For students looking to challenge themselves and have the experience of college-level courses in high school, there are many options to choose from. Perhaps two of the most well-known programs are Advanced Placement (AP) and the International Baccalaureate (IB). Though both courses are challenging, taking the classes can allow students to gain college credit while still in high school. But how do you know which program is the best for you?

In terms of courses, pursuing the full IB diploma requires students to select three standard level and three higher level courses, totaling six. They will take these courses in eleventh through twelfth grade. These classes are chosen from six areas of study, including mathematics, sciences, studies in language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, and the arts. In addition to these, participants must also finish theory of knowledge (ToK), creativity, activity, and service (CAS), and the extended essay (EE). However, students also have the option of taking the IB certificate program. This requires taking one to five IB courses and does not include completing CAS, the EE, and ToK. IB exams usually occur in May of the candidate’s twelfth-grade year, and grades are given as a score between 1 and 7, with 7 being the highest.

On the other hand, the AP program consists of different courses that students can take at school instead of being a full program. There are 38 courses offered, and they range from the arts, English, social sciences, math and computer science, and world languages. Students sit for the AP exams in May. Technically, students do not need to enroll in the corresponding AP courses to take the final exam. The exams are scored with a grade of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest.

In terms of receiving college credit, both courses can make students eligible. It depends on the school, but students who achieve high scores (such as a 6 or a 7) can receive credit for college courses. This varies by school and by subject. For AP, most colleges will award credit to students who score a 4 or 5 on the exam, although this also varies by school and by subject.

There are many differences and similarities between IB and AP courses. When comparing difficulty, many would agree that the IB is more challenging than AP program because of the additional real-life application requirements that are included in each course and the greater number of courses that must be taken. Because of all the requirements of taking the full IB diploma program, students must learn to balance their time between studying, writing essays, and completing the community service requirements early on to remain as stress-free as possible. This is not to say that AP courses are easy, because both programs offer college-level classes. But there is more freedom in selecting AP courses, as students are not required to take a certain number to pass. Overall, the choice between AP and IB will differ for each student, but both programs provide opportunities for students to challenge themselves and pursue higher learning.

Schools in Beijing that offer AP classes include Tsinghua International School, Western Academy of Beijing (WAB), and AISB-Hope International. Schools that offer IB courses include the International School of Beijing (ISB), Keystone Academy, and the Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB).

Images: Pexels

A new addition to the 798 art district is the soon to be fully operational UCCA Creative Studio, a children’s art education center that is part of the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art Company Limited will offer art based education programs for children aged 2-11 years, a hosting venue for corporate and personal events and workshops . The programs will be in Chinese or English as specified by the studio.There will be three main components of the curriculum: Regular Classes, Creative Workshops and Discovery Area. Here are short descriptions of what will be offered:

Art Classes
Our weekly art classes provide children from 2 to 11 years old with sustained and progressive learning in the arts. Through education in both the technical and thematic components of art practice, children engage substantive issues, apply creative thinking, and focus on quality task performance. The program is enhanced by an emphasis on student assessment. Teachers evaluate children’s progress and regularly communicate with parents.

Workshops
The workshops will mainly be held during the weekends and give a chance for children to learn about contemporary art and develop their talents in the company of local and international contemporary artists.

Discovery Area
Families can drop in anytime to explore the studio’s resources at the Discovery Area such as the specially designed Art Discovery Kits to complete at the studio or at home.

Family Programs
A hands-on parent and child workshops, as well as parenting classes will feature as an experience to learn and be entertained.  

Customized Programs
Art centric custom workshops and events for schools, families, and private gatherings such as birthday parties can be arranged. According to the studio they will offer, "personalized tutoring for ambitious students who want to develop their artistic skills under professional guidance."

A free class trial can be scheduled via their website as well as the various events and prices. The Studio will be open from Tuesdays to Sundays (closed on Mondays) from 10am to 7pm.

The information above was sourced from the UCCA Creative Studio website.

