Updating and sorting through the multiple schools in our 2021-2022 School Choice Guide was overwhelming, and this is from someone who already had a school for her kids. From day one my family has loved our choice, yet I couldn’t help second-guessing everything while reading all the summaries and objectives and facilities and various experiences they could have had in the massive number of school profiles we host on our site. My family also had an advantage walking into school choice in Beijing because we knew the approach that works great for our oldest, but how could we choose a school for our 3-year-old without totally screwing up his childhood development?

It’s no secret that early childhood is key in a child’s overall life, and media blasts us with notions of how our children should be learning. “Early childhood development (ECD) is now considered a time which lays the foundation for an individual’s future overall health, happiness, success, and social behavior, according to the Central Asia Institute. “The years of zero to three can be a time of great opportunity – or a missed chance to give a person their best chance at life.”

No one wants to be that parent who didn’t give their kid a better life, but that’s what every advertisement for schools and toys screams at us. If they don’t know their alphabet by age two, they’re behind. If they don’t speak in complete sentences by age three, you must have missed that millisecond when they were ripe for learning. If they aren’t correcting your math by four then forget it, pack up your parenting gear, you just failed.

So how can we throw off the guilt monsters and make a clear choice for our kids, that will keep everyone happy for all of their days? That’s not going to happen merely poring over the 100+ page magazine, although it works as a great foundation. And no one wants to go through the whole process of choosing a school, enrollment, paying for and getting uniforms, getting their kids used to the whole idea, only to realize you made a horrible mistake and do it all over again. Third culture kids have it hard enough with transitions; school seems like the one place we can make it easy for them.

This is one of the reasons why we host the Jingkids International School Expo (JISE) every year, and why we modified this Apr 17 event to tailor it towards parents who need to make those decisions early. Maybe you’re having trouble deciding on a kindergarten, or you just can’t fathom the leap from ECE to primary. Either way, we’re here to help all day long on Apr 17, from 10am – 5.30pm, for free at the Jiarui Culture Center.

Jingkids selected 50 of the top international schools in Beijing to host a booth at this conference, held all day on Saturday, Apr 17. Here you get to really talk to every school representative and ask the hard questions. You get to feel the vibe of the school and collect awesome swag. You don’t feel rushed by the immediacy of the school tour or the sweet little eyes of other students starting at you. You’re able to quickly compare notes from one school to another and return for follow-up questions. Most importantly, you can do all these things at your own pace and with you in the customer role.

1. Is your program play-based, student-driven, or is there a clear curriculum and outcomes for each year?
2. If my child’s birthday is in the first week of school, are they able to be in the older age grouping or do they need to stay in the younger classroom?
3. Do children nap during the school day? For how long? What if they’ve dropped their naps?
4. Do students have access to the school library?
5. Is there Mandarin instruction or is it immersion? What is the experience like for children who don’t know Mandarin yet?
6. Do they have PE, Art, or Music, classes?
7. Are there after-school classes or after-school care available on campus?
8. How much interaction do students have with older students?
9. How are intimate situations like potty use regulated?
10. Do parents have an opportunity to participate in school activities? What are the expectations of hours volunteered and possibilities?
11. How often do parents meet with the teachers?
12. What is the primary method of communication between parents and teachers?
13. What happens in the event of temporary closure due to Covid or otherwise? How is e-learning set up and is it optional or mandatory?
14. What has the school learned from its experience with e-learning for these grade levels?

If you had trouble answering any of the questions above, it’s time for an education refresher course. So head over to the QR code on this poster to register for this event for free!

KEEP READING: What Age Should You Send Your Child to Preschool? ECE Experts Engage on Ideas

Images: Jingkids

The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of beijingkids or True Run Media.

Our recent post about the standing of Beijing’s international schools in the Hurun Education Top 100 is one of our most-read ever, having attracted thousands of views online and via WeChat in the space of three days. However, it has also prompted debate about the meaning and value of such school rankings.

On the face of it, it’s good news for Beijing education, with 26 local schools in the Top 100, and half the top 10 based in the capital. But it’s easy to see how such league tables cause more angst than celebration. If you’re number two, should you worry why you’re not number one?

