With Thanksgiving this week and winter holidays on the horizon, we’re diving into our 14-year archives for all the good goodies and crafts to share! Have an idea? Email cindyjenkins@beijing-kids.com!

Thanksgiving is a day to share with our loved ones while being grateful for all the blessings in our lives. Celebrating it with a DIY craft not only adds an extra element to your seasonal decorations but also gives a personal touch when you welcome your guests.

Tiger Xu, a Year 2 student from House of Knowledge, along with his teacher Sarah Green, made a turkey treat box. It was great fun for both of them, and the craft just got them more excited about the upcoming festival.

Follow the instructions below to make this cute and easy-to-make craft, so you can spend some precious fun time with your children, and surprise your Thanksgiving visitors!

What You’ll Need

– Pencils
– Scissors (straight and scallop-edged)
– Four circular items of different sizes
– Cardstock, in any colors you like
– Plastic wiggly eyes
– A cup for treats
– Adhesives (double-sided sticky tape and a glue stick)
– Any kind of sweets which fit the treat cup

Instructions

Step 1. Place the circular objects on the cardstock and draw around them. Cut out the resulting circles. Use the scallop-edged scissors to give all but the smallest a wavy edge, or scallop them by hand. Draw concentric circles using the cup and the next largest object, and cut out to make a ring of the card.

Step 2. Cut out two long rectangles, and snip out a triangle from one end of each to make the feet. Also, cut a small triangle for the beak, using the same color card as the feet.

Step 3. Stick the three scalloped circles one on top of the other, with the bottom edges aligned. Then add the small circle for a head.

Step 4. Fill the treat cup with sweets and stick the cup onto the circles. Stick the ring of card around it.

Step 5. Add the wiggly eyes, the beak, and the feet in order to finish off the turkey, and then you’re ready to treat your young guests!

KEEP READING: Long Distance Holidays: Making Memories Over Zoom

Photos: Uni You

This article originally appeared in the beijingkids November 2018 Beijing Makers issue

What’s happening in Beijing’s international school community? See autumn marathons and sports fest, Howl-oween parties, and early Christmas preparations in this month’s Circuit.

BIBA PTA Santa Shop

For one week in December, the Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA) PTA put on a “Santa Shop” for all BIBA staff, students, and community to purchase various different Christmas toys and knickknacks. The entire profit of the week’s sales is all donated to charity.

Daystar Sanlitun Campus Celebrates Harvest Festival

On October 21, the Daystar Academy Sanlitun Star Parent Organization and school staff hosted the second annual Harvest Festival which, included many fun-filled activities like face painting, pumpkin rolling, tug-of-war, and a series of races to get kids and families excited for fall.

United Nations Day at BWYA

On November 2, Beijing World Youth Academy (BWYA) was filled with an international atmosphere celebrating United Nations Day. With a theme of “Building Bridges Over Borders”, students decorated their classrooms with props from different countries, along with food, games, and quizzes based on their chosen country’s history and culture.

Howl-oween at House of Knowledge

As the Beijing days become chilly and nightfall begins to come earlier, the students at House of Knowledge (HoK) were in for a real ‘Trick or Treat’ this Halloween. To get students into the Halloween spirit, HoK was bubbling like a witch’s cauldron filled with lots of spooky activities for the children and their parents.

Halloween Fun at 3e

3e International School students and teachers celebrated a week of creative activities to help broaden the students understanding of Halloween traditions. On October 31, kindergarten parents attended the annual costume parade, and elementary students participated in Halloween activities with French International School of Beijing (LFIP) students.

Kindness Week at ISB

International School of Beijing (ISB) had a very special visitor this month, when the high school members of the Psychology Club organized for a therapy dog to come to campus to help relax their fellow hard-working students and to boost student wellness during ISB’s Kindness Week.

Harrow Beijing Early Years Spooktacular Celebrations

On October 31, Harrow Beijing Early Years held its Spooktacular Celebration. Parents and pupils enjoyed spooky sensory activities, spooky phonics, and craft making.

WAB Students Do Autumn Artwork with Migrant Kindergarten

As the season’s colors changed and leaves began to fall on the Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) campus this autumn, a group of high school students saw an opportunity to learn and have fun with children from a local migrant school.

BCIS Running the Marathon of Hope

The Beijing City International School (BCIS) community gathered to celebrate the life of the inspiring Terry Fox, who at 19 was diagnosed with cancer. Far from falling into despair over his illness, he embarked on an amazing feat of sporting solidarity with his “Marathon of Hope.”

CISB Grade 3 Hutong Field Trip to The Hutong

Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) Grade 3 students recently went to The Hutong to connect to their marketplaces unit, How We Organize Ourselves. Students applied what they have been learning over the past several weeks to act as both producers and consumers throughout the day.

