YCIS Beijing's school campus Photo: Courtesy of YCIS Beijing

This newly-begun 2015-16 school year marks the 20th anniversary of one of Beijing's oldest international schools for foreign nationals, Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing). The school has evolved greatly in both student body and campus size, starting with a mere handful of students in what is now building H to the current student body of over 750 that now occupies six buildings. While the campus has changed, the unique commitment to global and bilingual education has remained a constant, enabling students to thrive and develop into elite global citizens. Norm Dean, the Yew Chung Education Foundation (YCEF) deputy director, has worked diligently to oversee the continued success and evolution of the YCIS curriculum.

A uniquely global academic philosophy

Dean's previous experience working in international schools in Australia, Dubai, and China allows him to effectively comment on what exactly makes YCIS's academic philosophy so unique.

"The fundamental difference is the emphasis placed on the 'inner transformation' of the learner," he said. "In this way, we view 'international mindedness' as being a paradigm shift requiring a far deeper sense of understanding and application beyond actions alone and celebratory cultural 'events.'"

Rather than relying on isolated training or activities, the school environment itself instills this global mindset in students.

Constantly evolving education models

YCIS's approach to learning and teaching is constantly evolving while still staying true to its global learning philosophy. Dean cited two notable examples that reflect YCIS's emerging practice in education.

"YCIS's play based approach in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) section through to experiential learning practices in the primary and secondary years, utilizes advances in technology and research. Our emphasis on the arts remains another hallmark of our approach," Dean said.

The ECE approach in particular is exemplified by YCIS Beijing's newly renovated ECE center.

"Our schools have well-established mechanisms for engaging with students to remain aware of their needs and concerns," Dean said. "We also have in place robust planning and accountability mechanisms to ensure we are continually reflecting on our practice."

The YCIS model as a whole thus creates students who are not only globally minded but also globally competitive as well.

'One school' approach and global mindedness

YCIS Beijing has achieved sustained excellence through rigorous planning, self-analysis, and by creating an environment that is fun, inviting, safe and stimulating. Dean said YCIS Beijing's key distinctive features are its superb location and the fact that all three sections of the school are located on the same site.

"This feature is significant in that it has adopted a 'one school' approach, and thus fostered a rich and comprehensive approach to teaching and learning that reflects our philosophy and objectives for the entire learning journey for students, from ECE to Year 13," Dean said.

Thanks to its smaller and more intimate learning environment, YCIS Beijing is able to more effectively inculcate in its learners' ideas of global mindedness, appreciation for different cultures, and love and compassion for all.

To learn more about YCIS Beijing's unique education model, please visit their website at www.ycis-bj.com.