Get ready for one of Western Academy of Beijing’s most anticipated community traditions, the WAB Winter Market, returning on Sat, Nov 22, from 10am to 3pm. This festive, family-friendly event brings together students, parents, staff and the wider Beijing community for a day filled with food, fun and fantastic finds for a great cause.

A major highlight this year is the Roundabout Book Sale, a treasure trove for readers of all ages!

Stock up on wonderful secondhand children’s books, young adult novels and adult fiction and non-fiction, all at incredibly low prices, and all for charity.

Join WAB for a day of joy, generosity and global flavors at this festive and fun market for the whole Beijing community, and be sure to stop by Roundabout’s booth to say hello.

Images: WAB, jingkids

When Rhea Lee moved from Seoul to Beijing at age 15, she wasn’t sure what to expect. “I had low expectations for Beijing – or China in general – before coming here,” admits the Western Academy of Beijing student. “I’d never visited and hadn’t heard many positive things.”

That changed quickly after her arrival. What surprised Rhea most was the kindness of the people in Beijing. “Everyone – from workers to my friends and teachers – was genuinely nice to me,” she recalls. “That wasn’t what I expected at all.”  She did have some culture shock, in the aspect of studies; she felt like the academic life here was way more chill and laidback compared to the strict and competitive environment there.

Before China, Rhea had spent her whole life in Seoul. The move represented a major life change. Outside of school, she maintains several passions. Music remains important to her, though she hasn’t played guitar in two years since moving. When she did play, she particularly enjoyed performing Billie Eilish’s “The Feather.”

Her culinary preferences are quite diverse. Although she is Korean, Rhea favors Japanese cuisine, especially salmon sushi, along with Italian staples like pizza and pasta. Athletics also play a significant role in her life – she plays football for Anejo (a football club supported by WAB) and enjoys volleyball. At home, she cherishes time walking her dog.

Rhea’s story shows how moving abroad can actually be a refreshing treat for a new look in life. Beijing offered her more than she anticipated – a welcoming community and new opportunities to pursue her interests. The city she initially approached with hesitation has become her new home.

Although she left Korea at the young age of 15, she did speak English beforehand, having to practice and learn the language at her old school located in Korea. For the future, Rhea explains that she will most likely be graduating from WAB, aiming to be a part of the top universities within Korea, such as Korea University and others.

Images: Rhea Lee

From Thailand’s beaches to the basketball courts of Beijing, 10th grader Somil has always carried one unwavering dream—making it to the NBA. Born in Thailand and having lived there for about eight years, he then spent two years in Myanmar before his family settled in China, where they’ve been based ever since.

During his breaks, Somil loves traveling within China or visiting Thailand because he’s obsessed with the beaches there. Thailand, with its relaxing waters and scenic coastlines, is his go-to spot to recharge.

But basketball is his real passion—more than anything, he dreams of going all the way to the NBA. Deeply in love with the game, his long days are packed with practice outside, gym sessions, and watching film—all dedicated to constant improvement. His relentless work ethic is driven by the belief that only hard work can help him stand out and reach his ultimate goal.

Beyond basketball, Somil enjoys gaming and singing. His favorite music is pop, and he often relaxes by singing “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter, which also keeps him motivated.

His family—mom, dad, and older brother, who’s 20 and in college—are all moving with him to Boston this year. This move marks a significant step toward his basketball ambitions, as Boston offers better training facilities, more competitive leagues, and a vibrant college basketball scene. Somil is confident that being in Boston will give him the boost he needs to join a Division One college team and, eventually, catch the eye of NBA scouts.

Living across different countries has made him incredibly adaptable and open-minded. Focused on his dream, he’s ready to seize every opportunity in Boston, working tirelessly to elevate his game and secure his place in the NBA someday.

Images: Somil Aryal

Over the past few decades, China has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the field of international education. With globalization and an increasing appetite for a more globalized curriculum, international schools have become a significant part of the educational landscape. Expat educators have come from various countries and shared their knowledge with the kids in Beijing before moving on to the next destination.

