In September, the inaugural Grade 6 cohort began a new chapter of their middle school journey at SHSID Fengxian Campus. On the evening of September 22, the campus welcomed its first Grade 6 Parent Meeting. Focusing on educational philosophy, teaching routines and assessment, academic programmes, and home-school communication, the meeting provided an opportunity for the school and families to engage in meaningful dialogue. It also helped parents gain a more comprehensive understanding of their children’s learning and development in middle school, while strengthening a shared commitment to supporting students as they take their first steps into this new stage of learning and growth.

The meeting began with an overview of the Grade 6 programme presented by Mr. Guo Lei, Grade 6 Team Leader, who introduced the school’s educational philosophy and teaching routines. In middle school, the school aims to develop“independent learners” and“responsible global citizens.” Through core academic teaching, a rich range of courses and activities, as well as support such as Goal Setting and Learner Support, students are encouraged to build a strong academic foundation, develop their thinking skills, and gradually take greater responsibility for managing their own learning. Through authentic experiences, they also develop a growing sense of responsibility and social awareness. Mr. Guo then introduced middle school assessment practices, the ONE Growth Centre and comprehensive reports, the LC learning platform, and other teaching routines. He also highlighted expectations for student behaviour and safety in daily campus life, helping parents gain a fuller picture of students’learning and development in middle school.

The leaders of the core academic subjects then introduced the distinctive features and learning expectations of their respective programmes, focusing on both course content and the development of learning skills. Mr. Zheng Wenyin, Head of Mathematics, introduced the mathematics programme from three perspectives: conceptual understanding, skills development, and the development of effective learning habits. He emphasised that students should develop rigorous ways of thinking and strong learning habits alongside their understanding of mathematical knowledge. Ms. Chen Fan, Head of Chinese, focused on the development of reading, communication, critical thinking, and creativity. Through activities such as whole-book reading, with a focus on science fiction, students broaden their reading horizons while strengthening their language and thinking skills. Mr. Jacob Newman, Head of History, introduced the Grade 6 history programme from different historical perspectives. Through exploring historical events and the development of civilisations, students gradually develop the ability to analyse, compare, and investigate based on evidence.

Ms. Du Jiani, Head of Science, introduced the distinctive features of the science programme through the theme of “biodiversity.” Through experiments and inquiry-based projects, students develop their understanding of scientific concepts through hands-on practice and sustained exploration, building their abilities to observe, analyse, and solve problems. Mr. Jason Brigham, Head of English, introduced the English programme, with a focus on independent learning and 21st-century competencies. Through reading, communication, and inquiry-based learning, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, information literacy, and communication skills.

The meeting concluded with remarks from Ms. Shen Tianyuan, Vice Principal of the Primary and Lower Secondary Division and Head of Fengxian Campus, who focused on the theme of “responsibility.” Drawing on students’ experiences in classroom learning, boarding life, and campus activities since the beginning of the school year, Ms. Shen shared her thoughts on student development and home-school partnership. A sense of responsibility is developed through everyday learning and life. Through a series of real-life experiences, students learn to manage themselves, follow rules, respect others, and take responsibility for their choices. Through consistent guidance, role modeling, and communication, the school and families can create a shared environment for students’ growth, and support them as they explore and practice courses and campus activities, becoming more independent and responsible learners.

Following the main Parent Meeting, the Grade 6 team met with parents of boarding students. Parents shared their children’s experiences since moving into the dormitories. They notined that the students had demonstrated an encouraging ability to adapt to boarding life and had gradually become familiar with the routines of dormitory living and the rhythm of campus life. Parents also shared positive feedback about the changes they had observed in their children. Mr. Qin Xiangyu then introduced the support provided for boarding students, covering property services, medical support, dormitory management, psychological support, as well as the arrangements for evening study.

The Grade 6 Parent Meeting gave families a more concrete understanding of the school’s educational philosophy, academic programmes, assessment practices, and campus life, while also helping the school and families build a clearer shared understanding of students’ development. A new learning journey has begun. The school and families will continue to communicate and work together, supporting students as they gradually adapt to middle school life and learn to become more independent and take greater responsibility during this new stage of growth.

(Written by Yang Die

Pictures by Yu Xueling, Gong Haijie

Reviewed by Guo Lei, Shiyu Wu)