First IELTS Examination in Suriname

The first IELTS was held at AlphaMax Academy on   Nov 26th 2011.Eight AMA students did the examination.  In the morning the students did the Listening, Reading and writing sections. The speaking examination was done from about 1.30 pm to 4.30pm on the afternoon of the 26th. Mr. Russell Hammond from the British Council in Colombia flew to Suriname to conduct the examination.

Sean Taylor Sean Taylor, Director of Studies in a comment said,” Mr. Hammo9nd conducted the first IELTS examination most professionally – with purposeful clarity and efficiency.  All the candidates were very comfortable with his professionalism and the ease and style in which he presented the exams.”

On the following  Tuesday Mr. Hammond had good meetings with officials in Paramaribo, including the Ministry of Education. 

Sean Taylor, Director of Studies said.” As a result of Mr. Hammond’s visit here and his discussions with us, at the AlphaMax Academy, we are poised and prepared to forge ahead with IELTS in further helping to shape the horizon for quality English education in Suriname.”

The IELTS test is a standardization test to check the communication capabilities of an individual in areas of listening, reading, writing and speaking.  IELTS is compulsory for anyone who intends to study or work in a country where the language of communication is English. Since 1989, the IELTS test has been a worldwide approved test that measures the communication ability of an individual. The IELTS test is recognized in over 120 countries and in more than 4000 institutions and government agencies. More than 5 million students take the IELTS test every year worldwide. It is the fastest growing English language standardization test to date.

The IELTS test is an important proof for immigration formalities in countries like Australia, New Zealand and Canada. The IELTS test is a recognized medium by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies. The IELTS test is similar to the TOEFL test.

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THE IELTS EXAM

On Saturday 26^th November, 2011, the IELTS exam was conducted for the first time in Paramaribo, Suriname at the AlphaMax Academy. The International English Language Testing System known as the IELTS exam consists of four sections. The four sections are: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The Listening section is 30 minutes long, the reading 60 minutes, writing 60 minutes and the last part speaking is 15-20 minutes long.

The IELTS exam was taken by eight AlphaMax Students: six from the GAC program and two from the GED program.  The students took classes on Monday and Wednesday evening taught by Mrs Sylvana Dankerlui to help them prepare  for the IELTS exam. On November 26, Mr Russell Hammond, an Englishmen from the IELTS agency came and conducted the exam.

I have taken the TOEFL exam before and it is different from the IELTS exam. The difference is that in IELTS you have a speaking section however in TOEFL you have a grammar section. The structure of the IELTS exam is different from the TOEFL exam. In the IELTS you have two writing tasks however in the TOEFL there is only one writing task. However, for the rest is was about the same.

Written by: Gabriel Grauwde (GAC Class 2012)

Shafeek Nazir--Future Moviemaker

                                                                           By Vinantia Nandlal GAC 2012 Class

Shafeek is a graduate of the AlphaMax Academy (2011 Class).  He was Valedictorian for his class and on graduation night he made a very moving and personal speech about the impact on his life of the unique AlphaMax program of studies and activity.

 For his work during the Academic year he received the Gandhi King Award, the Humanity Award, Art Excellence Award, and a Tagore Art award. During his student year at the Academy, he also made an excellent video about Gandhi’s life.

Shafeek found the experience at the Academy quite intriguing, because the AlphaMax seeks to bring out the talents and the gifts of each student.  He hopes to come back and teach in the near future. He is looking forward to earn a degree in Bachelor of Science as a starting point for his career.

Currently, he is working at the AlphaMax Academy as computer administrator. He has worked

On many projects for school and also outside school through AlphaMax Academy. He has also done a

Brochure for the President’s office.  Someone mentioned that Shafeek will soon release two spectacular videos –Msiba, My Love and Many Faces of Love

Shafeek has had extensive experience with major graphics software.  He has demonstrated significant creative skills in the multimedia industry.

