On Jan 26, Beijing City International School (BCIS) inaugurated its APEX Lab on school premises, heralding a step into the future of education at the International Baccalaureate (IB)-accredited school. The opening event was the culmination of a week’s worth of interactive robotics experiences and also hosted local award-winning innovator and founder of Tiangong Robotics, Xiao Jun, in a panel discussion with students, teachers and parents alike.

Functioning as both a tech-driven space and an intelligent robotics learning hub, the BCIS APEX Lab (also referred to as “The APEX”) aims to deliver a unique teaching experience and hands-on engagement for teachers and students. The APEX is a natural step up from the elementary school’s Maker Space and the middle school’s Design Technology Lab. It serves as a hub for learning, showcasing, and competitions, extending the school’s existing technology education initiatives. The word “apex” signifies the highest point, and in this case refers to the pursuit of academic excellence at BCIS as well as the school’s commitment to achieving outstanding accomplishments in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The aim is to lead innovation, adopt cutting-edge technology, and ensure the school remains at the forefront of tech education.

A week before the launch event, coffe-making and SRT fruit-sorting robots made their debut in the school cafeteria to spark students’ curiosity and encourage them to understand robot performance characteristics through observation and operation. Furthermore, the school collaborated with industry-leading robot education project developers to share insights with high school students on the “journey from maker to entrepreneur” and how they transform passion for robots into viable entrepreneurial projects.

BCIS believes that future education is not about describing the future but inspiring students to create it. True to that belief, student representative Jiarong revealed the collaborative efforts of teachers and students in designing The APEX. The construction involved converting an unused space into the envisioned learning environment, with students participating in 3D modeling and planning. Over nearly two years, the center was equipped with classroom robots, including existing LEGO EV3 and VEX V5 for both in-class and extracurricular teaching. Industrial robots were also introduced to emphasize practicality and problem-solving capabilities, inspiring students to think about future exploration areas.

With the launch of The APEX as a starting point, BCIS students will explore unmanned warehouses in e-commerce platforms, teachers will continue to iterate and upgrade tech courses, and the school will host large-scale robot competitions, focusing on cutting-edge technology to contribute to the deep integration of technological innovation and socio-economic development in the education industry.

Tom Egerton, principal of BCIS, states: “The APEX fits with our strategic direction of a personalized approach to education, developing collaboration and leadership skills. It challenges, inspires and empowers our students to dream big, aim high and reach their pinnacle. We hope in time ‘Meet you at The APEX’ becomes a common phrase at BCIS for parents, students, and teachers to gather to learn.”

Images: Courtesy of BCIS

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Last day of high school junior year. By the gates, there will be stressed students who almost grew out of adolescence but is not yet an adult. They will pass a busy summer specked with infinitesimal moments of fun. The heat waves will carry a certain restlessness: one year into IB, a few months after AP, a half term of A-levels, and five months until the college application deadline.

This summer, I am that student.

I attend the Beijing City International School (BCIS) and intend to study in the United States, with a focus on small private universities and liberal arts colleges.

I will be a creative writing major with a minor in communications and media. I love the arts and journalism and everything in between. in classic post-covid fashion, I am going to visit schools with my dearest dad.

Join me as I take you on my college visit tour across the US.

My school list:
Little ivy leagues: Williams College, Amherst College, Pomona College
Women’s colleges: Scripps College, Smith College, Wellesley College, Mount Holyoke College
Ivy Leagues: Brown University, Dartmouth University
Liberal arts colleges: Middlebury College, Bates College, Hamilton College, Kenyon College
Private universities: Tufts University, Chapman University

Sunny July 23rd.

I went to visit Pomona College, a liberal arts college located in Ontario in LA Country, California, and ranked national top 3 by US News. It is also apart of the “Five Cs consortium”, which is a liberal arts college association including Claremont McKenna College, Scripps College, Harvey Mudd College, and Pitzer College. All five colleges are within walking distance; they share classes, sports teams, and campus facilities.

I visited Pomona and Scripps.

Let’s start with Pomona.

The school was founded in 1887 by west coast Congregationalists who wanted to recreate East Coast New England liberal arts colleges on the outskirts of Los Angeles. They chose eclectic yet cohesive architecture, wiring together neoclassical, Spanish colonial, and post-modernist in a wide campus of palm trees, sunshine, and small town cafés—some might even call it Instagram aesthetic. Californian sensibilities are strong, from the way students dress (thrifted sweatshirts, Adidas slides, Brandy Melville sweatpants) to the food offered (Acai bowls, avocado toast brunches, rainbow-colored boba). I felt its inclusion, open-mindedness, and down-to-earth generosity.

