Hayley, Year 10, Century Park Campus

As many people in Shanghai know, YCIS Shanghai Century Park Campus is a small but closely connected school community. Students, parents and teachers alike come from various cultures and backgrounds, so there is a truly international atmosphere. There are countless opportunities for students to socialise with each other, such as during homeroom (right before the start of school), during class discussions, and during lunch periods. These opportunities allow students to learn about their peers’ different experiences, as well as develop their social skills.

In YCIS, we have a YCIS Learner Profile, derived from the International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile, where each month there is a new learner profile trait (e.g., risk-taker, balanced, thinker, etc.) in which students are encouraged to be involved. Awards are presented at the end of the month to recognise students who have performed outstandingly in that area. By initiating the Learner Profile, students can take risks by speaking up during class and stepping out of their comfort zone where they may normally be shy and remain quiet, try to balance their different subjects and activities so they are able to gain a holistic education, and think in depth about different topics in broaden their knowledge.

Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) are after school activities which offer many different types of pursuits (our school offers over 70!) for students to participate in. Activities range from CISSA and SISAC sports to Performing Arts to Design and Tech… the possibilities are endless! I’ve joined in various CCAs such as music and debate, and I enjoy them very much because they allow me to develop new skills, meet new people by socialising with them, and to develop my character as a student and individual.