I asked: How did you find out what your skills were? “

Shafeek replied, “It all started when I got interested in finding out how movies, cartoons, games, and all other TV programs were made. That’s when I really started seeking knowledge on these items and it helped me creating a starting point building up my skills.” 

One of my tutors told us recently that someone said to him that one day we might see Shafeek on stage in Hollywood receiving an Academy Award for a movie he made. I am looking forward to that day when he places Suriname on the world movie map.

Yamil on the net

Yamil Baptisa (GAC 2012 class) has begun work on his biographical website. You can visit it at::http://yamilbaptista.weebly.com/.

Yamil says :”On this website I will be keeping a blog about anything that I find interesting. Also this website has a purpose to promote myself; I have my resume on it, and I also keep a small portfolio to advertise my photographic skills. The last page is a basic contact form in which anyone would be able to contact me.”

GAC Program 2011/2012--1st Term

                                                            By Timothy Naarendorp –GAC class 2012

This year’s GAC group comprises of six AlphaMax students including myself. These students with their chosen field of future study are: Yamil Baptistal (Aerospace Engineering), Gabriel Grauwde (Civil Engineering), Timothy Naarendorp (Electrical Engineering), Vinantia Nandlal (Medicine), Ruth Saman (Dentistry), and Kristina Taylor (Philosophy).

The course started on September 5^th with six modules .These modules consisted of: Academic Listening and Speaking Skills (001), Academic Reading and Writing Skills (002), Study Skills for Independent Learning (003), Mathematics 1: Fundamentals (004), Introduction to Computing for Academic Study (005), Business, Science & Social Science: Communication Skills (006). Everyone soon hustled to finish their assignments as soon as possible and of course everyone did. The first module was finished on November 18^th. The second level of the GAC program will start inNovember and end middle of March.

I asked two of the GAC students to comment about what they think about the class. The first student, Kristina Taylor, commented, “It is challenging, but not difficult. If you set your mind to it you can do it and that is what we did, we set our mind to it and finished level one of GAC.”

Gabriel Grauwde commented, “Regardless of the intensive program the GAC offers, I think that this course will fully prepare me for the road that lies ahead.”

I think, like Kristina that the program really was challenging and I believe it will become even more challenging with the levels 2 & 3 that still wait ahead of us. The GAC program really prepares student for their University work. It makes them more responsible and lets them think at a whole new different level.

One of the most interesting days was November 10^th when we had the mock interview rehearsing us for an interview with the admissions section of a University? We were all dressed up in professional attire and brought our personal statements and resumes.

AlphaMax has been giving GAC courses since 2007. They also do SAT, PSAT, TOEFL, IELTS and GED exams.

 If anyone would like to know more about the AlphaMax; please visit http://www.alphamaxacademy.com/

Representing Suriname at Conference in Berkeley, California

In July of 2011, I visited Berkeley, CA, together with my mother. This was a trip to represent the AlphaMax Academy at the National Student Leadership Conference It was a very exciting and learning trip and for sure a life's milestone for me.

By Yamil Baptista ---GAC 2012 Class

In July of 2011, I visited Berkeley, CA, together with my mother. This was a trip to represent the AlphaMax Academy at the NationalStudent Leadership Conference It was a very exciting and learning trip and for sure a life's milestone for me.

I arrived in Berkeley on the 4th of July after a 12-hour flight  from Miami  The conference did not start until the 6th, so we settled in the university city. In the morning of the 6th we walked over to UC Berkeley's Residence Hall's center. I signed up and went through their standard procedure.  I received the dorm key mom and I went over to the room. It was my first time seeing an American-style university dorm. Not much later, my mother left, and I was on my own from then on.  I quickly got around speaking to people; this was another achievement for me because I am a very shy  person.

During this experience I learned a lot more than I had expected, both about engineering and about myself as a leader. We endured through some trust activities in the cold parks of San Fransisco (I can not remember the name.) The group which I was in also were challenged with the creation of a sea perch. This was a challenge for all of us and it was the best opportunity to learn skills from each other, and also learn about each other. 

