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	<title>2014 beijingkids and jingkids Spring School Choice Guide &#8211; Beijing Kids</title>
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		<title>School Choice Guide- The Right Course of Action: Studying Up on Educational Systems (6)</title>
		<link>https://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2014/02/23/school-choice-guide-the-right-course-of-action-studying-up-on-educational-systems-6/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[beijingkids]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 23 Feb 2014 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Schools]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2014 beijingkids and jingkids Spring School Choice Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2014-2015 School Choice Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[curriculum]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education system]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reggio Emilio]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>

					<description><![CDATA[There are six education systems that we looked at in this year&#8217;s School Choice Guide. The sixth and last system is Reggio Emilia. Find out why the Pohlmann Family chose this system. Read about the first system, Advanced Placement Courses and SAT/PSAT here; the second, the Chinese National Curriculum here; the third, the English National [...]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="rtecenter"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="500" vspace="10" hspace="10" align="middle" height="400" src="/files/u286347/Reggio_Emilio.jpg" /></p>
<p><em>There are six education systems that we looked at in this year&#8217;s </em><a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/beijingkids-School-Guide"><em>School  Choice Guide</em></a><em>.     The sixth and last system is Reggio Emilia. Find out  why the Pohlmann Family chose this system. Read about  the  first  system, Advanced  Placement Courses and SAT/PSAT <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/beijingkids/2014/02/20/School-Choice-Guide-The-Right-Course-of-Action-Studying-Up-on-Educationa">here</a>; the second, the Chinese National Curriculum <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/beijingkids/2014/02/21/School-Choice-Guide-The-Right-Course-of-Action-Studying-Up-on-Educationa">here</a>; the third, the English National Curriculum <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/beijingkids/2014/02/22/School-Choice-Guide-The-Right-Course-of-Action-Studying-Up-on-Educationa">here</a>; the </em><em>fourth, International Baccalaureate (IB) <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/beijingkids/2014/02/22/School-Choice-Guide-The-Right-Course-of-Action-Studying-Up-on-Education-0">here</a>. and the fifth, Montessori here. <br /> </em></p>
<p>Reggio Emilia is an early childhood philosophy named after the city of the same name in northern Italy, where communities in the surrounding villages sought a way to rebuild society after World War II. Under the leadership of founder and educator Loris Malaguzzi, Reggio Emilia evolved into a parent-led approach that spread all over the world. Malaguzzi believed that children learn through the &ldquo;hundred languages&rdquo; of words, movement, painting, drawing, sculpting, shadow play, music, theater, and more.</p>
<p>Reggio Emilia is all about relationships, including the child&rsquo;s relationship with family, teachers, society, and their environment. This educational approach is self-guided; kids exert a degree of control over their own learning, learn about the world through all five senses, develop meaningful relationships with other children, and have the freedom to express themselves in various ways. <!--break--></p>
<p><strong>Who does it target? </strong><br /> Reggio Emilia focuses on early childhood education (ages 0-6).</p>
<p><strong>How is it applied?</strong><br /> Reggio Emilia does not have a governing organization, accreditation system, or set curriculum. According to the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA), Reggio Emilia is a set of &ldquo;community-constructed values that have been and are continuously being translated into high-quality early childhood practices.&rdquo; <br /> The main assessment method for Reggio Emilia is observation. Teachers track the child&rsquo;s progress by collecting information over long time periods through photos, notes, videos, works of art, and conversations.</p>
<p>In Beijing, schools tend to combine Reggio Emilia with other educational philosophies. House of Knowledge International Kindergarten has the strongest Reggio Emilia influence but its curriculum also borrows aspects of Montessori and traditional Confucian theory. Though an IB World School, the Western Academy of Beijing&rsquo;s early childhood center offers a Reggio Emilia-inspired program.</p>
<p><strong>Why should parents consider it? </strong><br /> Since Reggio Emilia revolves around family and community, parents are a crucial part of this approach. They are considered the child&rsquo;s first teacher, and are valued as partners, collaborators, and advocates. As a result, many parents extend the Reggio Emilia philosophy to the home.</p>
<p><strong>How well does this education system prepare students for the real world?</strong><br /> As in Montessori, Reggio Emilia seeks to develop skills for lifelong learning. Reggio children are able to step into a new curriculum or subject with the drive and competency to acquire knowledge.</p>
<p>In class, students are not given any answers; teachers prompt them with questions that allow them to form their own conclusions. Students apply&nbsp; critical thinking skills and have the confidence to ask others for help.</p>
<p><strong>The Pohlmann Family (Russia/Germany)</strong><br /> Klaus and Yulia Pohlmann have a 4-year-old son named Stefan who attends House of Knowledge International Kindergarten (HoK). Klaus works for Volkswagen China while Yulia is a photographer and writer.</p>
