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High School Freshmen Embrace the Gateway Course: Embarking on Enlightenment

September 4, 2023

On September 1, Shanghai High School International Division held a remarkable event that opened a unique gateway of knowledge for Grade 9 students, marking the beginning of their high school journey. The one-day “Gateway Course” aimed to provide freshmen with an academic foundation, setting a strong cornerstone for their future learning endeavors in high school.

Ms. Liu Min, the High School Vice Principal, extended a warm welcome to the new students and introduced the systematic nature of high school subject learning, highlighting the differences in course structure and teaching methods from middle school. She emphasized the importance of interaction between students and teachers and the mutual growth that occurs in the learning process. She expressed her hope that the “Gateway Course” would provide freshmen with an overall concept to assist them in their smooth transition to high school.

Mr. Roberts from the English department introduced many aspects of high school English courses in his speech. He discussed the teaching methods, teaching objectives, and assignment structures in high school. For instance, he noted that high school English places more emphasis on text analysis than vocabulary and grammar. Additionally, two outstanding juniors shared their experiences in high school English learning, offering valuable insights and advice to the freshmen.

Dr. Wu from the Mathematics department introduced the overall curriculum structure of high school mathematics to the freshmen. She provided detailed insights into the rhythm of high school mathematics learning including homework assignments, classroom quizzes, and formal exams. Two juniors shared their own learning experiences, offering tips on organizing knowledge points, managing mistakes, and tackling geometry concepts.

Dr. Xu from the Physics department used the recent hot topic of "room-temperature superconductors" as a starting point to showcase the wonders of the physics world to the freshmen. He emphasized that, in high school, students will have numerous opportunities to deliver their passion for physics through activities like selecting research and practical projects.

Mr. Sun from the Chemistry department introduced the teaching content of high school chemistry through four aspects. He emphasized that high school chemistry learning requires students to be diligent observers and thinkers, to find their areas of interest, and to develop their study skills.

Mr. Pickart from the History department offered practical methods for high school history learning to the 9th-grade freshmen including diligent pre-class preparation, active in-class questioning, and thorough review work. Two juniors shared their personal journeys of adapting to high school learning, emphasizing that with strong self-motivation, one can enjoy and excel in the process of history learning.

Lastly, the Chinese course introduction was conducted by Ms. Lu from the Chinese department. Ms. Lu performed a live interview format inviting two juniors to provide detailed insights into high school Chinese learning from four perspectives: why they study, curriculum arrangements, classroom dynamics, and pre-and-post-class preparation. This approach offered the freshmen a more intuitive listening experience.

As the final bell rang, students ended their day with a sense of accomplishment and excitement for their upcoming high school academic life. SHSID’s commitment to holistic education, diverse subjects, and dedicated educators ensures that every student's potential is nurtured, making SHSID a place of growth and exploration.

(Written by Yao Yanjie Pictures by Xu Jin and Feng Siqiao Reviewed by Zuo Qian)