April Noticeboard: What’s Happening in Beijing

Harrow Beijing Students Complete Two-Year IGCSE Course in Four Months
At the beginning of 2013, Harrow International School Beijing identified ten new students who had a higher potential in mathematics. This led to the creation of a special program with the aim of completing a two-year IGCSE course in as little as four months. Nine out of ten students scored A* and one scored A in the most recent IGCSE examinations. The school is in the process of setting up a further Pure Mathematics ICGSE course for them. One third of Year 11 students have sat their IGCSE early with outstanding results and experienced advanced maths before their A-levels.

BJU Welcomes New Family Medicine Physician
Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics (BJU) recently added Family Medicine Physician Dr. David Park to its staff. He is from the US, having immigrated from South Korea with his family at age 16. Before joining BJU, Dr. Park worked in three different states in the field of Primary Care Medicine for over 17 years. He received a Bachelor’s Degree at the University of California, Berkeley and his medical degree at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. Dr. Park speaks English and Korean.

Keystone Academy Publishes Middle School Curriculum Guide and Community Handbook
Keystone Academy just published its Middle School Curriculum Guide. A copy of the guide and excerpts of the Keystone Academy Community Handbook were sent to Middle School applicants who achieved early admission in their letter of offer packages. These materials are designed to inform prospective students and families about the Middle School Program and boarding life, touching on integrity, school values, and philosophies. This is to set expectations and standards for all students, parents, Keystone staff, and administration.

Registration Open for That’s Mandarin 2014 Summer Camp Program
That’s Mandarin’s Summer Camp Program (June 16 to August 11) is designed for kids and teens aged 7-17 who want to learn Chinese or improve Chinese-language skills. Participants will also immerse themselves in local culture by trying Chinese food and taking part in activities and trips. Registration is now open for morning camp and day camp, both designed for families living in Beijing. There are also homestay, full camp, and family camp options. To register, visit That’s Mandarin’s website at www.thatsmandarin.com.

Members of the Palestinian Embassy Meet with YCIS Beijing Students
Year 12 and 13 IB Global Politics students from Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) met with two representatives from the Palestinian Embassy to get personal insight on the creation of the Palestinian state, as well as the political and social issues it faces. The guests were Imad Halabi (First Secretary) and Salah Shehab (Second Secretary), who spent 90 minutes with the students. The visit was linked to the students’ syllabus units on “Sovereignty and International Relations” and “Peace and Conflict.” The students will have another opportunity to meet with the Palestinian Ambassador later in the year. The embassy also donated several DVDs of resource materials to the course library.

ISB Raises Funds for Typhoon Haiyan Relief
The International School of Beijing (ISB) community has been steadily raising money for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Teachers, students and parents came up with inventive charity events such as the Swimathon, the auction of Li Na paintings, the relief concert, and “Beat the Kuai” week in Middle School. To date, the ISB community has raised USD 39,809. Along with a special donation from the BEIGIN Conference Fund of USD 7,827, this makes a grand total of USD 47,636. The funds benefited the Schools for Schools project spearheaded by fellow Asia Pacific Activities Conference member, Brent International School Manila. The project is concentrated in Guiuan province, and is currently helping to rebuild the National High School that was completely destroyed in the typhoon. All proceeds will be used to buy materials and school supplies.