From August 2003 the Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) will
extend the current scope of educational programs beyond Grade
8 and introduce High School Grades 9-12. An interim facility
is being constructed on-site to deliver the Middle School/High
School programs, while we develop a self-contained new campus
scheduled to open in August 2005. High School classes will
be introduced in successive years commencing with Grade 9
in August 2003 and Grade 10 in August 2004.
The Middle School/High School will continue to introduce
the world renowned International Baccalaureate Middle Years
Program (IBMYP) that will provide a seamless educational philosophy
linking the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program
(IBPYP) which is delivered in the Early Childhood and Elementary
School, to a full IB Diploma Program in the High School. Each
course places strong emphasis on the ideals of international
understanding and responsible citizenship.
The aim of the Middle School/High School is to create an
educational environment that recognizes the learning needs
of students and addresses emerging issues in the adolescent
years of schooling. These issues require a safe physical and
academic learning environment that helps foster self esteem,
builds confidence, and provides peer and relationship support.
Attention to pastoral care as well as scholastic excellence
will ensure that students are motivated and confident to achieve
their academic potential as well as global citizenship.
The Western Academy's unique vision for education will continue
to underpin program design, pedagogy and environment for the
new school development. The WAB philosophy is based on the
development of a challenging and caring environment that fosters
critical thinking and enquiry-based skills. Students, staff
and parents are encouraged to collectively participate in
the development and support of student learning, particularly
emphasizing the growth of communication, higher order thinking
and evaluation skills.
The Western Academy of Beijing has developed an internationally
benchmarked curriculum framework that includes achievement
standards and learning outcomes to guide teaching and assessment
practice. Each curriculum document is developed using a scope
and sequence map that outlines conceptual development over
time. This ensures that individual learning needs are addressed
through rich and stimulating programs designed by teachers
and facilitated by generous resourcing. Enrichment and support
programs assist all students to achieve progress, with a focus
on literacy and numeracy development in the early years.
The Western Academy of Beijing believes in balancing the
educational needs of students to encompass intellectual, social,
emotional, physical, moral and aesthetic development. The
educational program provides students with a fundamental respect
for the beliefs and values of other people, and will take
full advantage of the culture of its host country, China.
Teachers enhance programs with an international perspective
and are selected for their professionalism, high qualifications,
skills and creativity. Individual professional development
is both supported and expected, while the school creates an
atmosphere in which staff expertise and talent enriches the
school community as a whole. Parents are encouraged to participate
as partners in the education process to support and encourage
student progress and achievement.
The Western Academy is founded on specific beliefs about
learning. They are:
• Every student at WAB is valued as an individual
Teachers meet each student's learning needs and tailor learning
programs to ensure progress and achievement. Teachers ensure
that students set goals for achievement. Assessment processes
are formative and summative to ensure that students receive
quality feedback to inform further learning.
• All students are encouraged to develop independent
learning skills (metacognitive) that can be used as the foundation
for life long learning
Programs are based on an enquiry based learning approach that
includes researching, problem solving, investigating, and
higher order thinking skills.
• The school is committed to international education
and well as recognizing the needs of international students
The curriculum is benchmarked to meet international standards
with learning outcomes, achievement standards and regular
accreditation with the European Council of International Schools
(ECIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges
(NEASC). The school is the first international school in China
to receive NCCT Chinese accreditation.
• Teaching programs maximize the learning opportunities
of being in Beijing
The school participates in, and engages with Chinese culture
through teaching programs, after school activities and in
traditional celebrations.
• Teaching programs integrate the use of Information
and Communication Technologies (ICT) as an essential tool
in learning Students have access to computer suites and are
able to apply their skills in classrooms using laptops. Access
to the Internet in a safe learning environment enables students
to access resources and present information, thus using ICT
as a communication and a learning tool.
• Students participate in Community Service and
develop skills of global citizenship
The school's program includes both curricular and co-curricular
activities that provide well-organized and coordinated community
participation. Students are encouraged to think about the
application of honesty, fairness, and friendship within society
so they establish a moral framework that includes empathy
and consideration for others.
• Parents as Partners
Involvement of parents as essential supporters of learning
is encouraged to ensure that students feel part of an extended
school/home community.