But there’s a man who’s been here since the beginning. Michael Crook is one of the founders of Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) and he has been at the forefront of this evolution his whole life. Now in his 70s, the Brit, born and raised in Beijing, shares stories of his childhood in Haidian District in his fluent Beijing-accented Chinese. Now retired, he shares with jingkids in this exclusive interview his insights and experiences on how international education has changed, adapted, and thrived during his lifetime, shedding light on the journey that has shaped the educational opportunities of so many.

When Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) was founded, what was the overall educational environment in Beijing like compared to now?
When WAB was founded in the early 1990s, the educational environment for expatriate children in Beijing was quite limited. There were embassy schools primarily for diplomatic children, but they weren’t authorized to take non-diplomatic families. Some Chinese state schools made minimal accommodations for foreign students, like pull-out support programs, but these weren’t ideal solutions. The lack of appropriate schooling for expatriate children was becoming a serious problem for companies trying to bring staff to Beijing.

Compared to 30 years ago, there’s been a tremendous change that has been advantageous to the expat community. Now, there are many more schools for foreign nationals to choose from, including improved international sections in Chinese public schools and private schools offering various curricula (American, British, IB).

The expat population has actually dropped in the last decade, meaning more schools and fewer children, which translates to more choices for expat families. Overall, the situation is very welcoming for expats moving to Beijing due to the abundance of educational options.
How have the cultural and social aspects of Beijing changed since the school first opened, and how have these changes impacted the international school community?
The growth of China’s economy has led to the emergence of a middle class that is more familiar with Western values and culture. Many of these people have studied and worked overseas and [are]often looking for more choices as well as alternatives to the highly competitive gaokao for their children’s education.

This cultural shift has significantly impacted the international school community. Many returning Chinese families now seek to enroll their children in international schools, and as a result, the student demographics in international schools have changed dramatically.

When WAB started in 1994, students were predominantly from North America and Europe, but now there’s a much larger proportion of students with Asian, particularly Chinese, roots.

This has brought both benefits, such as increased use of Chinese language among students and active parent involvement, and challenges in maintaining the school’s commitment to diversity.
In your opinion, how have the economic and cultural developments in Beijing influenced the international education sector from the time you founded the school until today?
The economic and cultural developments in Beijing have significantly influenced the international education sector. The growth of the middle class has created a strong demand for international education and has influenced how schools like WAB approach diversity, moving beyond simple nationality metrics to consider factors like home language and other aspects of diversity.

There is also a complex dynamic at play, as families balance the desire for international education while also maintaining their children’s connection to Chinese culture and heritage. This has led to ongoing discussions about how to balance international perspectives with local cultural values in these schools.
What were the core values and educational goals of WAB when it was founded, and how have they evolved over the years?
Well, at WAB, we’ve always believed in educating the whole child, partnering with parents, and championing our staff. These core values have remained constant since our founding.

Over the years, we’ve added to our mission, aiming to connect, inspire, challenge, and make a difference. These values and mission have really stood the test of time. They’re just as relevant today as they were when we started, and they continue to guide every decision we make as a school.

I think it’s important to note that while our core values haven’t changed, we’ve always been open to evolving our approach. For instance, we’ve embraced inquiry-based learning and student agency, which align well with our foundational philosophy. These concepts, which draw from educational theories like Montessori and John Dewey, have become integral to how we operate at WAB.

In terms of diversity, background, and their educational needs, how has the student body changed since the school’s inception?
When we first started, our student body was primarily from embassies and multinational companies in Beijing. We’ve always prided ourselves on the diversity of our community, and that’s something that has continued to this day. We welcome students from all around the globe, speaking a wide range of languages. We’ve always aimed to meet the needs of all learners, recognizing that everyone learns differently.

In recent years, there’s been a greater global focus on social-emotional learning and well-being. We’ve responded to this by initiating a school-wide mentoring program in 2019 and continually improving our integrated Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum from Early Years to Grade 12.

Has the quality of education changed from the early days of the school?
WAB has consistently maintained a high standard of education since we founded it in 1994. What’s changed is our understanding of what constitutes good learning.

