Beijing’s international school kids grow up in a unique melting pot. Many are third culture kids while others are expats who’ve made Beijing their home, and yet everyone fits together in Beijing like a puzzle.
One school that’s the epitome of the city’s melting pot culture is Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB). Located in the center of Beijing, it gives its students that big city experience in a safe and protected environment. CISB cultivates young minds from as young as 18 months old to high school. CISB is a three-program IB World School: Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme. Graduates obtain a Canadian (New Brunswick) High School Diploma and the opportunity to complete the full IB Diploma. The current 900+ student body represents over 50 nationalities.
As the class of 2023 leave high school behind and go off into the world, let’s take a look at some of their fondest memories.
One of my meaningful memories in CISB would be the recent experience of performing in front of the entire school with my friend Sam and two great teachers: Mr. Hambrook and Mr. O’Hare. Through several rehearsals and quite successful collaboration, we have managed to carry out a good show for the audience. This performance will always be kept as a good memory that I have for my high school life.
Leo Xiu
My favorite memory over the course of my grade 12 and previous years at CISB has been joining our sports teams. Over my two DP years, I joined the volleyball, basketball, and soccer teams. Joining these activities helped me maintain a healthy balance between hobbies and schoolwork, and allowed me to lead a healthier lifestyle. It also provided me with stronger friendships with other students that I otherwise would not have formed.
Emily Woodburn
My favorite memory from high school will be sitting in the lounge at lunch with my classmates and friends, lots of memories were made in that space including debates competition and support.
Nelson Tsui
My favorite memory from school was playing and learning volleyball, basketball, and soccer. Not only was I challenged physically, but I also learned how to overcome failure and become more resilient. I was also able to build new friendships and go on trips with my team.
Rita Gao
My favorite memory was the entire 2019 Week Without Walls trip. We went zip-lining, rock-climbing, and biking, but I enjoyed caving the most. It was pitch dark, my flashlight kept dying out, and we were wading in water up to our knees. Someone spread a rumor that they saw a snake. Some areas were claustrophobically tight, others were like wide caverns. It was the most fun I had on that trip. I wish I could go back.
Maira Malikova
My favorite memory is when I hosted the CANMUN 2023 conference at CISB. It was the perfect send-off for me because this is my seventh year of participating in MUN. Since joining CISB in grade 7, I have grown from a delegate to a student officer, then a director and finally the secretary general of CANMUN. This conference represents my journey, and I hope CANMUN can continue for years.
Henry Han
My favorite memory in school is from me and my friends always talking and learning out of school stuff since I believe that the more you learn and know there more you can experience and enjoy.
Millan Sanchez Valer
One of my fondest memories at CISB was joining sports teams such as the ski club, the soccer team, the volleyball team, etc. Joining these teams strengthened my friendships, as we were able to share a common interest and play together. Furthermore, it was meaningful to me to be able to provide guidance and support for younger students that were new to playing the sport or required help in school subjects. Thus, these experiences allowed me to meet new people I may not have otherwise due to age differences and these teams and environments will definitely be something I will miss in the future.
Kayla Woodburn
This article appeared in the jingkids 2023 Graduation Issue
