In the bustling city of Beijing, a wave of diversity and cultural exchange is constantly emerging. Today, we turn our attention to a family from Germany that has recently made the decision to call Beijing their home.
This family, with their unique background and aspirations, has joined the ever-growing community of expats, adding yet another vibrant thread to the rich tapestry of Beijing. Let’s meet Katharina Pankow and her beautiful family.
Tell us about yourself and your family. Where are you from and what brought you to Beijing?
We are from Dresden, Germany, and always wanted to live abroad to see different cultures and step out of our comfort zone. So, when my husband got the opportunity to get a job in Beijing, we said yes. And here we are living in Beijing for two years now and have never regretted our decision. A few months ago, I got a job opportunity to work at Swiss School Beijing as [the]admissions and communications officer. This role has allowed me to connect with families from different countries and be part of a dynamic, international community.
How many kids do you have?
My husband and I have three sons. Our youngest just started in first grade, our middle son is in third grade, and our eldest is in sixth grade.
What do you guys love the most about living in Beijing?
What we love most about Beijing is that it offers a wealth of experiences for both children and adults. The city seamlessly blends culture and modernity. We can quickly reach the mountains and have the Great Wall of China almost at our doorstep. Many aspects of daily life, such as ordering food and taking taxis, are simpler here compared to Germany. We feel very safe, and the people are incredibly friendly and helpful, even if our Chinese is not perfect. Conversations with locals are easily facilitated through translation apps. Additionally, the international community here is vibrant and welcoming.
Let’s talk about your kids’ school choices.
You’re a German family but you’ve sent your children to the Swiss School instead of opting to send them to a school that follows a German curriculum. Can you tell us why?
Our goal was clear: If we were going to move abroad, we wanted to provide our children with the best possible opportunities. We wanted them to experience the international diversity, learn multiple languages, and dive deeper into Chinese culture.
The Swiss School of Beijing stood out to us for several reasons. Unlike many other schools, it boasts a close-knit community where students are taught in mixed-age groups, fostering a unique and collaborative learning environment. The teaching style here is refreshingly different from the traditional, lecture-based approach we were accustomed to in Germany. Instead, the school emphasizes interactive and student-centered learning, which has been incredibly beneficial for our boys.
What is the most important aspect of a school for you?
The most important aspect of a school is its ability to show children that learning can be enjoyable. It is crucial that students understand they are not just learning for grades or the school but for themselves and their future. The school should cater to each student’s individual needs, ensuring they do not have to fit into a predefined mold.
What’s a typical day like at school for your kids?
A typical school day begins at 8.30am. They meet with the whole class for a morning meeting and afterwards, they start to have their first lesson. As the school is teaching in mixed age groups, they either have lessons altogether or the teacher will separate them.
Our groups have one teacher and one teacher assistant. This helps to focus on the needs of the children. We have big playgrounds, that are adapted to the different age groups and a huge sports field. This is where they usually spent the time during the breaks.
At 3.30pm all buses leave. If a child has after-school activities, they will stay at school for one hour longer, until 4.30pm. Almost all activities are on campus. The Swiss School and Western Academy of Beijing are all-day schools. Therefore, the students tend to get less homework. However, this will also be adapted to the grade levels.
Can you give us an example of something that the Swiss School has done that has really made an impression on you?
The school has shown us that we should be more open to different concepts in Germany. The children have rediscovered their love for learning because their individual strengths and weaknesses are addressed. They have the opportunity to find their own best way to learn. We were particularly impressed by the very personal and close interaction with the teachers, which is different from what we experienced in Germany. The wonderful, family-like community also contributes to everyone feeling comfortable and motivated.
What types of family would you recommend the Swiss School to?
I would recommend the Swiss School to families who are open to a different style of teaching and learning, and who prefer a smaller school included in a big, interesting campus. This school offers a German-speaking curriculum, similar to that of Germany, while also providing an international environment within the WAB. It is also ideal for parents who wish to see their children enhance their language skills, particularly in English and Chinese.
Images: Katharina Pankow
