WASCZ丨Spectacular Moments on the Five Aims of Holistic Education

A new year unfolds with the promise of renewal. The transition from the old to the new is a moment steeped in reflection and assessment. As we reflect on the year 2023, it stands out as a remarkable chapter for WASCZ. Throughout this period, we dedicated ourselves to thorough cultivation and upward expansion, embodying a commitment to both depth and growth.?

At WASCZ, the pursuit of excellence in education knows no bounds for schools, teachers, and students alike. As a proud member of the COBIS, overseeing a network of over 400 international schools and educational organizations, we graciously welcomed the COBIS inspection team in October. The purpose was to ensure strict adherence to the highest international standards, steadfastly embodying the principles of "holistic education."?

In the preceding year, WASCZ received official recognition from the Cambridge University International Evaluation Department as a designated Cambridge English Proficiency Test Centre and a Cambridge International Teacher Professional Development Certification Centre. Presently, numerous students from our institution hold esteemed language proficiency certificates following their successful completion of Cambridge English assessments. Simultaneously, several educators are actively engaged in the Cambridge International Teacher Professional Development courses to enhance their skills and knowledge.?

Cambridge and COBIS

The conclusion of the 2022-2023 application season marked a triumphant period for WASCZ. Graduates embarked on extraordinary journeys, ranging from researching semiconductor chips at the prestigious University of Oxford to immersing themselves in rowing and natural sciences at University of Cambridge. Some delved into the study of dinosaur fossils at Imperial College London, while others pursued their dreams at the globally renowned Ecole h?telière de Lausanne in Switzerland. Noteworthy achievements also included making musical debuts with bands at the Royal Northern College of Music. These seemingly surreal aspirations manifested into the splendid reality for the 2023 graduates of WASCZ.?

Beyond the borders of the UK, esteemed institutions in the US, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Switzerland, and China Hong Kong opened their doors to students from WASCZ. With a diverse array of over a hundred specialized fields such as architecture, material science, global sustainability, drama and performance, illustration, digital media, music production, animation, and fashion design, every passion found fulfillment.?

As for the ongoing 2023-2024 application season, up until early January 2024, WASCZ students have received pre-admission notifications from renowned institutions including University of Cambridge, University College London, University of Toronto, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, University of Manchester, University of Edinburgh, University of Leeds, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, and many more.?

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In May 2023, we hosted a distinguished array of admissions officers from globally recognized universities as part of the WAS Top University Fair. Furthermore, specialized talks featuring representatives from the University of Leeds, University of Bristol, King's College London, University of the Arts London, and the University of Manchester were conducted from September to November. These engagements provided students with invaluable insights into academic programmes, campus life, and the intricacies of the application processes.?

Top University Fair

WASCZ students continue to shine academically, securing top scores in China and Asia across subjects such as geography, art, drama, English language, ESL, and photography. In the current academic year, N. Han (G11, Blyton) achieved the highest score in Chinese nationwide, adding yet another accolade to WASCZ students' academic achievements.?

The school maintains its illustrious standing by consistently offering a comprehensive range of courses in STEM, humanities, and arts. With nearly 30 options available, WASCZ stands out as one of the schools boasting the most diverse and distinctive course offerings in the country. This commitment to excellence was once again affirmed as WASCZ clinched four major awards – "the 10th anniversary award", "the diversity award", "the cornerstone award" and "the pioneer award" – at the 2023 Pearson Edexcel Examination Awards.?

Our concerted efforts are dedicated to cultivating a campus environment rich in care and support. Beyond the recent enhancements to our facilities, including the upgraded Black Box Classroom, dance studio, Engineering, Design, and Technology (EDT) classrooms and laboratories, as well as the kindergarten forest garden, our campus pulsates with dynamic vitality.?

The greenery coverage across the entire school has been expanded to an impressive 50%. Guided by the visionary design philosophy of our headmaster, Dr Paul Silverwood, that our campus possesses a "soul," stepping through the school gate marks the commencement of a three to six-year, or even longer, journey within this boarding school. Our aim is to break down the sterile confines of traditional architecture, ensuring that "growth" is an experiential reality in every nook and cranny. Here, students not only live but also learn, and after each earnest lesson and discussion, they have the opportunity to recharge amidst the lush and invigorating energy of the campus.?

In this current academic year, the youngest cohort at WASCZ—the kindergarten students—have seamlessly integrated into the broader house family. Their participation in the inaugural college ceremony and the lively college fun sports day speaks volumes.?

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Children of varying ages come together, offering mutual support akin to a familial bond, as they collectively strive for distinction within their respective groups. Dr Paul Silverwood, the Headmaster, imparts words of encouragement to all students: "I hope that you too will want to be writers, scholars, scientists, musicians and artist. We want you to be inspired by these role models but become the authors of your own destinies.’?

KG House Activity

Over the past decade, our unwavering commitment has been directed towards offering students the broadest spectrum of choices, empowering them to explore their potential, broaden their perspectives, and soar freely in their personal development.?

This year witnessed the establishment of the upper school girls' football team, evolving from a modest start with 7 initial members to a formidable squad of 14 athletes. We hold firm in our belief that young girls possess the capability to stand out in any field of their choosing, transcending barriers and reaching unprecedented heights.?

Building upon the foundation of a flourishing rowing programme that spans seven year groups, WASCZ water sports community has now embraced the inclusion of sailing—a sport that seamlessly amalgamates competition, entertainment, spectatorship, and adventure.?