We’ve always been at the forefront of educational innovation, guided by the latest educational and scientific research on how the brain works and learns. We’ve come to understand that great learning is long-term and goes beyond just acquiring knowledge. It’s also about gaining skills.

We know that students learn better when they feel safe and well, and when they feel ownership over their learning. This approach is quite different from traditional methods where students might memorize information just to pass a test and then forget it.

Our philosophy has always emphasized inquiry-based learning and student agency. We let our children ask questions and try to find solutions because they need to learn how to learn. This approach has been central to WAB from the beginning and continues to guide our educational practices today. Over the years, what are the major shifts you’ve witnessed in international education in Beijing, and how has WAB adapted to them?
One of the big shifts we’ve witnessed is related to technology. When vast amounts of information is at your fingertips, it changes what you need to know.

Over time, the focus of learning has shifted from just acquiring knowledge to developing skills – interpersonal skills, collaboration skills, evaluation skills, and analytical skills. We’re now asking, how do you know what is true and what is not? Literacy has taken on a more critical aspect, especially with the advent of AI.

At WAB, we’ve been at the forefront of learning about and using new technologies, working with students on how to use them ethically and safely. We’ve also focused on ensuring our students are well-equipped with the skills and competencies to be successful in the future. We endeavor to stay up to date with the latest information from organizations like the OECD on what skills and attributes will be needed in the future, and we speak to business leaders about what they’re looking for in new employees.

Another significant shift is in how student learning is assessed. Assessment is no longer about ranking children, but rather about checking learning and identifying areas for growth. Even up to university entrance, there’s a strong movement towards a broader method to review student achievement and abilities. We’re moving away from defining students as a number and looking at how the breadth and depth of student achievement can be shared.

WAB is a member of the Mastery Transcript Consortium, working on a different way of sharing student successes. A mastery transcript is now accepted by close to 600 universities and colleges, including the Ivy League. This shows how we’re adapting to these changes in international education.

What is your learning philosophy and its connection to WAB?
My learning philosophy is deeply rooted in my family’s educational background. You see, education has been a part of my family for generations.

My great-grandmother taught French in Chengdu, and my grandmother started a Montessori school there in 1915, which was quite progressive for the time. I believe that learning is a natural process for children, and it doesn’t always require direct teaching.

The role of a teacher, in my view, should be that of a facilitator for learning. This aligns closely with the Montessori philosophy. I think it’s crucial to let children explore and learn through play, but with some supervision and guidance.

For instance, give children wooden blocks and let them discover concepts like balance, symmetry, and even basic physics on their own. This philosophy is deeply connected to WAB’s approach.

I also draw from John Dewey’s learning philosophy, where learning communities encompass all members of the community. This also ties in with my family, and my grandmother helped found, and served a principal of, the Chengdu Dewey School in the 1920s.

We emphasize inquiry-based learning and student agency. We encourage our students to ask questions and find solutions independently. It’s not just about absorbing information; it’s about learning how to learn.

At WAB, we’ve incorporated these ideas into our core values. We focus on educating the whole child, not just academically but also socially and emotionally. We believe in student participation in school management and even in conflict resolution.

For example, we train our fifth graders in mediation skills. So, you see, our learning philosophy at WAB is about creating active participants in the learning process, not just passive recipients of information. It’s about preparing our students for the real world by giving them the skills to think critically, solve problems, and work collaboratively. And I believe this approach is more relevant now than ever in our rapidly changing world.

Images: Western Academy of Beijing

On Jun 9 of this year, Western Academy of Beijing (WAB)‘s student-led club KM for LOVE organized a Run & Brunch event to raise funds for a 5-year-old burn victim named Mia. I myself was a proud attendee at the event, which (small side note) where I ran a 3km for the first time in almost 20 years. More importantly, the event raised over RMB 58,000 for Mia!

Key student organizer Angelina Anh Laute expressed her gratitude to all who supported the event in the following message:

”The KM for LOVE student organization at WAB is extremely happy to announce that we have raised a TOTAL of RMB 53,632.44 at the 2024 KM for LOVE Run & Brunch to support Mia from Dew Drops on her journey towards mobility. From your love and kindness, we have made an incredibly meaningful contribution and difference to our Beijing community.

