ECE students read a book with Nursery teacher, Jenna Lelievre for International Literacy Day.

Every year, our SCIS Hongqiao ECE campus joins in on International Literacy Day, a global celebration of literacy and its importance to individuals, communities, and societies.

Started in 1967, the International Literacy Day is a UNESCO-declared worldwide celebration of reading aimed at highlighting the importance of literacy, the ability to read and write.

This year, the day was September 8 and the theme was “Reading for the Future.” Students were allowed to leave their school uniform at home and come in dressed as their future jobs! Our youngest readers were also encouraged to bring in their favorite books to schools, which they then shared with classmates.

The day is a good reminder to stop and ask ourselves: Is there any skill we take more for granted that the ability to read? Road signs would be confusing, you couldn’t order from a menu unless it had pictures, or even send a text message on your phone. Not being able to read goes well beyond not being able to enjoy a good book, it has much bigger implications that impact all aspects of daily life. That’s what I want our school community to think about when thinking about Literacy Day.

So what can we do to celebrate this day? First of all, I think it’s a good chance for us to be thankful that we have the ability to read and all of the advantages the skill has brought us. From there, here are a few ideas for the next Literacy Day, or any other day:

• Volunteer to help a child in Shanghai. The website (www.projects-abroad.net) has a lot of options for volunteering with kids.

• Start a book club. Why only keep a great book for yourself? Book clubs are great ways to share your ideas and learn from other people. This website (www.meetup.com/topics/bookclub/cn/shanghai/) has all kinds of book club options.

• Start making books and literature a regular part of your dinner conversations. If you have a very young child it can be as simple as “what did you read today?” If your child is older, more detail can be discussed. Talk about how life would be different without books or the ability to read.

• Most importantly, read to your child. If you are already doing it, great. If not, today is a great day to start. Try and make reading a regular part of you and your child’s day.

Joshua Balli
ECE Librarian at SCIS Hongqiao

(Source: Shanghai Daily, Read, and Keep Reading, for a Great Future | September 25, 2018, Tuesday | )

The year 2018 was another outstanding year for International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme students at Shanghai Community International School. Seventy students in the Class of 2018 were entered for the full IB Diploma and our pass rate was a remarkable 89 percent. Unlike many IB schools around the world, SCIS does not pre-select students for entry into the IB Diploma but encourages all students to grasp the opportunities provided by this challenging program.

The SCIS average score for those who achieved the full IB diploma was 33.4, which is well above the world average of 29.78 points. Amongst our successful graduates was Hye Jun (Julie) Kang who scored a perfect 45 points, the maximum available! Only the top 0.2 percent of the 165,752 students who sat the May 2018 exams were able to achieve this amazing feat. SCIS is extremely proud of Julie.

Our students received offers from top universities worldwide, including the University of Toronto, Imperial College London, King’s College London, Hong Kong University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kyoto University, McGill University, University of Melbourne, UCLA and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

SCIS students have achieved tremendous results in their external examinations while still participating in a wide range of sports, drama productions, musical events, and many other activities, including local and international service trips. SCIS looks forward to hearing from our graduates as they spread our community across the globe.

Lennox Meldrum
Upper School Vice Principal and IBDP Coordinator at SCIS Hongqiao

(Source: Shanghai Daily, SCIS’s Outstanding IB Results Cap Successful Year | August 28, 2018, Tuesday | )

Welcome to the 2018-19 school year at Shanghai Community International School. Our schools first opened in 1996, and since that time we have experienced phenomenal growth, development, and success. A dynamic international community of teachers, students and parents, excellent facilities, and a holistic approach to learning framed within the IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) places us at the forefront of international education in Shanghai. At SCIS, you will find an academically rigorous, college-preparatory program balanced against our desire to foster students’ artistic, athletic and global citizenship endeavors, with our ultimate mission to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring learners who contribute positively to their communities.

SCIS is and always has been a family school, and through our growth and change, we have kept to our belief that school should be a warm and welcoming place where each student is nurtured and challenged. Our distinctive setting in this cosmopolitan city affords us an understanding of people from around the world. Considering the above, it is only natural that our schools become the fabric that weave our dynamic international community together. It is this unique combination of internationalism, strong academics, varied activities, arts, warm atmosphere and personalized approach that make us successful. All of us now look forward to the year ahead. We welcome you whether you are joining us for another year or are enrolling for the first time.

Daniel D. Eschtruth
SCIS Director of Schools

(Source: Shanghai Daily, Creating a Dynamic Environment for a Dynamic Community | August 28, 2018, Tuesday | )

During the week of May 21-25, thirteen grade ten students shadowed a Shanghai professional during normal business hours for one week with the expectation to complete a project agreed upon by the employer.

