Family Matters Magazine - Issue 5 by the British International School, Shanghai

MAGAZINE

FAMILY MATTERS

ISSUE 5

GOING GLOBAL WHY EVERY SCHOOL NEEDS AN INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION

CITY Making Shanghai your home FINANCE Bank of Mum & Dad TRAVEL Hainan’s golden beaches EDUCATION A hero of our time

FAMILY MATTERS

School Life

FAMILY MATTERS

MAGAZINE

FAMILY MATTERS MAGAZINE

FAMILY MATTERS

ISSUE 5

GOING GLOBAL WHY EVERY SCHOOL NEEDS AN INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION

CITY Making Shanghai your home FINANCE Bank of Mum & Dad TRAVEL Hainan’s golden beaches EDUCATION A hero of our time

Family Matters Issue 5 Contributions welcome from all of the Shanghai community. Please contact editor@bisshanghai.com for more information.

From the Editor

elcome from The British International School to the Fifth Edition of Family Matters. If you have read previous editions of our publication you will certainly have noticed that we’ve been making our best effort to improve. As such, we thought it would be helpful to offer our readers some background as to why we are producing FM. Our primary goals are to offer a place where members of the community can provide advice on the expat experience and we can help parents understand the myriad topics and issues related to your child’s education – particularly in the international context.

As international school educators, we have had the opportunity to help thousands of families adjust to their new life in Shanghai. During this time we have developed a strong understanding of the common needs that families have when they arrive in Shanghai and after they have settled in. We thought that compiling this information and passing it on to the community in which we live for the benefit of all seemed to be the neighbourly thing to do. We started with our Essentials Guide Shanghai, which has been warmly welcomed by many. We then thought, “Why not make community engagement a habit?” Shortly thereafter, Family Matters

Issue One was released. It was a bit raw as we were searching for an identity. However, successive issues have seen it grow and mature into the publication you are reading now. Though we are certainly young by any standard, I am optimistic that every issue will improve to the point where, at some point in the future, we will be able to say we offer an excellent resource for expat families, which is, in the end, our ultimate goal – to help others thrive. We have been delighted with the response we have received from readers of our guide and magazine and our contributors. From everyone at The British International School, we thank you and hope you enjoy Issue Five.

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In ayi we trust

Making Shanghai your home

Corianne Holmes provides helpful tips and advice to ensure your relationship with your ayi is mutually beneficial

Kate Lorenz offers her insights and advice on how to feel more at home after relocating to China

The challenges of relocating within China Thomas Coupat recounts his experiences and the challenges of relocating his family within China

46 Hainanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s golden beaches

Richard Restell explores the treasures that Hainan has to offer with insights and great photography

32 56 62 68 Bank of mum and Dad

Going global

making Science fun

the inclusive classroom

Wade Dawson helps parents understand their options for funding their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education

Mark Angus explains how international schools help create global citizens

Dr Craig Wilson explains how he helps students enjoy science and learn more effectively

Mark Wilson examines the elements of a truly effective classroom

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comment

COMMENT Why we need some good old fashioned advice

The art of getting your children to talk to you

Some reasons people avoid seeking help even though they need it

roblems come in different shapes and sizes – from minor inconveniences to crisis situations that can’t be outrun or wished away. There’s no way to escape these trials of faith and sanity other than facing them head on.

a lot of people from getting the help they need, because they value what others think about them more than what they need emotionally and psychologically. They fail to see the value of professional counselling, which is objective, scientific and result-oriented.

Among the difficulties people face every day, none are so distressing and painful as relationship problems. These can cause a great deal of stress and even lead to depression, and fights between couples can become so overblown that the only way for the fight to end is for a mediator to come in. Sometimes, a mediator is needed to be a third party, a referee or a peacemaker. The mediator is also expected to provide the necessary guidance and counselling to the feuding parties.

Fear

Still, many involved in a tussle refuse to acknowledge the need for counselling. Whether we’re talking about a married or engaged couple, siblings or very close friends who suddenly became bitter enemies, the thought of seeking professional help just doesn’t come to mind. Many people hold back from seeking counselling for the following reasons: State of denial Angry people sometimes deny the existence of a problem. With stubborn pride, an angry person can just fume away and dismiss the need to control anger and resolve a problem, believing in effect that things will simply sort themselves out. People can also camouflage or mask their vulnerabilities by refusing to seek help. They see counselling as a situation that will expose them for who they are, warts and all. They wish to avoid that kind of vulnerability at all costs and, as a result, find themselves in a state of denial. Social stigma Some people have a misconception that only mentally troubled people go to therapy. This mindset prevents

The fear of facing the truth and reliving painful experiences like sexual or physical abuse, drug addiction or trauma from violent incidents can prevent people from going to a counsellor. Remembering painful memories is usually part of counselling sessions and therapy. These memories cause fear and anxiety on the part of the patient. But if someone under great stress or suffering from severe depression neglects to get proper therapy, the problem can be expected to get worse. Reopening a painful emotional wound is never pleasant, but we don’t heal unless we learn to face, and eventually cast away, painful memories from our past. Through counselling, people with serious problems can learn to adjust and cope with their emotional and psychological issues. Religious stigma Some associate counselling with religion or dogmatic beliefs, making the act of getting counselling uncomfortable for those who don’t consider themselves religious or spiritual. While many people have found comfort and refuge in churchbased counselling sessions, many are still wary of getting counselling there since they think they will have to become a member of the church. Few people are strong enough to face life’s storms alone, and there’s no shame in seeking counselling to cope with relationship problems. The important thing is to put time and commitment into your relationship, in the hope of positive results, and over time the resolution of your problems.

Helpful ideas to encourage better communication at home

eing a parent isn’t easy. Some days just getting everyone in your family all together at the same time for dinner can seem like an impossible dream. Between after-school sports and clubs and working and errands and carpools, it’s not surprising that almost half the parents in a recent survey said they felt a growing distance between themselves and their children. Today’s children have more things to deal with than kids did even just twenty years ago. Drugs, mixed messages in advertising, peer pressure, packed schedules and outside activities all add to the pressure they face. So how, in the midst of all this chaos, do you find time to talk to your kids – and more importantly, have them talk back to you? Here are several ideas that can help: 1. Eat dinner together as a family at least three times a week. Conversations flow easier when they happen around the dinner table. If your family is conversationally challenged at first, think of conversation starters before each meal. Plan a family vacation, letting each child talk about where they’d like to go or what they’d like to do. Talk about current events, the latest films or upcoming special events. Ask your children open-ended questions that have to be answered with more than a yes or no. 2. Turn off the outside world. Set aside family time each night and have everyone turn off their phones, computers and the television. Let your friends and extended family know that you won’t be available during that time, and stick to it. Your kids (especially teenagers) may joke about it, but secretly they’ll probably be delighted. Use this time to reconnect with each other. Watch a film, play board games, take turns

reading out loud, but whatever you do, do it together. 3. Cook at least one meal a week together. Even your youngest children can do something to help. If your kitchen is too small for everyone to fit, schedule a helper or make your children responsible for different parts of the meal. Your family will grow closer during this time, and your kids may even start the conversations themselves. (You can always get the ball rolling by talking about things you did with your parents. While you may not be cool, chances are your kids think your parents are, and will be impressed.) 4. Make it safe for your kids to talk to you. Let them know that you won’t get angry or upset if they talk to you about what’s going on. If they tell you something off the record then make sure it stays that way (emergencies and dangerous situations aside). 5. Listen to what they have to say. If you’re working or doing something else when your child starts to talk to you, they may give up if they know your attention is really somewhere else. Give them your undivided attention when they’re speaking. 6. Use active listening skills. Make sure that you understand what your child is telling you. Repeat what they told you and ask questions. 7. Set aside special time to spend with each child. It may be nothing more than taking one child at a time with you when you run errands, but let each child know that you value spending special time with them. 8. Be patient. Don’t expect a perfect family. If you’re not a 1950s TV family, it’s okay. Remember that perfect families don’t really exist anyway. Just keep trying, and you’ll learn the art of conversation with your kids isn’t as hard as you thought!

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IN AYI WE TRUST A GUIDE TO THE INS AND OUTS OF DOMESTIC HELP IN SHANGHAI By Corianne Holmes Knight Frank

mploying someone to work in your home or care for your children is a leap of faith in any country. Even more daunting is finding someone you can trust in an environment new to you. Shanghai offers a plethora of options to help anyone get started in the process of finding an ayi (as housekeepers and nannies are typically called in China), but how you approach the subsequent steps can be just as important in ensuring your household is in good hands.

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What is an ayi?

Establish your needs

For many coming from other parts of the world, the concept of having an ayi, as well as addressing someone as “Ayi”, can be surrounded by varying levels of misunderstanding, or possibly even guilt. The term ‘ayi’ can be directly translated from Chinese as ‘aunty’, but it’s also commonly used to address women a generation older than oneself as a general term of respect. Unless your ayi expresses interest in being called by another name, you can expect to address her as ‘Ayi’.

Before you begin your search for an ayi, spend a few days diligently compiling a comprehensive list of things that need to be done in your home. You may find that you lack the energy after work to cook a healthy meal for yourself and your family and are consequently ordering pizza three times a week. This could be where an ayi would be particularly helpful by making you healthy Chinese or Western food every day – or even just once a week. A small change such as this could affect your whole family’s health for the better.

Most families in Shanghai, Chinese or otherwise, that can afford to hire an ayi choose to do so. In China the general view is that hiring someone to clean your house, whether full- or part-time, is entirely acceptable. In a country of over 1.3 billion

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THE TERM ‘AYI’ CAN BE DIRECTLY TRANSLATED FROM CHINESE AS ‘AUNTY’ BUT IT’S ALSO COMMONLY USED TO ADDRESS WOMEN A GENERATION OLDER THAN ONESELF AS A GENERAL TERM OF RESPECT

After you’ve finished this list, think about the size of your home and whether everything can be accomplished with a part-time ayi or if you’ll need a full-time one. Part-time ayis work for several families a day, while fulltime ayis work from five to ten hours a day, depending on the tasks and the size of the home. As each home is different and each employer desires different things, it may take a few attempts to find a good balance for your particular situation. For example, a four-bedroom villa can sometimes keep two full-time ayis busy, whereas smaller apartments typically need only one parttime ayi. Whichever one you choose, your ayi should be someone that you trust. Thus the search becomes a crucial part of the process. The search There are generally two ways to approach your search for an ayi, whether it’s your very first or your tenth. The safest way to find a reliable and trustworthy ayi is through a referral from a friend or local contact. This is very common for part-time ayis, sometimes resulting in many acquaintances employing the same ayi. If you have trouble finding a recommendation, the Internet is a good backup. Check out the numerous online expatriate forums, such as Shanghai Expat. There are also several companies that specialise in placing ayis. These services can be helpful if you’re looking for someone with particular skills, such as being able to cook Western food or speak English, but sometimes finding a reliable agency just doubles the headache. Some agencies only provide services in Pudong but not Puxi, or vice-versa. You can also expect to pay an agency fee, although there are exceptions. Another option is to ask your complex’s property management office to see if they have recommendations, as some agencies will give discounts if an ayi is already travelling to a certain location.

people, employment is top priority. From single young professionals in an apartment in Jing’an to five-member expatriate families in a Pudong villa, you can find ayis in all types of households, working a range of hours. Guilt is unnecessary if both parties are respectful and the relationship is transparent. Once you’ve determined that you want to employ an ayi in your home, there are certain steps you should take to ensure you find the right one for you and Once you’ve reached out to friends, colleagues or an agency and narrowed your your family.

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list of prospective ayis or chosen one that suits your needs, the next step should be meeting the prospective ayi(s) to go over your requirements with them in person. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking in Chinese, it will be helpful to have someone there to translate for the first meeting so that you can properly show them around your house and express your desires. The many ayis available for hire in the Shanghai area generally have lots of previous experience and are willing to perform a variety of services to help your household run more efficiently. They can fulfil the role of nanny, cook regular meals, help with the kids and/ or pets and assist with various other tasks, such as setting up a water delivery service, paying bills or communicating with building management on your behalf. No matter what tasks you need her to do, the next step will be making sure you both start out on the same page. Establish both parties’ expectations Investing the time to find a trustworthy and friendly ayi for your needs is the key to a comfortable and convenient experience in Shanghai. Once you’ve found the right ayi for you, it’s important to make sure both she and you are in agreement about each other’s expectations. When it comes to ensuring a good working relationship with your ayi, there are a few things you should be discussing. The hourly pay for an ayi typically begins at RMB10-20 per hour, but obviously price and demands differ from place to place. In an apartment with one or two bedrooms, a

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part-time ayi can finish minimal housework in about two or three hours, costing a minimum of RMB40. If you live in a large villa with your family, one or two full-time ayis may cost you RMB1,000-2,000 a month.

the correct way to deal with fire or other emergencies in your house and how to care for your family and/or pets if they fall ill or have an accident. Ayis should be covered by worker’s compensation insurance through their agency, or you should personally compensate them for lost working hours should anything happen. Many insurance companies in Shanghai also provide ayi insurance.

savvy this can be avoided. The specific case above concerning the ayi who repeatedly allowed her family to visit and take food is an extreme case and clearly didn’t stem from malice. Officials at Jialilai Household Service Co., Ltd state that education is the biggest issue here, not malevolent behaviour. “Not all of them have evil thoughts of stealing. They just don’t think what they are doing is wrong, as they don’t have the same sense of privacy,” says Xia Jun, Unless you have specifically hired an director of the company. English-speaking Ayi, most ayis cannot speak English. As a big plus, your children may end up learning quite a bit of Chinese from your ayi, maybe even a particular provincial dialect! But if you don’t speak any Chinese, communicating will be difficult without some help. Learning some Chinese to communicate and making sure your emergency contact information and/ or instructions are written in Chinese can save you and your ayi a lot of grief.

If you’re employing a full-time ayi, it’s typical for her to take one or two days off a week. In the case of special occasions outside your ayi’s normal working hours or days, you should politely ask her to help out. Make sure to thank her (and pay her), since she’ll be going out of her way to help. Ayis usually take off about two weeks a year for public holidays, particularly the family-centred holidays. These include Spring Festival (some time between mid-January and mid-February), the October National Day Holiday (held around 1 October), Qingming in early April, May Day and Mid-Autumn Festival (September). The vast majority of ayis come from rural China and therefore the holidays are their only time to see their family. If you ask your ayi to shorten her vacation, she should be rewarded for her Benefits of a contract sacrifice. Most people in Shanghai do not have Another way to establish expectations is contracts with their ayi, but luckily to be present the first few times your new there’s no deadline for establishing one. If ayi comes to your home. This way, as she you’re thinking about creating a contract, works you can help her learn the system consider recent events in Shanghai that you wish her to use. When she begins to have gained the attention of the Shanghai cook, patiently show her how you want Household Service Association. According your vegetables cleaned. Teach her to use to Sun Shizhen, the secretary general of the the washing machine and other household association, several expatriate families have appliances if they are particular or unique complained over the past few years about in any way. Even though she may have their ayis breaching their trust by inviting years of experience, assuming she knows family members over to the employer’s your system and preferences would just home. In one specific case the ayi allowed be asking for trouble. For some it might be these family members access to food or other items in the home. Whether it’s a cultural difference or simply a personal quirk, disclosing personal information against the employer’s wishes is always wrong. In response, the Shanghai Household Service Association has announced that they will begin to officially promote a new contract for maids in order to better protect employers, starting next year.

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UNLESS YOU HAVE SPECIFICALLY HIRED AN ENGLISHSPEAKING AYI, MOST AYIS CANNOT SPEAK ENGLISH

The new contracts will include a clause that states a domestic helper will be punished, or even fired, for giving out his or her employer’s information. “The new contract states very clearly that ayis are never permitted to give out their employers’ information, such as phone numbers, educational background and financial helpful to have a daily schedule (depending details,” Sun says. “It also states that ayis on the days that she works). Make sure she will not be allowed to invite strangers over understands your rules and make it very without the family’s permission.” clear what she should do in an emergency. Even if you already have an ayi, it’s never There are horror stories of housekeepers too late to make an emergency cheat sheet, and maids taking advantage of their which can include how to contact the employers in just about every major city hospital, where to find your insurance card, under the sun, but if you’re vigilant and

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THERE ARE HORROR STORIES OF HOUSEKEEPERS AND MAIDS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THEIR EMPLOYERS IN JUST ABOUT EVERY MAJOR CITY UNDER THE SUN

Taking the time to consider your situation, arming yourself with the right information and analysing your plan of attack will save you considerable time in the future. Thoughtfully and thoroughly consider before trusting someone with your home and family. Protect yourself with a contract on which both parties agree. Whether your ayi begins under contract or you and your ayi sign one a year into your relationship, better late than never. Standing on a ledge to take a leap of faith with an ayi may seem daunting, but there’s a lot you can do to ensure that you don’t ever have to jump without the right safety nets. Here are a few recommended ayi agencies in Shanghai: GNI Housekeeping (6871 2199, snowwu777@163.com) Fan Wei Nanny Agency (6488 1752, 6428 5739) Nancy Agency (Puxi only - 6455 7202) For more information on finding an ayi or for inquiries about our residential leasing services, please feel free to contact Knight Frank Residential Services at sh.residential@cn.knightfrank.com or call us at +86 21 6445 9968.

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MAKING SHANGHAI YOUR HOME HOW TO MAKE YOUR ADJUSTMENT TO A NEW LIFE EASIER By Kate Lorenz Managing Director Ark International

oving to a new city is never easy. Whether it’s your first posting or your tenth, you’ll still be leaving familiar surroundings and friends and family, and starting a new adventure that entails new housing, schooling, shopping and transportation, and in general a new routine. Moving to China can be even more overwhelming than moving to other countries, due to the immense linguistic and cultural differences you’ll most likely encounter.

