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

Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience at Beijing No. 55 High School
On March 29, teachers and students from Beijing No. 55 High School International Students Section went to Daoxianghu Intangible Cultural Heritage Science City. They experienced an intangible cultural heritage project and were impressed by the site. The activity was enjoyable and left the students with a deep appreciation of Chinese civilization and traditional culture.

We All Scream for Ice Cream at BCIS
As part of their studies on innovation, Beijing City International School (BCIS) students decided to hold a pop-up store for three consecutive days, selling sweet frozen treats to excited and happy ES students for a charitable cause.

2019 Harrow Ducker
On March 28, Harrow Beijing held its annual Harrow Ducker at both its Main Campus and City Campus. As a traditional running race, the Harrow Ducker commemorates the contribution of John Lyon, the founder of Harrow School.

Around the World at BWYA
On March 22, Beijing World Youth Academy (BWYA) Primary School embraced their cross-cultural spirit for their “International Day.” With assistance from the PTA, the classrooms were decorated in many different countries’ styles, and diverse cultural cuisines were also served as students played games and explored new cultures together.

ISB Hosts APAC Track and Field
The International School of Beijing (ISB) hosted the APAC Track and Field tournament on April 13-14. The event welcomed students from six other schools to compete and test their speed, strength, and agility in traditional running, throwing, and jumping events. The ISB boys’ team placed second, and the girls’ team placed fourth overall.

DCB Students in London for Dulwich Olympiad
Eighty-three Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) students participated in the week-long Dulwich Olympiad in London this past March, which celebrated 400 years of Dulwich College. More than nine hundred students from eleven Dulwich schools engaged in art, music, drama, and sports in venues such as the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Hall, and the Olympic Pool, and Track.

University Fair at BSB Shunyi
The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (BSB Shunyi) hosted the “Beijing International Schools’ Spring University Fair.” Hundreds of students and parents met 95 University Admissions representatives from around the world who helped to inform students at BSB and the larger Beijing Community about their many future possibilities.

G10 Personal Project Exhibition at CISB
This year, the Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) held its G10 Personal Project Exhibition to much success. Students were given the opportunity to challenge themselves and all participants deserve to be proud of their hard work.

The Fourth Reading Week of HoK
During the first week of March, House of Knowledge (HoK) held its fourth annual Reading Week. During this year’s event, House of Knowledge held fun and interactive activities, games, role-playing activities, and field trips across its three campuses- Shunyi, Chaoyang Park, and Xinglong.

Supporting the Children of Stars on World Autism Day at Beijing BISS International School
A public welfare event entitled “Just Like You” at Beijing BISS International School was held recently with the aim of raising public awareness about autism. The money raised from the auctioning of paintings submitted for the event will be allocated to autistic artists and for the rehabilitation of autistic people through the China Social Welfare Foundation.

Easter Fashion Show at Journey Academy of Beijing
Recently, students at Journey Academy of Beijing dressed up for a fashion show with Spring-themed costumes to display their interesting fashion sense. Following the show, teachers and students also celebrated the Easter holiday together.

Building a Love of Reading at YCIS Beijing
Yew Chung International School of Beijing recently celebrated Literacy Week, a festival of reading, literature, and storytelling. As part of their Literacy Week celebrations, the school hosted visiting authors including Paul French, Curtis Jobling, Martin Kiszko, and Antoinette Portis.

This article appeared in the beijingkids May 2019 Identity 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’ social platforms!

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. 

The True Cost of Fashion: Who Pays the Price of Our Clothes Documentary Screening, Apr 23
The True Cost is a groundbreaking documentary film that pulls back the curtain on the untold story of “fast fashion” and asks us to consider who really pays the price for our clothing. This screening is followed by a panel discussion with experts from Beijing’s sustainable fashion industry. Adults. RMB 50 (presale tickets include one drink). Book a seat here. 7-9.30pm. The Bookworm, Sanlitun.  (WeChat: becstarnz)

