University of Washington New York University University of WisconsinMadison University of British Columbia Duke University McGill University University of California, San Diego Tsinghua University The University of Hong Kong Northwestern University Georgia Institute of Technology University of Melbourne University of California, San Francisco Seoul National University Australian National University University of Massachusetts Ludwig-MaximiliansUniversitt Mnchen Peking University University of Edinburgh University of Manchester University of California, Davis

US US US US Canada US Canada US China Hong Kong US US Australia US Korea, Republic Of Australia US Germany China UK UK US

UK UK US US US US Japan US US US US US UK Canada US

31 31 31 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 42

University of Pennsylvania US Johns Hopkins University US

University College London UK Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zrich National University of Singapore Kyoto University University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign London School of Economics and Political Science Carnegie Mellon Switzerland Singapore

44 Japan US UK 45 46 47 48 US
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26

37

28

Times Higher Education world reputation rankings 2013 Rank 49 50 50 51-60 51-60 51-60 51-60 51-60 51-60 51-60 51-60 51-60 51-60 61-70 61-70 61-70 61-70 61-70 61-70 61-70 61-70 61-70 61-70 71-80 71-80 47 51-60 61-70 91-100 47 46 51-60 51-60 51-60 51-60 61-70 61-70 51-60 61-70 81-90 81-90 61-70 61-70 61-70 51-60 51-60 61-70 61-70 71-80 71-80 61-70 51-60 51-60 43 41 51-60 50 61-70 51-60 81-90 47 49 71-80 2012 Rank 50 2011 Rank 51-60

Times Higher Education world reputation rankings 2013 Rank 71-80 71-80 71-80 71-80 2012 Rank 81-90 71-80 81-90 71-80 61-70 71-80 71-80 71-80 51-60 81-90 81-90 81-90 2011 Rank 81-90 71-80

Institution The University of Sydney Lomonosov Moscow State University Purdue University Delft University of Technology cole Polytechnique Fdrale de Lausanne Middle East Technical University University of Minnesota University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill The Ohio State University Osaka University Pennsylvania State University University of California, Santa Barbara

Country Australia Russian Federation US Netherlands Switzerland Turkey

Institution Katholieke Universiteit Leuven Michigan State University

Country Belgium US Singapore France US Australia Germany Netherlands US US Hong Kong France US Australia France US Netherlands US UK Germany Sweden US Australia France US Sweden Netherlands

91-100 Nanyang Technological University Universit Paris-Sorbonne University of Pittsburgh The University of Queensland Australia Universitt Heidelberg University of Amsterdam Boston University Brown University The Chinese University of Hong Kong cole Polytechnique University of Florida The University of New South Wales

71-80 71-80 71-80

US US US Japan US US

81-90 81-90 81-90 81-90 81-90 81-90 81-90 81-90 81-90 81-90 81-90

91-100 61-70 81-90 81-90 91-100 61-70 81-90 61-70

National Taiwan University Taiwan 91-100 91-100 71-80 71-80 71-80 71-80 71-80

91-100 The Hong Kong University Hong Kong of Science and Technology 51-60 61-70 Karolinska Institute King's College London Sweden UK

Universit Pierre et Marie Curie Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Utrecht University Washington University in St Louis University of Bristol Freie Universitt Berlin 71-80 Lund University University of Maryland, College Park Monash University Universit Paris-Sud 81-90 61-70 Texas A&M University Uppsala University Wageningen University and Research Center

91-100 Korea Advanced Institute Korea, of Science and Technology Republic Of 81-90 Leiden University University of So Paulo University of Southern California Technische Universitt Mnchen Tohoku University Tokyo Institute of Technology Hebrew University of Jerusalem Humboldt-Universitt zu Berlin Netherlands Brazil US Germany Japan Japan Israel Germany

91-100 91-100 81-90 91-100 91-100 81-90 91-100 91-100 91-100 91-100 91-100 71-80 91-100 71-80 91-100 91-100

Nobody will deny that education is certainly something very important in todays world. Every person must get very good education to earn good money and to be a person who uses his/her life to the fullest extent. In the contemporary world it is a highly debatable question where the most prestigious universities are. Some people reckon that you can get qualitative higher education only in Europe and in the USA giving the following arguments. Firstly, they consider that Russian universities are full of corruption and teachers dont worry about pupils knowledge. However, have you ever wondered why so many world inventions and discoveries have been made by Russian people? Moreover, the vast majority of prominent scientists working nowadays abroad have finished Russian schools and graduated from universities in Russia. Does it ring a bell? Secondly, it is widely accepted that all the best on Earth can be obtained only abroad: the best job, the highest salary, the biggest house and also the most prestigious education. But as a famous Russian writer Alexander Griboyedov said in his comedy Woe from Wit, Well, where is the better place? A place we dont find ourselves in. All these arguments seem to me not strong enough to make the same conclusion. I honestly support the opinion that there are many qualitative universities in Russia and if people really want to get good education they can achieve their goals both in Russia and abroad. Wouldnt you agree that youd better not follow the general opinion but choose rather a particular university than a country?
Maria Erkhova, 11th Form 8

