Family Matters Magazine Issue 7 by the British International School, Shanghai

special feature

the benefits of working out on the tennis court

MAGAZINE

FAMILY MATTERS

ISSUE 7

SHELTER FROM THE STORM OFFSHORE INVESTING AND THE ADVANTAGES OF EXPATRIATE LIVING Page 60

HEALTH The obesity problem TRAVEL A Northern Territory adventure ASK THE EXPERTS Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your expat story?

the british international school

Shanghai, China

EDUCATION Understanding the British and American Curricula

the british international school Shanghai, China

HELPING OTHERS THRIVE

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.

admissions@bisshanghai.com

www.bisshanghai.com

FAMILY MATTERS

the benefits of working out on the tennis court

magazine

FAMILY MATTERS

ISSUE 7

shelter from the storm OffshOre investing and the advantages Of expatriate living Page 22

health The obesity problem travel A Northern Territory adventure ask the experts What’s your expat story

the british international school

Shanghai, China

educatiOn Uncerstanding the British and American Curriculum

Family Matters Issue 7 Contributions welcome from all of the Shanghai community. Please contact editor@bisshanghai.com for more information.

FAMILY MATTERS

MAGAZINE

special feature

CONTENTS

EDITOR’S WORD

hanghai is, by most accounts, one of the most ‘happening’ places in the world. If you ask an expatriate living here what it’s like, you’re bound to get a wide variety of answers and opinions. There is, however, one thing that virtually all foreign residents who take advantage of all that Shanghai has to offer will agree: life here is fast – particularly if you live downtown in the thick of things. It’s not just that everything seems to move at a frenetic pace

in Shanghai, it’s that time itself seems to pass more quickly here than it does back home – at least to me. Weeks seem to pass like days, and years like months. It shouldn’t, I suppose, be all that surprising to feel this way when placed in a situation where, at the outset, almost everything is new and interesting (and sometimes infuriating). When kept busy assessing and assimilating the immense stimuli in the surroundings of Shanghai, it’s easy to imagine how the brain might

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lose track of time. I grew up in a rural setting so I’m probably more affected than people raised in a large urban metropolis, but the effect itself is still interesting. To have life seemingly pass by more quickly simply because of the place you live. As I write “pass you by” it seems an inherently negative thing. But then again, we also say time flies when you’re having fun; and while I wouldn’t say that every moment in Shanghai is fun, that certainly seems more appropriate.§

10 14 20 Understanding the British AND American Curricula

Making the grade: Helping lowachieving children

Assignment overload: How much homework should kids have?

Dr Terry Creissen OBE helps you better understand the differences between the world’s most popular curricula

Katherine Norris discusses classroom strategies for helping low-achieving students

Mark Angus explores how much homework is best for children

CONTENTS

FAMILY MATTERS

60 XX

SHELTER FROM THE STORM Offshore investing and the advantages of expatriate living

Wade Dawson explains the basics of offshore investing and offers some helpful advice for expatriates looking to take advantage of living abroad

48 52 70 90 What’s your expat story?

Living in town: A case for the former French Concession

10 things that matter most when relocating

Kakadu: A Northern Territory adventure

Neil Jensen talks about his expat experience in his new series

Wynn Tanner looks at some of the advantages of living near Shanghai’s bustling downtown

Thomas Coupat offers some valuable advice to consider before relocating

Ride along on a family tour of Australia’s incredible natural wonder – Kakadu National Park

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COMMENT

FAMILY MATTERS

COMMENT The paradox of modern times

When the going gets tough...

Is technology isolating us from our friends and family?

Some practical advice for ensuring long-term relationship success

e find ourselves suddenly in a new world, where communication is instant, and perhaps instantly gratifying. With the Internet, we never need be alone. Yet rarely is anything an unalloyed good. This is a technology that can bring out the worst in people, or stop those who need to make an effort to interact with others – something everyone needs to do for the sake of their mental health – from doing so. People who are shy and reticent in the real world log on and immerse themselves in chat to vent their frustration. They assume new identities and a new life, sitting in front of their computer for hours at a stretch. This can cause marital problems and an increased likelihood of divorce. Internet surfing, as most of us know by now, can also become an addiction. Hours and hours are spent online, at a remove from the real world, whether gaming or chatting. So what’s wrong with this? Surely online we can communicate with real people, find out what’s going on in the world, find friends who share unusual hobbies, make arrangements to meet in real life? All this is true. The worry about the Internet, as with other forms of technology, is that there are those who don’t use it wisely, those who use it as an alternative to human interaction rather than a way to live life more fully. Once the telephone appeared, it got easier to communicate by voice rather than face-to-face. Now we can ‘talk’ to our heart’s content without ever seeing another human being (on the screen doesn’t count). This is incredibly convenient for most of us, but leads to a social cul-de-sac for some. So are people less outgoing and sociable than they used to be? Even movies and concerts can be

downloaded on demand, reducing the need to go out. In fact, you can even work from home without showing your face in an office. Everything you need to buy can be ordered online or by telephone. Even degrees can be obtained sitting at home. There’s no need to attend lectures and classes in universities. There’s no need to stay in a college dormitory with new friends. The computer has replaced the TV as the incubator of couch potatoes, with people – most problematically children – spending hours in darkened rooms inside of going out and getting exercise. Let’s hope the advent of Wii and other full-body gaming consoles at least leads to recluses in better shape! Some years back, there was this man who named himself dotcomguy. He stayed inside a room for an entire month with just a computer and a broadband connection. Everything he needed or wanted to do came to him through the Internet. Publicity and encouragement were given to him as if he were doing a great job. Was he a pioneer or a harbinger of a worrying future? We are social animals, and we need the company of others for happiness. Modern technology is a boon in many ways, but is this form of progress undermining our potential for happiness? Are we creating hermits? There may be a day, sooner than we think, when no one needs to leave their home. Even marriages are already being webcast, so that relatives can celebrate the union online without needing to physically make the journey to the wedding. What more can they think of? Enjoy the Internet. Marvel at what man has created. But don’t forget to go outside and make a new friend in the real world from time to time. §

their head at a later date. Keeping score in a relationship never works.

elationships with others are vital to us all. Relationships with parents, siblings, friends and significant others can bring joy and added significance to our lives. It’s often through intimate relationships that our deepest needs are met. It’s thus no wonder that we find ourselves preoccupied when we fear the loss of such relationships.

• Be responsible. If you’ve been rude to your partner, own up to it and try to do things differently next time. If you’re unhappy in your relationship, make an effort to create a better relationship yourself rather than try to change your partner.

Whatever your age and experience, a close relationship brings new and demanding challenges. Being able to handle conflict and deal with differences is important in maintaining healthy relationships, and everyone needs assistance at some time to help them deal with problems or difficulties in a relationship.

• Approach your relationship as a learning experience. We’re attracted to a partner from whom we can learn, and sometimes the lesson is to let go of a relationship that no longer serves us. A truly healthy relationship will have two partners interested in learning and expanding a relationship so that it continues to improve.

All couples experience problems in one form or another – it’s part of sharing your life with another human being. The difference between a healthy relationship that works and one that doesn’t is how well couples deal with the challenges and problems they face in their life together.

• Appreciate yourself and your partner. In the midst of an argument, it can be difficult to find something to appreciate. Start by generating appreciation in moments of non-stress, so that when you need to do it during a stressful conversation it’s be easier. One definition of appreciation is to be sensitively aware; tell your beloved that you love them, and that you don’t want to argue but to talk and make things better.

If you want to have a healthy relationship, follow these simple guidelines. • Don’t expect anyone to be responsible for your happiness. Too often, relationships fail because someone is unhappy and blames their partner for making them feel that way. Make yourself happy first, and then share it. • Forgive one another. Forgiveness means ending your anger or resentment. It takes patience, honesty and respect. When freely given in a relationship, forgiveness is powerful. • Don’t do anything for your partner with an expectation of reciprocation. Do things for them because you want to, and don’t hold your good deeds over

Research has shown that people in supportive, loving relationships are more likely to feel satisfied with their lives and less likely to have mental or physical problems or to do things that are bad for their health. People in supportive, loving relationships help each other practically as well as emotionally. Supportive partners share the good times and help each other through the tough ones. Talking and listening are probably the most important skills in a relationship. There’ll always be tensions and disagreements, but if you can communicate well, you can overcome almost any problem. §

FAMILY MATTERS

FAMILY MATTERS PUBLISHER

The British International School admissions@bisshanghai.com

CHIEF EDITOR

Travis Murray editor@bisshanghai.com

helping others to be the best they can be

ART DIRECTOR

Travis Murray editor@bisshanghai.com

COPY EDITOR

Aelred Doyle aelred@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Richard Restell r-restell@bisspuxi.com

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.

CONTRIBUTORS

Terry Creissen t-creissen@bisspudong.com Mark Angus m-angus@bissnanxiang.com Kevin Foyle k-foyle@bisspuxi.com Mark Wilson m-wilson@bisspudong.com Richard Restell r-restell@bisspuxi.com Stuart White s-white@bisspuxi.com Kate Lorenz kate@ark-relocation.com Thomas Coupat thomas.coupat@sirva.com.cn Vela Ganeva ganeva.vela@savills.com Wade Dawson wade.d@austenmorris.com

ADVERTISING

Dee Dee Zhou d-zhou@bisspuxi.com

CONTACT

The British International School 111 Jinguang Lu, Huacao Town Shanghai, China 201107 86 21 5226 3211 www.bisshanghai.com

www.bisshanghai.com

Entire contents ÂŠ 2011 by Family Matters Magazine unless otherwise noted on specific articles

MAGAZINE

the british international school Shanghai, China

FeatureD Contributors

FAMILY MATTERS

FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS Dr Terry Creissen OBE

r Terry Creissen worked in various schools in the UK prior to taking up the role of leading our schools in Shanghai. A former Schools Inspector, Terry has been a consultant for the British Executive Principal Government and has served on national educational groups in The British International School the UK. Terry is a qualified Trainer and Consultant Leader for the Shanghai, Pudong Campus National College for Schools and Children’s Services in England. He is a long-standing member of MENSA. In addition to his degree and teaching qualifications from the University of Sussex, he has an MA and MBA in Educational Leadership and Management and was awarded the OBE by the Queen of Great Britain in June 1997 for “services to education”. He is a keen musician and a Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts (FRSA). Terry is passionate about education and strongly believes that the children always come first. Dr Creissen is based at our Pudong Campus in Shanghai, where he is the designated Principal. He is the Executive Principal for our Shanghai schools.

Kevin Foyle

evin Foyle has fifteen years experience in school leadership. After a brief period playing professional cricket in the UK, he began his teaching career at Winchester College, one of the UK’s leading Principal independent schools, where he taught history and politics. He was The British International School then appointed to be Headmaster of Norman Court Preparatory Shanghai, Puxi Campus School in 1995. He was a member of the Council of the Incorporated Association of Preparatory Schools from 2004-2007. In 2007, he joined Nord Anglia Education when he was appointed the founding Principal of The British International School Shanghai, Nanxiang. 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. The wonderful fusion of cultures and nationalities inherent in international education and all that this brings to students’ learning experiences inspires him every day. He enjoys all manner of sports and music and, when time permits, can be found out and about exploring the historic districts of Shanghai.

Mark Angus

ark Angus read English and Drama at Flinders University, Adelaide, where he specialised in Elizabethan and Jacobean theatre. He also has an MA in Early Modern Studies from King’s Principal College, University of London, where his main focus of study was The British International School the repertories of 16th- and 17th-century playing companies. Further Shanghai, Nanxiang Campus study includes a Post-Graduate Diploma in Acting from Mountview Theatre School, London, which was followed by six years as a professional actor in theatres throughout the UK. He gained his PGCE in Secondary English from the Open University and was previously the Academic Deputy Head at Westminster Cathedral Choir School in central London. He has been at Nanxiang since the school opened in August 2007, becoming Principal in 2009. Mark Angus has written for the theatre and radio and published articles in a variety of journals on a diverse range of subjects, from Victorian crime to the theatre of Sophocles. His interests include literature, theatre, wine, sport and travel.

Stuart White

tuart White read Engineering at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge and worked as a research engineer for GEC’s central research labs in London, before training to teach Physics. He started Head of Secondary his teaching career at Winchester College, one of the UK’s oldest and The British International School most prestigious independent schools, before taking on a variety of Shanghai, Puxi Campus positions including Head of Physics, Director of Studies and Deputy Head in well-known schools in England. Working as Vice Principal/Interim Principal at Aiglon College in Switzerland gave him a taste for living and working in an international community, and he took up his role as Head of Secondary at The British International School Shanghai’s Puxi campus with enthusiasm: a feeling he still has as he steps into work each day! He is married to Jane, also an 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.

Mark Wilson

ark Wilson has been teaching since 1995, and has been involved in training teachers with Middlesex University, The Royal Deputy Principal and Academy of Dance and through various Initial Teacher Training Secondary Head Teacher programmes. He joined Pudong as Headteacher for the Secondary The British International School School in 2009 after being involved in leading various schools in Shanghai, Pudong Campus the UK, and became Deputy Principal at Pudong in 2010. Mark has worked for the Department of Education in the UK through the Innovations Unit and the National College for School Leadership on Leadership projects. He was nominated for Teacher of the Year in 2005. Mark is often asked to speak at educational conferences, which he enjoys doing. He currently trains school leaders and future Headteachers via the Nord Anglia Staff College. His hobbies include playing guitar and singing, running, swimming, playing football and being a long-suffering fan of Nottingham Forest Football Club. Mark is married with two children.

FAMILY MATTERS

EDUCATION

Making an educated choice Understanding the British and American curricula By Dr Terry Creissen OBE Executive Principal The British International School Shanghai

here’s no doubt that one of the biggest decisions parents have to make is choosing the right school for their child. For international school students, this choice is more complicated because we’re faced with understanding the differences between curriculum models in different nations. As parents, we cannot ignore the fact that the reputation of the British education system stretches far and wide. In the view of Professor John Howson from the UK, the British system provides a “good way of preparing for a university education in the USA or Britain”. In fact, a British education, combined with high quality post 16 qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma examination, is probably a better gateway to higher education and a successful career than any other national curriculum. This is because it helps the child learn how to learn so that they can take their place in future society with the adaptability of skills, knowledge and understanding to cater for the changes that they will see in their lifetime. If university is the next step from school for your child, then a British education supported by the International Baccalaureate Diploma is probably the best choice you could make. Our schools in China have seen their graduates go to university all over the world. It‘s now even possible to do the US university entrance exam (SAT) at one of our schools. The key is to make sure that curriculum standards, combined with the care and discipline within the school, match the ambitions we have for our children. At The British International School Shanghai, the school follows the UK system with the English National

EDUCATION

Curriculum at its core and British, multicultural principles of self-discipline, commitment and respect running throughout the school. Our schools aim to ensure that every learner is able to thrive in the school environment so that they can be the best they can be. In order to ensure this level of success, it’s vital that they develop the flexibility to learn new skills and research new areas of knowledge as independent and motivated learners. As parents, we should insist that our chosen school offers students the opportunity to become self-motivated learners who are enthusiastic and engaged in their learning. The results in our schools clearly demonstrate that

this strategy is working. Our schools in Shanghai are inclusive, taking pupils of all abilities and providing a learning experience fit to their individual needs. Setting by ability in Mathematics and English starts at an early stage in the Primary school and continues through the secondary curriculum. This allows children to work at a level suited to their own needs. It’s a flexible system that enables children to excel in their strengths and be given greater support in their areas of weakness. Other systems have less universal appeal because they’re rooted in a national culture. The American system, for example, is not one national programme but variations related to the different

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FAMILY MATTERS

If university is the next step for your child, then a British education supported by the International Baccalaureate Diploma is probably the best choice you could make

FAMILY MATTERS

EDUCATION

school districts. The school experience in the southern states can be very different from the north because of the influence that parents and lobby groups have on the curriculum. Although all schools offer broadly the same range of compulsory subjects, the choice of electives varies significantly based on ideology, religious denomination and, in many cases, financial constraints. In the US, students are compared using a variety of different standards which range from broadly IQ-based tests to those that track student ability in recall or understanding. The European systems draw on their specific cultural contexts and can be quite limiting when preparing pupils for a global economy and university application outside the home country. The French Baccalaureate and the German Abitur offer limited access to universities outside the host countries. The International Baccalaureate, however, is a globally recognised, high-level qualification that has universal currency when seeking higher education in most countries worldwide.

With standardised assessment schemes and regular tracking of pupil progress, pupils in the British system have clearly defined benchmarks against which they can match their attainment. Teachers in our schools regularly monitor the progress of individual pupils. Senior staff similarly measure the standards of learning achieved by the teachers. In our international schools, individual pupil targets are regularly communicated to parents as baseline and golden targets. Baseline targets set the level at which the children are expected to achieve if they follow the instructions of the teachers and do their homework. Golden targets are higher level targets that encourage children to extend their learning beyond the direction of the teacher and beyond the classroom. In the UK, the major accreditation bodies come through standardised inspection systems and accreditation bodies such as Ofsted (the Office for Standards In Education), ISIS (Independent Schools Inspection Scheme) and COBIS (the

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

As parents, we should insist that our chosen school offers students the opportunity to become self-motivated learners who are enthusiastic and engaged in their learning

EDUCATION

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Council of British International Schools). In the USA there is a range of accreditation bodies. International schools following an American system might align themselves with WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) or SACS (Southern Association of Schools and Colleges). British teachers have a great deal of flexibility in the way that they teach but there tends to be greater control over the content of material covered at each stage of the pupil’s education. This allows for greater consistency when parents find themselves relocating to different regions and facing the prospect once more of choosing the right school

Dr Terry Creissen OBE

for their children. British schools tend to offer the same curriculum content wherever they are situated on the globe, particularly those affiliated to COBIS, such as The British International School Shanghai and The British School of Beijing. The curriculum is modelled on sound educational research about how children learn. The investment by the UK government into improving the effectiveness of UK schools has led to a high level of skill and understanding of the best way to allow children to grow and excel in their learning at school. So whatever school you choose, make sure that you, as parents, are making an informed and educated choice. Whatever

FAMILY MATTERS

British teachers have a great deal of flexibility in the way that they teach but there tends to be greater control over the content of material covered at each stage of the pupil’s education

the system, at the heart of every good school you should find effective leaders and committed teachers. It’s not just the academic side that needs to be viewed, because children need to feel safe and comfortable in their learning. The school system is one thing, but when you visit schools, try to feel what it’s like inside the classrooms, around the corridors and in the playgrounds. How it feels in your heart can be as important as how it seems to meet the academic criteria and how it appears on paper. The decision about where your child will best be educated is not an easy choice, but it’s crucial to making sure your child is given the opportunity to thrive and be the best they can be. §

r Terry Creissen worked in various schools in the UK prior to taking up the role of leading our schools in Shanghai. A former Schools Inspector, Terry has been a consultant for the British Government and has served on national educational groups in Executive Principal The British International School Shanghai the UK. Terry is a qualified Trainer and Consultant Leader for the National College for Schools and Children’s Services in England. He is a long-standing member of MENSA. In addition to his degree and teaching qualifications from the University of Sussex, he has an MA and MBA in Educational Leadership and Management and was awarded the OBE by the Queen of Great Britain in June 1997 for “services to education”. He is a keen musician and a Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts (FRSA). Terry is passionate about education and strongly believes that the children always come first. Dr Creissen is based at our Pudong Campus in Shanghai, where he is the designated Principal. He is the Executive Principal for our Shanghai schools.

FAMILY MATTERS

EDUCATION

MAKING THE GRADE Classroom strategies for helping low-achieving students meet standards By Katherine Norris English teacher and Literacy Coordinator Nanxiang Campus

t is the role of the classroom teacher to support all students in meeting standards by using a range of strategies to make the National Curriculum accessible to all and to help every student make progress within their personalised learning context. Both in the UK and in Shanghai, I have taught a wide range of pupils and abilities, often within the same class, who need to gain access to the same standards of the curriculum from very different levels or starting points. My experience of teaching English as an Additional Language (EAL) in the mainstream classroom â&#x20AC;&#x201C; where low-achieving does not necessarily translate to low-ability â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as well as to students with special educational needs (SEN) has led me to develop a range of strategies for adapting the curriculum content and skills to make them more accessible to all. Personalised learning through Assessment for Learning (AfL), providing structure, using visual aids, defining the curriculum and use of Moodle are some of the methods I have found particularly effective.