This was a true win-win partnership because both parties learned new ideas and grew personally.  Students gained an insider perspective on a chosen career and applied their classroom knowledge within a real-world context.

“When I heard about the Job Shadow opportunity, I was thrilled to get the chance of experiencing what my ideal future job would be like for a week. Working in a field that I am passionate about gave me the extra motivation that I needed to work hard and thrive in the field in the future.” – Anna Thelin – Shanghai HVA (Business and Marketing)

Job-Shadowing offers the unique opportunity to observe an employee as they go about their daily work routine and tasks. It allows for a realistic interpretation of what a particular job may entail and is the perfect opportunity to gain deeper insight about a career of interest.

“Working as a shadow in a big company like True Legend Asia Restaurant Group was an honor. Working in the kitchen at a young age for a week allowed me to see strengths and weaknesses I had, and gain new knowledge in food preparation. Observing and asking questions were ways I learned new skills that I took back with me. I had the chance to see how it was really like working in the kitchen before choosing my future career path.“- Gion Guerzon – Big Bamboo (Culinary Arts)

The Job-Shadow Experience was a pilot work program for a select group of Grade ten students based on an application, teacher evaluation, and committee vote.  We selected thirteen students with a positive reputation for a strong work ethic, initiative, accountability and the ability to bring creative ideas to fruition.

This was a pilot year, but the goal is for it to become a required work experience for all Grade 10 students at SCIS-Hongqiao.  If you would like to offer yourself as an “internship supervisor” and allow a student to collaborate with you at your workplace in 2019, please contact eblalock@scis-china.org.

This year’s participating students were:

Anna Thelin
– Shanghai HVA (Business and Marketing)

Annabella Li
– BASF (Finance & Accounting)

Blenda Kjellgren
– IKEA (HR Innovation)

Cindy Chen
– The Clinic (Sports Medicine)

Efe Okan
– BBDO Advertising Firm (Advertising and Creativity)

Evan Grady
– NIKE Basketball (Marketing & Product Development)

Gion Guerzon
– Big Bamboo (Culinary Arts)

Hannah Kim
– BASF (Chemical Engineering)

Lily Yoo
– Siegel and Gale (Advertising and Branding)

Roi Gababy
– Doc’s Barbershop (Social Media Marketing)

Olivia Nettesheim
– The Clinic (Sports Medicine)

Oscar Huang
– SECA Academy (Sports Marketing)

Susan Sima
– Zurita (Fashion Design & Production)

(Source: Shanghai Daily, | June 26, 2018, Tuesday | )

Twelfth-grade SCIS student, Steve Shin, has had quite a year of success in mathematics competitions. Back in November, he earned the highest score for SCIS-Pudong participants at the University of Waterloo’s Canadian Senior Mathematics Competition. Steve received further recognition during this competition for scoring in the top 25% worldwide.

In February, Steve became the first SCIS-Pudong student to qualify for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME). He accomplished this by scoring in the top 5% worldwide of students participating in the American Mathematics Competition. The AIME is the next step in the qualification process for the world’s most prestigious mathematics competition, the International Mathematics Olympiad.

Tell us a little about yourself?
“My name is Steven Shin and I am a senior this year. I am originally from Seoul, South Korea. I am involved in many sports with my favorite being basketball. You can always find me up in the gym or on the court outside, shooting a ball around during my free time. I am also very interested in the field of mathematics and solving problems, which is why I am part of the math club here at SCIS. We actually just came back from a mathematics competition in Suzhou over the weekend.”

You most recently participated in a mathematics competition in Suzhou, how did it go?
“I have been participating in the Suzhou competition since 10th grade. I am very happy with this competition even though we did not get a podium finish as a school; together with my teammates, I placed third out of 30 teams in something called the ‘Buddy Group’ category. Essentially, the Buddy Group pairs together six competitors from different international schools to compete against other teams.”

That’s fantastic!
“Yes, I’m pretty proud of being able to place in the top three! Although our school wasn’t able to be as competitive as other schools due to our size, I think it was an amazing opportunity to go together with my classmates, as well as juniors, and collaborate as a team.”

How long have you been a part of the math club?
“I joined back in 10th grade. That’s when I started participating in the American Math Competition (AMC) and Canadian Math Competition (CMC)”

You’ve recently been invited to take part in the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME), how did you qualify?
“The AIME tournament is an opportunity giving to students who have performed exceptionally well in the AMC 10 or AMC 12 tests. The AMC 10 allows for anyone in 10th grade and below to participate and the AMC 12 allows students from grades 11-12. The top 5% in the AMC 12 and the top 2.5% in the AMC 10 qualify to compete in the AIME.”