Having met Mia in person, she has been an inspiration to our student team, and we hope to you too, on what love for life truly means. The joy and high that we all felt from running with our loved ones on Sunday is something that Mia is still unable to experience – but together we’ve brought her one step closer to the joy of life that is movement.

On a personal level, it is so empowering to see something that just started with weekend runs with my parents to an initiative that involves my closest friends, my inspiring teachers, the school community, the Beijing community, and the international community of over 100 people. I hope that this event has been able to remind you, as it did for me, that each of us are able to make a change in this world, no matter how small or large.

On the back of the shirts worn by the Dew Drops caretakers who take care of Mia are the words of Mother Teresa: ‘We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something.’ I believe we have all made our drop. And look at the ocean of change we have made together.

The most beautiful part of this event is that the impact we’ve made did not simply arise from one person’s doing but was born in the coming together of us all. Thank you once again to our inspiring WAB teachers and staff who have taught us so much about leadership and teamwork. Thank you to our Beijing sponsors for making our event this exciting and meaningful. Thank you to the amazing student team and my best friends for making me the luckiest person ever to work with a team like you. And finally, thank YOU – all our participants – for bringing this event to life and making our impact possible.”

Every cent of the RMB 58,632.44 raised from the event will go towards Mia’s upcoming surgery, which will focus on repositioning her right toes so that the foot will be able to lay flat on the floor when she walks. This will greatly reduce her pain and improve her quality of life. Your kindness helped make this possible, so thank you!

KEEP READING: KM for LOVE Run & Brunch To Help 5-Year-Old Mia Walk Again

Images: Courtesy of KM for LOVE

We’re so excited to share with the Beijing community that New York Times best-selling author Rosalind Wiseman will be speaking at the upcoming Distinguished Speakers Series at Western Academy of Beijing (WAB). And best of all? It’s open to everyone, whether you’re a part of the WAB community or not!

Register for the event here.

The WAB Distinguished Speakers Series (DSS), which began over ten years ago, is dedicated to connecting our families with exceptional individuals who serve as sources of inspiration. These distinguished speakers are carefully recommended by WAB parents, staff, and students, and through sharing their personal experiences and narratives, they compel our community to enact positive change. This year, WAB will invite four or five speakers throughout the school year to speak and inspire students and parents alike.

The WAB DSS speakers have the power to share new ideas or stories that make us question our existing beliefs and see things from a different point of view. Furthermore, their extraordinary experiences serve to motivate, inspire, and inform our audience. Additionally, these speakers often provide insightful elaborations on significant issues or topics of interest, fostering meaningful discussions within our community.

On Sep 26, renowned author, educator, and thought leader Rosalind Wiseman will be taking us on a journey of cultivating cultures of dignity, shedding light on the inspiration behind her program.

Her books tackle our parenting concerns and have helped parents around the world navigate the struggles of raising well-adjusted, confident young members of society who don’t fall to social peer pressure.

Parenting is hard no matter how old your child is, and every parent could use some guidance. We’re so excited to see WAB take such a strong initiative to bring that to the Beijing community at large on Sep 26 with a speaker like Rosalind Wisemen.

Images: Amazon, Western Academy of Beijing

Hi, my name is Justin Lau and I’m a student at Western Academy of Beijing. I have just attended the Boston University Summer Challenge program and I will discussing my experiences, what I learned, my personal growth, and what I felt about the camp.

 

“I didn’t want to go” and “Maybe it will be fun to try something new.” These two phrases caused a tumultuous blend of anxiety and excitement coursing through my veins as if the very essence of these emotions had become intertwined with my very being. As I felt the sweltering summer sun of Boston casting its radiant beams upon the horizon, I embarked on my journey in a new country and environment.

