Leading to the fully balanced young person.
A day in the life of a Yew Chung (YCIS) student holds an array of subjects and opportunities. One unique subject that is part of the curriculum is Character First; this is a comprehensive programme delivered by age appropriate methods, which enlightens the young person and promotes good character.
We live in a society where actions count, the style and manner in which behave is important. Lessons in character formation are fully integrated with the weekly schedule of the students’ timetable. “The Thought of the Day” is a short daily focus pulling on the meaning of one chosen quality, such as patience, forgiveness, attentiveness, tolerance etc. Activities to portray and explain the value of the word can take the form of role-play, discussion or artwork. The focus word maybe reflected upon throughout that day and of course at any time when needed later on. Students are encouraged to practice the quality when interacting at school, at home and with the community.
“We believe that the classroom activities are fundamental to allow the children to learn about these qualities,” says a YCIS Primary teacher. “Positive praise and encouragement is vital and a child who perhaps does not excel academically can feel rewarded in other ways, boosting their confidence as a person.”
The Character Formation Programme allows a weekly reflection of the typical behaviour of well known animals, helping the children to understand the true meaning of the gesture and character. For example, “diligence” the meaning is gathered through a story of a beaver that keeps working hard, finishing his
task, concentrating and not being lazy. A song, a story, lesson activities and discussions of how to display this personality all contribute to the embracement by the children.
Another example is “hospitality” illustrated by cheerfully sharing food, shelter and friendship with others. The bighorn sheep is the most mature female, leading the flock to find all that they need. Her vigilance and unselfish qualities allow others to eat first whilst she stands guard. The children learn more of her behaviour and can be reminded to:
Welcome visitors
Make others feel special
Prepare for guests
Gladly share
Expect nothing in return.
‘Expect nothing in return’ is at the heart of charitable efforts. “Love and Charity” features in one line of the YCIS School Motto; staff are always keen to explore channels to reach those worse off than ourselves. We are always so impressed with the response shown by our students (with the tremendous support of parents) when we initiate a new drive to give to others. Previous charitable efforts have included:
Pancake Breakfast – prepared at 6:00am on campus by Secondary students, served and sold to all our families between 7:30-8:30am. The funds raised here were taken on an Experiencing China Trip to Xian;
whereby the students visited an orphanage and made the donation.
24 hour Famine – the Secondary students managed to keep going on lots of water only; they camped at school to support each other. By asking family and friends to sponsor them they raised an impressive amount for an orphanage in Inner Mongolia during a student trip.
Charity Bazaar – children donated unwanted books and toys and sold them to raise funds to contribute to the Yew Chung Sichuan Earthquake Fund.
The Giving Tree – each student took home a large travel bag with details of a student in rural Pingdu City. YCIS liaised with Pingdu City Government to identify families who would be in great need of winter fuel, rice, flour and warm clothing. The Student Council members represented the whole school and carefully delivered each bag to the correct family.
Non-Uniform Day – YCIS students wear a uniform but occasionally one day will be declared “non-uniform day” with the invitation to make a small cash contribution to a cause.
Taken from Yew Chung International School Qingdao
A day in the life of a Yew Chung (YCIS) student holds an array of subjects and opportunities. One unique subject that is part of the curriculum is Character First; this is a comprehensive programme delivered by age appropriate methods, which enlightens the young person and promotes good character.
We live in a society where actions count, the style and manner in which behave is important. Lessons in character formation are fully integrated with the weekly schedule of the students’ timetable. “The Thought of the Day” is a short daily focus pulling on the meaning of one chosen quality, such as patience, forgiveness, attentiveness, tolerance etc. Activities to portray and explain the value of the word can take the form of role-play, discussion or artwork. The focus word maybe reflected upon throughout that day and of course at any time when needed later on. Students are encouraged to practice the quality when interacting at school, at home and with the community.
“We believe that the classroom activities are fundamental to allow the children to learn about these qualities,” says a YCIS Primary teacher. “Positive praise and encouragement is vital and a child who perhaps does not excel academically can feel rewarded in other ways, boosting their confidence as a person.”
The Character Formation Programme allows a weekly reflection of the typical behaviour of well known animals, helping the children to understand the true meaning of the gesture and character. For example, “diligence” the meaning is gathered through a story of a beaver that keeps working hard, finishing his
task, concentrating and not being lazy. A song, a story, lesson activities and discussions of how to display this personality all contribute to the embracement by the children.
Another example is “hospitality” illustrated by cheerfully sharing food, shelter and friendship with others. The bighorn sheep is the most mature female, leading the flock to find all that they need. Her vigilance and unselfish qualities allow others to eat first whilst she stands guard. The children learn more of her behaviour and can be reminded to:
Welcome visitors
Make others feel special
Prepare for guests
Gladly share
Expect nothing in return.
‘Expect nothing in return’ is at the heart of charitable efforts. “Love and Charity” features in one line of the YCIS School Motto; staff are always keen to explore channels to reach those worse off than ourselves. We are always so impressed with the response shown by our students (with the tremendous support of parents) when we initiate a new drive to give to others. Previous charitable efforts have included:
Pancake Breakfast – prepared at 6:00am on campus by Secondary students, served and sold to all our families between 7:30-8:30am. The funds raised here were taken on an Experiencing China Trip to Xian;
whereby the students visited an orphanage and made the donation.
24 hour Famine – the Secondary students managed to keep going on lots of water only; they camped at school to support each other. By asking family and friends to sponsor them they raised an impressive amount for an orphanage in Inner Mongolia during a student trip.
Charity Bazaar – children donated unwanted books and toys and sold them to raise funds to contribute to the Yew Chung Sichuan Earthquake Fund.
The Giving Tree – each student took home a large travel bag with details of a student in rural Pingdu City. YCIS liaised with Pingdu City Government to identify families who would be in great need of winter fuel, rice, flour and warm clothing. The Student Council members represented the whole school and carefully delivered each bag to the correct family.
Non-Uniform Day – YCIS students wear a uniform but occasionally one day will be declared “non-uniform day” with the invitation to make a small cash contribution to a cause.
Taken from Yew Chung International School Qingdao