What kind of math problems do you typically encounter on these tests?
“At first glance, the problems asked may look fairly complicated but in reality; they don’t require so much high level of math, but rather they require the ability to solve questions creatively. It tests you on your approach to problem-solving rather than simply your capability to memorize mathematical formulas.”

Interesting, would you say being able to be creative is one of your strong points?
“Absolutely, I am always challenging myself to think of different approaches to solving the same problem. I enjoy the challenge of problem-solving.”

How do you prepare for these types of competition?
“Well, I never really prepare only for competitions. On a daily basis, whether that’s during class time or my free time, I like to solve difficult math problems. I think the constant challenge is what prepares me. “

Why is solving problems important to you?
“Ever since I was young, I have been attracted to engineering and I am hoping to pursue a career in that field after graduation. This means I have to be good at math and I need to be constantly practicing. I also feel highly satisfied when I am able to find the solutions to extremely difficult questions. It may take me several hours but it is all worth it when I finally discover a simple solution to a difficult problem.”

Who were the people in your life who have influenced and helped you to pursue your passion for mathematics?
“From SCIS, Mr. Newell stands out as someone who has had a big impact on my life. He has been my teacher since grade 10 and has always motivated me with good feedback, encouraged me to participate in all these competitions and is always challenging me to do better. Also Mr. Biltz, who is in charge of the math club and my physics teacher. He is always willing to hear me out and gives me advice and suggestions when I need them. He also pushes me to try my best, for example, this year he gave me the 2014 Cambridge math examination questions for me to try and solve by myself!”

Nice. Final question, do you have any advice for others seeking a similar path?
“Actually, there are a fair amount of juniors in the math club who look up to me and come to me with any questions they have. A lot of them take the AMC, CMC, and AIME and all I hope for is that they continue to take part in these competitions. There is a special SCIS tradition that has to continue to grow! I would love to see students come together to create a physics club at SCIS.”

(Source: Shanghai Daily, | May 29, 2018, Tuesday | )

Sam Wu is now in the midst of doing his PhD at the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA) in Vienna, researching stem cells regeneration in the hopes of uncovering treatments for multiple cancer types. I had the chance to catch up with him to learn more about his current endeavours and what led him down this remarkable path.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Taiwan, and moved to Frankfurt, Germany with my parents at the age of 15 (in 2009). Two years later we moved to Shanghai where I completed final two years of high school. Then I attended the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, from 2013-2017. Most recently, I moved to Vienna for my PhD research study in mid-September 2017.

Q: How was the transition from SCIS to university?
At first, I was very impressed by enormous number of sports clubs and society that one could join. What also overwhelmed me were the large lectures (300-400 people) and the fact that semester length became extremely short. Nevertheless, the IB program at SCIS really helped me in the context of academic work. Since I went for a biology degree, self-learning and critical-thinking skills became super handy. It was super cool meeting many others who also did the IB program, and all seemed to know why they chose certain degrees. It made me think about my short- and long-term goals quite early on.

Q: You just recently started your PhD research at IMBA, how is it going so far? Is it what you expected?
It’s going well so far, I would say. My research mainly concerns with adult stem cells, which are cells that reside in specific tissues and carry the ability to self-renew and differentiate into specialized cell types. One important aspect I’m investigating is how cells form tumors and become cancerous. Stem cells and cancer are two of my favorite topics and they are very related topics in my opinion. By using genetic mouse models, I will illuminate the mechanisms of how specific cancer driver genes cause nasty tumors. Hopefully this will provide new perspectives towards treatment of multiple cancer types.

At the start, I expected lots of steep learning curves with new challenges. The fascinating part of science is that it stimulates you to think outside the box and requires you to overcome various challenges. IMBA offers a great environment for PhD’s, probably one of the very best in Europe. I’ve had many ‘Wow, did she/he just do that? That’s amazing!’ moments. This type of innovative atmosphere really makes it one of my favorite places to be in, and I’m very excited for what the future holds.

Q: What made you decide to go down this path?
There were many events that helped me reach where I am today. I valued internship opportunities, and I dedicated lots of time into science during university. I started my first internship in a research lab when I was in second year, and at the end of university I had around 1 year of research experience. To be honest with you, there was one event that motivated me the most. When I was in 11th grade, my grandpa sadly passed away on a Saturday morning because of cancer and he really suffered, like many other cancer patients. One of my long-term goals is therefore to make contribution to our understanding of cancer, and hopefully one day develop better treatments. Whenever I face challenges, remembering that many people are still suffering just pushes me to try harder.