<p><strong>Why did you choose Reggio Emilia? </strong><br /> Yulia: We wanted a multicultural, multi-lingual environment with a program which would let Stefan not only study but experiment, experience, and learn through playing. My husband and I strongly believe that little people learn faster having fun with their peers than from any academic program. Our son will have enough time to study hard at school and university later on. We all liked the warm atmosphere at HoK; the teachers are engaged and the children are clearly happy there.</p>
<p><strong>What are the benefits of this curriculum?</strong><br /> Our son likes to explore and learn. He asks lots of questions, and analyzes small pieces of information before reaching a conclusion. He switches easily from one language to another. He also communicates with people older than him. The teachers are trained to recognize the kids&rsquo; interests and create ongoing projects that stimulate their curiosity. Through their interactions, children learn how to make friends, solve conflicts and rely on others for help. They learn how to take on different roles and respect other&rsquo;s opinions. Most importantly for his academic future, he enjoys the learning process. We hope that this will help him become a successful citizen of the world in the future.</p>
<p><strong>What are the drawbacks of Reggio Emilia?</strong><br /> Unfortunately, there is no perfect schooling formula that guarantees a happy outcome. But the HoK approach meets our values and we are quite satisfied with our choice.</p>
<p>Find the downloadable 2014-2015 School Choice Guide <a href="http://issuu.com/beijingkids/docs/beijingkidsfeb2014scf_guide">here</a>.</p>
<p>Come talk to the schools offerring this curriculum at the 2014 <em>beijingkids</em> and <em>JingKids</em> Spring School Choice Fair, sponsored by RGF AIR Purifiers at the Hilton Beijing on March 1 and 2.</p>
<p><em>Photo courtesy of Yulia Pohlmann</em></p>
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		<title>School Choice Guide- The Right Course of Action: Studying Up on Educational Systems (5)</title>
		<link>https://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2014/02/23/school-choice-guide-the-right-course-of-action-studying-up-on-educational-systems-5/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[beijingkids]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 23 Feb 2014 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Schools]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2014 beijingkids and jingkids Spring School Choice Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2014-2015 School Choice Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[curriculum]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education system]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Montessori]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>

					<description><![CDATA[There are six education systems that we looked at in this year&#8217;s School Choice Guide. The fifth system is Montessori. Find out why the Kirkwood Family decided to pick this system. Read about the first system, Advanced Placement Courses and SAT/PSAT here; the second, the Chinese National Curriculum here; the third, the English National Curriculum [...]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="rtecenter"><img decoding="async" width="333" vspace="10" hspace="10" align="middle" height="500" src="/files/u286347/SG_Curricula_MSB_01_Ken.jpg" /></p>
<p><em>There are six education systems that we looked at in this year&#8217;s </em><a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/beijingkids-School-Guide"><em>School  Choice Guide</em></a><em>.    The fifth system is Montessori. Find out  why the Kirkwood Family decided to pick this system. Read about  the  first  system, Advanced Placement Courses and SAT/PSAT <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/beijingkids/2014/02/20/School-Choice-Guide-The-Right-Course-of-Action-Studying-Up-on-Educationa">here</a>; the second, the Chinese National Curriculum <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/beijingkids/2014/02/21/School-Choice-Guide-The-Right-Course-of-Action-Studying-Up-on-Educationa">here</a>; the third, the English National Curriculum <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/beijingkids/2014/02/22/School-Choice-Guide-The-Right-Course-of-Action-Studying-Up-on-Educationa">here </a>and the </em><em>fourth, International Baccalaureate (IB) <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/beijingkids/2014/02/22/School-Choice-Guide-The-Right-Course-of-Action-Studying-Up-on-Education-0">here</a>. <br /> </em></p>
<p>The Montessori motto is &ldquo;Help me do it by myself.&rdquo; This approach is founded on the belief that every child should be respected as an individual and allowed to learn at their own pace within the prepared environment of a classroom. Montessori education fosters intelligent thinking, independence, self-esteem, problem-solving skills, and social aptitude.</p>
<p>Founder Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) noticed that kids experienced &ldquo;windows of opportunity&rdquo; as they grew. She based the Montessori method on years of first-hand observations in the classroom. As the first woman to graduate from the University of Rome Medical School, Dr. Montessori brought a scientific approach to the field of education.&nbsp; <!--break--></p>
<p><strong>Who does it target?</strong><br /> Globally, the age of Montessori students varies widely. It runs the gamut from infancy to adulthood (0-18 years), but the majority of schools tend to focus on early childhood education. Most of the institutions in Beijing fall into the latter category, but MSB and Daystar offer Montessori education for kids up to age 12.</p>
