Dr. Marc Coleman, Two Ph.D. from MIT and UCLA, a 23-years education veteran, has now joined the Changying Campus of BIBS, responsible for MSHS teaching management.
Today, Principal Marc is invited to explain the middle and high school curriculum of Changying Campus for us. At the same time, Principal Marc will also start from his own experience, talk about his insight and understanding about international education suitable for Chinese families, and being the father of two Ph.D. daughters, share with us his secret in home education.
Foreign Principal, BIBS Changying Campus
Marc Coleman Ph.D.
➤ Two Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of California Los Angeles
➤ 23 years of experience in education, worked in Asia, Africa and America
➤ Masters English, Studied Latin which includes French, German, Spanish, Italian
➤ Cambridge Course and IBO examiner
➤ CIS and COBIS Authentication officer
Years of experiences and education ideal
Principal Marc’s education ideal came from his unique education background.
Following his father who served as British deputy ambassador to the United States, Marc went to international schools in Hong Kong, the United States, and Japan.
After receiving his first degree in biochemistry, Marc also got a doctorate in management at MIT and a doctorate in education at UCLA.
Having lived and studied in multiple countries has provided Marc with deeper understanding on international curriculum, and has enhanced his passion to pursue the international education business.
Marc used to be international school principals in Thailand, Zambia, Egypt, HKSAR and several mainland Chinese cities, and has established a British government-funded international school in Mexico.
IBO examiner, CIS and COBIS authentication officer.
As of today, Marc has spent the last 6 years in China out of his 23 years in the international education business.
Chinese families should pay attention to the following aspects in international education：
Marc has given 3 pieces of advice based on his 6 years’ experience in China:
Many Chinese families see being admitted by a world top university as their ultimate goals. But studies suggest that 41% of Chinese students cannot adapt to their first year in Ivy League Schools. Compare to going to top universities, schools and families should also focus on students’ comprehensive capabilities. After all, education is the course, not the goal.
For many Chinese students switching from public schools to international education, they must learn to escape the shackles of standard answers. Marc once saw an English test question in China with four options, none of which complied with the rules of native English. Learning to ask questions is more important than memorizing standard answers.
In today's ever-changing world, the rise of new technologies such as AI is reshaping careers. No one can predict the future, but the future is destined to be different from today. Compared with knowledge and skills, a person's "soft skills" such as self-confidence, communication, empathy and creativity will help a student better adapt to and be competent for the future.
Professional teachers, personalized courses and parent-school collaboration
Marc’ impression of Changying campus is one of a highly organized team of teachers giving world class education to our students. This is based on the highest level of educational standards using the very best curriculums, that have been proven to deliver excellent results.
As a school we can build a programme around student’s specific needs. Starting from a foundation of core subjects, it is easy to add breadth and cross-curricular perspectives. Encouraging learners to engage with a variety of subjects, and make connections between them, is fundamental to BIBS approach.
The campus has a very active Parent Teachers Association, enabling the best consultation between our parents, the teachers, and the Heads of School, this includes not only academic consultation, but community events which benefit not only the school but the BIBS community.
MSHS Curriculum Programme at BIBS Changying Campus: IGCSE, AS, A- Level
This year BIBS Changying Campus has started its middle school. Principal Marc will introduce its curriculum programme.
The middle school curriculum is based on Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE and AS/A levels. Cambridge Lower Secondary, can provide a broad and balanced education for students, helping them to thrive throughout their schooling, work and life.
We have opened IGCSE curriculum for G9-G10 students. With 10 subjects to choose from, including English, mathematics and science, they will find plenty of opportunities to develop creativity, expression and wellbeing in a variety of ways. The Cambridge IGCSE curriculum offers a variety of routes for learners with a wide range of abilities, including those whose first language is not English.
Between IGCSE and A-Level, we also offer AS curriculum. AS Level contains half the content of the corresponding A Level and is normally completed in one year. This allows for flexibility, as learners can complete AS Levels as qualifications in their own right.
A-Level curriculum has the most similarity to the Chinese examination concept, which makes it a lot easier for students who have just transferred to the Changying Campus from public schools.
Student can choose three or four subjects during G11-G12. A-Level is the ‘gold standard’ of Cambridge, and can act as entry qualifications by universities of the UK, USA, European Union and elsewhere around the world.
What’s Marc’s secret in family education with 2 Ph.D. daughters?
Marc is not only an outstanding education expert, but also a successful father.
He has three daughters: the oldest has an M.D. from Yale University, the second has a Ph.D. in psychology from Oxford University, and the third is about to start with BIBS this year.
When asked about the secret of success in homeschooling, Marc shared his three lessons:
The first is companionship and support: No matter how busy he is at work, Marc always puts time with his children at the top of his list. He supports the children's every choice, both materially and spiritually, making the family a strong backing for their growth.
The second is questions and guidance: Every day, he will ask the children a lot of questions, ask them about their day's life, ask them about their difficulties and gains; He is good at asking enlightening questions, gradually deepening them, leading them to think.
The third is demonstration and challenge: Marc provides a model for the children with his excellent academic ability, and he also stimulates the children's interest in learning through challenges, such as when his second daughter is writing a psychology paper, he asks her to explain the core points of the paper to him in a language that non-professionals can understand.
Whether as a teacher or a father, Marc is undoubtedly a successful educator. From Marc, we have deeply felt the wisdom and charm of education. I look forward to him working with the leaders and educators of BIBS to build Changying Campus into another example of quality international education.