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Culture shock is a term we’ve been throwing around for years, and the three-stage cycle that goes with it is well documented. In China I’d say everyone goes through each stage to some degree. Stage one is the honeymoon, where everything is exciting and new. This can last from two weeks to six months and is the phase where you think everything is just fantastic. Everything is new, everything is great and you just love being here. Then there’s the negotiation phase, where the excitement turns to occasional frustration, feelings of isolation and even anger. These new emotions are usually spurred by language barriers, differences in public hygiene, traffic safety, social etiquette and a longing for familiar sights and people. The problem with this second phase is that it comes in waves. One day you’re standing on the Bund thinking you’re on top of the world, the next you’re standing in the queue at your local supermarket sobbing your heart out because there’s no mozzarella left. Then, after somewhere between 6 and 12 months, most people move into the socalled adjustment phase. You settle into a routine and grow accustomed to the new culture you’re in. This is when you start accepting where you are, and that life here

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IN CHINA I’D SAY EVERYONE GOES THROUGH EACH STAGE TO SOME DEGREE. STAGE ONE IS THE HONEYMOON, WHERE EVERYTHING IS EXCITING AND NEW

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includes both the good and the not-sogood. Almost everyone goes through these three stages; however, there are a number of ways of shortening the negotiation phase and making Shanghai your home sooner rather than later. Shanghai’s specific challenges Shanghai is a wonderful city: vibrant, growing, cosmopolitan and much more. It’s undoubtedly the most habitable city for expatriates in mainland China. However, it does have a number of challenges. It is after all still a developing city, in a vast developing country. Although the local government intends to make Shanghai the next New York, you still only need to scratch the surface to realise that the modernisation of the city is not yet complete. You’ll still encounter a number of frustrating situations, such as the lack of queuing order (very important for the British), poor customer service, miscommunication due to cultural differences and public hygiene standards below what you may be accustomed to. Having said that, the subway, for example, is cleaner than any Western city’s system I have ever travelled on, and there are more road sweepers than anywhere else I’ve been. The systems are all

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in place – it’ll just take a little time to get choice. This is both a blessing and a curse. them going. If you have limited time to make a decision, the choice can be overwhelming. This Shanghai is more expensive than many can lead to people choosing the wrong people expect. In 2010 a survey named it location, making their settling-in process in the world’s 15th most expensive city to live Shanghai more difficult than it needs to be. in as an expatriate. Some items are less expensive, such as eating out, recreation How to prepare for your arrival in general and furniture and appliances. However, other items, such as imported There are a number of ways you can prepare groceries, health care, household taxes, for your arrival to help make Shanghai your government levies and utilities are more home. expensive than in many cities. If you company is willing to provide you Another difficulty is the language barrier. with a look-see trip, be sure to take it. Shanghai is increasingly becoming an Before your arrival, talk to your counsellor English-speaking city, but you should still and let them know what’s important to be prepared for the fact that many locals, you so that your trip can be customised. including your ayi, driver, taxi drivers and While you’re on your look-see trip, make most people working in public services, sure you visit the areas and locations most will speak little or no English. This can important to you. If schools are your top make moving to Shanghai challenging, even priority, do your research beforehand and though it’s no longer classified as a hardship visit the school AND the surrounding areas. If nightlife and convenience to your office posting. are most important to you, test the public Where to live in Shanghai can be a difficult transport, the taxis during rush hour and question as well; there’s just so much which supermarket you would shop at.

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YOU SHOULD STILL BE PREPARED FOR THE FACT THAT MANY LOCALS, INCLUDING YOUR AYI, DRIVER, TAXI DRIVERS AND MOST PEOPLE WORKING IN PUBLIC SERVICES, WILL SPEAK LITTLE OR NO ENGLISH

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Lujiazui as seen from the Bund

Also, if your company offers you crosscultural training take this too! Even if you’ve lived in other countries before or have been travelling here, you’ll still be thankful you did so. I personally have lived all over the world and have been in China for nine years now, but I took a recent refresher course and was amazed to find out how many things I am still learning. Decide whether to bring the family pet or not. Although the concept is nice, there are challenges. Getting your dog into China is relatively easy, but it’s important to note that when leaving China many countries (including the UK and Australia) require 4-6 months quarantine for dogs coming from China. Also, living in a compound in the suburbs is one thing, but there are very few green areas for dogs in central Shanghai. Most parks don’t allow dogs, so if you want your dog to run on grass you have to go out to Sheshan, over an hour from downtown. Therefore, even though bringing Fluffy may seem like it will make your move easier, it might cause more stress in the long run.

Make your house a home One of the most important parts of making any city your home is where you live. If you find the right home in the right location you’ll settle into Shanghai quickly. Shanghai is noisy and busy, so your home needs to be a haven, somewhere you can lock your doors and relax. However, it’s important to realise that when renting you seldom find that perfect place. There’ll always be a compromise. Decide which aspects of your ideal home you’re willing to give up, and which are essential for you. For example: •

Is location more important than size?

•

Is a compound with outdoor space and a community for your children more important than being close to downtown?

•

Is the quality of the renovation and appliances important?

•

Is having a clubhouse more important than a flat that’s large but has limited facilities?

Make sure you have a good realtor. We suggest going with no more than two, rather than trying to view with everyone in the market. This is because if you find the right realtor and they understand your needs they’ll be able to search the market for you and find the right home. Shanghai doesn’t have exclusive listings, so almost all agencies have access to the same properties. If they don’t have them on their books, they can work with partners to find them. When checking a property, think about these points: 1. • • • • • • • •

What is the renovation like? Is there enough electricity for the property? Are the windows double-glazed? If not, is the heating good enough? Is the water pressure strong enough? Are the air conditioners very noisy? Does the bathroom need re-grouting? Do you need an alarm system? Do the locks need to be changed? Do carpets need to be cleaned?

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One of Shanghai’s many, many flyovers

2. • • • • • • 3.

• • • • • • • •

If the property is unfurnished but you need 4. What other points should I think about? furniture… • Is there a lot of renovation going on Can you help choose the furniture in the area? that will be provided? • Are clubhouse facilities included? Can you get an allowance and choose Try and work with the landlord that your all the furniture yourself? realtor already knows. This isn’t always Can you choose the colour of the easy in Shanghai, as there are many private curtains? landlords. However, there are a number of Will curtain netting be provided? compounds with good management offices Will black-out curtains be provided? and leasing offices which your realtor may Can you help choose the light fittings recommend you to go through for your first year in Shanghai. This can make life if they’re not already installed? a lot easier when there are problems in What appliances are provided? Depending the property and you need the landlord to on the price and size of the property, the respond quickly. appliances below may or may not be provided. How can you furnish and Is there an oven? decorate your home? Is there a microwave? If you have the opportunity, bringing your Is there a dishwasher? own furniture can really help in making Does the washing machine have hot your rented property your home. If this water options? isn’t possible, then rent a place with simple Is there a dryer? furniture so that you can then decorate the property to your liking. Bring some Is there a water filter system? personal goods with you, regardless of Is there a water dispenser? whether your company pays for shipping or not. Photos, artwork and your favourite Is the fridge big enough?

ornaments are the best items. Bedding, cushions, blankets, crockery and towels are very easy to purchase in Shanghai, so don’t waste your space bringing these over unless you have an unlimited shipping allowance.

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BRINGING YOUR OWN FURNITURE CAN REALLY HELP IN MAKING YOUR RENTED PROPERTY YOUR HOME

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Accessorising in Shanghai can be fun. Shanghai’s IKEA is the biggest in Asia and has everything you need. For more customised items, you can go to the fabric market for curtains, throws and cushions. There are also wonderful shops throughout the French Concession, with endless trinkets. Also, plants and flowers are inexpensive in Shanghai. You can finally have fresh flowers at home every day and not break the bank. So you’ve moved and your house is all set up; now what? Once you’ve gone through the honeymoon period of your arrival in Shanghai, you may start to feel frustrated, lonely and agitated if you’re not working. Even if you’re working it can be a challenge, but at least you get the opportunity to meet people, have regular interaction in the office and hopefully meet some colleagues who you can bond with. If you’re not working, you need to be more proactive. However, in Shanghai there’s a lot to do, and with a little bit of effort you can meet people and definitely enjoy the city. 1. Get involved in the community. If you have children there’s often a lot to do through the schools here. Whether you have children or not, join relevant expatriate societies. Brits Abroad, Expatriate Women’s Society, American Women’s Society, the German Club, to name but a few. These clubs and societies have regular events and you’ll be able to socialise and meet people. 2. There are many opportunities for charity work in China. Shanghai has some excellent charities and after you’ve decided what cause(s) you want to support, contact the relevant charity and they’ll be more than happy for you to give your time and expertise.

The culture here is very much about eating out. There’s a lot of alcohol flowing at events and dinners, and meeting friends tends to be over brunch or dinner. Be aware of what you’re eating so it doesn’t suddenly creep up on you, meaning that on a Bad China Day your weight is yet another thing you don’t like about being here. Shanghai has an increasing number of organic markets, healthy options in restaurants and fantastic sports facilities to help you keep up healthy habits.

Learn the language. Shanghai has a lot of English speakers; however living here is much easier if you have the basics. There are a number of ways to learn: group lessons, one-on-one classes or even taking a course at a university. The right option for you depends what you want to get out of your study. Group lessons will help you meet friends; however, one-on-one lessons are usually more beneficial if you need flexibility in your schedule. The university courses are for those who really want to focus and not only learn to speak but also read and write. They are very intensive and can be a great way to keep yourself busy and integrate yourself in Shanghai if you’re so Eat well! This may seem a strange thing to inclined. say, but it’ll make you happier in the long run. A lot of expatriates put on significant Also, once you’re settled in Shanghai, weight when they first arrive in Shanghai. make sure you have a list of contacts and 3. If you want to find a job, Shanghai is probably the best city in China to do it as a trailing spouse. There are a lot of choices, providing you’re proactive, flexible and willing to work for most likely a lower salary than you’d get at home. Being locally hired means you don’t get the expatriate perks, and very often your salary falls between that of local Chinese and expatriates. However, through events, chambers and looking through the many free expatriate magazines you’ll find opportunities if you persevere.

addresses to help you if you have a problem. Know where your hospitals are, and try some Traditional Chinese Medicine. I can also highly recommend Lifeline Shanghai, a free, anonymous helpline dedicated to helping expatriates with their problems on the ground. (This is also a great contact for any teenager struggling to settle in.) Finally, try and embrace the differences and difficulties you encounter. If you can laugh you’ll go a long way in Shanghai. Not everything works as it should, and often with the best intentions in the world people are unable to assist you when you most need it. If you can take a deep breath and see the funny side, you’ll have a wonderful time in Shanghai. Most importantly, please try and make some local friends, or perhaps a language exchange friend if you’re feeling up for sharing your experiences. Don’t forget that the goal is to make your negotiation phase as short and painless as possible. Shanghai is a great place to live, and I hope you’ll enjoy your stay here as much as I do. By Kate Lorenz Managing Director Ark International www.ark-shanghai.com 0086 21 6248 8464

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PUDONG’S MIRACLE FROM RICE PADDIES TO SKYSCRAPERS IN 20 YEARS By Vela Ganeva Savills Residential Leasing

ome 20 years ago, the east side of the Huangpu River was occupied merely by rice paddies, fields, shipyards and obsolete residential housing. The Puxi side, on the other hand, was more mature and had better infrastructure, but offered limited scope for further expansion. April 1990 was a turning point for Pudong’s development, with the central government putting forward plans to invest in and expand the area. In the years that followed Pudong’s economic importance has grown exponentially, from RMB6 billion to RMB400 billion annual GDP. Pudong is home to the Shanghai Comprehensive Free Trade Zone, the Lujiazui Trade and Finance Zone, Zhangjiang High-tech Park, Jinqiao and, recently, the 2010 World Expo.

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Where to stay in Pudong

APRIL 1990 WAS A TURNING POINT FOR PUDONG’S DEVELOPMENT

Pudong highlights Lujiazui 1885 Set to rival Xintiandi in Puxi, Lujiazui 1885 is an ambitious project led by the renowned American architecture firm Development Design Group, with an estimated cost of RMB200 million. Taking a prominent site along busy Century Boulevard, the project transforms a small parcel with a 125-year-old villa in Chinese and Western style into a modern setting with traditional elements, featuring prestigious retail options, fine dining and entertainment, making the area a new landmark. Jinqiao Literally meaning ‘Golden Bridge’, the area is known for its high living standards, greenery, low-rise residential buildings and serene suburban feel. Families with children of all ages find Jinqiao an excellent choice when settling in Shanghai. Not surprisingly, Jinqiao hosts a large and diverse international community and has excellent infrastructure.

Below is a list of some of the most popular and well-appointed compounds where expatriate families can comfortably settle in Pudong. Jinqiao Villas Dongjiao Villa Offers large units of 400 sqm and above, with private gardens. Residents enjoy excellent facilities, as they are shared with the nearby hotel. Shopping is convenient, with Jinqiao Carrefour within walking distance and easily accessible through the back gate of the compound. Regency Park The compound comprises about 150 villas in a contemporary, concrete construction. All villas are over 350 sqm and come with underfloor heating and large basements that could be used for a number of purposes, depending on tenants’ individual needs. The on-site facilities include a gym and a swimming pool. Green Hills Phase II The compound is centred around a strong international community with regular social activities involving the whole family, providing an excellent venue for building strong relationships and friendships in Shanghai. Villas are large, over 350 sqm, and facilities include a gym and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Southeastern Pudong – Kangqiao area With Disneyland coming soon and a new IKEA opening in mid-2011, southeastern Pudong is a new development area offering great residential options. The Emerald

Pudong 2010

With a North American feel, the compound features a variety of houses ranging from 200 sqm to over 800 sqm with a private garden and swimming pool. Two clubhouses boasting three swimming pools, four tennis courts and a skate park, along with a number of other facilities, provide residents with a vast choice of activities. Surrounded by well-landscaped greenery, The Emerald is conveniently located near The British International School Shanghai, Pudong Campus. Bellewood Villas

Pudong in 1990

With 109 free-standing American-style villas, Bellewood is conveniently located in Pudong Sanlin, close to the Shanghai Expo

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area, 15 minutes from Pudong CBD and 30 minutes from Pudong Airport. All villas feature a private backyard garden and a water purification system, and some units offer a private swimming pool. A newly developed clubhouse offers residents a space for formal or informal gatherings, as well as snooker, table tennis and indoor theatre, plus the opportunity for pampering (hairdresser, beauty salon and massage centre). Tiziano Villas Designed by ADS Company, there are 165 detached villas in total. All the houses belong to individual landlords, so each house has its own style of furnishing. The high quality of this property and its services and facilities ensure resident satisfaction. The compound has an extensive and friendly clubhouse with an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, children’s playground, snooker, gym, table tennis, restaurants and cafe, meeting room, library, supermarket, chess and card room and business centre. Spacious apartments in Pudong

community hailing from all over the world, the compound is preferred by families for its proximity to Century Park, as well as convenient public transportation with Metro Line 2. The proximity of the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is an additional perk. Shimao Riviera Garden This is one of the most well-established compounds in Pudong, with a variety of unit sizes and a new tower launched earlier this year. The property is close to the Central Business District and the five clubhouses are among the best in Shanghai, attracting a large crowd, especially during the summer months. After World Expo 2010 In the spirit of “Better City, Better Life”, the authorities have ambitious plans for the vast area where the China Pavilion, Expo Boulevard and theme pavilions will be preserved. As the area is easily accessible by public transport, it’s expected to host a number of commercial and financial companies, as well as become a venue for different exhibitions.

A number of compounds offer spacious apartments in Pudong, with excellent facilities Disneyland coming to Shanghai and transportation, which could be a good alternative to villas at a lower cost. As part of the development of the International Tourist Resort Zone, earlier this year the Shama Century Park authorities gave the green light to Disney to With over 280 units and a vibrant international open a Disneyland in Pudong. Located on an

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WITH DISNEYLAND COMING SOON AND A NEW IKEA OPENING IN MID-2011, SOUTHEASTERN PUDONG IS A NEW DEVELOPMENT AREA OFFERING GREAT RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS

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Century Avenue, Pudong, Shanghai

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Shanghai’s Maglev (world’s fastest train) connects Pudong to Pudong International Airport

area of 150 hectares, the theme park is expected to open to the public in 2015, putting a spotlight on this previously rural area for mainland tourists as well as international travellers. Disneyland will also have an impact on the service industry, which will need to cater to the large number of visitors. Over the next 10 years, Pudong is expected to see continuous growth, with further expansion of the infrastructure and residential, office and retail space, helping make Shanghai a global financial and trade centre on a par with metropolises such as New York and London. In 2014, Pudong will become the home of the second tallest skyscraper in China and the third tallest in the world, when the 128-storey, 632-metre Shanghai Tower is completed. Today, undisputedly Pudong has some of Shanghai’s most family-friendly areas, where expatriates can find a convenient and peaceful suburban lifestyle amidst the hustle and bustle of Shanghai. For more information on suitable properties or compounds that will best fit your family’s needs, please do not hesitate to contact Savills Residential Leasing and visit http://residential.savills-china.com/Shanghai/Home. aspx. The details provided are prepared by Savills for information only. Savills cannot be held responsible for any liability whatsoever or for any loss howsoever arising from or reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents in this article.

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THE CHALLENGES OF RELOCATING WITHIN CHINA AS EXPERIENCED BY A FRENCH-CHINESE FAMILY By Thomas Coupat Commercial Director, China Sirva Relocation

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been in China for over 10 years. I first came here as a university student visiting my expatriate parents, and then as a trainee in an international hotel chain. After that experience, I went back to France for my military service and then moved back to China, where I started working in the hotel industry. It was while working in a hotel in Beijing that I met the person who would become my wife. She was in Beijing studying and was originally from Mudanjiang in Heilongjiang Province, a city close to Vladivostok. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been married for eight years and have two boys, aged five and seven. Both were born in Beijing, where my wife and I met, married and lived until the end of 2007. For all of my professional life, I have been working in the service industry. I studied Hotel Management in university and this was naturally the field I chose to work in at the outset. In 2003, a couple of months before the birth of our first child, I switched to working for a moving and relocation company. This change in career was to do with better short-term opportunities as well as the possibility of a more balanced family life. In the past three years, our family has moved twice within China due to my work. In December 2007, we moved from Beijing to Dalian; and this past summer from Dalian to Shanghai. Both times we

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Dalian, China

faced different challenges, but perhaps unexpectedly the hardest move has been the one to Shanghai. When we moved to Dalian, I had spent eight years in Beijing, and my wife nearly a decade. While we both considered Beijing our home, it was also a very stressful and polluted city, so that when I had the opportunity to take an assignment in Dalian, I jumped at it. Although we had expected that it would be difficult to adapt to life in Dalian (after all we were moving from China’s capital to a developing second-tier city with only a few hundred expatriates), we found that it was much easier than we had thought it would be. Our kids were both in kindergarten and we were able to live in downtown Dalian, but in a townhouse on top of a hill. Their school was directly across from our house so we were able to walk them to school. The beaches were less than 10 minutes

away by car and almost everything in Dalian is 10-20 minutes away. The people were also very welcoming and made our integration easier. Having decided early on that our children would go to Chinese schools also made this transition easier, as we were able to choose between a number of schools, rather than just two if we had decided on an education in English. By this spring we were seriously considering moving out of that house due to maintenance issues, but right at the beginning of the summer we were offered the chance to move to Shanghai and we decided to take the plunge and move back to a bigger city, as this offered better career prospects as well as more choices for the kids’ education. Here are some of the challenges we have faced in moving from Dalian to Shanghai.