<p><strong>How is it applied?</strong><br /> Though there are several Montessori societies worldwide, the term &ldquo;Montessori&rdquo; itself is not trademarked. That is why it is crucial for parents to visit prospective schools. The more prominent societies, like the American Montessori Society (AMS), formulate their own standards and accredit schools. In Beijing, MSB is the only AMS affiliate member though other schools may have AMS-certified teachers on staff.</p>
<p>A typical Montessori classroom features multi-age groupings, uninterrupted blocks of work time, guided activity choices, and specially-designed learning materials. The curriculum focuses on five basic areas: practical life, sensorial, language, math, and culture. Kids progress from simple to complex tasks, all the while fulfilling their natural curiosity.</p>
<p>Montessori teachers guide their students rather than dictate. There are no letter grades; progress is tracked through observation, recordkeeping, and self-reflection. There is also no such thing as failure since teachers present each child with a choice of work and a variety of difficulties.</p>
<p><strong>Why should parents consider it?</strong><br /> Education experts agree that the most important period in a child&rsquo;s development is between infancy and age 6. Dr. Montessori believed that kids at this age had an &ldquo;absorbent&rdquo; quality, like a sponge. The idea is that the proper guidance and stimulation will allow them to form patterns for the rest of their lives. In regular daycare, the focus is often on keeping young students entertained. The Montessori classroom is designed to meet every child&rsquo;s learning needs with special tools and materials. Students can set their own pace instead of being forced to do activities they do not enjoy. They become part of a community, with older kids playing the role of mentors and younger kids feeling supported for the challenges ahead.</p>
<p><strong>How well does this education system prepare students for the real world?</strong><br /> As self-directed learners, Montessori students gain transferrable skills that can be used throughout their lives. The core values are independence, self-esteem, and cooperation. Many Montessori schools in Beijing use a combination of educational approaches. For example, the core curriculum at MSB includes aspects of Montessori, the IB Primary Years Programme and the British education system.</p>
<p><strong>The Kirkwood Family (US)</strong><br /> Jonathan and Christy Kirkwood&rsquo;s three daughters Nicola (age 10), Eleanor (7) and Cecily (5) all attend the International Montessori School of Beijing (MSB). Christy is a stay-at-home mom and Jonathan runs Kirkwood and Company, a boutique investment advisory firm.</p>
<p><strong>Why did you choose the Montessori route for your daughters?</strong><br /> Christy: Only our youngest daughter went to MSB originally. The placement was driven by the school&rsquo;s proximity to our house. After watching our youngest daughter gain Chinese language skills through MSB&rsquo;s bilingual Chinese/English program, we moved our two older daughters there.</p>
<p>The Montessori program allows children to work at their individual levels, together and independently. Montessori is also very scientific and tactile.&nbsp; The teachers demonstrate the learning process physically, especially in math. I also love the small school environment at MSB; the staff is accessible, helpful, and caring.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>What are the benefits of this curriculum?</strong><br /> Last Christmas break at a store in Florida, a Chinese woman came in but couldn&rsquo;t communicate with the shopkeeper. My oldest daughter Nicola began translating for her. We were all blown away, especially the Chinese woman who started to cry with happiness. She couldn&rsquo;t believe that a 10-year-old girl was visiting from Beijing and spoke Mandarin! It was a wonderful moment; I was so proud.</p>
<p><strong>What are the drawbacks of this curriculum?</strong><br /> My major concern is transitioning back to the USA and out of an international school. We would also like to see a more robust physical education program for the kids, but most international school families seem to supplement [physical education]with outside resources or after-school activities, which MSB does offer for a fee.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Find the downloadable 2014-2015 School Choice Guide <a href="http://issuu.com/beijingkids/docs/beijingkidsfeb2014scf_guide">here</a>.</p>
<p>Come talk to the schools offerring this curriculum at the 2014 <em>beijingkids</em> and <em>JingKids</em> Spring School Choice Fair, sponsored by RGF AIR Purifiers at the Hilton Beijing on March 1 and 2.</p>
<p><em>Photo by Ken </em></p>
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		<title>School Choice Guide- The Right Course of Action: Studying Up on Educational Systems (4)</title>
		<link>https://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2014/02/22/school-choice-guide-the-right-course-of-action-studying-up-on-educational-systems-4/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[beijingkids]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 22 Feb 2014 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Schools]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2014 beijingkids and jingkids Spring School Choice Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2014-2015 School Choice Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[curriculum]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education system]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[International Baccalaureate]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>

					<description><![CDATA[&#160; There are six education systems that we looked at in this year&#8217;s School Choice Guide. The fourth system is the International Baccalaureate (IB). Get to know why the Fang Family chose this system. Read about the first system, Advanced Placement Courses and SAT/PSAT here; the second, the Chinese National Curriculum here and the third, [...]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="rtecenter">&nbsp;<img decoding="async" width="333" vspace="10" hspace="10" align="middle" height="500" src="/files/u286347/SG_Sophia_Fang_02_Ken.jpg" /></p>