Interesting things about Pomona:

• There is a Peet’s Coffee!
• Uba Tuba is the best Acai bowl shop – no extra charges for topping and pays its employees more
• Students love the food, they go between the five colleges for brunches and dinners. The campus cafés are excellent quick cash opportunities
• Taylor Swift performed there in 2012
• A tradition called ski beach day – all cost covered, students go skiing and then sun tan on the beach in LA
• A tradition called “Fountaining” – on your birthday your friends throw you into the beautiful fountain next to the Frary dining hall
• Speaking of Frary, it’s beautiful and reminiscent of Hogwarts’ dining hall in Harry Potter
• Summer undergraduate research program (SURP) allows freshmen to conduct paid research with professors. No competition with graduate students, since Pomona is a liberal arts college with only undergraduate concentrations
• Pomona College Internship Program (PCIP) funds students to reap the working benefits in LA
• Pomona College and Pitzer College team up for varsity sports tournaments
• The average class size is 15 students, and student to faculty ratio is 8:1, so professors will not only know your name but also know you as a holistic individual. It’s not unusual for students to ask their professors for the best wedding plans and meal recipes, or dog-sit and babysit family members long after graduation
• Freshmen immediately connect with a Sponsor group consisting of upperclassmen during orientation week. These sponsor groups are lifelong friends, social networks, and support systems that are just as powerful as the high-achieving Pomona alumni
• As an academic elite institution, Pomona is actually more collaborative than competitive. Students enjoy seeing each other happy and have an immaculate sense of humor. My tour guide cracked 50 jokes in 30 minutes – I loved her personality!
• If you are an IB student, Pomona’s classes won’t be extremely difficult compared to DP. However, balancing your social life, laundry, dinners, and clubs will be a challenge
• Pomona’s core curriculum is broad and solid, from language to arts to science to humanities. A foreign language is required for minimum 3 semesters
• You declare a major at the end of the sophomore year, and switching majors is relatively easy
• If you have a US passport and is interested in financial aid, then Pomona is a great choice. My tour guide came to Pomona mainly for the need-blind policy and fully funded scholarship.

Moving on to Scripps.

Scripps is a women’s college founded in 1926 after the women’s suffrage movement by Ellen Browning Scripps, a reporter, businesswoman, and philanthropist. She invited several renowned feminists on board to establish women and gender studies focus. Though not as glamorous and renowned as Pomona, Scripps is an interesting school on its own:

• It is very cozy and small, so a sense of community is immediately lauded by visitors
• It has many many traditions, from “on Wednesdays, we wear green” (because the Scripps campus is so green) to naming squirrels on campus (unofficial mascot because there are so many of them) and wooing other students with freshly cut roses from the residential garden
• Pomona, Harvey Mudd, Claremont McKenna, and Scripps share a huge library, but Scripps also has its own library with antique, special edition books. One of them is “The Book of the Dead”, bound by human skin and kept in a 60 degrees Fahrenheit room.
• The food court is combined with a presentation/open mic court, and turtles live in the central pond
• Saturday brunch – avocado toasts!
• Water ponds and fountains are a recurring theme on campus
• The residential hall is modest and humble, but inside it, there is a grand piano and a drawing room full of books. A Harry-potter-themed mini library with a fireplace and an old painting of one of the founders.
• The core curriculum has a theme that changes every 3 years. For example, “truth” and “crossroads”.
• Students are required to take classes in 8 domains: letters (English, writing, philosophy), language, science, math, gender studies, social science, foreign language, arts
• My tour guide is a theatre major, but Scripps does not offer that major so many of her classes are in Pomona. Notice the flexibility?

Images: Helen Wang

June. Friday. Last day of high school junior year. By the gates, there will be stressed students who almost grew out of adolescence but is not yet an adult. They will pass a busy summer specked with infinitesimal moments of fun. The heat waves will carry a certain restlessness: one year into IB, a few months after AP, a half term of A-levels, and five months until the college application deadline.

This summer, I am that student.

I attend the Beijing City International School (BCIS) and intend to study in the United States, with a focus on small private universities and liberal arts colleges.

I will be a creative writing major with a minor in communications and media. I love the arts and journalism and everything in between. in classic post-covid fashion, I am going to visit schools with my dearest dad.

 

Why visit schools?

Usually, we are advised against squandering summer break on visiting abroad when there are more productive options, such as extracurriculars, research projects, community service, internships, and online courses. Should students ever leave their house, it is for relaxing and socializing, not some ‘major weirdo behavior’ like getting five vaccines at a foreign embassy in three weeks to hop on a ten-hour plane destined for exclusive private institutions that might reject you anyway. Well, I disagree. And here is why:

Most schools have official websites, zoom information sessions, and virtual tours, but it is difficult to feel the unfiltered, undecorated ground of an educational experience without actually experiencing it. Think of universities and liberal arts colleges in the US as companies. We are customers. Our tuition is income and profit. International students are a variation of VIP members since we pay more than domestic students. For popular companies, VIP membership is limited and competitive, so the number of international students is low and ever-decreasing.

Now, what are virtual events? Understanding the basic mechanism of business, they are advertisements.

Advertisements only show the best snippets of a product, not the whole picture. For example, do you like a campus, or is it too far from the nearest airport? Do you like the people, the humor, the culture, the food, or is it a stretch?

Do you like the residential hall, or is it too antique, too modern? If you are considering an elite institution, are the students socially and academically competitive or collaborative?

Most importantly, no matter what 19th-century poet founded the board, what Nobel prize winner built the gate, and what president graduated from the most exclusive Greek life association, do you feel, in your heart, body, and soul, that you will be happy, living and learning here for the next four years?

