[Wuxi] Learning opportunities for Secondary

Here at Wuxi United International School we prepare our students for the future by instilling a sense that we are all lifelong learners. Students are prepared for their secondary and tertiary education and their careers beyond that by developing essential learning skills. Teachers model this themselves by being part of a learning community that strives for constant development and improvement.
Sharing best practice amongst teaching staff and reflecting on teaching and learning are a key-part of the continuing professional development of teachers. One of the ways in which this is achieved is through the holding of open lessons. Teachers invite other teachers from across the school to come and observe their lesson, learn, and share their own thoughts and ideas.
This Monday, October 18th, saw the start of a series of open lessons in the Secondary section of the school, with Art, Music and Chinese being held as learning opportunities for teachers.
In Ms. Jade’s Chinese class the Grade 8 students examined the rhythms of Wang ji’s traditional Chinese poetry. The lesson was attended by the Primary and Secondary Chinese departments, and feedback given from both sections of the school.
Ms. Ruby’s Grade 9 IGCSE Chinese lesson students read Zhang Dai’s historical piece of prose describing a scene at the West Lake on winter. Ms. Ruby led them the students to have a deeper understanding of both the scene and the feelings expressed within it.
In Ms. Alisa’s Grade 10 IGCSE Chinese lesson students prepared for their written assessment in IGCSE by understanding the assessment criteria, giving them a greater understanding of how to achieve a higher grade, as well as assessing samples of writing.
Ms. Ketaki took her Grade 9 Art students through the work of Wayne Thiebaud. Looking at Colour, texture, composition and how these elements represented the key features of pop-art. Students thought deeply about a serious of questions raised about the artwork, which led them to construct their own ideas.
In Mr. Brian’s Art class the students examined the landscapes of one of Australia’s most famous landscape artists, Jon Olsen. They discovered how his use of lines dictates the feelings in his paintings and attempted to imitate his style in their own work.。
Ms. Qin gave a lesson on the the music of the Baroque period to her iGCSE students. Students examined the history of Baroque music and identified the features of Baroque music through listening to examples from Vivaldi.
In Mr. Leedale’s Grade 8 music class the students are working on songs on the Global issue of protecting the environment. They examined chord progressions and how to build the basic blocks of songwriting.
Open lessons will continue next week with further Chinese lessons and the English department also sharing their best teaching practice. Building a collaborative learning environment is key to a high quality educational institute.