<p><em>There are six education systems that we looked at in this year&#8217;s </em><a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/beijingkids-School-Guide"><em>School  Choice Guide</em></a><em>.   The fourth system is the International Baccalaureate (IB). Get to know  why the Fang Family chose this system. Read about  the  first system, Advanced Placement Courses and SAT/PSAT <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/beijingkids/2014/02/20/School-Choice-Guide-The-Right-Course-of-Action-Studying-Up-on-Educationa">here</a>; the second, the Chinese National Curriculum <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/beijingkids/2014/02/21/School-Choice-Guide-The-Right-Course-of-Action-Studying-Up-on-Educationa">here</a> and the third, the English National Curriculum <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/beijingkids/2014/02/22/School-Choice-Guide-The-Right-Course-of-Action-Studying-Up-on-Educationa">here.</a> <br /> </em></p>
<p>Formerly known as the IBO, the International Baccalaureate (IB) is a non-profit educational foundation headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It was founded in 1968 and is administered by a board of governors and six permanent committees that handle policy and best governance practices.</p>
<p>The IB is divided into three programs that can be applied individually or as a whole: the Primary Years Programme or PYP (ages 3-12), the Middle Years Programme or MYP (ages 11-16), and the Diploma Programme or IBDP (ages 16-19). Institutions that are authorized to offer one or more of these programs are known as IB World Schools. According to the official website, there are over one million IB students in more than 140 countries around the world. <!--break--></p>
<p><strong>Who does it target?</strong><br /> As a whole, the IB&rsquo;s programs target students 3-19 years of age.</p>
<p><strong>How is it applied? </strong><br /> All three of the IB&rsquo;s programs share the following traits: <br /> &bull; They require study across a broad range of subjects.<br /> &bull; They emphasize language learning.<br /> &bull; They encourage interdisciplinary learning.<br /> &bull; They include a community service requirement.</p>
<p>Each program has its own curriculum; the IBDP is probably the best-known. Over two years, students must take six courses drawn from the following subject groups: arts, experimental sciences, language acquisition, studies in language and literature, individuals and society, and mathematics and computer science. Normally, half of these subjects are higher-level courses (240 teaching hours) and the other half are standard-level courses (150 teaching hours).</p>
<p>Other hallmarks of the IBDP include Theory of Knowledge (TOK), &ldquo;Creativity, Service, and Action&rdquo; (CAS), and the extended essay. TOK is a compulsory course that focuses on critical thinking and the nature of knowledge. CAS reflects the belief that students should pursue activities outside the classroom. The extended essay is a 4,000-word paper designed to prepare students for undergraduate university work.</p>
<p>IBDP students are graded on a scale from 1 to 7 (7 being the highest). They can also gain up to three extra points for their combined results on TOK and the extended essay, bringing the maximum total grade to 45 points. The IB diploma is awarded to students who obtain at least 24 points and satisfy their requirements in CAS. In general, about 80 percent of students obtain the diploma after being examined; fewer than 1 percent achieve a perfect score.</p>
<p><strong>Why should parents consider it?</strong><br /> The IB has a 43-year history of high-quality international education. IB World Schools go through a rigorous authorization and evaluation process and IB teachers participate in a variety of professional development events. The IB has a distinct focus on international education, making it one of the most popular &ndash; and natural &ndash; choices for expat families in Beijing.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>How well does this education system prepare students for the real world?</strong><br /> The IB diploma is accepted by over 2,000 universities in 75 countries. In addition, IB provides students with an international skill set, including knowledge of a second language, advanced critical thinking skills, dedication to community service, and the ability to appreciate different cultures.</p>
<p><strong>The Fang Family (US)</strong><br /> Liming Fang is the father of Sophia (age 17), a student at Beijing BISS International School (BISS). Liming is the Asia Pacific marketing director at Polymer Technology Systems.</p>
<p><strong>Why did you choose the IB curriculum?</strong><br /> Liming: I believe that a western or international education, unlike the education I had in China, encourages thinking rather than just following. There&rsquo;s a much more in-depth exploration of each subject. While Sophia was at middle school in America, she was preparing to take AP courses in high school. When we moved to China, I found that the AP program wasn&rsquo;t as commonly available. I thought IB was the most intellectually-challenging option available, so I spoke to the staff at BISS. The school was the most important factor in the end because BISS seemed friendly, convenient and flexible, and it met our core needs.</p>
<p><strong>What are the benefits of this curriculum?</strong><br /> The higher-level courses allow my daughter to explore the subjects that she is most interested in, such as physics, chemistry and economics. She is can develop and explore her interests, which is beneficial before university. Besides preparing her academically, the curriculum promotes free thinking. When I talk to my daughter, I can see that she has developed a much more scientific method of looking at the world. I attribute that to the exploration she does in her higher-level physics and chemistry classes. She&rsquo;s also developed as a leader and has become more creative.</p>