None of these questions can be answered unless you visit the campus in real life, observe how students get on with life, and ask how professors and alumnus deal with life.

Don’t visit EVERY school:

Yet, I digress. Not all universities require visiting. Some great schools are great virtually, too. Think carefully: Do you really need to visit Harvard and Yale? They are the crown jewel of American education, but if you know their reputation and essence, be a researcher, not a tourist.

Do you really need to visit Barnard? It’s a lovely building within Columbia University, so work smarter, not harder.

Do you really need to visit the University of California series, from UCE to UCLA? They are larger than life, offer 300 people classes, and form a public state school association. So, let’s be honest, they really don’t care whether you care about them.

That begs the question, what kinds of schools are worth visiting?

The answer is, small, private universities and liberal arts colleges that value demonstrated interest, a term that counselors love. It basically means a student must show he or she is interested in the school and did the homework by connecting with students, alumni, and professors and visiting in person.

Also, visit schools you are unsure of, like the ones tucked in the middle of nowhere, the ones hyped up by politicians and historians but lost a little of their glory, and the ones with small, tight-knit communities that might or might not exclude you…you get the gist. 

I selected an array of safety, mid-range, and reach schools for me, but everyone’s schools list should be different!

My school list:
Little ivy leagues: Williams College, Amherst College, Pomona College
Women’s colleges: Scripps College, Smith College, Wellesley College, Mount Holyoke College
Ivy Leagues: Brown University, Dartmouth University
Liberal arts colleges: Middlebury College, Bates College, Hamilton College, Kenyon College
Private universities: Tufts University, Chapman University

Have a fabulous summer break! I’m excited to take you along my journey!

Images: Pexels

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.

The season of sun and fun has begun, and we’ve got you covered with the best family-friendly fairs, school bazaars, and weekly markets happening this May and June!

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. 

Farm2Neighbors: Back to the Hutong, until May 4
After almost four years of waiting, the Farm2Neighbors (F2N) Market returns to the hutongs! Their comeback is in partnership with BigSmall Coffee. Join the market and a big courtyard party at BigSmall Cafe’s Beiluo Shop on May 3-4. Adults. Free. 11am-6pm. BigSmall Cafe Beiluo Shop.

Spring in the City at BCIS, May 5
It is that special time once again where Beijing City International School (BCIS) invites everyone to their annual Spring in the City fair on May 5 at the BCIS Main Campus. As part of recent tradition, this year’s theme of “The Future” was selected with the assistance of Grade 2 students and teachers. There will be a raffle draw and live entertainment on stage and a creative design showroom from students, and a food bazaar featuring delicious dishes from all over the world. A range of vendors will sell artisanal products and hold games for both children and adults too. More info here. All ages. Free. 10am-2pm. BCIS. (8771 7171, bcis.communications@bcis.cn)

DCB Founder’s Day 2019 Celebrating 400 Years of Dulwich, May 11
Founder’s Day is the biggest annual event at Dulwich College Beijing (DCB). This year, DCB will be highlighting the 400th anniversary of their founding school in London, Dulwich College. The day will feature family-friendly activities, live music entertainment involving hundreds of students, and the famous International Food Festival with stalls run by DCB parents. All ages. Free. 3-9pm. Dulwich College Beijing. (6454 9033, harmony.liaumueller@dulwich-beijing.cn)

YCIS Beijing Global Community Day, May 11
YCIS Beijing invites everyone to their annual Global Community Day (GCD), a school fair celebrating global citizenship and cultural diversity. Lots of fun activities, beautiful performances, great food, and artistic demonstrations will be on offer, as well as a new ‘wellness’ component for visitors to explore. This event is open to the public and admission is free. All ages. Free. 11am-3pm. YCIS Beijing.

BIBA Family Fair 2019, May 18
Bring the family along for a day of lively entertainment to Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA) on May 18, when they celebrate their annual Family Fair for the community. The fair includes pony rides, water activities, sports, a fashion world, and music, plus a food court along with many more entertaining features. This is a day for the whole community to enjoy. All ages. Free admission, but there will be a charge to buy vouchers to join games and activities. 9.30am-1.30pm. BIBA.

Ivy Education Group’s Unity Day 2019, May 18
Ivy Education Group proudly brings a spectacular afternoon sure to entertain, energize, and inspire the Beijing community. At their Unity Day, there will be everything including a raffle corner, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, STEM, sport activities, carnival games, face painting, and more! Non-stop entertainment on stage such as Daystar’s Got Talent, an acrobat show, and three live bands including Beijing’s award-winning favorite “The Hunters” will keep your feet tapping. Then there’s mouthwatering food to satisfy all cravings. All ages. Free admissions and activities. 3-8pm. Daystar Academy Beigao Campus. (jaw@daystarchina.cn)

The Beijing Flea Market Spring Edition, May 18
Beijing’s one-stop shop, the Beijing Flea Market, is back this springtime on May 18 at noon-6pm at Tech Temple Sanlitun. Shop around and find great deals from more than 40 vendors with the best local, independent design and crafts from both established and emerging makers in Beijing. All ages. Free. Noon-6pm. Tech Temple Sanlitun.

