“The sky is blue, waiting for the rain, and I’m waiting for you…” The song kicked off our Middle School’s end-of-year Closing Ceremony, held on a leisurely summer day, with lush green shade, a fragrant lotus breeze, and clear bamboo dew. Such a beautiful summer day not only brought the sadness of parting but also the gains from growth. On June 30, all Middle School teachers and students gathered in the Theatre, where a book of memories entitled, “Walking Through Spring and Summer Towards Maturity”, was slowly opening…
Preface: Interest can accompany the long years
The colourful and jumping binary characters, each sleeping in a pile of paper, are filled with infinite power and charm in the eyes of our Grade 6 students. Interest is the driving force for growth and the nourishment of life.
Student Yifeng, from Class 6C, shared his journey of interest in computer programming, from contemplating the functionality of a small game, to studying Python and C++ programming language courses, and finally winning 1st Prize in the Oxford University Programming Competition (OUPC). The journey has already seen its glory, and his interest will still accompany the long journey of exploration.
“Sitting idly at a small window reading the Book of Changes, I don’t know how long it has been since spring has passed.” It is easy to describe student Jacob from Class 6E. “The Ordinary World”, “Me and the Temple of Earth” and “The Things of the Ming Dynasty” are all from his beloved and precious collection of books. The inclusive and open learning environment of the school and the relaxed and democratic reading atmosphere of his family allow him to immerse himself in the sea of books and wander freely. Of course, in addition to reading, he has also developed multiple interests such as sports, Lego, speeches, and debates. Perhaps people who love reading are more likely to perceive the various beauties in life, are they not?
Chapter: Books go hand-in-hand with the world
“It’s better to walk in nature for a day than having a hundred aesthetic classes; it’s better to touch several ancient cities than teach architectural design for a hundred hours; it’s better to get your clothes dirty in a market than learning the skills of literary writing a hundred times.” Several students from Grade 7 shared their feelings and accomplishments in an interdisciplinary project from this semester.
After leaving their classrooms and the campus, they soon arrived at the Shanghai Convention Center and Global Hub, where they conducted on-site inspections and experienced firsthand the cultural development of China and its trade exchanges with the world. Each piece of traditional Chinese art was a rich heritage inherited from Chinese history, showcasing the different artistic styles of a thousand-year-old ancient country. The various venues with their diverse styles were witness to the open mind of contemporary China and reflected the firm confidence of the great rejuvenation of China.
Having walked out of their classrooms, they came to vividly understand that the knowledge they experienced was different from that gained from a textbook. Their innovative learning methods stimulated active thinking, willingness to explore, and the courage to challenge. They integrated communication, cooperation, exploration, and refinement in team life and practice. Learning is not just about the classroom. This way of learning is more profound and lively than travelling and books. It is a classroom for walking, a journey to broaden one’s horizons, and a journey to improve one’s quality.
Epilogue: The more you love, the more focused you are
The Red Scarf medal, the Learning Star, the new Communist Youth League member, and the Student Union… these are the silhouettes of young people striving, the attitude of youth looking upward. The big ‘book of memories’ slowly opens, the scroll of life slowly unfolds and grows along with time, from green and immature to mature and steady, and the brilliance of youth remains to be continued.