They are so different but still we love them

Right from the time we embark on our education trip we come across different types of teachers. Some are friendly, some are strict, and some are the ones we idolize. Students begin to like teachers according to their own individual preferences. They even classify their teachers into different categories, such as Friendly Teachers, Lenient Teachers, Strict Teachers, Funny Teachers, Ideal Teachers and Ice-Brakers. All these classifications for teachers are based on some typical personality traits of the teachers. For example, some teachers constantly criticize the students, some act like friends, some are fun to be with and so on. Let us explore them in details. Friendly Teacher A friendly teacher, as the very term suggests, acts like a friend for his/her students. A teacher-friend, in fact, combines both the guidance of a teacher and the understanding of a friend. We all, at some point of time, aspire for an understanding teacher. Such a teacher acts like our friend, philosopher and guide. Funny Teacher A funny teacher is like a God-sent to the students. Such a teacher always wants to see his/her students smile and makes learning a pleasurable experience. They are not clumsy, as most people think them to be. Rather, they are witty and bring in humor in the most subtle form. Ideal Teacher An ideal teacher is the one we respect from our heart. He/she acts as a guide to the students, while not pushing them too much. Such a perfect teacher motivates them and boosts their morale. He/she tries to encourage students and refrains from criticizing them. Lenient Teacher A lenient teacher is easygoing and takes things as they come. He/she is not overly finicky about things, such as doing homework on time or not sitting quietly in the class, etc. Such teachers very well realize that being strict with a child can only make him/her withdrawn. However, this does not mean that one can do anything in the class of a pampering teacher. Strict Teacher A strict teacher is very tough on students. He/she always insists on adhering to the deadlines. Such a teacher dislikes any mistakes or carelessness on the part of the students. Students have to be extra cautious under such a teacher. He/she is like a disciplinarian, always keeping students on their toes. Ice-Breakers An ice-breaking teacher aims mainly at creating comfortable atmosphere at lessons. He/she is an expert in breaking down social formality and stiffness thus eliminating awkwardness of students when answering. Even if you are very shy, you wont be afraid and embarrassed of expressing yourself at the lesson of such a teacher as he/she makes future progress more accessible. It is he/she who paves the way.
9

Youre so much more than just a TEACHER

You are a counselor and psychologist to a problem-filled child, You are a police officer that controls a child gone wild. You are a travel agent scheduling our trips for the year, You are a confidant that wipes a crying childs tear. You are a banker collecting money for a ton of different things, You are a librarian showing adventures that a storybook brings. You are a custodian that has to clean certain little messes, You are a psychic that learns to know all that everybody only guesses. You are a photographer keeping pictures of a childs early growth, When mother and father have gone for the whole day, you become both. You are a doctor that detects when a child is feeling sick, You are a politician that must know the laws and recognize a trick. You are a party-planner for holidays to celebrate with all, You are a decorator of a classroom filling every wall. You are a news reporter updating our nations current events, You are a detective solving small mysteries and ending all suspense. You are a clown and comedian that makes the children laugh, You are a dietitian assuring they have lunch or from yours you give them half. When we seem to stray from values, you become a preacher, But youre proud to have to be these people because You are a real TEACHER!

Horoscope for Teachers

There are different types of horoscopes in the world. But nobody has compiled such one for teachers. Weve decided to correct this mistake. Aries wont let you bleat at the blackboard. Tauruses are not severe bulls but kind calves in their hearts. Geminis are lavish with pairs grumbling What a childish babble? Cancers have very tenacious pincers and they can keep you at the blackboard for a long time. Leos roar but give you generous awards. For Virgo your appearance and diligence are more important than the essence of your answer. Libras are eager for the justice but their balance may not be stable enough. Scorpio can sting you suddenly and youll find a 2 in the school register at once. Saggitariuses shoot their arrows with reprimands. If you can dodge them, Well done! To butt with Capricorns is useless A teacher is always right! If you want to have a dispute with Aquarius, always remember that you can be flooded with questions. And you should be silent if you go to the bottom at the blackboard as Pisces like silence.

Literature Spot

The name of the American writer Isaac Asimov (1920-1992) is one of the biggest names in science fiction today. He is by far one of todays most widely read authors. Isaac Asimov was not only a science fiction master. He was a professor of biochemistry who received a lot of awards for his scientific articles covering a wide range of subjects. As a popular lecturer and scientists he was valued highly in the world of science. Isaac Asimov also wrote stories and articles on history, literature, geography and humour. His book include such classic works as I Robot, Guide to Science, Before the Golden Age, Lucky Starr and the Pirates of the Asteroids, The Kingdom of the Sun, The End of Eternity. Asimovs imagination has remarkable adventures set in the not-too-distant future adventures that could change from fiction to fact any day now. "The Fun They Had" is a science fiction story written by Isaac Asimov. It first appeared in a children's newspaper in 1951 and was reprinted in the February 1954 issue of The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, as well as the collections Earth Is Room Enough (1957), 50 Short Science Fiction Tales (1960), and The Best of Isaac Asimov (1973). Written as a personal favour for a friend, "The Fun They Had" became more popular than he expected. It is the most anthologized of all Asimov's stories and has appeared in many publications outside of the science fiction genre.

