This month, our BIS community witnessed meaningful learning across all divisions—from Pre-Nursery to A-Level. Our youngest learners explored the world through hands-on sensory activities, while our primary students expanded their literacy horizons through digital reading. In the science labs, Year 7 and 8 students brought chemistry and physics concepts to life through dynamic experiments. Meanwhile, our senior students deepened their understanding of Chinese literature with a powerful stage performance of Longxugou.

Across the campus, students have been discovering, creating, and expressing themselves in ways that reflect the spirit of active, inquiry-based learning. We are proud of their enthusiasm and growth and look forward to seeing them continue to shine in the months ahead.

A Month of Hands-On Learning

Written by Ms. Liliia

Dear Parents,

We are excited to share the wonderful learning experiences your children have had in the Pre-Nursery class this past month. Our young learners have explored a variety of engaging topics and participated in many hands-on activities that not only expanded their knowledge but also helped them develop important skills.

Exploring the Farm:

One of the highlights of the month was our exploration of farm life. The children were introduced to a range of farm animals and farm produce, learning about the different roles animals play in our daily lives. They had the chance to engage in fun, interactive activities such as pretending to milk a cow and collect eggs from the “chickens.” These activities not only sparked curiosity but also helped reinforce their understanding of where food comes from.

In another activity, the children were excited to “cut” the wool of a pretend sheep and reveal hidden pictures, a magical experience that combined creativity with sensory exploration. These activities fostered fine motor skills, problem-solving, and imaginative play.

Fruits, Veggies, and Colors:

This month, we also delved into the world of fruits and vegetables. The children were able to reinforce their knowledge of colors as they painted using different vegetables and explored textures in a fun, hands-on way. By using various fruits and vegetables as tools for painting, they not only learned about color mixing but also enhanced their sensory awareness through texture exploration.

Numbers and Early Math Skills:

In addition to our creative activities, the children worked on reinforcing their number knowledge, focusing on numbers 1 through 6. Through interactive games and activities, they practiced recognizing numbers and even built number lines using connecting blocks. These activities helped lay the foundation for early math skills in an engaging and enjoyable way.

Building Social Skills:

Our group activities this month emphasized the importance of collaboration and teamwork. Through building projects using LEGO, the children worked together to construct and create, learning how to share ideas, solve problems, and work as a team. These collaborative experiences not only fostered social development but also encouraged creativity and critical thinking.

Looking Ahead:

We are so proud of the progress our Pre-Nursery students have made, and we look forward to continuing our learning journey together. Thank you for your continued support in fostering an environment of growth and curiosity for our young learners.

Digital Reading: Expanding Primary Students’ English Literacy Horizons

Written by Mr. Ellen, Nov. 2025

In our primary school classrooms, a quiet but powerful digital transformation is reshaping how students engage with English literature. Through the integration of tablets into daily lessons, young learners now explore a rich array of English e-books, expanding their reading horizons and adding a dynamic layer to traditional teaching methods.During a recent English class, small groups of students gathered around tablets, fully immersed in digital stories. Some read chapter books independently, using interactive tools to look up new words or hear correct pronunciations. Others worked in pairs, analyzing plots or discussing characters—as seen in one memorable photo where two girls eagerly debated a protagonist’s choices in an adventure novel. The classroom hummed with collaboration and curiosity.This approach goes beyond the limitations of printed textbooks, offering students access to a diverse digital library spanning multiple genres and difficulty levels. It not only strengthens reading comprehension and vocabulary but also nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and digital competence. As one teacher observed, “Tablet-based reading encourages student-led exploration and fosters a deeper, more personal connection to English.”Already a highlight of our English curriculum, this initiative continues to inspire a love for reading while equipping students with skills for a technology-driven future.

Science Spotlight: A Year of Dynamic Discovery!

 Written by Mr. Alan, Nov. 2025

This term, our Science labs have been hubs of innovation and excitement as our Year 7 and 8 students delve into core concepts through hands-on experimentation.

Our Year 7 chemists have been exploring the fascinating world of solutions. They have actively investigated solubility, concentration, and the beautiful process of crystallisation, growing their own vibrant crystals from supersaturated solutions. This practical approach has made complex ideas tangible and memorable.

Meanwhile, Year 8 students have been mastering the principles of gas pressure with explosive energy! They have witnessed the power of acid-base reactions firsthand, using them to launch projectiles, and have explored physics by dramatically smashing rulers with a single sheet of newspaper. These engaging demonstrations vividly illustrate the invisible forces at work.

We are incredibly proud of the progress all our students are making. By moving beyond the textbook, we are fostering a genuine passion for scientific inquiry and building a strong foundation for future learning. Keep up the fantastic work, young scientists.

A-Level Chinese Literature Practical Showcase

— Year 12 Drama Performance of Longxugou

Written by Ms. Nakha, 2025

On 19 November, the Year 12 A-Level Chinese A class successfully staged the classic play Longxugou in the school theatre. The performance was not only a tribute to Lao She’s renowned work, but also a key practical component of this term’s “Drama Literature” unit. By stepping into their characters, students explored individual destinies, understood social change, and completed a deeply meaningful literary experience on stage.

To stay true to the original work, the cast spent the preparation period reading the novel, watching related stage performances, designing stage settings, analysing character traits, studying linguistic styles, and continuously refining their blocking, rhythm, and emotional expression. In the end, through sincere and natural acting, they vividly brought to life the joys and sorrows of the residents of Longxugou, allowing the audience to witness the characters’ poverty, hope, and transformation.

Cast List

Adam as Liu Xunchang & Feng Gouzi: Delivered a steady and natural performance that captured both authority and streetwise charm.

Athena as Wang Erchun & Xiaoniuzi: Interpreted the resilience and liveliness of female characters with depth.

Ella as Madam Cheng & Ding Si: Shifted seamlessly between subtlety and intensity, showing remarkable control over contrasting roles.

Hitoshi as Old Zhao: Conveyed the character’s hardship and kindness with genuine emotion.

Jack as “Crazy” Cheng: His fully immersed performance and emotional richness resonated deeply with the audience.

Frase as Ding Si’s Wife: Presented the simplicity and tenacity of grassroots characters with precision.

Wendy as Auntie Wang: Brought authenticity to the role, portraying both warmth and timidity convincingly.

On stage, students performed with focus and dedication. Their authentic and powerful portrayals were met with enthusiastic praise, making this performance not only a drama lesson but also a profound lesson in literature and social observation.

Through this production, students gained a more multidimensional understanding of Chinese literature, while also strengthening their expressive ability, teamwork, and cultural confidence. We look forward to seeing them continue to shine on their A-Level journey and bring their insight and talent to even larger stages.