Rumble in the Jumble – Buddha’s Birthday, May 19
This month’s edition of the expat-favorite bazaar Rumble in the Jumble will be transcendental as they mark the birthday of Buddha on May 19 at Modernista. Come join the Rumble team and an array of vendors with products, services, and food items that will lead you into pleasure and harmony! All ages. Free admission. Noon-6pm. Modernista, Baochao Hutong.

Piyesta Kultura 2019: The Kusina ni Kabayan Philippine Culture Festival, Jun 1
Celebrate the bright colors of Philippine culture… in Beijing! Filipino community group Kusina ni Kabayan, together with Pan Pacific Beijing, invite everyone to Piyesta Kultura 2019, a festival where everything is more fun. Indulge in native and tropical treats, revel in the festivities that include a karaoke sing-off challenge and a beauty pageant, and join the Filipino community in Beijing in celebrating their 121st Independence Day! All ages. RMB 178 (includes 4 hrs of selected free-flow drinks and a food voucher worth RMB 20), 3-8pm. Pan Pacific Beijing, 2 Huayuan St, XiDan, Xicheng Qu. (WeChat ID: Kusina-ni-Kabayan) 

Chuzou Creative Market, every Sat of May
Chuzou Coffee is located in the artists’ community of Songzhuang, making it a meeting point for many of the young artists who own workshops or live nearby. So if you’re looking for an array of local products such as pottery, leatherware, wooden sculptures, and paintings, as well as artisanal food available for bargain prices, Chuzou Coffee and its market is the best place to go. Free. 11am-6pm. Chuzou Coffee Shop, 244 Xiaobao Beijie, Songzhuang, Tongzhou District.

Farm to Neighbors (F2N), every Sat and Sun of May and June
Advocating a zero-waste lifestyle, Farm to Neighbors (F2N) market offers fresh local vegetables and fruits, Beijing-made cheese, bread, cookies, and numerous other delicious goodies. Please bring your own shopping bags along! Free. Midday-6pm. B1, The Grand Summit, Liangmaqiao.

Beijing Farmers’ Market, every Sat, Sun, and Mon of May and June
Beijing Farmers’ Market has been one of the most popular pop-up food markets in the city since it began in 2018. Here you’ll find organically-grown food, artisanal cheese, meats, vegan products, baked goods, herbs, skincare products, textiles, and more. In keeping with the farmers’ market spirit, please bring your own shopping bags to minimize waste. Free. 10am-2pm. Various locations, follow their WeChat account (in Chinese) for more information about their weekend venue (ID: countryfair or search their official account using this keyword: 北京有机农夫市集 [Běijīng yǒujī nóngfū shìjí])

Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? 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. 

Photos: Courtesy of Dulwich College Beijing (featured photo) and event organizers, rawpixels.com via Pexels

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. 

Atelier May Holiday Screen Printing Workshop, May 2-3
Atelier’s May holiday workshop is a great opportunity for students to learn how to make portraits the way Andy Warhol did and learn screen printing techniques. At the completion of the project, students can go home with their beautiful prints. This workshop will be conducted in English. Ages 8+. RMB 1,500. Visit this page for more information. 10am-3pm. Atelier Sanlitun Campus.

Hat-Making Morning Tea Workshop, May 3
China’s only classically-trained milliner, Elisabeth Koch is conducting a hat-making workshop over morning tea. Come on over to her studio in Sanlitun and bring your children to make a fashionable hat, perfect for a springtime jaunt.  All ages. RMB 500 (includes materials, Twinnings English breakfast tea, tuition, and hat box). 9.30am-12.30pm. Elisabeth Koch Millinery Sanlitun Studio. Jinxiuyuan D-102, Xingfucun Zhonglu. (WeChat ID: amazinghats)

Farm2Neighbors: Back to the Hutong, May 3-4
After almost four years of waiting, the Farm2Neighbors (F2N) Market returns to the hutongs! Their comeback is in partnership with BigSmall Coffee. Join the market and a big courtyard party at BigSmall Cafe’s Beiluo Shop on May 3-4. Adults. Free. 11am-6pm. Big Small Cafe Beiluo Shop.

Spittoon Presents: Andrew Killeen’s The Father of Locks Book Talk (May 2) and “So You Want to Write a Novel?” Writing Workshop, May 4
Novelist and beijingkids contributor Andrew Killeen returns to Beijing this Labor Day holiday (May 2) to speak about his acclaimed masterpiece, The Father of Locks, a picaresque novel that transport readers back to the poetry, politics, and underworld debauchery of ancient Baghdad. He will follow up his talk with a workshop on May 4 where he’ll help budding novelists work through the nuts and bolts of long fiction writing. Adults. For the May 2 book talk: free, starts 8pm. For May 4 workshop: RMB 200, 2-4.30pm. See this post for more information. Camera Stylo.