EDUCATION

Personalised learning through Assessment for Learning (AfL)

in developing confidence, motivation and progress in low-achieving students. Providing structure

Probably the most important strategy in helping low-achieving students progress and meet standards is personalising their learning through Assessment for Learning (AfL). Using AfL strategies in lessons means that students gain their own understanding of how they are assessed and how they can achieve more. They are directly involved in setting targets, both for themselves and their peers, by understanding the assessment criteria, the reasons they have achieved their current National Curriculum level and exactly what they need to do to get to the next level. Providing tangible and realistic targets, in a language students can understand, has proved a very powerful way of promoting progression and achievement in my classes for all students. By being given ownership of their learning and, perhaps more importantly, their progress, students feel more in control of their achievement, understand their targets in their own words and are more confident that the higher levels are achievable for them. The most important resources I have used for AfL have been student-friendly assessment criteria and success criteria. Rewriting the National Curriculum assessment criteria or the IGCSE mark scheme for the various exam components in such a way as to make them understandable for all students has really helped them gain access to the curriculum for their year group more fully. Once students understand what a level 4 or an ‘A’ grade means, and can see tangible reasons in their own work for their current results, they are then able to examine the next level up and work out what they need to do to improve. Use of this kind of resource means students can set themselves personalised targets based on their current level of achievement and their understanding of how to progress. Making every student in the class a personalised learner, all with individual targets they’ve set for themselves with guidance from the teacher – and all working at different levels – means that low-achieving students are able to work towards achievable targets without feeling differentiated from the group. When the focus is on targets rather than levels, students feel less self-conscious about sharing their goals with the class and the playing field is more level. Everyone is able to make progress, measured against themselves and not others, and this is very effective

The provision of structure is central to success and progression in all activities and all classrooms, regardless of the ability of the group. However, the importance of structure becomes even more pronounced for students who find it challenging to gain access to the curriculum, or who find it difficult to maintain focus for sustained periods within a lesson. One strategy which provides lesson structure is use of a lesson timetable, giving clear timings and setting out all activities for that session. All students respond well to a clear map of the learning objectives for the lesson and the tasks they will be asked to complete. However, for low-achieving students in particular this structure has proved very helpful, as by breaking the lesson up into manageable chunks and maintaining a clear picture of what remains

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FAMILY MATTERS

THE PROVISION OF STRUCTURE IS CENTRAL TO SUCCESS AND PROGRESSION IN ALL ACTIVITIES AND ALL CLASSROOMS, REGARDLESS OF THE ABILITY OF THE GROUP

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EDUCATION

IF STUDENTS ARE WORKING WITHIN A CLEAR FRAMEWORK AND CAN FOCUS THEIR ENERGIES ON ONE LEARNING OBJECTIVE OR SKILL AT A TIME, TASKS NO LONGER SEEM OVERWHELMING OR OUT OF REACH

to be achieved, students can maintain focus and feel a sense of achievement at various points throughout the lesson as they cross a completed task off the list. It also helps to divide the lesson into achievable time frames, particularly when it comprises several shorter activities that allow pupils to maintain concentration. Structure must also be provided within the tasks of the lesson to ensure students are able to succeed. As a secondary English teacher, I’ve found this incredibly important when teaching writing, as many low-achieving students lack an understanding of basic text structures. They are unaware that a story requires a beginning, a middle and an end, or that a text needs an introduction and conclusion, and are unable to adapt their language to suit different types of writing. Therefore, when teaching writing in any subject, providing a clear framework for students to follow, displaying how they should organise their ideas and modelling clear examples to show the language requirements are essential before attempting any written task. Further to this, I’ve found that providing

one clear focus for each task results in greater progress for low-achieving students. If students are working within a clear framework and can focus their energies on one learning objective or skill at a time, tasks no longer seem overwhelming or out of reach. For example, writing an extended essay can appear a huge challenge, beyond the reach of some students. However, if pupils spend one lesson focusing on finding the ideas for the essay, one lesson on finding the evidence and another on thinking about the analysis, with structure and examples provided at each stage as the basis for the student’s response, this writing task becomes far more manageable and achievable. Repetition of these text structures for consolidation, as well as maintaining consistent approaches to the teaching of skills, is very effective in helping all students succeed. Over time, I’ve found that the repetition of a teaching approach to a curriculum skill and consistent provision of structure develop confidence, as students are provided with the support they need to achieve and hence feel that this is

something they can do. Over time the level of support can be reduced as students are able to learn more independently, but this always depends on having a clear method and structure to follow every time, one with which they are confident they can succeed. Visual aids In all lessons, with any group of pupils, the use of a presentation or visual aids is a key strategy to help provide structure. When working with low-achieving students, I find this is very helpful in enabling them to follow the lesson at every stage without becoming lost and confused by the content. This is important for a number of reasons. It enables students to confirm understanding that they have received orally from the teacher. This could be by providing reinforcement of instructions for a task or definitions of key words and concepts. It also provides another learning style through which pupils gain access to the content of the lesson as well as having a focus to maintain concentration. Using images and a range of media providing

EDUCATION

FAMILY MATTERS

GIVING STUDENTS TIME TO THINK AND FORMULATE THEIR VERBAL RESPONSES IS ALSO CRUCIAL IN DEVELOPING SUCCESS FOR LOW-ACHIEVING STUDENTS, WHO NEED TIME TO FEEL CONFIDENT THAT THEY CAN MAKE THE CORRECT RESPONSE AND HENCE SUCCEED

clear definitions is a very effective way of developing understanding and enhancing students’ confidence that they understand what has been asked of them. Visual reinforcement can also be used more specifically in the teaching of key concepts or techniques. As an English teacher, I find some students struggle to retain and recall terminology or the features of a particular skill. Using acronyms to remember features and terminology is a very useful strategy. Displaying the acronyms around the classroom allows students to refer to them during a task and remember them easily in assessment or exam contexts, where they need to work independently. This further provides them with a clear structural approach with which they can become familiar and confident, increasing their success when attempting a task using that curriculum skill. Defining the curriculum Giving all students access to the concepts and language of the National Curriculum is very challenging, particularly in subjects

where abstract concepts and creative skills are essential to high achievement. Skills such as drawing inferences and developing creative responses to a stimulus can be very challenging for students who have not needed to develop them before. This can be further compounded by a lack of vocabulary with which to understand and explore the content. Therefore, defining the language and content of the curriculum at every stage is essential in enabling all students to follow the ideas of the lesson, understand what is being asked of them and how they can achieve it. This is by no means a straightforward process. One simple strategy I’ve found helpful is to ensure that all students have a list of key words at the beginning of a new topic, words they need to understand to get to grips with the curriculum at that stage. Giving these key words to students at the start of a topic and asking them to translate them into their first language or define them in their own words provides a really useful resource which they can refer back to at any time to give them confidence in their understanding.

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Further to this, using visual aids in lessons by having the learning objective and key words clearly displayed on all presentation slides gives students a reference to increase their chances of being successful. This is very important during class discussion and periods in which the teacher is questioning the class, as students can feel more confident that they have understood the question and that their response will be correct if they can check the definition of the language during this time. Giving students time to think and formulate their verbal responses is also crucial in developing success for low-achieving students, who need time to feel confident that they can make the correct response and hence succeed. Use of Moodle One final strategy I’ve found effective in my teaching has been the use of our Virtual Learning Environment, Moodle. Linked to the idea of giving students key words to define at the start of a topic so they can prepare themselves for the content they’ll be studying in the near future, using Moodle

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 DOCUMENTATION & IMMIGRATION  SCHOOL CONSULTATION  HOME SEARCH  ASSET & TENANCY MANAGEMENT  ORIENTATION  CULTURAL TRAINING  SETTLING-IN

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ONCE THIS SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED... THEY ARE FAR MORE ABLE TO FACE THE CHALLENGES OF THE CURRICULUM WITH CONFIDENCE AND HAVE BELIEF IN THEIR OWN ABILITIES

as a platform to provide students with lesson content in advance is an effective strategy to develop their confidence in lessons and to promote achievement through increased understanding. Uploading the presentations and resources for the lessons in the week ahead means that students can look at what they will be learning in advance, familiarise themselves with the content and vocabulary they will be using and have confidence that they will be able to understand and succeed in the lesson before they walk through the door. This has proved particularly helpful not only with EAL students, helping them achieve their full potential and not

Katherine Norris

find themselves held back by a lack of understanding, but also with other lowachieving students, who have the confidence to face far more challenging content because it hasn’t caught them by surprise and they can prepare to be successful. Giving students ownership of their learning through Moodle in this way can also support them when they’re learning independently at home, as it means that they can look back on the lesson content and remind themselves of key concepts, thus completing homework tasks more successfully. These are some of the strategies I use on a daily basis in my classroom to make the

curriculum more accessible to all. One of the biggest obstacles to progress for some pupils is their perception of their learning environment. Creating an environment in which students feel confident, are not afraid of making mistakes and are collaboratively involved in their own learning is central to the success of lowachieving students. Once this safe learning environment has been established, through the development of routines and structures with which the students are familiar, they are far more able to face the challenges of the curriculum with confidence and have belief in their own abilities. §

atherine Norris read English Studies at the University of Nottingham and has a PGCE from Roehampton University, London, in Secondary English Teaching. Before Nanxiang, she taught Katherine Norris English teacher and Literacy Coordinator at Salesian School, Surrey, as a classroom teacher of Key Stage 3, GCSE Nanxiang Campus and A-level, coordinating Key Stage 3 planning and leading initiatives to implement the new National Curriculum across the school. One of these initiatives involved development of a programme to raise standards in the lowest-achieving pupils in English and Maths through the provision of extracurricular support from A-level students in core curriculum skills. At Nanxiang, she coordinates literacy across the primary and secondary schools and has developed Nanxiang’s unique cross-key stage teaching of literacy to ensure further personalised learning for all pupils. In the secondary school, her teaching role involves teaching mixed ability classes at Key Stage 3 and IGCSE.

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ASSIGNMENT OVERLOAD How much homework is it reasonable to expect kids to do? by Mark Angus Principal The British International School Shanghai Nanxiang Campus

chools in general take the view that homework can make an important contribution to childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progress in school. A good, well-managed homework programme helps children and young people to develop the skills and attitudes they will need for successful lifelong learning. Homework also supports the development of independent learning skills and provides parents with an opportunity to take part in their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education. Homework is important at all stages of education and, when used properly, challenges pupils and ensures that their teaching time is used to maximum effect.

Homework can be defined as anything children do outside the normal school day that contributes to their learning, in response to guidance from the school. Homework encompasses a whole variety of activities instigated by teachers and parents to support the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s learning. For example, parents who spend time reading stories to their children before bedtime are helping with homework.

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DOING HOMEWORK IS ONE OF THE MAIN WAYS IN WHICH CHILDREN CAN ACQUIRE THE SKILL OF INDEPENDENT LEARNING

Why do homework? Most schools would acknowledge that the educational experience they can provide by themselves is limited by the time and resources available; children can therefore benefit greatly from the complementary learning that they engage in at home. Homework is thus seen as an important example of cooperation between teachers and parents. One of the aims of schools is for children to develop as independent learners, and most would argue that doing homework is one of the main ways in which children can acquire the skill of independent learning. Most schools believe that homework makes the greatest contribution to learning when: • tasks are carefully planned and structured to support progression in learning as part of the school’s schemes of work; • there is a well structured homework timetable so that the workload is appropriately balanced and everyone – teachers, pupils and parents – knows what to expect each week; • pupils and parents are clear about what is expected of them in relation to the completion of homework, and parents are treated as partners in their children’s learning;

• there are high expectations of pupils completing homework. The purpose of homework The purpose of homework for primary age pupils should include: • developing and sustaining an effective partnership between school and home; • enabling pupils to make maximum progress in their academic and social development; • consolidating and reinforcing skills and understanding, particularly in literacy and numeracy; • enabling all aspects of the curriculum to be covered in sufficient depth; • providing educational experiences not possible in school; • consolidating and reinforcing the learning done in school, and allowing pupils to practise skills taught in lessons; • encouraging pupils, as they get older, to develop the confidence and selfdiscipline needed to study on their own, and preparing them for the requirements of secondary school. For secondary age pupils, further purposes include: • helping pupils develop the skills of an independent learner; • allowing pupils to organise and prioritise

their work; • providing opportunities for extended project and/or research work (including examination coursework); • sustaining the involvement of parents in their child’s learning and keeping them informed about the work they’re doing. Types of homework In most schools, staff and pupils regard homework as an integral part of the curriculum, and as such it is planned and prepared alongside all other programmes of learning. Pupils will usually be set a variety of different homework activities appropriate to their age group. In Foundation Stage and at Key Stage 1, children might be: given books to take home and read with their parents; asked to learn spellings or mathematical tables; asked to talk about a topic at home prior to studying it in school; asked to find and collect things that are then used in science lessons; asked to take home work that they have started in school. Key Stage 2 pupils will usually be expected to complete homework tasks more independently. Literacy, numeracy and science homework is set more frequently and regularly, and the aim of such homework is generally to consolidate and reinforce the learning done in school

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help their children as and when they feel it to be necessary, and provide them with the sort of environment that allows children to do their best.

Years 1 and 2 1 hour per week, consisting of reading, spelling and other literacy and number work

Parents can support their children by:

Years 5 and 6 30-45 minutes per day, based on a regular weekly schedule or homework timetable, with continued emphasis on literacy and numeracy but ranging more widely over the curriculum Years 7 and 8 45-90 minutes per day, based on a regular weekly schedule or homework timetable, providing sufficient study time in each discrete subject

In Key Stages 3 and 4, and at IGCSE and IB, homework tasks are set which encourage independent learning, consolidate classwork, encourage the practice of new skills, involve research and have as an endpoint extended pieces of work such as project or coursework. How much homework? As they move through the school, the amount of homework a pupil is expected to do will usually increase. There are of course no hard and fast rules, and these

Mark Angus

amounts will vary depending on the school, the subject and from teacher to teacher, but nevertheless the following may serve as a useful guide:

Years 3 and 4 1.5 hours per week, consisting of literacy and numeracy as in Years 1 and 2, with occasional assignments from other subject areas, including simple research and project work

through practice at home. At this time, homework is also used to ensure that prior learning has been understood and for helping children to revise for tests.

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Year 9 1-2 hours per day, based on a regular weekly schedule or homework timetable, providing sufficient study time in each discrete subject Years 10 to 13 1.5-2.5 hours per day, based on a regular weekly schedule or homework timetable, providing sufficient study time in each discrete subject How to help with homework Parents have a vital role to play in their child’s education, and homework is an important part of this process. Schools always want parents to encourage their children to complete the homework tasks that are set, so often suggest that parents

• providing a peaceful, well-ventilated and well-lit working space at home which is clear of distraction and where pupils can complete their homework; • enabling their child to visit other places where homework can be done, e.g. libraries, IT centres or places for field work; • discussing the work that their child is doing and making it clear that they value homework and support the school; • encouraging pupils and praising them when they complete homework; • expecting deadlines to be met and checking that they are. Is using the Internet homework? The use of ICT and the Internet has made a significant contribution to the amount of reference material available at home, and the ease and speed of gaining access to it. Nevertheless, your child’s teachers will expect them to produce their own work, perhaps by editing something they have found or by expressing it in their own words. Pupils are not achieving anything worthwhile by merely downloading and printing out something that has been written by somebody else, particularly if they do not understand it. There are many websites containing highly educational material which can have a powerful effect on children’s learning. School websites and Moodle sites also provide links to sites which support children’s learning, as well as containing their own valuable collection of relevant and age-appropriate resources. §

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in association with the british international school community activity programme

Focus tennis on

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t e x t & p h o to g ra p h y by r i c h a r d re s t e l l

]

Due to the rising popularity of tennis as a competitive sport all over the world, more and more parents are having their children take tennis lessons. Aside from keeping young children occupied, there are a lot of other benefits that tennis classes provide for young people.

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Children who learn to enjoy being active will be more likely to exercise through their teenage years and on into adulthood, thus increasing their chances for healthy lives.

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ONLY THE BEST COACHES Tennis engages the children completely. They are involved physically, mentally, socially and emotionally, and that development helps young people in the classroom.

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earning how to play tennis early on can improve energy levels and enhance an individual’s confidence and optimism later on in life. There are studies that show people who were taught how to play a sport like tennis in their formative years are at lower risk of extreme depression, anger, anxiety, tension and confusion as adults. Tennis can also significantly help in a child’s brain development, since it requires mental alertness and logical, tactical thinking. This is one of the main reasons many parents are enrolling their kids in infant, pre-school or junior tennis classes. These days we’re all much less active: we sit around much more than we used to, at the expense of physical movement. The physical movement in tennis is good for our teenagers, and tennis is ideal for those who balk at the thought of working out. Taking part in a tennis session can have a great payoff in terms of health. Taking tennis lessons helps kids to have stronger limbs and joints, ensuring them of a stronger body with better endurance later on as adults. Enrolling your child in a tennis lesson also improves flexibility, coordination, eye-hand coordination, gross and fine motor control, speed and flexibility. The tennis basics of watching the ball and moving the feet contribute to this physical development. When a child plays tennis, he or she drinks more water and fluids to replenish the fluids

lost during classes. This can effectively strengthen the immune system. A number of young players take to the sport naturally, and this could encourage them to become professional tennis players someday, especially if they start early. It would then teach them a lot about self-discipline as they trained for tennis competitions. Teaching children how to play tennis can also teach them to develop a good work ethic and help them learn how to manage mistakes and failure. Many professional tennis players recover from losses fairly quickly, as they’ve trained their minds to stay positive and keep looking forward. Tennis also helps young people to accept responsibility and manage adversity. Players begin to develop strategies that allow them to handle stress effectively, and they learn how to solve problems to ensure success in a given task. The social and family benefits of engaging teenagers through sport have been documented extensively. So much of the average teenager’s time is spent alone, watching TV, playing computer games or surfing the Internet. Once they get into an activity like tennis, they have lots of opportunities to meet others and develop their social and interpersonal skills.

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The types of thinking and motor skill development that help students excel in mathematics and science play a big part in tennis

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CETA High Performance – Personal Programme (PP)

t e n n i s

C E TA

This specialised programme is available for selected Adult and Junior players, trying to raise their level with clear, specific goals. Personal Programmes are designed specifically for players that require a range of components for their development, in an individualised environment. Programs include Privates, SMAP Biomechanical Assessments, TEC REP through ball machine training, Skill Acquisition activities and specific Fitness programming and conditioning with our Director of Fitness and our Professional Hitting Programme, as well as additional Match Play.

CETA Elite Tournament Travel Team (ETTT) Our CETA travel team goes to events primarily around China and surrounding Asian countries. With our expertise in travelling to ATF & ITF events in Asia as well as ATP & WTA events for professional players, we have teams travelling to events with a CETA Coach who is available for all travel coach programmes. We currently work with numerous players coming to Asia in our International Home Base Programme in which we also have clubs in Japan, the US, Spain, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Brunei and India. We have an extensive network of programmes and coaches available in these regions to assist our players when they travel, should they be in need of specialised care.

Competitive Players Pathway Programme (CPPP) The programme is designed for players looking to compete at national, Asian Tennis Federation (ATF 14’s) and International Tennis Federation (ITF 18’s) level. These players are aspiring to develop their tennis to an elite level and will be involved in training a number of days per week at various facilities throughout Shanghai. Competitive players will be exposed to Dead & Live Ball Feeding, SMAP On court Biomechanical Assessments, Specific Fitness Conditioning and Mental Skill Development sessions throughout the programme. Players will be invited to become a part of travel teams competing around Shanghai and also travel to specifically selected tournaments within Asia. The major benefit of this programme is that players have a wide range of team mates and opponents to practise with, who display similar levels of aspiration, talent and drive. CPP players will be encouraged to pursue competition at every possible opportunity.

Talent Advantage Pathway Programme (TAPP)

O N LY

This programme is designed to give an opportunity to players displaying talent and the aspiration to begin their journey towards competitive tennis. These players are experienced and have a strong understanding of the game, and are looking towards competing at national level. The major benefit of this programme is that players have exposure to team members with similar levels of aspiration, talent and ambition.

T H E

Summer Camps

B E S T

“Your Tennis Experience” is a concept which allows us to bring our players to countries worldwide to train, compete and play against players from all over the world. It gives our players the experience of being an international player in a safe, fun team environment, and provides an opportunity for CETA players and other overseas guests to come together to create a truly international camp.

Contact

biscap@bisspuxi.com ceta@cetatennis.com

EDUCATION an ideal time for chatting and building that relationship. If you’re looking for a good Shanghai tennis school which offers tennis for young players, along with other services such as pre-school tennis lessons, children’s tennis classes and student tennis coaching, then you should visit www.cetatennis.com. They provide a programme run by certified tennis instructors who are skilled and experienced in teaching young children the basics of playing tennis.

any adults today find it difficult to communicate with their kids. Participating in a sport like tennis is ideal for bringing kids and parents together. Activities can be as simple as helping them choose a good tennis racquet or grip, on to participating in training sessions and cheering them on at tennis matches. And you’ll find that after a tennis game or session – when kids are on a natural high – they’re much more communicative. This is

The initial obstacle with getting young children connected with tennis used to be the skill needed to hit a ball as a beginner. Programmes that use smaller racquets and courts and low-compression balls allow children at any skill level to enjoy the great game of tennis without the long learning curve that used to be a deterrent. Having young players who can rally and actually score from day one on the tennis court is the greatest tool we have for increasing participation and longevity in the sport. Children have one common value system, and that is to have fun. CETA’s junior programme offers a tremendous mechanism to introduce children to tennis. The value system changes a little for preteens and teens. Fun still ranks very high, but now you have to add friends to the mix. CETA offers drill groups – group lessons – allowing pre-teens and teens to realise they can have

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Goal-setting is one area of focus that is greatly enhanced when young people participate in tennis

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ONLY THE BEST TENNIS Coach Conrad Singh believes that the initial obstacle to getting young children connected with tennis used to be the skill needed to hit a ball as a beginner. Programmes that use smaller racquets and courts and low-compression balls allow children at any skill level to enjoy the great game of tennis without the long learning curve that used to be a deterrent.

fun with their friends and enjoy a great game at the same time. The key is to get each child excited about tennis participation, and to ensure that the learning experience and atmosphere are supportive of individual goals and development. Playing with modified equipment is a great solution. CETA allows kids to practise and play with age-appropriate equipment in terms of courts, racquets and balls. Many of the tournament structures and practice sessions can be set up in a team environment. We need to get kids away from the couch. As tennis-teaching professionals, we have a responsibility to reach out to young players and their parents alike. Getting kids involved in tennis at a young age and providing a positive experience will help introduce

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teamwork Players of all ages and levels take part in regular training sessions held at local facilities. Small groups and professional supervision ensure that each individual receives the necessary advice and coaching to develop their game.

