3e International School Open House, Nov 8

3e International School invites parents to experience their Elementary School dual language immersion program. Parents can tour the campus and its diverse learning environment. Along with the tour, parents can receive an overview of grades one through six bilingual program and curriculum. Parents. Free, requires registration. 9.30am – 11.30am. admissions@3einternationalschool.org, 3einternationalschool.org.
3e International School.

Huijia Open Days, Nov 9 and 24

At Huijia Open Days, Huijia Private School’s leadership team will meet with you to elaborate on Huijia’s philosophy and carefully answer your educational doubts. Your child will experience Huijia’s teachers, classroom model, courses, hardware, and campus life. Learn about Huijia’s professional education consultants, its one-to-one consulting services, and how it can help match you to more suitable education resources. RMB 150 for parents and RMB 415 for students. admissions@huijia.edu.com. www.huijia.edu.cn. Huijia Private School.

Beijing Hiker’s Kids Club: Gubeikou Wall and Adventure Playground, Nov 10

This hike is 3-5 km over 2-3 hours. A slow-paced walk up to the middle part of the Gubeikou Great Wall to take a look about the towers, hike along the wall, and then hike down to the adventure playground for play and picnic time. Ages 3+. RMB 150 for kids 3-5, RMB 180 kids 6-12, RMB 380 for adults. 8am – 4.30pm. beijinghikers.com. Gubeikou Great Wall.

French Holiday Workshop, Nov 11 – 15

Every year Atelier prepares a holiday workshop to celebrate the French holiday in November. This workshop consists of two parts: Art and Fablab. The art workshop will focus on constructivism from different aspects, and Fablab will focus on making a big project called, “Recycling enlightened paper house.” During Fablab students will learn the importance of environmental protection, the recycling process, and a basic knowledge of electricity. At the end they will make a 3D paper house that lights up. RMB 2,000 – 2,700. 10am – 4pm.
contact@atelier.cn.com. Atelier at Shunyi and Sanlitun Campus.

Titanic the Musical, Nov 12 – 24

Titanic the Musical comes to Beijing! Everyone probably knows the story of the “unsinkable” ship, the RMS Titanic, sinking on its maiden voyage, costing the lives of 1,517 people. This musical brings the stunning story to life, based on real people aboard the ship and their varying dreams and reasons for being on the Titanic. The original Broadway performance won five Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book. This new production from London has similarly won critical acclaim from across the world. All ages. RMB 180 – 880. 2.30pm and 7.30pm. www.247tickets.com. Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Centre Grand Theatre.

An Evening with Dr. Jane Goodall DBE, Nov 13 

Spend an intimate evening with renowned primatologist, conservationist, and UN Messenger of Peace, Dr. Jane Goodall DBE. Attendees will have an opportunity to screen the documentary, Jane, followed by a powerful discussion by Dr. Goodall about her life and work. What’s more, a Q+A will also be featured as part of the discussion. RMB 80-350. 5.30pm-8.30pm. British Chamber of Commerce in China. Hilton Beijing. No. 1 Donfang Lu.

The Future of Education Now Conference, Nov 13 – 16

The Future of Education Now is a festival/conference that emphasizes learning in today’s modern world. Attend workshops, and presentations from some of the world’s leading innovators and disruptors in international education. School leaders from all over the world will share their best practices and visions on what learning NOW should look like. Parents and students Grades 7 and up. RMB 500. Registration required. WAB parents and student tickets are available at reduced rates. web.cvent.com/event. Western Academy of Beijing.

Distinguished Speaker Series: Anton Nel, Nov 19

Join Western Academy of Beijing’s (WAB’s) intimate concert and discussion with Anton Nel, world-renowned classical pianist and winner of the 1987 Naumburg International Piano Competition. Anton’s remarkable and multifaceted career spans five continents and four decades, and includes the release of several solo CDs and performances with the globe’s most famous symphonies and orchestras. All ages. Free. Concert: 5:10-6:00pm, Talk 6:00-7:30pm. RSVP at wab.edu/DSS. Western Academy of Beijing, Blu Theatre, 10 Lai Guang Ying Dong Lu, Chao Yang District.

Suicide Prevention Workshop, Nov 23 – 24

Lifeline and Livingworks are hosting an “Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)” session in Beijing. They have held ASIST courses in Shanghai for many years, but this is the first time it has come to Beijing. This workshop provides valuable skills training on how to spot someone who is at risk for suicide and how to support them. It also helps remind people of the benefits of working together to help keep people safe.  ASIST is an internationally accredited course and space is limited. Counselors, therapists, teacher, people who work with vulnerable groups. RMB 3,800. All day. email director@lifeline-shanghai.com. If you need someone to talk to call 400 821 1215.

