As one of only six schools in Kigali selected to participate in this prestigious project - HORIZON BILINGUE-, High Gate continued to benefit from a structured programme of teacher training designed to strengthen both the linguistic competencies and pedagogical practices of our French-teaching staff. During Term Two, our teachers took part in a series of both online and in-person training sessions, guided by expert trainers from France Education International. These sessions focused on bilingual teaching methodologies, classroom strategies, and the integration of French across different subjects and levels.

A particularly significant achievement this term was the formal DELF certification process for teachers. A number of our French teachers sat for their DELF examinations, an internationally recognized assessment of French language proficiency. This certification is not only a mark of professional excellence; it is a concrete commitment by our teachers to the highest standards of bilingual instruction. We are extremely proud of their dedication and their willingness to continue learning alongside their students.

This partnership is a cornerstone of our broader vision: to earn the prestigious Label France Éducation, an internationally recognized mark of excellence that certifies the quality and credibility of a school's bilingual system all over the world. Each training session, each certification, each classroom innovation brings us one step closer to that goal — and to an education that truly opens international doors for every student at High Gate.

Term Two has been a period of steady and encouraging academic progress across all sections of the school.

In the Preschool section, our Canadian-Quebec program continued to flourish. Teachers deepened their use of play-based learning strategies, and children made remarkable strides in their oral French, their motor skills, and their social and emotional development. The immersive French environment has produced visible results: children communicate with growing confidence, engage with stories and songs enthusiastically, and increasingly demonstrate independence in their daily routines.

In the Primary section, the focus remained firmly on bilingualism and the consolidation of Cambridge skills. Students continued to make progress in their reading, writing, mathematics, and science, with particularly encouraging results visible in the development of English literacy skills alongside strong French foundations. The various clubs — Sports, Francophonie, Debate & Journalism, Mental Math, and Music — continued to support the holistic growth of our learners beyond the traditional classroom.

In Lower Secondary (Grade 7), our pioneer class continued to build the academic habits, critical thinking skills, and bilingual competencies that will serve them throughout their secondary education. The Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum provided a strong and engaging framework, and students showed growing independence, intellectual curiosity, and collaborative skills.

Across all levels, our teachers maintained a learner-centered approach, using regular formative assessments to adjust their teaching and provide targeted support. The progress observed this term reflects the commitment of our entire teaching team and the hard work of every student at High Gate.

As part of our ongoing partnership with the Embassy of France in Rwanda and the Projet Horizon Bilingue, a group of selected High Gate International Academy students had the incredible privilege of attending a live concert by French musician Benjamin Piat.

The concert was hosted at Agasaro School, one of the six Kigali schools engaged in the Horizon Bilingue project, bringing together students from all six partner schools for a shared artistic and cultural experience. For our students, attending alongside peers from other bilingual schools made the event even more enriching — a reminder that they are part of a broader community committed to the same vision of excellence in bilingual education.

Benjamin Piat's performance was playful, poetic, and full of life, captivating every student in the audience. His songs in French resonated powerfully with our learners, reinforcing the beauty of the French language in a way that goes far beyond the classroom. For many of our students, this was their very first experience of a live concert, and the impression it left was lasting.

We are grateful to the Embassy of France and the Horizon Bilingue project for making this experience possible, and we congratulate the students who were selected to attend for representing High Gate with pride.

Academic assessment remained a consistent and purposeful thread throughout Term Two, with students completing CAT 1, CAT 2, and the End of Term Examinations across all sections of the school.

CAT 1, held in January, provided the first formal checkpoint of the term. Students were asked to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts and skills introduced in the opening weeks of Term Two. For many, it was an opportunity to apply what they had learned with renewed focus and maturity compared to the beginning of the year.

CAT 2, held in February/March, built on the foundations of CAT 1. Teachers carefully reviewed the results of CAT 1 to identify areas for reinforcement before CAT 2, ensuring that learners had the support they needed. The progress observed between the two CATs was encouraging, with many students showing measurable improvement in their scores and in the quality of their written responses.

The End of Term Examinations were held in the final weeks of March and early April. These more comprehensive assessments invited students to synthesize their learning across the full term. The examination process continued to develop important academic skills: time management, the organization of ideas under pressure, concentration, and independent work. The environment during exams was calm, structured, and supportive, reflecting our belief that assessment should challenge students, but never intimidate them.

The Open House welcomed families into the school in a warm and open setting. Parents had the opportunity to visit classrooms, interact with teachers, and get a firsthand sense of the learning environment their children inhabit every day. For new families, the Open House offered a reassuring window into our school culture and educational philosophy. For returning families, it provided a moment of connection and renewal with the teachers and community they have come to know.

The Parent-Teacher Conferences offered a more individual and confidential space for dialogue. Each family met with their child's teachers to discuss academic progress, areas of strength, areas for growth, and the specific support strategies being put in place for their child. These conversations are at the heart of everything we do because we know that a child thrives when the adults in their life are aligned, informed, and working together.

Attendance at both the Open House and PTCs was strong this term, reflecting the commitment of our parent community to staying engaged and informed. We are grateful to every family who made the time to come, to listen, and to share their own observations. Your insights help us be better educators.

Term Two marked an important milestone in the academic journey of our Grade 6 students, as preparations for the Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint Examinations moved into full gear.

The Checkpoint exams represent the first major internationally standardized assessment our students will sit, covering English, Mathematics, and Science. Throughout this term, teachers have worked with focus and intentionality to ensure that every Grade 6 learner is well prepared not only in content knowledge, but in examination technique, time management, and confidence.

Mock assessments, targeted revision sessions, and past paper practice have all been integrated into the regular teaching program, giving students a clear and realistic picture of what to expect. The results of these preparatory exercises have been encouraging, with students demonstrating growing mastery and a healthy, motivated mindset toward the challenge ahead.

We are proud of the seriousness and determination our Grade 6 students have shown. Their readiness for Checkpoint is a testament to the strong academic foundations built across their years at High Gate, and we look forward to celebrating their results with pride.

As Term Two draws to a close, we look ahead with excitement and purpose to Term Three, the final and culminating term of the 2025–2026 academic year.

Term Three will be a time of consolidation and completion. Students will finalize their learning journeys for the year, working toward year-end assessments that will determine their academic progression. Teachers will continue to differentiate and support, ensuring that every learner arrives at the end of the year having grown as fully as possible.

Beyond academics, Term Three will also bring a rich program of events and celebrations that honor the work, creativity, and growth of our students. Our annual Graduation and End-of-Year ceremony, always one of the most emotional and joyful days in the High Gate calendar, will provide a beautiful moment of collective pride for students, families, and staff alike.

To our students: the best is yet to come. Keep working, keep growing, keep believing in yourselves.