Real World Business at Dulwich College Beijing’s Enterprise Fair

Seventeen student start-ups showcased their products alongside 25 local vendors at the inaugural Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) Enterprise Fair on November 3. Funded by a microloan, Year 10 STEM students used their skills in product design, marketing, and finance, while Year 11 Business Studies students were responsible for event promotion, logistics, and finding sponsorship.

BSB Choir Delighted Audiences at The British Ball 2018

The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi’s Year 5 and 6 choir gave performances matching the British Ball’s theme “A Knight’s Tale”. The students had a fun evening singing medieval songs dressed like kings and queens with crowns, capes, and scepters.

This article first appeared in the beijingkids December 2018 Charity and Goodwill issue.
Photos: Courtesy of featured schools

Thanksgiving is a day to share with our loved ones while being grateful for all the blessings in our lives. Celebrating it with a DIY craft not only adds an extra element to your seasonal decorations but also gives a personal touch when you welcome your guests.

Tiger Xu, a Year 2 student from House of Knowledge, along with his teacher Sarah Green, made a turkey treat box. It was great fun for both of them, and the craft just got them more excited about the upcoming festival.

Follow the instructions below to make this cute and easy-to-make craft, so you can spend some precious fun time with your children, and surprise your Thanksgiving visitors!

What You’ll Need

– Pencils
– Scissors (straight and scallop-edged)
– Four circular items of different sizes
– Cardstock, in any colors you like
– Plastic wiggly eyes
– A cup for treats
– Adhesives (double-sided sticky tape and a glue stick)
– Any kind of sweets which fit the treat cup

Instructions

Step 1. Place the circular objects on the cardstock and draw around them. Cut out the resulting circles. Use the scallop-edged scissors to give all but the smallest a wavy edge, or scallop them by hand. Draw concentric circles using the cup and the next largest object, and cut out to make a ring of the card.

Step 2. Cut out two long rectangles, and snip out a triangle from one end of each to make the feet. Also, cut a small triangle for the beak, using the same color card as the feet.

Step 3. Stick the three scalloped circles one on top of the other, with the bottom edges aligned. Then add the small circle for a head.

Step 4. Fill the treat cup with sweets and stick the cup onto the circles. Stick the ring of card around it.

Step 5. Add the wiggly eyes, the beak, and the feet in order to finish off the turkey, and then you’re ready to treat your young guests!

This article appeared in the beijingkids November 2018 Beijing Makers issue
Photos: Uni You

What’s happening in Beijing’s international school community? Celebrate Oktoberfest-themed back to school parties, music learning, autumn fairs, and more!

BIK Children Challenging a World Ping Pong Champion
On September 15, with the 2018 Mid-Autumn Festival just around the corner, Beanstalk International Kindergarten (BIK) children enjoyed celebrations with the theme of “Cherishing Time Together”, along with their parents and Wang Nan, former Olympic table tennis champion.

Building Unity in Daystar Middle School
On September 21, Daystar Academy Middle School students and staff went to Survival Island in Huairou for team building, and accomplished what they set out to do, which was to live out Daystar’s core values of caring, respect, unity, excellence and service.

HoK Oktoberfest
House of Knowledge (HoK) held a German-style back-to-school party (“Oktoberfest”) at their Shunyi and Chaoyang Park campuses, to welcome all kids, including new students, as well as their families.

BIBA DAY!
In honor of the Chinese National Day, Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA) celebrated with BIBA Day. The theme was “Honoring China, Serving Community.” The entire campus collaborated together, performing various acts of charitable service in the morning and a ceremony in the afternoon for the whole BIBA community.

CISB Student Delegates at BEIMUN-Y Conference
On October 13, nine Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) students from Grades 6-8 served as delegates at the second annual Beijing Model United Nations Youth Conference, held at International School of Beijing (ISB). All of the students enjoyed the experience and are looking forward to participating at their next middle school conference in December.

The Honorable Alexandra Shackleton at DCB
Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) students, staff, and parents were privileged to listen to inspiring tales of leadership as told by the granddaughter of the legendary Antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. In both auditorium and intimate settings, the Honorable Alexandra Shackleton spoke about how her grandfather held 28 men together when they were stranded in the Antarctic 100 years ago.

The Power of Music
Beijing City International School (BCIS) hosted Anna Mlynek-Kalman, Director of Music Works Magic Education and Resource Centre in Australia. She visited the BCIS ECC Campus for some fun and interesting musical learning for everyone.

Harrow Beijing Autumn Fair
On October 13, the Friends of Harrow (FoH) annual fundraiser, Harrow Beijing’s Autumn Fair, brought together students, staff, and parents from the Harrow community as well as many sponsors. Along with raising money for House charities, there were plenty of games, food, and performances for all to enjoy.

International Day at ISB
On Friday, October 12, International School of Beijing (ISB) celebrated the roughly 40 nationalities represented in the student body with a parade, fair, and other activities for International Day. Open to all ISB families, the annual occasion was about awareness and respect for all cultures.