Next to the activities we had to engage in, we also visited a few places such as: the San Fransisco Exploratorium, Intel, Pier 39 and 43½. We also had a boat tour, passing by Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate  Although the conference was 10 days, it felt like we knew each other for years. This was indeed one of the best experiences in my life.

Interview with Gabriel Grauwde

By Kristina Taylor GAC 2012 Class

            Gabriel Giano Hesdie Jr., Grauwde was born on August 29^th, 1994.  He is a young yet mature athlete with many prestigious achievements.  Some of his major achievements are winning first place in the Telesur Swim Marathon on the Suriname River and first place in many international swim meets.  He also won second place in the annual Staatsolie Swim Marathon in the Suriname River and attended the World Triathlon in Switzerland.  Although he has a very busy schedule during the week, he still has time to spend time with his lovely family.  Gabriel’s swim achievements and his amusing personality has made him an extremely popular teenager in Suriname and throughout the Caribbean.  He is also known for his quick, witty, and sometimes pompous remarks on some topics, but that is also what makes him a distinct individual at his high school.  On Wednesday, November 23^rd, I interviewed Gabriel Grauwde and I asked him the following set of questions:

Q:  Name the first thoughts that come to your mind while you swim.

A:  “I think about the race and how I am going to win the race.”

Q:  At what age did you start swimming?

A:  “I started swimming when I was four years.”

Q:  Would you say you started swimming for fun and exercise or did you start to become the high achieving athlete you are today?

A:  “I started swimming for fun and I loved the water.  When I saw that I had talent, I started to swim for competitions.”

Q:  Did you have any inspirations to start swimming or were you just persuaded by your parents?

A:  “Ian Thorp inspired me to swim.”

Q: How old were you when you started swimming competitions? Do you remember the competition? If so, explain.

A:  “I was 7 years old.  It was the Short Course Nationals in Barbados, I swam the 50m breast- stroke, and I won a silver medal.  It was a fun and intense competition despite my age.”

Q:  About how many medals and trophies do you have?

A:  “I have about 400 medals and 21 trophies.”

Q:  I heard you recently won the Telesur Marathon on the Suriname River, how do you feel about that achievement?

A:  “I feel proud because I won, and I am really proud of myself; on the other hand, I felt disappointed because I expected to win something more than a trophy.  Without the support from m friends and family, I do not think that I would have won”

Q:  Explain the feel of the Marathon.

A:  “ It was an intense race, yet at the same time the intensity made me excited!”

Q: About how many hours do you swim per week?

A: “I swim 15 hours of training per week.”

Q:  Do you have those days where you say you don’t want to go to training?

A:  “Yes I do, but I have a goal to achieve, so I must work towards that goal.”

Q:  Do you have any role models?

A:  “Michael Pheleps and Kosuke Kitajima motivate me the most.”

Q:  Is there a message you want to give the other swimmers out there, maybe a message of motivation?

A:  “I just want to say, ‘hard work pays off’!” 

  

Tagore Awards Ceremony

The Suriname Rabindranath Tagore Creative Arts Awards Ceremony was held on Tuesday, November 22^nd at 5:00 p.m. at the University Guesthouse on Leysweg.

This important event celebraedthe work of more than 30 Surinamese student- and adult-artists.

The wife of Ambassador Harvey Naarendorp  (Suriname Ambassador to the EU based in Paris)  handed out awards to over 30 creative artists from Suriname who won school and national competitions in creative art and writing (prose and poetry) competitions.

The competition, which was launched in May 2011 by the Suriname Tagore Celebrations Committee, attracted more than 135 entries from students and adults in Suriname. Judges for the national competitions included members of the Schrijvers Group'77, Art Vibes United, and the University of Suriname. There were more than 75 creative writing and art entries from students attending schools in Paramaribo, Wanica, and Commewijne.

