SUIS Qingpu’s Middle School held its CCA selection assembly on September 9th with the aims of developing a comprehensive approach to teaching and providing a holistic learning environment. This semester we are offering 59 courses in total, organized in eight different categories such as sports, interpersonal relationships, and art, to name but a few. CCA courses are held three times a week, which gives students ample opportunity to choose the courses best suited to their interests.
Taking part in CCAs allows students to build on the skills they are developing in their classes. Introductory courses, collaborative activities and professional after-school classes are all available to guide and shape our students.
The academic courses on offer include poetry reading, appreciation of foreign literature, ancient Chinese culture, pastoral courses, travelling around the world, travelling with books, travelling around the planet, animation, and English Drama. Holistic courses include hand-painting posters, art appreciation, World Scholar’s Cup, Art Puzzles, Orchestra, Rock Band, Drama and Mini Plays, Japanese Anime, Hogwarts Wizarding World Class, Fun Math, Maths Competition, Dragon Dance, Social & Logical Board Games, British Culture, History of Mathematics, Astronomy, Interesting Science Experiments, Mobile Photography, Flower Arranging, Crazy Chinese, Cooking, Reproduction of Ancient Town Landscapes, English Movies, French, Translation, and Spelling Bees.
During the CCA introduction assembly, CCA instructors took turns on the Theatre’s stage to present their courses. This gave students a taste of what the CCAs would entail. That afternoon, the echoes of excited cheering were heard all throughout our school’s lobby! This excitement was a great indication of how popular the CCA courses are and how eager our students were to participate in them.
In this CCA the students will not only learn how to research, write reports, and debate, but also learn the skills of collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking – all skills that they will need in a modern world.
02Maths Competition
The Maths Competition CCA meets every Wednesday and is led by Mr. Albert Du and Mr. Benedict Ng. This group is intended for students who are keen to compete in the upcoming maths competitions such AMC, AMC 8 and Kangaroo or participate purely out of personal interest. Students will practice questions from past competition papers and analyze questions together as a group of same level or same grade peers. No prior knowledge is required.
03Orchestra
Orchestra CCA meets once per week on Wednesdays and is directed by Mr. Paul Sprowell. This CCA is intended for students who already play orchestra instruments (either strings, brass, woodwind, or percussion) and are interested in improving their skills. Students will play music together in an ensemble and engage with a variety of musical styles. Prior experience is required, and students must own their own instrument.
04Rock Band
The Rock Band CCA meets on Thursdays and is also directed by Mr. Sprowell. This CCA is designed for students who are interested in singing or playing the electric guitar, bass, drums, or piano in a rock or popular music style. Students must have prior experience playing an instrument at a beginner or intermediate level.
05Cooking
In this CCA the students will learn how to cook authentic Mexican food as well as dishes from around Europe. Not only will they learn how to cook, but they will also learn about where the food comes from and its nutritional value. These quick and easy meals will allow the students to learn how to cook when there is no one else around or when they leave home for university.
Behind each CCA is a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and dedication – that is, our Chinese and Western teachers!
Our teachers have come together to jointly create this multi-cultural and cross-subject curricular system, a system which will lay a solid foundation for empowering students’ individualized development and extending their breadth of learning.
We believe that, thanks to all the hard work and collaboration on the part of the SUIS Curriculum team, this semester will produce some truly great results!