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The 24th Parent School – Navigating from VUCA to BANI: How Do We Progress and Retreat?

November 29, 2023

On the afternoon of November 27th, a group of Grade-9 to -11 parents were invited to the Xianmian Building for a seminar with Mr. Ma Feng, Principal of Shanghai High School International Division's High School Section. The theme of the seminar was "From VUCA to BANI: How Do We Progress and Retreat?" The discussion lasted over two hours, creating a warm atmosphere and bridging the gap between parents and the school. It has provided valuable opportunities for parents and the school to exchange ideas, sharing a common concern for the students' growth.

First, Principal Ma explained the concept of the VUCA era, which is characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Through in-depth and broad case analyses, including education costs, enrollment trends, and safety issues, he guided parents to deeply reflect on the challenges and opportunities students face in this challenging era.

Principal Ma then introduced the concept of the BANI world to the parents, highlighting the four characteristics of brittleness, anxiety, non-linearity, and incomprehensibility. With concise examples, he explained the importance of having the right mindset in this ever-changing era. In particular, he particularly pointed out that students' vulnerability and anxiety mainly stem from the influences of both internal and external environments, leading to a non-linear path in their growth process. He encouraged parents to recognize these challenges and take effective measures in response.

During the seminar, parents engaged in multiple interactive exchanges with Principal Ma on concerns such as the arrangement of students' extracurricular activities, parent-child relationships, and educational methods. In the concluding part, Principal Ma elaborated on the school's educational philosophy. The school consistently adheres to important principles such as supporting the personalized and lifelong development of each student, promoting a balance between practice and academics, and maintaining a diverse evaluation system. Principal Ma also shared the school's ongoing efforts to broaden students' international perspectives and promote academic and cultural exchange. This Parent School event has further fostered a closer collaboration between parents and the school, guiding parents to better understand and cope with the challenges of the VUCA era. The school, together with parents, will continue to build an educational system adapted to the BANI world, dedicated to cultivating students with a more comprehensive and resilient development.

(Written and Pictures by SHSID High School School Affairs Office Edited by Mr. Cody Allen Turner)