Beijing No. 55 High School 2018 Culture Trip
From September 17 to 21, the students from Beijing No. 55 High School started a journey of exploring Chinese civilization by exploring important historical sites off-campus. The culture trip is an important part of the International Students Section’s curriculum and has been practiced in the school for more than 20 years.

YCEF Joins Forces for Founder’s Day
Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) greeted schools across the Yew Chung Education Foundation via a live video link in celebration of the annual foundation-wide Founder’s Day in October. CEO, Dr. Betty Chan delivered a speech streamed from YCIS Shanghai, which this year celebrated their 25th anniversary.

Teamwork Wins the Day at BWYA
Beijing World Youth Academy (BWYA) held their annual sports day for the secondary school students. With different activities designed by the PE department catering to all age groups, the day was fully inclusive to all students, fostering teamwork, communication and teaching the importance of healthy living.

This article appeared in the beijingkids November 2018 Beijing Makers issue
Photos: Courtesy of featured schools

Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page. 

Dulwich College Beijing’s First Student-Led Enterprise Fair, Nov 3
The first Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) Enterprise Fair on November 3 will feature a range of local entrepreneurs, startups, and self-starters including student businesses. Year 11 STEM students of DCB lead the fair, which is focused around design and enterprise. All ages. 10am-4pm. Dulwich College Beijing.

Comedy Club China Presents: Comedy for Charity, Nov 3
Comedy Club China presents an evening dedicated to mental health awareness. Comedy for Charity features a truly impressive line-up of acts from Comedy Club China, and there will be more than RMB 30,000 in prizes and activities throughout the evening. All proceeds of the event go to Lifeline Shanghai, a non-profit social entity providing the only English-speaking crisis, helpline and online chat service across China. Adults. RMB 80 (entrance ticket + small surcharge). Raffle tickets at RMB 20 (buy 5 get 1 free). 8pm. The Local.

A Magical Halloween Awaits at Renaissance Beijing, until Nov 3
BLD Café of Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel turns into a mysterious coven of witches, where kids can learn magic and perform tricks. The cafe has prepared a Halloween-themed buffet to fill up the kids’ magical power, and there are even more surprises and discounts on their journey to becoming a real wizard! Put on a pointy hat and grab a flying broom for this experience that’s very different from the usual Halloween dinner buffets. All ages. RMB 218 per person, RMB 318 per family (2 adults, 1 child under 12). 5.30-10pm. Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel.

Go Nuts! Naked Team up With Feast for One Nutty Brunch, Nov 3
Feast (Food by EAST) has teamed up with the ladies behind Beijing-based all natural nut butter experts NAKED Nut Butters for a special weekend brunch. Join them for a special brunch that is sure to be nutty (in more ways than you can imagine), and treat yourself to some guilt free sweets while meeting the nut butter founders! All ages. RMB 298 (includes free-flow selected drinks). 11.30am-3pm. Feast at EAST Beijing. 

Hello Future Conversations: Family First Steps to Zero Waste, Nov 8
Hello Future Kindergarten’s monthly Conversation series aims to inspire and educate parents towards creating a meaningful family life. This session is for parents who have been thinking about starting the journey towards producing less trash, but wondering how to start with the added ‘Beijing’ challenges. Adults. Free but registration required. 9.30-11.30am. Hello Future Kindergarten. (130 7116 2353, beclamb@yahoo.com)

Honk Jr. Musical at ISB, Nov 8-10
Honk Jr. is an award-winning, family-friendly musical based on the classic story of the Ugly Duckling, celebrating what makes each one unique and truly special. Produced and directed by Hannah Northcott and choreographed by PJ Rebullida. All ages. Free admission but RSVP required. Show dates: Nov 8 (4 PM), Nov 9 (6:30 PM), Nov 10 (2:00 PM). International School of Beijing. (Hannah Northcott: 186 1083 0067, hnorthcott@isb.bj.edu.cn)

Chi Fan for Charity 2018, Nov 10
The beneficiary of this year’s Chi Fan for Charity (CFFC) citywide event is Educating Girls of Rural China (EGRC), a China-based Canadian charity established in 2005 which provides higher education to financially-challenged women from rural parts of the country. They will use CFFC funds to sponsor 10 female students to finish their four-year university education within the greater Beijing area. Adults. For more details about the participating venues and prices, contact chifanforcharity@outlook.com.

