At SIS we believe in developing the whole child. Our holistic education provides a strong foundation in core academic subjects such as English, Maths, Science and Social Studies. We also believe that a student’s social and emotional well-being must be nurtured. Students are supported by a community of professionals from the classroom teacher to our learning support staff including, an English as an Additional Language teacher, a learning innovation coach, counsellors, and a student support team.
We provide experiences for children to discover their passions and strengths, through classroom learning, after school activities, field trips, and collaborations within the local community.
We offer three programmes to meet the diverse educational needs of our families.
The International Programme
Chinese Bilingual Progaramme
French International Programme
The International Programme is offered in nursery through to the last year of high school, grade 12. In the International Programme, the language of instruction is English. From nursery through prek-2, children are exposed to Mandarin through songs and storytelling. Beginning in kindergarten, students begin their second language, Mandarin. Students in primary engage in Mandarin lessons four times per week and each lesson is 40 minutes long. Mandarin is taught by native speakers. When students reach Secondary they may continue to study Mandarin or they may choose to learn French.
The Chinese Bilingual Programme, offered in grades 1 to 5, provides instruction in English and Chinese. Approximately 60% of the instruction is in English with the other 40% in Mandarin. Each classroom features an English speaking teacher along with a Mandarin speaking teacher. These teachers use a combination of co-teaching along with single-language teaching.
When students enter Secondary, they may continue to study Mandarin choosing Chinese Language & Literature which may lead to a bilingual International Baccalaureate Diploma.
The French International Programme, offered in prek-1 through grade 5, gives students the opportunity to learn three languages. With 50% of lessons in French, 40% in English and 10% in Mandarin, students are taught using a combination of co-teaching and single language teaching.
When students enter Secondary, they may continue to study French choosing French Language & Literature which may lead to a bilingual International Baccalaureate Diploma.
While SIS offers three programmes to meet the educational objectives of our diverse community, we like to say “Three Inspiring Programmes, One Caring Community.”
Whether your child is enrolled in the International Programme, the Chinese Bilingual Programme or the French International Programme, our primary programme is delivered using the International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Programme, PYP. The PYP provides a framework for our teachers to deliver an inquiry-based education where all learning is connected.
To further align our programme, SIS will transition to the MYP in the near future. Currently, students in grades 6 through 10 benefit from the Common Ground Collaborative or the CGC. The CGC expands on the principles learned in the PYP and utilizes inquiry based learning much in the same manner as the MYP.
The International Baccalaureate’s Diploma Programme is delivered to students in grades 11 and 12.
To support our curricular framework, SIS uses the following standards to define critical and age-appropriate knowledge, skill and concepts in each subject area in kindergarten through grade 10.
Whether your child is enrolled in the International Programme, the Chinese As the first international school in Shenzhen, SIS has developed its own curriculum. Inspired by Reggio Emilia and leading play-based curriculums, SIS’s programme centres on the child and encourages development through social collaboration, an inspiring environment and stimulating dialogue.
• Early Years: 14 to 16 children. Each classroom has a teacher and a teaching assistant. Often times, a third adult is in the classroom.
• Kindergarten through grade 12: 22 students. In kindergarten through grade 3 every classroom has a teaching assistant in addition to the teacher. In grades 4 and 5 two teaching assistants work with our four International Programme classroom teachers.
• Each Chinese Bilingual Programme and French International Programme classroom has one teacher and one teaching assistant.
Our teaching staff is as diverse as our student body with teachers coming from 23 different countries and most have higher degrees. Our teachers are recognized as leaders in the region, serving as IB examiners, regional conference leaders and IB workshop leaders. SIS has shared its IB expertise with many schools in the city, hosting numerous workshops.
All staff receive a generous professional development allowance, encouraging continuing education and best practices across all departments. Throughout the school year, teachers and staff share the knowledge gained in courses and workshops, fostering an environment of lifelong learning and curiosity at SIS
Our programme features personalized learning with an emphasis on differentiation within the classroom. If a student is advanced in a specific area, our staff will work with the student to provide extension opportunities
As an inclusive school, SIS accepts children with learning needs as long as resources are available to support the student. Available resources vary from year to year depending on the needs of currently enrolled students.
Our campuses feature multiple spaces for small group pull-out support including a sensory space. Our support includes a team of counsellors, literacy interventionists, student support teachers and assistants that provide a range of small group or individual services.
Learning needs, including assessments or plans, should be disclosed at the time of application so that we know what additional support a child may need. Failure to disclose needs or documentation may affect a student’s enrollment.
The purpose of homework is to consolidate, reinforce and apply skills and concepts taught in class. In general, homework will equal approximately 10 minutes per night per grade. For example, grade 1x10 = 10 minutes, grade 2 x10 minutes = 20 minutes etc.. This continues through grade 8.
Students in high school, grades 9 through 12, will have between 90 and 120 minutes of homework, depending on their course load
Our goal is to create balanced classrooms, which put every student in the best possible position to be successful. We carefully review the application documents submitted and consider the results of the assessment and interview. We will factor in gender, culture, academic history, language, behavioural, social, and emotional needs of students and the learning style of students to determine the class assignment.