Beijing BISS International School Open House, Apr 25
Beijing BISS International School opens its doors for prospective families who would like to visit the school and communicate with BISS principals to learn more about its educational strategies and get a feel of the school community. The open house is held concurrently with the exhibitions of the BISS students on April 25 (Grade 10 exhibition). All ages. Free admission. Visit this page to register. 9.30-11am. Beijing BISS International School. (RSVP: 6443 3151, admissions@biss.com.cn)

Joy EL International Academy Sports Day, Apr 26
Joy EL International Academy invite everyone to their Sports Day on April 26, with the motto of “Friendship First, Competition Second” rather than just focusing on results. Join in a wide variety of sporting events and enjoy seeing the students having a wonderful time in matches, games, and events. All ages. Free. 8.30am-3.30pm. Joy EL International Academy. (CocoLi@joyelacademy.com)

CISB StageCats Presents: Godspell, Apr 26-27
The CISB StageCats are back and better than ever with an electrifying performance of the world-famous musical, Godspell. From the legendary Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz, Godspell is a highly energetic musical-comedy that retells stories and lessons from the Book of Matthew. While inspired by a religious text as its source, this show is for people of all ages, backgrounds, and tastes! Songs include the worldwide hits “Day by Day”, “Bless the Lord”, and many others. And even better – this will be CISB StageCats’ first musical production with a live band onstage! All ages. RMB 50 (adults), RMB 30 (students). Tickets can be purchased in advance at the CISB front desk or from a member of the cast/crew. Showtimes: Apr 26 (Fri) at 7pm, Apr 27 (Sat) at 2pm (matinee) and 7pm. Canadian International School of Beijing. (RSVP:patrick.connolly@cisbeijing.com, www.cisbtheatre.com)

3e Charity Community Day, Apr 27
3e International School welcomes everyone to their annual 3e Charity Community Day. Come to find bargain treasures and entertain the family with games and activities! Families are invited to sell well-maintained second-hand goods: toys, books, and other household items. Families and vendors can book a table for RMB 100 (table fees will be donated to Living Water Children’s Home). All ages. Free admission. 10am-noon. 3e International School. (6437 3344, community@3einternationalschool.org)

Joy EL International Academy Family Fair, Apr 27
Joy EL International Academy is holding its first Family Fair, where staff, students, and families come together to enjoy fun activities, games, music, and food. This year’s theme is “International Celebration” and there will be a bouncy castle, shows, booths representing the culture and cuisine of 10 countries, and more activities that take place throughout the campus. All ages. Free admission. 10am-4pm. Joy EL International Academy. (CocoLi@joyelacademy.com)

Deepen Your Relationships: Workshops for Couples and Families, Apr 27
Professional coaches Virginie Mangin and Eike Westerholt are holding a workshop on dealing with challenges in relationships. Participants will be able to explore the concrete tools for effective communication, conflict resolution, and addressing needs in a non-assertive way. Adults. RMB 350 per session. 10am-12.30pm. The Bookworm. (eike@eikewesterholt.com, info@beyondcoaching.me)

Swap, Sweat, and Smile: LIVE WITH LESS x Heyrobics, Apr 27
A swap with a sports focus, so bring your exercise clothing and gear, or come and pick up some new stuff. Adults. Free (half price pizza and drinks.). 1-4pm swapping; 4-5pm Heyrobics. Xian Bar, East Hotel. WeChat: crossboundaries

Reflect & Connect: A Coaching Seminar for Parents, Carers & Educators, Apr 27
Titi and Ben of Hill Dynamics lead this workshop for parents, carers, and educators on the topic of raising emotionally healthy children in the age of screens. Learn about setting appropriate limits and help your family connect offline. Adults. RMB 950 (sign up here). 5-7pm. EAST Hotel Beijing.