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MR TENNIS R E S T R I N G I N G & P R O SHOP

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MRTENNIS@LIVE.CO.UK

We currently offer a racquet restringing service based in Shanghai. Racquets can either be dropped off with us or sent via the post (both must be arranged in advance).

We aim to get all racquets restrung within 48 hours, though if a specific string is required the turnaround time may be slightly increased.

We stock a huge range of strings and grips, catering for all playing styles and requirements – advice can be provided regarding the best strings and tension for your game when you contact our stringing team.

All restrings are performed by highly trained restringers on our Kamex 8000 stringing machine, ensuring high quality restrings and no damage to racquets.

TENNIS

R E ST R I N G I N G & P R O SHO P HIT BET WEEN THE LINES

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Participation in sports and having positive experiences with physical activities can have a major impact on long-term quality of life

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them to what is truly a sport for a lifetime. For children, positive learning experiences, enjoyable peer relationships and enhanced perception of health and wellbeing are likely to be the things that keep them engaged.

Using tennis as a healthy alternative to watching TV or playing video games should be a major draw for parents. The fact that kids can hit something (the ball) and that it’s a competitive endeavour gives tennis a major advantage over traditional gym activities such as running, cycling or strength training, which most kids don’t find enjoyable. The influence that tennis has on developing a child’s physical capabilities is equal, if not superior, to most other forms of exercise. §

For further information on tennis programmes for children of all ages and levels, please contact Conrad Singh, Head CETA coach (cetatennis@ceta.com) or Thomas Hitchings, BISCAP Coordinator (biscap@ bisspuxi.com).

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Ayaka Izumi 15

Age Nationality

Japanese

grabbed a tennis racquet for the first time at the age of 7, and started training seriously in competitive tennis about two years ago. I chose to start playing tennis as my main sport because I found it very amusing and interesting to play, I liked the idea of the tennis match and I was good at it.

lazy about tennis. But that’s when I have to be strong, and be patient.

I have training six times a week. Each day is pretty intense: half an hour of tennis before school and two hours after school. Every Tuesday, I have fitness training. Weekends are very busy as well, with two hours of tennis in the morning, lunch at the tennis club and two hours of tennis again after lunch. Basically, I leave home at 9am and come back at 5pm.

I learn a lot from losing matches; I think what’s really important is to realise what went wrong, what my mistakes were, and improve those areas for the next match. Of course, I also learn a lot from wins. After the match I can reflect on what I did that made me play well, what suited me and so on, and can make use of those for the next match.

To balance school life and playing tennis, I really need to be organised. When I’m in training I need to switch my mind to tennis mode and put 100 percent effort into it, and when it’s time to study, I have to switch my mind to study mode. It’s very important not to waste time.

I would advise all young players that if you want to get to a high level, you need to be committed to tennis, and once you’re committed, you need to put 100 percent effort into getting there, being strong and overcoming temptation. Then someday you’ll realise how much you’ve improved and how much closer you are to your goal. You can’t improve without effort. Even Roger Federer, the most talented tennis player in the world, couldn’t have made it to the top without the enormous effort he put into his tennis. Make sure your effort never lets you down. §

I also find it very hard to balance my tennis and my social life. Tennis is very important to me, and I need to put in an enormous effort to get to a higher level; however, sometimes social life distracts me because I want to hang out with my friends and my friends also want me to see them more, so I tend to get a little

I think tennis is one of the most fascinating games in the world. There are so many skills, tactics and tricks to master. Professional tennis is extremely competitive and tough.

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su-mae chua 14

Age Nationality

Malaysian

n the beginning, I cried every time my mum dragged me onto the tennis court. She had no intention of forcing me to do something I hated, but she wanted me to challenge myself in things I wasn’t comfortable with. Therefore, for the first six months or so, I complained before and after stepping on the tennis court. However, over time I began to understand the game of tennis better. The complexity of the sport intrigued me – it requires many aspects which can assist you in your future, and not just in the game: you need to be physically fit, psychologically strong, tactically smart and technically disciplined. Therefore, just be patient, and if you believe in yourself and decide that you can reach your goal, one day you’ll get there. I first picked up a tennis racquet in August 2007. Now, three and a half years later, I’m proud to say that I’m currently number one in Malaysia within my age group, ranked in the top 50 in Asia and the top 2000 in the world. I don’t mean to boast of my achievements, but I’m proud that I’ve worked hard for them. During the years of playing tennis, I’ve trained with Conrad Singh, Director and Head Coach of China Elite Training Academy (CETA). I’ve travelled with him and several other players to various countries to compete in tournaments – I’ve been to Australia, Spain, Malaysia, Korea and Brunei, and plan to travel around China to compete in the coming few months. With all the travelling and training, though I am required to keep my points for rankings, I am also expected to maintain good results in school. I believe organisation and time management are critical for this. I train for about an hour in the morning and two hours

after school. In addition, fitness training is fitted into my weekly programme. During the weekends, I train almost full days in a tennis club. This schedule gives me the chance to focus on my tennis, and both BISS and CETA support me with the training I require. The hardest lesson I learned was probably the tournament experience factor. When I took part in my first national tournament in Malaysia, compared to my opponents I was completely inexperienced and I lost a handful of times before I started getting past the second round. I just had to accept that everyone has to start from somewhere, and in my case I started a fair bit later than many players. But no matter how many times you fall, it’s about getting back up and learning from your mistakes. You can’t buy experience; you have to earn it. As much as I hate losing, I feel I’ve benefited a lot from it. It’s taught me how to recognise my own errors, and teach myself how to improve and correct myself. Also, once I had lost a number of times, I knew that I would only get better each time. Anyone who’s new to the sport or has recently started shouldn’t think too much about it. What’s most important at this point is enjoying what you’re doing. Once you decide to take your tennis to another level, towards a more competitive path, I advise you to always maintain your passion for the sport. This will allow you to keep trying and drive you to improve. However, don’t get disappointed when you find your tennis life getting tangled up with your social life. I find it quite difficult to balance this at times, and get distracted. So when you get lazy and are reluctant to get onto the tennis court, that’s when you’ll find out whether your passion for tennis is strong enough to pull you back into the sport. §

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Media Studies student Thays Dos Santos works on her magazine cover, having spent several weeks planning and designing the literary production for her individual portfolio.

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getting creative A LITERATURE SPECIAL

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ks4

media studies

The mass media play an increasingly important role in contemporary society, providing us with information and entertainment, and communicating social values. media studies by douglas sillett

he Media Studies course at The British International School Shanghai allows students to develop a critical understanding of the role of mass media in society. Students are encouraged first to expand their knowledge of critical media forms and texts, and then to question the assumptions, values and attitudes most strongly propagated by the industrial and commercial nature of today’s powerful media industries. The course begins with a study of either the pop music industry or advertising. Students develop skills of visual observation and they focus on sensitivity to hidden codes and conventions. Most important to this initial unit is the media concept of ‘representation’ and how the industry can choose to represent people of different ages, genders, cultures, ethnicities and social classes in certain ways. Students undertake a major research project

into how stereotypical representations have changed over time and present their findings in a comparative essay. It isn’t all writing, though! Depending on their topic, they might design and produce a CD cover launching the debut album of a new singer or band, or they might create an advert for a product of their choice targeted at an unusual audience. They make heavy use of photography and computer editing software, as this is a major part of the first unit. They also learn how professionals in the media think by investigating the topic of television comedy. They look at concepts like budgets, scheduling, target audience, product placement, escapism and representation. If a student has aspirations to work in any part of the media industry they’ll find this part of the course extremely interesting and informative. They’ll see that it emphasises issues directly

connected to the way things work in the real world. Media Studies is assessed through a mixture of project work and exams. This gives students an opportunity for credit for the work they put in throughout the course, and students tend to find the project work really rewarding. The media is all around us and, for good or bad, it’s not going to go away. If students want to be critical, independent thinkers when they’re older, this course is the perfect choice for them. Completing this course will give them the perfect foundation for IB Film Studies as well as developing key skills valued by employers and universities worldwide. § Please contact Douglas Sillett, Head of the English Faculty at The British International School Shanghai, for more details on studying Media Studies at IGCSE level.

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Media Studies students Annabelle Chastang and Devin Marchiondo make the final adjustments to their magazine cover, to be included in their portfolio.

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p e r s o na l w ri t i n g s h owca s e

In Year 7 students are encouraged to explore language for meanings and effects and distinguish between the motivations of different language producers. They’re encouraged to develop a written style that can be suitably shaped for different reasons. ‘My New Hobby’ by daniel wu, year 7

magine yourself a general, in command of a powerful army. Before you is a rival force of equal strength. Your objective: to use your wits to outsmart the enemy and capture the rival king. And so a game of chess begins! In this time and era, medieval battles are not played out on grasslands or in castles, but on a simple wooden board. This is the game of chess, where the movements and tactics of medieval warriors are translated into a board game of strategy, strength and smarts. Chess has been widely acclaimed as one of the greatest strategy games of all time. Played on an eight by eight board, chess consists of six different pieces: a king, a queen, two rooks (based on castles), two knights, two bishops and eight pawns. Despite being based on medieval battles, historians agree that chess in fact originated in India, around 400-600 AD. Muslim scholars commented that chess had reached Persia through India. Since then, chess has become more and more popular. Originally only played by wealthy people, now chess is studied by players of all ages. From spreading from Persia to Spain and beyond, to the founding of the Chess Championships in 1886, chess has entranced people everywhere, all over the world. But how did chess gain such popularity, such critical acclaim? Simply put, chess is widely known for being easy to learn, but tediously

hard to play well. Even the French general Napoleon, well known for capturing most of Europe, couldn’t master it! One of the reasons chess is so hard to play is the complex moves, positions and strategies involved. A chess board set-up greatly reflects status in medieval times. The king and queen stand centre, behind a row of pawns, or foot soldiers. Next to them are the bishops, close to the royalty because of their religious importance. After that, the knights, the king’s finest soldiers. And finally, standing proudly at either side of the lineup, two castles. All these pieces have different moves, different combinations and different potential. A good chess player is able to exploit both the strengths and weaknesses of each piece. The real beauty of chess is that there is no magic strategy, no definitive way to win. The fact that every person plays chess in his or her own way is another of the traits that make chess so hard to play well. It’s highly recommended that people play and study chess. Even if you don’t intend to play to a professional standard, chess has been proven to improve logic skills and math ability, and gets you to think in more strategic and creative ways. Like all games, chess is also a great way to meet new people, and just to have fun. Some people think of chess as an old man’s game, but with its popularity spreading in the form of competitions, clubs, websites and more, that statement is as wrong as ever. It’s really easy

to get to grips with chess, as there are dozens of dedicated books and websites. With such a wide variety of resources, memorising the moves and studying the strategies is now really easy to do. However, that alone won’t guarantee success. Most of a beginner’s knowledge and experience is gained the hard way: losing again and again (here I speak from experience). But with persistence and resilience, a good player will be able to learn and adapt from their mistakes. Many schools have chess clubs and competitions, which are a great way to get involved with the game. From its humble origins in India, to the chess champions of now and beyond, chess has undoubtedly become one of the most influential games in human history. Fascinating from all angles, a source of interest for many, chess has enthralled the world, and continues to do so. Chess is more than just a board game: it’s heaps of strategy, challenge, intrigue and fun, carefully preserved in one amazing game. § One of the best ways for children to get involved with chess is through school clubs and activities. At The British International School Shanghai we offer this great opportunity through a weekly chess ECA and involvement in inter-school chess events. Please contact Mr Weng (a-weng@bisspuxi.com) for more information on The British International School Shanghai’s chess programme.

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Year 7 student and chess player Daniel Wu spends much of his free time improving the skills needed to succeed in his new hobby.

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p e r s o na l w ri t i n g s h owca s e

English as a First Language is a course designed to challenge native, fluent and near-fluent speakers of English, whether it is in actual fact their first language or not! Central to their studies is the understanding that English can be shaped and manipulated for specific audiences and purposes. a book review by christine trinder, year 9

ritten as a metaphor of his life, Tim Bowler creates an unimaginable, elegiac, yet unsentimental story. River Boy is about a young girl, Jess, who is 100 percent committed and dedicated to her passion of swimming, and her close relationship with her irascible grandfather, who is passionate about painting. The last thing Grandpa wanted to accomplish before he left was to paint his last painting. What Jess wanted to do was complete a 45-mile swim down the river, because Grandpa didn’t have a chance to do it when he was well, young and healthy. Tim Bowler’s grandpa died when he was just at the age of 14 years. He loved and cared about Grandpa so much and when he left, Tim was devastated. Too upset to even show up at the funeral, for a while he didn’t know how to bear the idea of his grandpa’s death. Regret came upon him as he didn’t show up. The book was written to say goodbye to his grandpa. Being born in Essex, winning awards, all he had left to do was what he had just done – write this story. There can’t be a story without any characters or main ingredients. Tim’s main ingredients

were Jess, Grandpa, a river and a boy. Although there are four of them, the whole story revolves around Grandpa’s death: the painting, ‘River Boy’, Jess’ 45-mile swim, everything. Despite the fact that Grandpa is old and is about to die, he still goes with life the way any young kid would. He had his moods and feelings. He had his moments. Normally, he wouldn’t listen or even let anyone talk to him, except for his grand daughter. Jess is very calm and caring when it comes to Grandpa. She and Grandpa would often talk about things no-one else would. That’s how special their relationship was. It meant everything to them both. In my opinion, River Boy is a very slow-paced, magical and inspirational story despite the bereavement. This really encourages kids to aim for their dreams and have courage in what they do. It is definitely aimed for young kids; about 10 or above. It isn’t really suitable for those younger than that because it does have a death in the book and that could just bring them to sadness and tears. They don’t want to end all the fun and joy happening in their lives. A teenager’s moral could be different. If you know you are going to die no matter what –

cancer or old age – do it with dignity because you’ve done and brought and showed all you could’ve which makes people care and respect you more. It really is a truly inspirational story because it was based on a true story. Written as metaphor of his life, Tim Bowler has created an unimaginable, elegiac, yet unsentimental story. I’ve read this book and it really is a wonderful book. If I like it, you would too! §

Christine Trinder (Year 9) has been at The British International School Shanghai for two years and has always enjoyed her English classes. This year she has been following the Year 9 programme based on the themes of Old and Young. Having read Tim Bowler’s moving novel River Boy, which won a Carnegie Medal in 1998, Christine wrote this fantastic review, including not only an account of the story and characters but wider research about the author too.

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Imaginative and original, Christine likes to read widely, deepening her understanding of literary devices and the world around her.

my China FAMILY MATTERS

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photography by martin brown

artin is a British photographer and has somehow found his way to living in Shanghai. In recent years Martin has lived, worked and studied in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and, since 2008, Shanghai. From the UK to North America to Asia, Martin

has been gaining a reputation for bold and innovative photography. He has a passion for night time photography, editorial, travel and fine art photography; however, given the opportunity Martin also enjoys undertaking portraiture projects and teaching photography skills to others keen to learn.

m a rt i n b row n p h o to g ra p h y

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[ if you have any questions for martin please contact martin@martinbrownphotography.com ]

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WHAT’S YOUR EXPAT STORY? Neil Jensen explores the expat experience by Neil Jensen Director Allied International

o what’s your expat story, and how did it come about? Was it something you planned, a long-burning desire, or just something that came out of the blue?

Me? Well I blame my mother, although as always, your mother always knows best. Way back at the tender age of 16, having gone back to school to take my A-levels in the northeast of England, it was clear that I needed to be doing something different with my life. Therefore I decided to apply for a job working in a bank. An application form duly arrived in the post and I proceeded to complete all of the questions, albeit struggling with one of them: “Are you prepared to be mobile with the job?” Ever keen to do the right thing, I consulted

my mother to see what she thought. Her answer made a lot of sense. “Say yes, because the bus station in Whitley Bay goes just about anywhere.” So, having been accepted for the role with the bank, it was possibly a more mobile move than I expected when in 2000 the bank moved me to the Dubai office. Sadly the bus station in Whitley Bay had long since closed to make way for a shopping mall, meaning that we had to fly, so maybe mothers can’t be right about everything.

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I gradually came to the conclusion that there are pros and cons in every expat posting

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My assignment in Dubai was initially for three years and involved numerous visits to Saudi Arabia to visit clients of the bank in the main cities, as well as one or two far-flung outposts too. In 2004 I moved to Hong Kong with the family, which is where we remain today, having now left the bank after an enjoyable 23 years.

others over the years, I gradually came to the conclusion that there are pros and cons in every expat posting, and the way we deal with the challenges provides us with the long-term foundations of our future. I have found that the issues I and my family face are basically the same, wherever we live.

During my 11 years overseas I have during the course of the job travelled to over a dozen countries in the Middle East and Asia, including a most enjoyable evening at the BISS Puxi May Ball in 2009. On that trip and many

Expat conversations when people meet tend to include the following three questions: • How long have you been an expat? • How long did you originally plan to be away

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from your home country? • How long will you stay here? Very quickly, I realised that the answers to these questions formed a similar pattern: • Anything up to 40 years was not uncommon. • People rarely had a plan to initially stay away longer than two-three years. • Rarely does anyone look further ahead than two more years.

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We all have numerous tales that we enjoy sharing (often more than once) in a social setting, which is one of the upsides of expat life in my view. Sadly, and all too often, we also hear tales of personal misfortune from a financial perspective, often as a result of circumstances but sometimes due to receiving the wrong advice, or more commonly not understanding what is being taken on in the first place.

Challenges exist for all of us both personally and financially, and often the crisis you are experiencing today becomes something you learn from and in the future often (hopefully) laugh about. It may be a problem with the children, relationship issues, personal injury or a complete financial disaster.

Something I have found fairly common over the years, especially within close-knit expat communities, is a willingness to openly discuss personal financial ventures. In fact, I can still remember sitting in a client’s living room in Saudi Arabia many years ago with an audience of people asking me more questions about the individual’s investments than he did. The reason for their presence was probably more to do with the fact that the client made the best wine on the compound and any excuse to come and drink it was readily accepted, but it was clear to me nonetheless that people were far more open when discussing personal financial issues than I was used to.

Neil Jensen

Challenges exist for all of us both personally and financially, and often the crisis you are experiencing today becomes something you learn from and in the future often (hopefully) laugh about

ersonally, if asked these three questions I’d be no different in my answers; and while I would say to you that for question 3, I would hope to stay overseas for the long term, nobody really knows for sure. A lot of this comes down to the cost of living where you are, your ability to provide the best for your family and ultimately having the financial means to sustain all of this.

One of my own classics was that as an avid footballer, I unfortunately sustained a bad knee injury in Dubai, requiring a full knee reconstruction. The operation seemed to go well, but as the days progressed following the operation the pain got worse. I eventually went back to see the surgeon, who expressed concern about the wound. Upon closer probing, he started to pull bugs the size of woodlice out of my knee. It transpired that the eggs had originated in the hair of our domestic helper and nested in the bed, and were feasting on the wound each night. These days, I put it down as ‘expat life’ and can laugh about it, though I don’t remember feeling the same way at the time.

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Whatever your reasons for becoming an expatriate, you probably have a high level of expertise in your chosen field and are hopefully remunerated accordingly for this. Unfortunately, when discussing how to save and invest this hard-earned money, you are all too often expected to be an expert in all things financial and can be swept along by numerous

success stories, jargon and terminology that you don’t understand, just going with the flow on the basis that everyone else is doing it, therefore so should you. Over the coming issues, I will try to peel back the layers when it comes to buying property, opening a bank account, obtaining a mortgage or investing that hard-earned money. I will explore some of the jargon that is used and strip it down into plain English, hopefully giving you the confidence to ask the right questions and to understand what it is you want to do and how you should do it. While you may not be planning to stay away from home beyond two more years, this may well change; therefore you need to ensure that you are maximising the opportunities that expat life gives you while retaining flexibility for future changes if appropriate. Anything can be as complex or as simple as one wishes to make it, and relevant education not only provides knowledge, but also gives you guidance for planning and managing your life, as well as meeting the objectives you have for you and your family. If you have a particular question or area that you would like me to cover in future editions of Family Matters, it would be great to hear from you. § neil.jensen@alliedinternational.com.hk

eil Jensen has spent over 23 years in banking and financial services, having left school at the age of 16 and, in his own words, “spent the first 10 months of my career making teas and coffees”. Rising Director through the ranks with one of the UK’s largest banks, he moved to Allied International work in their Dubai office in 2004 and at the time of leaving in 2010 Hong Kong was their Asia Regional Director of Sales and Marketing and also their Chief Representative for offshore banking. He is now a Director for Allied International, a Hong Kong-based property and independent financial services company. Away from work, Neil has three children, aged 15, 12 and 7, who are currently at school in Hong Kong. In his spare time, Neil is an avid footballer and is currently Soccer Section Captain of the prestigious Hong Kong Football Club, who celebrate their 125th anniversary in 2011.

