Holistic Development with Qingdao Students

Students at YCIS Qingdao have begun participating in this year's Primary School Student Council. The YCIS philosophy and objectives place heavy emphasis on personal development and holistic development. The Student Council encourages this. Students are elected by their peers, meaning that all students take ownership of the council, and feel they can contribute, be it directly or indirectly. For the students who are elected, they learn vital life skills including decision-making ability and responsibility. It has been fascinating watching the students developing their skills of leadership. Through the student council, students learn that leadership is about more than simply giving orders. They learn to listen and compromise; and they develop empathy. The students also learn they can make a difference to others. These are skills, which are emphasized throughout the YCIS Character Education program.

The program begins with a day off timetable where the children discuss their goals for the year, in much the same way as their teachers make a strategic plan each year. On this day they learn the most effective ways to communicate with others, and they do team building activities to foster a sense of togetherness. Again, this is very similar to the team building activities, which their teachers do at the start of the year. This year the council will be running a tuck-shop, with profits going to the Seeds of Hope charity. The Student Council will also set up individual fundraisers throughout the course of the year. They will also have the opportunity to feed back concerns from their peers to the management of the school. Students in both Huangdao and Qingdao campus work together to make this a success.

The Qingdao Campus student council is overseen by Mrs. Santoso, our EAL teacher; this council is purely represented by Primary students. In Huangdao Campus Mrs. Gakes and Ms. Magnotte support the council attended by Secondary students. It is a great example of how YCIS Qingdao looks beyond simply academics to foster skills, which will prepare our students for life in a competitive global society.

John McEnhill(Qingdao Campus) Campus Coordinator