Unlike other ‘Haidian moms’, I want nothing but happiness, health and independent opinion for my child. West Beijing has been short of good international good international education options. My husband and I were even considering of moving to Shunyi, until we heard the opening of BIBS Haidian Academy. Decision was made after a few school visits.

Let’s talk about what moved us.

After a brief introduction of the school curriculum, we were taken on a campus tour. The classrooms, student uniform and their creative works on display attracted us immediately. There were smiles on students’ and teachers’ faces in every classroom we looked at. And we ran into the young principal Caleb, who warmly received us and introduced his campus and his education philosophy. The visit was impressive and pleasant for both me and m husband.

As we all know, teacher quality and training standards make a good school. A good teacher makes change to students’ life. The second visit was to introduce my daughter to her future homeroom teacher Mrs. Charmaine. They became friends right away! From learning to interests, they had so much in common. It was a nice surprise to me and I’d like to think my daughter fell in love with her new school on that day.

About curriculum, I’m a strong believer of the IB inquiry-based spirit and critical thinking. Themed inquiry encourages holistic development, risk taking and reflection, and help students with creative thinking and self-consciousness. My husband and I agree that these are qualities my daughter will need for her future academic career and life.

In conclusion, BIBS Haidian Academy was the school my husband and I trust, and the school my Cherry longs for.

In public schools it was always about finishing homework and reports during the weekends. But in BIBS, teachers talk about projects to be inquired and researched together. Teamwork requires leadership with communication and coordination skills, such as distributing duties and integrating results etc. My daughter and her classmates were always excited to finish their homework as projects. Looking at their devoted research and discussion, I know the little seeds of teamwork spirit and group efforts have already been planted.

It was a good thing for our family to. Now Cherry hosts a family meeting every Friday to discuss our weekly learning, working and life plans. We share interesting stories and re-think what could have been done better. This is the education we want for our daughter, that she gets to learn about life itself and feel the true love and grow-up.

Cherry has developed so many new ideas since she started with BIBS. One day she came home and told me she wanted to re-do her room and she already had some ideas after discussing with Mrs. Charmaine. Of course I was supportive. We went shopping during the weekend and didn’t disturb Cherry for two days while she kept herself busy in her room with music on. And it turned out surprisingly good. We even made a short video and shared it with our friends. Our compliments gave Cherry a lot of confidence too.

Many parents tend to do everything for their children. I think we have to let go cerntain things and allow our children to make decision for themselves. They can only gain the ability to manage their own life when their decisions are respected and self-awarenesses are encouraged.

During the virus outbreak, from installing Zoom to finish homework on Seesaw, Cherry took care of her own studying. I’m very grateful for the guidance and support Cherry has received from her BIBS teachers.