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    Primary

    A project-based, student-centred approach.

    YCIS primary students master core international curriculum by connecting classroom questions to real-world problems. Our positive, nurturing, and compassionate environment empowers students and teaches integrity, honesty, and respect.

     

    At YCIS Shanghai, our Primary school campus is full of life, and hosts a wealth of meaningful learning opportunities that help provide a truly international school experience for students in Years 1-6.

     

    • Philosophy & Objectives

      Our internationally focused YCIS Curriculum provides a strong academic and holistic education: from cross-cultural experiences to an emphasis on learning the Chinese language and culture to enriching music, arts, and sports activities. Our campus is truly a place where learning is celebrated. Our students are encouraged to become Individuals with character and integrity, hold strong, positive values, know themselves, and aspire to be global citizens committed to making a difference in our world.

    Curriculum

    YCIS's International Primary School curriculum is based on the framework of the Yew Chung Curriculum” – a bilingual, international curriculum written by experts from the Curriculum and Professional Development Division.

    Co-Teachers

    The YCIS Shanghai Primary School also has two fully qualified teachers in all classrooms. One Western teacher and one Chinese teacher create and foster a Chinese and English bilingual learning environment. Our Co-Teachers share equal authority and responsibility in the classroom. They plan and implement lessons accordingly to facilitate students’ learning in a multicultural environment.

    Co-Principals

    At our school, two Co-Principals, one Western and one Chinese, partner to provide academic leadership and oversee the implementation of Primary education at YCIS Shanghai. Their engagement in the community, leadership, and multicultural collaboration helps to create a truly international experience for our students.

    A Well-Rounded and Balanced Education

    Our international Primary school teaches our elementary-aged children a range of different subjects, including: both English and Chinese languages, Mathematics, History, Geography, Science, Physical Education, Music, Art, Design & Technology, and Information and Communication Technology. Students in Primary also have the opportunity to participate in our robust Co-Curricular programme to further develop their skills in a wide range of subjects.

    In Years 1-3, our Lower Primary students benefit from YCIS's international curriculum which provides a strong academic education and a well-rounded experience in a multicultural, supportive, and bilingual environment.

    • Unique Co-Teaching Model

      Each of our Primary classes has two fully qualified Co-Teachers, one native English-speaking teacher and one native Chinese-speaking teacher, who work together to create the bilingual setting for which YCIS is known.

       

      The Co-Teachers share equal authority in the classroom, and together they plan and implement lessons that are engaging, interactive, and promote students' critical thinking. They draw on the children's interests to create units of study that follow the standards of the Yew Chung Curriculum.

       

      With two Co-Teachers in each classroom, every child benefits from personalised attention. The teachers are able to ensure that each child is treated with the utmost care and respect and that students enjoy their learning.

       

    • Chinese Language and Studies Programme

      In Lower Primary, the daily lessons in our pioneering, research-based Chinese Language programme begin, allowing the children to develop their Chinese listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Each school day, the children have a one-hour Chinese language lesson based on their learning level. Additionally, to further integrate our students into the dynamic culture of their host country, they also have one hour of Chinese Studies lessons each week.

       

      Our Co-Teachers also aid in furthering students' language development by providing additional vocabulary and conversation in both English and Chinese throughout the school day.

       

      At YCIS, we see language as a tool to access culture, and for the students in Years 1-3, their education extends beyond the classroom to integrate their learning and use their Chinese language skills on field trips around Shanghai.

       

    Educational Trips and Excursions

    Throughout the school year, our students take trips and excursions as an extension of their learning. From large Shanghai parks to museums, and Chinese cultural sites to farms, these field trips are integrated into the broader YCIS curriculum. Students are encouraged to reflect on their experiences with their Co-Teachers once they return to their classrooms.

    • Violin and Music Programme

      All students in Years 1-3 learn the violin as part of YCIS’ robust music curriculum, which is designed to help build a foundation of musical skills as well as nurture a lifelong appreciation for music.

       

      During violin lessons, classes are divided into groups according to ability and experience, and taught by specialist violin teachers. Beyond the violin, students also have weekly music lessons during which they experience a great variety of musical activities and instruments. They also have the opportunity to explore a wide range of live and recorded music from different eras and cultures.

       

      The YCIS music curriculum also allows for an abundance of performance opportunities throughout the school year to help develop students' confidence and presentation skills.

       

      The music programme also supports academic achievement with activities which stimulate the brain, boosting language and mathematical development. Through songs, students learn to distinguish between similar speech sounds, which helps with their language development. Learning rhythms, decoding notes and symbols, and looking at patterns in music all help to further their mathematical skills.

       

    • Primary Art Programme

      Through our Primary Art curriculum, the children develop their creativity and imagination. Lessons focus on building fundamental art skills, and students practise with a wide range of materials and processes available in our large and bright art studios. Our experienced specialist art teachers also teach children about different artists as well as the purpose and history of art, craft, and design in different time periods and cultures.

    • Physical Education Programme

      In Lower Primary, our Physical Education (PE) Programme develops children's fitness, coordination in movement, and cooperation with teammates through games and gymnastics. Students learn ball handling and equipment skills that are applicable to many different sports. Primary students are also encouraged to get involved in a wide range of Co-Curricular sports activities available at our campuses.

    Co-Curricular Programme

    On both weekdays and weekends, our Lower Primary students are actively engaged in many Co-Curricular Activities we offer at our campuses. There is something for everyone, and students are encouraged to try their hand at the different options to develop their skills and interests. To learn more about our Co-Curricular Programme, please click here.

    • Character Education and Student Well-Being Programme

      Our Character Education and Well-Being Programme provides children with a focus on positive values and helps them develop the skills to become global citizens. The programme aims to support students in understanding themselves as individuals, developing healthy relationships with others, and grasping the responsibilities of digital citizenship. There is also an important focus on personal safety and body awareness. Through meaningful lessons, this programme equips students with the skills to make informed decisions and choices.

       

      The programme focuses on the development of moral character, the importance of helping others, and the desire to make a difference in the world around them.

       

    Snapshot of a School Day in Lower Primary

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