YCIS BJ 25th Anniversary CelebrationsThis year marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Yew Chung International School of Beijing. Exciting events and activities are planned for our school community to celebrate this landmark event following Founder’s Day on Friday 9 October at our Honglingjin campus. Since its establishment, our school has evolved significantly but at its core, our values have remained unchanged.

A nurturing Yew Chung legacyYCIS Beijing is part of a network of schools founded in 1932 in Hong Kong by Madam Tsang Chor-hang, an ardent educator. When she founded the school at the young age of 16 her vision was guided by her values and principles as she sought to offer students a global perspective and to stretch education beyond classroom walls.

This can be seen in the school’s various programmes including Character Education, a focus on the arts and culture, and our Life Skills programme.

Second oldest campus in BeijingOur Beijing campus is the second oldest international school in the capital. According to Chinese Vice Principal Dr Rae Wang, we have been privileged to witness both physical and societal changes in the city, which are mirrored in the developments at school over the years.

“Today we may feel our education pedagogy is mainstream, but when we started 25 years ago, you can imagine what China was like,”  she says. The country was going through a dramatic reform. We were pioneers in the introduction of a British curriculum.

Why teachers stay on for 18 yearsThe school’s longevity can be attributed to several aspects including its values and mission. In addition, the school’s innovative education has played a crucial role in retaining not only students but teachers as well.Primary Chinese Vice Principal April Peng has been with the network for 18 years. The biggest factor in her long years of service is her identification with the school’s mission and motto, something underscored by Dr Mary Hayden in her book, titled “An Introduction to International Education.”  In this Dr Hayden recognises Yew Chung as a “unique grouping” of international schools.

YCIS BJ Founder's DayFor Primary Coordinator Jane Martuneac Kang, rapid professional development encouraged her to stay on with the school for 13 instructive years. “This is a school that promotes innovative practices,” she says.Promoting a sense of community is a focal aspect here, which is why Jonathan Mellen, a secondary coordinator, has had a 12-year run at the school. Having built good relationships over the years with globally dispersed students, he sees the value of total community development that starts with individual development.

Celebration can be hard workPreparations are underway for the big celebration. Western Vice Principal James Sweeney says our students are “working tirelessly”  with the performing arts department to present a showcase to our sister schools – including Shanghai, Qingdao, Silicon Valley, Chongqing, and YCCECE – via live streaming.

Our staff sees a bright future for the campus and its community.