“Tracing the footprints of the East, exploring the legends of Asia” — the Intercontinental Carnival has come to a graceful end. Through a month-long interdisciplinary exploration, primary school students have deepened their understanding and appreciation of Asia’s diverse cultures and traditions. On 6 December, dressed in attire adorned with Asian elements, the faculty and students of SUIS Qingpu Campus enthusiastically celebrated the grand finale of the carnival.
MUSIC
The Asian carnival was particularly significant for the musical education of our students, as they enriched themselves by experiencing the diverse melodies and rhythms of various regions across the Asian continent. The distant and nostalgic melodies of Tibet blended seamlessly with the vibrant tropical rhythms of the Philippines, while the gentle sounds of Korea contrasted with the lively progressions of Saudi Arabia. The event was a magnificent feast of culture, rhythms, expression, and movement. Through dances, songs, poses, and formations, the students internalised and deeply appreciated the vast richness of various Asian cultures. They compared, analysed, valued, and discovered new aspects of the cultural expressions of Asian countries. Additionally, these activities and performances on stage fostered a sense of security, creativity, and self-confidence in the students, while also promoting values of fraternity, teamwork, and responsibility.
English
Under the guidance of their Chinese language teachers, students embarked on unique cultural journeys, exploring Southeast Asian cuisine, creating playful Asian-inspired poems, delving into the beauty of Asian poetry, and entering the mythical world of The Classic of Mountains and Seas. They researched West Asian scripts, history, culture, literature, poetry, and folklore. The “Little Chefs” crafted pinyin newsletters and culinary videos, offering a glimpse into their love and unique perspectives on Southeast Asian food. The “Little Poets” used their imagination to blend colourful stickers into whimsical creations. The “Little Storytellers” read and explored texts, creating beast encyclopedias, adapting The Classic of Mountains and Seas, reinterpreting One Thousand and One Nights, and organising poetry recitals and folk story art exhibits. Through these activities, their language skills blossomed like spring flowers.
Math classes provided a fresh perspective on Asian culture, as students explored Asian architecture, flags, cuisine, and traditional paper cutting art. These activities showcased math’s practical applications in geometry, proportion, and symmetry while fostering creativity and problem-solving in a multicultural context. By integrating Asian elements with math, students not only understood math concepts better but also gained respect for different cultures.
PE
Students were fully immersed in the rich tapestry of Asian culture during the Asian Carnival by engaging in a variety of sports such as martial arts, badminton, table tennis, and orienteering. Martial arts, a prominent gem of traditional Chinese culture, offered them a fascinating and profound experience of the unique mystique of Eastern traditions. Both badminton and table tennis, immensely popular across Asia, not only promoted physical fitness but also provided the thrill of friendly competition. Orienteering challenged their sense of direction, increased their physical endurance, and enhanced their adaptability, adding another dimension to their participation in the event. Consequently, students had the opportunity to truly appreciate the allure and essence of the sports celebrated in the Asian Carnival.
ART
During the incredible journey of art exploration intertwined with multiculturalism, students from all academic levels unleashed their creativity and fully displayed their artistic talents. The youngest primary school students embarked on an adventure to discover Southeast Asian culture, capturing the magnificence of the Rafflesia in Sumatra, Indonesia, and the distinctive allure of the water festival in Pattaya, Thailand, through their artistic creations. They ventured further into South Asia, immersing themselves in the enigmatic art of India and the enchanting landscapes of the Maldives, painting Mehndi as a symbol of happiness, eagerly setting up stalls selling Indian pancakes, and masterfully recreating the breathtaking vistas of Maldivian beaches. Meanwhile, the older primary school students delved into the significance of East Asian lacquerware, meticulously studying its history and evolution, and demonstrated their exceptional abilities in the “Science-Art Interdisciplinary Cooperation Project: Roller Coaster,” seamlessly blending knowledge with practical skills. The eldest primary school students, not to be outdone, embarked on a stroll along the ancient Silk Road, skillfully employing paper-cutting techniques to vividly depict the characteristics of this historic trade route, and then journeyed freely through Western Asia, carefully interpreting the rich meanings behind Chinese opera makeup, attentively exploring the mysteries of Middle Eastern geometric patterns, and fully embracing the fusion of diverse cultures. In the end, all students reaped a wealth of artistic accomplishments, collectively drawing a perfect conclusion to this extraordinary and enriching artistic journey.
STEAM
In STEAM lessons, students explored Asia through various projects. First graders initiated an investigation into weather patterns, discovering the climatic diversity across Asia and cultivating an appreciation for nature’s varied beauty. Second graders dove into the realm of human physiology, unraveling the mysteries of life sciences and exploring the unique health characteristics of Asian populations. Third graders engaged in a “roller coaster” project, through which they grasped fundamental principles of physics in a fun and engaging manner. Fourth graders constructed lighthouse models inspired by the geographical features of Asian coastlines, skillfully integrating geographical knowledge with scientific practices. Fifth graders, inspired by China’s remarkable advancements in the space industry, looked to the future and envisioned lunar bases, embodying Asia’s pioneering spirit in aerospace exploration. This event not only equipped students with a wealth of interdisciplinary knowledge and skills but also encouraged a comprehensive exploration of Asia’s rich scientific resources and cultural charm. It inculcated a genuine appreciation for the diversity and depth of Asian cultures while igniting a passionate enthusiasm for both scientific inquiry and Asia’s vibrant heritage.
The 6th Intercontinental Carnival at SUIS Qingpu Campus has drawn to a successful close, marking the end of a vibrant month-long journey that has not only broadened students’ horizons but also ushered-in significant personal growth. As they embark on their future educational and life endeavours, enriched with invaluable knowledge and cherished memories, the students will carry forward the wisdom gained during this extraordinary event. This colourful and meaningful chapter in their learning journey has left a lasting impact, and we eagerly anticipate the next installment of the Intercontinental Carnival, knowing it will continue to write remarkable pages in their adventure of discovery and growth.
