The personality traits ascribed in the Chinese Zodiac to the Monkey are that it is curious, clever, mischievous and creative. It thrives on being challenged. I am pleased to see most of these traits in our school community! It is certainly true that our students enjoy challenging themselves to be the best they can be.
Last weekend saw students attending the three day Model United Nations conference in Shanghai where they really challenged themselves to work creatively and collaboratively with other members from across the city, where they fine-tuned their abilities in delivering presentations and where they developed their role as young leaders. They thrived under the pressure of the event and I congratulate them for their efforts and achievements.
Similar exciting experiences were found in Tianjin, where our ACAMIS Basketball teams enjoyed the challenges that an ACAMIS tournament brings, with a very busy schedule of matches over a short period of time, the fast-paced environment of a basketball court, the sheer physical demands of this sport and the passion and desire for the Lions to be successful. They were, thanks to their creativity, cleverness (skills) and the sheer number of hours of training that they and their coaches spent in the run up to the tournament.
On Monday our BISSVOX choir performed at the He Luting Concert Hall in Shanghai, with an excellent rendition of ‘The Rhythm of Life’. They challenged themselves to hit the right notes in a piece with a very upbeat tempo - it is a real show-stopper and our students rose to the occasion. This was an exciting experience at a prestigious venue – well done to them all and in particular Victoria Sze in Year 13, who performed a Bach Cello Suite like a true professional.
As the Chinese New Year approaches, our Key Stage 3 students are very busy in their lessons preparing performances for Friday 29 January – I am sure that they will thrive on these challenges and look forward to seeing them on stage. They’ll also be enjoying exciting experiences in lessons through practising their calligraphy, planning their New Year Wishes and cooking exotic Chinese snacks! As well as our own student performances, we are also hosting Kunju Opera group who will be entertaining us with an interactive show for our Key Stage 3 pupils.
We are lucky to have such talent amongst our student population. With the support and commitment of teachers and parents, being a pupil at BISS Puxi is a truly challenging, creative and memorable experience.
Andrew Lancaster, Head of Secondary