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LIVING IN TOWN A CASE FOR THE FORMER FRENCH CONCESSION By Wynn Tanner Marketing & Communications Manager Knight Frank

panning geographies and generations, from places divided there has oft emerged a theme of rivalry â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether as deep as a line that divides a country, such as in Korea, or as playfully grounded as the competition between New Yorkers and New Jerseyites. If you live in Shanghai, you know that our fair city is no exception. The Huangpu River, a mere tributary of the monstrous Yangtze, stands at the centre of the debate, with Puxi to the west and Pudong to the east. While 15 years ago Pudong had little to speak of, today its former farmlands are sprawling concrete jungles host to huge financial institutions, multiple international schools, an international airport and luxury villa developments.

GATEWAY TO A NEW LIFE. 54

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River House

No. 933 South Suzhou Rd, Huangpu District

Rancho Santa Fe

Lane 333 Jinhui Road, Minhang District

Located along the edge of Suzhou Creek, the property boasts exquisitely decorated interiors, luxurious furniture and a five-star property management service.

Southern California style gated villa international living community. Adjacent to Shanghai American and British Schools.

The unit sizes range from 55 sqm studios to 300 sqm penthouses. It's only 10 minutes walking distance to Metro Line 1, 2, 8 and 10.

The unit sizes range from 260 sqm three bedroom villas to 480 sqm four bedroom units. In the developmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest phase, every unit includes a well-lit 200 sqm basement.

Candy Bai 6445 9968/ 13601923467

Grace Kang/Celine Yu 5226 0387

Tiziano Villas

Lane 1 Xiuyan Road, Pudong District

Stratford

Lane 388 Zhuxin Road, Minhang District

The compound covers an area of more than 220,000 sqm and has a luxurious 4,000 sqm international quality clubhouse. Close to the Shanghai British School. The homes offer classic and elegant courtyards in an American architectural style.

The Stratford compound is located in the Jinfeng International Community, one of Shanghaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s few mature villa communities. It offers a comprehensive range of facilities, including entertainment and public facilities.

The unit sizes range from 302 sqm three bedroom units to 455 sqm four bedroom units.

There are two property types: townhouse and duplex. The property layouts are 3 - 4 bedroom units.

Chris Zhang/Andy Wu 6819 2222

Mabel Hou 6221 9000

6445 9968 sh.residential@cn.knightfrank.com

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Despite its similarity to the rivalry inspired by the Hudson River, Shanghai’s divide is more founded on the effort it takes to get from one side to the other. However, the World Expo in 2010 changed a lot of that, with new Metro lines and tunnels constructed at almost every stretch. With more routes available, families don’t have to feel limited to the outskirts (whether Pudong or Hongqiao) in order to be near the international schools. Instead, you can live in any of the great districts Shanghai has to offer, west, east, north or south of – or even on – the river.

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DESPITE ITS SIMILARITY TO THE RIVALRY INSPIRED BY THE HUDSON RIVER, SHANGHAI’S DIVIDE IS MORE FOUNDED ON THE EFFORT IT TAKES TO GET FROM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER

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The upside to this, besides the many options this affords families with a range of budgets, is the opportunity to live in Shanghai’s historic former French Concession. With its tree-lined streets, one-way one-lane roads and some of Shanghai’s oldest and finest lane houses hidden back from street view, the French Concession stands out as one of the few places in the city that transports you to a different time and a different place entirely. The former French Concession offers opportunities for kids that many parents first moving to the city don’t consider. The streets may have more

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Achieve your potential at BSB

Learn with us. Our students thrive in an atmosphere of excitement and discovery, working with each other and experienced UK staff. Backed by the security of the English National Curriculum, we help young people achieve and grow. Contact us to find out more. www.britishschool.org.cn

admissions@britishschool.org.cn

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cars than you’ll find in an isolated villa community out in Minhang or Jinqiao, but with the right apartment complex or a cosy lane house you make your own, children will get an experience no other city in the world could provide. For a century starting in the mid-1800s, Shanghai stood at the intersection of the East and the West. Its position at the mouth of the Yangtze offered merchants from all over the world access to a flourishing trade industry, bolstered by the strong presence of the British, American and French. Each group of merchants and traders in turn introduced their architecture, culture, art, music and lifestyle to a city long untouched by the West. Evidence of that flourishing century is now scattered throughout the city, seen in districts such as the former French Concession and the Bund. In the past 20

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UNIQUE TO SHANGHAI, THE PLANNING WAS NOT A DIRECT TRANSLATION OF EUROPEAN ARCHITECTURAL PRINCIPLES AND IDEAS, BUT INSTEAD BORROWED FROM TRADITIONAL CHINESE HOUSING CONCEPTS

years there has emerged a renewed sense of restoration for the city’s architecture of old, contributing to the growth of a strong inner-city community composed of expats and locals alike. One sees evidence of the European urban planning of the early twentieth century in the irregular gridding of the streets of the French Concession, mixed with interspersed greenery. Unique to Shanghai, the planning was not a direct translation of European architectural principles and ideas, but instead borrowed from traditional Chinese housing concepts. The result was a series of lowrise apartment buildings that from the exterior looked Western in style. On the inside, though, the structures faced shared courtyards, allowing several generations to live together or next to each other. While lack of upkeep during the second half of

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the twentieth century led to a series of demolitions, you can still walk behind office buildings and shopping complexes to discover clothes, meat, shoes and much more hanging from Tudor-style buildings. The history and mystique surrounding the French Concession may not be enough of a draw for some people,

XINGGUO GARDEN 511 Hunan Lu Embedded in the historical landscape of the French Concession is Xingguo Garden, a complex that offers the high-end villa lifestyle in the centre of the city. The complex sits in the middle of the Wukang Lu / Hunan Lu neighbourhood that is more characterised by quiet, walkable streets and hidden coffee shops than any other area of the French Concession. The complex itself is tucked away off the street, so you can rest assured children won’t need to play catch intermittently between cars passing by.

AMBASSY COURT 1500 Huaihai Zhong Lu While the units are known to be on the smaller side, the club facilities are a perfect draw for those looking to keep the kids busy. An outdoor swimming pool with slide, shallow wading area and numerous lounge chairs is a perfect place to camp for the summer months, while a children’s playground, indoor swimming pool, children’s activities club and function rooms keep everyone busy the rest of the time.

CHEVALIER PLACE 168 Anfu Lu Tucked right into the middle of the burgeoning Anfu Lu community, Chevalier Place offers the convenience of close Metro stations (Changshu Lu and Jing’an Temple) while also providing a respite from the fast lanes of Shanghai’s other districts. Surrounded by numerous coffee shops and quaint eateries, Chevalier Place gives that perfect urban neighbourhood feel, while also offering all the health club amenities and a children’s play area to boot.

considering that central areas of a city are typically known for having less space for children to run around and play in. With access to international schools made easier by the addition of new subway lines, tunnels and bridges, it comes down to the safety and experience of the child. But you don’t have to forgo recreational spaces for your children if you live in the

French Concession. In fact, not only are there numerous options to choose from, but you also get the added benefit of living among a population that can teach you more about China than any history book could. Below is a list of apartment complexes that are kid-friendly and also great for parents.

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ROYAL PAVILION 688 Huashan Lu Royal Pavilion is one of those unique apartment buildings in the centre of the city that always has large unit apartments, the smallest standing at 214 sqm. The complex offers a children’s playground and playroom, as well as a basketball court. There’s plenty of run-around space and an outdoor pool for those sultry summer months in Shanghai.

KERRY CENTRAL RESIDENCES II Lane 1068 Huashan Lu One of the top apartment complexes in the French Concession, Central Residences II is tucked back off the main road to offer an oasis within a bustling urban centre. The club facilities – large indoor swimming pool, squash and tennis courts, gym, sauna and Jacuzzi – draw in the adults, but the large open space and children’s playground are perfect for the little ones.

THE SUMMIT 99 Wulumuqi Zhong Lu Just around the corner from Chevalier Place, The Summit is adjacent to the Grade-A office building The Center. Despite its proximity to some of the top multinational companies, the complex offers copious grassy areas and outdoor space for the kids to have a run around. Also available are an indoor swimming pool and children’s playroom for when the weather’s not in your favour.

For a Shanghai first-timer, apartment complexes in the French Concession are a great option. But space and facilities come with a higher price. If you’re not willing to pay the proportionally large property management fees that usually account for most of the cost, there are numerous other options that offer the chance to get up close and personal with life at ground level. Most common is to rent one of the French Concession’s famed lane houses.

houses are frequently underestimated for the experience they can provide young, or even young adult, children. With the right-sized place, the community of people living seemingly inches away will become a part of your family, a sounding board for the novice Mandarin speaker and a helpful caretaker in a time of need. You can guarantee that your child will be exposed to a China much closer to what it may have been 20 years or more ago. Weekends and evenings will become occupied with strolls through the tree-lined streets, doing errands and playing in one of Xuhui’s many parks scattered throughout the district. In the morning you can wake up and watch as the senior citizens perform their ritual tai chi and morning exercises, and at night you can see them gather outside after dinner and enjoy dancing or just talking. There’s no substitute for bringing your child or children up among people who have taken what they have in life, most likely very little, and embraced it.

for the influx of expatriates coming to Shanghai. The area does have the allure of discovering the forgotten, but there are other districts of the city that have their own unique quality and should not be discredited when it comes to picking the right home for you and your family. Whether it’s history, quiet, culture, space or outdoors you’re looking for, Shanghai offers you the chance to choose from it all. When there’s no need to pick sides, Puxi or Pudong, a whole world of opportunities opens up. §

We could write at length on what it means to live in a lane house, but it’s easiest to point you to the Family Matters Issue 6 cover story, where you can read an in-depth account of the opportunities (but also sometimes headaches) a lane house can bring. In short, lane houses require more effort to find the right one, maintain it and deal with the shortcomings that come with their age, but they’re one of the more unique living experiences in China and are certainly not available out in the newer districts of Minhang or Jinqiao. While often thought of as the perfect fit for the young professional couple, lane

The French Concession is just one of Shanghai’s many areas that continue to grow each year to provide living options

For inquiries about Knight Frank’s residential leasing services, please feel free to contact us. Knight Frank Residential +86 21 6445 9968, sh.residential@cn.knightfrank.com

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SHELTER FROM THE STORM OFFSHORE INVESTING AND THE ADVANTAGES OF EXPATRIATE LIVING By Wade Dawson Senior Partner Austen Morris Associates

“

hy do you live in China?” All of us have been asked this question by friends and family at one time or another. We all have our own motivations for living and working in the world’s fastest growing economy, although I doubt it’s for the pure air or the joys of Shanghai traffic. A common reason for many expatriates in China is that living here can provide major financial advantages, and be personally enriching and professionally rewarding.

Living in China does mean some economic benefits. Most expats have a higher overall savings rate of discretionary income than they would if they were working in their home country. This benefit adds up to another tremendous advantage – the opportunity to invest your money offshore. It seems like there’s a lot written about this topic these days. I want to try to shed some light on offshore investing and independent financial advisory firms. An offshore investment, by definition, is an investment located in a tax-free jurisdiction. Offshore jurisdictions, or tax havens, by their very nature are exempt from tax and incur no tax liability. There are about 40 tax havens: the Bahamas, the Isle of Man, the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda and Guernsey, to name just a few. These tax havens have legal and banking systems derived from

Western countries. Each jurisdiction varies in regulatory barriers, levels of confidentiality and investor protection. The most popular jurisdictions guard their reputations closely and compete for capital and international prestige. As IFAs (Independent Financial Advisors) promoting these investments, we of course have no stake in steering you toward – or away from – any particular investment product. We all earn our living serving the client, and no one else. Obviously, if we do not find the right type of investment vehicle or product, we are not compensated. Some people assume their money is much safer onshore than offshore. This is actually a misconception. Certain offshore jurisdictions offer a high degree of capital protection. For example, the Isle of Man offers protective legislation insuring up to

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90 percent of the investor’s money, with no upper limits. This banking legislation was put in place in the unlikely event that a company located in the Isle of Man would find itself unable to meet its obligations to its individual investors. The reputation and overall financial strength of the companies located in these jurisdictions provide financial security as well. Clearly, prominent offshore jurisdictions provide comprehensive banking protection. Why offshore? In today’s 24-hour interconnected global market, there are no borders in the investment arena. Onshore and offshore investments offer similar investment instruments: mutual funds, stocks, bonds, hedge funds and other fixed

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IN TODAY’S 24-HOUR INTERCONNECTED GLOBAL MARKET, THERE ARE NO BORDERS IN THE INVESTMENT ARENA

interest securities. Onshore and offshore investments offer the same access to global markets, but offshore investments allow for the retention of a much higher level of investment earnings, since no capital gains tax is deducted. Tax avoidance is not the only reason investors go offshore. Individuals are

Wade Dawson

also motivated by the historical high performance yields (before taking into account taxes), privacy and protection that the offshore world provides. Capital gains taxes are country-specific, and tax liabilities on investments differ drastically from country to country, so make sure you understand the tax advantages available to you.

to alternative investments such as hedge funds, futures or forex.

Offshore investment options

– Andrew Tobias, award-winning author on personal finance

Whether you’re a beginning investor with a tight budget (USD1,000 to invest) or an experienced investor with a major lump sum (USD200,000 to invest), there’s an offshore investment option that might suit your financial needs. For the beginner, the best place to invest is in the mutual fund market. Mutual funds have positions in multiple companies; thus instant diversification is achieved. As a novice investor, you should concentrate on building your portfolio through a blend of mutual funds in various geographical areas, asset classes and industry sectors. For the more seasoned investor, a portfolio with a diversified asset allocation is essential. The sophisticated investor might also be in need of additional diversification away from the traditional equity markets. An ideal portfolio might include blue chip and small-cap stocks in developed and developing countries, emerging market themed mutual funds, bonds or other fixed income products, and some exposure

Sound financial planning “Even if you sock away 20 percent of every paycheck your entire adult life, you will only have enough to live on for about eight years, unless you get some growth.”

Whether you’re young or old, a beginner or a veteran, successful investing requires discipline. The more you can save and invest today, the better off you’ll be in the future. Personal investing requires a good plan, just like any successful business venture. Good financial planning is essential for your retirement, your children’s educational costs and your overall building of capital. §

Whatever your financial circumstances, as an expatriate you should consider the benefits of an offshore investment. Austen Morris Associates’ expertise in financial planning, investment strategy and investment management allows us to match our clients’ needs, investment goals and risk tolerance with a portfolio that’s right for them. We will be happy to offer you a free confidential consultation and explain in more detail the investment opportunities offshore and the services we can provide.

ade Dawson has worked as a China-based financial adviser for the past ten years helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals. He is a Senior Partner at Austen Morris Associates and lives in Shanghai with his wife and two children. As a result of his insights, he has served as a Senior Partner seminar speaker, given numerous interviews, and written articles for multiple Austen Morris Associates publications on a range of financial planning topics. He is dedicated to providing high-quality advice and creating integrated wealth management solutions that simplify his clients’ lives. Wade recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to private wealth management and thus designs investment advice that is unique to each individual client. He and his team aim to achieve returns and service that exceed the client’s expectations. His mission is to help clients reach their financial targets through a personal relationship that is cemented by knowledgeable investment advice.

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MARKET SNAPSHOT Q & A with Cindy Xu, a Savills Property Services Expert

he residential leasing market witnessed a seasonal downward adjustment at the end of 2010, coinciding with the holiday season. Meanwhile, the strong fundamentals of the Chinese economy and the continued expansion plans of multinational corporations have kept rent and occupancy above their pre-crisis levels. Growing demand from the international community is expected to push up rents in the leasing market in 2011. As the government strives to make Shanghai an international financial and shipping centre by 2020, further deregulation of the market and an inflow of professionals, especially managers, will be required, thus opening up opportunities for locals and expatriates in Shanghai and generating new demand in the leasing market. While rental growth is expected to be moderate in 2011, certain key submarkets such as Xintiandi and Jinqiao will exhibit the most demand.

Q: How did Savills Residential Leasing perform in 2010? We once again demonstrated excellent performance by being awarded first prize from the Shama group for contributing the most revenue to their Shanghai portfolio of four projects. Our efforts were also recognised by Green Villa & Court, Lanson Place in Xintiandi, Fraser Suites Top Glory and Tomson Riviera, among others. Despite the difficult climate we had a very successful year, continuing to be the largest residential leasing team among international agencies in China, with three times the headcount and 2.5 times the volume of the second-largest international agency. In 2011, Savills will continue to grow as the agency of choice for multinational corporations and expatriates. Q: Have there been any new developments in the market? Shanghai is a very attractive destination for multinational corporations, with over 280 regional headquarters based here. The city was named the sixth most competitive financial centre in the world in 2010, in line with the ambitious goals from the local government to be achieved by 2020. With the development of infrastructure, services and quality of life, Shanghai is increasingly considered an attractive destination for families. We are expecting a stronger presence of foreign corporations, as well as expatriates. In line with these new trends, new projects are coming to the market in both Puxi and Pudong, offering more housing options to families. We expect houses at Seasons Villa to

come available to the leasing market, as the developer is handing over 141 villas and townhouses sold to individual landlords back in 2009. With a convenient location adjacent to Century Park and near shopping and entertainment, it will be an excellent choice for families. Also in the Century Park area, Kerry Parkside Residences will launch 182 serviced apartments in April, in a variety of sizes. In the Jinqiao area, eight new villas in Willowbrook are also expected to reach the market in the near future. Adjacent to the existing Tomson Golf Villa compound, the Tomson developer is planning to develop 20 villas (500-600 sqm) to be sold to individual landlords, with some of them also reaching the leasing market. Q: What are your longer term expectations for the market?

home in Shanghai, to ensure they settle in and adjust to the new environment smoothly. Despite the availability and attractiveness of old lane houses, living in one, even renovated, comes with a number of challenges – electrics, water pipes, quality of fit-out and maintenance issues, among others. § For more information, please contact Savills Residential Leasing at 6391 6688 ext 650. Disclaimer: The views expressed here reflect Savills experts’ opinions and market knowledge. Even though utmost care has been taken to offer reliable and accurate information, Savills does not assume any liability in case of damages and/or losses incurred by the use of the presented information.

We anticipate rising rents, especially in the popular areas – Xintiandi, Jinqiao and the former French Concession. These areas feature strong international communities; however, the supply of housing to the leasing market is limited. Furthermore, landlords do have higher expectations, compared to previous years. Also, with the influx of new expatriates coming to Shanghai, some international schools are warning of limited availability for their kindergarten groups and younger students. Q: Do you have any suggestions for expatriates? We generally recommend that new expatriates choose a well-established community or compound as their first

Cindy Xu has been with Savills for 10 years and heads Savills Shanghai Residential Leasing Relocation division, providing housing and settling services to expatriates and multinational corporations since 1993.

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THE BENEFITS OF LIFELONG LEARNING How do you get yourself considered for senior roles in business?

joining teams that take on highly specialised assignments and in many cases staying relevant to your organisation.

Professionally, it is well understood that the pursuit of higher education is a condition for being considered for senior level roles, moving to higher salary scales,

Higher degrees, such as an Executive MBA or a specialised Masters in, for example, Finance or Marketing, are now an integral part of many corporate succession plans, as organisations need their leaders

oday adult education, being a lifelong learner, is a way of life; and the benefits in terms of professional and personal success, as well as overall happiness, are tremendous.

of the future to have strong business acumen and the ability to think outside the box, solve problems and make strategic business decisions aligned with the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corporate vision. In addition to the corporate case for lifelong learning, completely switching career paths and reinventing oneself professionally

is now commonplace. The days of working for only one firm are over, and on average people switch careers three or four times over the course of their working lives. Becoming an entrepreneur or pursuing a passionate interest as a consultant is a viable alternative to climbing the corporate ladder. Many people, however, find themselves short of the skills and qualifications needed to make the transition and

ASK THE EXPERTS often turn to further education in the form of short, intensive programmes to aid with their career changes. Courses are readily available in a variety of formats – the traditional classroom setting as well as self-directed online programmes that make it much easier to find a learning experience that fits the learner’s hectic schedule. In Shanghai there is a wide range of degree programmes offered by local and international universities that are designed to help meet the growing demand for advanced business education. The best advice for potential students is: do your research. Look at each programme’s learning objectives. Does the class schedule meet your requirements? Talk to alumni and current students to get their perspective and find out why they chose their course. Sit in on classes and think about your long-term goals. Ask yourself if the content is relevant to today’s global manager: are the tools and theories current and transferrable to another industry or country? The more research you do up front, the more confident you’ll be when you make your final decision that the programme and school will meet your learning objectives.