THE FUN THEY HAD

Margie even wrote about it that night in her diary. On the page headed May 17, 2157, she wrote, "Today, Tommy found a real book!" It was a very old book. Margie's grandfather once said that when he was a little boy his grandfather told him that there was a time when all stories were printed on paper. They turned the pages, which were yellow and crinkly, and it was awfully funny to read words that stood still instead of moving the way they were supposed to--on a screen, you know. And then, when they turned back to the page before, it had the same words on it that it had had when they read it the first time. "Gee," said Tommy, "what a waste. When you're through with the book, you just throw it away, I guess. Our television screen must have had a million books on it and it's good for plenty more. I wouldn't throw it away." "Same with mine," said Margie. She was eleven and hadn't seen as many telebooks as Tommy had. He was thirteen. She said, "Where did you find it?" "In my house." He pointed without looking, because he was busy reading. "In the attic." "What's it about?" "School."

Margie was scornful. "School? What's there to write about school? I hate school." Margie always hated school, but now she hated it more than ever. The mechanical teacher had been giving her test after test in geography and she had been doing worse and worse until her mother had shaken her head sorrowfully and sent for the County Inspector. He was a round little man with a red face and a whole box of tools with dials and wires. He smiled at Margie and gave her an apple, then took the teacher apart. Margie had hoped he wouldn't know how to put it together again, but he knew how all right, and, after an hour or so, there it was again, large and black and ugly, with a big screen on which all the lessons were shown and the questions were asked. That wasn't so bad. The part Margie hated most was the slot where she had to put homework and test papers. She always had to write them out in a punch code they made her learn when she was six years old, and the mechanical teacher calculated the mark in no time. The Inspector had smiled after he was finished and patted Margie's head. He said to her mother, "It's not the little girl's fault, Mrs. Jones. I think the geography sector was geared a little too quick. Those things happen sometimes. I've slowed it up to an average ten-year level. Actually, the over-all pattern of her progress is quite satisfactory." And he parted Margie's head again. Margie was disappointed. She had been hoping they would take the teacher away altogether. They had once taken Tommy's teacher away for nearly a month because the history sector had blanked out completely. So she said to Tommy, "Why would anyone write about school?" Tommy looked at her with very superior eyes. "Because it's not our kind of school, stupid. This is the old kind of school that they had hundreds and hundreds of years ago." He added loftily, pronouncing the word carefully, "Centuries ago." Margie was hurt. "Well, I don't know what kind of school they had all that time ago." She read the book over his shoulder for a while, then said, "Anyway, they had a teacher." "Sure they had a teacher, but it wasn't a regular teacher. It was a man." "A man? How could a man be a teacher?" "Well, he just told the boys and girls things and gave them homework and asked them questions." "A man isn't smart enough." "Sure he is. My father knows as much as my teacher." "He can't. A man can't know as much as a teacher." "He knows almost as much, I bet you." Margie wasn't prepared to dispute that. She said, "I wouldn't want a strange man in my house to teach me." Tommy screamed with laughter. "You don't know much, Margie. The teachers didn't live in the house. They had a special building and all the kids went there." "And all the kids learned the same thing?" "Sure, if they were the same age." "But my mother says a teacher has to be adjusted to fit the mind of each boy and girl it teaches and that each kid has to be taught differently." "Just the same they didn't do it that way then. If you don't like it, you don't have to read the book."
10

"I didn't say I didn't like it," Margie said quickly. She wanted to read about those funny schools. They weren't even half-finished when Margie's mother called, "Margie! School!" Margie looked up. "Not yet, Mamma." "Now!" said Mrs. Jones. "And it's probably time for Tommy, too." Margie said to Tommy, "Can I read the book some more with you after school?" "Maybe," he said nonchalantly. He walked away whistling, the dusty old book tucked beneath his arm. Margie went into the schoolroom. It was right next to her bedroom, and the mechanical teacher was on and waiting for her. It was always on at the same time every day except Saturday and Sunday, because her mother said little girls learned better if they learned at regular hours. The screen was lit up, and it said: "Today's arithmetic lesson is on the addition of proper fractions. Please insert yesterday's homework in the proper slot." Margie did so with a sigh. She was thinking about the old schools they had when her grandfather's grandfather was a little boy. All the kids from the whole neighborhood came, laughing and shouting in the schoolyard, sitting together in the schoolroom, going home together at the end of the day. They learned the same things, so they could help one another on the homework and talk about it. And the teachers were people... The mechanical teacher was flashing on the screen: "When we add the fractions 1/2 and 1/4..." Margie was thinking about how the kids must have loved it in the old days. She was thinking about the fun they had.

