King’s College School Hangzhou is one of Dipont Education’s latest independent school developments, providing an internationalized learning experience while maintaining the requirements of the Chinese curriculum.
William Thomson, Marketing and Admissions Officer, tell us about how the school’s learning goes beyond the curriculum to produce happy, well-rounded young adults:
“Every one of the students at King’s College Hangzhou completes a wide range of sporting, creative, academic and service co-curricular activities (CCA), four days a week. On top of this, they have clubs at lunchtimes and after school that lead to competitions and tournaments against other schools. This is one of the ways in which we produce happy, well-rounded young adults who, when they leave us, are ready for higher education and the wider world.
“The co-curricular program at King’s College School Hangzhou is one of the main ways in which we bring our pupils together in one community. The huge range of activities and inter-house events creates an inclusive culture, allowing pupils to make friends, form relationships that help them feel secure within their school, take risks, and face new challenges.
These attributes are essential in our pupils becoming curious explorers and innovators, able to tackle problems in new, creative ways, and to succeed in their lives. Sport is one of the key aspects of our co-curricular program as we believe it plays a vital role in the development of our students.
“As we approach the exam season, sport can be a hugely beneficial tool to relieve stress, particularly for our older students. Whilst Mark Culverhouse, our Director of Sport, always strives to provide excellent training sessions for our elite-level athletes, his primary objective is to provide opportunities for all students, irrespective of age and ability. Staff in our physical education department are therefore delighted about the number of clubs, sessions and fixtures we have been able to run for our students this semester.
“Perhaps a highlight of the semester thus far has been the visit of James Goddard, the decorated British Olympic swimmer. After he spoke to our students about how he became a world-class swimmer (and showed off his Commonwealth Games Gold medals!), he led our Grade 5 International and Bilingual School students in a backstroke masterclass. Following this, he was able to provide valuable advice to our elite-level Grade 7 and 10 swimmers during their CCA session. Our students thoroughly enjoyed James’ classes and were inspired to continue their hard work in the pool.
“Another sports highlight of semester two has been the number of fixtures we have played against other schools in both Hangzhou and Shanghai. Our International School students have played in both the U11 and U13 football teams while the dance squad proved victorious at the Shanghai Schools Sports Association Dance Festival.
“In a short time, we have established a culture in which everyone feels able to try their hardest, and enjoy sport and co-curricular activities. In the next few years, our programs will grow as we add more options for students and push them to find success in many different ways. If you would like to find out more please do not hesitate to get in touch and visit our beautiful campus.”