Hutong Races: Beat the Drum, May 4
It’s time for the Hutong Races! Start from Shichaihai Station with your phone charged. Your team must race to find answers and complete challenges in seven hutongs around the Drum and Bell Tower. Every second counts! Hutong Races welcome for newcomers and even Beijingers who want to explore longer and further than they’ve ever done before There are great prizes, freebies, and rewards for at every level of the game. Ages 8+. RMB 50, free for students and children. 2-5pm. Meeting point at Exit A of Shichahai subway Line 8 station. More information and registration: www.hutongraces.com.

Reading Between the Wines Presents: Book the Author, May 4
Reading Between the Wines hosts Book the Author at Blue Marlin on May 4, to give foreign authors in Beijing a chance to showcase their work and meet new readers. Authors have a chance to share their stories and readers have a chance to pick up a new favorite book. Adults. RMB 50. Sign up here. 6-9pm. Blue Marlin. 

Four Seasons and One Vivaldi Puppet Show, May 4/5 and 11/12
Introduce your little one to the world of classical music with this fun puppet show. Little Vivaldi is fascinated by the story his father tells him about young Petrolino the shepherd, interwoven with details about the four seasons. This award-winning English language play is suitable for children 3-8 years of age. Ages 3-8. RMB 80-220 (buy tickets here). 10.30am-3.30pm. Qinglan Theatre. (400 610 3721)

Spring in the City at BCIS, May 5
It is that special time once again where Beijing City International School (BCIS) invites everyone to their annual Spring in the City fair on May 5 at the BCIS Main Campus. As part of recent tradition, this year’s theme of “The Future” was selected with the assistance of Grade 2 students and teachers. There will be a raffle draw and live entertainment on stage and a creative design showroom from students, and a food bazaar featuring delicious dishes from all over the world. A range of vendors will sell artisanal products and hold games for both children and adults too. More info here. All ages. Free. 10am-2pm. BCIS. (8771 7171, bcis.communications@bcis.cn)

YCIS Beijing May Open Day: Early Childhood Education, May 9
Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) is holding an open school day in May. Visit their downtown campus, located by the beautiful Honglingjin Park, on May 9 for their Primary and Secondary Open Day to learn more about the exciting learning taking place every day in their Learning Communities. All ages. Free. 9-11am. YCIS Beijing. (8585 1859, info@bj.ycef.com)

Save Your Sanity: How to Find Peace as a Teacher or Parent, May 11
Are you a frustrated new teacher? Or are you a new parent wanting to learn new parenting techniques? Or a veteran educator not understanding today’s students? Join Deborah Jones, a veteran teacher with over 30 years’ experience, in this positive discipline workshop aimed at helping you learn and practice positive behavior techniques to become a stress-free teacher or parent. Adults. RMB 70 (includes a drink). Book a seat here. 3.30pm. The Bookworm.

DCB Founder’s Day 2019 Celebrating 400 Years of Dulwich, May 11
Founder’s Day is the biggest annual event at Dulwich College Beijing (DCB). This year, DCB will be highlighting the 400th anniversary of their founding school in London, Dulwich College. The day will feature family-friendly activities, live music entertainment involving hundreds of students, and the famous International Food Festival with stalls run by DCB parents. All ages. Free. 3-9pm. Dulwich College Beijing. (6454 9033, harmony.liaumueller@dulwich-beijing.cn)

YCIS Beijing Global Community Day, May 11
YCIS Beijing invites everyone to their annual Global Community Day (GCD), a school fair celebrating global citizenship and cultural diversity. Lots of fun activities, beautiful performances, great food, and artistic demonstrations will be on offer, as well as a new ‘wellness’ component for visitors to explore. This event is open to the public and admission is free. All ages. Free. 11am-3pm. YCIS Beijing.

Deepen Your Relationships: Workshops for Couples and Families, May 11
Professional coaches Virginie Mangin and Eike Westerholt lead this 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)

Mission to Mars: The American Ball 2019, May 11
The American Ball this year is out of this world! This space-themed event features AmCham China’s famous silent and live auction, dinner at the Tatooine Cantina, and an out-of-this-world dance floor. Proceeds from the ball benefit the charity Educating Girls of Rural China. Adults. RMB 1,550. From 5.30pm. China World Summit Wing Hotel.

Art Workshop at Song Art Museum, May 11-25
Atelier will present English-language art workshops accompanying the exhibition of Louise Bourgeois at the Song Art Museum, surrounded by the ancient dancing pine trees. It is a full-day art workshop designed for students aged 8 and above. The class will focus on the theme of sewing in Louise Bourgeois’ corpus. The Eternal Thread, which is the theme of the exhibition, will be taken as a metaphor for the students to develop their own story thread, from the ideas suggested by the artworks. The teacher will show six artworks, of various scale and materials but all revolving around this theme. Ages 8+. RMB 675 (Atelier students), RMB 750 (regular price). 10am-3pm. Song Art Museum. (6416 1614, www.atelier.cn.com)

Making Memories at Chapter This Mothers’ Day, May 12
Our moms deserve to be celebrated! Bring the family together and spoil all the mothers in your life this Mothers’ Day at Chapter. Indulge in a variety of delicious starters followed by the huge selection of all her favorites and enjoy free flow wine, beer, and soft drinks. Each mom will receive a special cocktail and a lovely dessert to take home. All ages. RMB 328 per person. Noon-2.30pm. Chapter.