Oh, my gosh, Mrs.Smith, youve been nominated for a Thackeray! (Named after Sidney Poitiers character in , To Sir, With Love) A Thackeray?! Are you kidding? Oh my gosh, Ive always dreamed! What category? Best Lesson Taught During an Unannounced Observation. The Thackerays As teachers walked down the red carpet, former students and teachers screamed their names. Reporters rushed up to interview each teacher as they strode down the carpet. Mrs.Smith, what are you wearing? She waved, This is not about me, its about all those kids Ive helped! And the Winner Is And the winner of the Best Lesson Taught During an Unannounced Observation is Mrs.Smith! She ran on the stage, First Id like to thank God. Next I want to thank all those students who gave me the opportunity to teach. Id also like to thank my mentor teacher, Mr.Wilson. He made me the teacher I am today! And most of all, my Mom and Dad, who gave me the chance to go to college and become what I am today, a teacher! The applause filled the room, and everyone stood, chanting Teachers, teachers, teachers! We know they all dont need a Mercedes, a ten-bedroom home, to be filmed by MTV, or have an overrated awards show. But wouldnt it be great if teachers were respected as much as actors, athletes, singers, and yes, even reality TV stars?

HAPPY TEACHER APPRECIATION!!!!

IF TEACHERS WERE TREATED LIKE CELEBRITIES! (A Short Story. 2013 version)

Can you imagine what it would be like if teachers were treated like actors, athletes, singers, or even reality TV stars? Wow! Mrs.Smith, Celebrity Teacher! Mrs.Smith, Mrs.Smith, can I get your autograph? She turned and smiled brightly at the young woman running towards her. Mrs.Smith, the young woman gasped, I have been following your career for years! Im about to start teaching myself, and I would be honored if you signed my copy of your book. Are you ready to teach, young lady? she asked as she scribbled her signature, This is a difficult job. I know it is, but Ive been reading your books, watching your videos, and listening to your podcasts, I know Im ready! Good luck, she said as she handed her the book. Take care, you have quite a journey ahead of you. Mrs.Smith and her husband entered the Four Seasons and were immediately seated at the best table. The maitre d smiled, and thanked Mrs.Smith, again, for teaching his son when she taught at Tower Hill. Anything you need Mr. and Mrs.Smith, just ask. After dinner, Mr. and Mrs.Smith hopped into their Mercedes and drove home to their ten bedroom house up in the hills. They entered their home, and stopped to pick up one of the cameras left by the crew from MTV Cribs-Teachers. Time to mark some papers honey, Ill be upstairs in a bit. She sat down, stared out at the ocean, and began grading. The phone rang, and her assistant teacher, Marjorie spoke excitedly. Mrs. Smith, Oprah wants another interview, shes doing another special on teachers, its called Teachers are Tenacious! Shes going to give away prizes to every school where the teachers in the audience work! Oh, that Oprah, she is something else! Set it up please, Marjorie. She hung up and the phone rung again.
11

SCHOOL AND TEACHERS WITH THE EYES OF OUR STUDENTS

Teachers profession seems so common to us, but what is it indeed? What does it mean to be a teacher? Its not just explaining the material to you and then giving you enormous homework. Teachers do really hard work not just when they teach at school but also at home. They have a lot of different roles at the same time. A teacher should be a psychologist, a classroom manager, a member of many groups and teams, a decision-maker, an organizer, an expert in his field and sometimes even a parent. Some traits of character are essential for a teacher such as sociability, responsibility, confidence, understanding. Its always difficult to teach teens at high school. If something unordinary happens, you should keep calm and try solve this or that situation. A good teacher knows how to talk to pupils. And a teacher knows how to explain new information, a really good teacher can make his students understand his subjects. Going to school can be boring for some students, but after leaving school those former students are thankful to teachers. What do teachers really mean to us? A teacher is one of the most important occupations nowadays. Teachers give us a key to a new world and build future for the next generations.
Julia Ushakova, th 9 Form