Such concerns are compounded by the methodology used. The Hurun list is entirely subjective, based on votes from 330 experts. This might be justified by appeal to “the wisdom of the crowd”, but is 330 a big enough sample? Who selected them, and on what basis? Where are they based geographically, and how might this have influenced their idea of which the “best” schools are? It’s notable that, while there are K-12 schools on the list, there are none without a high school element; in other words, this is assessing education as a route to college. There may be extraordinary, innovative, transformative work going on at kindergarten and elementary level, which is not recognized here.

Even if a more rigorous method is used though, league tables for schools remain controversial. Educators complain that they result in “teaching to the test”, skewing practice toward pushing the school up the table instead of treating children as unique individuals. There are allegations that schools “manage out” lower-achieving students so that they don’t drag down their results, or simply don’t allow them to sit exams. And then there is the “Matthew Effect,” so named for a quote from the eponymous Gospel: “For to every one who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” High-ranking schools attract more funding, better teachers, and more pushy, ambitious parents, so that the tables become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Supporters of league tables point to an interesting real-world experiment which appears to vindicate their use. England and Wales began ranking schools in 1988, but in 2001, the regional government in Wales voted to abolish them. In virtually every other respect, the systems remained identical but researchers discovered a subsequent decline in standards in Welsh schools. “We find significant and robust evidence that this reform markedly reduced school effectiveness in Wales,” they reported.

However, the researchers measured “school effectiveness” by the same measure that the league tables use: passing exams. There is no doubt that achieving qualifications is important, but it is not the most significant contributor to our children’s future prosperity and happiness. The problem with league tables is that children are individuals and averages.

For our recent School Choice Guide, we spoke in confidence to numerous parents about their experience of Beijing’s international schools. Some had horror stories to tell about their experiences, but other parents would praise enthusiastically the very same school. We concluded, in the words we used as the theme for the Jingkids International School Expo 2019, that “One Size Does Not Fit All.” There is no “best” school – just the best school for your child, right now.

When it comes to choosing a school, I would argue that league tables are a much less useful indicator than visiting a school, talking to staff and parents, getting a “feel” for it and trusting your instincts; that a school’s ethos and culture, and how they align with your own family’s values, are vastly more important than the fraction of a percentage point which might separate first from second on a league table, or even first from tenth.

Photo: www.skysports.com

Beijing International School Expo 2018, which took place this weekend (January 13-14), looked to the future, as schools showcased cutting-edge ideas in education.

Parents plan their route around the stalls

Thousands gathered at the Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel this past weekend, to meet and talk to representatives from 67 schools and other education providers. In recognition of the growing importance of the bilingual and international education sector, cameras from CCTV2’s Global Financial Report were present to cover the weekend.

CISB were just one of the top international schools at the Expo

The theme of the Expo was Innovation, and in packed lecture halls leading educators from all round the world tackled the issues of the day: what sort of education will be needed to meet the challenges of the 21st century? At the VIP Salon on Sunday evening, educational entrepreneur Chris Whittle presented his vision of a modern school: global, personalized and open.

Chris Whittle sets out his vision for the modern school

As always, the Expo recognized that not all the learning children do takes place in a classroom. Some of the most valuable lessons happen when they’re being challenged to create and work as a team. Parents could learn more about scouting, skiing, and swimming, as well as graphic design, fashion, filmmaking, and other hobbies which will stretch and develop growing minds.

Parents were able to talk to a wide range of educational providers

For many Beijing students the ultimate goal is a place at an American college, and the Expo introduced them to organizations which can help them achieve their dream. Wailian Education Group is one example, offering consultation with current admissions tutors at top US schools, help with bumping up that all-important Grade Point Average, and even career advice for after graduation.

Hyde Academy Principal Jennifer Sachs meets prospective parents

But it wasn’t all serious business. Kids built dinosaurs under the safe supervision of Baowei Kindergarten, while their parents got a free styling courtesy of Blow+Bar. One surprise hit of the Expo was Gululu, an interactive water bottle, with cute animated characters encouraging kids to stay hydrated. And Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA) enticed families to their stand with tins of magnetic goo, which fascinated the little ones.

Gululu interactive water bottles were a big hit

Feedback on the event has been overwhelmingly positive, with schools reporting many leads for new students, and also commenting that it’s a great opportunity to meet and network with other schools. When it comes to planning the educational future of your children, Beijing International School Expo is still the biggest show in town!