MCF Murder Mystery: Cut Loose, Apr 27
Migrant Children’s Foundation’s annual event is back, with an 80s themed interactive murder mystery inspired by the classic movie Footloose. Expect lots of 80’s music, references to 80’s pop culture, and more while enjoying a four-course meal and complimentary wine on every table. On the night, you can get involved by dressing up in eighties-themed outfits (big hair, bright make-up, neon accessories) and have a chance of winning prizes for your 80s inspired style! And, it’s interactive! So, if the spirit grabs you, you’ll be given the chance to get up and show what you can do. There will be lots of prizes throughout the evening, including for guessing the murderer, the best 80s dress, and more! Adults. RMB 550. Starts 7pm. Hilton Hotel, Liangmaqiao. (For tickets, contact WeChat ID: LornaDoone)

St. George’s Day Dinner, Apr 27
Celebrate St. George’s Day at this annual dinner that has been around for about a decade in Beijing. Join the company of 200 distinguished guests from the corporate, diplomatic and public sectors. Supported by the British Chamber of Commerce in China, this year’s St. George’s Day Dinner will take place on April 27 at the Westin Chaoyang Beijing Hotel. The event kicks off with a cocktail reception and a witty English tomfoolery by internationally renowned comedian Tim Clark. Enjoy a six-course dinner paired with fine wines. The menu includes roast beef and Yorkshire pudding as the main course, and cheeses paired with vintage port to finish! Adults. RMB 800-900. 6.30pm-midnight. The Westin Beijing Chaoyang. (RSVP: events@lehmanbrown.com or saintgeorgebeijing@gmail.com)

FilComBei: Sunday Fun Day at Chaoyang Park, Apr 28
The Filipino Community in Beijing (FilComBei) invites Filipino families and their friends to Sunday Fun Day at Chaoyang Park. Enjoy a potluck lunch while the young ones play native Filipino games. All ages. RMB 5 (for the park entrance). Attendees are invited to bring food to share with other families. 10am. Chaoyang Park West Gate.

River Blue Documentary Screening, Apr 28
River Blue spans the globe to infiltrate one of the world’s most pollutive industries: fashion. Narrated by clean water supporter Jason Priestley, this groundbreaking documentary examines the destruction of our rivers, its effect on humanity, and the solutions that inspire hope for a sustainable future. Join the documentary screening at The Bookworm on April 28 to learn about how you can use your power as a consumer to vote for ethical and sustainable clothing. Adults. RMB 70 (book a seat here). 8pm. The Bookworm

Photos: Joy EL International School (featured photo)  Valentin Antonucci via Pexels; courtesy of event organizers

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’ social platforms!

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. 

The Beijinger Hot & Spicy Festival 2019, Apr 20-21
The carnival of capsaicin, the jamboree of jalapeño, the party of pepper, and the terror of your taste buds that is the Beijinger Hot & Spicy Festival 2019 is returning to Galaxy Soho, on the weekend of April 20-21. China’s only spicy food festival is shaping up to be an absolute knockout, featuring a massive two-day Chili Pepper eating contest, a hot and spicy dating tree, a spicy sauce testing station, a chili roulette game for the risk-takers, two full days of floor shows and entertainment, and a pumping dance floor at night. All ages. 11am-8pm. Galaxy Soho.

BritCham Morning Briefing: Empowering Chinese Students to Study in the UK, Apr 17
The British Chamber of Commerce in China (BritCham) invites educators and education industry professionals to an informative morning briefing fon the infrastructure around sending students to the UK with advice and updates on visas, flights, housing, and guardianship. See the full briefing agenda here. Adults. RMB 150 (BritCham member), RMB 300 (non-members). Visit this page to register. 9.30-11.30am. The British Center, 1001 China Life Tower, 16 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (185 1065 2986, andrew.whitestone@britishchamber.cn)

HoK Parents Education Workshop III: Setting Rules for Children – Why and How?, Apr 18
House of Knowledge (HoK) is arranging a series of workshops for parent education, to share the 21st-century educational spirit and methods to help them understand child behavior more clearly and build effective communication with their children. The third part of the series is themed “Setting Rules for Children – Why and How?” and HoK co-founder Farshad Danicek will explain what rules and boundaries mean to children, why they are important for their well-being and healthy development, and how children learn responsibility through rules. Adults. Free. 9.30-11.30am. House of Knowledge Xinglong Campus. (6430 2161 ext. 803, marketing@hokschools.com)