Ms. Plus Size International Beijing, Nov 9-10
Prepare for a big weekend on November 9-10 as Ms. Plus Size International Beijing holds two “Plus Size” events: a pageant featuring 12 international ladies, and a concert with a performance from 4ThirtyTwo Curvy Girl Dance Group. Adults. RMB 500 (concert and pageant), RMB 220 (concert only), RMB 380 (pageant). 7.30pm. Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast. (151 0151 7496)

InkBeat Arts Creative Workshops, Nov 11/25, Dec 9
InkBeat Arts’ Creative Workshops are for students who want to develop creative skills through self-expression. The workshops are delivered in English and Chinese for students ages 8-18 and are led by experts in creative writing, drama, visual art, art therapy, design, architecture, and dance. In these workshops, students will find their own voice, gain self-understanding, and feel empowered through self-expression. Ages 8-18. Contact InkBeat Arts for pricing and registration details. 2-3.30pm. Crossboundaries. (185 1979 1662, simon@beijingyouthlit.com)

3e Tea Talk: How to Better Communicate within Family Relationships, Nov 14
This 3e International School workshop helps parents understand communication within their family group (husband/ wife, with our parents, with our kids) and learn how to better communicate with them. Attendees will learn how to recognize their own and other personalities and understand communication tools in order to have better relationships with them. Adults. Free admission. 1.30-3pm. 3e International School. (community@3einternationalschool.org)

The 2018 British Business Awards, Nov 15
Join the best of British business at the Gala Awards Dinner for the 2018 British Business Awards on November 15. The pinnacle of the British business calendar will see nine awards presented to those companies and individuals who best showcase excellence in innovation, enterprise, and endeavor in the British and Chinese business communities. Tickets include a champagne reception, canapés and a four course meal, as well as seats at an awards ceremony that only takes place in Beijing every four years. Adults. RMB 1,000. 6-9pm. Intercontinental Beijing Sanlitun.

TNT Britain: Macbeth Theatre Performance, Nov 18
One of the most psychologically profound of Shakespeare’s plays, Macbeth weaves a tale of ambition and conscience, charting the career of Macbeth, the once-brilliant hero who became a cruel tyrant. It has been presented by the British TNT Troupe across 31 countries. A must-see for drama lovers, this is also a lively tutorial for English learners. All ages. RMB 280 per person. 7-10pm. TheArt Drama Centre, Shunyi. (WeChat ID: Rita-8090w, 188 1312 5882, 1692391223@qq.com)

Environmental Week Artwork Show at Ivy Bilingual School, Nov 23
Ivy Bilingual School Ocean Express Campus holds an artwork show on November 23, which showcases students’ creativity in turning waste materials into something valuable. All ages. Free but registration needed. 2-4pm. Ivy Bilingual School Ocean Express Campus. (8446 7286, wenwen.gao@ivyschools.com)

BSB Shunyi Secondary Production: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Nov 30-Dec 1
Come and see this musical performed by The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi’s Secondary students. A car called Chitty comes into their lives and becomes a factory of dreams and their most trusty ally. All ages. RMB 100 (adults), RMB 65 (kids). Performance schedules: Nov 30 (Fri) at 7pm; Dec 1 (Sat) at 2pm and 7pm. The British School of Beijing, Shunyi. (8047 3588, marketing@bsbshunyi.com)

Gone with the Wind the Musical (English Version), Nov 30, Dec 1-2, Dec 4-5
This is the world premiere of the English musical, Gone with the Wind, based on the original French musical Autant emporte le Vent. This version stars Rachel Gold, who also played the leading lady in the musical Phantom of the Opera. This musical presents a time racked by the tumult of war, telling a heart-wrenching romantic epic, in which a girl never surrenders to life’s challenges and grows to be a woman. Adults. RMB 180-1,000. 7.30pm. Beijing Exhibition Theater.

3e Library Story Time, all Tue of Nov
3e International School invites children 1-3 years old to join the weekly “Library Story Time” at the 3e Anne K. Soderman library, where they can find many volumes in Chinese and English and a growing number of books in international languages, appropriate for pre-elementary children. The 3e Library Story Time sessions provide the opportunity for children and parents/ grandparents to read books, play with puzzles, and listen to stories in English and Chinese. Note that registration is a must to be able to join the session. Ages 1-3. RMB 50 per child per session. 10-11am. 3e International School. (6437 3344, community@3einternationalschool.org)

October Events

Yosemite Chic, Oct 30
Yosemite Chic Bazaar combines top local designers and charities. From on-trend fashion, elegant cashmere, sassy jewelry, and gorgeous clothes, there’s something for everyone. West Hair Salon will be offering free hair styling, consultations and neck, and shoulder massages. Adults. Free admission. 10am-4pm. Yosemite Villas.

Mindfulness 101, Oct 31
Join Taozi Tree Yoga for an introduction to mindfulness with Erin Lee, the co-founder of The Mind Body Project. Learn the basics of neuroscience and contemplative practice as they relate to self-care, creativity, motivation and human connection. Participants will practice the basics of breath work, movement, intention setting, and mindful communication. Please wear comfortable clothing. Adults. RMB 350. 6.30-9.30pm. A.C. Embassy Hotel.