As I stepped onto the campus, a wave of trepidation and anxiety overshadowed my slight excitement for the camp. The thoughts of venturing into the unknown amidst the surrounding of unfamiliar faces and the boundless campus entwined my soul and heart with threads of fear. However, little did I know that just a few days later these unfamiliar faces would soon be the people I would socialize and learn from. This boundless campus would soon also be mapped inside my head. This camp would be the catalyst for personal growth, cultural exchange, and the precious connections between one another.

The initial days of the camp were tough for me, as I had to find my classes on this maze-like campus, and I didn’t know any of the people in my classes. However, as the days unfolded, I started to know where everything was on the campus; I also started to know more people in my classes and socialize with them. So, with all the main challenges conquered, my confidence grew, and my initial anxiety and nervousness about this camp gradually gave way to excitement and hope for the next day.

I had the opportunity to take two classes at the camp: nutrition and philosophy. Initially, I wasn’t particularly thrilled about the nutrition class as it wasn’t my first choice (in fact, it was my third choice). However, my doubts quickly faded as I dived into the lessons and discovered the wealth of knowledge it had to offer. I was hugely surprised by how much I learned about nutrition. In this class, I gained valuable insights into the importance of protein and carbohydrates in our diet. I delved into the intricate functions and structures of proteins, understanding how they contribute to building muscles in the human body, and so much more. It was an eye-opening experience that exceeded what I expected from a nutrition class.

I also signed up for the philosophy class offered by Boston University. Thanks to its exceptional content and delivery, this course deepened my interest in philosophy. We covered various branches of philosophy throughout the class, including epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, aesthetics, and logic. Among these, I found myself particularly interested in metaphysics and ethics. Our study involved thorough readings of thought-provoking articles and books, such as “Metaphysics of Metamorphosis” by John Dupré, “Escape the Echo Chamber” by C. Thi Nguyen, Epistemic Injustice by Miranda Fricker, “Who Counts as a Woman?” by Carol Hay, “The Right Right Thing To Do” by Irene McMullin, Doing Good Better by William MacAskill, “Authenticity is a Sham” by Alexander Stern, and “The Value of Philosophy” by Bertrand Russell. Of all the material I encountered in philosophy class, I found Epistemic Injustice by Miranda Fricker and “The Value of Philosophy” by Bertrand Russell to be particularly interesting. Fricker’s work delves into various case studies, drawing upon examples from everyday life, literature, and legal contexts to vividly illustrate the pervasive impact of epistemic injustices. She thoughtfully explores these injustices’ ethical and epistemic implications, while offering strategies to address and mitigate them. On the other hand, Russell’s “The Value of Philosophy” resonated deeply with me, as our philosophical perspectives aligned remarkably. The book profoundly explores the discipline, highlighting its practical and intrinsic worth. It also talks about the development of critical thinking skills, fosters intellectual growth, and encourages a reflective and compassionate approach to life.

One aspect of this camp that brought me immense joy and interest was the opportunity to immerse myself in college life and explore the vibrant city of Boston. Each day, Boston University organized off-campus activities for us, allowing us to discover various places in the city. We embarked on memorable trips to Wrentham outlets, Hampton Beach, and the art museum, among others. However, the activities that stood out to me the most were our visits to North End and Faneuil Hall. In North End, we had the pleasure of indulging in authentic Italian cuisine, savoring mouthwatering delicacies from local bakeries, and relishing the vibrant atmosphere of Boston Street food. On the other hand, our trip to Faneuil Hall was also a delightful experience of exploring charming, hidden shops tucked away within its bustling corridors and treating ourselves to a wide array of delectable goods.

A big aspect of this camp that I truly treasured was the opportunity to engage with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Through everyday conversations with them, I discovered intriguing disparities in our ways of thinking and our value systems. Exploring their perspectives on global issues proved to be particularly interesting. While there were instances where we shared similar viewpoints, often our opinions diverged or differed significantly. But I believe exposure to contrasting perspectives on different topics is crucial for personal growth. By actively listening to and engaging with diverse perspectives, we challenge our own preconceived notions and broaden our understanding of the world. This ability to consider multiple sides of an issue is invaluable, especially in a world where information and news often come through the filter of social media or biased news outlets.