Seussical Jr. at Dulwich College Beijing, Apr 18-19
With a cast of over 40 and a live onstage band, Dulwich College Beijing’s (DCB) Junior School is bringing to life all your favorite Dr. Seuss characters in Seussical Jr., a musical perfect for the whole family, from age 3 to 300! Scan QR code for tickets. All ages. RMB 50-80. Starts 7pm. Dulwich College Beijing. (RSVP: rsvp@dulwich-beijing.cn)

TNT Theatre Britain: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Apr 18-20
Shakespeare’s most popular comedy deserves its reputation, for here the “lunatic, the lover and the poet” combine with a magical world to create a perfect mix of comedy and romance. This production by the TNT Theatre Britain combines music, dance, and song with a powerful conflict that demonstrates not just the joy but also the pain and madness of love. All ages. RMB 80-380. Starts 9.30pm. Nine Theater 9个剧场.

Learning to Read: English Literacy Foundations, Apr 19
3e International School’s Tea Talk for April provides parents with a sequential understanding of the English reading process from Pre-Kindergarten through Elementary. The session will assist parents with advice and guidelines to help children establish strong English literacy foundations, and further understand the process to support them during these formative years. The activity will be presented by 3e educators Jovita Yenata (Pre-Kindergarten English teacher), Amanda Boarman (Kindergarten English teacher), and Katherine Crawford (Elementary Principal). Adults. Free. 9-10.30am. 3e International School. (community@3einternationalschool.org)

Samajam: Kids Show 2, Apr 19-21
Dubbed as a “200 percent participatory musical show”, Samajam Kids Show returns to Beijing. Young audience members will join in with the performing musicians as they will receive several musical instruments during the show, helping them learn music while having fun. There will also be a live interactive video game! All ages. RMB 180-380. 10.30am-7.30pm. Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center. 

Roundabout Family Fair, Apr 20
Roundabout welcomes everyone to the 2019 Roundabout Family Day on April 20 at Cathay View Plaza. A whole day of fun is in store for families. Enjoy performances and activities, including a dance session with Yongyan Fitness Dance Center. If you’re up to getting good Easter finds, head over to the Roundabout bazaar, which features a fantastic selection of vendors selling food from around the world. For families wanting to be the forever loving home of rescued animals, there is a pet area where you can get in touch with veterinarians and pet food vendors. All ages. Free admission. 10am-3pm. Roundabout Cathay View Plaza.

Roundabout Book Fair at Beijing Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy, Apr 20
Elsewhere in the city, Roundabout is holding a book fair at the Beijing Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy, concurrent with their Family Day on the same date. Find your treasures from any of the 10,000 recently donated, gently used books. Paperbacks cost RMB 10, while hardbacks are RMB 20 each. There are tons of kids’ books and special books starting from RMB 1. Bring your unwanted books with you on the day to donate if you would like to help. All proceeds from Roundabout book fairs will be used to change someone’s life. All ages. Free admission. 10am-3.30pm. Beijing Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy.

Beijing Interschool Chess Tournament & Qualification Matches, Apr 20
Calling all chess players ages 6-17 – the next round of the Beijing Interschool Chess tournament will be held at the International School of Beijing (ISB) on Saturday April 20. Qualification matches for any players who know the rules, and full tournament for advanced players. Scan the QR codes on the poster for more details or to register. Ages 6-17. Tournament time from 9am to 5pm. Qualifying matches time from 9am to noon. International School of Beijing. (Registration: 138 1007 2846)

“The Best of British” Celebrating 400 Years of Dulwich College, Apr 20
With the 400th anniversary of its founding school in London, Dulwich College Beijing’s annual charity gala is taking on a special meaning this year! Enjoy an executive chef dinner, exciting prizes, great entertainment, and free flow of wine while supporting the New Hope Foundation. Adults. RMB 1,100 RMB per ticket, RMB 10,000 for a table of 10. Starts 6pm. Dulwich College Beijing. (RSVP: rsvp@dulwich-beijing.cn)

Beijing High School Clothing Swap, Apr 20
The International School of Beijing’s We for She Club will be hosting the first Beijing High School Clothing Swap to celebrate Fashion Revolution Week. From 11 am to 1 pm, high school students from any Beijing high school may drop off their clothes at ISB’s Gym 3 and receive vouchers for the number of clothing items they bring. Clothing items include clothes, shoes, accessories, outerwear.  From 1 to 4 pm, students can try on clothes and swap for “new” items. Come and get some “new” clothes, make friends, and support a great cause! All leftover items will be collected at 4 pm by Roundabout. Ages 12+. Free admission. 11am-4pm. ISB Gym 3.