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ALTHOUGH WE HAD EXPECTED IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO ADAPT TO LIFE IN DALIAN... WE FOUND IT WAS MUCH EASIER THAN WE HAD THOUGHT IT WOULD BE

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The challenge of moving back Schooling to the big city Finding the right school for our children Although Dalian has a population of six was an extremely difficult and frustrating million and an urban population of over process upon moving to Shanghai. Whereas two million, it’s a smaller city by Chinese our kids attending a local school made standards and certainly has that feel. One things easier in our previous move, this of the challenges in moving back to a city time around it actually made things harder. like Shanghai after three years in Dalian The commute in Shanghai is much more has been to get used again to the hectic of an issue, and local schools in general do lifestyle in Shanghai, as well as the traffic not run school buses. Being able to collect and the crowds. Anyone who’s never been to information about the better schools and Dalian may assume that living in Shanghai the enrolment process is also quite difficult. is easier, as there are more ‘comforts’ here, In the end, Enzo’s enrolment in a secondbut this has not been our experience so far. grade class at a school not too far from Although it’s true there are many options where we wanted to live was still relatively when it comes to going out, shopping and straightforward, but required a pre-arrival schooling, the key difference with 10 years trip. Eric’s enrolment in a local kindergarten ago is that most of these are also available was far more challenging. We thought he in Dalian, albeit with a much more limited had been accepted in a school, only to be range of choices. At the same time, it should told on the first day of the year that he no be noted that due to the scale of Dalian, longer fit their requirements. To this day, this limited range of services is very easily we do not know the real reasons behind his sudden rejection. We were able to find him accessible. a school two weeks into the school year, Useful tip: In order to avoid a shock to our but it was a painful process, mostly due to system, we decided that we would have the fact that kindergarten is not mandatory to live close to where our kids went to and therefore you cannot appeal to any school, as well as close to where I worked, jurisdiction for kindergarten admittance to minimise commuting time. The result issues. We also found that every district and is that our kids have settled in quite nicely, every school have different procedures and although we were not able to find schools requirements for admittance and that few within walking distance. communicate what these are. Although we

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ONE OF THE CHALLENGES IN MOVING BACK TO A CITY LIKE SHANGHAI HAS BEEN TO GET USED TO THE HECTIC LIFESTYLE

Pudong, Shanghai

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are now quite happy with the schools our kids are attending, we did not enjoy the process and would advise anyone relocating to Shanghai and aiming to put their kids in a local school to arm themselves with patience. Useful tip: Do your research in advance and make schooling the number one priority of any pre-assignment trip, as this is possibly the most difficult choice to be made when moving to a new destination. Transportation challenges This has been one of the biggest day-today annoyances of life in Shanghai so far, even though we have worked at keeping commuting to a minimum. On this front, life in Dalian was heaven: taxis are plentiful

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DO YOUR RESEARCH IN ADVANCE AND MAKE SCHOOLING THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY OF ANY PREASSIGNMENT TRIP

at all times of the day and traffic relatively fluid if you drive yourself. My wife and I both like driving, but we are quickly finding that Shanghai is not a city where driving is enjoyable. On the whole, we have not found traffic to be too much of a problem, as we do not have a long commute, but parking has been a major issue. It’s incomprehensible that one could design a city this large with so little thought and emphasis on where to park. Traffic restrictions have had little impact on us, even though we still have a Beijing-registered car, simply because we’ve chosen to be in a situation where we don’t have to go on elevated urban highways during rush hour. We found, however, that keeping our car and shipping it down to Shanghai was more challenging than when we did the same thing from Beijing

Traffic in Shanghai can be a nightmare

to Dalian, and we would advise wherever possible to avoid it. There are three main reasons for this: traffic restrictions for waidi cars; the difficulty of doing official technical inspections in a city other than that in which the vehicle is registered; and rules regarding insurance claims and reimbursement. Useful tip: If you still choose to relocate a car within China, look carefully at the cost of buying a new insurance policy at your new destination, since according to current regulations any damage assessment must be done in the city where the insurance policy was originally taken out. Shipping a pet One of the most stressful moments of this relocation was shipping our cat. We opted to take him on the same flight as us as accompanied luggage, and confirmed everything with the airline in advance. Amazingly, Juneyao Airlines does not charge for pets. However, although we arrived, as advised, three hours in advance at the airport and had gone through the quarantine inspection the day before, we were in for a stressful experience. We were told by ground services that our flight could not accommodate our cat due to a lack of pressurised cargo hold. It turned out that someone at Dalian airport ground services was making this up, but clearing up this misunderstanding took over an hour and would have been much more difficult if my wife had not been Chinese. Useful tip: Make sure to check all procedures in advance with both the airport and the airline, to arrive very early and to keep in mind that pet shipments out of smaller airports are not common in China and you should be prepared for the unexpected.

Do not underestimate domestic cultural differences Shanghai is the most difficult city to relocate to in China for non-Shanghainese. The first difficulty faced by most Chinese people relocating to Shanghai is the local dialect, coupled with the lack of warm welcome for outsiders from other regions of China. This is not to be underestimated, as it can make it more difficult for a Chinese person to relocate than for a Westerner. Having been brought up as an expat, I don’t have a home town and find it normal to move every few years, even if this means not seeing my family often or having to lose sight of some friends. My wife finds this much more difficult, and as a result we are more careful to make sure that she has the opportunity to stay in touch with her friends and relatives and be able to visit or be visited by them. Of course technology also makes it easier to stay in touch, but face-to-face contact should not be neglected. Useful tip: You may want to consider taking a cross-cultural training course when moving domestically, to make sure you’re as prepared as possible. Also, make sure your spouse is completely onboard with your move and that you address all their concerns, as their quick adaptation can be the key to the success of your relocation. In conclusion, we are quite happy we made this move, as we believe it will benefit us in the long run, but we are still in the adaptation phase and in the process of getting used to a much more complex metropolis! If you’re in a similar position in the future, then we can only advise you to make sure you do your research, and that wherever possible you hire professionals to help you with every step of your relocation.

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FINANCING YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION

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any parents who come to China on foreign assignment are unprepared for the high tuition at international schools (assuming their companies aren’t paying the bill). So if parents want to send their children to international schools, what’s the best way to plan financially for this?

in a high interest savings account or a fixed term deposit. These will guarantee a certain rate of return. The rate will be higher than that of a regular savings account, but will still be considerably lower than the rate you could achieve in an investment portfolio.

investments. Speak to a financial advisor right away to start such a plan.

Unfortunately, if parents haven’t planned for this expense in advance, it may be a little too late to start a savings plan to cover these costs. However, there are options for coming up with the money in the short term (see below); and if they haven’t already, this should give parents the focus they need to start saving immediately for later years of schooling, such as middle school and high school if the child is still in primary school, and for university. They should consult a financial planner to discuss starting a savings plan or adjusting the amount of contributions.

However, due to the necessity of having the money available in such a short period, it’s not advisable to make a higher-risk

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There are a number of options available (varying considerably based on nationality) for funding tuition. Options include:

Assuming tuition is USD15,000 a year, what do you advise for: 1) parents with one or two years to save for international school tuition? 2) parents with five or more years to save for international school tuition? Those with only a year or two to save up should invest as much as possible right away

IF YOUR CHILD IS LONG OUT OF DIAPERS IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO START SAVING

Other than taking out loans, what else can parents do to ensure they have money each year for school tuition?

* Dipping into retirement savings or putting less money into a retirement savings plan and redirecting funds towards tuition payments * Withdrawing money from a child’s university savings plan (some plans allow funds to be withdrawn tax-free for primary and secondary education). Of course, you’ll need a plan for making up the contributions in order to ensure there’ll be enough money available to pay for university when the time comes * Funding fees out of current after-tax income by cutting down on other expenses

* Starting a monthly savings plan to build investment. For those with five or more years up a lump sum (only applicable for those to save, there’s still time to start a savings with sufficient time to save) plan with an initial period of exposure to high-risk (and potentially high-return) * Asking a third party, such as a grandparent,

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to contribute. This is a popular strategy in Although parents will have the new expense the US and the UK, where there may be tax of international school tuition, they will benefits for such contributions likely have a lower cost of living in Shanghai than they would in their home country. * Utilising equity from a home or other All the money saved from the lower costs property of dining out, shopping and so on should immediately be directed into an education * Selling off investments or assets savings plan. * Taking personal loans to pay the fees * Paying with a credit card with a very low APR. However, you need to be certain you’ll be able to make the payments as scheduled. Otherwise, you’ll be penalised with a high APR and late payment fees * Negotiating further with the employer to seek tuition funding as a benefit in kind Before pursuing any of the above strategies, you should consult a financial adviser, as there could be significant implications for your long-term financial security. Additionally, international schools may offer a variety of financing options, including tuition payment plans. These allow you to stretch out the tuition payments over a year or longer. You should also ask schools whether they offer a cash discount for paying tuition in full by the due date. Check with the schools to determine what type of payment plans they offer.

There are numerous other ways families can stretch their budget. This includes limiting travel, eating out less often, making coffee at home instead of buying from Starbucks and cutting back on clothing and gift expenditures. Some families decide it makes sense for the second parent to take up employment, though this may not always be possible due to visa restrictions. One of the best methods of budgeting is to start a regular savings plan. That means a set amount is automatically deducted from your account on a monthly basis. This leaves you with a set amount of money to spend each month and will ensure that your savings goals are met. Those who spend first and then put the remainder into savings often find that there’s nothing left to put into savings at the end of the month.

package to make an adjustment for the private school tuition you’re paying for your other children. This may lead to an increase in the college student’s financial aid package by decreasing the discretionary income figure used in computing the financial need. In terms of saving for college, what can parents do now to save for the rising cost of college tuition? Ideally, you’ll have started an educational savings plan for your child soon after their birth. But even if your child is long out of diapers it’s not too late to start saving. If you haven’t already, consult a financial adviser right away so you can start saving for the rapidly rising costs of university education. As proud parents, we all desire the best for our children. It’s obvious that to give them the best education you need to save early in order to afford the increasing costs. Also, it’s very important to have someone talk with you and plan out a simple programme to achieve your son or daughter’s educational dreams. Visit a financial consultant sooner rather than later, and start saving today.

What advice do you have for parents with more than one child in school? If you have more than one child at a school, certain schools might offer a quantity discount on your tuition.

For parents unaccustomed to paying tuition (for example, their child’s education was free at home), If you also have children enrolled in college, what advice can you give about budgeting for this you should ask their college financial aid administrators to review the financial aid new expense?

Wade Dawson is a Senior Partner of Austen Morris Associates in Shanghai but travels to Beijing frequently. If you would like an introduction to Austen Morris Associates or you would like an appointment to discuss educational fee planning, contact us at (021) 6390 1233 or email kelly.o@ austenmorris.com

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ONE OF THE BEST METHODS OF BUDGETING IS TO START A REGULAR SAVINGS PLAN

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TEACHING CHILDREN MONEY HOW STARTING EARLY CAN PREVENT FUTURE PROBLEMS

irst of all, don’t put off teaching your kids about money, its value and how to manage it. It’s never too early. Children have vast amounts of purchasing power (billions) either directly or indirectly. Yet, even with all this influence and direct purchasing power, children are rarely taught about money, and more importantly managing money. Of course, the generation gap, combined with the technological age kids now live in, plays a part. But think for a moment how easily money is transferred today, with just the swipe of a card. And in fact, many people (parents) today hardly ever come in contact with actual paper money anymore. It’s so easy to load up your shopping basket with just the swipe of a card, and therein lies the trouble for kids learning to manage their money today. It’s just too easy, and there’s no immediate pain of actually taking those hardearned RMB out of your little purse or wallet and parting company with them at the time of purchase.

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should be kept safe so that it’s around when they want to use it. With the ease and power given to today’s consumer, it’s difficult to get adults to understand and have the discipline to save for something they want or need to purchase. But as early as about first grade you should begin to take on this challenge with your child. So much today is instant gratification, and no philosophy will be tougher for you to overcome with your children in terms of money management. Delayed gratification, saving for something

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When you first begin to acquaint your children with money, be prepared for mistakes and some growing pains. It’s far better to allow your children to learn from mistakes involving small amounts now, rather than have them learn later in life, when the same mistakes can prove financially disastrous. In fact, many financial experts agree that a big mistake is for parents not to allow their children to have control over their money early on.

of complexity that should be introduced at any particular age; teaching your kids about money management is certainly no exception. So let’s take a look at some general teaching guidelines pertaining to money management and age level.

SO MUCH TODAY IS INSTANT GRATIFICATION, AND NO PHILOSOPHY WILL BE TOUGHER TO OVERCOME IN TERMS OF MONEY MANAGEMENT

they want, is a very difficult concept for kids to master, but one of the most important when it comes to managing their money. Be sure to continue on working with your children and the delayed gratification concept. In other words, teach them the principle of working and saving for something they want. You’ll find (and they will too) that as they learn this lesson, whatever it is they worked, waited and saved for will have much greater value to them.

Even early on, with toddlers and preschoolers, you can give your child an allowance. Now keep in mind that they will probably play with it, misplace it and maybe even lose it, but that’s perfectly fine. At this As with teaching children about anything, age, you’re merely introducing the concept there are general guidelines about the level that their little bit of money has value and The next thing you’ll want to discuss with

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TALK WITH YOUR KIDS AND DISCUSS WHAT AN ADVERTISEMENT IS, AND WHY IT’S TARGETING THEM

your kids is the difference between needs and wants. This is ever so important today in our media, marketing and consumption society, where our kids are hammered daily with advertising. You won’t have to look far for examples of needs versus wants; just turn on the television and wait for an ad break. Talk with your kids and discuss what an advertisement is, and why it’s targeting them. Learning to differentiate between needs and wants is a very big money management accomplishment for kids. It’s also at this point (early to middle grades) that your kids can begin to establish some sort of savings plan for something they’d like. The whole process of budgeting and saving for something at this age will give your kids a great sense of accomplishment and pride, and is a first start towards financial confidence. Also, at this age, with your kids understanding saving and budgeting, it’s a good time to introduce them to paying for some of the extras that they’d like to have for school, sports and so on, and to beginning to donate to charity.

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their money, and increase their financial responsibility. Keep increasing their social responsibility, too, by giving to charities of your and their choice. As your kids progress to their teen years and become more mature, the time will come to consider getting them some form of credit card. By this time in their life they’ll be considering college or a career path that will quite possibly require some sort of financial loan; and at the very least they’ll be needing even more financial freedom. A prepaid, parent-monitored credit card is a good initial solution. By now, through many years of your tutelage, your child has become financially literate; and it’s all because you made an early start on teaching your child solid money management skills and philosophies.

Kids today are bombarded with advertising, and beset by peer pressure; this is why money management and financial skills are musts throughout their childhood and teen years. If your kids become financially responsible at an early age, chances are From here, continue increasing your kids’ much greater they’ll remain so throughout understanding of budgeting and managing their lifetime.

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THE WINTER BLUES HOW TO PROTECT SMALL CHILDREN FROM GETTING SICK THIS WINTER Provided by NCICH

The winter months bring an increase in sicknesses including colds, flu and other viral infections. Small children are not always able to fight sicknesses as well as adolescents. However, there are ways to protect children from getting sick or at least help keep their environment cleaner and more germ-free to decrease the number of illnesses.

STEP 1 Germs and disease spread easiest from hands and make small children very sick, especially during the winter season when people stay indoors more. Hand

washing is the best protection from sickness and infections. So always wash your hands and your little oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hands, and have anyone around your small child wash their hands often. You can also use hand sanitiser when needed.

STEP 2 Keep pets and pet hair clean. Pets can carry illnesses in their hair that spread from person to person. They can carry fleas, bugs and skin conditions obtained from outdoors. Pet dander and hair has a tendency to fly all over the house, even if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see it. So bathing

health

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Keep me healthy! Oranges Oranges are a great source of Vitamin C and will help boost a child’s immune system throughout winter. Did you know that to get the equivalent amount of fibre in one orange, you would have to eat 2 bowls of cornflakes?

RMB 2

Face Masks Although controversial as to whether they prevent Shanghai’s pollution from affecting your lungs, they are a great way to prevent your germs from spreading to your children when you have a winter illness.

RMB 5

Hand Sanitiser Make a hand sanitiser part of your and your child’s daily routine to stop the spread of germs, and you could soon see a reduction of winter colds in your household.

RMB 15

No Smoking Children are more susceptible to cigarette smoke and second hand smoke can lead to infections in children. Smoke outside.

FREE!

pets and vacuuming your furniture and floors often will help protect small children from getting sick.

STEP 3 If you smoke, smoke outside. Smoking in the home is the leading cause of ear, nose and throat infections in small children. Children inhale the smoke from tobacco into their lungs, making it more difficult for them to breathe. This weakens their immune system and makes it harder for them to fight off infections and viruses. Good indoor ventilation is important too.

STEP 4 If you or other children and adults are sick, resist kissing your little one on the mouth. Germs are quickly spread through our saliva, which means when you kiss your child, sneeze near your child or even blow your nose, you risk making them sick. You may even want to purchase facial masks that can be worn by sick adults and children to protect your small child from getting ill. These can be purchased at any pharmacy. Try to avoid getting super close to your child, at least until you or other sick people are feeling better. This

will protect your child from getting ill as well.

STEP 5 Feed your child healthy foods like fruits and vegetables often, and make sure they take a daily multivitamin. Strengthen their immune system with good foods, vitamins and minerals. If you’re unsure about the type of vitamins to give your small child, try asking your pediatrician first. Most recommend a daily multivitamin with fluoride to protect your child’s teeth as well. Foods rich in fibre, calcium and vitamins A, B, C and

D are also a great way to help your child stay healthy. Your pediatrician can suggest foods that are good for your child, depending on their age and needs.

STEP 6 Sunshine is a good natural supplement for child development. Remember to take your child out for some outdoor activities for 2 or 3 hours a day. Exposing their skin to the sunshine is good for the absorption of calcium and helps prevent rickets.

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health

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HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR AN EMERGENCY? AN EXPAT GUIDE By Shanghai East International Medical Center

xpats encounter certain challenges when living abroad, particularly when faced with an emergency. The following is a set of suggestions to help you prepare.

beginning treatment). If an emergency strikes, call the hospital while you’re on your way so that they can properly prepare for your arrival. Keep one kit at home, one at work and one in your car.

China). Ambulance drivers will need to be paid in cash upon arrival at the hospital. In most cases, you can request that the ambulance take you to a specific hospital.

What can I do to prepare for an emergency in Shanghai?

Identify two or three bilingual interpreters or friends to contact if needed (secretary, Chinese teacher, China Helpline (a paid translation service)). Even if you speak Chinese, you may have difficulty articulating your thoughts in the heat of the moment.

Specify a legal guardian for your child who is empowered to make medical decisions if both parents are away.

Register at one or more hospitals (do this as a precaution, free of charge). Get health insurance and make sure you understand your coverage (including whether medical evacuation is included in your plan). But remember that most hospitals will not be able to offer direct billing outside office hours in case of an emergency, so no matter how comprehensive your health insurance plan is, you should always have cash on hand. Put together emergency kits – first aid kit, copy of passport, copy of insurance card, copy of a valid credit card, a list of any known allergies and pertinent medical information, copy of hospital contact details (including address, contact number and map if available) and cash (many local hospitals will demand cash up front before

Identify emergency facilities and tour hospitals in your area (not all hospitals treat children!)