School Open Days

HoK Xinglong Campus Family Day, Nov 10
House of Knowledge holds a Family Day at their new kindergarten campus in Xinglong Park on November 10, offering families an opportunity to view the campus and get a feel for their learning practices. All ages. Free but registration required. 9.30-11.30am. House of Knowledge Xinglong Campus. (400 650 7747, admissions@hokschools.com)

Hello Future Kindergarten Open House, Nov 17
Hello Future Kindergarten welcomes families of children aged up to 6 to tour the campus and learn more about the philosophy and the programs available for children from 5 to 6 months old. All ages. Free but registration needed. 9.30-11.30am. Hello Future Kindergarten. (130 7116 2353, beclamb@yahoo.com)

Harrow Beijing City Campus Open Morning, Nov 21
Come and experience Harrow Beijing in action! Parents of Early Years pupils will have an opportunity to tour the school’s facilities, meet their educators, and learn about the Harrow pedagogy. Adults. Free but reservation is needed as spots are limited. 8.30-11.30am. Harrow Beijing City Campus. (6444 8100, cityadmissions@harrowbeijing.cn)

YCIS Beijing Open Day, Nov 27
Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) Co-Principals will introduce the school’s Co-Leadership and Co-Teaching model, and parents will learn about the benefits of its bilingual program and teaching methods designed to prepare students for the changes and challenges of their generation. All ages. 9-11am. Yew Chung International School of Beijing. (8585 1836, enquiry@bj.ycef.com)

ISB Middle & High School Open House, Nov 29
The International School of Beijing (ISB) invites prospective parents and students of middle school (Grades 6-8) and high school (Grades 9-12) to learn about their curriculum, meet school officials, learn more about their high school and college guidance programs, hear first-hand accounts from their student panel, and tour the campus following each divisional discussion. All ages. Free admission but RSVP required. 8.45am-noon. International School of Beijing. (8149 2345 ext. 1047, admission@isb.bj.edu.cn)

3e International School Open House (Elementary), Nov 30
3e International School invites parents to experience the school’s bilingual dual immersion Elementary program. They can tour the campus and get an overview of the Grades 1-6 bilingual program and curriculum. Adults. Free. 9.30-11.30am. 3e International School. (6437 3344, info@3einternationalschool.org)

Photos: Courtesy of Chi Fan for Charity and featured event organizers

ISB’s Experiential Learning Opportunities (ELO) Week

High school students at International School of Beijing (ISB) traveled locally and internationally for Experiential Learning Opportunities in early September. Through partnerships with expert guides, ELOs encouraged active engagement in experiences promoting personal growth and community. The trips ranged from an investigation into human trafficking in Vietnam, to cooking classes, to a historical tour of Beijing.

Roundabout Book Fair at BSB, Shunyi

The Roundabout Book Fair was held at The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (BSB Shunyi) on August 25-30. A total of over RMB 123,000 was raised and 100 percent will go to support Xinjiang’s babies born with heart defects.

BlackEXPO – “More than a Market”

BlackEXPO held its second edition on September 16, placing the spotlight on the community and the businesses, services, and talents of the black community in Beijing. BlackEXPO organizers describe their event as “a unique opportunity to further shape the black narrative in China, and do so with food, music, culture, and fun.”

Harrow Beijing City Campus ‘Settling In Days’

On September 10 and 11, Harrow Beijing City Campus held a two-day ‘Settling In Days’ event to help children become familiar with the new learning environment and their new teachers.

Rooftop Garden Fun at BCIS

A group of toddler students at Beijing City International School (BCIS) and their teachers visited the Early Childhood Center Rooftop Garden for some fun on a recent sunny day.

INN’s 2018 Arrival Survival

International Newcomer’s Network (INN) hosted their annual Arrival Survival on August 27 at the Capital Mansion Athletic Club in Beijing, providing expats who are new to Beijing with useful information to help them thrive in the city.

WAB Celebrates Arts and Athletics in Joint Festival

More than 600 high school students from international schools around China gathered on the Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) campus for “WABX to the MAX”. Jazz musicians and dancers took part in workshops and performances with professional artists, while athletes competed in tournaments across five sports, including tennis, swimming, volleyball, rugby, and cross-country.

HoK Grade 1 Ceremony

House of Knowledge (HoK) held a welcoming ceremony in the gym, which included a celebration by the students in the Elementary school as they welcomed the students beginning their first day in Grade 1. In keeping with an old German tradition, each Grade 1 student was presented with a “Schultüte” during the ceremony.

Philippine Food Fair in Shuangjing

Filipino community group Kusina ni Kabayan (KnK) held “Pamilyang Pinoy,” a charity fair featuring Filipino foods and delicacies, as well as a photo exhibition and fun games for the family. The fair attracted over 150 attendees and raised a total of over RMB 1,500, which will be used to support those who suffered losses from Typhoon Haiyan.

Be You Revive Retreat

Women’s Retreat Beijing recently made a trip to Singing Deer Lodge, on the outskirts of northeast Beijing. As many as 30 people from the community attended the retreat and enjoyed a fun day with various activities, including a guided meditation session, yoga, and a hike on the Great Wall.

