On 1 April 2023, Ardingly College Zhongshan (ACZS)'s first Education Seminar was held at Le Meridien Zhongshan. With the theme of ‘Integrating the Essence of East and West to Enlighten Global Thinking’, education experts such as Mr. Wang Dianjun, National Educational Inspector, Director of the Institute of Education, Tsinghua University and former Principal of Tsinghua University High School, and Mr. Simon Huang, Chairman of ACZS, were invited to the stage to share their ideas about the possibilities of international education in China in the new era.As a future school, Ardingly College Zhongshan is proud to carry on the educational genes of Ardingly College, UK, one of the top 10 IB co-ed schools in the world. We are proud to deliver a high-end private bilingual school offering a 15-year consistent educational pathway for families in Zhongshan and the Greater Bay Area.
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The event attracted more than 500 parents, and a number of media outlets, including Zhongshan TV and Zhongshan Daily, who covered the event in anticipation and excitement at the prospect of a new outstanding education leader in the Greater Bay Arear
'China must break the traditional education model, which is centred on the transmission of knowledge, and develop students' innovative and creative abilities to provide them with a future-oriented education.' As an acclaimed educator who has driven innovation in China's basic education, Mr. Wang Dianjun was the first guest to appear at the seminar.
Combining his many years in education and his deep understanding of the future of education, Mr. Wang Dianjun not only gave us an inspiring speech, but he also shared his high regard for the educational philosophy of ACZS, which blends the best of Eastern and the Western approaches and pedagogies, and gave him high hopes for its future development: "I am very much looking forward to and optimistic about the future of ACZS, and I will do my best to give my attention, care, and support to the future development of this school!"
To create a first-class school with holistic education at its core, one needs not only to invest great effort in teachers, curriculum and the environment, but also cultivating an excellent educational philosophy and unique campus culture. The school council will play a vital role in this process. At ACZS, we have formed a school council with a visionary outlook and a fusion of Chinese and Western cultures, ideas, and approaches, with members from Fortune 500 companies and top universities from around the world.
'What does the future era look like? Where is the ultimate destination of education?' As a member of the Board of Governors and one of SOHU Education’s 2022 influential educational figures, Mr. Simon Huang took to the stage with two thought-provoking educational propositions. Mr. Simon Huang, who has a strong understanding of international education and a proven track record in running schools, presented his insights on education through real-life examples of past students.
Mr. Simon Huang said, 'The knowledge needed in the future is uncertain, but the abilities and competency needed in the future are predictable. ACZS will take the essence of the history of the development of Chinese and Western cultures, and through the unique resources of science and technology innovation, support our students in becoming global citizens who possess profound Chinese culture and national identity with the ability to understand and respect other cultures, and through positive aspirations become creators of the future world.'
The event was officially launched with the appearance of Dr. Colby, International Head of Lower School, and Ms. Lisa Ding, Deputy Head (Academics) of Primary School, sharing the different directions of education at ACZS.
As core members of the Primary stage, these two education experts brought the detailed sharing that Zhongshan parents have been waiting for, which included core values, nurturing directions, special highlights, teacher recruitment and requirements and year round teacher training.
Dr. Colby said, 'For primary school, we plan to integrate the core elements and content of the National Curriculum, taught in an inquiry-approach, with personalised and nurturing support to provide students with an innovative East-meets-West education that supports children's learning and growth with the principles of 'excellence'. We are also committed to guiding our children to apply what they have learnt to real life situations, so that they can explore the mysteries of the world and find out the true meaning of knowledge on their way to higher education!'
'Parents generally consider middle school an 'academic watershed time' for their children. But at ACZS, our unique model of the 'A+B+Dual-Track' will cater to students who may have different plans for their further education and development. We aim to create a learner-centred educational environment with personalised teaching and guidance to ensure that their potential and interests are fully respected and explored.'
Ms. Jiang Fang, Academic Head of Middle School at ACZS, has 33 years of front-line teaching experience. During her past tenure as Deputy Head of No.1 Middle School of Zhongshan in Guangdong Province, she led the Middle School to produce excellent results in the secondary school examinations one after another. Ms. Jiang Fang's appearance also gave parents a shot in the arm, and her educational philosophy of "adhering to literacy orientation, strengthening subject practice, promoting integrated learning, and implementing teaching according to the needs of the students", based on the new curriculum, won the applause of the audience.
'Ardingly College is one of the UK's most prestigious private schools, achieving outstanding results through high quality education, a comprehensive student care system, enrichment activities and a holistic approach to education, with 100% of its graduates gaining admission to their first or second choice school.'
As the grand finale of the event, Mr. Nick Nightingale, International Head of School at ACZS, and Ms. Linda Guo, Head of Year 10 and English Teacher, took to the stage to showcase ACZS's 100-year heritage of strong academics and technological innovation.
Mr. Nick Nightingale shared, 'At the heart of our international pathway is the opportunity for students to always have a choice. A student-centred, inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning, personalised guidance services, and a diverse range of A-level, AP, and HKDSE options are all part of the pathway options students have available to them and which will provide a solid foundation to help students gain access to the world’s top universities at home and abroad!'
With the closing of the Education Seminar, the future education map of Ardingly College Zhongshan's 15-year consistent education pathway was presented one by one. With the unique educational philosophy of ‘Integrating the Essence of East and West to Enlighten Global Thinking’ and a profound understanding that the future will be increasingly informative and intelligent in the new era, ACZS will actively work together with many top educational resources to provide more possibilities for the elite families in the Greater Bay Area and contribute to the innovation and development of international education in China.
ACZS’s next Education Seminar will start soon. If you share the same educational philosophy as us or are interested in international education, please click on the QR code below to register! The entire School Leadership Team will be there to share further school philosophy and information about our school's future, our 15-year pathway and more. We look forward to seeing you there!