Photos: Uni You, Andy Penafuerte III

Registration is now open for the 2018 Beijing International School Expo (BISE).

By far the city’s largest marketplace for families seeking the ideal education for their children, BISE has been running since 2011. Last year’s event brought together over 7,000 visitors with 128 educational institutions and providers.

As well as meeting and talking to school staff and leaders, visitors will be able to listen to and participate in expert panel discussions about key issues in education. This year’s theme is Innovation 2018. What new ideas, approaches, and practices will help schools equip students for the changing challenges of the 21st century? Visitors will also receive a free copy of Beijing’s most comprehensive bilingual school choice guide.

BISE is organized by True Run Media, publishers of beijingkids and Jingkids. As a Beijing-based, blilingual company, we understand the needs of local parents and those from the international community, as well as working closely with schools. We draw on years of experience to ensure parents have the most comprehensive and accurate information, to help them in making this crucial decision for their children.

BISE 2018 will be held at Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel from Jan 13-14 (10am-5pm), with over 2,000 sqm of exhibition space for more than 100 exhibitors ranging from preschool to high school and after-school programs.

To register, visit the links or scan the QR codes below.

English: https://www.bagevent.com/event/860285

Chinese: https://www.bagevent.com/event/860192

]]> https://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2017/12/01/registration-open-2018-bise/feed/ 0 https://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2014/05/12/choosing-a-school/ https://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2014/05/12/choosing-a-school/#respond Mon, 12 May 2014 05:00:00 +0000 This sponsored blog post has been brought to you by The British School of Beijing, Shunyi.

Probably the most important decision after making the huge leap to move your family to China, is which school to choose.

For families moving to Beijing, this may also include which curriculum to choose, given the huge choice of excellent international schools in this city.

For some this will be an easy question based on nationality, but for others it will be a daunting one.

For ex-pats where their country’s national curriculum is not offered in Beijing, it also means trying to understand the terminology and jargon used in another nation’s curriculum.

The English National Curriculum, as offered by The British School of Beijing, Shunyi,(BSB) is considered one of the leading curricula world-wide and is recognised across the globe.

The curriculum is flexible enough to ensure that it meets the academic needs to help children excel in the international ex-pat environment.

Understanding the English National Curriculum
The English National Curriculum offers a subject-based curriculum from aged 5. It is academically strong and leads to world-leading external examinations at age 16 and 18, which are the iGCSE and International Baccalaureate.

Before the age of 5, children follow a structured play-based curriculum. This puts an emphasis on physical, personal, social and emotional development with listening, understanding and speaking skills to foster good communication. This programme is known as EYFS (Early Years and Foundation Stage).

In the National Curriculum, students are placed in Key Stages according to their age.
•    Key Stage One – Years 1 & 2 (5-7 years old).
•    Key Stage Two – Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 (7-11 years old).
•    Key Stage Three – Years 7, 8 & 9 (11 – 14 years old).
•    Key Stage Four – Years 10 & 11 (14 – 16 year olds) iGCSEs

iGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education. These examinations are recognised internationally and are probably the best preparation for all post-16 qualifications, such as the IB, which is studied at The British School of Beijing, Shunyi.

The IB Diploma is widely recognised, along with the more traditional A-Levels, as the best preparation for top universities world-wide.
The approach that BSB has taken is seen as being the best combination of the two systems in terms of curriculum maturity and the international ex-pat environment the school operates in.

Making the right choice for your child
As with any choice, choosing a school curriculum is very personal and being informed is important.

If you are leaning towards one curriculum type, take the time to find out more.The so called ‘hidden curriculum’ – how a school functions, how people are treated, if the school is an inclusive, safe and welcoming environment are all important factors to take into consideration.

You also need to consider your long-term plans. If you know that you’re returning to, or moving to a country that follows a certain curriculum and that your children will have to work in that model, then it makes sense to follow the same curriculum in Beijing.

For further information or to answer any questions you may have about the English National Curriculum, please contact The British School of Beijing, Shunyi; admissions@britishschool.org.cn

This sponsored blog post has been brought to you by
The British School of Beijing, Shunyi.

Photo courtesy of BSB Shunyi