Getting Close to the Earth：11th Grade Global Citizen Day-Shanghai High School International Division

HOME

HOME / LATEST NEWS / Content

Getting Close to the Earth：11th Grade Global Citizen Day

November 24, 2025

On the morning of November 19, SHSID's 11th graders set off as winter sunlight spilled softly across the campus, boarding buses bound for Shanghai Haiwan National Forest Park, beginning their three-day, two-night “Global Citizen Day” journey. Leaving behind the city’s familiar hum, students immersed themselves into fields and forests that invited reflection and renewal. Here, they learned through labor, grew through collaboration, and felt—quietly and profoundly—the responsibilities and spirit of what it means to be a global citizen.

At 8 a.m., students gathered on campus to set off, reaching the dormatories by 10. After a short break, they made their way to the Peony Garden lawn for the opening ceremony. There, the High School Director of Student Affairs, Ms. Liu Qin, welcomed everyone and encouraged students to immerse themselves fully in the days ahead—trying new experiences, building resilience in nature, strengthening friendships, and always keeping safety and care for one another in mind.

Afterwards, under the guidance of instructors, the students broke into groups to experience traditional farming—cutting and threshing rice. Working directly with the soil and grain, they gained a tangible appreciation for the effort behind each grain and the profound satisfaction of a successful harvest.

As night fell, the bonfire sprung to life, signaling the start of the talent show. Firelight danced across the students' beaming faces. As songs and applause filled the night, the first day's activities came to a warm and unforgettable close.

Early on the second day, the teachers and students took shuttle buses to the starting point for the orienteering trek. Passing through the Plum Garden, the trek lasted nearly four hours. Students enjoyed the calm and vitality of the forest, while the route’s challenges helped them build teamwork and improve their sense of direction.

The afternoon's focus turned to creative projects: cabin building and DIY workshops. Throughout the process—from structural design and teamwork to wood assembly and personalized decoration—students not only acquired fundamental construction skills but also significantly honed their problem-solving and collaborative abilities. After completing the cabins, the entire grade joined hands and circled around them, dancing to the rhythm of the music.

After dinner, all gathered at the Sihai Pottery Studio. First, the High School Principal, Mr. Ma Feng, encouraged the students to enjoy the final memories created and have no regrets in their final high school years. Afterwards, everyone watched a series of short films centered on themes such as "Passion For Winning", "Be Commited", and "Think Big Then Make It Come True". The films not only showcased the students' rich creativity in directing, acting, and editing but also carried the most sincere blessings from each class.

On the morning of the 21st, the students rose early to pack their luggage and, after breakfast, made their way to the Dragon Boat Dock and the Peony Garden lawn. There, they took part in the day’s group activities: a spirited dragon boat race and the collective art project “Painting a Shared Blueprint.”

During the dragon boat race, the water rippled with the synchronized paddling and enthusiastic cheers, highlighting the students’ vibrant energy and remarkable teamwork. While “Painting a Shared Blueprint”, they used brushes to convey their visions for nature, the future, and their roles as global citizens, working together to create a vibrant long scroll that will remain a tribute to the Class of 2027.

By noon, the students gathered their belongings and boarded buses back to school, marking a smooth and heartfelt conclusion to the three-day Global Citizen Day program. The aroma of rice fields, the serenity of the forest, the thrill of the dragon boats, and the warmth of the bonfire at Shanghai Haiwan National Forest Park have since become lasting memories. Through labor, they learned respect. In nature, they found peace. and in cooperation, they grew into better versions of themselves. These are the most enduring gifts the Global Citizen Day experience offered every student.

(Written by 11(2) Teresa and Andrea Pictures by 11th Grade teachers and students Supervised by Dongsheng Zhang Reviewed by Ying Gu, Chenli Shen)