The prestigious Tagore Art Competition was launched to mark the 150^`" Birth Anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, the first non-European and person of color to win a Nobel Prize (1912). Born in 1861, Tagore was a prolific writer, dramatist, poet, artist, philosopher, and international humanist. Across the world, national and international competitions are being held to uphold values in creative excellence in celebration of Tagore.

Ten AlphaMax students were among the 40 prize winners in the first Tagore Creative Arts competition in Suriname.

AMA tutor Sylvana Dankerlui guided the packed audience through an enchanting program that celebrated Rabindranath Tagore’s influence on the world and in this special case on Surinamese young people. Mrs Dankerlui  gave a passionate and delightful account of Tagore and how his ideas influenced others.

This was followed by a song done by the ICC singing teacher. She sang one of Tagore’s compositions. Her performance held the audience’s rapt  and they gave her an enthusiastic round of applause.

The highlight of the evening was the reading presentation   of the winning entries in the writing competition. The audience was thoroughly impressed not only with the ideas and style of writing but with the confidence and poise of all the winners as they delivered their pieces. Many commented later on the kaleidoscope of Surinamese faces of all races and the range of artistic expressions.

Parents and friends commended the organizing committee for an unusually delightful evening which placed the creative work of young Surinamese at the center of national interest. All the winning art entries were placed along the walls of the auditorium and in front of the audience.

 See pictures posted on Facebook  by Indian Embassy

AMA Press Release on Tagore Awards

ALPHAMAX ACADEMY

Motto:  “In Diligent Pursuit of Excellence”

Scabiosastraat 4 (Zorg-en-hoop), Paramaribo

Suriname

Tel. 597-401356  *  597-400588

Email: info@alphamaxacademy.com  *  lily@sr.net

Suriname Rabindranath Tagore Creative Arts Awards Ceremony

Tuesday, November 22nd, 5:00 p.m. (1700 hrs) – University Guesthouse, Leysweg 70

PRESS INVITATION

The Suriname Rabindranath Tagore Creative Arts Awards Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, November 22^nd, at 5:00 p.m. at the University Guesthouse on Leysweg. 

You are cordially and warmly invited to attend and provide coverage for this important event celebrating the work of more than 30 Surinamese student- and adult-artists.

First Lady Mrs. Ingrid Bouterse-Waaldring will hand out awards to over 30 creative artists from Suriname who won school and national competitions in creative art and writing (prose and poetry) competitions.

The competition, which was launched in May 2011 by the Suriname Tagore Celebrations Committee, attracted more than 135 entries from students and adults in Suriname.   Judges for the national competitions included members of the Schrijvers Group ’77, Art Vibes United, and the University of Suriname.  There were more than 75 creative writing and art entries from students attending schools in Paramaribo, Wanica, and Commewijne.

The prestigious Tagore Art Competition was launched to mark the 150^th Birth Anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, the first non-European and person of color to win a Nobel Prize (1912).  Born in 1861, Tagore was a prolific writer, dramatist, poet, artist, philosopher, and international humanist.  Across the world, national and international competitions are being held to uphold values in creative excellence in celebration of Tagore. 

Mr. ‘Wyck’ Williams Visits the AlphaMax Academy

An historical moment for the Academy and its mango tree

By Ruth M. P. Saman-- GAC 2012

On a sunny Tuesday morning when I walked through the gates of the AlphaMax Academy, I saw a group of four familiar and unfamiliar men.  Immediately, I could recognize Mr. Ben Hurl, Mr. Drepaul and Mr. Taylor, but I did not recognize the highly animated man they were talking to.  This man was Mr. N.D. ‘Wyck’ Williams.

