The Dreaded Results!

The school year at Amano has similarities and differences from the typical UK school year, The major difference is that the school year here begins in January and ends in December, instead of beginning in September after the August break. A consequence of that difference is that examinations for the International GCSE, AS and A levels are taken mostly in November. The similarities are that the term holidays follow the UK pattern, and that Amano students are just as nervous when the examination results are due as any student in the UK or indeed anywhere in the world!
The dreaded results arrived this past week and as the big day approached (Wednesday) the usual symptoms were to be seen! Even teachers are not immune - the results obviously reflect on the school as well as the individuals involved.
How can we summarise the results for twelve students across Grade 12 and Sixth Form? We can begin by praising our gracious Lord and Saviour who is the supreme Teacher and who has again blessed Amano Christian School with results that reflect well on the individual students and on the school as a whole. That is not to say there were no disappointments and no occasions for heart searching! These things are a necessary part of learning and can and should be an encouragement to try harder in future. Having said that, the results sheet is certainly dominated by A's and B's across all the IGSCE subjects. Amano students actually achieved 84% A's and B's. There were some good results along with some disappointments at AS level but none for which students or teachers need be ashamed.
Three students were awarded an International Cambridge Examination diploma for good results across a wide range of subjects. Gabi Pflaum achieved 'Distinction' and Wankumbo Silengo and Gianni Katebe achieved 'Merit.' Gabi's brother Martin also did very well at AS Level in Physics and Maths.
As befits a Christian School the results for Religious Studies (now renamed 'Christian Foundations' at Amano) were very good.
Like the Israelites in the wilderness years we are grateful for all the Lord is doing among us, but we know we are not yet where we should be! Readers should bear in mind that all the results are achieved in conditions that are not always ideal for students or teachers. Obtaining text books and equipment is expensive and not easy in Zambia. Amano's present size means that we are not able to have specialist teachers in all subjects. We rely on teaching tutored from the UK via the Internet and apart from the problems of power cuts and slow internet connection this in itself is an area still 'under development.' In some subjects (Biology, for example) we do not have the expertise or equipment to encourage practical work at present. We covet your prayers and your practical help as we seek the Lord's guidance in dealing with issues like these.
In summary, this years results show that Amano is experiencing the blessing of the Lord in many ways and achieving the aims and purposes for which it was founded.
Our picture shows sixth form student Jedidah Kalala who did well in Psychology and Sociology at AS level and is just one student who experienced some set-back as a result of the need to further develop our distance learning. Jedidah's warm smile is not just for the camera; Amano is blessed with students whose work and demeanour reflect the Lord's hand.

The Sixth Form - blessings and needs!

One of the signs of the Lord's blessing on the work here at Amano has been the development of the sixth form. Parents will know that it is not at all a trivial decision as to which school or college their teenagers undertake sixth form studies, the final preparation for university. Seven students are now studying at this level at Amano, three in the upper sixth and four who commenced this term in the lower sixth. We praise God for this and ask you to pray for these students and for Ulfert Andresen who teaches them and guides their work.
Sometimes the Lord's blessing highlights needs and it is so in this case. The buildings at Amano are really used to capacity and the development of the sixth form has made expansion essential. The four lower sixth students have a study in a small room on the end of the Primary block; the upper sixth took over the staff room this year. Staff now have to use the library for their break but as that is often in use by students and classes it cannot properly serve as a place where teachers can study or read outside break times. Sixth form classes are currently held in the school art room.
The difficulties are temporary in that a new sixth form block is under construction but this cannot be completed before May at the earliest. We very much appreciate those who give for needs like this and we ask the prayers of all those with an interest in the Lord's work at Amano for students and staff during this time.
Our pictures show the lower sixth and upper sixth study rooms, Ulfert teaching in the art room and work on the site of the new sixth form block.

Strange things sometimes happen here in Zambia, but not quite so strange as the internet weather feed suggested this week - the 'up to the minute' monitor reported 26'C and snow in Chingola, the town nearest Amano Christian School! The 26'C was probably right, the snow we leave to our European and North American friends to enjoy as best they can.
Rainy season is very well underway now and the grass is growing at a rate that would make UK gardeners glad it is winter there. Suffice it to say that the uncut peripheral areas around the school have more than 2 metres of growth (well over 6ft in old money!). Everything looks very green and the birds and insects - both here in much wider variety than the dry season - are making the most of it.
Term started on 6th January with some new students in Grade 1 and a few throughout the school. We could have taken more but we are not able to offer boarding places until we have the dormitory parents we constantly pray for. Please join us in praying that that need will be met. The new boys dormitory building is not quite finished inside but soon will be and when the dormitory parents come there will be much to celebrate.
Two new teachers arrived to start the new term at Amano, both from the UK and both here until April. Lyndsey Coleman is 24 and is a qualified teacher from Merseyside. She is teaching in Primary and considering serving the Lord at Amano, possibly after completing further studies in the UK. Lyndsey plays piano and clarinet and enjoys sport
Martin Smith is 48 and has been teaching for twenty years. He is originally from Tunbridge Wells in Kent and currently lives in Bedfordshire. He has previously served for two years at a mission school in Ivory Coast. Martin plays the guitar and enjoys song writing and musical theatre. He is seeking the Lord about a possible future at Amano.
Please pray for Martin and Lyndsey and the other Amano teaching staff. By the grace of God the need for teachers is always met and of course it is in the Lord we trust for the future. As we see it a number of long-term staff are needed and we encourage you to join us in prayer for that.
Our pictures show Lyndsey and Martin and an 'off-the cuff' picture taken on a lovely morning in January at the school (Admin is on the right, the Primary block on the left).