Teacher's Day Films

Cinema has touched every aspect of our life including the teacher-student bonding. There are many different shades to a teacher-student relationship and it has been beautifully portrayed by films based exclusively on teachers. We really can draw inspiration and feel touched by some of the most poignant scenes in the famous movies about teachers and students. Directors have attached due importance to this subject and have treated it with utmost honesty. In short, we can say that the world of cinema has made an enormous contribution, in its own way, to the special occasion of Teacher's Day. Many heartrending films have been made for Teacher's Day. Many of them are even based on real-life events. Such movies show teachers reaching deep inside themselves, touching the core of their lives, in order to touch the life and heart of their students. The movies that are based on teachers show how important they really are in the society. Teacher's Day films and movies give due appreciation to teachers, for their dedication and devotion to the cause of education. These movies have also sometimes depicted a teacher's own journey to find his/her true self. In this section, we will provide information on some of the most popular movies on Teacher's Day. Dead Poet's Society "Dead Poets Society" is a film starring Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, ethan Hawke, Josh Charles, Gale Hansen, Dylan Kussman, Allelon Ruggiero, and James Waterston. It was released in the year 1989. In the film, director Peter Weir tells the story of an unconventional English teacher John Keating at a conservative New England prep school in the 1950s. He inspires his students and encourages them with the rallying call "carpe diem" (seize the day). Poetry and passion, comedy and tragedy are fused into one absolutely marvelous affirmation of independent spirit in Dead Poets Society. Lean on Me 'Lean on Me' is a biographical-drama film written by Michael Schiffer. It stars Morgan Freeman, Beverly Todd, Alan North and Robert Guillaume. The movie was directed by John G. Avildsen and released in the year 1989. 'Lean on Me' is based on a true story of a New Jersey high school principal, Joe Clark who attempts to turn around one of the worst schools in the state in just one year. Confronted by waves of drug related crimes and violence he takes radical action that borders on despotism. Armed with a baseball bat and a bullhorn, he utilizes his Army background to face the problem head on. Mr. Holland's Opus 'Mr. Holland's Opus', starring Richard Dreyfuss, Glenne Headly, Jay Thomas, and Olympia Dukakis, falls in the genre of drama films. The movie was written by Patrick Sheane Duncan and directed by Stephen Herek. It was released in the year 1995, as a re-packaged version of the 1966 Disney movie, "Follow Me, Boys!", which featured Fred MacMurray and Kurt Russell. It is an extraordinary movie about how a job can be transformed into a soul-satisfying vacation. Teachers "Teachers", as the very name suggests, is a comic drama based on teachers. The film was released in 1984 and starred Nick Nolte, JoBeth Williams, Ralph Macchio, and Judd Hirsch. It was written by W.R. McKinney. Arthur Hiller directed this satire at contemporary urban high schools, examining disillusioned teachers who try to regain their idealism. "Teachers" is the story of a teacher fighting against the administration to get his students educated. Dangerous Minds Dangerous Minds is an adaptation of Lou Anne Johnson's autobiographical book, "My Posse Don't Do Homework". The movie dwells on how the protagonist, LouAnne Johnson, a teacher at Parkmont High School, tries to goad her students towards academic studies by resorting to unconventional methods of teaching. When conventional methods fail to reach them, the feisty Ms. Johnson tries the unconventional -- defying the rules and creating her own curriculum. In the process, she instills a new selfconfidence in her students motivating them towards their greatest potential. Although her radical approach invites the wrath of the school principal, she succeeds. Freedom Writers Adaptation of Erin Gruwell's book, The Freedom Writers Diary, the film Freedom Writers is a touching tale of twenty-three year old Erin Gruwell, who takes up her first job as a teacher at Woodrow Wilson High School and how she engages her class, consisting of "at risk" students, in academics. The movie portrays the courage of a sensitive teacher who makes all attempts to overcome difficulties. This story feels real. It is beautifully done. The acting of Swank, Dempsey and Glenn is professional and believable. More importantly the story highlights our society's challenges in schooling the children of poor and one-parent families Les Choristes (2004) This film was inspired by the French film A Cage of Nightingales (La cage aux rossignols), which is based on the true story of a school in the 1930s called Ker Goat. Their instructors helped children with difficulties through choral singing and innovative teaching methods. The new teacher Clment Mathieuat a severely administered boys' boarding school works to positively affect the students' lives through music. "These kids inspire me. I knew someday my music would be played. I'm Clement Mathieu, a musician. Every night, I compose for them". The English Teacher It stars Julianne Moore as Linda Sinclair. She works in a small town high school, imparting the values of fine literature to her students in the hopes that she reaches at least one every few years. She may have never written the great sweeping novel, but in her mind, she is on the cusp of living it. Yet, her life is a series of been theres and done thats.

12

Enjoy your English

Quote, unquote
The dream begins w ith a teacher w ho believes in you, w ho tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, som etim es poking you w ith a sharp stick called "truth." ~D an Rather In teaching you cannot see the fruit of a day's w ork. It is invisible and rem ains so, m aybe for tw enty years. ~Jacques Barzun If a doctor, law yer, or dentist had 40 people in his office at one time, all of w hom had different needs, and som e of w hom didn't w ant to be there and w ere causing trouble, and the doctor, law yer, or dentist, w ithout assistance, had to treat them all w ith professional excellence for nine m onths, then he m ight have som e conception of the classroom teacher's job. ~D onald D . Quinn The best teacher is the one w ho suggests rather than dogm atizes, and inspires his listener w ith the w ish to teach him self. ~E dw ard Bulw erLytton One day w ith a great teacher is better than a thousand days of diligent study. Japanese proverb Those w ho educate children are more to be honored than parents, for these ones only give life w hile those ones teach the art of living w ell. A ristotle A good teacher is a m aster of sim plification and an enem y of sim plism . ~Louis A . Berm an The m ediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher dem onstrates. The great teacher inspires. ~W illiam A rthur W ard W hat the teacher is, is m ore im portant than w hat he teaches. ~Karl M enninger One looks back w ith appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but w ith gratitude to those w ho touched our hum an feelings. The curriculum is so m uch necessary raw material, but w arm th is the vital elem ent for the grow ing plant and for the soul of the child. ~Carl Jung The average teacher explains com plexity; the gifted teacher reveals sim plicity. ~Robert Brault W ho dares to teach must never cease to learn. ~John Cotton D ana A teacher should have m axim al authority, and m inim al pow er. ~Thom as Szaz The purpose of teaching a child is to enable him to get along w ithout his teacher. ~E lbert H ubbard I like a teacher w ho gives you som ething to take hom e to think about besides hom ew ork. ~Lily Tom lin

