In recent weeks, learning across BIS has taken many inspiring forms. From exploring nature and Chinese culture in our early years, to investigating renewable energy in Year 6, to meaningful goal-setting and upcoming events in Secondary, our students have been growing with curiosity, confidence, and purpose. Here are some of the highlights from our BIS community.

Exploring Nature, Culture and Characters in Chinese Class

written by Ms. Renee, Nov. 2025

Over the past month, our Reception Tiger children have embarked on a learning journey full of exploration and discovery in their Chinese lessons. By connecting the themes from English lessons with elements of traditional Chinese culture, we opened a rich and colourful world of Chinese learning for our young learners.

Wildlife theme connected to the English lessons:

In Chinese class, we explored animals’ habits and habitats, learnt to recognise different types of fur and their functions, and discovered the “superpowers” wild animals develop for survival. Through a range of hands-on tasks, we strengthened multiple skills — for example, by matching shadows with the correct animal stickers, the children practised cutting along specific lines, developing their focus and hand–eye coordination. Our “shadow detective” activity nurtured observation and differentiation skills. In this engaging environment, we reinforced what they learnt in English while deepening their understanding of wildlife.

Introducing traditional Chinese festivals and seasonal terms:

During the Double Ninth Festival, we learnt that it is a day dedicated to honouring and caring for elders. We explored the meaning of “filial piety” and discussed what grandparents do for us, as well as what we can do in return. The children listened to the festival legend, learnt about its customs, understood the idea of “climbing high to see far”, and made bright red dogwood decorations. We also read the story Kong Rong Shares the Pears to learn about humility and respect, while also emphasising the importance of expressing one’s needs — ensuring children understand that kindness should not come at the cost of suppressing themselves.

As Start of Winter arrived, we introduced the concept and number of the 24 solar terms, helping the children understand that this marks the beginning of winter and giving them the chance to appreciate the wonders of seasonal change. We read the saying “Eat dumplings at Start of Winter and your ears won’t freeze” and made our own colourful dumplings, experiencing the charm of traditional culture.

Beginning Chinese character learning:

We also started our introductory journey into Chinese characters. The children learnt about the structure of the tianzige writing grid and basic strokes, and then practised tracing and writing the horizontal stroke “横”, distinguishing between long and short forms. Although their strokes are still small and tentative, every line shows their concentration and enthusiasm.

The importance of renewable energy powering our world

Written by Mr. Adam, Nov. 2025

Within the year six class this week, all students were shown in the subject of global perspectives how the world’s energy consumption (prevalent with greenhouse gas emissions) is considered to be one of the main factors to cause widespread effects to the Earth’s climate, changing local, provincial, national or global areas known to us. One of the main solutions to this universal dilemma is through the aspect of renewable energy.

With this in mind, all year six students got the chance to undertake project work in their respective groups, selecting one renewable energy type that appealed to them the most. These renewable energy types included solar energy, wave energy, tidal energy, wind energy, geothermal energy and hydroelectric energy. Essentially, all students used their own research, evaluation and analytical skills to formulate their very own insightful A3 posters on their chosen renewable energy source.

Furthermore, each student in their groups presented their unique posters to the rest of the class, stating how and why their chosen renewable energy source is paramount for all countries of the world going forward. Fundamentally, it became important to display all these informative A3 renewable energy posters on a display board outside of the year six classroom, allowing everyone from around school to recognise their own distinctive work.

Growing Together: Supporting Our Students’ Future Success

written by Ms. Lori, Nov. 2025

Dear BIS families,

It has been a busy and exciting time for our Secondary community! Over the past few weeks, we have been conducting one-on-one parent meetings with every secondary student and their families. These meeting is a valuable opportunity to discuss each student’s academic progress, future goals, and personalized guidance for the next steps. We truly appreciate the time and effort families have taken to engage in these important conversations — together, we can better support our students in planning for a successful future.

At the same time, under the leadership of our Principal, Ms. Michelle, and Head of Secondary, Ms. Melissa, we are preparing to host our A Level Information Night. This event is designed for students who are about to enter the IGCSE and A Level periods. During the session, students and parents will learn more about the subject options, how to select courses based on their intended university major and study destination, and how to plan effectively for the next phase of their academic journey.

For our Lower Secondary students, this term has been focused on exploring different career paths and gaining a deeper understanding of education systems around the world. Through interactive discussions and activities, students have been encouraged to think about their personal interests, global opportunities, and how education can open doors to many exciting futures.

We are proud of the curiosity, ambition, and engagement our students have shown throughout these activities. Thank you to all our families for your ongoing support — together, we continue to inspire our students to dream big and achieve their goals.

Exciting Events & Student Growth in Action

Written by Mr. Yaseen, Nov. 2025

With two upcoming events on the horizon, in the shape of Athletics day, as well as the Winter concert, the next month brings with it excitement, as well as opportunities for students to showcase their talents.

Athletics Day (November 25th for Primary, November 27th for Secondary)

Unlike in previous years, this year’s Athletics Day, is being treated as a competitive event, with try-outs that have been conducted twice weekly, as we harness the student’s energy into improving their abilities for every event. Houses were introduced a few weeks ago, in the hope of creating a sense of unity and belonging that encompasses all ages of students. People who would not usually communicate, are forging friendships with others, as they focus towards achieving common goals. It is a wonderful aspect of the House system, which will be used going forward not just for Athletics, but for future events as well. Students submitting magnificent artwork, and it is indeed their creations that will be emblazoned across our sports attire.

Winter concert (December 12th)

Our hope is for this year’s end of semester event to be the best one yet. Rehearsals have already begun, with students from different grades trying to create a magical performance their parents and teachers can be proud of. There will be booths, poetry, music, fun, all in the name of entertaining you, the parents. Be on the lookout for the schedule which will be posted soon enough, orchestrated by our Music specialist Mr. Dika..

AEP Department

The AEP department has been performing admirably, with students being given a far clearer image of what is expected of them, to transition from AEP to mainstream. Regular assessments have contributed toward a more consistent work ethic, and a vision of what they need to do, to get to where they want to be. AEP specialist teachers have also been working together with the main subject teachers, in co-teaching lessons, to ensure an alignment of content, which leads to lessons with a far more directed focus. The head of Secondary, Melissa Jones, and I, are in constant contact with each other ensuring Secondary and AEP are working together in the way that is needed, with your students’ progress always being our primary focus.

Thank you

Yaseen Ismail

AEP/Specialist coordinator