<p><strong>What features of the curriculum are cause for concern? </strong><br /> At times, the program seems too intense. I can see the potential danger if the courses are chosen incorrectly; the pressure can be too great. But overall, it was fairly easy for Sophia to switch to IB from AP. We didn&rsquo;t notice too many differences; they are both challenging programs.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Find the downloadable 2014-2015 School Choice Guide <a href="http://issuu.com/beijingkids/docs/beijingkidsfeb2014scf_guide">here</a>.</p>
<p>Come talk to the schools offerring this curriculum at the 2014 <em>beijingkids</em> and <em>JingKids</em> Spring School Choice Fair, sponsored by RGF AIR Purifiers at the Hilton Beijing on March 1 and 2.</p>
<p><em>Photo by Ken </em></p>
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		<title>School Choice Guide- The Right Course of Action: Studying Up on Educational Systems (3)</title>
		<link>https://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2014/02/22/school-choice-guide-the-right-course-of-action-studying-up-on-educational-systems-3/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[beijingkids]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 22 Feb 2014 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Schools]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2014 beijingkids and jingkids Spring School Choice Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2014-2015 School Choice Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[curriculum]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education system]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[English National Curriculum]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>

					<description><![CDATA[There are six education systems that we looked at in this year&#8217;s School Choice Guide. The third system is the English National Curriculum. Find out the reasons why this was the preferred choice for the Huang family. Read about the first system, Advanced Placement Courses and SAT/PSAT here and the second, the Chinese National Curriculum [...]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="500" vspace="10" hspace="10" align="middle" height="444" src="/files/u286347/04__MG_7316.jpg" /></p>
<p><em>There are six education systems that we looked at in this year&#8217;s </em><a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/beijingkids-School-Guide"><em>School  Choice Guide</em></a><em>.  The third system is the English National Curriculum. Find out the reasons  why this was the preferred choice for the Huang family. Read about  the first system, Advanced Placement Courses and SAT/PSAT <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/beijingkids/2014/02/20/School-Choice-Guide-The-Right-Course-of-Action-Studying-Up-on-Educationa">here</a> and the second, the Chinese National Curriculum <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/beijingkids/2014/02/21/School-Choice-Guide-The-Right-Course-of-Action-Studying-Up-on-Educationa">here.</a>&nbsp; </em></p>
<p>The English National Curriculum was developed by the British government for standard use in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is used in over 30,000 schools in the UK and overseas. This education system is characterized by a broad, well-rounded education that narrows in focus after Year 11. <!--break--></p>
<p><strong>Who does it target?</strong><br /> The English National Curriculum targets students 3-18 years of age. They are divided into Key Stages that cover both primary and secondary school:<br /> &bull; Key Stage 0: Ages 3-5 (also known as Early Years)<br /> &bull; Key Stage 1: Ages 5-7 (Year 1-2)<br /> &bull; Key Stage 2: Ages 7-11 (Year 3-6)<br /> &bull; Key Stage 3: Ages 11-14 (Year 7-9)<br /> &bull; Key Stage 4: Ages 14-16 (Year 10-11)<br /> &bull; Key Stage 5: Ages 16-18 (Year 12-13, collectively known as Sixth Form)</p>
<p><strong>How is it applied?</strong><br /> Primary school students are assessed at the end of Key Stages 1 to 3 on a scale of 1 to 8 according to English National Curriculum standards. These evaluations are based on tests and teacher assessments, and are commonly known as &ldquo;SATs&rdquo; or Standard Assessment Tasks (not to be confused with the American SAT).</p>
<p>In Key Stage 4, students can sit up to ten subjects at a series of national exams known as the GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) with some of the exams and coursework completed in Year 10 and the early stages of Year 11.In Key Stage 5, students take the GCE Advanced Level exams, commonly known as A-levels. A-levels are a graduated system composed of AS levels (Year 12) and A2 levels (Year 13). Students cannot move on to A2 levels if they fail their AS exams. The norm is to do four or five A-levels in Year 12, then carry forward three to A2 level in Year 13.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Note </strong>that some top universities put out lists of A-levels they consider to be &ldquo;soft&rdquo; subjects, effectively creating a blacklist. &ldquo;Soft&rdquo; subjects include Media Studies, Art and Design, Photography, and Business Studies. By contrast, students are generally advised to take at least two &ldquo;traditional&rdquo; A-levels like Maths, English, Geography, History, and Physics.</p>
<p><strong>Why should parents consider it?</strong><br /> A-levels give students the freedom to choose their areas of study and focus on their strengths. For example, a student who is working towards a scholarship in biology might not want to devote much time to arts. This way, they can also reduce the risk of dragging down their grade average.</p>
<p><strong>How well does this education system prepare students for the real world?</strong><br /> The British education system is well-recognized and accepted all over the world. A-levels are the standard qualification for universities in the UK and help students focus on preferred subjects before applying to university. In addition, A-levels are generally accepted in the US and Europe, as well as former Commonwealth countries like Canada and Australia.</p>
