Students in Secondary follow a rigorous and varied academic program each day. Students in the Middle Years Programme take a broad range of classes, including Physical Education, Visual Arts, Music, Media, Drama, and Dance, and can choose from various Language Acquisition and Language and Literature classes. In the IBCP and IBDP, students can select from an impressive number of courses, including History, Geography, Economics, Business, and Psychology in the Humanities field alone. Additionally, IBCP students follow a routine centered around their selected career-related study while also undertaking the core requirements, including the challenging Reflective Project.

Social and emotional learning is a core component throughout every programme at WISS. Each day, Secondary students have advisory meetings with a small group of 6 or 7 students. A caring mentor-teacher leads community circle discussions around social and emotional development, organization, self-management, academic skills, and life skills. Advisory time is also used to support student goal setting, self-reflection, and community service initiatives.

Finally, the IB program enhances classroom learning at WISS through various core elements. Grade 10 students work throughout the year to create a culminating Personal Project, and showcasing their work is a highlight for them and the entire community. Extending this, our IBCP and IBDP students complete Service Learning and Creativity, Activity, and Service and write high-level academic research papers through the Reflective Project and Extended Essays.

At the Western International School of Shanghai, we provide many opportunities for students to participate in activities that allow them to grow and develop as individuals outside of the classroom. CP pathways in various topics, including Aeronautics, Sports, Business Management, Art, and Design, offer a unique path for dedicated and driven students in these career areas. WISS has an active Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Programme and supports all students to participate in adventurous journeys and residential projects. Students in Grades 6-10 take their learning outside the school walls through our week-long Explore China trips. 

These annual trips build bonds through physical activity, cultural experiences, community service, and adventure. Students have so many ways to get involved in school life through our robust extracurricular and after-school activity program. Students can participate in clubs and activities like Model United Nations, , Saturday School, the Global Alliance for Innovative Learning, the annual Secondary Musical, Summer Internship Opportunities, and more.

Students are encouraged to get involved in the many opportunities for student leadership, activity, creativity, and service at WISS. With exceptional athletics, creative arts, and STEM facilities, engaging students through clubs and activities is a natural extension of classroom learning and a lot of fun!

The Student Council meets regularly and offers students a voice in school decisions and policy. The iShare group is a student-led initiative that aims to create inclusive and fun events in Secondary and the entire WISS community.

HOME-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP

Students joining Secondary are supported through a detailed orientation, school tour, a WISS Student Handbook, and a buddy to guide the student around.

Similarly, at WISS, the parents of children in Secondary often enjoy parent evenings, socials, clubs, concerts, exhibitions, plays, and after-school community activities, including the Community Orchestra and Community Choir. Many parents also actively support the school through volunteer work. Events such as the WISS Sundowner, “WISStival,” International Day, and many others showcase what we feel is a unique and vital partnership and community.

TEACHING APPROACH

Learning and teaching in Secondary features small class sizes supported by knowledgeable and caring staff. Teachers facilitate student inquiry through engaging units and topics that build on students’ prior knowledge. We believe that student learning is best accomplished through experiential and cooperative tasks. 

Throughout the three IB programmes delivered in Secondary, students explore conceptual topics, make multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary connections, and develop as global citizens.