He visited the AlphaMax Academy on Tuesday, November 8 and Wednesday, November 9, 2011, and joined the AlphaMax High School students/teachers in assembly.  During this morning’s assembly, Mr. Williams was welcomed to our school and Suriname, and he also had the opportunity to speak with us.  He introduced himself and talked about his experience in Suriname and at the Academy; from his way of speaking, you could perceive that he was nervous and that he is a very energetic person.

After the break, we  experienced a historical moment were Mr. Williams came up with the idea of writing a book about the famous mango tree that lies in the soul at the AlphaMax Academy.  Mr. Ben Hur had observed some time ago to Mr. Drepaul: ‘The mango tree blooms at the same time, but the fruits ripen first on one side and then later on the other.’  This surprised and amazed me that Mr. Ben has noticed it, and this was also the source of Mr.Wyck’s idea of writing a book about the mango tree. 

After this, Mr. Wyck came up with another idea of including the High School students in helping him write this story.  This would then become a writing competition and the winner will receive a prize. 

The next day in the writing class, Mr. Wyck spoke briefly about the creative process about the tree.  He gave us ideas of how this story about the mango tree could look like.  He motivated us and made our minds run with possible ideas to write the best story about/based on the mango tree.  After the last meeting with Mr. Wyck, we took group photos under the mango tree.

I think Mr. Wyck has triggered our students’ enthusiasm for writing a creating story about the mango tree.  Now we have to find our Muse and write.  By doing this creative project, student’s hidden talents will be unleashed. I am sure that Mr. Williams will be amazed with the wonderful stories that will be ready for him to read in March-April.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

N.D. (Wyck) Williams was born in Guyana in 1942. He went to Jamaica as a student to study at University of the West Indies at Mona in 1968. As a student he witnessed the riots following student demonstrations against the banning of the late Dr. Walter Rodney. This is now referred to as the Rodney riots 1968. He writes of being powerfully influenced by the radical, nativist currents in Jamaican culture - reggae and yard theatre - of this period. He had stories published in Jamaica Journal and Savacou and in the anthologies, One People's Grief (1983) and Best West Indian Stories.

In 1976 his first novel Ikael Torass won the prestigious Casa de las Americas prize. It draws on his experiences in Jamaica and particularly the Rodney episode. He also explores the role of the university and education as an agent of social division, as well as the revolt on campus and in the wider society against the repressive forces in Jamaican society. Ikael has been described as a "sophisticated investigation of Rastafari" by researcher Michael Mitchell.

Williams lived for a time in Antigua before moving to the U.S. where he lives in New York. His works, from the short stories of The Crying of Rainbirds (1992), the novel, The Silence of Islands (1994), the two novellas My Planet of Ras and What Happening There, Prash in Prash and Ras (1997), to the short stories in Julie Mango (2003), all published by Peepal Tree Press, explore both an island and a diasporic experience.

In 2002 Williams published his searching look at the teeming underclass of New York in his disturbing novel "ah, Mikhail, O Fidel".

Two other collection of short stories followed-- "Colonial Cream" in January 2003 and "The Friendship of Shoes"(Nov 2005)

My Trip to Auburn University

On Saturday 22^nd October, 2011, I left Suriname together with my father, mother and brother to go to Auburn, Alabama in the United States. That morning we took the flight to Trinidad where we landed safely.However, we had to wait five hours for our flight to Miami. Next, we went to Atlanta, Georgia, where we slept for the night and the next day, we made our way to Alabama by car.

The main purpose of the trip was to visit Auburn University and to get firsthand experience of what it is like at the university. Auburn is on the top of my list of universities to attend so I decided to visit. My father’s colleague is a professor at Auburn University, Montgomery and we stayed by him. While I was there, I got the chance to get see the university, get a campus tour, tour the engineering department, meet with the swim coach and also have a meeting with Admission Advisors.

I visited the university’s website but being there was totally different. I was impressed with the University’s facilities and their reception of me as a potential foreign student. The trip was an amazing experience and one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life.

Written by: Gabriel Grauwde ((GAC 2012 Class)--AlphaMax Academy