Live With Less Youth Edition, Apr 21
Live With Less is a program designed to reduce excessive waste. For Earth Day, they are holding a special youth edition co-organized by Inspire Citizens’ student leaders (aged 7 to 16). This activity involves ten vendors, such as The Green Room, Sew Gorgeous, Roundabout Boutique, Fashion by Jenny, and more. At the same time, the Wild Women on the Wall 2019 will hold a special Bake Sale, in support of good causes including Agape Family Life House and Five Loaves and Two Fish. All ages. Free. Noon- 4pm. Scan QR on the image for more details. Crossboundaries office, 2F, 4 Gongti Beilu, Bldg 10, Electrical Research Institute Compound, Chaoyang District. (WeChat ID: Crossboundaries)

The Bookworm Eco Spring Fair 2019, Apr 21
The Bookworm and The Bulk House will honor Earth Day by holding a free Pop-Up Eco Market, with the goal of spreading the word about green consumption and zero waste. 35 vendors of fine art, handicrafts, fashion, and organic food, and charities from the local community will join the market and show how one can produce and consume the green way. Ages 16+. Free. Noon-6pm. The Bookworm, Building 4, Nan Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District. 北京市朝阳区三里屯南街4号 (158 1071 3743, mr_j.c.zhang@hotmail.com)

Plus Size Eco Fashion & Swap Day, Apr 21
It’s a party of epic proportions! All plus-size ladies in Beijing are invited to this eco-fashion swap day, a fun-filled event that brings everything that plus-size women need under one roof. Go there to clear out or spice up your closet! Everyone is invited to the party, but attendees who wish to join the swap are asked to bring gently used plus-size clothing and accessories, bags and shoes, and other items. Note that ladies shoes range from 42-44 (US 10-12). Adults. 1.30-6pm. 16 South Liangmahe Road, Chaoyang District. Contact Sammy Sibanda at 15101517496 for more information.

Rice Clay Figurine Making – a CK Cultural Treasures Workshop, Apr 21
There is no easy way to say 捏面 (nie mian) in English! It means ‘pinch flour’ but in fact, this folk-craft, which dates back to the Han Dynasty, involves a lot more than just pinching. The ‘clay’, actually dough, was traditionally made of glutinous rice and colorings made from different foods. The final product, beautiful though it was, could be eaten. Today, certain additives such as honey and paraffin might be added to improve the longevity of the final product, and they definitely can’t be eaten! You can learn to make a Sun Wu Kong (Monkey King) figurine and more using traditional techniques at this workshop at Culture Yard on April 21. All ages. RMB 288 (adults), RMB 258 (kids under 16). The price includes an English-language presentation on the history and culture of rice clay figurine making and the Monkey King; a two-hour workshop with an expert teacher, snacks, and drinks. 2-5pm. Culture Yard, 10 Shique Hutong. (RSVP: events@culturalkeys.cn WeChat: AJDonnelly)

School Open Days

House of Knowledge Open Day – Xinglong Campus, Apr 17 
Xinglong campus is the third campus of House of Knowledge (HoK), following the success of the Shunyi and Chaoyang Park campuses. Early Years learners follow the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC), a research-based curriculum focused on the social, emotional and cognitive development needs of children age 2-5. It maintains the Reggio Emilia philosophy of child-centered and personalized learning. HoK invites prospective families to their Open Day to get a real feel of the school’s learning practices and learn more about what the Xinglong campus has to offer. All ages. Free. 9-11.30am. House of Knowledge Xinglong Campus. (4006507747, admissions@hokschools.com)

