The 8th Annual VIS (Vision of International Study) Conference was held in Shanghai this March 17-19, 2023. The conference’s theme was “New Concept, New Ecology, New Practice.” Focused on international education, it brought together experts and scholars to discuss relevant topics and cutting-edge hot spots. Ms. Li Wenping, Executive Principal of Tsinghua International School, attended the conference and delivered the keynote speech titled “Building the Characteristics of Schools for Foreign Children”.
Bringing a wonderful speech to the audience, Ms. Li Wenping discussed three aspects: top-level design of school characteristics, building distinctive school features, and the development of the school brand. She used the educational practices at THIS as a case study to elaborate on the topic introducing our school’s characteristics.
For top-level design of the school’s characteristics, Ms. Li Wenping suggested that the school’s characteristics should be built around the mission. The mission of THIS is “to foster creative critical thinkers who have roots in China and are prepared to lead in the global community.” The school’s teaching and learning are based on its mission having it serve as a guideline. Our students have deep Chinese roots, excellent bilingual abilities, critical thinking skills, and an innovative spirit. They are able to think independently and are preparing to take on important roles in international organizations as well as to speak for China in the international arena.
Also, looking at the future, the present and the past, Ms. Li shared the mission and vision at THIS describing our school features, its opportunities, and its adjustments in educational practice over the years. She highlighted our Tsinghua spirit that continues to lead the school and our community forward.
In terms of building distinctive school features, THIS has rich experience of gradually developed its “international qualification, Chinese roots and Tsinghua characteristics” in the past 13 years. The school cannot successfully exist without the integration of East and West in its curriculum and management system. Mutual respect and collaboration between Chinese and foreign teachers, international accreditation, and a strong Chinese language and cultural foundation are essential.
In 2016, THIS was initially granted WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation and was renewed for another six years in February 2023.
Our students have demonstrated their great love and care for the community through their various public welfare projects. They have also won many awards and have earned high recognition in domestic and international competitions. Our graduates have consistently enrolled in top universities at home and abroad strengthening our reputation in international education.
Her final point, Principal Li Wenping recomen that attention needs to put on promoting the school brand. Three areas of importance for our foreign families in particular are the cultivation of innovative spirit and critical thinking, opportunity for individualized learning and development, and the quality of home-school partnership. Ms. Li mentioned that “when students use their talents, their passions or strengths to serve others, change their communities, and contribute to society, it creates a sense of accomplishment, and this sense of accomplishment becomes an “internal drive” that promotes students’ self-development. “ Equal emphasis is placed on integrity and ability, which includes active participation in society, personal growth, and development of a solid cultural foundation. To be a part of this new generation of outstanding international youth, students should have dreams in their hearts, paths under their feet, and light in their eyes.
