How time flies!
We have come to the end of AY 2023-2024!
As the 2023-24 academic year draws to a close, we look back with gratitude and pride at the achievements and moments of growth we've experienced together. This year, CISK students and teachers have shared countless unforgettable moments, from exploring knowledge in the classroom to endless laughter during extracurricular activities. We've witnessed the continuous progress and growth of everyone in our community.
This year, our students have demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm for learning and academic excellence within the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum framework.
In the classroom, we have witnessed countless shining moments. Through the rigorous IB curriculum, our students have developed critical thinking skills, global perspectives, and an understanding of diverse cultures.
Our dedicated teaching team continuously innovates in their teaching methods to inspire students' interest in learning and cultivate their critical thinking and creativity. Through group projects, personalized guidance, and interdisciplinary collaboration, students have not only advanced in their knowledge but also honed their problem-solving abilities and ways of thinking. The inquiry-based learning and project-based approach of the IB program have taught our students to think independently and manage their learning, turning them into lifelong learners.
During AY 2023-2024, CISK welcomed Mrs. Barbara Parker, an international consultant working for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
WASC accreditation is a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process conducted by the Accrediting Commission for Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC). This esteemed accreditation body assesses various dimensions of an educational institution, ensuring that it meets or exceeds established standards of quality and effectiveness. Successfully achieving WASC accreditation will signify that CISK adheres to the highest educational standards and is committed to continuous improvement.
A highlight of our academic year has been the numerous exhibitions we hosted, providing platforms for our students to showcase their academic achievements.
Our G5 students, working in groups of one or two, selected topics for in-depth research and discussion, demonstrating their limitless potential in intellectual exploration. The exhibition covered a wide range of exciting topics such as golf, school bullying and space.
The Interdisciplinary Unit Fair was a vibrant and engaging event that showcased the diverse talents and knowledge of MYP students. The fair featured a wide array of projects that combined elements from multiple subjects such as science, technology, arts, and mathematics.
IBDP Visual Arts Exhibition
The students of Grade 12 demonstrated remarkable initiative in planning and creating their visual art exhibition. Guided by their visual arts teacher, they transformed their innovative ideas into mesmerizing artworks, which were proudly displayed for all to admire.
The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Exhibition was a cornerstone of the IB Diploma Programme, designed to encourage students to explore and reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we know what we claim to know. This exhibition allowed students to engage deeply with real-world objects, making abstract concepts tangible and accessible.
To recognize and encourage our students' efforts and achievements, CISK has awarded numerous accolades in various fields, including their excellence in academic subjects, as well as the Learner Profile Awards.
Beyond the classroom, our students have also excelled in extracurricular activities, earning prestigious awards.
During Math Kangaroo (MK) Competition, our students have won 1 National Gold, 3 National Silver, 3 National Bronze and 5 National Proficiency Award from the exam.
Students from grades 4-6 participated in the Kunshan Youth Basketball League for the first time and won the Excellent Organization award.
Moreover,our students participated in many other competitions such as Singapore Math Challenge, 2024 SPBCN-Spelling Bee and Hong Kong Ocarina Competition, achieving extraordinary results.
Additionally, our Grade 12 students have achieved exceptional university admissions results. Many have received offers from prestigious universities such as the University of Sydney and the University of Toronto.
During AY 2023-2024, CISK has organized a variety of activities that have played a significant role in the growth of students. Through a rich array of activities, CISK offers students opportunities for comprehensive development. These activities not only enriched students' extracurricular lives but also provided opportunities for them to showcase themselves and explore their interests.
Co-curriculular activities
Co-curriculular activities provide interesting opportunities outside of classrooms in order to broaden students' global vision and help them develop a well-rounded education. CISK offers a variety of CCA programs for all students, which consist of four major sections: Sports, Steam, Art, and Language. Students have the choice of more than 40 CCAs such as Equestrain, Fencing, Tennis, and Latin Dance.
Dressed in their house colors, nearly 300 students from Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary levels took part, filling the school grounds with energy and the spirit of friendly competition.
Teachers and students from different countries gathered, wearing their national clothing and displaying the cultural characteristics of the country. Students could not only have fun, but also learn more about cultural differences and intercultural communication.
The spring show was an enchanting display of youthful exuberance and talent. It was not only a celebration of the season but also a testament to the vibrant spirit and community within CISK.
CISK Family Fun Day was a day full of fun and surprises. We invited many food vendors to provide a variety of delicious dishes, together with the students actively displaying their talents during the talent show. We also prepared a variety of fun game activities, which are suitable for participants of all ages.
Moreover, we actively organized various charitable activities, such as the Terry Fox Run and Family Fun Day, which fostered students' sense of social responsibility and charitable awareness through practical actions. During the whole year, we have donated about 900 RMB for custard pies, 8000 RMB for Terry Fox Run, and 10000 RMB for art auction.
Terry Fox used his courage and perseverance to inspire the whole world, also inspired everyone at CISK. Hope CISKers take the spirit of Terry Fox as the guidance, persistent, perseverance, care for others, never give up.
In order to support SAPA and protect small animals, CISK hosted an interesting activity, in which students bought cakes and threw them to the volunteered teachers. Moreover, several students and staff volunteered at the Suzhou Association for the Protection of Animals shelter, getting busy making a difference for the animals in need.
CISK also places great emphasis on academic exchanges and collaborations with Duke Kunshan University and Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. We regularly organize visits for our students to these prestigious institutions, allowing them to experience university environments. Additionally, our faculty engages in seminars and workshops with the teaching teams from these universities, sharing teaching experiences to enhance the quality of education together.
Parent- School Communication
Parents, teachers and students are all viewed as partners in learning. CISK maintains close contact with parents through various channels during the whole academic year. For instance, kindergarten starts sending out regular parent communication newsletters and 14 newsletters have been sent out to announce events and introduce decisions and procedures. For our primary school, progress in learning is reported in various ways: parent-teacher conferences, three-way conferences, student-led conferences, and semester reports. Parents are always welcomed to arrange conferences at school and, likewise, the school may initiate a conference with parents at any time during the year.
We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all members of our CISK School Community – students, parents, teachers, support staff and administrators, who have contributed to this Caring Learning Community.
We cherish the countless memorable moments we've shared in the whole academic year. With pride and gratitude, let's reflect on our journey and embrace the future with optimism!
Wish you all a safe, healthy, and happy summer break!