Have your consulate’s emergency number on hand. Walk through a sample scenario, noting length of time of commute to hospital, location of entrance, etc.

Make an Emergency Action Plan and share it with your ayi, driver and emergency contacts.

At Shanghai East International Medical Center you can:

Get trained in first aid and CPR, along with your driver and ayi.

Take first aid classes in English and in Chinese, run regularly.

Call 120 for an ambulance only if the patient must be immobilised. Ambulances are frequently not the fastest way to get a patient to the hospital (traffic does not give way to ambulances in

Buy first aid kits from our clinic for RMB250.

Email care@seimc.com.cn or call 5879 9999 to find out whether your insurance provider has a direct billing relationship with SEIMC. Register and take a free tour of our facilities.

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hainanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

golden beaches Escape the city and enjoy a short break on the beaches of Hainan Island in southern China

unrise and the sun sits low on the horizon. The hotel is a neoclassical affair, with marble columns and a troop of elephants lining the path to the foyer. From the entrance a great driveway descends the small hill, sweeping past a marble fountain and a palatial

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Located alongside an unruffled sea, with crystalclear water and temperatures between 18 and 30˚C, Hainan is ideal for swimming, sunbathing and exploring almost all year round

gatehouse. There it joins the road into Hainan’s main tourist town, Sanya, home to 500,000 people. At the base of the hill, on the road to town, a woman sits making brooms from palm fronds. Farther toward town, a little yellow food stand bears the slogan “the Hawaii of Asia”.

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Outside the Chinese New Year holiday, Hainan offers a quiet and relaxing experience

travel

n the resort of Yalong Bay, the Marriott, Sheraton and Hilton sit at the far end of the seven-kilometre stretch of beach. Several attendants in starched white attire are combing the beach with rakes, the golden sands leading down to clean blue water. Walking along the beach, it seems no expense has been spared in creating an oasis of opulence. In one hotel a vaulted wooden ceiling reaches up into the sky. In another a white grand piano sits on a raised stage, while in the foyer of yet another, a roped-off Ferrari receives its morning wax.

a growing destination In the last decade Hainan has grown to become the country’s number two holiday travel destination (between Jiuzhaigou National Park in Sichuan and Lijiang in Yunnan), but a large number of people outside of the country have still not heard of this tropical island in the South China Sea. Foreigners made up just 270,000 of Hainan’s 15 million tourists last year, led by South Koreans, Russians and Japanese. The province’s history is one of relative isolation, but the culture has long been buffeted by waves from afar – explorers, missionaries, entrepreneurs, colonists and, lately, the bikini-clad contestants of the Miss World beauty pageant have all left their mark. Han dynasty dissidents were once banished here, to “the ends of the earth”, as fatal punishment, and from 1939 it was occupied by the Japanese, leading to the death of many of the island’s young men. But, as that memory fades, the place of exile has become a paradise, with sun-seeking tourists flocking here to escape the cold winters of the northern hemisphere.

a tropical climate From March to November the mercury creeps past the 40 degrees Celsius mark, as humidity bastes locals and tourists alike. The rains offer little respite, as in the summer months tropical storms and typhoons buffet the coast. By mid-January, though, the temperatures are relatively mild – the wet, humid summer giving way to a cooler and drier season. At the butterfly centre in Yalong Bay National Resort, Yvonne Li sprays sugar water onto

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“

Walking along the beach, it seems no expense has been spared in creating an oasis of opulence

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a paradise for young and old explorers Despite the various development projects underway on the island, the area is still a haven for wildlife, with numerous species - insects, lizards, small mammals, birds and sea creatures visible at every turn

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a cluster of delicate flowers. Like falling leaves from the canopy above, butterflies descend onto the yellow blooms. “The summer is quiet out here,” she says. “It’s far too hot. But now things will get a little busier, and during the New Year it will become very crowded.”

local flavour Close to town, at the resort of Dadonghai, street stalls dish out fresh seafood while massage parlours blare out cheesy Western pop tunes. Tacky souvenir shops cater largely to Chinese and Russian tourists, reinforcing the image of Sanya as the Hawaii of China by selling a range of fluorescent Hawaiian print shirts, worn dutifully by scores of tourists. The Dadonghai beach area is slightly more jaded than the neighbouring resort in Yalong Bay, but it’s hard not to get caught up in the spirit of holidaymakers unselfconsciously having fun. It’s easy to lose yourself in both resorts, putting aside thoughts of work and paying the bills. Swimming between the man-made mini islands and water features of the hotel lagoons is an easy way to while away the hours. The fully-stocked gyms and games rooms offer a diversion if the sight of sparkling blue waters becomes too much, and the softly whirring ceiling fans in the reading room will quieten the most restless soul. A sultry week or two of contemplation, staring up at the hard green leaves of a mango or frangipani tree, makes a welcome break from the city.

away from the beach Hainan has a great deal to offer away from the beaches, with the Li and Miao minority groups inhabiting the interior of the island in the lush Limuling mountain range. Hainan is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots and one of the few places on the planet that still possesses primeval forest, among the extensive monsoon forest that covers 50 percent of the island. Jianfengling Nature Reserve, about 115 km west of Sanya, is home to hundreds of species of plants and insects, and gives an idea of what the island probably once looked like, blanketed by tropical jungle.

a rich diversity Hainan is home to over 500 species of terrestrial vertebrates, including 37 kinds of amphibians (of which 11 are only found in Hainan, and eight have been listed as animals unique to China), 104 kinds of reptiles, 344 kinds of birds and 82 varieties of mammals

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peace and solitude Although popular with

A cultural side-trip

tour groups and local visitors, the main beaches are

Northwest of the city sits the statue of A Ma (Tin Hau), a gigantic statue of the Buddha of compassion. Built on a platform in the South China Sea, at 108 metres (16 metres taller than the Statue of Liberty), it is said to be the tallest statue in the world. Nearby, tourists make the most of the photo opportunities, posing in front of a large bronze bell and striking a suitable stance on the steps of Nanshan Temple. Further west, the Nantian hot spring resort makes for a relaxing side-trip.

usually uncrowded, with early morning and sunset being the ideal times to take a long solitary walk

nightlife Come evening, the sky changes from a dull orange to cobalt blue. Nighttime on the seafront and lights illuminate signs beckoning customers into allyou-can-eat buffets, where fragrantly smoky barbeques entice groups to sample the fresh seafood: crabs, tiger prawns, clams, lobster, squid and various species of fish caught in the waters just off the ragged coast. Moths swirl in the lamplight, and the warm night air is full of whirring and chirpings from the tall grass, the distant beat of a Russian polka audible further down the beach. Away from the seafront and in the town centre itself, the entertainment is vibrant, with late night shopping, street markets and an endless range of local restaurants.

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a winter retreat Located in the South China Sea, Hainan is Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second largest island and boasts a combination of tropical rainforest, stretches of fine sandy beaches and rocky coves

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a place of contrasts With vast offshore fishing grounds, the main city of Sanya is a hub of activity, with fishing boats chugging through the calm harbour waters each morning and workers busy mending fishing nets and filling the boats with drums of ice

a winter getaway The island offers a winter escape and, outside the Spring Festival Golden Week, it is a pleasant experience. The result of this tourist boom is a curious blend of high-end resorts and kitsch, as developers look to capture as large a portion of the global market as possible. Wherever you stay, the beach is never far away and if it gets a little too crowded, a short bike or taxi ride will take you to one of the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more remote spots. For those wishing to escape the city for a short break and for those looking to explore the coastal landscape and immerse themselves in a natural environment, Hainan offers the perfect getaway.

For more information on this article, please contact the author, Richard Restell (r-restell@bisspuxi.com).

travel

getting there A good place to start a search for flights and accommodation is with the travel company Ctrip, which offers a wealth of information on the island, flights and accommodation. Their English website has details of all the main attractions, restaurants and transportation, and staff are more than willing to answer your questions. Visit http://english.ctrip.com to start your journey...

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education

GOING GLOBAL WHY ALL SCHOOLS NEED AN INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION By Mark Angus Principal The British International School Shanghai Nanxiang Campus

ducating children for global citizenship is naturally something with which international schools are especially concerned. Indeed, it could be argued that having an understanding of global matters is an inevitable consequence of being at school in a foreign country, possibly in a culture vastly different to your own. However, understanding and developing a truly global perspective does not happen by osmosis. International schools need to be active in our promotion of global citizenship if we truly want to enrich our pupilsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives with values and skills that they can take with them into university, into work and beyond.

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education

Why is education for global citizenship Important? Young people today, whether they’re aware of it or not, are directly and indirectly affected by what’s going on in other parts of the world. Schools therefore have a responsibility to ensure that their pupils are aware that, in turn, they too can have an effect on the lives of others both locally and globally, and of what they should be doing to ensure that this effect is as positive and benign as possible. It’s important that young people understand that they can not only influence their own lives and wellbeing, but that their actions have an impact on others in a variety of ways they might not ever have imagined. Consider for example the effects that your consumer choices may have – what are the real costs of buying fake goods or imported food, or of taking a car instead of public transport? One of the aims of a global citizenship programme is to encourage young people to care about the planet, and develop an active concern for all its inhabitants, by getting them to ask themselves these types of questions – and being brutally honest about the answers. Schools throughout the world – not only in the international sector – are now developing global citizenship programmes. In the UK, schools can get formal guidance from education authorities on how to add a global dimension to their curriculums, while organisations such as Oxfam (www. oxfam.org.uk/education/gc), DEA (www. dea.org.uk), UNESCO (www.unesco.org/ en/education), Local4Global (www. local4global.org.uk/globaldimension) and

many others provide support for schools who want to further broaden the horizons of their pupils. In addition, the British Council offers an International School Award for UK schools who are exceptional in this field (www.globalgateway.org), while Cambridge International Examinations now offer IGCSE and Pre-U courses entitled Global Perspectives. Therefore, it’s clear that this new direction in education is a burgeoning and increasingly important part of the 21st-century school’s life. How do we educate for global citizenship? As shown above, there’s a great deal of advice and guidance available for schools looking to enhance their curriculum with an international dimension. In Shanghai, we incorporate the best of these approaches and create some of our own as well, unique to us here in China. Firstly, we work towards adapting the contents of the National Curriculum so that the topics, people and places we explore are more representative of our constituencies and our location. We actively seek, for instance, to include Shanghai and China when we study industrialisation; we look beyond Europe for our studies of famous people; we look at music, literature and visual arts from outside the Western canon. This means that our pupils still develop the essential learning skills that they need (and that their counterparts in the UK are also developing) but in a broader context and with a wider brief. This also encourages our pupils (and staff) to be more adventurous

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IT’S IMPORTANT THAT YOUNG PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THAT THEY CAN NOT ONLY INFLUENCE THEIR OWN LIVES AND WELL BEING, BUT THAT THEIR ACTIONS HAVE AN IMPACT ON OTHERS IN A VARIETY OF WAYS THEY MIGHT NEVER HAVE IMAGINED

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education

and industrious when it comes to teaching and learning resources, as these are not so easily and readily available for some of the programmes of study we have created. However, this in turn enhances pupils’ research skills and leads them to engage more deeply with the topics they cover, as they develop an increased sense of discovery and ownership of their learning. We also see an understanding of current affairs as crucial to promoting a global view of the world, and so we subscribe to magazines, websites and podcasts from around the world and provide our pupils with opportunities to watch a variety of news programmes online, so that they can explore and question independently what they are told is happening around the world at any given time in any given place. As well as bringing people from history to life in our classrooms, we also like to bring people from today into them too, in order to enhance our programmes of study, provide new and unique perspectives and give pupils some insight into the wider

“

IT’S IMPORTANT FOR GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP TO NOT ONLY MOVE OUT OF THE CLASSROOM, BUT ALSO OUT OF THE SCHOOL, THE CITY AND EVEN THE COUNTRY

world beyond their classroom walls. To this end, we have created a Guest Speaker Programme where prominent people from industry, diplomacy, the arts and our own parent community come into school to address pupils of all ages on a wide variety of topics – this term, our pupils have learnt about the Chinese legal system, the role of a consulate, how to set up a franchise business, what we can do about climate change and how to celebrate Thanksgiving US-style. We believe very strongly that

global citizenship means that pupils should be exposed to as wide a variety of views, beliefs, professions and hobbies as possible, and that part of the global dimension is pupils gaining an understanding of the many paths that their lives and future careers may take. We also like to bring the wider world into our school by engaging in events that take place across the globe. For instance, we enthusiastically participated in Peace One Day on 21 September (www.peaceoneday. org/en), a worldwide day of peace observed by all United Nations signatory countries. The organisation behind the movement produces an excellent series of resources, activities and contacts for schools all around the world, enabling them to get involved, make links and work together to create something for the future. Similarly, we also embrace the opportunities provided by Global Entrepreneurship Week (www.gew.org.uk) so that our pupils begin to understand what globalisation means in terms of business and trade. They will have chances – perhaps like no other generation before them – to move into business or industry wherever in the world they see an opportunity, so it’s important that they begin to grasp what this may mean for them and their peers in the future. Projects like these – in which our whole school engages, working collaboratively across age and year groups whenever possible – give pupils a sense of belonging to a much bigger community, a community that stretches around the globe. The film that we made and descriptions of our activities can be found on the Peace One Day website, which means that what we do here is on show to anyone in the world who wants to see it. Similarly, we have taken the work of schools from other countries as a model for

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our work during Global Entrepreneurship Week. In this way, schools are connecting and engaging with each other, sharing ideas and practice and helping each other to change and progress. Finally, it’s important for global citizenship to not only move out of the classroom, but also out of the school, the city and even the country. We’re committed to engaging with the wider community, and to this end we are active participants in the International Award (known as the Duke of Edinburgh Award in the UK). Participants are required to spend time away from home on adventurous journeys, learn new skills, become physically fit and engage in community service – all of which are important elements of building a global perspective. Our pupils, therefore, are seeing parts of China and other countries they would not normally see, are discovering independence and responsibility and are learning how to contribute to the lives of those less fortunate. We’ve worked with orphanages, minority and migrant schools, rural schools and schools in disaster zones to do what we can to improve living and learning conditions, and to understand what we can do to raise standards and aspirations for future generations too. For us in Shanghai, global education is about global responsibility – understanding that what we do now is important, but also that what we do in the future is even more so. This means that we aim for our pupils to be prepared for the challenges they will face, and to be aware that the world is a very big place and they’re just one part of it. We want them to leave us with a sense of responsibility and duty, but also of adventure and inquisitiveness – that, for us, is what education for global citizenship is all about.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mark Angus read English and Drama at Flinders University, Adelaide, where he specialised in the Elizabethan and Jacobean theatre. He also has an MA in Early Modern Studies from King’s College, London where his main focus of study was the repertories of 16th- and 17th-century playing companies. He gained his PGCE in Secondary English from the Open University and was previously the Academic Deputy Head and Head of Boarding at Westminster Cathedral Choir School, a boys’ preparatory school in central London. Mark Angus has published articles in a variety of journals on a diverse range of subjects, from Victorian crime to the theatre of Sophocles, and has also written for the theatre and radio. His interests include literature, theatre, wine, sport and travel.

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education

MAKING SCIENCE FUN

DEVELOPING A SENSE OF DISCOVERY IN THE CLASSROOM By Dr Craig Wilson Head of Science The British International School Shanghai Puxi Campus

t is the aim of Science to help students understand their environment and to challenge their preconceptions about the world. By making the endeavour enjoyable, students learn to nurture a sense of discovery, essential for success later in life.

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“SIR? SIR? ARE WE DOING A PRACTICAL TODAY?” These are the words which so often greet a Science teacher as their students enter the classroom. It’s undoubtedly true that students enjoy doing practicals; and at the end of each module test, when my students are asked to answer the question “How could we improve this module for other students?”, “More practicals!” is a common response (although not as gratifying as “You can’t”, which isn’t that uncommon!)

So why do students enjoy practicals? The most obvious answer is that they’re an aspect of lessons which other subjects don’t (often) have available to them. They’re an opportunity for students to get out of their seats and do something… well, practical! But that can’t be the whole story. Most obviously PE lessons do this, but so can language lessons, history lessons and many others.

Is it, then, that students are able to use equipment and substances (chemicals – but everything is a chemical really) which they wouldn’t normally be allowed to? But that doesn’t really explain the excitement either. Take my current Year 7 class. They were incredibly excited to be carrying out a practical where they put some red cabbage in water, heated it on a Bunsen burner until some of the colouring had dissolved into the water, then added the solution they had made to an acid, an alkali, water and an

unknown substance. But, as I pointed out to them, they could easily do this at home with some red cabbage, some water and a saucepan! So what’s the answer? For the practical I’ve just described, it doesn’t centre around heating cabbage in water, but on mixing what has been made with different substances, especially the unknown substance. It’s the spirit of discovery, of finding out the answer to a question. This

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Traditional science classes often extinguish young peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s innate enthusiasm for the natural world by stressing rote memorisation and factual recall rather than creative thinking and hands-on discovery

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“As Science teachers we’re always battling against misconceptions” makes science different. This is the spirit to appreciate. These are the experiments which drives all scientific endeavours and which we Science teachers should choose can also drive the young scientists in our to carry out as demonstrations. care. As Science teachers we’re forever battling As teachers we’re told that it’s important against misconceptions. As humans we to share the objectives of each lesson with create ideas of the world around us which our students. Research shows that learners allow us to explain everyday occurrences. benefit more from lessons when they’re Unfortunately our explanations, our aware of the outcomes which the teacher models to use the scientific term, are is aiming for them to achieve. That is as often wrong when studied in detail. true in Science as in any other subject, but Physics is the science most beset by these as teachers we should be careful how we misconceptions. Luckily, many students communicate our objectives to students. become highly engaged when their There’s a lot to be gained by sharing misconceptions are challenged. Present questions which need to be answered, them with an unexpected result and rather than giving away the answers at the they’re initially dumbfounded. Within a outset. few seconds, however, they begin fighting back! This again makes their lessons fun. Practicals or demonstrations? Examples can be as simple as dropping a tennis ball full of air and a tennis ball full of If students only enjoyed practicals because water and showing that they hit the ground they allowed them a break from the routine at the same time, despite their different of lessons, that still wouldn’t explain why weights. they also find demonstrations so enjoyable. Granted, students are always excited by the So does this mean that explanation of a demonstration, rather than practicals and demonstrations the practical reason: “It’s just too dangerous are the only fun activities in for you to do.” I well recall carrying out Science class? the same demonstration for two different classes, one of which was new to me and one which had known me for a year. On the No. What the analysis above shows is that instruction “OK, now you need to go to the this isn’t true. As Science teachers, we need back of the room,” the class who were new to both engage students and challenge to me barely moved… the class who knew them, by making their lessons fun. We should be aiming to mould our students me almost ran! into critical scientists before they leave However, the same sense of discovery can our care. Two important aspects of that, be used to keep students as interested now addressed in the APP (Assessing Pupil during a demonstration as they are when Progress) criteria for Key Stage 3 Science, carrying out a practical. I often refer to this are that scientific developments do not as the showmanship needed by the teacher. always produce benefits for everyone, and This can put a lot of pressure on Science that there are questions which science teachers. It’s important that they practise cannot answer. These considerations are demonstrations beforehand, not just to best addressed not through demonstrations ensure that they carry them out safely, or practicals, but through debates. not just to make certain they can do them correctly the first time, but also so that they Students in Year 7 are taught about the can practise their patter and get the timing potentially lifesaving benefits of organ right in the same way an entertainer would. transplants, realised through scientific advances since the first successful heart The second point here is crucial – making transplant by Christiaan Barnard in 1967. certain they can do them correctly first They are then presented with the realities time. There are some experiments which of so-called transplant tourism and asked are very difficult to perform (as teachers for their opinions. This is challenging for we’ve even been known to cheat!), and there 11-year-olds, but they clearly understand the are those which demonstrate a particular arguments in question and the resulting phenomenon which it’s crucial for students debate is always hotly contested!