Q: Was there anyone in particular at SCIS that helped you grow academically and personally
Definitely. Dr. Selime Cimen was particularly influential for me to develop an interest in biology. Her teaching style was very different. Besides explaining what was written on the textbook, she really taught me how to learn or self-taught. She was one of the first people I thought of when I got the official PhD offer, and I really appreciated her teaching. I also remember many others who constantly encouraged me, for example Mr. Patrick Macaulay (Economics), Ms. He (Mandarin), Ms. Darby Davis (Chemistry), Ms. Koenig (English & CAS), Mr. Strombeck (TOK), and Ms. Jensen (Chemistry), etc. Overall, the teachers and my fellow classmates altogether created a friendly and healthy-competitive environment that motivated me to try my best. At different stages, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet people who gave useful advice, and I’m extremely thankful for them.

Q: Any advice for people seeking a similar career?
At the start, it’s crucial to try things out by doing internships. Ask lots of questions and have fun! You should really feel you can connect with what you do. It is okay even if you have a bad experience (such as rejection, poor supervision), just try elsewhere again next time. Later when it comes to deciding your career path, proactiveness and perseverance are very important characteristics to have. One should also keep in mind that most of the time things don’t go as planned. It often gets very exhausting to work your way out of the ‘cloud’, where you feel stuck and don’t know how to progress. At the end of the day, research is about re-trying experiments and confirming your results using different approaches. Like many other professions, attitude matters a lot. Never give up, and remember that the hard work you’ve put in will pay off at some point.

Q: What are some highlights about attending SCIS?
I played varsity volleyball and basketball. Being part of the sports teams meant a lot to me. Not only it got me stronger physically, it also had a positive effect on my mental resiliency. In my opinion, many things in life are actually not as bad as shooting (and air-balling) a free throw in a game!

I also participated in Model United Nations and organized a high school recycle club together with Ms. Davis and two other friends. The China trip in 11^th grade to Guizhou province was also an amazing one. Having the chance to study and participate in so many things in an international environment was very special. The diversity at SCIS is really something to cherish.

(Source: Shanghai Daily, | January 30, 2018, Tuesday | )

Simon Wu, part of Shanghai Community International School’s Pudong Class of 2018, is the first ever active student-athlete at the school to sign in an National Collegiate Athletic Association program. After a tedious and determined two-year-long process, he was offered a spot on the soccer team at North Park University in Chicago, an NCAA Division III college in the United States. We talk with him about his perseverance to follow his passion and his future plan.

Q: Congratualtions on getting into North Park University. Why did you choose NPU?
A: To be honest, when I first received an e-mail back from North Park, I did not know much about them. I had been sending out thousands of e-mails to hundreds of schools across North America and this was one of the ones that replied.

It wasn’t until Coach Vic mentioned them being a nationally ranked school that I realized how great it was that they took an interest in me. That was the other big factor in my decision as I knew I wanted to play in a strong soccer program to further develop as an athlete.

Q: How do you feel about playing at a college level next year? Are you excited?
A: It’s very exciting! During my sophomore year, there was a period of time where I wanted to give up playing the sport and I remember sitting myself down one day to really think about what it was I wanted to do with my future and whether soccer would play a part in it.

That day I decided that it was time to take things to the next level and that playing for a university would be my goal for the next two years. From then on I told myself to keep at it and be the best player I could be. Now my next goal is to perform my best at the college level.

Q: There are thousands of universities with NCAA soccer; what criteria were used when selecting which schools to reach out to?
A: At first we sent out a bunch of e-mails to as many schools as possible, and as we narrowed it down it all came down to location and academic program. The biggest reason why we chose North Park was because of its community and location, and because it offered athletics training as a major, which is what I had intended to study post graduation. Having top-class facilities was another major criteria and again, North Park delivered. I think ultimately, the decision was made based on how closely the community resembled that of SCIS and how that would mean a natural transition.

Q: What does it mean for you to get signed by a university?
A: The biggest part of being signed as a college athlete representing SCIS is being able to really put the school on the map. I really wanted to give back to a community where I’ve been provided with such great opportunities growing up here since fifth grade. There are so many people who have influenced me, past coaches from soccer, volleyball, and basketball. It’s different parts of the components of these sports that made me who I am and a big part of it is SCIS and the commitment to the sports. Without playing basketball or volleyball and the learning experiences I’ve had, I wouldn’t be who I am today.