"What were you doing during all this?" "Driving" motioned the monkey. One day Mongo is in his back yard digging a hole. His neighbor, seeing him there, decides to investigate. "What are you doing?" he asked. Mongo replies, "My goldfish died and I'm burying it." "That's an awful big hole for a goldfish, isn't it?" asked the neighbor. Mongo shot back, "That's because he's inside your cat!' A robber was robbing a house when he heard a voice. "Jesus is watching you!" "Who's there?" the robber said. But no sound was heard. So he kept going and he heard it two more times when he spotted a parrot. "What's your name," the robber asked. "Cocodora" said the parrot. "Now, what kind of a fool would name a bird Cocodora" said the robber. "The same fool who named the Rottweiler Jesus", said the parrot.
Afat Asadov, th 7 Form

Brains Challenge

Lets smile
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DOGS AND CATS. A dog thinks: Hey, these people I live with feed me, love me, provide me with a nice warm, dry house, pet me, and take good care of me... They must be gods! A cat thinks: Hey, these people I live with feed me, love me, provide me with a nice warm, dry house, pet me, and take good care of me... I must be a god! A police officer came upon a terrible wreck where the driver and passenger had been killed. As he looked upon the wreckage a little monkey came out of the brush and hopped around the crashed car. The officer looked down at the monkey and said "I wish you could talk." The monkey looked up at the officer and nodded its head. "You can understand what I'm saying?" asked the officer. Again, the monkey shook its head up and down. "Well, did you see this?" "Yes," motioned the monkey. "What happened?" The monkey pretended to have a can in its hand and turned it up by its mouth. "They were drinking?" asked the officer. "Yes." "What else?" The monkey pinched its fingers together and held them to its mouth. "They were smoking?" "Yes." "Now wait, you're saying your owners were drinking and smoking before they wrecked." "Yes."
2

Jan Ozmaden, th 10 Form

DISCOVER THE WORLD

Oxford a city for students

If London is all you've seen of England, there's much more waiting for you to discover. Branch out beyond the borders of the capital by heading for the university town of Oxford, only 90 minutes from London by bus or an hour by train. It is one of the most famous cities which attracts students from all over the world. It is penetrated with the atmosphere of studying. You can easily spend a week in England's "City of Dreaming Spires," wandering through the winding medieval streets, touring the famous colleges, visiting world-renowned museums, boating on the Thames and Cherwell rivers, relaxing in the colorful gardens, and enjoying the lively pub culture. Getting Started Begin at the Oxford Visitor Information Centre on Broad Street, where you'll find a wealth of information about the city as well as a good selection of souvenirs and gifts. Buy a copy of the Oxford Visitors' Guide booklet, which includes a short history of the town, a map, a brief description of the colleges and their opening times, suggested Top 10 Things to Do, a self-guided walking tour, and vignettes of Oxford's most famous characters. Priced at only 1, it's the best bargain in town. A fun way to learn more about Oxford is to take one (or more) of the Official Guided Walking Tours offered by the Visitor Information Centre. To get your bearings, start with the "University and City Tour" through the heart of the historic city center. Then select other theme tours based on your own interests: "Inspector Morse"; "Literary Tour"; "Gargoyles & Grotesques"; "Religion at Oxford"; "Science at Oxford"; "Stained Glass"; "Pottering in Harry's Footsteps"; and many others. All tours last for two hours and cost 6 to 12 per person. Oxford Colleges Oxford's claim to fame is its 38 independent colleges that make up the University of Oxfordand the many famous writers, artists, scientists, and statesmen (and women) who have graduated from them. Mostly constructed in honey-colored limestone, the colleges are located throughout the city, not at one central campus. The three oldest collegesUniversity College, Balliol, and Mertondate back to the 13th century. The largest and probably best known college is Christ Church, established at the time of Henry VIII, in 1524. Today it welcomes 300,000 visitors a year. On certain evenings during the week, you can also hear its famous choir at evensong in the magnificent chapel, the only college chapel in the world designated as a cathedral. You can stroll along the river walk and through the deer park on the grounds of Magdalen College (15th century). Founded in 1458 by William Waynflete, this College has one of the finest groups of late C15th buildings in the country set within extensive grounds behind high battlemented walls. The beautifully proportioned bell tower is one of Oxford's iconic images welcoming visitors to the city from the east and the focus for the city's traditional May Day celebrations. One more college worth visiting is Keble College (19th century) the first complete college to be built for 250 years. An impressive example of Gothic Revival by William Butterfield. It was named after a key figure in the Oxford Movement and intended for the education of poorer students. Many of the colleges offer guided tours. Check with the tourist office or the college's porter (at the entrance to each college) for specific times and prices. For the most popular colleges, it's best to make reservations in advance. And when the university isn't in session, you can even stay in the student dormitories instead of at a hotel. Make reservations online at www.oxfordrooms.co.uk. Magnificent Museums Oxford is the site of several world-class museums, none of which charge an entry fee. The recently renovated Ashmolean Museum is the oldest museum in England, established in 1683. Today it's a treasure trove of beautifully displayed art and artifacts from ancient times to the 20th century. Whether you're a connoisseur or just curious, you can easily spend a whole day (or even longer) viewing the rich variety of exhibits. When your energy flags, go down to the basement cafe for a pick-me-up coffee or tea with freshly baked cakes and pastries, or dine upstairs at the Ashmolean Dining Room, Oxford's only rooftop restaurant. The Oxford University Museum of Natural History, located in a handsome neo-Gothic building erected in 1860, houses a superb collection of zoological, entomological, and geological specimens, including the best exhibit of dinosaur skeletons outside of London. In the rear of this museum you'll find the entrance to the eccentric, eclectic Pitt Rivers Museum, stuffed to the gills with more than 400,000 objects from all over the world, displayed chockablock in old glass-fronted wooden cases. You'll wish the exhibits were better lighted, but don't despair: just borrow a torch