In a remarkably short span of one year, WASCZ Folk Orchestra has undergone robust growth. Traditional instruments like the guzheng, guqin, pipa, erhu, and bamboo flute harmoniously coalesce with modern symphony instruments such as the piano, drum kit, guitar, and bass. This melodic fusion has ushered in a contemporary trend of Chinese-style music on our campus.?

The play "12 Angry Men" and "The Bomb" staged with intensity, illuminated the intersection of lights, stage, anger, and prejudice. Students, through this dramatic production, learned to navigate and articulate their emotions effectively. The experience provided them with an opportunity to feel the tension of confrontation and debate, offering a profound appreciation for the boundless allure of theater at WASCZ during the 2023 annual production.?

Aspiring to reach the summit with unwavering determination, M. Zhang（G8 Scott）successfully accomplished a five-day challenging ascent, conquering the majestic peak of Africa—Mount Kilimanjaro. Demonstrating a relentless spirit of surpassing limits, more than 600 students, spanning Grades 1 to 12, along with their companions, not only relished the untamed pleasures offered by nature but also acquired practical knowledge and skills during camping challenges on various outdoor expeditions. Some ventured to the snow-covered slopes of Beidahu for skiing, embracing the exhilaration of speeding down icy terrains. Others sought adventure in Sanya, obtaining scuba diving certificates as they delved into the ocean's depths to explore its expansive beauty.?

Since its inception in 2015, our summer school programme has profoundly enriched the growth experiences of numerous students, urging them to continually challenge themselves in diverse areas, including the essence of sports, language proficiency, artistic inspiration, and scientific exploration. This initiative is designed to not only broaden their horizons but also push the boundaries of their personal development.?

After a three-year hiatus, the students of WASCZ have re-emerged with renewed energy, showcasing remarkable prowess in various off-campus challenges, from sports fields to award ceremonies.?

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Among the notable achievements, the outstanding 2023 graduate, I. Zhang（Alumni）, led the football team to claim the championship in a prestigious tournament. Additionally, the team dominated the swimming arena, securing an impressive 27 gold medals in events such as freestyle and backstroke, both at individual and team levels. Their standout performances have positioned them as formidable competitors in major inter-school sports competitions.?

Tournaments

In the realm of fencing, our students have demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. V. Zhang (G5 Somerville) and K. Zhang (G4 Hawking), clinched individual championships in the 2023 Suzhou International School Fencing League SSIS station. They excelled in the mixed foil U12, girls' foil U10, and secured a second-place finish in the boys' foil U10 category. Further contributing to the fencing success, D. Zhu (G6 Blake) emerged as the individual champion in the 11-12 age group for boys' epee at the 16th Youth Fencing Competition of Changzhou City.?

2023 Two Lakes Innovation - "Wycombe Abbey Cup" West Taihu Lake International Rowing Regatta took place. Over 300 rowing enthusiasts from 23 elite teams across the country gathered to compete. Presently, they are diligently preparing for the upcoming Henry Royal Regatta on the Thames River in London scheduled for this summer.?

In academics, our students have recently been awarded outstanding certificates in the AMC (American Mathematics Competitions), securing a position in the top 1.5% globally. Others have successfully advanced to the national level in the NEC (National Economics Challenge) across the United States. Even amidst year-end celebrations, their dedication remains unwavering as they actively participate in the ASDAN Business Simulation National Finals, the World Scholars Cup Regional Rounds, and more. Collaborating with students from various countries, they are eagerly gearing up for the next engaging "battlefield" on their academic journey.?

As a globally connected community uniting numerous educators, students, parents, and WAS sister schools from diverse backgrounds, we converge to celebrate the amalgamation of world cultures. Transitioning from 2023 to 2024, we warmly embrace the diversity within our community, receiving not only the goodwill and recognition of others but also radiating our love and positive energy.?

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In this academic year, we proudly welcomed the inaugural recipients of the "Engage with China" scholarships in the UK. British students and their local counterparts have engaged in collaborative learning, shared experiences, participated in international competitions, embarked on outdoor expeditions, and collectively prepared for the upcoming college application season.?

Our calendar was enriched with a plethora of engaging events, including expert lectures, afternoon tea salons, E&X sports competitions, and the WAS Tri-Series, fostering connections between parents and students. On our campus, parents actively participated in vibrant school activities, joyfully witnessing the dynamic growth and achievements of their children. In the WAS community, students embraced opportunities to interact and exchange experiences with peers from other sister schools, establishing valuable friendships that transcend geographical boundaries through mutual learning and collaboration.?

Throughout 2023, we were honored by visits from the management team of our sister school, Wycombe Abbey School in the UK, in February, June and December. These frequent interactions signify the imminent dawn of a new era of collaboration within the WAS schools.?

Year 2023

Feburary

Year 2023

June

Year 2023

December

October marked a momentous celebration as nearly 500 current students, parents of graduates, officials from China and foreign countries, and members of the International Affairs Committee of Wycombe Abbey School gathered to commemorate WAS 10th anniversary. Simultaneously, students, teachers and parents engaged in crafting handmade desserts and decorations, contributing the funds raised—nearly 70,000 yuan—from the charity bazaar held during the Love Carnival to the Changzhou Children's Welfare Institute. This gesture presented a meaningful 10th birthday gift to WASCZ while contributing to the community.?

WAS 10th Anniversary

In the same year, E. Xu (G10 Somerville), orchestrated the independent planning of the charity project "Let's Go to Dunhuang Together." Collaborating with teachers and students from our school, as well as peers from various international schools, they delivered nearly 20 professional-level performances. The event successfully raised over 140,000 yuan for left-behind children in the Great Wall Town of Wuwei, Gansu Province, injecting considerable momentum into our ongoing community contributions.?