<p><strong>The Huang Family (China)</strong><br /> The Huang family is made up of dad Youyi, mom Song Wei, and their daughter Helen (age 17). Youyi is an architect and Song Wei is an engineer. Helen attends Harrow International School of Beijing and recently received a place at Sydney Sussex College, Cambridge University.</p>
<p><strong>Why did you choose the English National Curriculum?</strong><br /> Youyi: China is on the path to becoming a developed nation and our children need to learn how to communicate with westerners. In the short term, we wanted Helen to study in the UK for her Bachelor&rsquo;s degree. Under the English National Curriculum, students&rsquo; strong points are valued so they are inspired to learn independently. The UK curriculum has a broader context than the domestic curriculum, but the latter tends to be more difficult. Also, the English curriculum prioritizes autonomous learning rather than spoon feeding information. Students can focus on classes that they like or do well in.</p>
<p><strong>What are the benefits of this curriculum?</strong><br /> The school advocates an autonomous learning style, good communication skills, and leadership ability. These are the most important things that Helen has learned, and they will benefit her all her life. She can research the information she needs, knows when to ask for help, and even attends lectures on her favorite subjects outside of school.</p>
<p><strong>What are the major drawbacks of the English National Curriculum?</strong><br /> We initially worried most about Helen&rsquo;s English. Like many Chinese children, she excels in STEM subjects like math, chemistry and physics. But because she didn&#8217;t enter Harrow until high school, we were not sure if she would master subjects with high language requirements like English and geography. However, she adjusted very quickly in part because the school pays close attention to students transferring from local high schools. In the first semester, the EAL teachers helped her adapt to learning on her own. She hasn&rsquo;t lagged behind; in fact, we are more than happy with her 90+ grade in the AS Geography exam.</p>
<p>Find the downloadable 2014-2015 School Choice Guide <a href="http://issuu.com/beijingkids/docs/beijingkidsfeb2014scf_guide">here</a>.</p>
<p>Come talk to the schools offerring this curriculum at the 2014 <em>beijingkids</em> and <em>JingKids</em> Spring School Choice Fair, sponsored by RGF AIR Purifiers at the Hilton Beijing on March 1 and 2.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Photo by VIVAXIAO Photography Studio<br /> </em></p>
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		<title>School Choice Guide- The Right Course of Action: Studying Up on Educational Systems (2)</title>
		<link>https://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2014/02/21/school-choice-guide-the-right-course-of-action-studying-up-on-educational-systems-2/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[beijingkids]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 21 Feb 2014 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Schools]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2014 beijingkids and jingkids Spring School Choice Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2014-2015 School Choice Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chinese National Curriculum]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[curriculum]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education system]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>

					<description><![CDATA[There are six education systems that we looked at in this year&#8217;s School Choice Guide. The second system is the Chinese National Curriculum. Find out the reasons why the Liu-Johnson family chose this system. Read about the first system, Advanced Placement Courses and SAT/PSAT here. The current Chinese educational system is based upon revisions to [...]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="rtecenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="333" vspace="10" hspace="10" align="middle" height="500" src="/files/u286347/Jing_CS_Liuyan_2_Sui.jpg" /></p>
<p><em>There are six education systems that we looked at in this year&#8217;s </em><a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/beijingkids-School-Guide"><em>School  Choice Guide</em></a><em>. The second system is the Chinese National Curriculum. Find out the reasons why the Liu-Johnson family chose this system. Read about the first system, Advanced Placement Courses and SAT/PSAT <a href="http://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/beijingkids/2014/02/20/School-Choice-Guide-The-Right-Course-of-Action-Studying-Up-on-Educationa">here</a>. </em></p>
<p>The current Chinese educational system is based upon revisions to national education that followed the implementation of the Four Modernizations presented by Zhou Enlai in 1974. These four modernizations &ndash; to develop agriculture, industry, technology, and defense &ndash; are considered the four pillars of modern education in China.<!--break--></p>
<p><strong>Who does it target?</strong><br /> When bilingual or merged education programs are available in Beijing, they generally target parents who want their child to be fully immersed in a Chinese-language curriculum in order to understand local culture and emerge from the school system fully literate in Mandarin.</p>
<p><strong>How is it applied?</strong><br /> Divided into a 6-3-3 system (six years of primary school, followed by three years each of junior and senior middle school), the Chinese education system relies heavily on public funding and the designation of &ldquo;key schools,&rdquo; which receive greater portions of government funding. These schools are intended to serve the most academically gifted and thus are considered the most prestigious. At the secondary level, &ldquo;key schools&rdquo; are like college prep schools in the West. National entrance exams are required for admission into both senior middle school (western high school level) as well as university.</p>