(flashlight) from the museum shop at the entry way and shine it on whatever display piques your interest. For museum-goers who are tired of 21st-century "mediated experiences" via computer terminals, smart phone apps, and holograms, you can step back into the past at the fascinating Pitt Rivers. Around Town There's plenty more to do in Oxford. Wander through the colorful Botanic Garden, the oldest garden of its kind in England, founded in 1621. Rent a punt for an afternoon of rowing on the Cherwell River, or take a trip on the Thames River, offered by Oxford River Cruises. Visit the Bodleian Library and its majestic circular reading room, the Radcliffe Camera, in the historic city center. Take a guided tour of Oxford Castle, the remains of medieval defensive towers and moats, which later became the city's prison. In its most recent reincarnation, it has been developed for tourism, with a hotel, restaurant, and several cafes on site. Opened in 1774, Oxford's venerable Covered Market is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. In addition to its fruit, vegetable, meat, fish, and cheese stands, it includes several little shops selling cooked foods to eat on site or take away, as well as stores ranging from upscale clothing boutiques to typical souvenir shops. And colorful open-air markets can be found on Gloucester Green, in the city center, every week. The Gloucester Green Market offers foods, flowers, clothing, and household items every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The weekly Antiques and Collectors Fair is held at the same place on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a Farmers Market there, too, on the first and third Thursdays of every month, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dining Out All that sightseeing is bound to work up your appetite. Oxford offers a wide range of eateries to fit every budget, from funky little food trucks selling takeaway fare from Asia and the Middle East, to Raymond Blanc's Michelin2-star-rated restaurant, Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, just outside the city in Great Milton. Local foodies especially likeBrasserie Blanc, on Walton Street, owned by Raymond Blanc; Jamie's Italian, on George Street, one of a chain owned by another famous chef, Jamie Oliver; Gee's, an Oxford landmark on Banbury Road; The Old Parsonage, on Banbury Road; and Magdalen Arms, a "gastropub" on Iffley Road. Stop by Pieminister inside Oxford's Covered Market, for a very English meal of freshly made, double-crust, meat or vegetable pies served with "mash" (mashed potatoes), "groovy" (gravy) and "minty mushy peas" (just what they sound like). Oxford has no lack of Asian restaurants, too, from Indian to Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and "Asian fusion." Popular Asian eateries include My Sichuan, Shanghai 30's, Majliss,Saffron, Chiang Mai Kitchen, and Wagamama. Pub Scene Oxford's historic pubs are famous as much for their denizens as for their beer. You can quaff a pint of British bitter or English ale in the same spots where Thomas Hardy, Lewis Carroll, J. R. R.

Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, Graham Greene, the fictional Detective Inspector Morse, and many other Oxford luminaries wetted their whistles. Pubs also serve food, sometimes the best bargains for a full (and filling) meal in Oxford. Typical dishes include fish-and-chips (battered-and-fried fish filets with French fried potatoes), Scotch eggs (hard-boiled eggs surrounded by sausage meat and deep fried), "Ploughman's Lunch" (thick wedges of cheese and a slice of ham served with apple slices, sweet pickle relish, bread and butter), and "jacket potatoes" (aka baked whole potatoes, in their skins) with a choice of toppings: Cheddar or blue cheese, pork and beans, sauted mushrooms, even meaty (or vegan beany) chili. Purchase a guide to Oxford's pubs at the Visitor Information Centre or at many bookstores. You can also buy a postcard depicting 36 classic pubs for an "Oxford Heritage Pub Crawl." My own favorite pubs include The Bear, The White Horse Inn,The Rose and Crown, The Lamb and Flag, The Eagle and Child and The Head of the River. TOURIST INFORMATION Oxford Visitor Information Centre, 15/16 Broad Street, OX1 3AS, open Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. 4:00 p.m., with extended hours in July and August. www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com/travel-information/TouristInformation.aspx

