In our last article, our first greetings from Ardingly College, UK was presented to our parents and children, and we will continue to share our strategic aim of partnership and the unique 15-year educational journey we have crafted for our students.
* The Following is Shared by ACUK
THE AMAZING EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY PROVIDED BY US
The strategic aim of the partnership is to provide the best possible Bilingual Education to pupils in China. To achieve this, ACZS and ACUK have developed a strong and trusting relationship based on a shared educational culture, which is based on five fundamental principles:
1、A Chinese School with an English Specialism
Ardingly College Zhongshan is distinctively Chinese in its culture and educational purpose; however, this is seamlessly integrated with our International Programmes and courses. We hope our students are firmly rooted in their Chinese culture and identity with an eye towards an international future.
2、Bridging Cultural Differences
The ways in which schools are run and decisions are made can vary significantly between schools and cultures. At all times, we seek to understand these differences and work together to find a similarity and fusion of management styles and education. To support this, the skill of listening is prized above the skill of talking and encapsulated in the phrase 'two ears, one mouth'.
3、High Aspiration and Continuous Improvement
To meet the high expectations of our parents, a culture of aspiration and constant improvement is built into school management. Time, resources and encouragement is given to enable teachers to become better teachers, students to become better students and managers to become better managers.
4、One School, One Success
Staff and management form one body and are not divided into Chinese and foreign teaching staff. All teaching staff share the same aims, identity and structure in working towards the school mission. Respect for differences, Collaboration, and one shared purpose will ensure that the School maintains a collaborative ethos in all positions.
5、Sharing Teaching Cultures
Foreign teachers must know and appreciate Chinese education policy, culture, curriculum and student learning styles and work collaboratively with Chinese teachers. Similarly, Chinese teachers must seek to learn and appreciate the teaching styles of foreign teachers. In addition, the core Chinese compulsory curriculum integrated with the international programme requires knowledge from all stakeholders and a collaborative approach to teaching in order to ensure organic integration and complete alignment.
A Journey Through K-12 Curriculum at ACUK
Our Pre-Nursery starts at age 2 and students follow the EYFS curriculum which is very similar to the IB PYP, in that it is based around thematic topics which bring together all aspects of the curriculum in an engaging and child focused way. Students then follow the Ardingly curriculum up to Yr 9 (Chinese G8), which is drawn from the UK National Curriculum but interpreted in our own way. Like the Chinese national curriculum it is broad and balanced across academic disciplines. Students then take IGCSEs for two years before either choosing A Levels, IB Diploma or BTEC in years 12 and 13 (G11-12). There is a strong pastoral care and extra-curricular system throughout the school and student well-being and holistic development is supported through the tutorial and house system, and is of central importance to the Ardingly student journey.
A Journey Through K-12 Curriculum at ACZS
Ardingly College Zhongshan provides a Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, and Dual-path Senior High School with day or boarding provisions. Ardingly College Zhongshan(Kindergarten) will be an IB PYP school, the Primary and Middle School will have the National Curriculum as its core and will integrate inquiry-based teaching methods to provide a solid foundation for multiple tracks in future. The International High School integrated the highest standards of Ardingly College, UK as its cornerstone, with plans to provide students with three pathways of A-Level, AP and HKDSE. Ardingly College Zhongshan(Kindergarten) officially opened in the autumn of 2022.
We are also excited to share with you that a core team from Ardingly College, UK will have a visit to us in September. And we look forward to seeing you on our brand new campus with similar educational aspirations!