Photo courtesy of UCCA Creative Studio

We know, we know – your thirst for summer camps is insatiable. By now you’ve seen our first and second summer camp roundups, but you still haven’t found the perfect mix of fun and learning that will knock your children’s socks off and form the kind of long-lasting, character-building memories that they’ll retell to their own kids one day. Tall order, but luckily we’ve got tons more suggestions for you. Read on, oh demanding parent.

Aqua Warriors Summer Swim Camp
Aqua Warriors is holding its third annual summer camp designed for competitive swimmers and swimmers who wish to compete competitively in the near future. The camp will focus on developing stroke technique and stamina, as well as optimizing turns and starts using video analysis. Personalized programs will be developed for each swimmer depending on their level.

Who? Ages 5 and up
When?

• Week 1: June 17-21
• Week 2: June 24-28
• Week 3: July 1-5
• Week 4: July 8-12
• Week 5: July 15-19
• Week 6: July 22-26

What time? Mon-Fri 9.30am-noon
How much? RMB 1,000/week (every camper gets a free cap and t-shirt)
Where? Zhongjia Xinyuan Hotel swimming pool, 200m east of the Village Committee, Gucheng Village, Houshayu, Shunyi District (a map can be downloaded on Aqua Warriors’ website)
Contact: 136 8352 7243, 134 8877 8089, aquawarriorsbj@gmail.com, www.aquawarriorsbj.com

Beijing Mandarin School 2013 Chinese Language Summer Camp
Since its foundation eight years ago, Beijing Mandarin School’s summer program has sought to teach kids from various countries about Chinese language and culture. BMS teachers hold university degrees for teaching Chinese as a foreign language. Students will focus on speaking, listening, reading, writing, vocabulary, characters, and pronunciation, with the goal of developing fluency for non-native speakers.

Who? Ages 3-18
When? June 17-August 30
What time? 9am-3.30pm (full day), 9am-noon or 1-3.30pm (half day)
How much?

• Half day (morning): RMB 1,050/week
• Half day (afternoon): RMB 1,500/week
• Full day: RMB 2,500/week
• Private classes: RMB 110/hour
• Optional: Lunch (RMB 200/week), transportation (varies according to location), airport pickup (RMB 500/person)

Other notes: Application deadline is May 31, 2013. BMS students are eligible for a 10% discount. There’s a non-refundable registration fee of RMB 280 to cover orientation, books, a t-shirt, and the certificate of completion.
Where? Beijing Mandarin School
Contact: 6508 1026/1126 or beijingmandarinschool@yahoo.com.cn

The Bridge School YCT Summer Camp
This two-week summer camp is designed for kids who want to improve their Chinese while learning more about local culture. Activities include cooking classes, music, tennis, swimming, field trips, and more.

Who? Ages 5-12
When?

• Term 1: June 17-28
• Term 2: July 1-12
• Term 3: July 15-26
• Term 4: July 29-August 9
• Term 5: August 12-23

What time? 9am-3.30pm (subject to change)
How much? RMB 3,880/child + RMB 400 deposit to reserve the student’s place and cover material fees. Lunch and transportation included.
Other notes: Registration times are from 8.30am-5.30pm every day.
Where? The Bridge School (contact the school for specific locations)
Contact: info@bridgeschoolchina.com, www.bridgeschoolchina.com

The Creatica Camp
Art meets technology at this unique camp, which focuses on developing children’s creativity and innovation. Led by inventors, professors, artists and directors, participants complete their own projects using cutting-edge technology like 3D printing machines and MakeyMakey kits. Talented campers will have the opportunity to exhibit their projects in Maker Faire 2013.

Who? Ages 10+
When? August 8-17
What time? 9am-4pm, 4-5.30pm (optional after hours)
How much? RMB 8,500
Where? Zhongguancun Cloud Valley, Bldg C, Software Square, ZPark, Shangdi Xilu, Haidian District 海淀区上地西路中关村软件园软件广场C座北京中关村云基地
Contact: 5719 6164, info@thecreatica.com, thecreatica.com

Dulwich Summer Camps
Dulwich College Beijing has a number of summer programs, but two of the most interesting are the Little Ones camp for toddlers and Yoga Summer Camp for kids. See DCB’s website for a complete list.

