2021 was a challenging year for most international schools. With borders still closed, getting faculty, staff, and students back from overseas was an ongoing obstacle. What’s more, the continued battle against Covid-19 resulted in multiple closures and required extra security and safety measures, as well as a host of new government regulations regarding education, which left the international community guessing what did and did not apply to them, and how to best comply.
Even still, it was also a year filled with laughter and accomplishment too. From social innovation to the return of team sports, our community continues to grow and thrive. Below are a few of the proudest moments for our international schools in the past year, as told by the schools themselves.
Beijing City International School
Hosted by our Head of School, BCIS held the first of a series of panel discussions about the future of education and of life beyond school. The first panel included a diverse range of voices from students, alumni, parents, and community members who discussed how to address the changes taking place in education, work, and life; and how to shape the future of education at BCIS.
German Embassy School of Beijing
Finally able to hold our traditional sports day in June 2021, Grades 5-10 earned points for their class accounts at football tournaments, relay races, and game stations. While the students had a day of fun and laughter, they also showed great skill, sportsmanship, and a spirit of togetherness.
The British School of Beijing, Shunyi
Our favorite charity event each year is our parent-run Santa’s Secret Shop where students choose secretly wrapped gifts for family and friends. Choirs perform festive songs while raising funds for the underprivileged. This is the BSB community working together so that everyone can enjoy the love and magic of the special season!
Daystar Academy
We launched our new tradition with our inaugural Social Innovation Day. The unique activities included a Plastic Pollution Workshop, Art Upcycling Workshop to make bird boxes, a Gardening and Landscape Design Workshop, a Climate Change Workshop to calculate our carbon emissions, and a Reflection Workshop on Gender Diversity and Inequalities.
All students, whether they were facilitators or participants, developed a sense of connection to these global issues and learned how innovation and action can help make a difference and inspire others. In the future, we plan to make Social Innovation Day an annual tradition in the Daystar community!
Dulwich College Beijing
The Dulwich College Beijing Class of 2021 has undeniably shown academic rigor and engaged in many enrichment opportunities throughout their Senior School years to grow as well-rounded, independent, and passionate learners. While their graduation marked the end of formal schooling, it most significantly marked the beginning of a new chapter of their life, fully prepared to embrace future opportunities and challenges with resolve, resilience, and honor.
AISB-Hope International
Parents and students enjoyed our annual Christmas concert while families and loved ones watched online. The guitar club ASA began the concert with two lively songs. Then, our elementary and middle school students sang and played bells around the theme of “The Light Has Come.” To conclude the concert, our secondary school band led all students, staff, and online spectators in a few Christmas carols. It was a sparkling celebration enjoyed by all!
Images: Courtesy of Schools
This article appeared in the jingkids 2022 School Choice Guide issue
