The first-round evaluation of the Grade 8 Service Learning (SL) projects has successfully concluded. Over the past months, students have independently conducted research, designed project plans, and carried out real-world practices across diverse themes. Through these authentic experiences, they expanded their perspectives, strengthened their connection with the school and broader community, and deepened their understanding of civic responsibility.

From the first spark of an idea to designing proposals, purchasing materials, communicating with partners, executing the activities, and producing reflective reports—students were the true leaders at every stage. Every seemingly minor yet crucial step was completed by the team members themselves, demonstrating responsibility, communication skills, and project management abilities essential for independent learners.

In this round of evaluation, each group compiled a comprehensive review based on its service goals, execution process, teamwork, impact, and reflections. Teachers also conducted a thorough assessment of professionalism, sustainability, and overall influence. Ultimately, eight groups distinguished themselves and earned the title of Silver-rated Service Learning Groups, recognizing their solid project quality and strong potential for continued growth. These groups excelled in project planning, social impact, rigor, and collaboration, exemplifying SHSID students’ sense of responsibility, initiative, and leadership.

Showcase of Silver-rated Service Learning Groups

(The following groups are listed in no particular order.)

① MFP — Music Warming the Campus, Art Healing the Heart

MFP is an arts-based service group guided by the mission of “warming the campus through music and nourishing the mind through art.” Rather than focusing merely on performance, the group centers its work on artistic healing: sharing music in public campus spaces to bring calm, comfort, and emotional support to peers and teachers.

Their two lunchtime “Music Flash Performances” in October fully embodied their philosophy. Whether it was the elegance of Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon, the vibrancy of Viva la Vida, or the serenity of a cello duet, each piece offered a moment of beauty and connection within ordinary school days.

As a signature arts-based SL group on campus, MFP is committed to making music a bridge that connects people—soothing emotions, brightening routines, and creating moments where everyone feels seen and accompanied. Their presence adds both poetry and warmth to the school’s culture of service.

② SciAcademy — Science Meets Kindness: Dual Charity Sales on Campus and in the Community

SciAcademy is driven by the mission of “science education + social responsibility,” aiming to bring science beyond the classroom and embed communal attitudes into everyday action. They believe that science is not only a tool to understand the world, but also a way to improve it.

In two charity sales held in October, students designed a series of science-themed creative products—molecular keychains, science illustrations, custom stationery, and more. All products were entirely student-made, showcasing discipline, creativity, and interdisciplinary thinking. The two events raised 2,004 RMB, fully donated to the “One Breakfast” charity program in Nujiang, Yunnan. The events turned scientific curiosity into a force of care.

As one of the groups that deeply integrates “science + service,” SciAcademy allows students to see both the warmth of science and the possibilities of social responsibility through scientific thinking.

③ PRIMO — Using Mathematics to Energize Campus Learning and Extend Love Beyond Campus

PRIMO is a mathematics service group with a mission to “use mathematics to inspire thinking and to serve the school community.” They believe that mathematics is more than logic—it is a language that connects people.

On campus, PRIMO organized a “Rapid Calculation & Geometry Challenge,” where members designed original questions, explained concepts on-site, and coordinated the activity with precision and creativity. The event attracted wide participation and transformed the school into a lively “math playground,” becoming a meaningful academic tribute to SHS’s 160th anniversary.

Beyond campus, PRIMO extended its impact into the wider community. In November, they hosted a collaborative workshop with autistic participants at the Ningjuli Gubei Community Station. Through hands-on geometry activities, DIY crafts, and a closing talent show, PRIMO volunteers created an afternoon filled with discovery, connection, and shared joy. This event showed that mathematics can enlighten, heal, and bond people across differences.

④ POP — Illuminating the Campus with the Science of Light and Shadow

POP is dedicated to “scientific communication + creative expression,” consistently delivering high-quality, professional science outreach. They believe science should not remain abstract—it should be visible, tactile, and awe-inspiring.

In their “Light and Shadow Science Exhibition,” the team curated four interactive zones: visual persistence, color mixing, dynamic imaging, and optical illusions. From flip-book animations to Einstein projections, from spinning color wheels to 3D light structures, POP transformed complex optical principles into immersive experiences that ignited genuine curiosity.