Q: Has it been your dream to become a professional soccer player?
A: Every since I can remember I’ve been wanting to play soccer professionally. Back in first grade, I distinctly remember watching a Liverpool game on TV and being asked if I wanted to be a professional soccer player to which I quickly replied: “Hell yeah I want to be a professional soccer player!” It’s always a dream as a child, and now it all depends on how well I grow as an athlete and develop at the university level. My focus is still on athletic training education and learning as much as I can in that area. I personally hate being injured and on the sideline, so my goal is to be able to help athletes get back on the field and get back to their best.

Q: What do you know now that you wish you would have known at the beginning?
A: I would say start the recruiting process in the states because ultimately it’s easier as you get more exposure to the clubs and universities. At the same time, I can’t imagine leaving Shanghai, as it’s where I grew up and my home. I take great pride being one of the few international students coming from Asia to play at North Park, and I’m even more proud to be able to represent SCIS all the way.

Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing NCAA athletic opportunities?
A: Be commitment to what you want to do, never have somebody say no to you and prove the doubters wrong. If you want something, you have to persevere and push through the ups and downs.

(Source: Shanghai Daily, | April 24, 2018, Tuesday | )

SHANGHAI Community International School Pudong’s spring production of “James and the Giant Peach” carried audiences away into the imagination of a young boy and his exciting tale of crossing the ocean in an enormous peach with five very large insect friends.

David Wood’s theatrical adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl book leaves plenty for the imagination of the actors, technical crew, and audience. The SCIS students have truly made this tale their own. The story celebrates the inventive solutions that children have for the trouble in their lives, be it terrible aunts like Sponge and Spiker, vicious sharks, monster octopuses, charging rhinos, or lassoing a flock of seagulls.

When drama animates our most treasured values, like the power of unconventional thinking and the determination of youth, it is an experience that makes an impact on our lives, just as the original book has made an impact on many of us. The production featured a talented ensemble of SCIS actors, whimsical, student-designed costumes and scenery, original choreography, not to mention a simply enormous peach on center stage. We hope you had a chance to join SCIS PD for the adventure, but if not, that you take time to wonder where you might go if you floated away on a giant peach.

By Katherine Enoch, Upper School Drama and Music teacher at SCIS Pudong

(Source: Shanghai Daily, Show Celebrates Imaginative Thinking  | May 31, 2017, Wednesday | )

On March 17 and 18, 19 high school students from Shanghai Community International School Pudong attended the 10th annual Shanghai Student Film Festival. The festival is organized by a team of teachers from international schools in Shanghai, with the goal of providing a collaborative space for students to create and reflect on the filmmaking process.

The first day of the festival featured the eight-hour film challenge, where students were taken to a previously undisclosed location, grouped with students from other schools, and given the challenge of writing, shooting, and editing a two-minute film within eight hours.

This year the secret location was the M50 Art District on Moganshan Road. Upon arrival, students met their pre-assigned groups and began identifying production roles for each member of their team. They were advised to finish their shooting prior to convening at The Market for a “working lunch,” where they could eat and edit (frantically) up until the deadline. Guest judges arrived and the anticipation of the screening of the films grew. Despite some technical difficulties, all 27 films were screened and judged before the end the day. Awards were given to the top three films at the award ceremony.

This year, we were very fortunate to collaborate with the Vancouver Film School, as they hosted us in their stunning new facility on Shanghai University’s campus where their professors ran a variety of workshops for our students. March 18 began with an amazingly insightful and inspiring keynote address by Dreamworks head animator, Oliver Staphylas. He shared a true, behind-the-scenes, look into life as an animator, which has unsurprisingly resulted in an increased desire to create animated films from our students.

After the keynote, there were a variety of filmmaking workshops for the students to choose from, ranging from cinematography to scriptwriting to sound design. The day ended with the grand finale of the awards ceremony where SCIS Pudong once again received some fantastic recognition. Films created by Keith Leung, Yuan Lim and Benjamin Weng, and Javier Sanchez and Julio Schneider, and all took home awards for being final nominees in their respective categories. Leung created a much anticipated sequel to last year’s award-winning hit, Legoland, appropriately named Legoland 2, and this year he took home awards for Best Animation and, one of the biggest prizes of the night, the Best Non-IB Film. All in all, it was another fantastically successful festival!

SCIS Pudong’s high school students pose a group picture for attending the 10th annual Shanghai Student Film Festival.

(Source: Shanghai Daily, Future Filmmakers at Shanghai Student Film Festival  | April 25, 2017, Tuesday | )