This post appeared on the beijingkids October 2018 Mental Health issue.
Photos: Courtesy of featured schools, BlackEXPO, Andy Penafuerte III, Juli Bradley, Pauline van Hasselt

The Circuit is a chance to check out what’s happening in the Beijing community. Want to see your event on these pages? Send an email request to webeditor@beijing-kids.com to be included on our mailing list and we’ll give you a link where you can submit your Circuit photos.

An Evening of Arts and Design at BWYA
The latest Beijing World Youth Academy (BWYA) ‘Evening of Arts & Design’ event took place recently at their Wangjing Campus, giving BWYA’s talented young artists, designers, actors, musicians, and performers the chance to showcase their projects to the BWYA community.

BSB Shunyi Students Speak at the United Nations in New York
The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi student ambassadors Deborah and Edward presented their ideas about the Sustainable Development Goals at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum, held at the UN Headquarters in New York, together with 80 Nord Anglia students from around the world.

YCIS Beijing Celebrates World Class IBDP Results
This year, more than half of Yew Chung International School (YCIS) Beijing students achieved a bilingual diploma, and every single student beat the global average – with some scoring as high as 43 out of 45 points. Students have secured places at top universities to read subjects ranging from Fine Art to Neuroscience.

Harrow Beijing Speech Day
On June 29, Harrow Beijing hosted their annual Speech Day, an important occasion in which the whole school gathers together and celebrates the academic pursuits of the students.

Summer Fun at BIBA
Over summer, Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA) operated a summer camp for elementary students, kindergarten to Grade 5, with students attending from BIBA and from other schools around China. The camp was led by two teachers from High Tech High, San Diego, US.

House of Knowledge Summer Camp
The theme of House of Knowledge (HoK) Summer Camp was ‘Around the World’, which inspired inquiring minds and a global mindset in their young scholars. Children at both the Shunyi and Chaoyang Park campuses were treated to an adventure where they learned about different countries.

New Warriors Join BCIS
XperienceBCIS is a program to help new students, whether they are coming from local schools, other international schools, or schools located abroad, smoothly transition to Beijing City International School (BCIS), by becoming comfortable with their new environment and getting acquainted with their peers and teachers.

CISB 2018 Summer Camp
Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) organized another successful summer camp. It had a great turnout, and everyone had fun while learning through the interesting program.

3e Paris Art and Culture Summer Camp
3e International School’s inaugural Paris Art and Culture Summer Camp was held during June 17-22. The students spent the week engaged in a series of art classes at École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, one of Paris’s most superior fine arts schools, and received behind-the-scenes private tours of renowned art galleries and museums.

BSB Sanlitun Year 5 and 6 Production
The British School of Beijing (BSB) Sanlitun’s Year 5 and 6 students gave two outstanding performances of The Pirates of the Curry Bean on June 13 and 14. The children wowed the audience with their promenade performance over the two nights.

All Smiles at WAB on First Day of School
The Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) Tiger mascot joined Director Marta Medved Krajnovic to welcome families on the first day of school. The school was buzzing, as students reunited with their friends for the first time after the summer holidays, and the excitement for a new year full of possibilities laid ahead.

Back to School at ISB
The 2018-2019 academic year has got underway with a bang at the International School of Beijing (ISB), with more than 300 new families joining the community. Over 17,000 students arrived to find new and improved facilities and the usual world-class faculty on the first day of school on August 13.

Photos: Courtesy of featured schools
This article appeared on p58-63 of the beijingkids September 2018 Teen Takeover issue

Many parents are rejoicing once more, since it’s the back to school season. After a long summer vacation, parents now heave a sigh of relief and have a break. However, if you’re newly arrived or planning a change, you face another education-related headache: finding the right school for your children.

Luckily, several international schools in Beijing are opening their doors to parents who might be relocating to another part of the city soon, or looking for an affordable yet quality school for the next academic year. Here we list the schools that have announced their open house dates. For more information about these schools, we’ve included their School Choice Guide profiles, as well as a curated list of everything that’s happening at their compounds.

House of Knowledge (HoK)

After more than 10 years’ development, House of Knowledge Schools and Kindergartens (HoK) has grown into an elementary school and two kindergartens, featuring hands-on learners, and a project-based approach to learning.

Chaoyang Park Campus Open Day
Sep 11, 9.30-11.30am. Victoria Gardens, 15 Chaoyang Park West Road

Shunyi Campus Open Day
Sep 13, 9:30-11:30am. North Gate of Quanfa compound, 18 Maquanying Road

Register here or RSVP at admissions@hokschools.com or call 400 650 7747 in advance.

See more: HoK Profile | School Culture

Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA)

BIBA’s open day is divided into three sections to help prospective parents understand aspects of the school’s education system. These include a look at the students’ work from different grade levels, a meeting with the BIBA team, and a question and answer session with several teachers.

BIBA Open Day, see schedules below
Sep 11-13 (Early Childhood Center to middle/high school); Oct 20 (ECC to elementary school; Oct 24 (middle/high school).