So, in the end, what is the role of practicals? Practicals should always be investigations. They should be opportunities for students to demonstrate that they can take systematic approaches to solving the questions their teachers pose them. Teachers and students should understand that it’s the process which is important, not the outcome. In almost all cases the experiments will have been performed before, but students should enjoy the sense of discovery nonetheless, since the outcome is new to them. That’s what matters and, thankfully, that will never be lost, because we’re presented with a never-ending stream of young people into our lessons.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Craig Wilson leads the secondary science department at The British International School, Puxi Campus and has a Masters (Honours) and PhD in Chemistry from Oxford University. Previously he was the Head of Chemistry at Magdalen College School in Brackley.

For more information on Science and the English National Curriculum, please contact Dr Craig Wilson - c-wilson@bisspuxi.com

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By showing students that a seemingly dry and difficult subject like science could be fun, teachers hope to offer students at least one reason to “stick it out”

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education

THE INCLUSIVE CLASSROOM DEVELOPING AN ENVIRONMENT WHICH HELPS STUDENTS THRIVE By Mark Wilson Deputy Principal and Secondary Headteacher The British International School Shanghai Pudong Campus

t is our belief that every student has the right to a good education. It doesn’t matter whether you’re used to the British system where “Every Child Matters”, or the US system where “No Child is Left Behind” or even the United Nations Rights of the Child:

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The child is entitled to receive education… he shall be given an education which will promote his general culture and enable him, on a basis of equal opportunity, to develop his abilities, his individual judgement and his sense of moral and social responsibility, and to become a useful member of society United Nations Rights of the Child

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When reading this statement, we cannot help but be inspired to lead schools in which every young person has access to a premium quality education. We each have our own skills and abilities. Good schools help students find their unique gifts and develop them to become the best that they can be. Over a century ago, Maria Montessori created multi-sensory environments in the slums of Rome in which even children who were thought to have mental problems were reading and writing before starting school, in addition to becoming enthusiastic and confident learners. When we talk about an inclusive classroom, what we are really talking about is a good classroom. The best learning takes place in a classroom which develops the individual and enables personalising learning. This article looks at some key teaching techniques used to differentiate learning and allow all students to engage in the lesson. As you read them, we hope you’ll want to see these techniques in every lesson. The art of good questions

eachers should ask questions of differing difficulty and target questions at individual students so they contribute to whole class discussions, share ideas and allow the teacher to assess their understanding. When it comes to questions, Bloom’s Taxonomy is an excellent tool for teachers to use:

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PEOPLE OF ALL AGES CAN LEARN VIRTUALLY ANYTHING IF ALLOWED TO DO IT THROUGH THEIR OWN UNIQUE STYLES, THEIR OWN PERSONAL STRENGTHS

By asking different levels of questions, a teacher can test a student’s recall of knowledge and check understanding. The more important types of questions are in the higher end of the thinking pyramid. Analytical questions force critical thinking: • •

What are some of the problems of...? What do you see as other possible outcomes?

Synthesis questions force students to put their ideas together in creative thinking: • •

Can you see a possible solution to...? What would happen if...?

Evaluation questions make students think about and commit to a judgement:

Barbara Pushing • The Power of Diversity •

Do you think... is a good or a bad thing? How would you have handled...?

In recent years, debate has suggested that synthesis and evaluation should swap places. Many educationists feel that creative thinking is the highest order. I would agree with this stance, although both of them require a higher level of thinking and a better range of questions from the teacher to bring out the best in all the students. Asking the right questions is just a small part of making a classroom inclusive. A good teacher also builds in thinking time for students. Too often, a question is asked and no time is given to students to formulate their thinking. This can lead to students not developing their higher order thinking skills, as well as failing to challenge them with creative thinking. Thinking time builds confidence that improves self-belief. A good teacher creates environments in which all students feel safe to answer questions, using techniques like mini white boards on which students write their answer and show it to the teacher. Techniques like this force all students to engage in the question and answer process.

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A good teacher at times applies a “no hands up” rule. This means that a teacher controls to whom they ask the question, which makes sure nobody can hide behind the confident students who always put up their hands. A good teacher builds in time for collaborative learning and uses approaches like ‘think, pair, share’, where students discuss an answer before they share it and learn from each other. The ‘think’ time gives students the all-important time to digest the question and build links in their own head. The ‘pair’ section encourages collaboration and develops peer-to-peer learning. The ‘share’ section provides a safe environment in which students, having shared their idea with a classmate, feel more confident about answering the question.

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THE ONLY DUMB QUESTION IS THE QUESTION YOU DON’T ASK Paul MacCready (inventor)

There are many other techniques that good inclusive teachers use to ensure every student is challenged to think and learn through questioning. Good teachers use different tools to target different learning styles, such as visual, audio and kinaesthetic (VAK) learning styles. They also encourage all learners to identify how they prefer to learn. If students understand how they learn best, it empowers them to create their own resources and thus make more effective use of learning time, especially during the revision process. Students can record their learning in a number of ways, from making mind maps to using Dictaphones and video recordings. The 21st century comes with a wide variety of technologies which can be used to aid learning

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MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCE THEORY TEACHES US THAT ALL KIDS ARE SMART BUT THEY ARE SMART IN DIFFERENT WAYS Thomas R. Hoerr Becoming a Multiple Intelligence School

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of all styles. These, mixed in with classic techniques that may only require a few post-it notes and coloured pens, are part of how good teachers make their lessons inclusive. Good classrooms also celebrate students’ successes through displays, which can be used to demonstrate attainment levels to other students. Displays can also be used to reinforce key words and language used in a lesson, which for an international school is a key part of the EAL (English as an Additional Language) learning strategy. By having active displays or ‘talking walls’, students can check on their learning in their own time and revisit topics as and when they need to. These are just a few examples of how teachers create an inclusive classroom. Whatever label you wish to give, the inclusive classroom or the good classroom, they are the same thing. It is naive to think that in life we only ever work with people of similar intellectual ability, let alone the same level of emotional intelligence. The role of education is to prepare students for future life, and working alongside people with different skills and different ways of learning is an important life skill.

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A good teacher understands this and uses it to create an inclusive classroom driven by the belief that every student has a right to a good education. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mark Wilson has been teaching for over 13 years, during which time in addition to his teaching and learning work with students he has been involved in training teachers for the Royal Academy of Dance, Middlesex University and through various Initial Teacher Training programmes. He joined Pudong as Headteacher for the Secondary School in 2009 after being involved in leading various schools in the UK. Mark has worked for the Department of Education through the Innovations Unit and the National College for School Leadership on Leadership projects in addition to being nominated for Teacher of the Year in 2005. Mark is often asked to speak publically at educational conferences, past events including Leading Edge Schools Conference, 14-19 Diploma Conference, Exceptionality Conference, Staff Training Conferences and Local Authority training based around personalising learning, tracking students’ progress and using Drama skills across the curriculum. His hobbies include playing guitar and singing, running, swimming and being a long suffering fan of Nottingham Forest Football Club. Mark is married with 2 children.

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L a n c e - C o r p o r a l J o h n s o n G i d e o n B e h a r ry V C

for valour The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration which is, or has been, awarded for valour â&#x20AC;&#x153;in the face of the enemyâ&#x20AC;? to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories

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our time

ducation is about more than a formal curriculum. Lecture programmes, assemblies, performances and debates can all contribute to broadening, provoking, challenging and stretching our students. Young adults need to be made to think, and we enjoy asking questions of the students in our care. As an example, the following text comes from a talk for 15- and 16-year-old students earlier this year. Perhaps it might make us all think about who we want to be.

About a year ago, I shook the hand of a young man. He was not very tall, rather softly spoken, and I don’t think – if you’d passed him in the street – that you’d have given him a second glance. Nonetheless, for me, just being able to meet with him, talk to him briefly and look him in the eye was a rare honour. From the length of the queue of people – students, teachers and visitors – who were waiting to meet him, you could tell I wasn’t the only one who felt that way. Johnson Beharry was born in 1979. He grew up in poverty on the island of Grenada, although he speaks of it with great affection and sincerity. He came to England in 1999, and after – as he puts it – taking a number of wrong turns in his life, he joined the British Army as a young soldier in August 2001. No fancy schooling, no officer training, he joined up because he could see the route his life would take if he didn’t do something positive with it. He became a driver of a 25-tonne armoured personnel carrier – a bit like a tank – called a Warrior. He, like many people, found himself in the middle of a confusing war in Iraq. His job wasn’t to worry about why he was there or about the failures of politicians, for every war is a failure of one politician or another. He didn’t think much beyond his immediate job, to drive his Warrior wherever it needed to go to provide support to soldiers in dangerous situations. On 1 May, 2004, he was called to help a foot patrol who were caught in a series of ambushes. His vehicle was hit by a number of rocket-propelled grenades, and the situation looked bleak. He had lost radio communication and his tank was badly damaged. His commander, his gunner and the other soldiers with him were badly injured. Beharry was stuck in the front of the tank with no working radio. He didn’t know if the other Warriors in the convoy behind him were OK. He didn’t know if his commander or crewmen were alive. They might be seriously injured; he couldn’t rely on anyone else, he was on his own. Confused and in immediate danger, he decided to close his driver’s hatch and go forward. His tank was hit again by extensive rocket-propelled grenade fire from the rooftops around him.

a school assembly Students pay tribute to members of the armed forces on Remembrance Day to do next. As he looked around, with the sound of explosions and rocket fire around him, he realised that his best chance to save the lives of his crew was to keep going, directly through the barricade, not knowing if there were mines or bombs placed that would explode if he hit them. But he did this, and he led the remaining five convoy vehicles behind him towards safety. As the smoke in his driver’s tunnel cleared, he could just make out the shape of another rocket-propelled grenade in flight heading directly towards him. Immediately he pulled the heavy armoured hatch down with one hand, still steering the Warrior with the other. The explosion of the rocket wrenched the hatch out of his grip, and the flames and force of the blast passed directly over him. He had to drive the vehicle through the rest of the ambushed route, a distance of a kilometre and a half, with the hatch open and his head sticking up and exposed to enemy fire. His tank was repeatedly struck by grenades and he was under heavy fire throughout. He was struck by a bullet, which went through his helmet and stopped just as it hit his head. Despite the grenades, the bullets, the noise and the pain, Beharry carried on, still leading his platoon out of the ambush.

As he drove, he saw an undamaged Warrior, a place of safety. He Just when things couldn’t get worse, his vehicle caught fire and stopped as close to it as he could. After all he’d been through, and filled rapidly with thick, noxious, choking smoke. He had to open after all he’d already done, all his instincts must have been telling the hatch – while people were shooting at him – to work out what him to run towards it and hide. Instead, under fire, he carried the

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It’s been rather a long time since I’ve awarded one of these. t h e q u e e n , w h e n awa r d i n g p r i vat e b e h a r ry h i s v c

A PORTRAIT In February 2007 Johnson Beharry’s portrait was presented to the National Portrait Gallery in London by the artist Emma Wesley (born the same year as Beharry) and has since become part of the gallery’s collection

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LEARnING A LESSON Young students from all over the world listen to the story of Johnson Beharry and his act of heroism during a school assembly injured crew of his tank across to the other vehicle one by one. Not until he had rescued them all did he think about his own safety. He collapsed from the sheer physical and mental exhaustion of his efforts, and was later rescued himself. Less than a month later, he was back on duty when the new Warrior he was driving was attacked by rocket fire. His commander and crew were injured and unable to direct him. Despite being unable to see properly because of a serious head injury (which later required brain surgery) he stayed conscious long enough to drive the vehicle to safety, again saving the lives of his commander and crew. His injuries remain with him; he has severe back and head pain which will probably stay with him as long as he lives. But he makes light of it. In 2005, he was presented with the Victoria Cross, the highest award for bravery in the British Army. As she presented it, the Queen of England, Elizabeth II, said, ”It’s been rather a long time since I presented one of these.” The last one presented to a living recipient was nearly fifty years ago. Now we could have a discussion about the rights and wrongs of wars in general, and of this war in particular, but this isn’t the time, and that isn’t the point of this story. From economics, sometimes defined as the Science of Wealth, we get the idea of Economic Man. Economic Man behaves in whatever way gets him the most reward from the least effort. Adam Smith, the most famous economist of all, wrote about this over 200 hundred years ago in his book The Wealth of Nations: “It is not from the kindness of the butcher, the brewer or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest.”

In the modern world, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of Economic Man. Minimum work for the maximum gain sounds so appealing. Why should I bother? What do I get out of it? What’s in it for me? When he could have been safe, Johnson Beharry went back into danger, under heavy fire and in the likelihood that he wouldn’t survive. Not once, not twice, but three times, to save his friends. And then he did it again a month later. Now you and I won’t ever be – I hope – in the situation that Johnson Beharry found himself in, but you can certainly learn a lesson for life from him about what you can do for others when you think of them ahead of yourself. I’ve met lots of Economic Men. I’ve met far fewer Johnson Beharrys. I know whose hand I’d rather shake. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Stuart White has enjoyed working in a variety of schools over the last twenty years. He studied Engineering at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge and worked briefly as a telecommunications research engineer for GEC’s central research labs in London, before training as a Physics teacher. He started his teaching career at Winchester College, one of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious independent schools, before moving on through a variety of positions including Head of Physics, Boarding Housemaster, Director of Studies and Deputy Head in well known independent schools in England. Working as Vice Principal and then Interim Principal at Aiglon College in Switzerland gave him a taste for the benefits that arise from living and working in an international community, and he took up the role as Head of Secondary at The British International School in Shanghai’s Puxi campus with enthusiasm – a feeling he still has as he steps into work each morning! He is married to Jane, also a highly experienced teacher, and has three children. When time allows he enjoys playing and watching most forms of sport, as well as playing the clarinet or just soaking up the Shanghai atmosphere and environment.

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NEW LOOK. SAME VALUES.

New look. Same values. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more than a collection of words and something more than just a makeover. It captures who we are now as well as who we want to be in the future. We help others thrive, to grow, to flourish, to learn and this is at the core of our ethos at The British School of Beijing. The school is founded on one simple bedrock. Traditional family values of respect, good manners, good behaviour and high expectations. Students of all ages are guided to become part of a community based on mutually supportive pillars. The British School of Beijing will provide your child with the highest quality education preparing pupils for GCSE and A Levels. The school is based on the National Curriculum of England, in an international setting and as a result, students develop and mature into young adults equipped with the qualifications and skills to enter universities worldwide.

admissions@britishschool.org.cn

Sanlitun Campus

Shunyi Campus

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GETTING INVOLVED THE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP FOR EDUCATION SUCCESS By Travis Anderson Secondary Science Subject Leader The British International School Shanghai Pudong Campus

t is widely understood by academics, administrators and teachers that parental involvement is an influential motivator and a key factor in a child’s success. The parent-child relationship during adolescence reflects an area of transition marked by significant interpersonal, social and biological development. Without the right support, this can have long-term implications for the academic achievement of a child. It is, therefore, crucial to identify the role that parental influence has on education at a secondary school level and the strategies available for parents to promote educational success for their children. Parental involvement translates directly into a remarkable 86 percent increase in academic achievement, and a child’s performance is positively affected by a strong relationship between teachers and parents. This form of parental involvement is called academic socialisation. It entails a close parent-school relationship that promotes positive student performance. At the start of secondary school, family-school involvement is associated with student achievement because it increases the probability of parental activity, including more interaction with the school and teachers. However, the extent of this success depends on the specific kind of involvement. Certain activities are more influential than others in promoting educational success. “Discussion of and interest in school-related activities at home had the strongest effects of all the parental involvement variables for science and achievement, with a 46 percent increase in academic performance.” (Voorhis, 2003)

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education

In secondary school, the most successful parental involvement strategies with the greatest effect on student achievement include: •

Linking schoolwork to current events and discussing learning strategies with children

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Communicating parental expectations for education and its value

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Making preparations and plans for the future

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Fostering educational and occupational aspirations

The question to ask is: How much of the time we spend with our child is directed towards academic success? Studies show that levels of parental involvement in everyday areas of their children’s lives are generally low: 6.5 percent monitor which films their children are watching on TV or at the cinema; 14 percent are involved in planning and scheduling activities; 16 percent in clubs and activities; and just 20 percent in their children’s choice of friends. Of greater concern is that similarly low levels are evident in the educational support of their children. Only 5 percent of parents take an active interest in the books they read; 16 percent involve themselves with homework; and only 26 percent are involved in the choice of secondary school courses. Involvement in the choice of higher education rises to 51 percent, although this occurs two-thirds of the way through their children’s educational career. Management strategies adopted by parents to direct their children’s adolescent schooling vary according to the parents’ level of school involvement. To help students in education, there are four types of effective parental involvement categories which have been proven in studies to promote student success: 1.

