WISS | Educating For A Better Future

Feb 10, 2023

Doing and experiencing are key components of meaningful learning. Indeed, our learning process should go far beyond the frontiers of the classroom. As learners, we can demonstrate a personal commitment to service and act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and to the environment.

5 Steps For Finding A Best-Fit International School

Feb 9, 2023

The international school experience is an exciting and excellent opportunity for students to form new and diverse friendships, explore new challenges, and participate in various sports and co-curricular activities.

But for your child to have these experiences, you must first find the right school.

When applying to most international schools, the skills of prospective students are evaluated, and their experiences are considered. This process often includes student placement assessments and interviews with admissions and academic leadership.

However, applying doesn't need to be stressful. We suggest you take your time to find the best fit and consider your child's specific needs as part of the process.

At the Western International School of Shanghai, we understand that one of the biggest challenges parents face is choosing the best-fit school for their child. To assist parents with this important process, we share five expert steps and tips to help you get the most out of your search for that best-fit school.

The Importance of Fostering Creativity in Young Learners

Jan 18, 2023

Research informs us as educators that creativity within curriculums enhances intellect, metacognition, creative, independent thinking, and innovation, skills essential to the future of our children and society. At the Western International School of Shanghai (WISS), we believe that every child is an individual with unique talents. As part of the WISS Education, we aspire to empower students to unlock their talents and reach their potential as creative thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers.

Students Showcase Creative Arts Talents

Jan 13, 2023

At the Western International School of Shanghai (WISS), Arts form an essential part of our balanced international curriculum.

The WISS curriculum is built on four pillars: Academics, Sports, Arts, and Community Service. We provide students with the opportunities to explore the elements of being successful artists and learners of the arts. Learning through Arts is fundamental to the development of the whole child and nurtures students to think creatively and critically, explore the unfamiliar, innovate, and experiment.

International Mindedness in the PYP

Dec 15, 2022

Creating a culture of international mindedness at WISS not only supports the school’s mission and vision but also allows our students to connect to the global community, to learn from others and to develop their global citizenship.

Developing attributes of the Learner Profile, such as being Open-minded, Principled and Caring, plays an important role in expanding our understanding of international mindedness. Students in Early Years and Primary learn to show respect and tolerance towards others by acknowledging the feelings and opinions of others and sharing their own feelings and ideas with their peers. They learn to be open-minded and empathetic by including others in their games, treating others with dignity and consideration, especially if they speak a different language or come from a different cultural background. They also demonstrate international mindedness by acting with integrity, for example making new students feel welcome, and actively sharing their cultural traditions, stories and beliefs.

WISS Career-Related Programme

Dec 15, 2022

A vital element of the Career-related Programme is the study of Personal and Professional Skills. Students acquire skills that support learning, life, and work over the two-year course, covering five main subjects: Applied Ethics, Intercultural Understanding, Personal Development, Effective Communication, and Thinking Processes.

Applied Ethics is the application of ethics to real-world problems and attempts to answer the question of how people should act in specific situations. While studying Applied Ethics as part of the Personal and Professional Skills Programme, students will analyze, discuss and debate ethical dilemmas in general life, progressing to dilemmas more specific to the workplace and their career-related studies.

Exploring Internal Assessments

Dec 9, 2022

Life for students at the Western International School of Shanghai who are part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is about to get busy. What students undergo academically demands a healthy respect in the best of times; however, for graduating students, the context is even more impressive. Undoubtedly, general lockdowns and COVID protection policies have increased the challenge for everyone.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Dec 2, 2022

Activity-based inquiry is foundational to students' academic, social, physical, and emotional development. Through hands-on, inquiry-based learning, students develop their knowledge of the world, communication, critical thinking, and self-management skills. Activity-based inquiry at the Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) helps our students explore social interactions with people and the natural world in a safe and enjoyable environment.  