End of Year Charity Auction Bash, Nov 23

The Beijing Clothing Auction Network’s annual End of Year Charity Auction Bash is back. Combining sustainability, charity, and community, the Network brings women together through a love of ethical fashion and giving back to the community. It’s a clothing swap with a twist! Clothing Auctions are a way of sharing pre-loved clothes with other like-minded women in private homes across Beijing and raising a ton of money along the way. The annual event held at East Hotel is a big celebration of the network’s successes in 2019. New people are always welcome to join. Women of all ages. RMB 150, please register. 7.30pm – 10.30pm. WeChat: becstarnz. Domain.

BSB Shunyi Secondary Production “Little Shop of Horrors”, Nov 23 – 24

Come and see this exciting show performed by The British School of Beijing, Shunyi’s (BSB Shunyi’s) secondary students. With music and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, this show will surely entertain. This musical stars Seymour, a shy shop assistant whose life completely changes after finding a strange plant. Expect the unexpected and enjoy the sensational 60s style music and dance along the way! There are three performances: Nov 23 at 2pm and 7pm and Nov 24 at 2pm. RMB 65 (kids) – 100 (adults). 2pm and 7pm.
www.bsbshunyi.com. BSB Shunyi Campus.

Blue Man Group on Tour, Nov 27

Share the crazy, the colorful and the cool, as Blue Man Group takes you to places you’ve never been, seen or heard before. It’s a masterful and musical trip, led by three of the boldest, baldest and bluest guys on the planet. Over 35 million folks worldwide, young and old, have rocked, laughed and partied with Blue Man Group. Come see what you’ve been missing. All ages. RMB 280 – 680. www.247tickets.com. Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Centre Theatre.

Parent Education Workshop: The Reggio Emilia Approach, Nov 27

House of Knowledge (HoK) presents a parent educational workshop on how the Reggio Emilia approach can prepare your child for a successful life. In this workshop, Mr. Farshad Danicek, co-founder of House of Knowledge, will share his thoughts on why the Reggio Emilia approach is so important in the 21st century. He will explore how children learn through project work, how teachers and the environment influence learning, and what parents can do to support learning at home. Parents. Free, please register. marketing@hokschools.com. 9.30am. House of Knowledge.

ISB Middle & High School Open House, Nov 27

The International School of Beijing (ISB) invites prospective parents and students of middle school (Grade 6-8) and high school (Grade 9-12) to learn about ISB’s curriculum and teaching practices. Meet the Head of School Mr. Patrick Hurworth, learn about their high school and college guidance programs, and hear first-hand accounts from a student panel. Families will have the opportunity to tour the campus and learn about the school’s new facilities, set to open in 2019 and 2020. Free, RSVP required. 8:45-11:15am (high school), 8:45-11:45am (middle school). (8149 2345 ext. 1047, admission@isb.bj.edu.cn) International School of Beijing.

Cave Exploration, Ongoing

Sometimes we get so busy in the city, swept up in the hustle and bustle of subway crowds, that we forget about the big, beautiful world right outside Beijing’s center. If you ever want to get away for a day and explore some natural caves, learn about their formation and biology, make new friends and get some exercise, then Green Camps Cave Exploration is great for you. Ages 6+. RMB 350-700. 8am – 4pm. Green Camp. Pickup at Dongzhimen Subway Station Exit C. (WeChat ID qqblxdly). www.qingqingbuluo.com

Mad Camp “It’s Okay to Not be Okay”, Ongoing

An interactive, multi-sensory journey through 17 different landscapes that reflect what it means to be a teenager in today’s hyper-everything world. Through the use of overly-digitized images, magnified structural pieces, and multi-media installations, attendees will come face-to-face with the social pressures facing just about every member of Generation Y, ultimately asking them to confront very real questions about what makes us human, and what unites us all. Ages 15+. RMB 88-150. 10.30am-10.30pm. ZJZM. Workers’ Stadium West Gate – Gongti Park A05, Chaoyang. www.247tickets.com/t/mad-camp-beijing

This article appeared in the beijingkids November 2019 Beijing Baba issue

Beijing is a unique place to spend your formative years, and it can take time to adjust to life here. From the range of different foods to the unusual local customs, there’s a lot to discover in this city, and at times the discoveries come as something of a shock. Students from The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (BSB Shunyi) decided to compile some of their favorite funny and sometimes bizarre moments, when they realized they “weren’t in Kansas anymore.”