Address: No 1. Yumin Road Houshayu, Shunyi District. 北京市顺义区后沙峪裕民大街1号
Contact: 8041 0390, info@bibachina.org
Web: www.bibachina.org

See more: BIBA Profile | School Culture 

Brilliant International School (BIS)

BIS Shunyi campus invites everyone to their school open day event where prospective families can celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival as well.

BIS Open Day and Learning Traditional Culture through DIY Mooncake Making
Sep 15, 9.30-11.30am. The DIY mooncake making event will be held in English and Chinese.

Address: Building 2, No. 8 An Fu Street, Houshayu Town, Shunyi District.
Contact: 8048 2150, 135 2063 4620

See more: BIS Profile

Beijing SMIC Private School and Kindergarten

Beijing SMIC Private School invites all prospective families to meet the school principal and academics team as well as tour the school campus and learn more about its curriculum and culture.

Beijing SMIC Open House
Sep 20, 1.30-3.30pm. RSVP at admissions@bjsmicschool.com

Address: 9 Liangshui He 2 Street, Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area. 北京经济技术开发区 凉水河二街9号
Contact: 6785 3030 ext. 2108, info@bjsmicschool.com, admissions@bjsmicschool.com
Web: bjsmicschool.com, www.et.bjsmicschool.com

See more: Beijing SMIC Private School Profile | School Culture

Peide School

Peide School provides students 2-6 years old with age-appropriate care that develops both their minds and bodies in a safe and healthy environment. Language development is emphasized as the children are taught to “use their words”, and teachers help form good attitudes and increase students’ social and thinking skills. In addition, all classrooms have indoor and outdoor activity centers where the children experience art, science, drama, pre-math, and pre-reading activities.

Peide International Kindergarten Open Day
Sep 29, 9am-noon.

Address: No. 1 Jia, Rome Lake Road, Houshayu, Shunyi District.
WeChat: peideschool
Contact: 8047 6088
Web: www.peideschool.com

See more: Peide School Profile | School Culture 

Beijing City International School (BCIS)

BCIS announces their open house for prospective families looking to place their children in the Secondary School (Grade 9 and up) on October 11, 12.30-4.30pm. RSVP to admissions@bcis.cn with your name, your child’s age, and the grade you wish to apply for.

Address: BCIS Main Campus: 77 Baiziwan Nan Er Lu, Chaoyang District. 北京市朝阳区百子湾南二路77. ECC Campus:11 Dongbai Jie, Chaoyang District. 北京市朝阳区东柏街11号.
Contact: 8771 7171 (Main Campus), 6770 0766 (ECC Campus), admissions@bcis.cn
Web: www.bcis.cn

See more: BCIS Profile | School Culture 

Beijing No. 55 High School International Students Section

Beijing No. 55 High School will hold an open house on October 11 to let more parents know about their International Students Section. The school is currently accepting enrollment applications for Grades 7 -11. Staff members at the school will tour prospective parents around the campus, answer questions from parents, and give a lecture about the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum.

Beijing No. 55 HS Open House
Oct 11, 9-11am. Register with your name and contact information at bj55iss@bj55.cn.

Address: 12 Xinzhong Jie, Dongcheng District. 东城区新中街12号
Contact: 6416 9531, 6416 0723, bj55iss@bj55.cn
Web: http://www.bj55iss.com

See more: BJ 55 HS Profile | School Culture

The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi

The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi invites prospective parents to come and see their school in action.  BSB Shunyi has over 1,000 Early Years to Secondary students from more than 60 nationalities.

Potential parents will be able to visit the school facilities, as well as talk to teachers and learn about their enhanced English National Curriculum and IB Diploma Programme. The school also benefits from collaborations with MIT, The Julliard School, and UNICEF.

Note that BSB Shunyi’s open house events are only for prospective parents with a foreign passport.

BSB Early Years Open Day
Oct 15, 9-11am. RSVP here: www.bsbshunyi.com/EarlyYearsOpenDay

BSB Primary and Secondary Open Day
Oct 25, 9-11am. RSVP here: www.bsbshunyi.com/OpenDay

Address: South Side, No.9, Anhua Street, Tianzhu Development Zone, Shunyi District 101318. 顺义区天竺开发区安华街9号南院 101318
WeChat: BSBShunyi
Contact: 8047 3558, admissions@bsbshunyi.com
Web: www.bsbshunyi.com

See more: BSB, Shunyi Profile | School Culture

 YCIS Beijing

Join the Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) Open Day on October 23 to meet the Co-Principals, Dr Timothy Gray and Christine Xu, and to learn more about the school’s bilingual education model. Parents will have the opportunity to see the changes that are happening across campus and visit their newly renovated Learning Communities.

YCIS Beijing Open Day: Meet the Co-Principals
Oct 23, 9am.