Little Ones
Young children are kept busy with a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities, including art, music, storytelling, and more. The camp is led by Early Years teachers from Dulwich College Beijing.

Who? Ages 3-5
When? June 24-28 and July 1-5
What time? 9am-noon
How much? RMB 1,650/week
Where? Dulwich College Beijing, Beijing Riviera Campus
Contact: 6454 9019/9127, dcp@dulwich-beijing.cn

Yoga Summer Camp
Led by Incy Wincy Yoga, these kids’ yoga classes aim to improve concentration, build self-confidence, foster teamwork, and ease stress. Classes will focus on breathing, visualization and relaxation exercises, yoga poses and trust and cooperation games. 

Who? Ages 5-8 and 9-12
When?

• Week 1: June 24-28
• Week 2: July 1-5
• Week 3: July 8-12
• Week 4: July 29-August 2
• Week 5: August 5-9

What time? 9.15-10.45am (ages 5-8), 11am-12.30pm (ages 9-12)
How much? RMB 1,650/week
Where? Dulwich College Beijing, Beijing Riviera Campus
Contact: 6454 9019/9127, dcp@dulwich-beijing.cn

Fitness Is Fun with Greg Kaler
Hailing from St. Cloud, Minnesota, Greg Kaler is a magician, juggler, and educator. He combines fast-paced and unique activities such as games, sports, and lectures in this quirky two-week summer camp hosted by Beijing Collegiate Academy.

Who? Ages 5-1s
When?

• Week 1: July 8-19
• Week 2: July 22-August 2
• Week 3: August 5-16

What time? TBD
How much? RMB 6,800/term (one person), RMB 6,650/term (two people), RMB 6,500/term (three people)
Other notes: Application deadline is June 15, 2013.
Where? Beijing Collegiate Academy
Contact: 5681 2555 (BCA office), 6544 7057/58 (Dragon Show Culture and Arts), summercamp@dragonshow.com

Frontiers Summer Programs
The Frontiers School hosts summer programs designed for kids and teens to develop their Chinese skills. Activities include games, storytelling, songs, role playing, Chinese painting and calligraphy, weiqi, tai chi, DIY, and more. Features include experienced teachers, a safe learning environment, and small groups (3-6 students).

Who? Ages 8-12 (Pupil Summer Camp) and 13-17 (Teenage Summer Camp)
When?

• Week 1: June 17-28
• Week 2: July 1-12
• Week 3: July 15-26
• Week 4: July 29-August 9
• August 12-23

What time? 9am-3.30pm
How much? RMB 4,500/person (50 hours with lunch), RMB 4,000/person (50 hours without lunch)
Other notes: Group discounts of 5-15% per person are available; ask the school for details. Western fast food is served for lunch.
Where? The Frontiers School
Contact: admin@frontiers.com.cn, www.frontiers.com.cn

Summer Cooking Camp for Teens
Starting in July, The Hutong is introducing a special cooking class series designed especially for teens. The six-week course is taught by Hutong Chef Ali Retson and covers health nutritional choices, kitchen safety, and cooking techniques. Participants will gain confidence, eat delicious dishes, and make new friends. Weekly projects include baking desserts, making bread from scratch, whipping up comfort foods, and a final cook-off.

Who? Ages 13-18
When? Every Wednesday in July and August 7
What time? 11.30am-2pm
How much? RMB 1,500 (includes one-year membership to The Hutong)
Where? The Hutong
Contact: Book online at www.thehutongkitchen.com

Want to tell us about a summer camp? Email editor@beijing-kids.com.

Opening photo by stevendepolo (Flickr). All other photos courtesy of respective schools and organizations, unless otherwise noted

Have you seen our first roundup of upcoming summer camps? No? For shame. If you didn’t see anything you liked, check out our second batch of summer camps below. Remember to keep checking back – we’ll be adding more camps as we hear about them.