Fabulous Foods

By Kelly V (Year 9)

When I first came to Beijing, I found that Beijing cuisine was really extensive, but some of the smells were a bit strange. I’ve had chicken nails, pig blood, frog legs, and stinky tofu. Not only did they smell strange, but they tasted strange as well. I’m sure if you get used to them, they may not smell so bad, but there is one thing I will never get used to – it’s called doujiang, and is also known as soya bean extract. This is a really famous traditional breakfast drink in Beijing. I tried it last summer and it tasted sour and smelled awful. It was like drinking through a sock that hadn’t been washed for a long time, and almost made me feel sick. The funny thing was that when I looked around the restaurant, everyone looked as if they were about to be sick. That makes me wonder why the local people in Beijing like to drink doujiang.

The Photobomber

By Denisa B (Year 9)

About one and a half years ago, when I first came to Beijing, my family and I were looking around and taking pictures. One day, we were taking a family picture in front of a Buddha, and my Mom asked some family friends who were with us to take the picture. There was a man walking around us saying something in Chinese, and then he just came and took a picture with us. That happens to me all the time, so I am used to it now. When it happened for the first time, I was confused.

Driving Me Crazy

Brian L (Year 9)

When I first came to Beijing, the most shocking thing for me was the Chinese drivers: they did not use their indicators when they drove and changed lanes. This was a culture shock for me. In Korea, this kind of behaviour is unthinkable. It seemed really dangerous too! After two years now, I’m completely used to this kind of driving. I don’t even care when the taxi drivers don’t signal to turn, even though I know it’s dangerous; I actually find it funny and interesting.

Personal Space

Konnor W (Year 12)

After I had lived in Beijing for about two years, I thought I had experienced all that the city and its people had to offer. When my grandparents visited for the first time, my family and I did the standard tour of famous tourist locations: the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.  It was my third time visiting the Forbidden City, so I considered myself used to the densely packed crowds at the entrance, which form a large pushy mob. I was also used to my appearance as a foreigner attracting attention from local tourists. The only difference from my previous visits to this particular location was my own appearance. At the time of this visit I had chosen to grow an afro; a decision which I was already regretting in the Beijing summer heat. Shortly after passing though the entrance, an older woman, who was walking around with others in a Chinese tour group, reached out and touched the back of my head. When I turned around in surprise she paced quickly back towards her group. At first, I considered this to be a singular incident. However by the end of our visit, it had happened three more times.

Interesting Characters

Yannick (Year 7)

I first came to Beijing when I was just 7 months old. Let’s face it, I don’t remember anything. Now, I’m back again! I returned to Beijing in August 2018, just eight months ago. When I came, I thought it was all very weird. I wasn’t really used to ‘city life’, Beijing is a very busy city. I wasn’t used to different languages either, I’m just used to English. Thankfully, my Dad and my Nanny know some Chinese. My sister, my brother, my Mum and I couldn’t speak a single word. All we knew was “Ni Hao,” but that was nothing to be proud of. Now I think my life in Beijing is amazing, even though I still don’t know the language well…Beijing is a busy, amazing city.

This article appeared in the beijingkids July-August 2019 Teen Takeover issue

Photos: Adobe Stock

What’s happening in Beijing’s international school community? Experience cultural heritage, sports matches, and more in this month’s Circuit.

BCIS PYP Exhibition 2019

This year’s Beijing City International School (BCIS) Primary Years Program (PYP) exhibition took place on June 5 and 6. The young scholars and creatives tackled a wide range of subjects including video game addiction, animal welfare, sports, and a future for humans in outer space.

Let Your Dreams Fly at Ivy Schools

At the graduation ceremony held by Ivy Bilingual School Orchid Garden Campus, children delivered a drum performance, choral singing, and role-play dance. The children worked hard in practice, and tried their best despite challenges. This grit will pave the way ahead for their future growth.

Graduation Ceremony at Beijing No.55 High School

Beijing No.55 High School International Students Section held a graduation ceremony for grade 9 and grade 12 students. Leaders, honored guests, and parents gathered together to witness this joyful and festive occasion.

Just Another Brush on the Wall

One of the main highlights of the Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) campus are its murals. Year 8 and 9 Secondary Arts students joined the Arts Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) in January with the goal of designing and producing a mural.

2019 Harrow Beijing Speech Day

On 28 June, Harrow Beijing held the annual Speech Day, an important occasion in the school calendar, when teachers, students, and parents gather together and celebrate the academic pursuits of the students. Mr. Shinkfield, the Head Master, delivered speeches and gave awards to the students for their achievements.

House of Knowledge Summer Parties

To mark the end of the 2018-2019 school year, House of Knowledge’s Chaoyang Park, Shunyi, and Xinglong Campuses each hosted an annual water-themed Summer Party. They had a great turnout, and everyone had fun.

CISB 2019 Summer Camp

Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) students have successfully completed the first three weeks of summer camp, spending the time engaged in a series of activities. Both parents and students are very pleased with their camp experiences.