BSB Shunyi Early Years Open Day, May 13
The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (BSB Shunyi) invites prospective parents to see the school in action and how they provide their students with an environment that enables them to thrive and progress and to be happy in their first school experience following the English National Curriculum. Talk to teachers and visit the school’s Early Years area and other facilities. Note that this event is open to prospective parents only, so only foreign passport holders, please. All ages. Free. 9-11am. BSB, Shunyi. (8047 3558, admissions@bsbshunyi.com)

Sakura-Themed Delicacies at Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong, until May 15
Enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms and special spring- and sakura-themed delicacies at Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong on the Second Ring Road. Chang Fu Gong chefs create these themed meal sets using sakura and other seasonal fruits and vegetables. They have also prepared special seats with the best sakura view in Beijing. All ages. 10am-10pm. Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong. Contact hotel for pricing at 176 1093 8982 / 5877 5530, 5877 5531 or xucaibei@cfgbj.com.

The Forbidden City Tour, May 17 and 30
Beijing’s premier tour operator, Bespoke Travel Company, is organizing a trip to the Forbidden City on May 17 and 30. It’s no surprise Beijing’s most fascinating sight, has inspired an Oscar-winning movie and countless Chinese soap operas: there’s enough murder, betrayal, and intrigue woven into its 500-year story to fuel hundreds more. With its rich cast of characters – concubines, court officials, eunuchs, the Emperor – and wildly changing fortunes (to say nothing of its stunning architecture and symbolism), this is one Beijing bucket list sight you need a professional to help you appreciate. Ages 12+. RMB 385 (including entrance ticket and tour guide). 2-5pm. Participants should bring their passport to enter the Forbidden City. Meeting point at TRB Hutong, Forbidden City East Gate

Montessori Nights: “Montessori Elementary Curriculum in a Nutshell” Workshop, May 17 and 31
Blossom Montessori is conducting four late afternoon workshops to introduce their elementary Montessori program to prospective parents and families. The following topics will be discussed in the workshops: a day in an elementary Montessori class; movements and learning; an overview of their Mathematics curriculum; and another overview of their Language curriculum. Adults. Free but reservation required. 5.30-7pm. Blossom Montessori. (135 8188 7792, admissions@blossom-edu.com)

BIBA Family Fair 2019, May 18
Bring the family along for a day of lively entertainment to Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA) on May 18, when they celebrate their annual Family Fair for the community. The fair includes pony rides, water activities, sports, a fashion world, and music, plus a food court along with many more entertaining features. This is a day for the whole community to enjoy. All ages. Free admission, but there will be a charge to buy vouchers to join games and activities. 9.30am-1.30pm. BIBA.

Ivy Education Group’s Unity Day 2019, May 18
Ivy Education Group proudly brings a spectacular afternoon sure to entertain, energize, and inspire the Beijing community. At their Unity Day, there will be everything including a raffle corner, bouncy castles, arts and crafts, STEM, sport activities, carnival games, face painting, and more! Non-stop entertainment on stage such as Daystar’s Got Talent, an acrobat show, and three live bands including Beijing’s award-winning favorite “The Hunters” will keep your feet tapping. Then there’s mouthwatering food to satisfy all cravings. All ages. Free admissions and activities. 3-8pm. Daystar Academy Beigao Campus. (jaw@daystarchina.cn)

The Beijing Flea Market Spring Edition, May 18
Beijing’s one-stop shop, the Beijing Flea Market, is back this springtime on May 18 at noon-6pm at Tech Temple Sanlitun. Shop around and find great deals from more than 40 vendors with the best local, independent design and crafts from both established and emerging makers in Beijing. All ages. Free. Noon-6pm. Tech Temple Sanlitun.

Mad Dogs China Fundraiser, May 18
Join Mad Dogs China for their annual fundraiser in support of Shepherds Field Children’s Village. Your ticket gets you into a concert with more than 10 bands, tons of kids activities, Bitburger and Chimay beer, plus a chili cook-off, and there are fabulous raffle prizes to be won. All ages. By donation. From 1pm. Beijing Riviera.

“Run to the Beat” Musical Marathon in the Ming Tombs Scenic Area, May 19
Run to the Beat Musical Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K will take place in the Ming Tombs Reservoir Scenic Area in Changping District on May 19, 2019. Live bands and DJs will be playing on course to cheer for the runners. The music party continues at the center stage after crossing the finish line. Ages 16+. RMB 248 (half marathon), RMB 178 (5k), RMB 218 (10k). Register here. Starts 8am. Ming Tombs.

Rumble in the Jumble – Buddha’s Birthday, May 19
This month’s edition of the expat-favorite bazaar Rumble in the Jumble will be transcendental as they mark the birthday of Buddha on May 19 at Modernista. Come join the Rumble team and an array of vendors with products, services, and food items that will lead you into pleasure and harmony! All ages. Free admission. Noon-6pm. Modernista, Baochao Hutong.