AEA US Embassy Summer Camp
In operation since 1997, the AEA US Embassy Summer Camp is an annual American-style day camp offering games, songs, and activities around a different theme every week. All campers receive an AEA camp T-shirt, hat, and certificate. Led by American staff, campers will participate in swimming, arts, sports, theater, and field trips. Lunch and bus service are included.

Who? Ages 4-12
When? June 10-July 26
What time? Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
How much? RMB 2,562-3,200/week, depending on how early you register and how many weeks you enroll your child for.
Other notes: The early bird discount is available until May 20 and there’s a 20 percent host discount for students from BCIS.
Where? Beijing City International School
Contact: info@aeabeijing.com or register online at www.aeabeijing.com

Art Bug Summer Workshops
Art Bug has two art-oriented workshops this summer, one in Beijing and one in Los Angeles. Students at the Los Angeles art camp will select two five-day courses from a variety of disciplines, including painting, design, photography, and textiles. Students at the Beijing art workshops will work with the theme of “invention” through a variety of art activities.

Who? Ages 9-18 (Los Angeles), ages 4-12 (Beijing)
When? July 20-August 3 (Los Angeles), weekly in July and August (Beijing)
What time? Full day (TBC)
How much? RMB 35,000 (Los Angeles, includes flights, accommodations and tuition), RMB 2,980/week (Beijing, includes lunch and snacks)
Other notes: Art Bug members get a 10 percent discount. The application deadline for the Los Angeles Art Camp is June 1; register before May 16 for a 10 percent discount.
Where?

• Art Center College of Design (Los Angeles)
• Art Bug (Beijing)

Contact: 5900 0270, www.artbug.com.cn

International Bilingual All-Around Summer Camp
Organized by Neighborhood Talent Learning Center, this summer camp will be held in Lido and Shunyi. The center has been running winter and summer camps for seven years, and focuses on Chinese/English language skills. There’s also a karting summer camp at Xinglong Park near Gaobeidian.

Who? Ages 5-15
When? June 17-August 23 (two weeks per term)
What time? Full day 9am-4pm
How much?

• One person: RMB 4,000/term, RMB 2,200/week (language camp); RMB 2,600/week (karting camp)
• Two people: RMB 3,900/term, RMB 2,100/week (language camp); RMB 2,500/week (karting camp)
• Three people: RMB 3,800/term, RMB 2,000/week (language camp); RMB 2,400/week (karting camp)
•  Bus fee: RMB 600/term, RMB 300/week

Other notes: Returning campers are eligible for a discount. Register before May 27 to receive a RMB 100 discount.
Where?

• Lido Country Club, 6 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区将台路6号丽都饭店
• Cathay View Clubhouse, 1 Guangtang Donglu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区观唐东路1号院
• Xinglong Park, 8A Xinglong Zhuang, Chaoyang District 朝阳区兴隆庄申8号兴隆公园

Contact: 8450 1789, 130 3103 8833, info@chineseneighbor.com, www.chineseneighbor.com

Knigge for Kids/Teenagers
For something a bit different, learn the modern rules of behavior in a fun and humorous way. Knigge Akademie specializes in etiquette courses for kids, teens and adults. The one-day etiquette course is given by certified coach Birgit Brenner with a maximum of 10 students per group. The course covers good behavior, table manners and appropriate greetings.

Who? Ages 8-16
When? July and August
What time? TBC
How much? TBC (includes registration fee, training, exam, certificate and one Western meal)
Where? Knigge Akademie
Contact: www.knigge-akademie.cn (German or Chinese only website), 8610 8580 ext 4727

Positive Foundations School Super Summer Fun Camp 
PFS is hosting four weeks of fun and exploration, with themes like At the Seashore, Sports and Games, Water, Water Everywhere, and The Great Outdoors. Activities include water play, games, field trips, picnics, science and art. PFS uses Montessori teaching principles and Educo materials for its programs.

