It's all about the learning

Whether your child is a student in the Primary or Secondary School, the foundations for their learning are made in the Early Years. This area of the school looks different to the regular classrooms in the more senior sections of the school because it is here that we create their future by setting them on the right path for success. It is here that we provide opportunities for children to explore, evolve and adapt to their ever-changing world inside the school buildings as well as in our outside learning spaces. It is here where firm foundations create strong and sustainable futures.

At The British International School Shanghai, Puxi, we have a personalised approach to all aspects of learning from the youngest to the oldest students. We take pride in supporting children in a safe learning environment where they can grow and develop as mature students, shaping and creating their own futures.

Our personal approach to children and their learning begins with our expert teachers who take time to become acquainted with each and every child. Knowing the individual student’s level of ability and their specific interests on entry to the school allows teachers to offer collaborative and social learning opportunities specifically chosen to enhance their learning. They do this by listening to the children, talking with the parents, and observing students interacting with their classmates. Our teachers learn about their strengths, listen to their concerns, and take time to unleash their creativity so that they can enjoy the opportunities we provide at this early stage in their path to excellence.

As the Director for Education at Nord Anglia recently said, teachers “create environments where students feel they belong, where they can take risks, and can ask when they need more support”. At The British International School Shanghai, Puxi, our purpose-built, outdoor learning environment has been designed and developed by our expert Early Years professionals with the students learning needs at the centre.

Our brand-new learning environment integrates all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The areas have been carefully planned to enable the children to explore and learn, following their interests and providing new challenges to extend their skills. These learning areas enhance the children’s ability to extend their skills in physical, logical, intellectual, social, and emotional spheres through guided self-exploration and self-choice.

Using the outdoor environment naturally inspires children to become more physically active, take controlled risks and challenge themselves in different ways. The outdoor setting motivates children to work together, and problem solve. Students gain the essential skills to manage conflict, communicate their needs, and co-operate with their peers in a warm, safe, and secure environment overseen by our excellent teachers and their assistants.

Our outdoor learning areas form spaces for our youngest students to use their imagination, develop their fine and gross motor skills, expand their language skills by sharing stories and mathematics by exploring number, space, and capacity in their natural habitat.

To visit our outdoor learning environment, please arrange a visit through our admissions team or contact us directly because we are proud of what we have achieved, and we would be happy to show you around.

Alfred Creissen MA is a qualified Primary and Early Years specialist teacher who has worked at international schools across China, Europe and the Middle East. He is currently Primary Deputy Head (Early Years) at The British International School Puxi, Shanghai, China.