Sponsored by Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) –YCIS Beijing is has a long history of academic achievement with five educational accreditations and a award from Cambridge International Examinations. YCIS Beijing is registered as a school for children of foreign nationals offering international education for students in kindergarten through to Year 13 and graduation to university. For more information, please email: enquiry@bj.ycef.com
At Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing), the Lower Secondary Curriculum (Years 7-9) is quite unique in terms of truly international education. While based on the framework of the UK educational model, the YCIS Beijing Lower Secondary Curriculum includes an extensive focus on Chinese language and culture, global citizenship and international-mindedness, thus transcending any one national system. This stage of the educational journey is a vital period of growth and development for students, and is one that requires age-appropriate teaching strategies, a caring learning environment, and trusting relationships to complement their journey.
In describing key practices that help Lower Secondary students gain the skills needed to become successful learners in higher education and beyond, Dr. Nanci Shaw, YCIS Beijing Superintendent,states, “During the middle years, student learning and well-being are enhanced through instructional practices based on constructivist methods of learning, whereby students are involved in decision-making about content, process and assessment. We provide authentic and relevant tasks that require complex thought which are integrated throughout learning, and ample time is allowed for student curiosity and exploration. Our processes focus on co-operation, communication, negotiation and social competencies; and individual differences in interests, achievement and learning styles are a priority.”
From Lower Secondary, YCIS Beijing students progress through the Upper Secondary section, studying the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) curriculum in Years 10-11, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) in Years 12-13. The IGCSE and IB DP programmes are internationally recognized and providea solid and comprehensive foundation for entrance to competitive universities around the world.
YCIS Beijing IGCSE Coordinator Lianne Yu elaborates, “Cambridge IGCSE builds a firm foundation for subject content and time management and offers many courses that lead very well into the core of IB. In addition, assessment models such as written, oral, and practical coursework, subjects during the IGCSE years feed quite naturally into the internal assessment of IB. The implementation of the IGCSE Curriculum helps the students develop a wide range of research skills, as these skills are taught across the curriculum. We also pride ourselves in making it a goal to integrate Information & Communication Technologies, Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and character education into the IGCSE Curriculum, which allow for a smooth transition into IB.”
In Upper Secondary at YCIS Beijing, the IGCSE and IB academic programmes are complimented by the school’s University Guidance Counselor, Ryan Jordan,whose expertise includes ensuring that students make the right choices for the right reasons.
Jordan states “We start talking about bigger university topics with Year 11, and by Year 12 they are researching universities – looking at everything from admission requirements to campus size and life. This time is also when students start meeting with university representatives through university visits and college fairs held here on campus. There are also factors that need to be taken into account, such as discussing fears and expectations of that first year at university, goal setting and stress management. Another consideration is developing a strong character within our students. From self-assessments to working on Creativity Action Service (CAS) activities, students start to learn more about their interests, strengths and passions. Knowing themselves is the first step to choosing a major and an eventual career.”
On Wednesday, April 15th from 10am – 12pm, YCIS Beijing will hold a Secondary Information Session on the school campus, presented by Secondary Vice-Principal Dr. Nicholas Duggan. If you would like to attend this information session, please click here.
Photo: YCIS