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After having my 3rd child, I was determined to get back in the best shape that I could possibly be in. I have always been an avid runner but I just didn’t get all of the results that I wanted. Strength training was rarely a part of my exercise regimen as I was unsure of how to properly utilize the equipment at the gym. I joined curves in June of 2009 with a goal of losing 25 lbs. I knew this is time around would be more difficult as I was faced with more challenges than before: a lake of motivation, little energy and no time. “as I started building muscle I saw a drastic change in the shape of my body and in how my clothes fit.” I quickly realized that Curves was what I needed to jump start my focus of taking care of me. For me, the initial appeal was getting to do a solid workout in 30 minutes. Secondly, I knew I was properly working major muscles with the guidance of trainers. As I started building muscle, I saw a drastic change in the shape of my body and in how my clothes fit. My monthly measurements provided me with the incentive to continue reaching my goals. I can proudly say that I have reached my weight loss goal. At 36 years old and with 3 kids, I am finally in the best overall condition that I have ever been in… not only in my body but in my mind and in my spirit!

10,000 locations in 87 countries to meet your workout needs-your membership is valid at them all!

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Beyond the professional benefits of lifelong learning, there are of course the personal benefits. Many people based their post secondary education in their early adult years on where they thought future career opportunities would be and where the potential job market would continue to grow. Lifelong learners indulge their passion – art history, literature, music, whatever – by taking evening courses and workshops, by joining associations or special interest groups, by participating in adventure travel programmes, by joining book clubs. This form of lifelong learning is an enriching experience as it opens the mind, meets a strong personal need and allows people to expand their personal network and build friendships with like-minded people. In addition to the pursuit of personal interests, most people in Beijing also want to make the most of their stay in China. Learning the language and exploring the history, food, regions, crafts and so on are wonderful ways to enhance the overall China experience. We’re fortunate that there are many groups in Shanghai offering a wonderful variety of programmes and opportunities that allow people to understand and explore this region of the country. As a lifelong learner, the professional and personal rewards are numerous and there are other powerful

benefits along the way. Continuous learning keeps the mind sharp and improves the memory, especially as we grow older. Just as we need to exercise our body to stay in shape, the same goes for our mind. Numerous research studies, such as one conducted at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, have shown that people with more education are less likely to have dementia in old age, as their cognitive and rational abilities are continually tested. Another study by UK and Flemish researchers reported on by the BBC examined the brains of 872 people, showing that for each year spent in education there was an 11 percent decrease in the risk of developing dementia. In addition, lifelong learners have a great desire to step outside of their comfort zone and be challenged by something new. Our ability to learn and share ideas with others helps us to not only gain confidence in who we are but also enhances our interpersonal communication skills, since the learning process requires active listening, reading and writing skills. The sense of fulfilment when we learn new ideas, have new experiences and meet new people is truly rewarding and has a positive impact on all facets of our lives. §

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Moving to a new location is certainly one of the most stressful things in life. On top of having to change your habits and your lifestyle, you will have to adapt to a new culture, cope with a new work environment and ensure that your family is also adapting to their new environment. Below are 10 things that you should look out for when relocating. Are you moving for the right reasons? Many people move because they don’t have a choice, but for those of you who do, make sure you’re moving for the right reasons. Many studies suggest that changing jobs for financial reasons does not generally lead to very high levels of satisfaction. Hence, when faced with the choice of an assignment in another country or city, you should consider if the new position is right for you and your family and if this big change will be beneficial to your life as a whole.

THE 10 THINGS WHICH MATTER MOST WHEN RELOCATING What should you consider before you relocate? By SIRVA Relocation

IS YOUR SPOUSE ON BOARD? This is really critical to the success of a relocation, especially to a country such as China where it’s normally not possible for spouses to work unless they can also obtain a work permit. Trailing spouses are much more likely to have a hard time adapting to their new environment, especially given that they will have to rebuild a support structure, unlike the working spouse who can move directly into their working environment. Considering issues like spousal support is critical to ensure that the time and money of a relocation is not wasted.

Make sure to have a pre-assignment trip or preview trip prior to accepting a relocation Even if you’ve already travelled to the new location several times, it’s important to take the time to go there in order to evaluate its liveability. You should insist that your employer provide this to you, as it’s necessary for the success of any assignment. It’s highly recommended that your spouse join you on the trip and that you hire a relocation company to design a programme for you. This type of trip is different from a home finding trip and should be done prior to house hunting, since its purpose is to help you evaluate if the location is suitable for you. It will also enable you to ensure that your spouse is on board with your decision.

Choose a relocation company with your best interest at heart There are many providers of real estate and relocation services. Relocation companies such as SIRVA Relocation will be able to help you with a whole range of services, from house

hunting and cultural training to visa and immigration services, while providing a high level of support and service. At the moment in Shanghai, you will get much higher service levels and understanding from international relocation companies than from real estate agents. You should shop around and ask questions before deciding which company to use, and go with the one that you feel best understands your needs. Ensuring that your relocation provider has your best interests at heart is key and will lead to a more successful relocation.

Choose a mover you feel you can trust with your belongings

We recommend that you contact two or three reputable moving companies prior to any move. Surveys are free and collecting two or three quotes will allow you to compare services and rates. When making this initial selection, ask your employer, friends and colleagues for recommendations. And when you evaluate the quotes, make sure that you do not simply choose the cheapest mover, as in many cases this may mean that the service you get will not be the best. You should also feel that the mover you go with is knowledgeable about both their product (for example,

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Make sure you ask your kids what they must move While taking your kids on a pre-assignment trip is not recommended, you must still make sure they are on board with moving to a new location, as their lives will also be uprooted (especially true for teenagers, but transition difficulties should not be underestimated for any age group). One way to ensure they are on board is to reserve part of your shipping allowance for their must-move items, so that they can recreate part of their environment in their new home.

CULTURAL TRAINING COURSES ARE KEY If your employer does not provide cultural training programmes then let them know that this is something you need in order to accept the relocation. Even if you’re moving from Shanghai to another city in China, I would still advise insisting on cultural training, as life in Shanghai and Beijing (for example) is very different and the local culture also differs. Understanding the local culture quickly will enable you to settle down and adapt to your new life more rapidly.

FIND A SUITABLE HOME

how they will pack your valuables and heirlooms), the place you are moving to and all the customs processes. A final consideration when choosing a mover should be the size of their network and whether the whole move will be done in-house or if part of it will be sub-contracted to agents. Allied Pickfords, SIRVA Inc.’s moving arm, has the largest network, with over 800 offices worldwide.

Don’t underinsure your belongings! Too often, people try to save on insurance by undervaluing their belongings, which often leads to a lot of stress and disillusionment when damages occur. This is puzzling to most relocation professionals because clients

guilty of such underinsurance are often properly insured in many other respects (life, civil liability, house and vehicle), but somehow believe that this is an unnecessary expense when moving. While the vast majority of shipments do not suffer any damage, we still strongly advise that anyone who moves insure their goods at a fair replacement value. This is simply because all moves entail risk; the best movers minimise it, but it cannot be eliminated completely. Insurance is necessary. The best movers will review your insurance policy declaration prior to the move and advise you if you are underinsured, as well as notify you in writing of the inherent risks and your potential liability if you decide not to cover your shipment.

Finding a suitable home in which you’ll be happy is key to assignment success. In order to find the ideal home, you need to communicate your needs to your relocation provider, who will then help you source the ideal property. You should beware (especially in Shanghai) of pitfalls such as poorly maintained properties or properties with construction defects, and spend a fair amount of time thinking about what your ideal property would be and where you want to live. Figuring out the maximum time you and your family want to spend commuting is important, as is the type of property you would like to live in and its proximity to transport infrastructure and shopping amenities. If you don’t speak Chinese, then ensuring that the property management speaks good English will also be a key consideration. Lastly, if you’re covering utilities yourself then do ensure that you inform yourself on the subject, as electricity is relatively expensive in China and air-conditioned villas can have very high utility charges.

LASTLY, DO NOT FORGET THE FAMILY PET! Moving pets is expensive and complicated; but if your pet is part of your family then this won’t matter, and relocating to a new location should include them. Relocation providers such as SIRVA Relocation will be able to assist you with your pet relocation. §

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BAGS THAT TAKE THE CAKE

hanghainese spend, on average, 12 percent of their annual income on handbags, an obscenely high proportion that conveys the importance that women in this city place on their purses. A quick glance around any shopping mall or subway train will demonstrate that the distinctive designs of Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior have captured the city’s attention, but Chef Yusuf Yaran had a different idea. Instead of using these make-up and wallet cases for carrying, why not eat them? The idea for designing ‘cake bags’ came about when Chef Yaran was joking around with the Shangri-La Pudong executive chef, who was shopping online for a bag for his wife’s birthday. “He pointed to a bag and asked me, ‘Are you good enough to make a cake that looks like this?’” laughs Yaran. Turns out he is. As the captain of Turkey’s national pastry team, Chef Yaran was always expected to lead his teammates with innovative ideas and jaw-dropping, gravity-defying baked creations. He once created an ostrich egg and white truffle cake

covered in 22-carat gold – a feat that earned his creation the title of fourth most expensive cake in the world, according to Forbes Traveler. When he explains his inspiration, he says he “wants people to talk about what I make. They can just sit and stare at it for a while.” Fans of handbags – and cakes – are often awestruck when they see one of his impressive cake bags. Every edible bag is custom-made, and Yaran asks customers about the occasion and their dress colour and style before drawing up a sketch inspired by their needs. From chocolate to caramelised chicken breast with milk (which he readily admits is the weirdest concoction he has ever created), Chef Yusuf can whip up any flavour cake lovers are in the mood for, in whichever bag style they like the most. “Just dream it and we will make it for you.” He pauses before adding, “Well, except for anything that flies or talks.”

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At Global HealthCare, Your Health Matters Most.

www.ghcchina.com 6877-5093 (PuDong) 5298-6339 (PuXi)

Global HealthCare Medical & Dental Center Living Abroad? Don’t put your family’s Dental or Medical needs on hold! At GHC we emphasize the importance of quality over quantity. GHC’s modern Medical and Dental centers are operated by expert international specialists. Our services include:

General, Pediatric, & Cosmetic Dentistry Orthodontics & Digital Dental Radiography Cardiology, Family & Women’s Medicine Clinic, Vaccination, In-Patient Service, Gynecology, Neurology, Nutrition, 24-hour Hotline (answered by medical staff) Traditional Chinese Medicine 全康 Corporate Programs & Services

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VIRAL VERSUS BACTERIAL INFECTIONS The responsible use of antibiotics By Dr Leslie Bottrell, MBBS Global HealthCare

e live in a society of instant gratification, so when it comes to illness we of course want to be sorted out immediately. Patients are frequently uncomfortable with leaving the doctor’s office without a prescription for antibiotics. We often hear: “The last time I was sick I was given antibiotics and that cleared it up, so could you just write me another prescription?” If the patient’s previous infection was bacterial, then that statement may be true; however, if the infection was caused by a virus, then the body’s immune response should be receiving the credit. What are viruses? Viruses are infectious agents that contain genetic material (DNA, RNA) but no cells. They therefore need to invade a host cell to reproduce. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses. Anti-virals are available to treat some serious viral infections. Vaccines are used to provide immunity against certain viruses and prevent some viral infections. Examples of viral infections are the common cold, influenza, chicken pox, hepatitis and HIV. What are bacteria? Bacteria are single-celled organisms that are much larger than viruses. There are more bacterial cells than human cells in our bodies. Most are harmless, some are beneficial and a few species cause infection. Antibiotics kill or slow the rate of growth of bacteria to allow the body’s immune mechanisms a fair fight. Inappropriate use of antibiotics, for example to treat a viral infection, can do more harm than good, not only for the individual in terms of unnecessary side effects (diarrhea, nausea, possible allergy and development of Clostridium difficile) but for the global community as well (antibiotics have become less effective against bacteria which have become resistant to them, like MethicillinResistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) or Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE).

No new antibiotics are likely to be available in the near future to combat these ‘super bugs’, so what once were miracle drugs may soon become ineffective. By using antibiotics responsibly we can help to maintain their effectiveness for the future. If you’re diagnosed with a bacterial infection, then it’s important that you complete the course of antibiotics prescribed, even if you’re no longer experiencing symptoms. Eating pro-biotics such as those found in yogurt while taking antibiotics can help maintain the healthy bacteria in your digestive tract and minimise some gastrointestinal side effects. Rest to allow your immune system to fight alongside the antibiotic, and avoid alcohol during an antibiotic course. Remember that antibiotics can interfere with other medications so it’s important to tell your doctor what you’re already taking prior to starting a course of antibiotics. Cold versus flu Cold symptoms include sore throat, runny nose, congestion, cough and fever (more likely in children). Symptoms usually resolve within a week. Flu symptoms are similar but can come on quicker, be more severe and last longer (weeks): sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches and soreness, congestion, cough and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. While we have no cure for the cold and flu, we do have many

pharmacological and nonpharmacological means to treat the symptoms. You can discuss these options with your doctor. The discovery of penicillin in a mouldy old laboratory altered the course of history. Antibiotics became and remain a wonder drug for bacterial infections, but it’s important to remember they’re not a cure-all. Most viral and minor bacterial infections are self-limiting and don’t require antibiotics. The body’s natural defences will successfully eliminate many infections. It’s therefore essential to optimise your body’s ability to prevent or fight off infections and minimise their spread to others. A few healthy tips • Wash hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser after sneezing or coughing into your hands, blowing your nose, using the restroom, before meals, etc. • Keep hands out of your mouth and away from your eyes • Get a good night’s sleep • Minimise alcohol intake • Stop smoking • Drink lots of water • Eat a well-balanced diet including fresh fruit and vegetables • Exercise regularly • Get regular check-ups with your family doctor • Get a flu shot annually, prior to flu season §

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EXPAT STRESS AND QUALITY MENTAL HEALTH CARE Getting it right the first time Dr Maurice Preter, MD Consultant Neurologist & Psychiatrist Global HealthCare

hile reliable data from China are unavailable, stress disability rates in all developed economies have been growing and mental health problems are the leading cause of prolonged disability in people with real physical illness. Expats are no exception here. Overall success or failure of an assignment to East Asia, work productivity, medical care utilisation and most importantly personal relationships are all strongly affected by anxiety, depression and substance use disorders. Even in the best case scenario, the effects on your family of being uprooted, often with little control over the circumstances, can be substantial. Let’s face it: being an expat may affect your and your family’s mental balance. Understanding quality care Much of what passes for quality care these days is not, and even experts can sometimes have trouble determining where better care can be found. Here in China, because of the dearth of available treatment options, the situation for a patient in need of high-quality mental health and integrated neuropsychiatric care (for the proper diagnosis and care of a seizure disorder with depression) is much more difficult. In the public hospital system, many Chinese doctors limit themselves to simplistic, obsolete interpretations of Western biomedical models. Medication overuse is rampant. Unless they are properly educated, many doctors (and patients) don’t realise that psychiatric medication and psychotherapy are not replacements for each other. They work very well together, but they do different things. Most anti-depressant prescriptions are written by primary care doctors who don’t offer real psychotherapy to go with them, and they don’t always have a precise and complete diagnosis. For example, ‘depression’ is often an anxiety disorder, a panic disorder in particular. In turn, panic disorder is often caused by a

significant emotional loss or separation. Panic disorder can be a reaction to feelings of geographic or cultural displacement. No wonder it’s rampant in expat communities round the world. Diagnosing correctly the first time Quality care begins with the initial clinical evaluation. When people have significant emotional suffering, there are usually multiple causes (‘over-determined’, as psychiatrists say), and the central factor is usually not the most obvious one. A patient with an emotionally distant spouse might instead complain of impending financial impoverishment. The initial evaluation should be broad and thorough, with careful attention to personal life, workplace factors, commonplace anxiety and depressive disorders, drug and alcohol use, co-occurring and causal medical illnesses, among others. Just as elsewhere in medicine, that initial diagnosis is where highly skilled clinicians with broad and advanced training are most useful. It’s all too easy to ease the suffering caused by a divorce, while overlooking an underlying anxiety disorder whose treatment could allow repair of the marriage. Dissatisfaction at work is often caused by misery at home. Poor job performance attributed to work stress can be due to a hidden conflict with a supervisor, an unbearable sense of displacement, an unrecognised depression or even an undiagnosed medical illness. Skilled mental health evaluators are trained to sort out these issues, and psychiatrists have the most comprehensive diagnostic

training of all. The medical part of their training also comes in handy for those times when emotional distress can be the presenting symptom of problems like thyroid disease, cancer or other medical illnesses, including treatable conditions such as a sleep disorder due to obesity. So getting it right the first time goes hand in hand with solving the problem effectively and efficiently. The trouble is, less seasoned evaluators only see what they know, even though they may be the nicest and most concerned people anywhere. Problems overlooked at the outset don’t get recognised until much later, if ever. And if effective treatment is not provided, the problem just lingers. Untreated depression, thyroid disease, vitamin D deficiency, family problems, alcoholism, interpersonal skill deficiencies or panic presenting as unexplained chest pain are all in their own way both financially and morally expensive. Over-reliance on simplified diagnostic schemes may be dangerous. A screening test for depression may alert you to unhappiness, but that could be anything from work stress to medical illness to anxiety, to one of several different kinds of depression (and most likely some combination of factors). We humans are complex beings. The best mental health solutions require thoughtful recognition of the actual problems, and awareness that diagnostic refinement is an ongoing process during treatment. At that point, effective treatment can be provided by well-trained mental health professionals. §

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KEEPING YOUR CHILD SMILING IN SHANGHAI Helpful advice from Dr Murray By Dr Madeleine C Murray BDS / MSc / MPhill / FDS (Rest Dent) RCPS / MRD RCS Eng / Periodontist DDS Dental Clinic

iving in Shanghai can be challenging for many families, and one area which can cause worry is health care. There are some simple things you can do as a parent to ensure that while you’re here your child’s dental health is maintained. Adopting healthy habits at home and having regular checks with a dentist will ensure that you can be confident you’re doing what you can to give your child a great start. A visit to the dentist for a routine check can help in many ways: • Having check-ups every six months will make sure your child is familiar with the sights and sounds in a dental office and help them get to know the team looking after them. This will help in the short and long term in making visits less stressful. • During a routine visit the dentist can check the mouth is in a healthy state and pick up any problems at an early stage. If treatment is necessary, your child will already have met the dentist and formed a relationship with them. • While your child is growing, the dentist will check that teeth are erupting at the correct time and in the correct position, monitor bone growth and refer you to an orthodontist for advice if necessary. • As new permanent teeth erupt, fissure sealants can be placed on the biting surfaces of teeth to prevent decay. Fissure sealants are composite type dental materials which can be stuck onto the tooth after polishing and etching the surface. • Teeth can be cleaned professionally if required. Importantly, the dentist and hygienist can show you how to keep teeth clean at home to prevent disease developing. Both tooth decay and gum disease can be reduced by good brushing

technique. The dentist or hygienist can tell you what size brush is best for your mouth, advise you on what toothpaste to use and give advice about whether fluoride supplements are a good idea for you. • Your dentist or hygienist can give you advice on healthy food choices. Choosing low sugar and sugar-free foods, snacks and drinks and reducing or avoiding between-meal snacks can control dental decay for people of all ages. • Fluoride can be applied in the office, to supplement your fluoride toothpaste at home and help strengthen teeth and increase resistance to decay. • Some types of gum disease present in later childhood. Picking up these forms

of gum disease is essential to avoid early tooth loss. These early signs often develop with no symptoms, but can be detected on examination and on routine radiographs. • Dental injuries can commit a child to a lifetime of treatment and maintenance. For many sports it’s advisable that your child wear a properly fitting mouthguard to prevent injuries. Professionally made mouth-guards are far superior to non-custom-made designs purchased from sports suppliers. Custom-made mouth-guards are more comfortable, are made to fit your mouth and prevent injury more effectively. Mouth-guards can be provided by your dentist after a simple impression is made in the office, and are available in a variety of colours. §

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HEALTHY EATING DURING PREGNANCY Eating for two By Dr Jane Shen Obstetrics & Gynecology Shanghai East International Medical Center

utrition plays an important role as your foetus grows through the nine months. Eating healthily in pregnancy means having a wide range of the right kind of foods – those rich in essential protein, vitamins and minerals. You certainly don’t want to bother with measuring portions and calorie counting: there’s no need if you follow some basic principles of healthy eating. All calories are not created equal Choose your calories with care, selecting quality over quantity. The 200 calories in a doughnut are not equal to the 200 calories in a wholegrain raisin-bran muffin. Your baby will benefit a lot more from 2,000 nutrient-rich calories than from 2,000 mostly empty ones. Efficiency is effective Become an efficiency expert, and get more nutritional bang for your buck by choosing foods that are lightweights when it comes to calories, heavy hitters when it comes to nutrients. Fat has more than twice as many calories per gram as either proteins or carbohydrates, so choose lean meats over fatty ones, fat-free or low-fat dairy products over full-fat versions, grilled or broiled foods over fried. Carbohydrates are a complex issue There’s no doubt that refined carbs (as in white bread or crackers) are nutritional slackers. Unrefined (complex) carbohydrates like wholegrain breads and cereals, dried beans and peas, fresh fruit and vegetables supply essential B vitamins, trace minerals, proteins and important fibre which helps keep nausea and constipation in check.

