As we mark the first month of the new school year, it has been inspiring to see our students across EYFS, Primary, and Secondary settling in and thriving. From our Nursery Lion Cubs learning daily routines and making new friends, to our Year 1 Lions caring for silkworms and mastering new skills, the spirit of curiosity and growth shines brightly. In Secondary, our IGCSE Art & Design students are exploring creative techniques in photography and fine art, while in the upper secondary Chinese class, students are embracing the challenge of HSK5 Chinese with enthusiasm and determination. This first month has set a strong foundation for the year ahead — filled with learning, creativity, cultural exploration, and the joy of building community together.

Nursery Lion Cubs Kick Off a Fantastic Start

Dear Lion Cub Families,

What a fantastic and busy start to the year we are having in the Nursery Lion Cubs class! Your little ones are settling in beautifully, and we are already diving into our exciting learning adventures. I wanted to share a glimpse of what we’ve been focusing on.

Our days are filled with building essential skills through play and structured activities. We are learning all about daily routines and healthy habits, from hanging up our coats independently to washing our hands before snack time. These small steps build huge confidence!

In our circle times, we are practicing our numbers by counting to 5 using blocks, toys, and even our fingers! We are also developing a love for books by listening to stories together, which helps grow our vocabulary and listening skills.

Most importantly, we are learning the wonderful art of making new friends. We are practicing taking turns, using our words to express ourselves, and most of all, learning to share. Whether it’s sharing the crayons at the art table or sharing the giggles on the playground, these are the foundational moments that build a kind and supportive classroom community.

Thank you for your partnership and for sharing your wonderful children with me. It is a joy to watch them learn and grow each day.

Warmly,

Teacher Alex

A Month with the Year 1 Lions

The Year 1 Lions have had a wonderful first month together, settling into their new class and showing great curiosity about the world around them. A highlight has been our Science lessons, where we have been exploring the differences between living and nonliving things. The children discovered that living things need air, food, and water to survive, and they were especially excited to care for real silkworms in the classroom. Observing the silkworms has given the Lions a hands-on experience of how living things grow and change.

Beyond Science, it has been exciting to see the Lions becoming more confident in their routines, building friendships, and showing kindness and teamwork each day. In English, they have been practicing careful letter formation, writing simple sentences, and remembering to include finger spaces between their words.

In Global Perspectives, our theme has been learning new things, both in education and in everyday life. One of the children’s favourite challenges was practicing how to tie shoelaces — a fun and practical skill that encouraged persistence and patience.

It has been a fantastic start to the year, and we look forward to many more discoveries and adventures with our Year 1 Lions.

Weekly Course Recap: Mastering Portrait Lighting Techniques & Exploring Mixed Media in Art

This Week IGCSE Art & Design photography students have learned different types of studio lighting setups including Loop, Rembrandt, Split, Butterfly, Rim and Background.

It was fantastic to see everyone actively engaging in the studio and experimenting with each lighting style. Your creativity and willingness to learn were evident, and the results were stunning! As you review your work from this week, think about how you can incorporate these techniques into your future portraits. Remember, practice is key to mastering these skills!

IGCSE Art & Design fine art students practiced various techniques, including layering, texture creation, and collage methods. It’s impressive how you applied these skills to enhance your artistic expression. The experimentation with different techniques led to unique results, showcasing your individual styles.

Looking forward to our next session, where we will continue building these foundations.

Learning Chinese, Learning the World

– The HSK5 Journey of BIS High School Students

Challenging HSK5: Moving Toward Advanced Chinese

At BIS International School, under the guidance and support of Ms Aurora, students in Grades 12–13 are embarking on an exciting new journey — they are systematically studying HSK5 as a foreign language and aim to pass the HSK5 exam within one year. As an important milestone in Chinese learning, HSK5 not only demands a larger vocabulary and more complex grammar but also comprehensively develops students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. At the same time, an HSK5 certificate also serves as a valuable entry ticket for international students applying to Chinese universities.

Diverse Classrooms: Integrating Language and Culture

In BIS Chinese classrooms, language learning goes far beyond rote memorization and drills; it is filled with interaction and exploration. Students challenge themselves through group debates, role plays, and writing practice; they read Chinese short stories, watch documentaries, and attempt to write argumentative essays and reports in Chinese. At the same time, cultural elements are deeply integrated into lessons, enabling students to better understand the culture behind the language.

Student Voices: Growth Through Challenge

“I wrote my first 100-character essay in Chinese. It was difficult, but I felt very proud after completing it.” — Year 12 student

“Now I can independently read short Chinese stories and communicate more naturally with native speakers.” — Year 13 student

Every piece of feedback reflects the progress and growth of BIS learners.

Teaching Features: Innovation and Practice Combined

Under the leadership of Ms Aurora, the BIS Chinese teaching team continuously explores innovative methods to closely connect classroom learning with real-life experiences. In the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival Cultural Celebration, students will showcase their HSK5 learning achievements through cultural activities such as poetry relays and lantern riddles. These experiences not only deepen their understanding of the language but also enhance confidence and communication skills.

Looking Ahead: Seeing the World Through Chinese

BIS has always been committed to cultivating students with an international vision and strong cross-cultural communication skills. HSK5 is not just a language course, but a window to the future. Through learning Chinese, students are not only mastering communication but also learning to understand and connect.

Learning Chinese is, in fact, learning a new way of seeing the world. The HSK5 journey of BIS students has only just begun.