<p>Schools in Beijing that provide the Chinese educational system through a bilingual model usually assess a child&rsquo;s Mandarin skills before granting admission to the program. Mandarin classes are divided into small groups based on ability.</p>
<p><strong>Why should parents consider it?</strong><br /> The single greatest benefit starts with complete immersion in Mandarin. All subjects are taught in Chinese, thus ensuring literacy and fluency in the language. Additional benefits include an environment in which Confucian ideology provide teachers with palpable respect. Not only do they enjoy untaxed salaries and a national holiday (Teacher&rsquo;s Day), but students are expected to, first and foremost, obey their instructions making classrooms much stricter than in western schools.</p>
<p>If your child would benefit from more discipline, a Chinese classroom may be the answer. Furthermore, this system reinforces the importance of work ethic through longer school hours and more homework. There is a built-in belief that all children can achieve regardless of their background &ndash; as long as they put in the effort. For example, Beijing No. 55 boasts that all their graduates are accepted into the Chinese university of their choice.</p>
<p><strong>How well does this education system prepare students for the real world?</strong><br /> There are more than 100 million people learning Mandarin all over the world. Establishing a child&rsquo;s language and literacy in Mandarin early can provide them with an edge in their future careers. Foreign students who attend bilingual schools are also provided with cultural and social observation classes in order to better understand the national landscape before entering post-secondary schooling in China or the workforce.</p>
<p><strong>The Liu-Johnson Family (US/Hong Kong)</strong><br /> Clayton Johnson and Yan Liu have two kids: Katherine (age 11) and Andrew (age 9). Clayton is a lawyer and Yan is a consultant. Both Katherine and Andrew attend Fangcaodi International School (FCD).</p>
<p><strong>Why did you choose the Chinese curriculum for your kids?</strong><br /> Yan: When we came to China, we sent the kids to local school because we wanted them to study Chinese. A good Chinese program was at the top of our list. If your Chinese is not good enough to deal with complicated matters, then you will never be able to do business in China. Whether or not they work in China in the future, speaking good Chinese means better opportunities.</p>
<p>We speak English at home, so it&rsquo;s not a good Chinese learning environment for my children. The international schools in Beijing teach English well, but we don&rsquo;t believe their Chinese programs are good enough. It&rsquo;s impossible to strike a balance between English and Chinese teaching. [That&rsquo;s why] I would never consider sending the kids to an international school.</p>
<p><strong>What are the benefits of this curriculum?</strong><br /> It allows the kids to build a solid Chinese foundation. I want the kids to speak Chinese as well as local children and share the same cultural background so they understand how they think and why they think that way. They learned in school that children must give parents warm clothes in winter and fan them in summer. These rules are quite clich&eacute; but by memorizing such things, children come to understand that they should respect the elderly. They&rsquo;re moved by lessons like that, and they learn something about morality. I can also see the impact of the curriculum in how thoroughly the kids prepare new lessons.</p>
<p><strong>What are the drawbacks of the Chinese National Curriculum?</strong><br /> No school is perfect, but we knew that following the local curriculum would build a stronger Chinese language foundation. That&rsquo;s their most important task at this point. Also, the spoon feeding [model of education]that prevails in China is quite different. Most Chinese students are not good at critical thinking; I hope studying in China will not change my children&rsquo;s ability to think independently.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Find the downloadable 2014-2015 School Choice Guide <a href="http://issuu.com/beijingkids/docs/beijingkidsfeb2014scf_guide">here</a>.</p>
<p>Come talk to the schools offerring this curriculum at the 2014 <em>beijingkids</em> and <em>JingKids</em> Spring School Choice Fair, sponsored by RGF AIR Purifiers at the Hilton Beijing on March 1 and 2.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Photo by Sui</em></p>
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		<title>School Choice Guide- The Right Course of Action: Studying Up on Educational Systems (1)</title>
		<link>https://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2014/02/20/school-choice-guide-the-right-course-of-action-studying-up-on-educational-systems-1/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[beijingkids]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 Feb 2014 07:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Schools]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2014 beijingkids and jingkids Spring School Choice Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2014-2015 School Choice Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[curriculum]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education system]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SAT/PSAT]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false"></guid>

					<description><![CDATA[There are six education systems that we looked at in this year&#8217;s School Choice Guide. To start us off here is the Advanced Placement Courses and SAT/PSAT and what The Ju Family thinks about the system of choice. The Advanced Placement (AP) program and the SAT Reasoning Test (commonly known as the SAT) are curricula [...]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="rtecenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="333" vspace="10" hspace="10" align="middle" height="500" src="/files/u286347/SG_StPaulAmericanSchool_01_Ken.jpg" /></p>