Celebrate And Share the Arts (CASTA) at ISB

International School of Beijing’s (ISB’s) annual CASTA (Celebrate And Share The Arts) festival was a colorful, all-singing, all-dancing example of how art features in a healthy, whole-child education. In art and performing art classes, elementary school students explore their creativity along with their academic pursuits.

BSB Shunyi’s Got Talent

The Primary school students at British School of Beijing, Shunyi (BSB Shunyi) showcased an impressive range of talents which included singing, dancing, instrumental performances, magic, acting, and reciting poetry at the BSB’s Got Talent Show. Congratulations to all performers who showed a high level of performance skills, risk-taking, self-confidence, and resilience on stage.

3e Charity Community Day

3e International School held their annual 3e Charity Community Day, raising over RMB 3,000 revenue for Living Water Children’s Home. Children were entertained with recycle-and-reuse-themed arts, crafts, and games organized by 3e teachers and the Parent Council.

BWYA Travels the World

Beijing World Youth Academy (BWYA) embarked on their annual trip week. The trip week is part of the Classroom Without Walls Program, aimed at taking the learning experience out of the classroom, and into new and exciting settings, covering five major areas: Culture, History, Community Service, Language Practice, and Subject Learning.

Jingxi Ancient Road Research Tour with Beijing Haidian Kaiwen Academy

Sixth grade students of Beijing Haidian Kaiwen Academy started a research and study activity on Jingxi Ancient Road in Mentougou. From Shuiyuzui Village to Niujiao Ridge, and then to the former residence of Ma Zhiyuan, students learned the history of Jingxi Ancient Road and how to identify various plants during their walk.

This article appeared in the beijingkids July-August 2019 Teen Takeover issue

The Beijing Flea Market

Oh yes! One of our favourite markets is back in town. Check old and new vendors serving delicious delights, artisan potions and lotions, arts and crafts, chutneys and spreads, and fashionista one-off buys for your summer wardrobe. All that you need to revamp, restock and revitalize with this season will be here. Stop by and get browsing and buying! For more information contact WeChat: @liubatje or email: thebeijingfleamarket@gmail.com.

Free Entrance. Saturday May 18. 12.00pm – 6.00pm.  TechTemple 3rd Floor, 80 Office, 4th Courtyard, Gongti North Road, Chaoyang District (behind Qmex) 朝阳区工体北路4号院机电研究院80office3层（Qmex后面）坐电梯上3层

Loreli Affordable Art Market

Loreli Affordable Market presents a spring market to be held at El Nido @ The Other Place, where all the art, booze, and music happens! This is one of the coolest and hippest markets in town, a kaleidoscope fusion of art and music, perfect for lovers of paintings, graphics and more.  You can look forward to tunes from DJs of the day Dan R, Bass Ventura, and Isastrongword. While browsing illustrations, cards, prints, originals, and paintings, groove to an eclectic mix of bass, percussion, and horn and enjoy the creative vibe of the day.

Free Entry. Sunday April 7. 1.00pm – 6.00pm. El-Nido, The Other Place, 1 Langjiahutong, Beiluoguxiang 时间 4月7日（周日）下午1-6点 地址 北锣鼓巷郎家胡同1号方糖隔壁

The BSB Shunyi Car Boot Sale

Come and grab a bargain and delight in shopping savviness at the British School of Beijing, Shunyi (BSB Shunyi) Car Boot Sale. There will be lots of interesting items for sale by parents in the parking lot, as they go old school and take you back to the weekends you spent with your folks looking through the boots of cars and finding treasure you didn’t even know you were looking for. A percentage of the proceeds from the event with go to the charity Roundabout. For more information call: 8047 3588 or contact: marketing@bsbshunyi.com.

Free Entry. Sunday 14 April. 10.00am – 1.00pm. BSB Shunyi, South Side, 9 An Hua Street. Shunyi District 顺义区天竺开发区安华 街9号南

Rumble in the Jumble, Blue Skies

Once again our resident star of the markets takes up proud space at Modernista with their Blue Skies edition Rumble in the Jumble! Everyone loves a good Rumble and once again you can look forward to the artisan creations of a whole host of awesome vendors who make up the wonderful community of creative, passionate, and driven creators in Beijing. The theme is Blue Skies, for wherever you are from, we all dream of beautiful skies and fresh air. This month’s market pays homage to those who are working to protect the environment. There will be handcrafted jewelry, tasty vegan treats, home remedies, aromatic spices, spreads, and books galore! Go and enjoy these and so much more on offer.

Free Entry. Saturday 13 April. 12.00pm – 6.00pm. Modernista, 44 Baochao Hu Tong 包超胡同44号

Photos: courtesy of organizers