School-based involvement: volunteering at school; communication between parents and teachers; involvement in school functions

Home-based involvement: engaging in educational activities at home – these could include educational films, field trips, etc

Cognitive-intellectual involvement: reflects the importance of strong school/home-based involvement and emphasises the parental role in exposing their children to educationally stimulating activities and experiences that tie together various educational functions at school

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STUDIES SHOW THAT LEVELS OF PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN EVERYDAY AREAS OF THEIR CHILDREN’S LIVES ARE GENERALLY LOW

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the british international school Shanghai, China

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SO THE QUESTION WE SHOULD ASK IS NOT HOW MUCH WE DO, BUT HOW EFFECTIVE OUR ACTIONS ARE IN SUPPORTING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUR CHILDREN

Personal involvement: includes attitudes and expectations about school and education and conveying the enjoyment of learning

Within a primary school context, school-based involvement is associated with child achievement because it is likely to include visits to the classroom and interaction with teachers. This interaction increases knowledge about the curriculum and increases the effectiveness of involvement at home. However, in secondary school, school-based involvement has been shown to change from class assistance to school attendance due to the parents’ level of knowledge of their child’s studies. This latter type of school-based involvement is less likely to provide secondary school parents with information about classroom content or the opportunity to create mutual respect between parents and teachers. With the increase in the value of education among parents this is beginning to change.

helping others to be the best they can be Education and learning has always been our focus and our area of expertise. Our people and the people we work with all have a good understanding of what this means to us. We aim to provide students with the opportunity to be the best they can be.

The implementation of a strong parent-school relationship is a significant move in the right direction if we are to fulfil our role as effective educators and responsible parents to ensure the best possible future for our children. So the question we should ask is not how much we do, but how effective our actions are in supporting the achievements of our children. Which strategies do you employ?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Travis Anderson is from Canada and has worked at BISS Pudong for four years. He has previously worked in England, Canada, Thailand, and Nigeria. “I feel very proud to be part of an organisation that is committed to providing the best quality teaching and learning environment. Teaching at Pudong has a clear focus on improving future opportunities for all students.”

www.bisshanghai.com

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BEHAVIOUR AND SOCIAL GRACES A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO GOOD MANNERS IN SCHOOL By Kevin Foyle Principal The British International School Shanghai Puxi Campus

re good manners naturally occurring phenomena? Unfortunately, I think not. But thankfully, good manners involve a set of skills which can be learned and which therefore can, and indeed should, be taught. The British are well known for their attention to good manners and etiquette, and we at The British International School Shanghai feel that they are an important part of a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education and have great value. We teach good manners through a programme called Behaviour and Social Graces (BSG), which forms part of a wider ranging curriculum area, Personal Health and Social Education (PHSE).

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“Why is it important to know how to meet and greet people?” When William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester and Chancellor of the Exchequer, founded England’s oldest public school, Winchester College, he gave the school a simple motto: “Manners maketh man”. At the time, he was referring to the importance of a healthy lifestyle – eating well, washing regularly and getting enough rest. This balance is of course still important today, and it is still promoted right the way through the school in our PHSE programme.

However, the meaning of Wykeham’s axiom has evolved over time. “Manners maketh man, or so they say” sang Sting in the 1980s hit ‘An Englishman in New York’. Those of us who, like Sting, grew up in the UK in the 1960s and 1970s, heard such phrases frequently from our parents. Generally, it was a matter of remembering to say please and thank you, and behaving well in social situations, particularly at the dinner table. In some ways little has changed, and it is these skills of politeness, respect and knowing how to behave when dealing with other people that are at the heart of our BSG programme.

Why do we bother? Why is it important to know how to meet and greet people? Why are small acts of kindness and thoughtfulness so important? Edmund Burke, the 18th-century philosopher and politician, had this to say on the subject: “Manners are of more importance than laws… Manners are what vex or sooth, corrupt or purify, exalt or debase, barbarise or refine us, by a constant, steady, uniform, insensible operation, like that of the air that we breathe in.”

to-day interactions of regular citizens are of fundamental importance. He suggested that in many ways they are more important than the laws put in place by the governments of the world. He understood that if you are well-mannered towards others and treat others as you wish to be treated yourself, not only are you more likely to be successful as an individual but, furthermore, a society functions more smoothly when its people conduct themselves in an atmosphere of mutual respect and courteous behaviour.

I believe he is correct because, while Burke was clearly of the view that the day- intelligence in its various forms, knowledge

Through role play and modelling the importance of certain key factors such as a firm handshake, eye contact and the right welcoming dialogue can be taught

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“Small actions and words of appreciation should never be underestimated”

and skills are all important assets, it’s also just as important to be able to interact successfully with other people. Experience shows that independent actions are essential in many cases, but often so much more can be achieved through the cooperation and sharing of ideas that is engendered and strengthened by knowing how to behave towards other people. Small actions and words of appreciation and contrition should never be underestimated. ‘Please’, ‘thank you’, ‘sorry’ and ‘I forgive you’ are some of the most important words and phrases in the English language. Their frequent and sincere use is soothing and helps to establish and maintain cordial and mutually respectful relationships. In isolation they may not be enough, but neglecting them can be a source of unhappiness and mistrust. How often do people say they don’t feel appreciated or valued, when all that’s really missing are simple words and acts of gratitude, and how much goodwill and positive feeling can be generated by a well-timed compliment? Burke also writes that good manners “refine us”, polishing and giving confidence in a range of different situations. We believe that knowing how to behave in formal situations, meeting and greeting visitors

or behaving appropriately at formal meals, is important. Once the formalities can be effortlessly observed, the focus can move on to the all-important social interaction and communication. Through role play and modelling the importance of certain key factors such as a firm handshake, eye contact and the right welcoming dialogue can be taught, and tips can be given about remembering names and other important elements such as giving and receiving compliments and the importance of thankyou letters and emails. We must, of course, be aware of other cultural norms and customs. Custom and practice vary enormously around the world. It’s also important to have a starting point and, being a British school, we have unsurprisingly decided to focus on British manners and etiquette. As the programme is delivered from year to year we continue to learn more about the customs and practices which help our pupils to deepen their understanding of other nations and cultures. I believe we ignore this aspect of children’s education at our peril. We live in a world which is in many ways profoundly materialistic, and one in which these

small but hugely important niceties are slowly but surely being eroded, forgotten or ignored. If they are to survive, and if we are to continue to enjoy the benefits they bring in our school communities and beyond, a proactive whole school approach is necessary to guide and support our students so that, for them, behaviour and social graces are indeed, in the words of Burke, an “insensible operation, like that of the air that we breathe in”.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kevin Foyle has fifteen years of experience in school leadership. He began his teaching career at Winchester College, one of the UK’s leading independent schools, where he taught history and politics. He was then appointed to be Headmaster of Norman Court Preparatory School in 1995. He was appointed as the founding Principal of The British International School Shanghai, Nanxiang in 2007. At the beginning of 2009 he moved with his wife and two children to take up the position of Principal at The British International School Shanghai in Puxi.

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Knowing how to behave in formal situations, meeting and greeting visitors or behaving appropriately at formal meals, is important

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READ WRITE INC THE RIGHT WAY TO LEARN TO READ AND WRITE By Steve King Primary Literacy Coordinator The British International School Shanghai Pudong Campus

he English spelling system doesn’t seem to make sense. In fact, we have to wonder if there is a system at all when we look at the strange ways we spell words in English. Why is ‘rough’ spelt the same way as ‘though’, when their sounds are completely different? Why doesn’t ‘through’ rhyme with ‘though’ or ‘rough’, when the last four letters of each word are the same? Why can’t we just start from the beginning and build a more simple spelling system? The English language isn’t easy to master, and its nuances are both an annoyance and an enjoyable challenge for the learner. For centuries, rules have been made and then broken with multiple exceptions. The common rule of ‘i before e, except after c’ works often; but then we find: feisty, deity, science, conscience. This is all to do with the way in which the language developed and the influences from the Romans, the Normans and the other peoples that invaded a little island off the coast of mainland Europe.

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putting together or blending. This involves putting the sounds of the letters/ graphemes together to make a word. What is synthesised in reading are the sounds prompted by the letters on the page. With this approach, before children are asked to read books, they are taught letter sounds. After the first few letters have been taught, children are shown how these sounds can be blended together to build up words. For example, when taught the letter sounds /t/ /p/ /a/ and /s/, children can build up words like tap, pat, pats, taps, sat and so on. The children sound each letter in turn and synthesise the sounds in order to say the word. ‘Read Write Inc’ was developed by Ruth Miskin, a key member of the government team in charge of improving early literacy. The programme not only teaches children the key skills in order to read (decode) but also to spell (encode) and, most importantly, comprehend what they read. It’s a well-established scheme with a variety of resources that offers a rich curriculum and is now a staple of Early Years and Key Stage 1 Literacy at Pudong. A number of the staff at the school took part in an intensive training course to launch the programme. Continuous training and appraisal are ongoing to ensure our children receive the best possible start in terms of their early reading. The implementation of this scheme has improved reading in Early Years and has significantly improved spelling across the school.

As parents and teachers, it’s our job to equip children with the necessary literacy skills to function effectively in school, college or at work. These skills need to allow them to gain access to information and new ideas; communicate their own ideas to others; and participate fully and safely in society. Of course, reading is one of these skills, and the variety of spelling rules makes our jobs much more difficult and, of course, much more interesting.

your brain already knows the words and can rearrange the letters for you. When children master phonics skills, they become independent readers, decoding unfamiliar words for themselves.

In 2006, Sir Jim Rose completed his independent review of the teaching of early reading in the UK. As a result of the Rose Report, the UK curriculum was revised for Literacy to ensure that phonics became the key approach for teaching early reading. The There are 44 sounds (phonemes) in report provided clear recommendations the English language (depending on on what constitutes high-quality phonics regional accents). This seems easy so far. work. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of ways of representing these sounds in different In order to meet our children’s needs and letter combinations (graphemes). So it’s not to ensure we achieve the core criteria of so easy to read or write. In the past a ‘look quality phonics teaching, Pudong Campus and say’ approach has been used to combat has invested heavily in ‘Read Write Inc’. the problem, and this does work to a certain This is a fully integrated and dynamic extent. Try this: literacy programme which not only teaches key phonics skills but also incorporates Atfer all, ecah of you is albe to raed key literacy objectives as part of the UK this poorly splet setnecne becuase curriculum. the huamn mind looks for patetrns when raeding. The structure of ‘Read Write Inc’ is based on synthetic phonics; this comes from You can interpret the misspellings because the concept of synthesising, meaning

You can learn more about ‘Read Write Inc’ at: www.oup.com/oxed/primary/rwi/ athome This link provides a simple grounding for parents who may be unsure how to pronounce the 44 sounds. It also gives parents the opportunity to look at resources available for home use. Additionally, on our Whole School Literacy Moodle Page you can find a number of simple activities to try at home with your child. For further information on all of the above, please try the websites below: www.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/phonics www.oup.com/oxed/primary/rwi www.oup.com/oxed/primar y/rwi/ athome Happy Reading! ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steve King is the Primary Literacy Coordinator at The British International School Shanghai, Pudong Campus. Prior to joining the school four years ago, he worked at a very successful village school in West Yorkshire.

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EARLY YEARS AT THE BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, PUDONG CAMPUS WHY CHOOSE US?

By Michelle Stevens Head of Early Years Foundation Stage The British International School Shanghai Pudong Campus

hoosing the correct Early Years setting for their child is probably one of the most important decisions any parent has to make. At The British International School Shanghai, Pudong Campus, we try and help parents by making that an easy decision; we provide a worldclass educational environment for the youngest members of our school community. You may wonder what makes the BISS Pudong Campus different from the many other schools in and around Shanghai. After an inspection in December 2009 by a qualified UK School Inspector, we received an outstanding grade and were recommended as a Centre of Excellence. We are dedicated to maintaining and improving upon this by providing an environment in which the children are at the centre of everything we do.

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IN OUR EARLY YEARS SETTING WE UNDERSTAND THAT CHILDREN LEARN MORE WHEN THEY’RE HAVING FUN

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In our Early Years setting, we understand that children learn more when they’re having fun; when they’re interested and excited by what they’re doing; when they’re building on what they already know and are able to do. Our learning environment is bright and child-friendly, and actively supports children’s learning and development. Resources are easily accessible; children confidently make choices and lead their own learning. Children are constantly busy and engaged as the highly-qualified and caring staff offer meaningful learning experiences which capture their current interests. We offer effectively planned, challenging and extensive indoor and outdoor activities with experiences that match the needs of all children. Inclusion is a priority: all children’s individual needs are considered and effectively met, and a welcoming and accessible provision is created for all families. Each child’s sense of belonging is nurtured within a vibrant and unquestionably child-centred environment Our children play and learn in an environment that affords them plenty of space in which to explore. Learning is unmistakably fun, and children regularly come across new and interesting challenges. Visitors to our school will see children engaged in many activities. Construction play is extremely popular: creating boats, castles and houses using foam shapes

and other equipment. Children engage enthusiastically in cookery sessions and love making biscuits, flapjacks and chocolate cornflake cakes. They relish opportunities to dress up and recreate personal experiences through role-play. They make discoveries as they grow plants and watch tadpoles evolve. They are fascinated with living things and the world around them. They enjoy visits from local fire fighters, doctors and dentists. At Pudong, we view parents as partners in the learning process and welcome them into the classrooms to share their child’s learning journey. We understand that parents will always be the most important influence in their child’s life. Being involved and talking to their child’s teacher or teacher assistant makes a real difference. An excellent variety of posters, photographs and children’s artwork creates a highly stimulating and educational environment. This shows children that they are valued and improves their sense of self-worth. All adults working with the children undertake observations. The teacher then skillfully uses the information gathered to assess and plan the children’s next steps with individual profiles to ensure that they continue to be challenged and motivated. As a result, children make significant leaps forward in their learning. Their individual

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progress is consistently high and is excellent in relation to their capabilities and starting points. When choosing the best Early Years setting for your child, you need to make sure that the experience is of the best quality. As a Centre of Excellence, we are confident that our youngest learners are given the foundations for a valuable start to that process. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Michelle Stevens is the Head of Early Years Foundation Stage at The British International School Shanghai, Pudong Campus. Prior to joining the school in 2008, she worked at the International School of Hout Bay in Cape Town, South Africa.

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LISTINGS

Listings Accommodation

Ambassy Court 1500 Huaihai Rd. (M) 淮海中路1500号 Ascott Pudong 3 Pudong Avenue (6886 0088) 上海浦东雅诗阁, 浦东大道3号 Bellewood Villas Lane 491 Huanlin Rd. 美林别墅, 环林东路491弄 Belvedere Service Apartments 833 Changning Rd. near Dingxi Rd. (6213 2222) 柏华丽豪华公寓, 长宁833号 , 近定西路 Beverly Hills 1118 Mingyue Rd., Jinqiao Town 百富丽山庄, 金桥明月路1118号 Cedar Villa 1705 Hami Rd. 别墅, 哈密路1705号 Celebrity Garden 2 Chexin Highway 家天下别墅, 车新公路2号 Chevalier Place Serviced Apartments 168 Anfu Rd. near Wulumuqi Zhong Rd. (6433 8599) 亦园, 安福路168号近乌鲁木齐中路 Citadines Jinqiao 55 Beijing Rd. (W) (2308 6666) 上海馨乐庭金桥服务公寓, 陕西南路5 - 7号 City Condo 118 Ziyun Rd 虹桥豪苑, 紫云路118弄 Consul Garden 555 Gubei Rd 虹桥华庭, 古北路555弄 Contemporary Spirits 1801 Gudai Rd 当代艺墅, 顾戴路1801号

Crystal Pavilion Lane 318 Maoming Road 茂名公寓, 徐泾西路188弄

Green Villas 700 Biyun Rd. 碧云别墅, 碧云路700号

New Rainbow Asia Garden 1655 Huqingpin Rd. 新虹桥亚洲花园, 沪青平公路1655弄

De Oriental London 1000 Gubei Rd. 伦敦广场(东方伦敦花园) 古北路 1000号

Greenworld 68 Ruilin Rd. 上海金地格林世界, 瑞林路68号

One Park Avenue 500 Changde Rd. 静安枫景苑, 常德路500弄

Dong Jiao Guest Hotel Garden Villa 1800 Jinke Rd. 东郊宾馆, 金科路1800号 Dynasty Villas Lane 851 Hongjing Rd. 皇朝别墅, 虹井路851弄 Elegant Garden 189 Longxi Rd. 西郊明苑别墅, 龙溪路189号 Emerald Court 2888 Hunan Rd. 翡翠园, 湖南路 Forest Manor 588 Jinfeng Rd. 西郊庄园, 金丰路588号 Forest Riviera 689 Gaojing Rd. 西郊美林馆, 高泾路689号 Forty-One Hengshan Rd 41 Hengshan Road 衡山路41号, 寿宁路98号 Fraser Residence Shanghai 98 Shouning Rd (2308 0000) 上海辉盛庭国际公寓, 寿宁路98号 Fraser Suites Top Glory 600 Yincheng Rd. (M) (6378 8888) 上海鹏利辉盛阁公寓, 银城中路 600弄1号 GaoAn Apartment 105 - 107 Gao’an Rd 高安公寓, 高安路105 - 107 Green Hills Lane 418 Jinxiu Rd. 云间绿大地别墅, 锦绣东路418弄 Green Valley Villas 111 Hongguang Rd. 南翔绿谷别墅有限公司, 上海虹光路111号

Hampton Woods 589 Xinzhan Rd., Xinqiao 盛世香樟, 新桥镇新站路589号 Hillicas Villa Lane 2999 Hongmei Rd. 豪嘉府邸, 虹梅路2999弄 Hong Qiao State Guest House 1591 Changning Rd., Hongqiao (6219 8855) 虹桥迎宾馆, 上海市长宁区虹桥路1591号 Hongqiao Golf Villas 555 Hongxu Rd. 虹桥高尔夫别墅, 虹许路555号 Kerry Residences 1515 Nanjing Rd. (W) 上海嘉里中心, 南京西路1515号 Kingsville 198 Anfu Rd. 金苑, 安福路198号 La Doll 758 Beijing Rd. 国际丽都城, 北京路758号 Laidun Town Serviced Apts 839 Chenhua Rd. near Shenzhuan Rd (5769 0066) 莱顿小城(怡林花园), 辰花路839号近沈砖路 Lakeville 263 Zizhong Rd. 丽都别墅, 高泾路428号 Longbeach Garden Villa 165 West Xujing Rd. 长堤花园别墅, 徐泾西路165弄

Park View Lane 228 Baise Rd. 天然居, 百色路228弄 Perfect Garden 1889 Hongqiao Rd. 西郊华庭, 虹桥路1889号 Pinnacle Century Park 99 Dongxiu Rd. 置茂行服务公寓, 东绣路99号 Pinnacle Huashan 211 Xingfu Rd. (2211 9208) 置茂行华山豪庭, 幸福路211号 Pudong Century Garden 1108 Huamu Rd. 浦东世纪花园(传说99), 花木路1108 号 Rancho Santa Fe 333 Jinhui Rd. 兰乔圣菲, 金辉路333弄 Regency Park 1883 Huamu Rd. 御翠园, 花木路1883号 Rich Garden Gubei 881 Huangjin Avenue 古北瑞仕花园, 黄金大道881号 Ridgewood Cottage 385 Hongzhong Rd. 虹中别墅, 虹中路385号 Sassoon Park Villa 2419 Hongqiao Rd. 龙柏花苑, 虹桥路2419号