Good foods remember where they come from It’s not surprising that the most nutritious foods are often the ones that haven’t strayed far from their natural state. Choose fresh vegetables and fruit when they’re in season, going with fresh-frozen or canned when fresh are unavailable or you don’t have time to prepare them. And speaking of preparation, less is more when it comes to nutrients. Opt for steaming or a light stir-fry and avoid processed foods, so that more vitamins and minerals are retained. Healthy eating begins at home It isn’t easy to nibble on fresh fruit when your darling husband’s diving headfirst into a half-gallon of ice cream right next to you on the sofa. So enlist your husband and other family members in making your home a healthy food zone. The family that eats well together is more likely to stay healthy together.

Starve yourself, starve your baby Just as you wouldn’t consider starving your baby after it’s born, don’t consider starving it when it’s at home in your uterus. It needs regular nourishment at regular intervals. Even if you’re not hungry, your baby is. So try not to skip meals. You’ll find it easier to spread your Daily Dozen into five or six mini-meals, and a grazing approach keeps your blood sugar level, so you’ll get an energy boost, too. Eat for TWO Your baby’s not the only one likely to benefit from a healthy diet. Eating well will also increase the chances that you’ll have a safe pregnancy, a balanced emotional state, a timely labour and delivery and a speedier postpartum recovery. Eating for two doesn’t mean having two hamburgers instead of one! It means that you’re eating for your developing baby, and for yourself too. §

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THE OBESITY PROBLEM

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A discussion with Dr Thomas By Dr Richard Thomas WorldPath Clinic International

hy are children much heavier than a generation ago? Is it important to recognise this in your child or family and intervene? What can be done about it?

(60 seconds, or 30 if you ran, which we usually did) was the strenuous exercise part. When we had no energy left, we’d do it for another few hours, then drag home exhausted and happy from the fun and camaraderie.

When I grew up in western New York State, getting out and exercising was what there was to do. Virtually every day, I met with neighbour friends and played active games like tag or pick-up baseball at a nearby empty lot (teams were chosen by the two best players flipping a bat, then alternating hands until a hand didn’t fit; the winner then grabbed the knob and got the first pick of teammate). Or we played basketball in the driveway of our home (first pick went to the guy who made the most free throws) or walked to the train tracks, then off into the fields to search for and capture garter snakes. In winter, we built forts and had snowball fights, or piled snow and jumped off the roof into it, or went sledding on the ‘Big Hill’. The ‘down the hill’ (10 seconds) was fun, while the ‘up the hill’

There was one fat kid in the whole neighbourhood, but he was fit and could out-tussle anyone. Those were the days! Will humanity ever see them again? No, not while there are mindless TV shows, or tons of violent game simulations on the latest iPhone or Wii. Not while parents cower in fear that their unsupervised child may be abducted, or lawyers lurk to sue any lot or pool owner who hasn’t fenced off and posted warnings on his property to stop kids from doing what kids do. Luckily, in China we don’t have much fear of crime and lawsuits are less common. Some wise parents decide that active lives are preferable for their children.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting TV and other seated entertainment time to two hours a day. Many parents get their children into activities that provide an aerobic workout, like karate, tae kwon do, ballet or soccer, to name just a few. In my experience, staying active is simply a great thing for kids to do. Unfortunately, if there are too many calories going in kids get obese regardless of the frequency of exercise. Just think about sumo wrestlers – they work out rigorously, but they eat more than their bodies need. Parents need to assess the approximate daily caloric requirement for their child (and maybe for themselves). First three months

According to the University of Chicago, infants this age need 116 calories per kg of weight a day. Each 30 ml of breast or formula milk contains 20 calories. A 3 kg infant requires about 350 calories, 540 ml of milk. Breastfeeding, in my experience, is self-regulating. That is, kids simply don’t get too heavy while primarily breastfeeding. Up to one year

Infants three to 12 months of age require 100 calories per kg a day, according to the University of Chicago. Ironfortified rice cereal is an appropriate first solid food to introduce, followed by fruit, vegetables and meat. Composition

The University of Chicago advises that an infant diet should consist of 40 percent carbohydrates, 10 percent proteins and up to 50 percent fats to meet caloric and nutritional requirements. Breast milk is high in fats (including the essential fat omega-3, which builds brain cells). Next time, we’ll talk about your older child and what we can do, aside from exercise, to help them avoid obesity. §

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HEALTH

WHERE DO OUR

DREAMS COME FROM?

By Al Chambers Ph.D, Psychologist, Beijing United Hospital

HEALTH

enjoy my night dreams. It’s like going to the movies for free – but even better, because the dreams I have are more creative and stranger than any movie I’ve ever seen, and because sometimes I get to be a character in my dreams along with family or friends, something that never happens at the movies! And sometimes there are other humans or strange creatures with me, and every so often I can even fly – those are my favourite. But where do our night dreams (and our day dreams) come from? We can even wonder where and how our inner thoughts are created because, just like our dreams, our waking thoughts are also amazing, arising effortlessly on their own and leaving us with little power to predict or control them (although it may seem as if we’re in charge of them, we actually exert little influence). For example, if you stop reading this article now and let your mind wander for a few minutes, it could end up anywhere (we can’t predict it) – just like in our dreams. One way to consider the mind, source of our imagination, our ideas and our memories, is to think of a ping pong ball lottery machine – one of those glass boxes where all the numbered balls fly around crazily until a few randomly pop out the little hole. Now think of those balls as representing all the parts of who you are – everything you have ever learned, experienced and felt, everything that goes together to make up your personality, your moods, your feelings and your understanding of the world. All the bits and pieces of your life and history are still inside you (like the ping pong balls), and although you can recall or understand some of them, like remembering which drawer your socks are in or how to ride a bicycle, most of those thoughts and feelings are outside your conscious awareness. You will never recall or see them clearly, although they will continue to influence you in every moment of life.

Our night dreams are like those random ping pong balls shooting up into our awareness with little pattern or sense, perhaps relating to something timely and important, perhaps not. We never know what will show up, and although dreams may sometimes be amusing or frightening, they are only part of our imagination and not part of the real world. Our waking thoughts are also like those random night dreams, pushed up into our awareness with little conscious control on our part – except perhaps for the small portion of our mind that that can recall certain memories or things we’ve learned, such as the capital of France. But even this sort of thinking, like remembering the city of Paris, will bring many random associated thoughts (for another experiment, stop reading for a few minutes and start thinking about Paris. See where your imagination takes you – it may go to the Eiffel Tower, your plans for the weekend or how bored you are with this article). It’s only with study and practice that

we can start to influence our minds to concentrate, recall and retrieve relevant information and not be totally distracted, a handy skill if you’re taking an exam, having a conversation or driving a car. Therefore, some of those balls, these different sorts of thoughts, will reappear often, some rarely, some only in our dreams; and some will never come into conscious awareness. Many people with personal problems and struggles, feeling sad, afraid or confused, do not realise that their worries and fears are also only thoughts, and that although their current viewpoint may seem like the only possible way to see and interpret the world, it’s only one of an infinite number of possibilities. Also, we argue and fight with others because we strongly believe our ping pong balls have the right numbers and the other person’s numbers are wrong. That’s just silly, like arguing over whose night dream is the truest.

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Another of our big mistakes is holding on to conclusions – about the world, our families, our life, ourselves, our problems – as if they are somehow true and absolute and reflect the real world. Actually, all they reflect is our current ping pong ball combination, which can and will change. We don’t have to hold on to our conclusions; rather, we can simply see them as nothing but thoughts and realise that, just as in our dreams, anything can be created, everything is possible. Sometimes in our night dreams we create monsters, and very often in our waking thoughts we also create monsters (worries, fears, self-criticism, helplessness, blame, embarrassment). But remember that none of these are real. They are only the creations of our rich and wonderful minds, and usually the horrible monsters we imagine lurking around every corner turn out to be cute little puppies. It all depends on whether we hold on to our current numbers, or let them go and find others that are a little more satisfying! §

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ASK THE EXPERTS

IS HAINAN A FAMILY DESTINATION? Sanya used to be an idyllic Chinese resort, but with the onslaught of modernisation, is it still a good destination for children? By Thomas Coupat Commercial Director, China Sirva Relocation

ver the last 10 years I’ve been to Hainan six times, including this Chinese New Year. All my stays have been in Sanya, on the south side of the island. Over these years, we’ve witnessed the transformation of Sanya from a small, quiet seaside resort to what it is today: a soon-to-be overbuilt coastal resort. While construction in China is ever-present, I found it even more striking in Sanya, where the construction effort seems particularly intense. The highest profile development is being built on an artificial island, with prices hitting the stratosphere (RMB140,000 per sqm). The first time I went, my wife and I had yet to marry, and we stayed in a cheap hotel in the Dadonghai area. While this was already a Russian enclave, it was nowhere as Russian as it is today, nor was it as built up. We had chosen Sanya for a holiday because my Chinese wife didn’t need a visa. Already at the time (2001) we thought Sanya was pretty expensive compared to other beach destinations in Asia, and that though you did meet friendly people, there was always the suspicion that people were out to get our money. On this first trip, we found that taxi drivers especially were not to be trusted too much. Their advice was always self-interested, and one of them actually told us at the end of our stay that, depending on the attraction he took his clients to, he could expect a commission of 30-70 percent of the admission fee. This is still true today and translates into not only extremely high official admission fees for all attractions in Sanya but also

to very few taxis available for standard commuting. We found this problem especially acute this year during Chinese New Year, the busiest week of the year. Finding transportation was quite challenging, though we did manage between taxis, walking and three-wheel motorcycle taxis. We also rented a car for a couple of days, but at four times the going rate for a similar model in Shanghai, we weren’t getting value for money. HAINAN: INTERNATIONAL TOURISM HOTSPOT? The government has recently made a big deal of promoting Hainan as an international tourist destination. While I’m in no position to comment on whether this is working in terms of increased foreign visitors and revenue from tourism, this label seems to have induced much of the building boom and resulted in large increases in real estate, food, accommodation and transportation prices. It’s true, however, that many more conveniences, such as Western medicines and Western groceries, are now available in Sanya – though prices reflect the fact you’re in Hainan. Part of the government plan for increasing revenue from tourists is a tax refund scheme. Though this didn’t apply to us, as we travelled from within China, it’s worth noting that it currently only includes two malls in Sanya, and that at the one I visited in Dadonghai, a lot of items and brands weren’t participating (including most luxury brands). Overall, most foreigners I saw were still Russians and most locals we encountered assumed we were too. It seems that the battle for the internationalisation of Hainan is far from won.

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Happy days While this article so far may not seem to be endorsing Hainan as a destination, there are still plenty of good things to see and do there. Here are the things that make Hainan special. The weather

The island’s tropical weather makes it a top destination for a family getting away from the cold winter days. The ease of access from mainland China

Sanya is only a four-hour flight from Beijing, making it easily the closest tropical destination. Direct flights are also a plus when travelling with younger kids. Also, if you’re married to a Chinese citizen, as I am, you don’t have to worry about visas. Yalong Bay and its 5-star resorts

This resort and its hotels are now really world-class. Although they aren’t cheap, you’ll at least get great service in a great setting. Nicest beaches in China

Sanya boasts a number of quite spectacular beaches. Yalong Bay and Sanya Bay have the two best ‘deserted’ beaches in Sanya, while Dadonghai is a bit more equipped, but not overcrowded to the point of discomfort. Sanya Bay runs for miles and is truly deserted, one of the few places in China where it’s possible to relax away from crowds. We ended up there after one of our relatives tried to take us to West Island, a beach resort for which a ferry departs at the end of Sanya Bay. Whereas you had to queue for over an hour at West Island to hop onto a ferry, Sanya Bay offered miles of empty sandy beach where we ended up spending one of the most relaxing days of our holiday.

There’s trouble brewing However, you should watch out for the following. Overpriced and overcrowded attractions

Most attractions, such as Binglanggu (a local ethnic park), the end-ofthe-world point or West Island, can get very crowded, especially in high season. Given that these attractions are usually quite pricey, the experience isn’t usually the most pleasant. If you’re visiting off-season and still want to take in a few sights, try to get discounted tickets through travel agents. Seafood and beachfront restaurants

Once again, it seems the value for money concept is unheard of in Sanya, with prices much higher than in equivalent establishments in Beijing. It’s still possible to eat reasonably though, as long as you stay away from big ticket items like crabs, some fishes and lobster. Personal safety

This was the first trip where we were warned several times to beware of thieves on the beaches, to be careful where we went at night and to be careful when driving outside Sanya proper, as villagers have staged accidents to make money. We didn’t have any negative experiences on this trip, but it’s interesting that we were warned about this a number of times over the 10 days we spent there. Price hikes during festivals

During the seven official Chinese New Year holiday days, all prices seemed to increase by 50 percent, including taxi fares. Hotel rooms which normally go for RMB400-500 a night were going for RMB3,0005,000, and we’re not talking about 5-star resorts in Yalong Bay. When to go

In the off-season, as Sanya is a much more affordable option then, with cheap return flights from Beijing and much more reasonable hotel rates.

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kakadu

a n o rt h e r n t e r ri to ry adve nt u re

hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no doubt that the top end of the Northern Territory delivers a fantastically special and unique Australia holiday. The beauty of this area is the joy of exploring World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park as well as both Litchfield and Nitmuluk National Parks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all within a 3-hour drive of each other and Darwin. Easy driving and magnificent nature-based activities to enjoy for the whole family!

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Giant termite hill, Litchfield, Northern Territory

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Dawn in Kakadu

ur family of five began our Top End adventure by collecting our hire vehicle in Darwin and driving 120 km south to our first stop – Litchfield National Park. Litchfield National Park comprises 1500 sq km of largely untouched landscape. It’s a favourite place to view monsoonal rainforest, the perennial spring-fed streams and waterfalls, magnetic termite mounds, weathered sandstone outcrops and historic ruins. Our family enjoyed exploring many of the walks, and swimming holes such as Buley Rockholes, Wangi Falls and Walker Creek. For respite at the end of each day’s walks, we made our base at Batchelor Butterfly Farm and Tropical Retreat in the township of Batchelor (only 20 minutes from the park) – and what a wonderful surprise that was! Our daughter was enthralled with all the butterflies, our sons loved the swimming pool and the adults enjoyed the restaurant and very good quality meals.

The accommodation was basic but clean and comfortable, and the visit to Litchfield was a delight for everyone! After two days exploring Batchelor / Litchfield National Park we then headed 240 km south-east to Katherine. It’s a drive through the Territory’s stunning and lush northern tropics, steeped in nature, Aboriginal culture and outback pioneering history. There are many stops and points of interest en route. Katherine is very much an outback town, and the town itself doesn’t have a lot of endearing qualities. However, the region boasts the not-to-be missed Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park. Nitmiluk is home to the spectacular Katherine Gorge, a series of 13 sandstone gorges carved out over a billion years by the Katherine River. The impressive gorge walls and white sandy beaches can be explored on foot, by canoe or on a cruise, and are stunning from the air on a scenic

Our daughter was enthralled with all the butterflies, our sons loved the swimming pool and the adults enjoyed the restaurant and very good quality meals

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Lotus flower in Mangrove, Kakadu National Park

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helicopter flight. Aboriginal culture is strong in the area and there are many Aboriginal rock art sites dotted throughout the Park. There are also plenty of adventure activities, and it’s a haven for nature lovers, with its rugged landscapes, dramatic waterfalls and lush gorges providing an abundance of flora and fauna. Canoe trips along Katherine Gorge are a must-do activity. Unfortunately for our family we were unable to enjoy canoeing due to the National Parks survey for crocodiles in the area – better safe than sorry! However, we managed to enjoy Katherine Gorge in many other ways: the three gorge cruise, swimming in a picturesque waterfall and bush walking along the many trails throughout the park. The park rangers and tour guides provided interesting information on the area and Nitmiluk has a simply stunning landscape and lots of activities to enjoy. Our next stop was World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, a 240 km drive north from Katherine. Definitely the highlight of our trip, Kakadu is the Northern Territory’s

jewel in the crown. Covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres of exceptional natural beauty and unique biodiversity, Kakadu is one of very few places World Heritage-listed for both its cultural and its natural values. Kakadu is a living cultural landscape. The Bininj / Mungguy Aboriginal people have lived on and cared for this country for tens of thousands of years. Kakadu National Park is a timeless place – a landscape of exceptional beauty, great biodiversity and a wide variety of landforms, habitats and wildlife. Kakadu is home to 68 mammals, more than 120 reptiles, 26 frogs, more than 2,000 plants and over 10,000 species of insects. Our first adventure in Kakadu was a 2 km walk to Gunlom Falls. We were lucky enough to swim and enjoy the clear natural plunge pool area and waterfall. This was followed by many notable stops as we explored the park: night wildlife safari, a one-hour scenic flight over Kakadu and Arnhem Land, Ubirr and Nourlangie regions, walking and admiring Aboriginal rock art sites, swimming in Jim Jim Falls plunge pool and visiting Jabiru Township,

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Kakadu is one of very few places World Heritagelisted for both its cultural and its natural values

” Ubirr art site and lookout, Kakadu National Park

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the centre of Kakadu. At all of these points of interest park rangers were available and provided informative talks about the art and culture several times per day. Well worth listening to! But perhaps the most amazing of all the regions in Kakadu is the Yellow Waters Wetlands. This is an area that will deliver the WOW factor, with plenty of wildlife action! In fact, just before we arrived a crocodile had been caught eating a shark – unfortunately for the shark, he was in the wrong area and bested by one of the world’s oldest predators! We took a sunset cruise around the wetlands and loved the wildlife action and awesome scenery. We enjoyed three days in Kakadu, and could have easily stayed for a few more. There is so much to do! Apparently most people who come to Kakadu make the mistake of only visiting for a day trip – with

a 6-hour return journey to Darwin built in! That doesn’t allow time to visit many sites and really soak up the atmosphere of this awe-inspiring land. To our family, Kakadu National Park was more than just a beautiful landscape. We left with a greater understanding of the Aboriginal connection to the land. “Our land has a big story. Sometimes we tell a little bit at a time. Come and hear our stories, see our land. A little bit might stay in your hearts…” Our Top End Northern Territory Adventure was nearing completion as we left Kakadu and headed west back to Darwin (300 km) for a few days relaxation before heading home. Darwin proved a good place to relax and rejuvenate, visit some museums, do some shopping and enjoy the atmosphere of the famous night markets.

A holiday adventure of a lifetime to remember! Facts: • Winter season (May to September) is traditionally the most popular time to visit. The daytime temperatures are around 30 degrees Celsius and the nights are cool. Perfect weather for all activities. • All roads travelled are bitumen and fully sealed. So short distances, and easy driving. This drive is also a good one for motor home vehicles as an alternative to car / accommodation. Contact Australia Expat Travel to plan your best ever holiday. Local knowledge. Good variety of information. (www.ausxpattravel. com.au, info@ausxpattravel.com. au)

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Sunset in Kakadu

Kakadu National Park is located in a remote part of a remote country... just the place to find adventure

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Houhai Lake

POP INTO PEKING

Laura Westley explores the sights and sounds of Beijing after two years living there

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Zhengyang Gate

o many, Beijing doesn’t sound like the most obvious location to visit. It doesn’t scream family vacation and probably doesn’t appear on the list of top cities to visit in your lifetime – those would be New York, London, Paris, Hong Kong, San Francisco, maybe Las Vegas. However, having lived in the city for the past two years and having visited other cities in China, what I have discovered is a sprawling city full of culture, vibrancy and creativity.

The Great Wall

Guomao, CBD

When I look at China’s major cities, Shanghai and Hong Kong shout out as the tourist destinations. They fulfil the criteria that many set out in order to have a pleasant break: warm weather, bustling city environment, great city skyline and a cosmopolitan atmosphere, to name but a few. However, one thing that I feel they lack in comparison is the culture found in every crevice of Beijing. Known as the culture capital, it definitely has a lot to offer, with scarcely a major building of any age without at least some historical significance. Underneath the surface, this city epitomises China and what it stands for. Dodging the polluted skies and the variable weather, the perfect time to visit is in spring (which lasts a few short weeks in April and May) to avoid the scorching heat of summer, or in autumn (once again a few short weeks, in October) to avoid the mind-numbing temperatures of winter. Having had more than a few friends and family members out to visit, I feel I’ve worked the tourist circuit. A simple stroll around the streets allows you to be immersed in a true Chinese city: horse and carts walking the streets of Gulou, small single-storey buildings making up the hutongs of Nanluoguxing and Wudaoying, ice skating or boating on the lake of Houhai and Beihai, men and women carrying the most enormous stacks of wood, plastic or rubbish on the smallest of motorcycles, small food street vendors selling must-have guanbing or jianbing. All these images are caught up in the sea of dust that appears to cover almost every surface in the city – however, that simply adds to its character.