As one of the most technically rigorous SL teams, POP brings science to life, making the campus a vibrant laboratory of wonder.

⑤ Supporting Education — Sharing Books and Kindness Through Creative Blind-box Charity Sales

Supporting Education focuses on “educational support + reading equity,” aiming to provide accessible learning resources to under-resourced schools.

For their charity project, students donated nearly-new books, curated them into creative bilingual “mystery book boxes,” and added handmade bookmarks. All boxes sold out within 30 minutes, raising 1,018.53 RMB to support a primary school in Suixian, Henan.

Through their work, the group bridges readers across distance and allows kindness to travel further through books.

⑥ Goodball — Creating Sports Tutorial Videos for Children in Remote Areas

Goodball is centered on “sports education + youth development,” striving to make sports a shared language among young people from different regions.

For this round, the team produced two complete sports tutorial videos for students in the Liangshan region—one on lacrosse rules and one on basketball warm-up training. From research and script writing to filming and editing, everything was student-led. The videos offered high-quality guidance to schools lacking sports instruction and opened new windows into athletic learning for children far away. Goodball reminds us that sports not only strengthen bodies—they empower lives.

⑦ TFT — Consistent, High-quality Content Production for Rural Radio Learning Programs

Tales for Tomorrow collaborates with Shanghai Media Group and rural radio stations to create educational audio content for primary schools nationwide. Their departments include script writing, recording, editing, visual design, and publishing. Each issue is produced entirely by a student-led team and uploaded to a national resources platform used by many rural schools.

This semester, TFT introduced a conversational two-host format, with the first completed episode titled A Mooncake and a Story. Upcoming episodes will explore sports health, life sciences, and the human body. TFT members will soon extend their service from online content creation to offline school visits, bringing educational warmth directly to rural communities.

⑧ Unistar — Stable, High-quality Support for Children with Autism

Unistar serves autistic children through a dual focus on “sports therapy + precise companionship.” Unlike general volunteer work, Unistar develops highly customized interactive activities that truly meet the unique needs of autistic students, enabling volunteers to connect with the children in respectful and empathetic ways.

As a signature autism-support group, Unistar remains committed to building bridges of understanding—using movement as therapy and empathy as light. Their work adds both depth and warmth to SHSID’s service culture.

Beyond the Silver Awards: Highlights from Other SL Groups

Beyond the eight Silver Label SL groups in this round, other participating teams have also been steadily advancing diverse and meaningful initiatives, showcasing the strong sense of social responsibility among students.

Academic Support & Reading Promotion

Groups such as Booker Librarian, Tales for Tomorrow, Story Buddy, Sunrise, Gazette, News Group, Tutoring Group, and Supporting Education have been actively engaged in book organization, reading promotion, assisting younger students in reading, and subject tutoring. Their efforts continuously enrich the academic atmosphere on campus.

Welfare Care & Mental Well-being

Groups including Papillon, Smile Charity, Sunrise, Indigo, 对白社，and DDO have focused on peer mental support, charitable fundraising, and community companionship, safeguarding the growth of those around them with warmth and sensitivity.

Science Communication & Environmental Action

Teams such as ECOCAP, IdeaX, Indigo, Kata Dog, 医耀社, and SciAcademy have been actively raising awareness on environmental advocacy, sustainable campus development, life science education, and science communication. Through knowledge dissemination and advocacy, they inspire peers to engage with scientific and environmental issues.

Artistic Creativity & Media Expression

Groups like Photography and Artistic Media utilize photography exhibitions, visual design, experimental art mediums, and creative content production to make artistic expression a new pathway for inspiring reflection, broadening perspectives, and promoting the spirit of public welfare.

The Silver Awards celebrate not only the students’ current achievements but also the beginning of deeper engagement with authentic social issues. All SL groups—whether award recipients or not—are actively exploring, learning, and growing. Through each project, they bring vitality, creativity, and warmth to the school community.

We look forward to seeing every group continue to grow with greater professionalism, deeper reflection, and stronger impact in the next evaluation cycle.

(Written by Liwen Pan

Pictures by Grade 8 Teachers
Reviewed by Ms. Shen Ying, Shiyu Wu)