Mandarine City 788 Hongxu Rd. 名都城, 虹许路788号号近古羊路

Seasons Villas 983 Huamu Rd. 四季雅苑, 花木路983号

Mandarine de Gubei 1700 Gubei Rd. 名都古北, 古北路1700号

Shanghai Centre 1376 Nanjing Xi Rd 上海商城, 南京西路1376号

LISTINGS

Up Town 1398 Gubei Rd. 上城, 古北路1398号 Vizcaya Lane 1988 Yunshan Rd. 维诗凯亚, 云山路1988弄

Shanghai Racquet Club and Apartments Lane 555 Jinfeng Rd. 上海西庭网球俱乐部和公寓, 金丰路555弄

Westwood Villas 299 Chengjiaqiao Rd. near Yan’an Xi Rd. (6465 1148) 伯爵山莊, 程家桥路299号近延安西路 Windsor Park 2279 Hongqiao Rd. 温沙花园, 虹桥路2279号

Shimao Riviera garden 1 Weifang Rd. (W) 世茂滨江花园, 潍坊西路1号

Xiang Mei Garden 388 Huamu Rd. 香梅花园, 花木路388号

Skyline Mansion 200 Dongtai Rd. 盛大金磐花园, 东泰路200弄

Yanlord Garden Lane 99 Pucheng Rd. 仁恒滨江园, 浦城路99弄

Somerset Xuhui, Shanghai 888 Shaanxi Rd. (S) (6466 0888) 上海徐汇盛捷服务公寓, 陕西南路888号

Yin Tao Golf Villa 2222 Huqingping Rd. 银涛高尔夫别墅, 沪青平公路2222弄

Stratford/Sylvan Lane 377 Zhuxin Rd. 万科红郡, 诸新路377弄

Community

Taiyuan Villa Apartment 160 Taiyuan Rd. 太原别墅公寓楼, 太原路160号 The Emerald 2888 Hunan Highway 绿宝园, 沪南公路2888号 The Garden Inside Villa 658 Gaojing Rd. 西郊园中园, 高泾路658弄 Tiziano Villa Lane 1 Xiuyan Rd. 提香别墅, 南汇区秀沿路1弄 Tomson Golf Villa 1 Longdong Ave. 汤臣高尔夫别墅第8期, 龙东大道 1号 Trinity Village Branch Lane 2, Lane 1168 Xiuyan Rd. 翠廷别墅, 秀沿路1168弄2支弄

Abundant Grace International 455 Hongfeng Rd. near Mingyue Rd. (5030 3313) 鸿恩堂, 红枫路455号近明月路

Hengshan Community Church (Protestant) 53 Hengshan Rd. near Wulumuqi Rd. (6437 6576) 上海犹太旧址, 衡山路53号近乌鲁木齐路 Historic Ohel Rachel Synagogue 500 Shaanxi Rd. (N) near Beijing Rd. (W) (53060606) 西摩路会堂 (欧黑尔.雪切尔犹太会堂), 陕西北路500号近北京西路 Hong-En Church 455 Hongfeng Rd. near Mingyue Rd. (5030 7556) 鸿恩堂, 红枫路455号近明月路 Jingxing Lu Mosque 302 Jingxing Rd. near Pingliang Rd. (6541 3199) 景星路清真寺, 景星路302弄117号近平凉路

FAMILY MATTERS

Clark Hatch Fitness Center 78 Xingguo Rd. near Jiangsu Rd. (6212 9998 ext. 3300) 克拉克海奇健身中心, 兴国路78号近江苏路 Diva Life Nail & Beauty Lounge 88 Keyuan Rd. near Longdong Ave. (2898 6078) 美甲沙龙, 科苑路88号近龙东大道 Diva Life Nail Lounge 266 Ruijin Er Rd near Taikang Rd. (5465 7291) 上海天后美甲沙发吧, 瑞金二路266 号近泰康路 Dragonfly Changyi 29-31 Changyi Rd. near Jimo Rd. (5878 4755) 悠庭昌邑, 昌邑路29 - 31号近即墨路

Longhua Temple 2853 Longhua Rd. near Longwu Rd. (6457 0570) 龙华寺, 龙华路2853号近龙吴路

Dragonfly Hongmei 3911 Hongmei Rd. near Hongxu Rd. (6242 4328) 悠庭虹梅, 虹梅路3911弄5号近虹许路

Sacred Heart Of Jesus Catholic Church 151 Hongfeng Rd. near Biyun Rd. 天主教中华殉道圣人堂, 红枫路151 号近名月路

Dragonfly Retreat 206 Xinle Rd. near Donghu Rd. (5403 9982) 悠庭保健会所, 新乐路206号近东湖路

St. Ignatius Cathedral 158 Puxi Rd. near Caoxi Bei Rd. (6438 2595) 徐家汇大教堂, 蒲西路158号近漕溪北路

Dragonfly Shanghai Racquet Club & Apartments 555 Jinfeng Rd. near Baole Rd. (2201 0899, 2201 0866) 悠庭西庭网球俱乐部, 金丰路近宝乐路

Chabad Jewish Center Of Pudong 99 Puming Rd. near Shangcheng Rd. (5878 2008) 浦明路99弄近商城路

Fitness and Beauty

Fuyou Lu Mosque 378 Fuyou Rd. near Houjia Rd. (6328 2135) 福佑路清真寺, 福佑路378号近侯家路

Apsara Spa 457 Shaanxi Rd. (N) near Beijing Rd. (W) (6258 5580) 馨园水疗, 陕西北路457号近北京西路

Frangipani Nail Bar 3305 Hongmei Rd. near Chengjiaqiao Rd. (5422 2984) 花中美语, 虹梅路3305号近程家桥支路

Grace Church 375 Shaanxi Rd. (N) near Beijing Rd. (W) (6253 9394) 基督教堂, 陕西北路375号近北京西路

Chi, The Spa 33 Fucheng Rd. near Dongchang Rd. (6882 8888 ext. 460) 气’水疗中心, 富城路33号近东昌路

Hongqiao Golf Club 555 Hongxu Rd. near Hongsong Rd. (6421 5522) 上海虹桥高尔夫俱乐部, 虹许路555 号近红松路

Eternity Fitness Retreat 2 Yuyao Rd. near Xikang Rd. (6215 1619) 泳泰健身, 余姚路2号近西康路

FAMILY MATTERS

LISTINGS

International Tennis Center Club 516 Hengshan Rd. near Wuxing Rd. (6415 5588 ext. 82) 上海国际网球中心俱乐部, 衡山路 516号近吴兴路 Jinqiao Megafit Sports Club 600 Lantian Rd. near Jinqiao Carrefour (5030 8118) 金桥美格菲运动俱乐部, 蓝天路600 号近金桥家乐褔 Lujiazui Golf Club 501 Yincheng Zhong Rd. near Huanyuanshiqiao Rd. 上海陆家嘴高尔夫俱乐部, 银城中路501号近花园石桥路 Megafit Fitness 208 Baise Rd. near Longwu Rd. (5435 6399) 美格菲健身, 百色路208号1楼近龙吴路 Physical Fitness 1111 Zhaojiabang Rd. near Hengshan Rd. (6426 8282) 舒适堡健身, 肇嘉浜路1111号近衡山路 Shanghai Golf Club 3765 Jiahang Highway near Shuangliu Rd. (5995 0111) 上海高尔夫俱乐部, 嘉行公路3765 号近双浏路 Shanghai International Golf Country Club 961 Yingzhu Lu, Zhujiajiao, Qingpu (5972 8111) 国际高尔夫球乡村俱乐部, 朱家角镇盈朱路961号 Shanghai Stadium Rock-Climbing 666 Tianyaoqiao Rd. near Lingling Rd. (6426 5178) 上海体育场攀岩中心, 天钥桥路 666号 Tomson Pudong Golf Club 1 Longdong Highway (5833 8888) 汤臣高尔夫俱乐部, 龙东大道1号

Will’s Gym 5 Yinxiao Rd. near Huamu Rd. (5045 6257) 上海威尔士健身中心, 银霄路5号近花木路

Health

ParkwayHealth Medical & Dental Centers 51 Hongfeng Rd. Jinqiao near Xinqiao Rd. (6445 5999) 瑞新医疗, 金桥红枫路51号近新桥路 ParkwayHealth 788 Hongxu Rd. near Huaguang Rd. (6445 5999) 瑞新国际医疗, 虹许路788号近华光路

American-Sino OB/GYN Service Huashan Hospital, 12 Wulumuqi Rd. (M) near Zhenning Rd. (6249 3246) 美华妇产服务, 乌鲁木齐中路 12号华山医院近镇宁路 Children’s Hospital Of Fudan University 399 Wanyuan Rd near Gudai Rd. (6493 1990) 复旦大学附属儿科医院, 万源路399 号近顾戴路

PAW Veterinary Surgeons 722 Xinhua Rd. near Kaixuan Rd. (5254 0611) 上海汪汪宠物医院, 新华路722弄15 号近凯旋路 Ruijin Hospital 197 Ruijin Rd. near Shaoxing Rd. (6437 0045 ext. 668101) 瑞金医院, 瑞金二路197号近绍兴路 SinoUnited Health

East International Medical Center 551 Pudong Rd. (S) near Pudong Ave. (5879 9999) 上海东方国际医院, 浦东南路551号近浦东大道 Huashan Hospital 12 Wulumuqi Rd. (M) near Changle Rd. (6248 9999 ext 2500) 华山医院, 乌鲁木齐中路近长乐路 International Peace Maternity & Child Health 910 Hengshan Rd. near Zhaojiabang Rd. (6407 4887 ext 1105) 国际和平妇幼保健医院, 衡山路910 号近肇嘉浜路

300 Hongfeng Rd. near Biyun Rd. (5030 7810) 盛和红枫康复门诊, 红枫路300弄16 号近碧云路 Sun-Tec Medical Center 2281 Hongqiao Rd. near Jianhe Rd (5175 0505) 上海申德医院, 虹桥路2281号近剑河路 United Animal Hospital 3333 Qixin Rd. near Wuzhong Rd. (5485 9099) 上海联谊动物医疗诊所, 七莘路 3333号近吴中路 United Family Clinic 555 Jinfeng Rd. near Beiqing Highway (2201 0995) 上海市和美家诊所, 金丰路555弄近北青公路

Fun/Kids

Toni & Guy Hairdressing 99 Huaihai Zhong Rd. near Longmen Rd. (5351 3606) 汤尼英盖, 淮海中路99号近龙门路 Aquaria 21 Wide Tera Gym International 1018 Changning Rd. near Kaixuan Rd. (5238 2222) 一兆韦德, 长宁路1018号近凯旋路

451 Daduhe Rd. near Jinshajiang Rd. (6223 5280) 上海长风海洋世界, 大渡河路 451 号近金沙江路

Auto Museum 7565 Anting Boyuan Rd. near Moyu Rd. (S) (6955 0055) 上海汽车博物馆, 安亭博园路7565 号近墨玉南路 Children’s Technology Workshop 199 Fangdian Rd. near Yinchun Rd. (5033 3053) 儿童科技营, 芳甸路199弄46-47B 近迎春路 Circus World 2266 Gonghexin Rd. near Guangzhong Rd. (6652 7750) 上海马戏城, 共和新路2266号近广中路 Dino Beach 78 Xinzhen Rd. near Gudai Rd. (6478 3333) 热带风暴, 新镇路78号近顾戴路 Disc Kart Indoor Karting 809 Zaoyang Rd. near Jinshajiang Rd. Subway Station (6222 2880) 迪士卡赛车馆, 枣阳路809号近地铁 3号线金沙江路站 Dramatic Arts Center 288 Anfu Rd. near Wukang Rd. (5465 6200) 上海话剧艺术中心, 安福路288号近武康路 Eday Town 5001 Dushi Rd. near Chunshen Rd. (400 820 5066) 星期八小镇, 都市路5001号近春申路 Fuxing Park 2 Gaolan Rd. near Nanchang Rd. (5386 1069) 复兴公园, 皋兰路2号近南昌路 Guyi Garden 218 Huyi Highway (5912 2225) 古漪园, 沪宜公路218号 IMAX 3D Cinemas 2000 Century Ave. near Dingxiang Rd. (6862 2000 ext.30712) 上海科技馆3D电影院, 世纪大道 2000号近丁香路 Jialiang K-9 Kennel and Equestrian Club 1858 Sanlu Highway near Zhahang Highway (6411 0049) 佳良马术俱乐部, 三鲁公路1858号近杜航公路

LISTINGS Jinmao Concert Hall 88 Century Ave. near Lujiazui Rd. (E) (5047 2612) 金茂音乐厅, 世纪大道88号近陆家嘴东路

Science and Technology Museum 2000 Century Ave. near Jinxiu Rd. (6862 2000) 上海科技馆, 世纪大道2000号近锦绣路

Jinjiang Amusement Park 201 Hongmei Rd. near Humin Highway (5420 4956) 锦江乐园, 虹梅路201号近沪闵路

Shanghai Art Museum 325 Nanjing Rd. (W) near Xinchang Rd. (6327 2829) 上海美术馆, 南京西路325号近新昌路

Kids’ Golf 88 Xianxia Xi Rd. near Jianhe Rd. (5217 2075) 上海新中少儿高尔夫培训有限公司, 仙霞西路88号近剑河路 Kidtown Hongmei Rd. near Chengjiaqiao Rd. (6405 5188) 可童探索城, 虹梅路3211号4楼近程家桥支路

Shanghai Arts And Crafts Museum 79 Fenyang Rd. near Taiyuan Rd. (6437 2509) 上海工艺美术博物馆, 汾阳路79号近太原路 Shanghai Discovery Children’s Museum 61 Songyuan Rd (6278 3127) 上海儿童博物馆, 宋园路61号近虹桥路

Kodak Cinemaworld 1111 Zhaojiabang Rd. near Tianyaoqiao Rd. (6426 8181) 柯达超级电影世界, 肇家浜路1111号近天钥桥路

Shanghai Film Art Center 160 Xinhua Rd. near Xinhua Rd. (6280 4088) 上海影城, 新华路160号近番禺路

MoCA People’s Park, 231 Nanjing Rd. (W) (6327 9900) 上海当代艺术馆, 南京西路231号人民公园7号门

Shanghai Grand Stage 1111 Caoxi Bei Rd. near Tianyaoqiao Rd. (6438 5200) (上海大舞台) 漕溪北路1111号近天钥桥路

Municipal History Museum 1 Century Avenue near Oriental Pearl Tower (5879 1888) 上海城市历史发展陈列馆, 世纪大道1号近东方明珠

Shanghai Grand Theater 201 Renmin Ave near Huangpi Rd. (N) (6372 3500) 上海博物馆, 人民大道201号近黄陂北路

Natural Wild Insect Kingdom 1 Fenghe Rd. near Binjiang Ave. (5840 5921) 大自然野生昆虫馆, 丰和路1号近滨江大道

Shanghai International Circuit 2000 Yining Rd. (6956 9999) 上海国际赛车场, 伊宁路2000号

Shanghai Zendai Museum of Modern Art 199 Fangdian Rd. near Yanggao Rd. (C) (5033 9801) 证大现代艺术馆, 芳甸路199弄28号近杨高中路 Super Rink 168 Lujiazui Rd. (W) near Fucheng Rd. (5047 1711) 司凯特正大真冰滑冰场, 陆家嘴西路168号近富城路 Think Town 1118 Changshou Rd. near Wanhangdu Rd. (5238 3208)

Paradise Warner Cinema City 1 Hongqiao Rd. near Huashan Rd. (6407 6622) 永华电影城, 虹桥路1号近华山路 Planet Laser Tag Hongkou Stadium, 444 Dongjiangwan Rd. (5560 0658) 上海普兰尼镭射, 东江湾路444号虹口足球场

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium 1388 Lujiazui Ring Rd. near Oriental Pearl Tower (5877 9988) 上海海洋水族馆, 陆家嘴环路1388 号近东方明珠

Ruby’s Party 3333-A Hongmei Rd. near Huaguang Rd (6401 6323) 乐贝派对，虹梅路3333-A号近华光路

Shanghai Wild Animal Park 178 Nanliu Highway near Xiayan Highway (6118 0000) 上海野生动物园, 南汇南六公路178 号近下盐公路

Blarney Stone 5 Dongping Rd. near Yueyang Rd. (6415 7496) 岩烧, 东平路5号A近岳阳路 Blue Frog 633 Biyun Rd. near Pudong Carrefour (5030 6426) 蓝蛙, 碧云路633号近浦东家乐福 Boxing Cat 453 Jinfeng Rd. near Baole Rd. (6221 9661) 拳击猫啤酒屋, 金丰路453号近保乐路

宝贝科学探索坊, 长寿路1118号近万航渡路 Yinqixing Indoor Skiing Site 1835 Qixin Rd. near Gudai Rd. (6478 8666) 银七星室内滑雪场, 七莘路1835号近顾戴路

Restaurants and Bars 1001 Nights 4 Hengshan Rd. near Wulumuqi Rd. (6473 1178) 一千零一夜, 衡山路4号近乌鲁木齐路 Azul Viva

Shanghai Municipal History Museum 1 Century Ave. near Oriental Pearl Tower (5879 1888 ext 80449) 上海城市历史发展陈列馆, 世纪大道1号近东方明珠

FAMILY MATTERS

18 Dongping Rd. near Wulumuqi Rd. (6433 1172) 西班牙餐厅, 东平路18号近乌鲁木齐路 Baby Bamboo 3338 Hongmei Rd. near Yan’an Rd. (W) (6465 9099) 大竹子咖啡吧, 虹梅路3338弄近延安西路 Bergamo Italian Restaurant & Bar 1212 Biyun Rd. near Hongfeng Rd. (3382 1068) 贝加莫意大利餐厅酒吧, 碧云路1212号近红枫路 Big Bamboo 777 Biyun Rd. near Lan’an Rd. (5030 4228) 大竹子, 碧云路777号近蓝桉路

Address: Level 2, No.3, Sinan Mansions, Long 507 Fuxing Zhong Lu, at Chongqing Rd 复兴中路507弄思南公馆3号2楼，近重庆南路 Reservations: (21) 5465-4800 Hours: 11am - 11pm, daily www.cpk.com.cn

Casa Mia 221 Shimen Er Rd. near Xinzha Rd. (6271 9881) Casa Mia, 石门二路221号近新闸路 Chiang Mai Thai Cuisine 1019 Kangding Rd. near Yangping Rd. (5228 1588) 清迈泰国餐厅, 康定路1019号近延平路 Cloud 9 88 Century Ave. near Lujiazui Rd. (E) (5049 1234 Ext.8787) 九重天, 世纪大道88号近陆家嘴东路 Cotton’s 132 Anting Rd. near Jianguo Rd. (W) (6433 7995) 棉花, 安亭路132号近建国西路 Di Shui Dong 626 Xianxia Rd. near Shuicheng Rd. (3207 0213) 滴水洞饭店, 仙霞路626号近水城路 Dublin Exchange 101 Yincheng Dong Rd. near Lujiazui Rd. (6841 2052) 都不林, 银城东路101号近陆家嘴路