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Peeking over the top of walls and interspersed with dilapidated housing blocks, you can see the roofs of temples and traditional Chinese buildings, all still working as if they’ve been frozen in time and the city has formed around them. These contrasting buildings allow you to see Chinese traditions and the real China, rather than the modern facade that you sometimes see in other cities. However, this is not to say that Beijing isn’t modernising. One of the most famous sights of recent times, and an amazing architectural space, is the Bird’s Nest. Visiting this area, you can truly see the pride that Beijing and China took in the 2008 Olympics. The Bird’s Nest itself is a structural marvel, with cool steel lines

“

THIS CITY EPITOMISES CHINA AND WHAT IT STANDS FOR

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criss-crossing to form a tight-knit building. The contrast of this huge stadium with the clear open skyline around it made it a centrepiece of the most expensive Olympics in history. On most major street corners you’ll see the emblem of the Chinese government, marking its stamp on grand official buildings. These lead into the CBD (Guomao), which is like many other business districts, with huge high-rise buildings and thousands of city workers striding through the streets. This area and the Sanlitun district give Beijing its modern edge and provide the easy break that many need when they want to find a little bit of Western normality. One of the most noticeable attributes of Beijing, and what really makes it stand out from other Asian cities, is space. Hong Kong has narrow streets, squeezing trams into the middle of them, making you feel as if you’re walking on a tightrope. Bangkok likes to fill every single area of pavement with a street seller, whether of clothing, food or insects on sticks – you can barely walk without being stopped to buy something. Vietnam likes to ambush you with motorcycles everywhere you go, congesting the roads with millions of people on their bikes. Whereas when you walk around Beijing you feel like everything has been stretched, everything is on a grand scale, with roads four or five lanes wide, appearing to go on for miles. It makes you feel as if you’re not walking in one of the world’s most populated cities (over 22 million people) but in a sprawling, sparsely inhabited town. If you hop on a bike, the cycle lanes are like your average car lane; the embassy district roads in Sanlitun and Ritan are colossal and tree-lined, creating a peaceful and calm environment. However, this all changes the moment you step into a car. When you arrive at the major ring roads, those huge wide lanes are jam-packed with cars, bumper to bumper, horns blaring – justifying the title of the world’s most congested city. The canvas of culture makes Beijing a remarkable city. The historical sites that fill it radiate tradition and customs. Each building, park or house gives you an insight into one of the world’s oldest empires. The most famous, a World Heritage Site and wonder of the world, is the Great Wall. This vast wall made up of a series of stone and earthen fortifications encompasses the city

and stretches as far east as Shanhaiquan, where it reaches the sea. Unfortunately, restoration of this magnificent human feat has been over-zealous in some sections. Badaling, for example, now has almost perfect stone paving, a Starbucks and a KFC. This definitely takes away the grandiose feel that should surround the area, making it difficult to truly imagine what it would have been like when the wall was being built. However if you travel to Mutianyu this feeling returns and you can begin to see the wall in all its beauty. If you’d like more of a challenge, heading to the section of the wall named Simatai provides you with the opportunity to climb the steps, literally! This part of the wall is very rural and restoration has not really taken place, making it a fascinating trip and a breathtaking walk. Closer to the city itself you’ll find temples emitting the smoke and smell of incense. These houses of worship are sanctuaries filled extensively with sculptures and traditional Chinese paintings. They almost seem to be museums, open to the public as well-kept dynastic cultural artifacts. They look incredibly distinctive with their highsloped black-tiled roofs and rich red and goldpainted wooden frames. The Summer Palace is a magnificent temple. As you meander around it, you’ll find the vista frequently changing. The halls, pavilions, bridges and temples, Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, all blend together harmoniously in spite of their individual styles. It’s justifiably known as the ‘garden of gardens’. The most well-known palace in Beijing is the Forbidden City, sitting to the north of Tiananmen

Tiananmen Gate

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Summer Palace

Temple of the Sun Park

Square and Mao’s Mausoleum. The Forbidden City was home to 24 emperors, reigning over the country for over 500 years. It was the centre of Chinese rule, and this is felt as you walk through the gigantic high red doors. Even these have a story to tell, with the strategically positioned gold knobs representing the ranks in the feudal hierarchy; rubbing them as you pass is supposed to grant you luck in your future endeavours. The Forbidden City is surrounded by a six-metre-deep moat and a tenmetre-high wall, and there are 9,999 rooms you’re able to look into. It’s advisable to walk away from the main path in the middle, as these narrower paths allow you to find hidden gems, like the rooms filled with Chinese porcelain and pots. The huge brass urns leading up to the steps in each section give a regal air, and the detailing of the ceilings of each room paints a picture of what life was like for the emperors living there. Upon leaving the Forbidden City, heading out the main back gates leads you directly to Jingshan Park. If you get there early enough you can hear women singing traditional Chinese opera. This park, like all parts of Beijing, has historical connotations: it’s famously known

as the site of the suicide of the last Ming emperor, the Chongzhen Emperor. Never have I been to the park without seeing men and women dancing, people playing musical instruments and people performing tai chi and exercising at various intersections – every part of the park reveals an aspect of local Chinese life. An amble to the top of the hill in its centre is the main reason for coming. From here you can look down and see the Forbidden City in all its glory. From the top of the pagoda the 360-degree view allows you to not only look at the Forbidden City, but also the rest of Beijing stretching out in front of you. Local food is definitely something you must try when you come to Beijing, and it’s usually on most visitors’ lists. When I arrived here I imagined the food would be like my average Chinese back in the UK… how very surprised I was! Don’t expect to find your chicken chow mein, sweet and sour chicken balls, prawn crackers and special fried rice. It appears the Chinese chefs in our home countries are fooling us. What you find here is true traditional Mandarin cooking. Don’t be shocked to find the odd chicken head or animal bones floating in your soup. Of course you can choose not to have those dishes; if you want to stick to the straight and narrow, head over to the many duck restaurants to sample the city’s most famous dish. Dumpling restaurants are dotted around the city; Maizaidian Lu is home to an incredible dumpling restaurant where you walk into what feels like a cave, plants dangling over your head, but sit down and eat an array of coloured dumpling dishes. Dim sum is also much loved here; a trip to the Lama Temple and then over to Jindingxuan, a very traditional-

looking three-storey building with an amazing dim sum selection, is a must. This restaurant is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There’s always a queue no matter what time you visit, which speaks volumes. Once you’re seated, the service is so efficient that you feel as if they could prepare your food in their sleep. Local Chinese restaurants can also be found around the Sanlitun area, although this has recently made way for Western dining. If you wander down the adjacent road, look for an amazing restaurant called Middle 8; further down, there’s a restaurant with no obvious name that does the most amazing home-style Chinese cooking. If hutong dining is something you wish to tick off your list, head over to Dali Courtyard and then for a quick drink in Amilal to really immerse yourself in the Chinese way of life. The street comes alive with Chinese lanterns and neon lights, making sure you’re constantly reminded that you’re in China. For me, Beijing has opened my eyes to truly embracing what it means to be Chinese. When you look beyond the dust and dirt, you’ll find a city that’s rich in heritage and will always be. Coming to China and not visiting Beijing would be a mistake; and hopefully I’ve given you an idea of what you would be missing. §

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Listings

Accommodation Ambassy Court 1500 Huaihai Zhong Lu 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 Lu 美林别墅, 环林东路491弄 Belvedere Serviced Apartments 833 Changning Lu, by Dingxi Lu (6213 2222) 柏华丽豪华公寓, 长宁833号 , 近定西路 Beverly Hills 1118 Mingyue Lu, Jinqiao 百富丽山庄, 金桥明月路1118号 Cedar Villa 1705 Hami Lu 松圆别墅，哈密路1705 Celebrity Garden 2 Chexin Highway 家天下别墅, 车新公路2号 Chevalier Place Serviced Apartments 168 Anfu Lu, by Wulumuqi Zhong Lu (6433 8599) 亦园, 安福路168号近乌鲁木齐中路 Citadines Jinqiao 55 Beijing Xi Lu (2308 6666) 上海馨乐庭金桥服务公寓, 陕西南路5 - 7号 City Condo 118 Ziyun Lu 虹桥豪苑, 紫云路118弄 Consul Garden 555 Gubei Lu 虹桥华庭, 古北路555弄

De Oriental London 1000 Gubei Lu 伦敦广场(东方伦敦花园) 古北路 1000号 Dong Jiao Guest Hotel Garden Villa 1800 Jinke Lu 东郊宾馆, 金科路1800号 Dynasty Villas Lane 851 Hongjing Lu 皇朝别墅, 虹井路851弄

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

Park View Lane 228 Baise Lu 天然居, 百色路228弄

Hampton Woods 589 Xinzhan Lu, Xinqiao 盛世香樟, 新桥镇新站路589号

Perfect Garden 1889 Hongqiao Lu 西郊华庭, 虹桥路1889号

Hillicas Villa Lane 2999 Hongmei Lu 豪嘉府邸, 虹梅路2999弄

Pinnacle Century Park 99 Dongxiu Lu 置茂行服务公寓, 东绣路99号

Hong Qiao State Guest House 1591 Changning Lu, Hongqiao (6219 8855) 虹桥迎宾馆, 上海市长宁区虹桥路 1591号

Pinnacle Huashan 211 Xingfu Lu (2211 9208) 置茂行华山豪庭, 幸福路211号

Elegant Garden 189 Longxi Lu 西郊明苑别墅, 龙溪路189号

Hongqiao Golf Villas 555 Hongxu Lu 虹桥高尔夫别墅, 虹许路555号

Emerald Court 2888 Hunan Lu 翡翠园, 湖南路

Kerry Residences 1515 Nanjing Xi Lu 上海嘉里中心, 南京西路1515号

Forest Manor 588 Jinfeng Lu 西郊庄园, 金丰路588号

Kingsville 198 Anfu Lu 金苑, 安福路198号

Forest Riviera 689 Gaojing Lu 西郊美林馆, 高泾路689号

La Doll 758 Beijing Lu 国际丽都城, 北京路758号

Forty-One Hengshan Road 41 Hengshan Lu 衡山路41号, 寿宁路98号

Laidun Town Serviced Apts 839 Chenhua Lu, by Shenzhuan Lu (5769 0066) 莱顿小城(怡林花园), 辰花路839号近沈砖路

Fraser Residence Shanghai 98 Shouning Lu (2308 0000) 上海辉盛庭国际公寓, 寿宁路98号 Fraser Suites Top Glory 600 Yincheng Zhong Lu (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 Lu 高安公寓, 高安路105 - 107 Green Hills Lane 418 Jinxiu Lu 云间绿大地别墅, 锦绣东路418弄

Lakeville 263 Zizhong Lu 丽都别墅, 高泾路428号 Longbeach Garden Villa 165 Xujing Xi Lu 长堤花园别墅, 徐泾西路165弄 Mandarine City 788 Hongxu Lu 名都城, 虹许路788号号近古羊路 Mandarine de Gubei 1700 Gubei Lu 名都古北, 古北路1700号

Contemporary Spirits 1801 Gudai Lu 当代艺墅, 顾戴路1801号

Green Valley Villas 111 Hongguang Lu 南翔绿谷别墅有限公司, 上海虹光路111号

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

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

Green Villas 700 Biyun Lu 碧云别墅, 碧云路700号

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

Pudong Century Garden 1108 Huamu Lu 浦东世纪花园(传说99), 花木路1108号 Rancho Santa Fe 333 Jinhui Lu 兰乔圣菲, 金辉路333弄 Regency Park 1883 Huamu Lu 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 Lu 虹中别墅, 虹中路385号 Sassoon Park Villa 2419 Hongqiao Lu 龙柏花苑, 虹桥路2419号 Seasons Villas 983 Huamu Lu 四季雅苑, 花木路983号 Shanghai Centre 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu 上海商城, 南京西路1376号 Shanghai Racquet Club and Apartments Lane 555 Jinfeng Lu 上海西庭网球俱乐部和公寓, 金丰路555弄

LISTINGS Shimao Riviera garden 1 Weifang Xi Lu 世茂滨江花园, 潍坊西路1号

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

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

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

Somerset Xuhui, Shanghai 888 Shaanxi Nan Lu (6466 0888) 上海徐汇盛捷服务公寓, 陕西南路888号 Stratford / Sylvan Lane 377 Zhuxin Lu 万科红郡, 诸新路377弄 Taiyuan Villa Apartment 160 Taiyuan Lu 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 Lu 西郊园中园, 高泾路658弄 Tiziano Villa Lane 1 Xiuyan Lu 提香别墅, 南汇区秀沿路1弄 Tomson Golf Villa 1 Longdong Avenue 汤臣高尔夫别墅第8期, 龙东大道 1号 Trinity Village Branch Lane 2, Lane 1168 Xiuyan Lu 翠廷别墅, 秀沿路1168弄2支弄 Up Town 1398 Gubei Lu 上城, 古北路1398号 Vizcaya Lane 1988 Yunshan Lu 维诗凯亚, 云山路1988弄 Westwood Villas 299 Chengjiaqiao Lu, by Yan’an Xi Lu (6465 1148) 伯爵山莊, 程家桥路299号近延安西路 Windsor Park 2279 Hongqiao Lu 温沙花园, 虹桥路2279号 Xiang Mei Garden 388 Huamu Lu 香梅花园, 花木路388号

Community Abundant Grace International 455 Hongfeng Lu (5030 3313) 鸿恩堂, 红枫路455号近明月路 Chabad Jewish Center Of Pudong 99 Puming Lu, by Shangcheng Lu (5878 2008) 浦明路99弄近商城路 Fuyou Lu Mosque 378 Fuyou Lu, by Houjia Lu (6328 2135) 福佑路清真寺, 福佑路378号近侯家路

Sacred Heart Of Jesus Catholic Church 151 Hongfeng Lu, by Biyun Lu 天主教中华殉道圣人堂, 红枫路151 号近名月路 St. Ignatius Cathedral 158 Puxi Lu, by Caoxi Bei Lu (6438 2595) 徐家汇大教堂, 蒲西路158号近漕溪北路

Fitness and Beauty Apsara Spa 457 Shaanxi Bei Lu, by Beijing Xi Lu (6258 5580) 馨园水疗, 陕西北路457号近北京西路 Chi, The Spa 33 Fucheng Lu, by Dongchang Lu (6882 8888 ext 460) 气’水疗中心, 富城路33号近东昌路

FAMILY MATTERS 103

Dragonfly Shanghai Racquet Club 555 Jinfeng Lu, by Baole Lu (2201 0899, 2201 0866) 悠庭西庭网球俱乐部, 金丰路近宝乐路 Eternity Fitness Retreat 2 Yuyao Lu, by Xikang Lu (6215 1619) 泳泰健身, 余姚路2号近西康路 Frangipani Nail Bar 3305 Hongmei Lu, by Chengjiaqiao Lu (5422 2984) 花中美语, 虹梅路3305号近程家桥支路 Hongqiao Golf Club 555 Hongxu Lu, by Hongsong Lu (6421 5522) 上海虹桥高尔夫俱乐部, 虹许路555 号近红松路 International Tennis Center Club 516 Hengshan Lu, by Wuxing Lu (6415 5588 ext 82)

Grace Church 375 Shaanxi Bei Lu, by Beijing Xi Lu (6253 9394) 基督教堂, 陕西北路375号近北京西路

Clark Hatch Fitness Center 78 Xingguo Lu, by Jiangsu Lu (6212 9998 ext 3300) 克拉克海奇健身中心, 兴国路78号近江苏路

上海国际网球中心俱乐部, 衡山路 516号近吴兴路

Hengshan Community Church 53 Hengshan Lu, (6437 6576) 上海犹太旧址, 衡山路53号近乌鲁木齐路

Diva Life Nail & Beauty Lounge 88 Keyuan Lu, by Longdong Avenue (2898 6078) 美甲沙龙, 科苑路88号近龙东大道

金桥美格菲运动俱乐部, 蓝天路600 号近金桥家乐褔

Historic Ohel Rachel Synagogue 500 Shaanxi Bei Lu, by Beijing Xi Lu (5306 0606) 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

Diva Life Nail Lounge 266 Ruijin Er Lu, by Taikang Lu (5465 7291) 上海天后美甲沙发吧, 瑞金二路266 号近泰康路

Hong-En Church 455 Hongfeng Lu, by Mingyue Lu (5030 7556) 鸿恩堂, 红枫路455号近明月路 Jingxing Lu Mosque 302 Jingxing Lu, by Pingliang Lu (6541 3199) 景星路清真寺, 景星路302弄117号近平凉路 Longhua Temple 2853 Longhua Lu, by Longwu Lu (6457 0570) 龙华寺, 龙华路2853号近龙吴路

Jinqiao Megafit Sports Club 600 Lantian Lu, by Jinqiao Carrefour (5030 8118)

Lujiazui Golf Club 501 Yincheng Zhong Lu, by Huanyuanshiqiao Lu 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 Lu, by Longwu Lu

Dragonfly Changyi 29-31 Changyi Lu, by Jimo Lu (5878 4755) 悠庭昌邑, 昌邑路29 - 31号近即墨路 Dragonfly Hongmei 3911 Hongmei Lu, by Hongxu Lu (6242 4328) 悠庭虹梅, 虹梅路3911弄5号近虹许路 Dragonfly Retreat 206 Xinle Lu, by Donghu Lu (5403 9982) 悠庭保健会所, 新乐路206号近东湖路

(5435 6399) 美格菲健身, 百色路208号1楼近龙吴路 Physical Fitness 1111 Zhaojiabang Lu, by Hengshan Lu (6426 8282) 舒适堡健身, 肇嘉浜路1111号近衡山路 Shanghai Golf Club 3765 Jiahang Highway, by Shuangliu Lu (5995 0111) 上海高尔夫俱乐部, 嘉行公路3765 号近双浏路

104 FAMILY MATTERS

School Life

LISTINGS 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 Lu, by Lingling Lu (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 Toni & Guy Hairdressing 99 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Longmen Lu (5351 3606) 汤尼英盖, 淮海中路99号近龙门路 Wide Tera Gym International 1018 Changning Lu, by Kaixuan Lu (5238 2222) 一兆韦德, 长宁路1018号近凯旋路 Will’s Gym 5 Yinxiao Lu, by Huamu Lu (5045 6257) 上海威尔士健身中心, 银霄路5号近花木路

1515 Nanjing Xi Lu, Suite 301, Shanghai Kerry Center (5298 6339) 浦西全康医疗中心上海市静安区南京西路1515 号上海嘉里中心301室 Huashan Hospital 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Lu, by Changle Lu (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 Lu, by Zhaojiabang Lu (6407 4887 ext 1105) 国际和平妇幼保健医院, 衡山路910 号近肇嘉浜路 ParkwayHealth Medical & Dental Centers 51 Hongfeng Lu, Jinqiao, by Xinqiao Lu (6445 5999) 瑞新医疗, 金桥红枫路51号近新桥路 ParkwayHealth 788 Hongxu Lu, by Huaguang Lu (6445 5999) 瑞新国际医疗, 虹许路788号近华光路

East International Medical Center 551 Pudong Nan Lu, by Pudong Avenue (5879 9999) 上海东方国际医院, 浦东南路551号近浦东大道 Global HealthCare Medical & Dental Center 100 Century Avenue, Suite 212, Shanghai World Financial Center (6877 5093) 浦东全康医疗中心上海市浦东新区世纪大道100号上海环球金融中心商场212室

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

United Animal Hospital 3333 Qixin Lu, by Wuzhong Lu (5485 9099) 上海联谊动物医疗诊所, 七莘路3333 号近吴中路

Fuxing Park 2 Gaolan Rd. near Nanchang Rd. (5386 1069) 复兴公园, 皋兰路2号近南昌路

United Family Clinic 555 Jinfeng Lu, by Beiqing Highway (2201 0995) 上海市和美家诊所, 金丰路555弄近北青公路 WorldPath Clinic International 399 Nanquan Bei Lu (2020 7888) 上海市南泉北路399号

KIDS/ RECREATION

Children’s Technology Workshop 199 Fangdian Lu, by Yinchun Lu (5033 3053) 儿童科技营, 芳甸路199弄46-47B 近迎春路

American-Sino OB/ GYN Service Huashan Hospital 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Lu, by Zhenning Lu (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 Lu, by Gudai Lu (6493 1990) 复旦大学附属儿科医院, 万源路399 号近顾戴路

Sun-Tec Medical Center 2281 Hongqiao Lu, by Jianhe Lu (5175 0505) 上海申德医院, 虹桥路2281号近剑河路

Auto Museum 7565 Anting Boyuan Lu, by Moyu Nan Lu (6955 0055) 上海汽车博物馆, 安亭博园路7565 号近墨玉南路

HEALTH

Circus World 2266 Gonghexin Lu, by Guangzhong Lu (6652 7750) 上海马戏城, 共和新路2266号近广中路 PAW Veterinary Surgeons 722 Xinhua Lu, by Kaixuan Lu (5254 0611) 上海汪汪宠物医院, 新华路722弄15 号近凯旋路

FAMILY MATTERS 105

Dino Beach 78 Xinzhen Lu, by Gudai Lu (6478 3333) 热带风暴, 新镇路78号近顾戴路

Ruijin Hospital 197 Ruijin Lu, by Shaoxing Lu (6437 0045 ext 668101) 瑞金医院, 瑞金二路197号近绍兴路

Disc Kart Indoor Karting 809 Zaoyang Rd. near Jinshajiang Rd. Metro (6222 2880) 迪士卡赛车馆, 枣阳路809号近地铁 3号线金沙江路站

SinoUnited Health 300 Hongfeng Lu, by Biyun Lu (5030 7810) 盛和红枫康复门诊, 红枫路300弄16 号近碧云路

