WASHZ Scholars | How Holistic Education Make An All A* Student？

WASHZ SCHOLARS FEATURE

Jenny Zhou has a deep appreciation for all things concrete and logical. As she eloquently puts it, 'I derive immense joy from the process of conducting chemistry experiments in the lab. Exploring the microscopic intricacies of materials within our daily lives is nothing short of captivating.' Her fondness for mathematics is equally evident, although she acknowledges that as it delves deeper into abstraction, it can sometimes leave a sense of emptiness. By the time she reached Grade 10 and achieved stellar A* results in all seven IGCSE subjects, Chemistry and Mathematics had solidified as her unwavering aspirations for university application.

Furthermore, Jenny possesses a deep affection for the art of crocheting. Guided by the rhythmic dance of a small crochet hook weaving between threads of yarn, she witnesses the transformation of abstract tangles into stylish bags and cozy blankets. Her passion for crocheting even led her to choose it as a skill to pursue for The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.

>>>The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award was jointly founded by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and German educator Kurt Hahn in 1956. It aims to encourage young people aged 13-24 to care about society, engage in physical activities, and develop their personal interests and hobbies. In addition to academic achievements, top universities abroad also value students' social activities and personal enthusiasm. It plays a significant role in empowering students to apply to prestigious world universities and scholarships. Renowned institutions from over 130 countries recognize this award, and over 6 million young people worldwide have participated in the selection process for the award.

The award has three levels: Gold, Silver, and Bronze, each requiring participants to complete four components: physical activity, outdoor exploration, skill development, and voluntary service. The minimum participation time is 6 months. The focus of the award is on individual challenges rather than competition with others. Participants are required to create their own plans, choose projects that suit their personalities, and achieve personal growth through practical experiences.

‘To love specific individuals.’ --Famous Professor of Law, Luo Xiang

01#

Arrival

Holistic Education became so tangible.

Jenny Zhou, a fellow student, hails from a city in the southern reaches of Zhejiang Province. Before deciding to make Hangzhou her academic home, she had been deeply immersed in an international educational environment.

In the eyes of her mother, Jenny is seen as gentle, diligent, and hardworking. Like most parents, their family values the school's educational philosophy and cultural ambiance, with a shared hope that their child can 'grow up healthily and happily, equipped to face life's challenges independently.' However, what sets this family apart is their commitment to affording Jenny precious freedom and support within her peer group. 'We aim to provide her with more choices and encourage her to explore new horizons.'

This unique freedom has allowed Jenny, the student, to gain greater clarity about her true aspirations.

'The first time I set foot in WASHZ, both my family and I were pleasantly surprised by the teachers' infectious enthusiasm. Each educator exudes a genuine love for imparting knowledge, and I passionately believe that only such educators can facilitate students' ultimate growth. Equally, I find the atmosphere at WASHZ highly appealing. Here, every student eagerly engages in conversations with both the school principal and teachers. This relaxed yet intimate teacher-student relationship resonates deeply with me.'

As for the renowned concept of 'Holistic Education,' commonly heard of in international schools, it played a pivotal role in Jenny Zhou's decision to choose this institution. However, shortly after her enrollment at WASHZ, she exclaimed, 'I had an understanding of holistic education from the outset, but its profound impact has exceeded my wildest expectations!'

When it comes to academic classes, Jenny Zhou always displays confidence and poise. However, she experiences a heightened sense of apprehension when it comes to physical education. The idea of 'disliking and not excelling in it' had become deeply ingrained in her mindset. In the initial stages, during gym classes, she would discreetly position herself in the farthest corner of the group.

Nevertheless, the physical education instructors at WASHZ have meticulously crafted various sports activities, including team competitions, which emphasize collaborative problem-solving and skill enhancement. Jenny reflects, 'My fellow students frequently extend their encouragement, praising my performance, which invigorates my spirit and fosters a sense of enthusiasm within me.'

'In the past, as I understood it, holistic education implied achieving excellence across various domains such as arts, sports, and academics, potentially resulting in undue pressure. However, at this school, it's not about excelling in every facet; instead, the institution cherishes and nurtures each student's unique talents. The teachers extend wholehearted support and foster diverse opportunities for growth. For instance, there are external competitions and internal activities, and everyone is encouraged to explore and participate.'

Two years ago, Jenny Zhou certainly couldn't have imagined that she would choose badminton in extracurricular activities and fill her campus life with excitement alongside her beloved math and science courses.

'While at school, I have the opportunity to engage in a myriad of activities and projects that extend beyond the Upper School curriculum, such as weekend open days and volunteering to read books to Lower School pupils... Despite a demanding and rewarding life filled with numerous responsibilities, approaching these tasks with eagerness and passion leaves no room for irritation. Instead, it fills us with immense joy and a profound sense of accomplishment.'

