Block X is a new programme introduced this year for Pudong students in Years 2 to 5. 

Each student chooses one course based on personal interest and spends ten weeks exploring it in depth.

Teachers design units that balance enjoyment with academic rigour, ensuring each lesson offers both challenge and progression. 

Sasha Dalmonego, Vice Principal of Early Childhood and Primary, explained that the purpose of Block X was to "give students more space to make choices".

“Our curriculum is already rich and diverse, but we wanted students to take ownership of their learning paths. When interest connects with learning, motivation and engagement rise naturally.”

She added: 

"YCIS Shanghai has always had a strong core curriculum and a wide range of co-curricular activities. Block X sits between the two – it's part of our academic programme, yet it allows flexibility and personalisation. It acts as both an extension and a bridge, as well as a support pathway to Secondary."

 "Teachers' roles are also evolving," Sasha continued. "They are no longer only transmitters of knowledge but partners guiding students in their own discovery. We hope each child finds their rhythm through curiosity and choice — a skill that will serve them throughout life."

In Block X, learning is not just about mastering a skill or completing a task. It's about finding meaning through experience. 

Daniel, a Year 3 student, gained confidence in Fun with English and now helps classmates practice conversations.

Matthew, in Year 5, found his passion in AI Drone Builders Club, from understanding components to testing flight performance. 

Zeno, also in Year 5, said, "I love Math Challenge because we solve problems together — it feels great when we finally get it right."

Joyce's mother shared how her daughter changed after joining The World’s Art Gallery: 

"She can now recognise different artistic styles and talk about her own creative ideas. The course didn't just build her interest; it helped her think and express herself more deeply."

Sasha observed: "Many students have said they want to take another Block X course next semester — not just because it's fun, but because they’ve seen how much they’ve grown."

Each Block X course is designed and taught by subject teachers who tailor content to students' abilities and interests, ensuring learning is both meaningful and challenging. 

Marc Lawrence, Block X Coordinator, explained: "The programme was developed around our YCIS lifelong learner framework, which covers areas such as language, numeracy, digital technology, the arts, citizenship, service learning and entrepreneurship. We want students to understand what learning truly means when driven by curiosity." 

He added: “Fridays have become the most anticipated day of the week. Students talk about their courses, share experiences, and show genuine interest in what others are learning. This exchange broadens their horizons. Many have been surprised by how much they've grown — not just in knowledge, but in how they plan, reflect and improve their learning.”

On Showcase Day, classrooms turned into spaces of discovery. 

Some students presented their learning journeys, others displayed artwork or performed in groups. 

Rather than a simple outcome-based presentation, it was a visual journey of growth. 

"As parents, we could see our children becoming more expressive, collaborative and thoughtful", said Mona, mother of a Year 4 student. "That kind of growth matters more than results."

Sasha agreed: “The showcase isn't just a report — it's a shared experience. Parents can see, first-hand, how engaged their children are when learning through interest. Their feedback also helps us refine and strengthen the programme, ensuring Block X continues to respond to students' real needs.”

Block X is not an 'extra' course; it's a natural extension of the YCIS curriculum. 

By giving students structured choice within academic boundaries, it nurtures self-direction, curiosity and persistence - and serves as a bridge to future learning in programmes such as IB and IGCSE. 

Marc concluded: "The development of Block X is inseparable from the growth of our students. We'll keep listening to their voices, ensuring the programme evolves with their interests and needs."

From independent exploration in the classroom to lifelong learning beyond it, Block X represents more than a curriculum of innovation. 

It embodies the YCIS philosophy of whole-person education - empowering every child to learn through passion, to grow through discovery, and to carry that love of learning into the future.