Beijing BISS International School Open House, Apr 17 and 25
Beijing BISS International School (BISS) opens its doors for prospective families who would like to visit the school and communicate with BISS principals to learn more about its educational strategies and get a feel of the school community. The open house is held concurrently with exhibitions by the BISS students on April 17 (Grade 5 exhibition) and April 25 (Grade 10 exhibition). All ages. Free admission. Visit this page to register. 9.30-11am. Beijing BISS International School. (RSVP: 6443 3151, admission@biss.com.cn)

Beijing No. 55 High School Admission Open House, Apr 18
Beijing No. 55 High School International Students Section will hold an open house for recruitment and admissions on April 18 from 9am to 11am. Staff members will tour parents around the campus, answer questions, and give a lecture about the IB Curriculum. All ages. Free admission. 9-11am. 3e International School. (RSVP: bj55iss@bj55.cn)

BSB Shunyi Open Day, Apr 22
The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (BSB Shunyi) invites prospective parents to see their school in action. Parents will be able to visit the school’s Primary, German Primary, and Secondary classrooms, and other facilities; talk to teachers; and learn about the enhanced English National Curriculum and IB Diploma Programme. BSB Shunyi benefits from collaborations with some of the very best organizations including MIT, The Juilliard School, and UNICEF. All ages. Free. 9-11am. BSB, Shunyi. (RSVP: admissions@bsbshunyi.com)

Photos: Uni You via the Beijinger (featured photo), courtesy of event organizers

This Week on beijingkids: Lessons from the BISS school crisis, recognizing the signs of student stress, Breast Cancer Awareness month, and more!

Lessons From BISS Crisis as Beijing Authorities Save Troubled School

As Beijing BISS International School gets a new lease on life, there are lessons from this crisis that everyone who cares about the city’s international education should know about.

Mastering Mindfulness: Beijing’s International Schools Continue to Expand Support for Students’ Wellbeing

The importance of recognizing signs of stress in students is increasing at Beijing’s international schools at a crucial time in China, where many still consider mental illness shameful.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: How to Show Your Support and Love

It takes all of the patients’ energies to stay strong at these trying times, but there are ways that we can show our love to them.

Headband, Banned!: This Mom Discovers Class and Sass at Catherine de France

We took this kindergarten teacher to a hip salon popular with the international community, and the results are posh!

Want to know what’s happening in the Beijing expat community? Tune in on WeChat account every Sunday morning for This Week on BJK Online, our weekly roundup of the articles and other essentials published on www.beijing-kids.com. See more of our previous roundups here.

Photos: Courtesy of WAB, chinadaily.com, Miguel Á. Padriñán via Pexels, Uni You

This Week on beijingkids: What’s “shocking” this time of year? Zapping nuisance, financial struggles of a Beijing international school, travel hacks this October holiday, and more!

Top Stories

“No Soap, No Pencils”: Former BISS Teachers Describe Life at Crisis-Hit School

Several former teachers from Beijing BISS International School detail the “mismanagement” and “environment of mistrust” as the school fails to deliver on its promise to pay outstanding wages of several faculty and staff.

Find Your “Cake Buddy” With New Cake Lovers Group

If there’s one thing this city’s not short of, it’s delicious cake… but what if you only want a slice, not a whole one? A Beijing expat has come up with an ingenious solution.

De-Stress, Don’t Distress: The Methods to Reduce Stress

Overwhelmed by your workload and the relentless pace of life in the city? Give yourself a break; here’s how you can do it.

A Shocking Fact: You Can Prevent Static Shocks With These Simple Tips

They’re shocking and irritating: those static shocks that jolt our very existence at this time of year. But here’s some shocking news: you can reduce your risk of experiencing this zapping nuisance!

If You’re Travelling in This National Holiday Period…

Ten Things to Do During the Golden Week

October is the perfect time of year to squeeze in some local sightseeing, but be sure to save the major tourist haunts for another time. Here are ten suggestions to keep the kids busy during the holiday.