（Jenny Zhou was playing the piano on Talent Show）

02

Half equations, half crocheting

Mastering science and crochet in leisure

During most of her free time, Jenny Zhou would stay in her college dormitory. This is her favorite haven at WASHZ.

In Jenny Zhou's orderly and uncluttered room, one-half is adorned with equations, while the other half is adorned with needles and threads. Her desk is adorned with notes, exercises, and an abundance of competition certificates, all achieved in record time. Adjacent to her bed, a special place is reserved for her cherished violin, accompanied by two boxes overflowing with colorful yarn.

In the latest released IGCSE results, Jenny Zhou achieved A* in all 7 subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Business, Chinese as a First Language, and English as a Second Language).

'I find the dormitory environment to be truly delightful. It offers everyone ample time and personal space to pursue their passions and work towards their goals. Recently, I've been actively engaged in preparing for The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award project. I decided to learn the art of crocheting blankets as an extracurricular skill. During my free moments in the dorm, I immerse myself in the soothing rhythm of music, crocheting the blanket with a completely relaxed state of mind.'

For her, taking part in competitions and mastering the art of crocheting blankets are significant undertakings for the upcoming semester. For her, the sense of achievement is always intertwined with her profound interests, even if it means treading a less-traveled path.

Handcrafting allows her to indulge in the pleasure of 'wholeheartedly immersing herself in solitary pursuits.' From paper-folding to embroidery and a plethora of other crafts, she embraces them all with open arms.

Around a year or two ago, during a vacation, Jenny Zhou serendipitously stumbled upon crocheting online, simply looking to pass the time. Initially, it was merely an experiment, and little did she expect that after six or seven hours, the yarn in her hands would transform into a bag with intricate twists and turns. She adores the sensation of losing herself in the creative process and relishes the immense sense of accomplishment that accompanies the transition from zero to one.

Even when she returns to school, on nights after completing her homework or during the early hours of weekends, she can't resist dedicating time to her yarn. 'The very first bag I crafted is still in use, and I've even handmade gifts for my friends on their birthdays. Those are genuinely unique and special.'

The blanket before her intensifies her dedication even further. The intricate stitches, while often leading to occasional mistakes, serve as valuable lessons. Sometimes, these errors only become apparent after considerable progress, necessitating the unraveling and recommencing of her work. She is determined to ensure her craft is characterized by meticulousness, continually striving for an elevated level of aesthetic appeal. Jenny Zhou has become a frequent visitor to the art department's office, regularly seeking guidance from her art teacher, Ms. Hunter, on matters like designing the pattern for the blanket and harmonizing the colors of the yarn.

03#

Self-discipline grants freedom

"I think she enjoys learning a lot."

Jenny Zhou's academic interests have been subtly shaped by her high-achieving mother, who boasts a background in chemistry. This influence has added a touch of empathy to Jenny's expansive journey of learning.

Her mother perceives in her a remarkable fluidity and adaptability. 'Since she enrolled at WASHZ, I've noticed a genuine enthusiasm for learning in her. Every time I talk to her, she shares numerous fascinating experiences from school.'

Navigating the challenges of the Upper School years is no easy feat, yet Jenny Zhou leaves her mark in numerous domains. Her accomplishments are evident in the accolades garnered from math, physics, and chemistry competitions, as well as her participation in the school's Talent Show and other extracurricular activities. Amidst her academic pursuits, she also finds time for leisure, indulging in crafts and occasionally serenading the piano.

（Awards of Jenny Zhou）

Does Jenny Zhou have any special time management secrets?

'I believe one of my distinctive qualities is my aversion to procrastination, a trait that significantly bolsters my task efficiency. I take great pleasure in meticulously recording my daily tasks in computer notes or memos, methodically ticking them off one by one upon completion. This management approach affords me the luxury of more enjoyable leisure time.'

Jenny Zhou had meticulously outlined her holiday agenda well in advance. She expressed her determination to achieve an IELTS score of 7.5 or higher. 'This endeavor aims to alleviate the academic workload for the forthcoming semester, affording me additional time for extracurricular pursuits. I've also devised a comprehensive pre-review plan to ensure no knowledge gaps remain unaddressed upon my return to school.'

She continues, 'I aspire to attain a full ten hours of restorative sleep, dedicate several hours to catching up on the variety shows I missed due to exams, spend quality time with friends at the mall, explore bustling night markets, and relish hotpot gatherings together. If time permits, I also hope to indulge in some quiet moments at home, finally concluding a suspense novel that has been on hold for far too long.'

Before the start of the school year, she achieved her target score of 7.5 on the IELTS exam.

Well-organized and methodical, Jenny Zhou's approach to life is characterized by precision. She follows a logical path, meticulously outlining each step, and diligently crafting her unique 'haven for growth,' unwaveringly advancing toward her distinct dream beacon.