My experience at the Boston University summer challenge program was a transformative journey filled with personal growth, cultural exchange, and valuable connections. I am forever grateful for this opportunity to go to this camp, and I am confident that the experiences and lessons I learned will continue to shape my personal and intellectual journey in the future. Despite my initial anxiety and fear, I quickly adapted to the camp and formed meaningful connections and memorable moments with people that will most likely last forever.

Images: Justin Lau, Pexels

My name is Angelina Anh Laute, a Grade 10 student at the Western Academy of Beijing. I am American with Vietnamese-German heritage, but I was born in Beijing and have lived here all my life. I am a drummer in a band with my best friends at school and have been a Taekwondo practitioner for the past five years.                                                 

Can you briefly tell us about the Peachy Run project and how it led to your current internship at the children’s home Dew Drops?

For my WAB Personal Project, I organized a community charity event, Peachy Charity Run & Brunch, dedicated to raising funds for a five-year-old orphan called Ping who suffers from a rare genetic skin disease (epidermolysis bullosa, or EB). I wanted to raise RMB 10,000 for one month of specialized care. Through social media campaigns, posters, and talks around my school, [as well as through]community outreach and local media, over 50 people attended the charity run and over 100 people donated locally and internationally, raising RMB 28,068.65 – almost triple my initial goal. My family has visited Ping at Dew Drops, a home for medically compromised children, for ten years. When my classmates and I had to choose an area of work for the World of Work one-week internship program, I thought of Dew Drops’ inspiring leaders and children and knew I wanted to work with them.

What motivated you to start the Peachy Run and raise funds for Ping?
My family started the project. Since I was a little girl, I’ve seen my mom help our Beijing community. I first saw this when I played with orphans in the dental office waiting room while my mom and her doctors gave free dental care to needy children. In high school, my brother started the Peachy Run. I wanted to help my community after watching my family work.

I realized that only a cause I care about and connect with would motivate me to finish my charity run. Ping came to mind. Two years ago, his patience, strength, and resilience inspired me. I understand Ping’s discomfort, insecurity, and physical pain because my brother had skin issues as a child. To prevent infections, his caregivers apply ointment and bandages daily. I always see him smiling. I wanted to give back after he inspired me.

Could you describe your experiences during the Peachy Run and the impact it had on Ping’s life?
During the project, strangers approached me at school and on social media. They told me my project inspired them. The best feeling is seeing so many people passionate about something I love. The power of community was shown by people working together for a common goal. The Peachy Run & Brunch will provide Ping with specialized care for over four months, including bandaging materials (4,000 rolls of gauze and 100 boxes of petroleum gauze), food, and 24/7 loving caregivers.

What made you decide to pursue an internship at the children’s home after the Peachy Run? How has your time at the home been so far, and what have you learned from the experience?
After my Peachy Run, I wanted to learn how I could continue to make my altruistic actions more effective and have a larger impact, and I knew Dew Drops and their team of strong and compassionate women would help me do that. In addition, I especially looked forward to the daily interactions with the children and the rewarding experience it would bring. My time at Dew Drops has made me understand the operational processes of a successful nonprofit organization. Every day, the women there must adapt to the constant changes in their work, with new children entering their programs and finding new innovative ways to spread their message to a wider audience. No matter how challenging work can get, they always have the safety and happiness of their children as the number one priority.

Can you share a specific moment or story from this week’s internship that has had a profound impact on you? How has this experience influenced your perspective on helping others and making a difference?One day I came to work with two braids and a little girl said she loved them and wished she could have them too. We sat on the ground and I braided her hair. We sang along to songs on her toy radio, she showed me her favorite puzzle. She explained her favorite colors and flowers, and I read her the Ugly Duckling while she turned the pages. While braiding her hair, we shared an intimacy like my mom and I. I assumed someone would braid my hair and read me picture books. Family’s smallest details create lasting memories. I’m glad I could give the little girl those small moments, as I had them when I was younger.

（Official WeChat account of the children’s home）

Images: Courtesy of Angelina Anh Laute