Empowering Growth, Co-creating the Future: A Wonderful Review of Primary to Middle School Transition Series Courses at SUIS Qingpu

SUIS Qingpu, as a K-12 school, consistently adheres to the philosophy of integrated education, placing particular emphasis on seamless transitions and comprehensive development at every stage of a student’s learning journey. The school has specially designed a series of transition courses for fifth graders throughout the academic year, aimed at helping students smoothly bridge the gap between Primary and Middle School, so they can easily integrate into Middle School life.

Starting from September 2024, the fifth-grade transition series courses officially began. Through tiered after-school transition courses, the school has been providing precise support for students’ academic growth. Additionally, the school has organized activities such as parent tea gatherings and course presentations to help parents fully understand the Middle School curriculum design and progression planning. Using both an academic perspective and measures concerned with the students’ well-being, the school lays a solid foundation for the students’ smooth transition.

Home-School Collaboration:

Course Presentations Build Communication Bridges

During the Primary to Middle School transition series of activities, the school organised two parent presentations about the curriculum system, both of which were fully attended and had a lively atmosphere. At the first presentation for the Pioneer Class curriculum, Assistant Principal Ms Rinna Ruan from the Middle School, along with the teaching team, provided an in-depth explanation of the innovative teaching model of ‘project-based learning + interdisciplinary integration’ using vivid case videos and detailed curriculum maps. Parents felt as if they were experiencing it firsthand, truly sensing the unique charm of cognitive expansion during the middle school phase, as well as gaining a clearer understanding of their children’s future learning direction.

The subsequent presentation for the Cambridge Class was equally impressive. Mr Andrew Watt and Ms Freya Lin, Co-Deputy Heads of the Middle School, provided a deep analysis of the dual-helix cultivation system of ‘language proficiency + academic literacy’ during the middle school phase. Their presentation comprehensively showcased the diverse development possibilities of international education and helped parents to broaden their perspectives on international education.

Course Experience:

Immersively Sensing Your Future Self

On the Middle School curriculum experience day, fifth-grade students acted as ‘Middle School Experience Officers,’ participating in a wide array of courses, including: Craft and Design, Cambridge English, Geography, Physics and Chemistry, French, iPad Photography, Cambridge Technology and Computer Science. The class was focused on student exploration and afterwards the pupils continued to engage in discussions about what they had experienced. In the course feedback form, a student excitedly wrote, ‘I never expected the middle school design and craft class would allow us to use a 3D printer to print our own design projects! I can’t wait to start Middle School life!’ This kind of course experience not only allowed the children to experience the engaging nature of middle school courses but also sparked a positive anticipation for their learning.

Peer Guidance:

Seniors Providing Answers and Sharing the Power of Growth

Students from the Middle School student council visited fifth-grade classes. They acted as ‘Growth Mentors’ and engaged in insightful exchanges with their younger peers. Through engaging sessions such as ‘Listen to me’ and ‘Ask me’ the senior students generously shared their insights about the reality of Middle School life. They also provided valuable tips for choosing clubs, as well as some experiences that have helped to develop their own emotional regulation. The atmosphere was relaxed and lively, filled with laughter and joy. Many students excitedly expressed, ‘I never realized Middle School life could be so rich and colourful. It is even more exciting than I imagined!’ The peer-to-peer interaction and guidance helped to inject greater motivation for our Primary School children.

Boarding Experience:

Sensing the Rhythm of Middle School Life in Advance

The Primary to Middle School boarding experience showed students what boarding life is like. It also provided an important opportunity for students to develop their independence. On the day of the experience, the children entered the school cafeteria and enjoyed a meal together. They then participated in an evening study session, getting a head start on adapting to the pace of Middle School learning. The dormitory supervisors provided a detailed talk about life as a boarder, allowing the students to better understand what this would be like. The most anticipated event was the boarding assembly focusing on the house system, where they faced individual and team challenges. It was a great opportunity to make new friends and develop their communication skills.

The series of transition courses were shared with all fifth-grade student families. Many parents left messages expressing their gratitude and recognition: “The school has considered everything from curriculum structure to psychological adjustment, with a long-term and meticulous approach. This warm and profound transition journey not only alleviated parents’ educational anxieties but also planted the seed of proactive growth in the hearts of the children.” As educator Manabu Sato said, “A good educational transition is not about building a single plank bridge but weaving a growth network.” SUIS Qingpu is carefully weaving more educational nodes on this network through innovative practices, helping every child find the best path to their future.