Five Tips to Beat the Crowds at Beijing’s Tourist Hubs

Over 60 percent of the population plans to travel during the October holiday season, so how can one enjoy the sites and still avoid the crowds?

6 Hacks for Visiting (and Actually Enjoying) the Forbidden City

Still want to explore the Forbidden City, even if it’s the last place you should be during the Golden Week? Here are a few tricks which can make your visit there tolerable, if not actually pleasant.

Want to know what’s happening in the Beijing expat community? Tune in on WeChat account every Sunday morning for This Week on BJK Online, our weekly roundup of the articles and other essentials published on www.beijing-kids.com. See more of our previous roundups here.

Photos: News.com.au, Giphy, Michael Babilon-Teubenbacher, Adobe Creative Cloud, riverrunnerbaits.net, csstoday.com, Andy Penafuerte III, Jeremiah Jenne

In anticipation of the Beijing International School Expo on January 16-17, we’re highlighting local and international schools around Beijing from the upcoming 2016-2017 beijingkids School Choice Guide, which comes out on January 4

Conveniently located in central Beijing near the Olympic Sports Center, Beijing BISS International School is a progressive, multi-cultural school, offering all three academic International Baccalaureate (IB) programs to all students in Grades Pre-K2 (2-year old nursery) through Grade 12. BISS uses research-based learning methodologies and advanced technology integration at all grade levels to enable students to become successful 21st century learners. The Optimal Learning Center and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program deliver comprehensive, individualized learning support to all students. The school’s comprehensive Languages Program and extensive extracurricular and field-education programs help to develop internationally minded citizens and enhance the dynamic BISS classroom experience.

Founding date: 1994
Age range: 2-18 years
Grades offered: Pre-K2-Grade 12
School type: International school licensed by the Beijing Education Commission; authorized by the IB (PYP, MYP, DP)
Total area: 5,000sqm
Curriculum description: International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP)
Boarding program: No
Number of students: 250-350
Is the school accredited by the Ministry of Education? Yes
Foreign passport holders accepted? Yes
Local Chinese students accepted? No
Tuition fees (2015-2016 academic year):
• Registration fee: RMB 10,000
• Tuition fees: Pre-K-Kindergarten RMB 160,000; Grades 1-5 RMB 215,000; Grades 6-12 RMB 250,000
• Refundable deposit: RMB 18,000-23,000
• ESOL fee (if applicable): RMB 20,000
• Transportation: At cost depending on route
Lunch offered: Asian and western food with vegetarian and healthy options RMB 25
Nationality of students: 28 different nationalities, including South Korea, US, Japan, India, and Hong Kong
Primary teaching language: English
Other languages taught: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish
Average class size: 18
Average teacher/student ratio: 1:6
School hours: 8.10am-3.15pm
After-school activities: Sports, performing arts, visual arts and crafts, languages, robotics, design, and more
Special needs programs offered? Optimal Learning Center (OLC) for special needs and for gifted and talented
Extra help offered? Immersion ESOL support (in-class), Intensive English Program for beginners
Scholarships offered? Yes
School facilities: Over 30 classrooms, two libraries, music, drama and art studios, science labs, design and technology labs, multi-purpose auditorium, crystal courtyard auditorium, cafeteria, medical clinic, ES gymnasium, all-weather running track, multi-purpose courts, rock-climbing wall, playgrounds, five-a-side all-weather soccer field, access to the Olympic
Centre and/or Hilton and Crowne Plaza Hotel swimming pools for sports and PE, 1:1 laptop program in grades 3-12, iPad class sets for elementary, and campus-wide Wi-Fi
School nurse or doctor available? Yes, full-time
Contact: Beijing BISS International School (BISS) No. 17, Area 4, Anzhen Xili, Chaoyang District (6443 3151, admissions@ biss.com.cn) www.biss.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Beijing BISS International School

It’s been an eventful month for students at one of the longest standing international school’s in Beijing, Beijing BISS International School (BISS). On Saturday, May 30 the school held their prom at Hilton Beijing with over 80 students from grade 8-12 in attendance. As a final farewell to graduates, BISS’ prom is organized every year by Grade 11 students with help from teachers. This year’s theme was “Hollywood” and the venue was appropriately adorned with a red carpet, a star-studded walk of fame, and a large backdrop painting of an Oscar (academy award) painted by one graduating student.