TOP 10 ASTONISHING FACTS

Oxford is celebrated the world over as a prestigious centre of learning, but here are our top ten astounding facts that you never knew about this illustrious city. The bell in the tower of Christ Church Cathedral is called the Old Tom which strikes a unique 101 times at 9.05pm every evening. Originally, this was the curfew time for students in the city and the bell rang to signal their return back to college - things have obviously changed but the tradition lives on. The University of Cambridge was actually founded by Oxford students who were fleeing Oxford following riots that erupted in 1209 between students and townspeople. Violent confrontations between townspeople and students have erupted in Oxford at various times throughout history. On this occasion, trouble began following the murder of a local townswoman by students. Oxford University is the oldest English speaking university in the world, dating back to the end of the 12th century. Oxford was once the capital of England during the English Civil War when Charles I held his court here from 1642, following his expulsion from London by the Parliamentarian forces lead by Oliver Cromwell. Oxford itself supported the Parliamentarian cause, but the University was a strong supporter of the king. From 1642 to 1646 King Charles stayed at Christ Church College. In North Oxford, there are two roads about two miles apart, running parallel to each other, that connect Woodstock Road and Banbury Road. Confusingly, the northernmost road in Summertown is called South Parade and the southernmost road is called North Parade. This is because during the English Civil War when Oxford was being besieged by Oliver Cromwell, North Parade represented the King's Northern Front, while South Parade was Cromwell's Southern Front. Oxford has more published writers per square mile than anywhere else in the world. Best selling authors with links to Oxford include: Lewis Carroll, JRR Tolkein, CS Lewis, Colin Dexter, Philip Pullman, Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford is also the home of the world famous OED. The First Edition began publication in 1884 and it currently provides authoritative definitions of over 500,000 words. Oxford University has educated 26 British Prime Ministers including: Sir Robert Peel, Herbert H Asquith, Clement Attlee, Anthony Eden, Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair.

We ask,

you answer nswer

We are very happy that in our school we not only study but also live as one friendly family. So we are interested in each oth others opinions. We conducted a survey in which we asked the following questions:

What subject would you like to introduce in the curriculum?

Well, the answers were quite various but mainly the mentioned subjects can be divided into 2 groups: creative subjects and scientific ones. The majority of stu students dents would like to have Chemistry C and Physics practical studies. About the same percentage of students would include Astronomy. Those who are not very keen on science would prefer to develop their communicative skills at Rhetoric. Pupils of junior classes would find it interesting to attend Craft classes where they would be taught to make diffe different rent toys. Of course, there were students who would like to study some other foreign languages (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, French, German) and do some kinds of sport besides PE (Judo, Fencing, Karate, Yoga). Those girls who want to be perfect wives would l like ike to try their hands in Sewing and Cooking. And the students who are not allowed to play computer games at home are in favor of having such a subject at school. For the most creative students it would be a good idea to have Theatre or Photography as scho school subjects. Below you can see the results of the survey according to their preference.

Among other qualities necessary for a good teacher, there were also mentioned such ones as respect, p patience, atience, fairness. An ideal teacher should be hard hard-working, working, calm, joyful, sometimes strict, stri attentive, modest, sincere, wise, even mysterious and preferably young. There was a clear tendency for junior pupils to pay attention to personal qualities whereas seniors put an emphasis on the importance of professional skills.

Top 5 qualities of a good student?

Of course, every ideal teacher deserves to teach an ideal student. So weve tried to find out what our teachers value most of all in students. Firstly, st students udents should be kind. Teachers give them all their time, love and soul. So they expect students to take this into account and behave in the same way. Secondly, a good student is supposed to be hard-working working. Our modern life requires a wide range of knowledge. This can be achieved only by hard work. A quality which takes the third place is patience. An ideal student shouldnt be afraid of loads of homework as Practice Practice makes perfect perfect. Attentiveness is also considered considered to be important as you should listen carefully to what is explained at the lesson. Moreover, good students must be attentive while doing their homework paying attention to all details. And finally it is a big plus when a student is respectful. Teachers achers give their students most part of their lives and of course, an ideal student must respect all the efforts of a teacher.
Julia Kadsina, Alina Oznoyan, th 7 Form Victoria Balcheva, th 9 Form

*** School days is a happy time. The first form is the hardest one because you start to be independent. independent This is the time when you begin to think about and answer for your actions. The forth form is the form of understanding the world worl and true friendship. The 9 form... I do not know really know. It is too hard for me to give an answer now. On the one hand it is your family and your personal life, life on the other hand it is school. Sometimes school years can seem the worst days of your life. But it is far from that. Honestly, Honestly at these moments you are the happiest person in n the world! Life with the help of school teaches you how to live, e, how to be independent and strong. My school has taught me to be strong and I firmly can say that the informati information on I have learned here s not useless. useless. All my school years are not i in vain. n. And that makes me the happiest person!
Irema Ozkul, Ozkul th 9 Form

*- practical studies

Top 5 qualities of a good teacher?

A great teacher is the one a student remembers and cherishes forever. According to our students, to be successful, a great teacher must have (in the order of preference) preference): #1 Kindness - Dont be too harsh towards the students. Be more like a friend to them. Let them trust you. #2 Good sense of humour - If you have it and can use it in the right way, then everyone ryone will adore you #3 Passion to his/her subject - If you dont love your subject, how can you expect your students to? Find out what students passions are, and show them how the knowledge of the subject connects to them. #4 Optimism Even if some students dont believe in themselves, be always near them to tell them they can do it. #5 Understanding Let yourself be in your students shoes, at least sometimes. Remember your own youth!
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Editorial board: Technical editor Afat Asadov Photos Jan Ozmaden Reporters Julia Kadsina, Alina Oznoyan, Anastasia Oznoyan, Julia Ushakova, Irema Ozkul, Anna Sargsyan Chief editor Tatiana Nikolayevna Evseeva