Who? Ages 18 months-6 years
When? July 1-26
What time? Mon-Fri 9am-3.30pm
How much? RMB 1,725/week (includes food)
Other notes: Register by May 31 for a 10 percent discount. There’s also a sibling discount of 10 percent.
Where? Positive Foundations School
Contact: Contact Rose or Caroline at 8046 6302 or pfsschool@126.com

Sports Beijing Summer Camps
Beijing’s foremost multi-sport non-profit is once again running a wide range of summer activities, including basketball, soccer, gymnastics, swimming, tennis, and water sports.

Who? Ages 6-15
When? Programs will typically run for 3-5 days in July
What time? Full day 9am-4pm
How much? Varies according to program (check Sports Beijing’s website for the most up-to-date news)
Where? Various schools in Shunyi
Contact: 6430 1370/1176 or www.sportsbj.org

Want to tell us about a summer camp? Email the editor at sijiachen@beijing-kids.com.

Looking for more camps? Check out Part 3.

It’s that time of year again! Though it’s only early April, parents everywhere are already beginning to compare summer camps and trying to decide between intensive Chinese camps, sailing camps in Hebei, wilderness camps at the Great Wall, and everything in between. Luckily, we do the work for you (again). Here’s the first batch of upcoming 2013 summer camps, with more to come as we hear of them.

Beijing Playhouse Kids Summer Theater Camp Beijing Playhouse’s theater camp with two goals: 1) learn theater; and 2) have fun. The summer camp concludes with a performance of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves. Students take eight different classes throughout the day in acting, singing, dancing, prop making, scene painting, costume design, and more.

• Session 1: June 24-July 12 (three weeks)
• Session 2: July 1526 (two weeks)
• Session 3: July 29-August 9 (two weeks)

• Half day: RMB 3,800 (two weeks), RMB 5,700 (three weeks), RMB 7,600 (four weeks), or RMB 12,000 (seven weeks)
• Full day: RMB 6,000 (two weeks), RMB 9,000 (three weeks), RMB 12,000 (four weeks), or RMB 19,000 (seven weeks)

Global Track English Immersion Summer Camp Global Track hosts a Western-style English immersion summer camp with weekly themes ranging from marine biology to food. Classes are led by trained foreign teachers and activities include workshops, art classes, sports, field trips, and more. Meals are included.

 

Who? Ages 5-14

When? June 18-Agust 17 (Campers can register for one, two, or up to all six weeks.) 

What time? Mon-Fri 9am-4pm 

How much? RMB 2580/week

Where?

• Haidian: 1 Yangchun Guanghua Jiayuan, Wanliu Donglu, Haidian District
• Chaoyang: East gate of Beixiaohe Gongyuan, Wangjing Xilu, Chaoyang District

Other notes: Discounts available for early registration, groups, and those who sign up for multiple weeks of camp. There are no application deadlines, but several discounts carry an expiration date.

Contact: 8257 2550 (Wanliu), 5734 7085 (Wangjing)

• Session 1: June 24-28 (Colors of Creativity: Pottery and Chinese/oil painting)
• Session 2: July 1-5 (Creating Your Favorite Character: Crafts and pottery)
• Session 3: July 8-12 (Producing Your Own Story: Animation and crafts)
• Session 4: July 15-19 (Colors of Creativity: Chinese/oil painting and handicrafts)
• Session 5: July 22-26 (Creating Your Favorite Character: Crafts and pottery)
• Session 6: July 29-August 2 (Producing Your Own Story: Animation and crafts)
• Session 7: August 5-9 (Creating Your Favorite Character: Crafts and pottery)
• Session 8: August 12-16 (Producing Your Own Story: Animation and crafts)

• Session 1: July 1-12
• Session 2: July 15-26
• Session 3: July 29-August 9

 

• Chinese participants: Contact Sunny (Xiong Yanhui) at 5671 9930, 189 3082 3379, or xiong.yanhui@waldorfcamp.org.
• Foreign participants: Contact Liva at 5671 9930, 158 0094 2934, or soloveja.liva@waldorfcamp.org.