The Children’s House Art Exhibition, May 25
The Children’s House students will showcase their expression, interpretation, and development as individuals and artists at the school’s very first art exhibition. In addition to the kids’ masterpieces, an interactive artwork inspired by Japanese artist Kusama Yayoi will be displayed, inviting children and parents to create a collaborative piece of art that will be auctioned for charity. All ages. Free. 9-11.30am. The Children’s House Oceanwide Campus. (RSVP: 8556 4611, info-oceanwide@montessoribeijing.com)

Grace in Form: The Shoulder Girdle, May 26
This all-level workshop will give you the tools to protect your neck and shoulders. Relieve tension, and enjoy greater mobility, strength, and health in your shoulders and neck by focusing on the weight-carrying poses chaturanga, side plank, and inversions. Adults. RMB 400-450. Visit this page for more info or to register. 2-5pm. Yoga Yard.

Piyesta Kultura 2019: The Kusina ni Kabayan Philippine Culture Festival, Jun 1
Celebrate the bright colors of Philippine culture… in Beijing! Filipino community group Kusina ni Kabayan, together with Pan Pacific Beijing, invite everyone to Piyesta Kultura 2019, a festival where everything is more fun. Indulge in native and tropical treats, revel in the festivities that include a karaoke sing-off challenge and a beauty pageant, and join the Filipino community in Beijing in celebrating their 121st Independence Day! All ages. RMB 178 (includes 4 hrs of selected free-flow drinks and a food voucher worth RMB 20), 3-8pm. Pan Pacific Beijing, 2 Huayuan St, XiDan, Xicheng Qu. (WeChat ID: Kusina-ni-Kabayan) 

“A Night to Remember” Charity Concert, Jun 14
Daystar Academy, the Ivy Schools, and the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing join together for a charity evening cocktail reception… filled with a cappella magic! In their first-ever China tour, Harvard University’s all-female ensemble, the Radcliffe Pitches, and their brother group the Harvard Krokodiloes, are providing a one-night-only evening of entertainment to captivate your heart and imagination. There will also be a silent auction, with proceeds going to Dew Drops Little Flowers and Educating Girls of Rural China. Treat yourself to an unforgettable evening while making a difference in someone’s life. All ages. RMB 688 per ticket. Buy tickets here. Note that children aged 6 and above need a ticket. Ages below 6 can sit on parent’s lap). 6-9pm. Four Seasons Hotel Beijing. (186 0120 6155, jaw@daystarchina.cn)

Broadway Classic Musical: The Wizard of Oz, Jun 16-22
This production of The Wizard of Oz is a spectacular celebration of that classic 1939 MGM film. It’s a new, refreshed, and lavish rendition of the beloved classic. Audiences young and old, seeing it for the first time or the fifth, will be dazzled by the brightly-colored sets, charmed by its timeless score, and enthralled with its breathtaking special effects. It truly is a wonderful show for the whole family. And whether it creates new memories or conjures them up from the past, everyone deserves to experience or relive the wonderful, whimsical, and enduring story, The Wizard of Oz. The language of the event is English with Chinese subtitles. All ages. RMB 100-980. Buy tickets here. Starts 7.30pm. Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center.

Photo: Courtesy of YCIS Beijing (featured image), Andrew Killeen, and event organizers; rawpixels.com via Pexels

What’s happening in Beijing’s international school community? See spring homecoming party, various performances, and sport matches in this month’s Circuit.

House of Knowledge World Studies Exit Points
House of Knowledge (HoK) elementary students recently presented an impressive range of “exit points” (final results) for their World Studies projects at HoK’s Shunyi campus. The projects were, as always, embedded with the HoK core values: Design thinking, Communication, Inquiry, Global Mindset, and more.

Grade 10 Plays with Earth at Beijing City International School
Recently, Grade 10 students at Beijing City International School (BCIS) began learning the fine art of ceramics. For their first lesson, they were given the task of starting the process of creating a pinch pot. As its name suggests, a pinch pot is a form of pottery that is made by pinching and turning clay.

Harrow Beijing Prep Production of Beauty and the Beast
On February 27-28, Harrow Beijing students successfully staged their annual production. Their rendition of Beauty and the Beast captured the classic fairy story in a series of upbeat musical numbers.

Homecoming Party at Beijing No. 55 High School
In order to help students adapt to school life as soon as possible and let new students integrate into the collective more quickly, No. 55 High School held a “Homecoming Party” in the basketball hall on March 6. Teachers and students of all grades took an active part in this activity.

WAB Season 3 Sports Teams Now Ready for Action
Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) has released its Season 3 varsity and junior varsity team photos. The student athletes will compete around the Asia-Pacific region in track and field, soccer, badminton, and softball.

Grandmaster Zhao Xue: Simultaneous Chess Match at The British School of Beijing, Shunyi
The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (BSB Shunyi) chess addicts had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pit their wits against Grandmaster Zhao Xue. She played 21 simultaneous matches and defeated our “last man” standing, Year 8’s Felipe, at 1 hour 20 minutes, an impressive record since other schools normally lasted 30 minutes.