Address: East gate of Honglingjin Park, 5 Houbalizhuang, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区后八里庄5号红领巾公园东门
WeChat: YCISBeijing
Contact: 8583 3731, enquiry@bj.ycef.com
Web: www.ycis-bj.com

See more: YCIS Beijing Profile | School Culture

Western Academy of Beijing (WAB)

WAB’s Open House Series was designed specifically to provide a personal experience for parents to explore the educational programs and community-oriented culture at the school. Parents (and older children) will have the chance to meet teachers and administrators, enter classrooms, ask questions, and find out why WAB’s International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP) are recognized as global leaders.

WAB Early Years and Kindergarten Open House
Oct 30, 8.30am-noon

WAB Elementary School Open House (Grade 1-5)
Nov 6, 8.30am-noon

WAB Middle and High School Open House (Grade 6-12)
Nov 15, 8.30am-noon

Address: 10 Laiguangying Donglu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区来广营东路10号
WeChat: WAB_Chat
Contact: 5986 5588, wabinfo@wab.edu
Web: www.wab.edu

See more: WAB Profile | School Culture

Photos: Courtesy of WAB (featured photo) and listed schools

Harrow Beijing Swimming Gala
Harrow Beijing Year 1 and Year 2 students competed in the annual Key Stage 1 House Swimming Gala on May 9. The competition itself was a fantastic event to celebrate the amazing progress that the youngest swimmers have made.

3e Raises Funds for Roundabout
3e International School raised valuable funds for Roundabout at the annual 3e Charity Community Day on May 12. Families spent an enjoyable morning shopping for bargain toys, books, and other treasures, while children were entertained with various arts, crafts, and other activities.

BSB Sanlitun’s Royal Wedding Street Party
To celebrate the wedding of HRH Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, The British School of Beijing (BSB) Sanlitun held a Royal Wedding Street Party on May 19. The event kicked off with a bake-off, a choir performance, and a traditional British tea party.

ISB Spring Fair 2018
The International School of Beijing (ISB) held its annual Spring Fair on May 19, drawing over 5,000 people from the Beijing community to a day of family fun in the sun!

Congratulations, DCB Class of 2018 Graduates!
Dulwich College Beijing honored its 95 graduates with a beautiful graduation ceremony on May 21.

BWYA May Fair 2018
Beijing World Youth Academy (BWYA)’s annual May Fair took place on May 26 with the entire BWYA community coming together at the Wangjing campus for a day of fun. This year’s theme was traveling forwards in time and fundraising activities were split between The Chunhui Children Foundation and Educating Girls Of Rural China.

CISB Grade 12 Graduation Ceremony
On May 29, Grade 12 students walked across the Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) stage to accept their high school diplomas as they closed the door on one chapter of their life and opened the door to the next. The graduates of 2018 have been accepted into 80 colleges and universities worldwide.

Beijing Institute of Education Visits YCIS Beijing
As part of their ongoing outreach programme with local schools, Yew Chung International School (YCIS) Beijing welcomed 40 teachers from the Beijing Institute of Education to their campus in May.

BSB Shunyi Summer Fayre
More than 2,500 parents and friends from the community came to The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi for some summer fun! There were plenty of fun games, food and drinks, shopping and amazing students’ musical performances.

Graduation Ceremony for Grade 9, Grade 12 Students of BJ No. 55 HS
On June 8, Beijing No.55 High School International Students Section held a graduation ceremony for Grade 9, and Grade 12 students. Leaders, guests, and parents gathered together to witness this joyful and festive celebration.

Congratulations, WAB Class of 2018
The Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) community congratulated their Class of 2018 graduates at the historic and symbolic Confucius Temple. The 120 students will be heading off to universities around the world, specialized programs, and further adventures.

BCIS Early Childhood Center Summer Olympics 2018
Beijing City International School (BCIS) celebrated their version of the Summer Olympics as an annual tradition of fun and games at their Early Childhood Center. Students had an opportunity to spend a sunny day outdoors running around and spreading smiles to every person in the vicinity!

Daystar’s Got Talent
Three fourth graders of Daystar Academy spearheaded “Daystar’s Got Talent,” the student body’s way of raising money to help victims of natural disasters. After three months and 60 audition videos, thirteen acts took the stage, including singing, K-pop dancing, a magic show, a kung fu act and a Rubik’s Cube challenge.

World Studies in HoK: Footsteps from the Past on the Path to a Successful Future
Grade 3 students at House of Knowledge Schools and Kindergartens (HoK) recently completed a popular topic as part of their World Studies class. Over the course of approximately eight weeks, students explored the exciting historical world of dinosaurs!

Eduwings Preschoolers’ Sleepover in a Farm
Preschoolers from Eduwings Kindergarten slept over on a farm. They packed their own luggage, set up their tents with the help of their teachers, and used firewood they collected to make a bonfire. In the evening, they roasted marshmallows and sausages and they slept in their tents.

Photos: courtesy of featured schools