<p><em>There are six education systems that we looked at in this year&#8217;s School Choice Guide. To start us off here is the Advanced Placement Courses and SAT/PSAT and what The Ju Family thinks about the system of choice.</em></p>
<p>The Advanced Placement (AP) program and the SAT Reasoning Test (commonly known as the SAT) are curricula and exams administrated by the College Board, an educational association based in the US.</p>
<p>Many universities and colleges award credit for the standardized courses that make up the AP program. Getting a head start on their college education, allows students to take higher level courses, pursue a double major, or study abroad, as well as potentially save significantly on third-level tuition fees.<!--break--></p>
<p>The SAT or SAT Reasoning Test is an internationally-recognized university admission exam. Most students take the SAT in their junior or senior year of high school. The majority of US universities base their selections to varying degrees on SAT scores.</p>
<p>There is also the PSAT (or Preliminary SAT), which is often called the &ldquo;practice SAT.&rdquo; It is taken by Grade 10 and 11 students to give an idea of how they are likely to do on the SAT.</p>
<p><strong>Who does it target?</strong><br /> AP courses and the SAT are generally taken by Grade 11-12 students (roughly 15-18 years old).</p>
<p><strong>How is it applied?</strong><br /> The College Board offers 34 AP subjects. Some of the most popular include AP US History, AP English Literature, and AP Calculus AB. International schools in Beijing vary widely in the number of AP subjects they offer.</p>
<p>AP students receive two grades: one for AP coursework and another for the AP exam. AP tests are taken in May and graded on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being highest). The multiple choice sections are scored by a computer, while the free response and essay components are graded by AP &ldquo;readers.&rdquo; Though it varies from institution to institution, most universities require that students obtain a minimum grade of 3 or 4 to qualify for college credit.</p>
<p>The SAT test lasts over three hours and is divided into three sections: critical reading, writing, and mathematics. Each section is made up of multiple choice questions, but the writing portion also requires students to compose a short essay. As of 2005, the SAT has a maximum possible score of 2,400 (3 x 800). The tests are graded by the College Board, but students also have access to third party &ldquo;test verification services&rdquo; for added security.</p>
<p><strong>Why should parents consider it?</strong><br /> High achievers are usually recommended for the program by their teachers. Because AP classes are so rigorous, students should only take as many as they can manage. They are a way for them to challenge themselves and show prospective colleges that they are serious about academics. As for the SAT, it is usually a good idea for students who are interested in attending university in the US.</p>
<p><strong>How well does this educational system prepare students for the real world?</strong><br /> For decades, there has been heated debate about issues of cultural and socioeconomic bias in the SAT test. Studies found that white and wealthy applicants tended to score higher than their poorer &ldquo;ethnic&rdquo; counterparts. The College Board redesigned the SAT in 2005 in response, but a growing number of colleges have joined the &ldquo;SAT optional movement&rdquo; by removing SAT scores from their admission requirements.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, most universities in the US still look at SAT scores and AP courses as part of the selection process. Outside the US, universities in over 60 countries recognize AP exam scores for admission or college credit. Some universities also consider the SAT score to assess students who did not complete the IB Diploma Programme.</p>
<p><strong>The Ju Family (China)</strong><br /> Joyce Ju is mother to 18-year-old Kevin, a student at St. Paul American School (SPAS). Joyce is self-employed.</p>
<p><strong>Why did you choose the AP/SAT route?</strong><br /> Joyce: I thought for a long time and researched carefully before choosing a school. St. Paul American School&rsquo;s AP courses are synchronized with the American education system. For non-native English speakers, the school also offers ESL, SAT, and TOEFL courses to prepare students for placement at prominent American universities.</p>
<p><strong>What are the benefits of this curriculum?</strong><br /> The school has encouraged Kevin to be more independent; for example, he handled his university applications by himself. He wouldn&rsquo;t let me step in and help. Of course, as a parent I can never totally let go, but the school has really built up his ability to stand on his own feet.</p>
<p><strong>What are the drawbacks of this curriculum?</strong><br /> No curriculum is suitable for every student. It&rsquo;s important to look carefully at the implementation of the system. The English abilities of students from China are uneven and therefore the school can&rsquo;t introduce full AP courses to students right away. Even the reading materials don&rsquo;t really match those of American students in the same grades.</p>
<p>&nbsp;Find your downloadable version of guide <a href="http://issuu.com/beijingkids/docs/beijingkidsfeb2014scf_guide">here</a>.</p>
<p>The next system will be the Chinese National Curriculum and what the Liu-Johnson Family thinks about it.</p>
<p>Come find out which schools offer this curriculum at the 2014 <em>beijingkids</em> and <em>JingKids</em> Spring School Choice Fair, sponsored by RGF AIR Purifiers at the Hilton Beijing on March 1 and 2.</p>
<p><em>Photo by Ken </em></p>
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