SIS has three unique campuses, each catering to the age group it hosts.
Nursery through Kindergarten
Our youngest learners attend the Jingshan campus. Set in a beautiful and secure green environment, the campus features multiple outdoor green spaces, two indoor gyms, a water play area and basketball courts. Our youngest learners have plenty of space to explore and learn. The Jingshan library carries books in English, Korean, French, German and Mandarin. Classrooms are richly appointed with support materials to facilitate play-based learning.
Grades 1 through 5
This year we opened our newest campus, The Bay. This purpose-built campus features two science labs, a cooking suite, an auditorium and a multi-story library which offers books in English, Chinese, French and German. Our arts department features a music and visual arts suite. The campus offers a gym, sports field, basketball court and multiple play areas scattered throughout the campus. Built in a u-shape, the design of the building promotes teaming across grade levels and programmes in our functional classrooms.
Grades 6 through 12
Just one year ago, we opened our Net Valley campus. Located in an urban setting, this campus has a college feel with a design centre, multiple recording studios and practice rooms, and a visual arts suite. We have both an auditorium and a black box theatre. Classrooms feature flexible learning spaces intentionally designed to allow for a range of diverse learning experiences. Our urban campus even features a golf simulator.
All our campuses are located in Shekou, and it is a short 15 minute walk from the The Bay campus to Jingshan. From Jingshan to Net Valley is approximately a 15 to 20 minute walk.
In nursery through grade 5, the school day is from 8am to 3pm. Secondary students, grades 6 through 12, attend school from 8:30am to 3:30pm.
We offer bus service throughout Shenzhen. In addition to a morning bus service, buses depart immediately after school, and a second bus service is provided for those students taking an after school activity.
All buses can be tracked using an app. This allows parents to see where the bus is en route in real-time and plan accordingly.
Students may bring a lunch from home, or they may purchase from our outsourced hot lunch provider. Students at The Bay may also purchase breakfast from our outsourced provider. Cafeteria information can be found here.
Microwaves are available for students who bring lunch from home.
Starting in Kindergarten, SIS offers ASAs. ASAs are an essential part of school life and allow children to explore new activities and perhaps even discover their passion. We offer three cycles of ASAs and sign-ups are through an online platform, Schools Buddy. While most ASAs are offered by our teachers and are free or charged at a nominal fee, we bring in experts from the community to round out our ASA offerings. Those ASAs offered by the community are chargeable, and parents pay for their child to attend.
ASAs usually vary from trimester to trimester. The offerings are as varied as yoga to chess, robotics to gardening. Primary ASAs are from 3:10 to 4:15, while secondary ASAs are from 3:35 to 4:30.
SIS offers two after school bus services, one for those leaving directly after school and the other for ASA participants
SIS is a founder and member of several sports leagues. It’s important that students have the opportunity to learn to compete in team and or individual sports. Beginning in grade 4, students may join the basketball, soccer, touch rugby, badminton, swimming or track and field teams and compete in matches with other area schools.
In secondary, students can compete in different leagues throughout China and other countries in Asia. As a founding member of the Association of China and Mongolia International Schools (ACAMIS), students can join additional teams such as tennis and golf in addition to the team sports listed above.
Our community of parents, students and staff is truly unique. Our active Parent Support Association (PSA) is an integral part of our caring community. The PSA plans activities for our students throughout the school year, including popcorn Friday, school dances, movie night, and the harvest festival. All parents are members of the PSA and are invited to volunteer to support these exciting events.
We believe in working in partnership with parents; this is why we offer parent education sessions (ParentEdU) throughout the school year. Topics vary from English language support to children's social and emotional growth, among many others. The more knowledge we share, the more we can work together to support your child’s education.
Students from nursery to grade 10 are required to wear a uniform. Students in grades 11 and 12 are expected to dress in business casual attire or the school uniform. The uniform is provided by an outsourced supplier and is not covered in the tuition fees. Two times a year, our school hosts a pop-up store where students may purchase the uniform on campus. At other times, the uniform may be purchased online through the uniform store.
Communication with parents is through a variety of sources. In the Early Years and Primary, we use Seesaw. Seesaw is a platform for student engagement and allows you to see a portfolio of student work and view classroom notices. In Primary and Secondary, we also utilise ManageBac. ManageBac allows you to see homework assignments, teacher comments and school notifications.
Every week you will receive a newsletter from our Head of School and another from each division principal. WeChat is widely used in parent groups.
Parent conferences are held throughout the school year, but parents are always welcome to meet with our staff if they have questions.
The first step in the admissions process is to attend an online Open Day. Open Days are offered approximately every three weeks. They will familiarize you with our teaching philosophy, provide a look at our campuses and facilities and give you an idea of our environment. Following attendance at an online Open Day, you will be invited for an in-person tour.
At any time, you may begin your child’s application or register for our Open Day.