The day prior, graduation ceremony was also held at Hilton Beijing while the final day of classes was June 12. BISS students were accepted to a number of universities including Hong Kong University, University of Chicago, Berklee College of Music, University of California, University of California, San Diego, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Macalester College and many other schools. BISS would like to congratulate all of their graduates as well as their families and wish them well as they embark on the next stage of their lives.

Photos: Courtesy of BISS

In anticipation of the Beijing International School Expo on January 24-25, we will be highlighting local and international schools around Beijing from the upcoming 2015-2016 beijingkids School Choice Guide, which comes out on January 20.

Beijing BISS International School is a progressive, multi-cultural school, offering International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes to all students nursery to Grade 12 for over 20 years. BISS utilizes “21st century learning” by integrating the classrooms with research-based technology for the application of The Optimal Learning Center, Mother Tongue Programme, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Programme. Also offered are a variety of extracurricular and field based education.

Founding date: 1994
Age range: 2-18
Grades offered: Nursery to Grade 12
School type: International school (nursery, primary and secondary)
Total area: 5,000sqm
Number of students: 300
Is the school accredited by the Ministry of Education? Yes
Accreditations: First international school to be licensed by the Beijing Education Commission, first international school in Beijing to be authorized by the IBO as an IB World School, CIS, and NCCT in China. Also, a member of EARCOS and ACAMIS.
Foreign passport holders accepted? Yes
Local Chinese students accepted? No
Tuition fees (2014-2015 academic year):
• Registration fee: RMB 10,000
• Refundable deposit: RMB 18,000-23,000
• Pre-K and Kindergarten: RMB 150,000
• Grades 1-5: RMB 206,000
• Grades 6-8: RMB 225,000
• Grades 9-10: RMB 240,000
• Grades 11-12: RMB 245,000
Lunch offered: Asian and Western food with vegetarian and healthy options.
Nationality of students: South Korea, US, UK, Japan, and India (more than 30 countries)
Primary teaching language: English
Other languages taught: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish
Average class size: 20
Average teacher/student ratio: 1:7
School hours: 8.15am to 3.15pm
After-school activities: Sports, performing arts, languages, robotics, graphic design and more (visit website for complete listings).
Special needs programs offered? Yes
Extra help offered? In-class or pullout ESOL Support
Scholarships offered? Case-by-case basis
School facilities: Over 30 classrooms, two libraries, music, drama and art studios, science labs; design &technology lab, multimedia classroom, multi-purpose auditorium,  cafeteria,  medical clinic,  running track,  multi-purpose courts, rock-climbing wall, playgrounds, regular access to Olympic Stadium, Hilton, and Crowne Plaza swimming pools for sports. Campus-wide Wi-Fi coverage.
School nurse or doctor available? Yes
Contact: Bldg 17, Area 4, Anzhen Xili, Chaoyang District (64433151, admissions@biss.com.cn) www.biss.com.cn 朝阳区安贞西里4区17号楼

Photo: BISS

Exercising before school gets sleepy bodies and brains moving. With that in mind, the students, teachers and parents at BISS Elementary School have been up with the larks and out on the track for the Morning Running Club. The initiative is organized by the PE department and takes place Tuesday-Friday from 7.45am-8.10am, between March 18 and April 18.

It’s main aims are preparing students for the elementary school’s upcoming sports day, and promoting health and fitness within the school.

The club meets when the AQI is under 150, and unfortunately, this has meant skipping several days since it’s instigation.

Mr Sandijs Baskevics, the PYP & MYP PE teacher at BISS has put together statistics on the club’s performance to date:

Number of Students Participating:
March 18: 52
March 19: 57
March 20: 67
March 21: 70

Here’s hoping for clear skies and ever increasing numbers when the running club reconvenes after the holidays.

Photos courtesy of BISS