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

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 Jinmao Concert Hall 88 Century Avenue, by Lujiazui Dong Lu (5047 2612) 金茂音乐厅, 世纪大道88号近陆家嘴东路 Jinjiang Amusement Park 201 Hongmei Lu, by Humin Highway (5420 4956) 锦江乐园, 虹梅路201号近沪闵路 Kids’ Golf 88 Xianxia Xi Lu, by Jianhe Lu (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 Lu, by Chengjiaqiao Lu (6405 5188) 可童探索城, 虹梅路3211号4楼近程家桥支路 Kodak Cinemaworld 1111 Zhaojiabang Lu, by Tianyaoqiao Lu (6426 8181) 柯达超级电影世界, 肇家浜路1111号近天钥桥路 MoCA People’s Park, 231 Nanjing Xi Lu (6327 9900) 上海当代艺术馆, 南京西路231号人民公园7号门 Municipal History Museum 1 Century Avenue, by 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 Natural Wild Insect Kingdom 1 Fenghe Lu, by Binjiang

106 FAMILY MATTERS

School Life

LISTINGS Avenue (5840 5921) 大自然野生昆虫馆, 丰和路1号近滨江大道 Paradise Warner Cinema City 1 Hongqiao Lu, by Huashan Lu (6407 6622) 永华电影城, 虹桥路1号近华山路 Planet Laser Tag Hongkou Stadium, 444 Dongjiangwan Lu (5560 0658) 上海普兰尼镭射, 东江湾路444号虹口足球场 Ruby’s Party 3333-A Hongmei Lu, by Huaguang Lu (6401 6323) 乐贝派对，虹梅路3333-A号近华光路 Science and Technology Museum 2000 Century Avenue, by Jinxiu Lu (6862 2000) 上海科技馆, 世纪大道2000号近锦绣路 Shanghai Art Museum 325 Nanjing Xi Lu, by Xinchang Lu (6327 2829) 上海美术馆, 南京西路325号近新昌路 Shanghai Arts And Crafts Museum 79 Fenyang Lu, by Taiyuan Lu (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 Lu (6278 3127) 上海儿童博物馆, 宋园路61号近虹桥路 Shanghai Film Art Center 160 Xinhua Lu, by Panyu Lu (6280 4088) 上海影城, 新华路160号近番禺路

Shanghai International Circuit 2000 Yining Lu (6956 9999) 上海国际赛车场, 伊宁路2000号 Shanghai Municipal History Museum 1 Century Avenue, by 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

Baby Bamboo 3338 Hongmei Lu, by Yan’an Xi Lu (6465 9099) 大竹子咖啡吧, 虹梅路3338弄近延安西路 Bergamo Italian Restaurant & Bar 1212 Biyun Lu, by Hongfeng Lu (3382 1068) 贝加莫意大利餐厅酒吧, 碧云路1212号近红枫路

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium 1388 Lujiazui Ring Road, by Big Bamboo Oriental Pearl Tower (5877 9988) 777 Biyun Lu, by Lan’an Lu 上海海洋水族馆, 陆家嘴环路1388 (5030 4228) 号近东方明珠大竹子, 碧云路777号近蓝桉路 Shanghai Wild Animal Park Blarney Stone 178 Nanliu Highway, Nanhui, 5 Dongping Lu, by by Xiayan Highway (6118 0000) Yueyang Lu (6415 7496) 上海野生动物园, 南汇南六公路178 岩烧, 东平路5号A近岳阳路号近下盐公路 Shanghai Zendai Museum of Modern Art 199 Fangdian Lu, by Yanggao Zhong Lum(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 Xi Lu, by Fucheng Lu (5047 1711) 司凯特正大真冰滑冰场, 陆家嘴西路168号近富城路

Blue Frog 633 Biyun Lu, by Pudong Carrefour (5030 6426) 蓝蛙, 碧云路633号近浦东家乐福 Boxing Cat 453 Jinfeng Lu, by Baole Lu (6221 9661) 拳击猫啤酒屋, 金丰路453号近保乐路

Think Town 1118 Changshou Lu, by Wanhangdu Lu (5238 3208) 宝贝科学探索坊, 长寿路1118号近万航渡路 Yinqixing Indoor Skiing Site 1835 Qixin Lu, by Gudai Lu (6478 8666) 银七星室内滑雪场, 七莘路1835号近顾戴路

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

FAMILY MATTERS 107

Cotton’s 132 Anting Lu, by Jianguo Xi Lu (6433 7995) 棉花, 安亭路132号近建国西路 Di Shui Dong 626 Xianxia Lu, by Shuicheng Lu (3207 0213) 滴水洞饭店, 仙霞路626号近水城路 Dublin Exchange 101 Yincheng Dong Lu, by Lujiazui Lu (6841 2052) 都不林, 银城东路101号近陆家嘴路 Eastern Seafood Port 33 Fushan Lu, by Dongfang Lu (6888 2318) 东方海港, 福山路33号近东方路 El Wajh 1800 Jinke Lu, by Longdong Lu (5027 8261) 摩洛哥餐厅, 金科路1800号近龙东路 Enoteca 58 Taicang Lu, by Jinan Lu (5306 3400) Enoteca, 太仓路58号近济南路 Fuga 2967 Lujiazui Xi Lu, by Oriental Pearl Tower (5877 6187) 枫雅, 陆家嘴西路2967号近东方明珠 Greek Taverna 199 Fangdian Lu, by Dingxiang Lu (5033 7500) 希腊餐厅, 芳甸路199弄41号近丁香路 Gui Hua Lou 33 Fucheng Lu, by Huayuanshiqiao Lu (5888 3697) 桂花楼, 富城路33号近花园石桥路

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

Casa Mia 221 Shimen Er Lu, by Xinzha Lu (6271 9881) 石门二路221号近新闸路

Haiku By Hatsune 28B Taojiang Lu, by Hengshan Lu (6445 0021) 隐泉の语, 锦严路309号近锦绣路

Shanghai Grand Stage 1111 Caoxi Bei Lu, by Tianyaoqiao Lu (6438 5200) (上海大舞台) 漕溪北路1111号近天钥桥路

1001 Nights 4 Hengshan Lu, by Wulumuqi Lu (6473 1178) 一千零一夜, 衡山路4号近乌鲁木齐路

Chiang Mai Thai Cuisine 1019 Kangding Lu, by Yanping Lu (5228 1588) 清迈泰国餐厅, 康定路1019号近延平路

Hofbraeuhaus Shanghai 309 Jinyan Lu, by Jinxiu Lu (6163 3699) 豪夫堡, 锦严路309号近锦绣路

Shanghai Grand Theatre 201 Renmin Avenue, by Huangpi Bei Lu (6372 3500) 上海博物馆, 人民大道201号近黄陂北路

Azul 18 Dongping Lu, by Wulumuqi Lu (6433 1172) 西班牙餐厅, 东平路18号近乌鲁木齐路

Cloud 9 88 Century Avenue, by Lujiazui Dong Lu (5049 1234 ext 8787) 九重天, 世纪大道88号近陆家嘴东路

Hongmei Entertainment Street 3338 Hongmei Lu, by Yan’an Xi Lu (6465 6996) 虹梅休闲步行街, 虹梅路3338近延安西路

108 FAMILY MATTERS

LISTINGS

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LISTINGS Hooters 168 Lujiazui Xi Lu, by Fucheng Lu (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 Lu, by Chunxiao Lu (5080 6230) 毂屋, 碧波路635号近春晓路 Indian Kitchen 600 Lantian Lu, by Biyun Lu (5030 2005) 印度小厨, 蓝天路600号近碧云路 Jade on 36 33 Fucheng Lu, by Lujiazui Xi Lu (6882 3636) 翡翠36楼, 富城路33号近陆家嘴西路 Jean Georges 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, by Guangdong Lu (6321 7733) 陆唯轩, 中山东一路3号近广东路 Jendow 2787 Longhua Lu, by Tianyaoqiao Lu (6457 2299, 6457 7821) 人道素菜, 龙华路2787号近天钥桥路

Le Bouchon 1455 Wuding Xi Lu, by Jiangsu Lu (6225 7088) 勃逊, 武定西路1455号近江苏路 Little Sheep Hot Pot 1033 Yan’an Xi Lu, by Wuyi Lu (6234 1717) 小肥羊火锅, 延安西路1033号近武夷路 Lost Heaven 38 Gaoyou Lu, by Fuxing Xi Lu (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 Dong Yi Lu, by Guangdong Lu (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 Avenue, by Pudong Nan Lu (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 Dong Yi Lu, by Guangdong Lu (6323 1117) 月影, 中山东一路外滩5号3楼近广东路

Jujube Tree 848 Huangjincheng Lu, by Munich Beer House Shuicheng Nan Lu (6275 1798) 枣子树, 黄金城道848号近水城南路 1138 Pudong Nan Lu, by Zhangyang Lu (5878 7979) 莱宝啤酒屋, 浦东南路1138号上海湾 Kakadu 广场118商铺近张扬路 8 Jianguo Lu, by Chongqing Lu (5468 0118) 卡卡图, 建国中路8号近重庆路 Kobachi 88 Century Avenue, by Yincheng Xi Lu (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 Lu, Binjiang Avenue North (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 Dong Yi Lu, by Guangdong Lu (6321 7733) 陆唯轩, 中山东一路3号4楼近广东路 Las Tapas 259 Hongfeng Lu, by Biyun Lu (3382 1686) 乐泰餐饮, 红枫路259号近碧云路

New Age Veggie 168 Lujiazui Xi Lu, by Fucheng Lu (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 Dong Yi Lu, by Guangdong Lu (6321 0909) 新视角, 广东路17号 O’Malley’s 42 Taojiang Lu, by Hengshan Lu (6474 4533) 欧玛莉餐厅, 桃江路42号近衡山路 Paulaner Brauhaus 2967 Lujiazui Lu, by 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 Lu, by

Zhangyang Lu (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 Lu (5256 4353) 朗迪姆, 金丰路435 Sasha’s 11 Dongping Lu, by Hengshan Lu (6474 6628) 萨莎, 东平路11号近衡山路 Shanghai Ren Jia Restaurant 90 Shaanxi Nan Lu, by Changle Lu (5403 7888) 陕西南路90号近长乐路 Simply Thai 600 Lantian Lu, by Biyun Lu (5030 1690) 天泰餐厅, 蓝天路600号近碧云路 South Beauty 168 Lujiazui Lu, by Fucheng Lu (5047 1917) 俏江南, 陆家嘴西路168号正大广场 10楼近富城路

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The Irishman’s Pub Lane 199 Fangdian Lu, at Thumb Plaza (5033 9163) 愉龙餐厅, 芳甸路199弄20号大拇指广场 The Monk 458 Jinfeng Lu, Huacao Town (6221 2844) 闵行区华漕镇金光路458号 The Spot 331 Tongren Lu, by Beijing Xi Lu (6247 3579) 欧风咖啡馆, 铜仁路331号近北京西路 Xiao Nan Guo Restaurant 1 Weifang Xi Lu, by Pudong Nan Lu (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 Xi Lu, by Kaixuan Lu (5237 8662) 育音堂, 延安西路1731号入口在凯旋路

SHOPPING

South Memory 118 Weifang Lu, by Laoshan Dong Lu A.P. Xinyang Fashion (6876 5502) & Gifts Market 望湘园, 潍坊路118号近崂山东路 2000 Century Avenue, inside Metro Line 2 Shanghai Southern Barbarian Science & Technology 56 Maoming Nan Lu, by Museum Station (6854 2230) Changle Lu (5157 5510) 中国亚太新阳, 世纪大道2000号地南蛮子, 茂名南路56号近长乐路铁2号线上海科技馆站内 Spicy Joint 601 Zhangyang Lu, by Nanquan Lu (6470 2777) 辛湘汇, 张杨路601号5楼近南泉路 Tairyo Teppanyaki 139 Ruijin Yi Lu, by Changle Lu (5382 8818) 大渔, 瑞金一路139号近长乐路 The Bulldog Pub 1 Wulumuqi Nan Lu, by Dongping Lu (6466 7878) 英国斗牛犬, 乌鲁木齐南路1号近东平路 The Bund Brewery 11 Hankou Lu, by Sichuan Lu (64341318) 外滩啤酒总汇, 汉口路11号近四川路 The Cool Docks Food and Fashion Zhongshan Nan Lu, by Fuxing Dong Lu 老码头, 中山南路近复兴东路

Amphora Hongqiao Shop 3219 Hongmei Lu, by Huaguang Lu (51759156) 爱芬乐, 虹梅路3219号近华光路 Amphora Greek Grocery 429 Shaanxi Bei Lu, by Beijing Xi Lu (5213 9066) 爱芬乐, 陕西北路429号近北京西路 B&Q Zhabei 3228 Gonghexin Lu, by Wenshui Lu Metro (3603 0099) 百安居闸北店, 共和新路3228号地铁汶水路站 Brilliance West Shopping Mall 88 Xianxia Xi Lu, by Hami Lu (5219 8000) 百联西郊购物中心, 仙霞西路88号近哈密路 Buy Now Electonics mall 588 Zhangyang Lu, by

110 FAMILY MATTERS

LISTINGS

LISTINGS Pudong Nan Lu (6160 9073) 百脑汇, 张扬路588号近浦东南路 Carrefour Biyun 555 Biyun Lu, by Yunshan Lu (5030 4420) 家乐福金桥店, 碧云路555号近云山路 Carrefour Gubei 268 Shuicheng Bei Lu, by Yan’an Xi Lu (6278 1944) 家乐福古北店, 水城南路268号近延安西路 Carrefour Xujing 1829 Huqingping Highway (6191 3330) 家乐福徐泾店, 沪青平公路1829号 Carrefour Zhongshan Park 1018 Changning Lu, by Kaixuan Lu (6225 5656) 家乐福中山公园店, 长宁路1018号近凯旋路 City Shop Hongmei 3211 Hongmei Lu, by Luchun Lu (6215 0418) 城市超市虹梅店, 虹梅路3211号近陆春路 City Shop Riverside 33 Huayuanshiqiao Lu, by Fucheng Lu (5047 8028) 城市超市滨江店, 花园石桥路33号近富城路近富城路 City Shop Zhudi 550 Jidi Lu, by Stratford (52261250) 城市超市诸翟店, 纪翟路550号近万科红郡西翼 Cloud Nine Shopping Mall 1018 Changning Lu, by Kaixuan Lu (6115 5555) 龙之梦购物中心, 长宁路1018号近凯旋路 Decathlon Huamu 393 Yinxiao Lu, by Lanhua Lu (5045 3888) 迪卡侬花木店, 银霄路393号近兰花路 Dongtai Road Antique Market Dongtai Lu, by Ji’an Lu 东台路古董市场, 东台路近吉安路

Fuyou Street Merchandise Mart 225 Fuyou Lu, by Anren Lu (6374 5632) 福佑路小商品市场, 福佑路225号近安仁路

Meiyuan Bird and Flower Market Lane 49 Fushan Lu, by Rushan Lu (6876 6638) 梅园花鸟市场, 福山路49弄近乳山路

Hola Home Furnishing Store 189 Zhengtong Lu, by Songhu Lu (6511 1888) 特力屋, 政通路189号和乐家居广场 1楼近淞沪路

Metro Putuo 1425 Zhenbei Lu, by Meichuan Lu (6265 8888) 麦德龙普陀店, 真北路1425号近梅川路

Homemart 55 Yiminhe Lu, by Zhongshan Bei Er Lu (6552 3300) 好美家, 伊敏河路55号近中山北二路 Hong Kong Plaza 283 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Huangpi Nan Lu 香港广场, 淮海中路283号近黄陂南路 Hongqiao International Pearl City 3721 Hongmei Lu, by Yan’an Xi Lu (6465 0000) 上海虹桥珍珠城, 虹梅路3721号近延安西路 IKEA Shanghai 126 Caoxi Lu, by Sanhui Lu (5425 6060) 宜家, 漕溪路126号近三汇路 Jiuxing Tea Leaf Wholesale Market Bridge 6 Caobao Lu, by Hongxin Lu (5486 5988) 九星茶叶市场, 漕宝路6号桥近虹莘路 Life Hub @ Daning 1978 Gonghexin Lu, by Wenshui Lu (6630 0077) 大宁国际商业广场, 共和新路1868 2008号近汶水路 Lotus Supermarket 3521 Shangnan Lu, by Haiyang Lu (6832 1188) 易初莲花超市, 上南路3521号近海阳路 M50 Art District 50 Moganshan Lu, Suzhou Creek M50艺术区, 莫干山路50号苏河

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street Nanjing Dong Lu 南京东路步行街, 南京东路 Oriental Department Store 8 Caoxi Bei Lu, by Zhaojiabang Lu (6487 0000) 南京东路步行街, 南京东路 Outlets Shopping Center 2888 Huqingping Highway, by Jiasong Zhong Lu 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 Zhong Lu, by Huangpi Nan Lu (5306 8888) 太平洋百货, 淮海中路333号近黄陂南路 Parkson Department Store 918 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Shaanxi Nan Lu (6415 8818) 百盛, 淮海中路918号近陕西南路 Pines The Market Place 322 Anfu Lu, by Wukang Lu (6437 6375) 松园坊商场, 安福路322号近武康路 Pines The Market Place 427 Jinfeng Lu, by Baole Lu (5226 4137) 金松坊, 金丰路427号近宝乐路 Pines The Market Place 633 Biyun Lu, by Lan’an Lu (5030 6971) 松园坊商场, 碧云路633号碧云体育休闲中心近蓝桉路 Plaza 66 Square 1266 Nanjing Xi Lu, by Shaanxi Nan Lu (6279 0910) 恒隆广场, 南京西路1266号近陕西北路

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Raffles City 268 Xizang Xi Lu, by Fuzhou Lu (6340 3600) 来福士广场, 西藏中路268号近福州路 Shanghai Book City 465 Fuzhou Lu, by Guangdong Lu (6391 4848) 上海图书城, 福州路465号近广东路 South Bund Fabric Market 399 Lujiabang Lu, by Zhongshan Nan Lu (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 Xi Lu, by Fucheng Lu (6887 7888) 正大广场, 陆家嘴西路168号近富城路 Suzhou Creek Art Area Suzhou Creek, by Datong Lu 苏河艺术, 苏河艺术近大统路 Taobao Market 1-3/F, 580 Nanjing Xi Lu, by Chengdu Bei Lu 凤翔礼品市场, 南京西路580号1-3楼近成都北路 Thumb Plaza 199 Fangdian Lu, by Yanggao Zhong Lu (5033 9899) 大拇指广场, 芳甸路199弄近杨高中路 Toys “R” Us 168 Lujiazui Xi Lu, by Fucheng Lu (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 Wal-Mart 252-262 Linyi Bei Lu, by Longyang Lu (5094 5881) 沃尔玛, 临沂北路252-262近龙阳路 Watsons 939-947 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Shaanxi Nan Lu (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 Lu, inside Yuyuan Garden (6238 3251) 豫园市场, 安仁路218在豫园内

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FINAL WORD

ANOTHER LOOK AT TIGER PARENTING Authoritarian parenting, permissive parenting, loving parenting

ngie was brought up by rigid, authoritarian parents who kept her on a tight leash. They rarely considered her feelings about anything, showing a complete lack of empathy and compassion for her feelings and desires. Yelling and hitting were their favourite forms of punishment. Angie was a good girl. She did well in school and did what she was told, but was often sad and lonely and never felt important. When she married and had her own children, she knew that she didn’t want to treat her children the way she had been. She wanted to consider their feelings and needs. She wanted them to feel valued and important. Angie was a very loving mother. She spent lots of time with her children, playing with them, listening to them, giving them affection and approval. However, because it was so vital to Angie that her children feel valued and important, she often put herself aside and gave in to their demands. Because Angie had never felt important, it was easy to put herself aside. She believed her children’s feelings and needs were much more important than hers. As a result, Angie moved too far from her own upbringing and became a permissive parent.

The consequences for Angie of authoritarian parenting was that she didn’t value herself. The results for her children of permissive parenting was that they grew up with entitlement issues, thinking they were more important than others. Neither authoritarian nor permissive parenting is loving parenting. Loving parenting values both the parents’ and the children’s feelings and needs. Loving parents don’t attempt to control their children – other than for their health and safety – or allow their children to control them. Loving parents don’t worry about being rejected by their children. They’re willing to set firm limits on unacceptable behaviour and refuse to be manipulated. Their identities are not tied into their children’s performance in school or in other activities, such as sports, or how their children look. They accept their children as individuals, even when they’re very different to them. They reinforce a value system that includes honesty, integrity, caring, compassion, kindness and empathy. As much as we want to be loving parents, we may unconsciously be acting out of our fears. If you grew up with fear of rejection or domination, you’ll automatically protect against these fears in your

relationships with your children. You may try to control them out of a fear of being controlled or rejected by them. You might be controlling with your anger, or by giving in. Fears of rejection can manifest with children through trying to control them with anger, or trying to control their love through giving yourself up to them. Fears of domination can manifest through controlling them with anger or violence to avoid being controlled by them. Insecurities can manifest through attempting to get your children to perform in the way you want in order to define your worth. One way or another, whatever is unhealed within you will surface in your behaviour with your children. Raising healthy children means first healing the wounded child within you – the part of you that has your fears and insecurities, and your desire to protect against rejection and domination. By simply being aware that we are all affected by our upbringing and that overcompensation in the way we parent our children is a common and often unproductive reaction to negative experiences from our childhood, we are more likely to find the happy medium which represents loving parenting. §

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