DCB Junior School Councillors Lead Efforts to Support Migrant School
In supporting a migrant school in Tongzhou District, Dulwich College Beijing’s Junior School Councillors visited the children, raised awareness of their needs, and organized several successful donation drives, collecting over RMB 11,000 as well as a shoebox full of presents for each migrant student.

Grade 2 Circus at International School of Beijing
Roll up, roll up! International School of Beijing (ISB) students staged a circus show. Gym 1 was transformed into a big top for one day only as the acrobats and clowns of grade 2 put on a circus show on Friday, March 8. In two performances, students and parents saw a wonder of athleticism, choreography, and color.

The Masquerade Ball at YCIS Beijing
Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) students hosted a great masquerade ball on February 15. The glamorous affair was a fundraiser for Roots & Shoots, A Voice for Animals, and Lost Puppies of Beijing. Students had a great time performing, running raffles, and selling masks they made themselves on the night.

Personal Project Excellence at BWYA
On February 26, the Beijing World Youth Academy (BWYA) secondary school held their Grade 10 personal project exhibition. Every year, the students produce strong results, and this year was no exception. With displays about Chinese architecture, Korean grammar, quadcopters, and much more, it was an abundant array of hard work and creativity.

Book Week at BSB Sanlitun
The British School of Beijing, Sanlitun (BSB Sanlitun) encouraged children to get #caughtreading by taking photos of themselves reading in exciting places. They also had a Book Fair during the week and the parents organized a book swap. To round off the week, March 8 was Dress Up As A Book Character Day.

Success for Daystar Academy Phoenix Swimming Team
“Beijing vs. Asian All-Stars 2019”, an annual swimming event between international schools, took place from February 22-24, and once again the competition was fierce. Jennifer Zhang from the Daystar Academy bilingual school won the gold medal for the 50-meter breaststroke in the 7-8 years old group.

This article first appeared in the beijingkids April 2019 Exploring Beijing issue.
Photos: courtesy of featured schools

Student entrepreneurs from Beijing City International School (BCIS) and the International School of Tianjin walked away with the top prizes in the thi^rd annual Avenir Business Competition held at BCIS over the weekend.

Ten high school teams and six middle school teams from schools across Beijing and Tianjin competed for cash prizes and stipends for overseas travel in the contest organized by BCIS students and faculty and sponsored by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT).

The two-day competition saw student teams hone their business plans in sessions with Beijing-based business mentors and pitch in front of a panel of three seasoned professionals who rated them on their plans.

The senior high division was won by BCIS students who developed a plan for an internet-enabled pillbox designed to help senior citizens remember to take medicine on time.

Second place in the high school division was awarded to a team from Western Academy of Beijing (WAB), with their pitch for an online platform that matched digital artists with buyers.

A team from BCIS placed third with their company that designs logos, posters, and graphics for students and commercial businesses.

In the Junior division, the top prize was awarded to students from the International School of Tianjin, for their plan, the “Multibag”, a customized set of bags for grocery shopping aimed at reducing the use of disposable plastic bags.

Two teams from Beijing Huijia Private School bagged the second and third prizes, with their pitches on a radiation protection product and a plan for an online learning platform for students at international schools.

Between adding finishing touches to their plans, the students heard keynote speeches on social responsibility and sustainability from three well-known Beijing-based social entrepreneurs.

“The organization was great,” said keynote speaker Aaron Moniz from Inspire Citizens, a teacher-created collective provides that customized project-based learning towards a more sustainable future.

“The fact that there was a student leadership team was powerful, the choice of keynote speakers and diverse backgrounds of the mentors was a very positive way to show students that business is important — but being innovative, ethical, and sustainable is even more important.”

Also addressing the students were Sam Waldo, co-founder and CEO of Mantra, an eyewear brand that provides vision care for under-resourced rural Chinese students; and Joseph Harvey, co-founder of The Bulk House, which encourages people to understand their waste and then reduce it.

“Entrepreneurship competitions like Avenir generate a lot of student engagement,” said George Carlo Lomboy, the head of the Business Management department at Huijia. “They allow students to see for themselves if they have properly framed a problem or a pain point, and if they have covered all their bases on the functional areas of business, through the perspectives of real-life entrepreneurs, seasoned venture capitalists, and academics.”

Lomboy also praised this year’s focus on sustainability and social responsibility. “It makes students aware that in business, money is not everything.”

Photos: Courtesy of Avenir

Beijing City International School (in Chaoyang district) will host their annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 24 from 5:30 to 8:30pm.

The event will celebrate the change in seasons Chinese style in honor of the school’s Chinese heritage and will feature the following:

• Moon viewing
• Lighting festival (with lanterns)
• A show put on by BCIS’ own drama department
• Other student performances
• Chinese traditional performances (professional)
• Films showcasing the traditional values associated with the Moon Festival (both cartoons for children and films for adults)
• 10+ traditional Chinese vendors
• Food stalls

As there will be plenty of space to picnic, BCIS will provide visiting families picnic blankets!

Free. September 24, 5:30-8:30pm. No.77 Baiziwan Nan Er Road , Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区百子湾南二路77号. (8771 7171)

Photo: BCIS