At SHSID Fengxian Campus, learning in Grade 1 goes far beyond textbooks and classroom lessons. A rich and varied curriculum opens up new windows to the world. From sports and the arts to nature exploration, science and technology, children learn by doing, think independently, and grow through every new experience and engaging academic lesson.

Swimming with Confidence | Building Courage and Independence in the Water

Swimming is a signature course at SHSID Fengxian Campus. It gives every Grade 1 student the opportunity to develop essential swimming skills while helping them adjust to school life and become more independent.

With a 50-meter swimming pool and a team of professional coaches, the course begins with familiarizing children with the pool and basic swimming equipment. Step by step, they learn to feel comfortable in the water, practice breathing and arm movements, and gradually overcome their fear of the unfamiliar.

But learning doesn't stop at the pool. From preparing their swimming gear and changing clothes to showering, drying their hair, and keeping track of their belongings, children gradually learn to manage their swimming routine independently. With guidance from teachers, they become more confident and responsible. In the pool, they learn more than just swimming. Every stroke helps them build courage, develop perseverance, and grow in confidence. These are the valuable lessons we hope every child will take away from swimming.

Nature Explorers | Discovering the Wonders of Life

Our gardening class takes children beyond the pages of textbooks and into the natural world. Through observation, exploration, and hands-on activities, they discover the fascinating diversity of plants. In class, children explore different types of seeds, learn about the parts of a plant, and discover what plants need to grow well. They also plant and care for sweet potato plants and experiment with different ways to germinate seeds. While creating their own worm farms, children learn about the important connection between earthworms and healthy soil. They also begin to understand how different living things contribute to a balanced ecosystem.

From planting seeds to observing nature, children build knowledge and develop their observation and practical skills through hands-on experiences. Working together also helps them learn patience and responsibility. Nature walks offer another opportunity to explore the world around them. By observing nearby plants and discovering their surroundings, children are encouraged to stay curious and find joy in the little wonders of nature.

Reaching New Heights | Overcoming Challenges Through Climbing

Our rock-climbing class encourages children to challenge themselves and discover what they are capable of. Faced with climbing walls of different heights and routes, they learn to observe, make decisions, and adjust their movements as they find their own way up. Climbing helps develop physical strength and coordination. It also calls for courage, patience, and concentration.

When children encounter a difficult section, they can pause, think, and try again. Through repeated attempts and small breakthroughs, they learn to face challenges and keep going. With every climb, they discover a little more of their own potential.

Creative Art | Letting Imagination Take Flight

The art classroom is a place where children observe the world, express their ideas, and explore their creativity. At SHSID Fengxian Campus, we enrich children's artistic experiences and encourage them to find inspiration in everyday life. Through drawing and creative projects, they experiment with colors, lines, and different ways of expressing what they see.

In a recent art lesson, children used their own selfies as the starting point for a playful creative project. The lesson also brought art and computer studies together. First, children learned to use the Markup tool in the iPad Photos app during their computer lesson. They then applied these skills in art class, adding colors, patterns, and imaginative details to their photos. Through their creativity, familiar selfies were transformed into something entirely new.

From traditional drawing to digital art, and from observing and appreciating art to expressing their own ideas, these varied experiences help children develop an appreciation for art and discover the joy and possibilities of creative expression.

Fun with Football | Discovering the Power of Teamwork

Our football class is filled with running, laughter, and excitement. Children begin by getting comfortable with the ball and practicing passing. As they progress, they take part in team activities, develop their physical fitness, and discover what teamwork really means.

A successful pass depends on good communication and understanding between teammates. An exciting attack requires everyone to get involved. On the football field, children learn to support one another and work toward a common goal. Along the way, they build friendships, grow together, and experience the joy of working as a team.

Exploring New Interests | Developing Skills Through Diverse Experiences

Beyond the optional sports and nature exploration classes, the school also offers a variety of optional classes, including language expression, fun coding, and creative crafts, giving children more opportunities to learn, explore, and put their ideas into practice.

In Public Speaking, children are encouraged to express themselves confidently. Through discussions and presentations, they learn to organize their thoughts and communicate their ideas clearly.

In ScratchJr, children explore the world of coding through visual programming. They experiment with creating their own projects while developing logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

In Creative Crafts, children turn their ideas into handmade creations. The process encourages them to think creatively, work patiently, and enjoy the satisfaction of making something with their own hands.

Building Strong Foundations | Developing Knowledge and Skills Through Exploration

While our signature courses broaden children's horizons, regular classroom lessons provide a strong foundation for future learning. At SHSID Fengxian Campus, we bring engaging activities and hands-on exploration into everyday teaching. This makes academic learning more meaningful and helps children think independently and participate actively in a positive classroom environment.

In Chinese lessons, children build their language skills and develop their ability to communicate. Through engaging character recognition activities, Pinyin learning, handwriting practice, and a variety of classroom activities, they learn to recognize Chinese characters, master Pinyin, and reinforce what they have learned in a fun and supportive environment.

In our English-medium Mathematics lessons, mathematical concepts are connected to real-life situations and fun games. Children are encouraged to observe, think, and explain their ideas. As they solve problems, they develop mathematical thinking and gain a clearer, more concrete understanding of numbers and concepts.

Science lessons open up a world of discovery for young learners. Through hands-on experiments and engaging activities, students are encouraged to observe scientific phenomena, ask questions, and find answers through exploration and critical thinking. Along the way, they gradually develop an understanding of scientific principles while strengthening their logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Each new discovery sparks their curiosity, inspires a love of learning, and nurtures a spirit of scientific inquiry.

English lessons focus on building a strong foundation in language while developing students’ overall communication skills and confidence. Through an integrated approach to phonics, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing, students strengthen their language skills and learn to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. Engaging activities, including storytelling, class discussions, fun games, and collaborative tasks, encourage students to think independently and express their ideas with confidence. Through meaningful practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, students continue to develop their language abilities and grow into confident, enthusiastic English learners.

Every Lesson Opens Up New Possibilities

From signature courses to everyday classroom learning, and from independent exploration to teamwork, SHSID Fengxian Campus offers a rich and varied curriculum that creates countless opportunities for children to grow. Here, children discover their interests through learning, build skills through practice, and make progress with every new attempt.

May every child continue to explore the world with curiosity and enthusiasm, embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, and shine in their own unique way.

(Written by Jingyao Lin
Pictures by Xueling Yu, Haijie Gong
Reviewed by Xing Ye, Ciara Cox, Shiyu Wu)