FAMILY MATTERS

LISTINGS

Eastern Seafood Port 33 Fushan Rd. near Dongfang Rd. (6888 2318) 东方海港, 福山路33号近东方路 El Wajh 1800 Jinke Rd. near Longdong Rd. (5027 8261) 摩洛哥餐厅, 金科路1800号近龙东路 Enoteca 58 Taicang Rd. near Ji’nan Rd. (5306 3400) Enoteca, 太仓路58号近济南路 Fuga 2967 Lujiazui Rd. (W) near Oriental Pearl Tower (5877 6187) 枫雅, 陆家嘴西路2967号近东方明珠 Greek Taverna 199 Fangdian Rd. near Dingxiang Rd. (5033 7500) 希腊餐厅, 芳甸路199弄41号近丁香路 Gui Hua Lou 33 Fucheng Rd. near Huayuanshiqiao Rd. (5888 3697) 桂花楼, 富城路33号近花园石桥路 Haiku By Hatsune 28B Taojiang Rd. near Hengshan Rd. (6445 0021) 隐泉の语, 锦严路309号近锦绣路 Hofbraeuhaus Shanghai 309 Jinyan Rd. near Jinxiu Rd. (6163 3699) 豪夫堡, 锦严路309号近锦绣路 Hongmei Entertainment Street 3338 Hongmei Rd. near Yan’an Rd. (W) (6465 6996) 虹梅休闲步行街, 虹梅路3338近延安西路 Hooters 168 Lujiazui Rd. (W) near Fucheng Rd. (5049 0199) 美国猫头鹰餐厅, 陆家嘴西路168号近富城路 House of Flour 635 Bibo Rd. near Chunxiao Rd. (5080 6230) 毂屋, 碧波路635号近春晓路 Indian Kitchen 600 Lantian Rd. near Biyun Rd. (5030 2005) 印度小厨, 蓝天路600号近碧云路

Jade on 36 33 Fucheng Rd. near Lujiazui Rd. (W) (6882 3636) 翡翠36楼, 富城路33号近陆家嘴西路 Jean Georges 3 Zhongshan Rd. 1 (E) near Guangdong Rd. (6321 7733) 陆唯轩, 中山东一路3号近广东路 Jendow 2787 Longhua Rd. near Tianyaoqiao Rd. (6457 2299, 6457 7821) 人道素菜, 龙华路2787号近天钥桥路 Jujube Tree 848 Huangjincheng Rd. near Shuicheng Rd. (S) (6275 1798) 枣子树, 黄金城道848号近水城南路 Kakadu 8 Jianguo Rd. near Chongqing Rd. (5468 0118) 卡卡图, 建国中路8号近重庆路 Kobachi 88 Century Ave. near Yincheng Rd. (W) (5047 1234 ext. 8907) 日珍餐厅, 世纪大道88号金贸君悦 56楼近银城西路 La Verbena 2967 Lujiazui Rd. Binjiang Ave. (N) (5878 9837) 露华娜餐厅, 陆家嘴路2967号滨江大道北端店面E Laris 3 Zhongshan 1 Rd. (E) near Guangdong Rd. (6321 7733) 陆唯轩, 中山东一路3号4楼近广东路 Las Tapas 259 Hongfeng Rd. near Biyun Rd. (3382 1686) 乐泰餐饮, 红枫路259号近碧云路 Le Bouchon 1455 Wuding Rd. (W) near Jiangsu Rd. (6225 7088) 勃逊, 武定西路1455号近江苏路 Little Face 30 Donghu Rd. near Xinle Rd. (6466 4328) 印泰餐饮, 东湖路30号近新乐路 Little Sheep Hot Pot 1033 Yan’an Rd. (W) near Wuyi Rd. (6234 1717) 小肥羊火锅, 延安西路1033号近武夷路

Lost Heaven 38 Gaoyou Rd. near Fuxing Rd. (W) (6433 5126) 花马天堂云南餐厅, 高邮路38号近复兴西路 M on the Bund 5 Zhongshan 1 Rd. (E) near Guangdong Rd. (6350 9988) 米氏西餐厅, 中山东一路外滩5号7 楼近广东路 Malone’s 3 Pudong Ave. near Pudong Rd. (S) (6886 1309) 马龙, 浦东大道3号雅诗阁公寓1楼近浦东南路 Moonsha 5 Zhongshan 1 Rd. (E) near Guangdong Rd. (6323 1117) 月影, 中山东一路外滩5号3楼近广东路 Munich Beer House 1138 Pudong Rd. (S) near Zhangyang Rd. (5878 7979) 莱宝啤酒屋, 浦东南路1138号上海湾广场118商铺近张扬路 New Age Veggie 168 Lujiazui Rd. (W) near Fucheng Rd. (5047 1880) 新素代, 陆家嘴西路168号正大广场 5楼20A/B近富城路 New Heights 3 Zhongshan 1 Rd. (E) near Guangdong Rd. (6321 0909) 新视角, 广东路17号 O’Malley’s 42 Taojiang Rd. near Hengshan Rd. (6474 4533) 欧玛莉餐厅, 桃江路42号近衡山路 Paulaner Brauhaus 2967 Lujiazui Rd. near Pudong Shangri-La Hotel (6888 3935) 宝莱纳, 陆家嘴路2967号近香格里拉大酒店 Quan Ju De 778 Dongfang Rd. near Zhangyang Rd. (6886 8966) 全聚德, 东方路788号3楼紫金山大酒店3楼近张扬路 Rendezvous 435 Jinfeng Rd. (5256 4353) 朗迪姆, 金丰路435

Sasha’s 11 Dongping Rd. near Hengshan Rd. (6474 6628) 萨莎, 东平路11号近衡山路 Shanghai Ren Jia Restaurant 789 Tianshan Rd. near Tianshan Loushanguan Rd. (6249 7978) 上海人家, 南京西路1600号 Simply Thai 600 Lantian Rd. near Biyun Rd. (5030 1690) 天泰餐厅, 蓝天路600号近碧云路 South Beauty 168 Lujiazui Rd. near Fucheng Rd. (5047 1917) 俏江南, 陆家嘴西路168号正大广场 10楼近富城路 South Memory 118 Weifang Rd. near Laoshan Rd. (E) (6876 5502) 望湘园, 潍坊路118号近崂山东路 Southern Barbarian 56 Maoming Rd. (S) near Changle Rd. (5157 5510) 南蛮子, 茂名南路56号近长乐路 Spicy Joint 601 Zhangyang Rd. near Nanquan Rd. (6470 2777) 辛湘汇, 张杨路601号5楼近南泉路 Tairyo Teppanyaki 139 Ruijin Rd. 1 near Changle Rd. (5382 8818) 大渔, 瑞金一路139号近长乐路 The Bulldog Pub 1 Wulumuqi Rd. (S) near Dongping Rd. (6466 7878) 英国斗牛犬, 乌鲁木齐南路1号近东平路 The Bund Brewery 11 Hankou Rd. near Sichuan Rd. (64341318) 外滩啤酒总汇, 汉口路11号近四川路 The Cool Docks Food and Fashion Zhongshan Rd. (S) near Fuxing Rd. (E) 老码头, 中山南路近复兴东路 The Irishman’s Pub Lane 199 Fangdian Rd. at Thumb Plaza (5033 9163) 愉龙餐厅, 芳甸路199弄20号大拇指广场

LISTINGS The Monk 458 Jinfeng Road, Huacao Town (6221 2844) 闵行区华漕镇金光路458号

Brilliance West Shopping Mall 88 Xianxia Rd. (W) near Hami Rd. (5219 8000) 百联西郊购物中心, 仙霞西路88号近哈密路

Decathlon Huamu 393 Yinxiao Rd. near Lanhua Rd. (5045 3888) 迪卡侬花木店, 银霄路393号近兰花路

Buy Now Electonics mall 588 Zhangyang Rd. near Pudong Rd. (S) (6160 9073) 百脑汇, 张扬路588号近浦东南路

Dongtai Road Antique Market Dongtai Rd. near Ji’an Rd. 东台路古董市场, 东台路近吉安路

The Spot 331 Tongren Lu. near Beijing Xi Rd (6247 3579) 欧风咖啡馆, 铜仁路331号近北京西路 Xiao Nan Guo Restaurant 1 Weifang Rd. (W) near Pudong Rd. (S) (3208 9777) 小南国大酒店, 潍坊西路1弄18号近浦东南路 Yuyintang 1731 Yan’an Rd. (W) near Kaixuan Rd. (5237 8662) 育音堂, 延安西路1731号入口在凯旋路

Shopping

A.P. Xinyang Fashion & Gifts Market 2000 Century Ave. inside Metro Line 2 Shanghai Science & Technology Museum Station (6854 2230) 中国亚太新阳, 世纪大道2000号地铁2号线上海科技馆站内 Amphora Hongqiao Shop 3219 Hongmei Road near Huaguang Rd. (51759156) 爱芬乐, 虹梅路3219号近华光路 Amphora Greek Grocery 429 Shaanxi Rd. (N) near Beijing Rd. (W) (5213 9066) 爱芬乐, 陕西北路429号近北京西路 B&Q Zhabei 3228 Gonghexin Rd. near Wenshui Rd. Metro (3603 0099) 百安居闸北店, 共和新路3228号地铁汶水路站 Best Buy Electronics Mall 1065 Zhaojiabang Rd. near Tianyaoqiao Rd. (400 886 8800) 百思买, 肇嘉浜路1065号近天钥桥路

Carrefour Biyun 555 Biyun Rd near Yunshan Rd (5030 4420) 家乐福金桥店, 碧云路555号近云山路 Carrefour Gubei 268 Shuicheng Rd. (N) near Yan’an Rd. (W) (6278 1944) 家乐福古北店, 水城南路268号近延安西路 Carrefour Nanxiang 3168 Fengxiang Rd. near Baoxiang Rd. (3992 5252) 家乐福南翔店, 丰翔路3168号近宝翔路

Fuyou Street Merchandise Mart 225 Fuyou Rd. near Anren Rd. (6374 5632) 福佑路小商品市场, 福佑路225号近安仁路 Hola Home Furnishing Store 189 Zhengtong Rd. near Songhu Rd. (6511 1888) 特力屋, 政通路189号和乐家居广场 1楼近淞沪路 Homemart 55 Yiminhe Rd. near Zhongshan Er Rd. (N) (6552 3300) 好美家, 伊敏河路55号近中山北二路

Carrefour Xujing 1829 Huqingping Highway (6191 3330) 家乐福徐泾店, 沪青平公路1829号

Hong Kong Plaza 283 Huaihai Rd. (M) near Huangpi Rd. (S) 香港广场, 淮海中路283号近黄陂南路

Carrefour Zhongshan Park 1018 Changning Rd. near Kaixuan Rd. (6225 5656) 家乐福中山公园店, 长宁路1018号近凯旋路

Hongqiao Int’l Pearl City 3721 Hongmei Rd. near Yan’an Rd. (W) (6465 0000) 上海虹桥珍珠城, 虹梅路3721号近延安西路

City Shop Hongmei 3211 Hongmei Rd. near Luchun Rd. (6215 0418) 城市超市虹梅店, 虹梅路3211号近陆春路

IKEA Shanghai 126 Caoxi Rd. near Sanhui Rd. (5425 6060) 宜家, 漕溪路126号近三汇路

City Shop Riverside 33 Huayuanshiqiao Rd. near Fucheng Rd. (5047 8028) 城市超市滨江店, 花园石桥路33号近富城路近富城路

Jiuxing Tea Leaf Wholesale Market Bridge 6 Caobao Rd. near Hongxin Rd. (54865988) 九星茶叶市场, 漕宝路6号桥近虹莘路

FAMILY MATTERS

M50 Art District 50 Moganshan Rd., Suzhou Creek M50艺术区, 莫干山路50号苏河 Meiyuan Bird and Flower Market Lane 49 Fushan Rd. near Rushan Rd. (6876 6638) 梅园花鸟市场, 福山路49弄近乳山路 Metro Putuo 1425 Zhenbei Rd. near Meichuan Rd. (6265 8888) 麦德龙普陀店, 真北路1425号近梅川路 Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street Nanjing Rd. (E) 南京东路步行街, 南京东路 Oriental Department Store 8 Caoxi Bei Rd. near Zhaojiabang Rd. (6487 0000) 南京东路步行街, 南京东路 Outlets Shopping Center 2888 Huqingping Highway near Jiasong Zhong Rd. 奥特莱斯直销广场, 沪青平公路 2888号近嘉松中路 Pacific Department Store 333 Huaihai Rd. (M) near Huangpi Rd. (S) (5306 8888) 太平洋百货, 淮海中路333号近黄陂南路 Parkson Department Store 918 Huaihai Rd. (M) near Shaanxi Rd. (S) (6415 8818) 百盛, 淮海中路918号近陕西南路 Pines The Market Place 322 Anfu Rd. near Wukang Rd. (6437 6375) 松园坊商场, 安福路322号近武康路 Pines The Market Place 427 Jinfeng Rd. near Baole Rd. (5226 4137) 金松坊, 金丰路427号近宝乐路

City Shop Zhudi 550 Jidi Rd. near Stratford (52261250) 城市超市诸翟店, 纪翟路550号近万科红郡西翼

Life Hub @ Daning 1978 Gonghexin Rd. near Wenshui Rd. (6630 0077) 大宁国际商业广场, 共和新路1868 2008号近汶水路

Pines The Market Place 633 Biyun Rd. near Lan’an Rd. (5030 6971) 松园坊商场, 碧云路633号碧云体育休闲中心近蓝桉路

Cloud Nine Shopping Mall 1018 Changning Rd. near Kaixuan Rd. (6115 5555) 龙之梦购物中心, 长宁路1018号近凯旋路

Lotus Supermarket 3521 Shangnan Rd. near Haiyang Rd. (6832 1188) 易初莲花超市, 上南路3521号近海阳路

Plaza 66 Square 1266 Nanjing Rd. (W) near Shaanxi Rd. (S) (6279 0910) 恒隆广场, 南京西路1266号近陕西北路

FAMILY MATTERS

LISTINGS

Raffles City 268 Xizang Rd. (W) near Fuzhou Rd. (6340 3600) 来福士广场, 西藏中路268号近福州路 Shanghai Book Mall 456 Fuzhou Rd. near Guangdong Rd. (6391 4848) 上海图书城, 福州路465号近广东路 South Bund Fabric Market 399 Lujiabang Rd. near Zhongshan Rd. (S) (6377 7288) 南外滩轻纺面料市场, 陆家浜路399 号近中山南路 Super Brand Mall 168 Lujiazui Rd. (W) near Fucheng Rd. (6887 7888) 正大广场, 陆家嘴西路168号近富城路

Suzhou Creek Art Area Suzhou Creek near Datong Rd. 苏河艺术, 苏河艺术近大统路 Taobao Market 1-3/F, 580 Nanjing Rd. (W) near Chengdu Rd. (N) 凤翔礼品市场, 南京西路580号1-3楼近成都北路 Thumb Plaza 199 Fangdian Rd. near Yanggao Rd. (C) (5033 9899) 大拇指广场, 芳甸路199弄近杨高中路

Wal-Mart 252-262 Linyi Rd. (N) near Longyang Rd. (5094 5881) 沃尔玛, 临沂北路252-262近龙阳路 Watsons 939-947 Huaihai Rd. (C) near Shaanxi Rd. (S) (6437 5250) 屈臣氏超市, 淮海中路939号巴黎春天近陕西南路 Yuyuan Garden Market 218 Anren Rd. inside Yuyuan Garden (6238 3251) 豫园市场, 安仁路218在豫园内

Toys “R” Us 168 Lujiazui Rd. (W) near Fucheng Rd. (5047 1472) 玩具“反”斗城, 陆家嘴西路168 号正大广场四楼36-37,41-43号近富城路

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Final word

FINAL WORD Hybrid vigour in the classroom Mike Embley evaluates the case for ‘hybrid thinking’ and how it applies to students and teachers

ny good gardener or farmer will be very aware of the idea and practice of encouraging cross-breeding to promote “hybrid vigour”. The basic idea is that often crossing two pure-bred lines of plants or animals works to produce a new offspring with the best characteristics of both parents. Indeed, top-quality seeds for keen gardeners are often marked “F1 hybrid”, referring to the fact that they are a firstgeneration mix of two excellent lines. As with plants and animals, so with ideas. The mixing of minds and cultures often gives rise to something new and powerful. We can see this as modern communication allows ideas to move quickly around the world and mix in ways that their creators never intended or envisaged. Some of these ideas have been among the most powerful cultural movements of the 20th and 21st centuries. While undeniably powerful, these ideas have not always been constructive or a force for good, and one can speculate

on the ramifications of such cultural foreshortening as it progresses over future generations. However, one idea whose time has definitely come, and whose tangible benefits are apparent, is the movement of teachers and ideas about teaching around the world. Each and every top school must have at its core the success of its students as its first priority. This success shouldn’t be limited to, but of course must include, academic success. Many students gain just as much from musical, sporting or artistic endeavours though, and we shouldn’t overlook the role of personal challenge and development. Each school has its own character that imparts something extra to those in its care. At The British International School we pride ourselves on our commitment to strong family-focused communication, good manners, social graces and discipline. Some would call these values traditionally British. It’s true

that British culture places a strong emphasis on good manners, but this is not unique! In fact British culture is something of a hybrid itself, a fact which should not be forgotten. We are THE British School in many senses and must remain so. That fact brings great value, and our slightly traditional nature and academic, artistic, sporting and personal success is what our families expect from us. However we are also in China, and our community is made up of families from all over the world, all of whom have something to offer. Equally, our teachers have a wide variety of backgrounds

and experiences on which we can draw. Teachers who have had exposure to a wide range of teaching methods in their training and continuing professional development also benefit from being able to choose the most relevant methods. Although the very trendy “Learning Styles” theory is falling rather out of favour of late due to the lack of evidence supporting it, variety remains very much an important part of a teacher’s tool kit. After all, our students must be able to operate in the modern hybrid world. What better way to succeed than for them to become exposed to a little hybrid thinking themselves?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Michael Embley graduated first in his class from the University of Leeds. He has led some of the most prestigious and successful international schools across the globe. He has worked in the UK, Taiwan, Venezuela, Norway and mainland China. In addition, he has also worked with governments assisting them in curriculum design and implementation. A clear focus on the whole pupil, from academic achievement to sporting and musical success and, vitally, health and social wellbeing of every student has been a hallmark of the schools he has led. As a father of four he is always aware that student really means “someone’s child” and it is perhaps this fact, above all, that informs his approach to school leadership. He has a keen interest in music and is also a world class swordsman… but rarely finds the need to use this talent with his students!

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