Before coming to China, she worked as Head of Early Years at Sarum Hall School, in London and taught pupils of all ages for five years at the British International School, Cairo. Ms Brookes’ educational philosophy is one of research-based, child-centered practice and a commitment to providing an inclusive, welcoming and supportive environment in which all children can learn successfully and fulfill their potential.

Here, she talks to us about the primary school at our latest independent school in China.

How is the primary school curriculum set up?

We are a 12-year school with a curriculum based on the Chinese National Curriculum with modern educational elements, teaching resources and methods. We place a strong emphasis on subjects such as performing arts and sports and have Chinese and foreign teachers who have strong educational backgrounds and experience.

“I want to embed a belief in pupils taking personal responsibility for their learning and behavior as well as the development of well-rounded individuals. We seek to prepare pupils for modern life and work, whilst staying true to the traditional values of good manners, independence and resilience.”

Who are some of the outstanding teachers in the primary section?

Mr Miki Devitt is a British primary school and boarding specialist who boasts an enviable track record of supporting pupils with entrance examination success to some of the most prestigious schools in the United Kingdom. He sets equally high standards when coaching rugby, having refereed this popular British sport at a national level. Mr Devitt joins King’s Chengdu from the much-celebrated Oundle School, which is widely regarded as one of Britain’s leading co-educational day and boarding schools.

King’s Chengdu is delighted to have appointed Mr Andrew Nesbit to our English and EAL department. Such is his talent for making the apparently intangible tangible that he has amassed over 6,000 subscribers as the host of a popular YouTube channel for English teachers.

There are, of course, too many talented teachers from China and the UK who teach at KCS Chengdu that I can’t mention them all! We want our pupils to really thrive in a cultural environment that is both eastern and western.

What is a typical day at KCS Chengdu Primary School?

Pupils begin their day with their form tutor or class teacher before beginning their lessons at 8.45am. Lower Primary pupils stay mainly in their own classroom while Upper Primary pupils move around to specialist lessons.

Students will have lessons until 4.05pm after which time they go on to extracurricular activities. Friday afternoons from 2.20pm are given over to co-curricular activities and house competitions.

How does the school meet the needs of children with different educational backgrounds?

Teachers with the correct support and training should always be able to meet the needs of a diverse range of pupils. An important part of teacher training in the UK centers around the need to differentiate within a class to meet individual needs.

This means that when teachers plan their lessons they do not just use one exercise or one textbook, but take resources from a range of areas. They will also use a range of different teaching activities to engage different kinds of learners. In addition, where possible and where necessary, we will also stream a class (group pupils into similar levels) in order to provide more directed learning in that subject.

How does KCS assess pupils’ progress and development?

At KCS Chengdu we aim for rigor whilst also making lessons interesting, engaging and collaborative. As with all schools in the UK, we put emphasis on pupils doing things for themselves, as in the long term this is much more beneficial than being taught by rote. However, we also understand that parents want regular indications of their child’s progress and that’s why we send a monthly data report detailing various aspects such as effort and analysis of performance in all subjects.

Are there many children in the school who take extra lessons outside of the classroom?

I believe that the only extra classes any pupil should take are those that interest them or for the chance to try something new. I love to talk to pupils who have a real passion for something they do outside of school. However, when pupils take too many outside classes it can have a detrimental effect on their learning in school as they are often too tired to engage properly.

We believe that a pupil-centered school will produce outstanding pupils. On the KCS Chengdu campus, you won’t see studying machines with their heads in the sand, you will see radiant learners who are also artists, actors, directors, singers, computer specialists and runners. They are just like the British pupils I have worked with and even more remarkable because they have been immersed in a more international and bilingual environment from an early age.

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Staff and teachers welcomed excited students and their families for the first day of term.

Dipont KCS Chengdu is the third independent school campus that Dipont has developed in partnership with King’s College School, Wimbledon, one of the most academically successful schools in the world.

Preparations for Dipont KCS Chengdu have been taking place all year, with activity particularly fast-paced over the summer. Teachers from China and abroad arrived at the school in August to take part in training and induction, while final touches were added to the meticulously designed and constructed campus.

All government-mandated tests were also passed ahead of the historic first day, including standards on indoor environmental pollution. To further ensure pupil and staff health and safety, the covid-19 health status of all members of the school community was checked and facilities provided to prevent the spread of the virus.

Founding head, Mike Seaton, said of the school: “To see it all come to fruition is one of the greatest privileges that a school leader can possibly enjoy.”

Dipont KCS Chengdu is located northeast of Chengdu city center and at capacity will serve more than 2,100 students from 3 to 18 years of age.

The school offers a blended curriculum that combines the best of Chinese and western approaches to learning and academic excellence.

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Mike Seaton on teaching and learning at King’s Chengdu:

Mike Seaton on co-curricular activities at King’s Chengdu:

We’re seeking inspiring educators to join King’s College School Chengdu, which will open in September 2021. If you’re interested in joining this exciting new venture, visit the independent school jobs pages to browse the current vacancies. 

Please note that since September 2021, the school has been known as Dipont KCS Chengdu.

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British school leader Mike Seaton will lead King’s College School Chengdu, which is set to open in September 2021.

At capacity, the whole school will serve more than 2,100 students from 3 to 18 years of age, offering a blended curriculum that combines the best of Chinese and western approaches to learning and academic excellence.

King’s Chengdu is the third independent school campus that Dipont has developed in partnership with King’s College School, Wimbledon, one of the most academically successful schools in the world.

Dipont signed a partnership agreement with KCS in 2014 to develop a network of schools in China, including Nanwai King’s College School Wuxi and RDFZ King’s College School Hangzhou, which are now entering their third years of operation. Dipont also has a number of other new school projects currently in development.

International and UK background

Bringing with him an award-winning background in British independent schools, Mike joins Dipont from global private schools group, Cognita, where he has held various positions, including Director of Education (UK). In addition, he spent three years as headmaster at Huddersfield Grammar School, his tenure resulting in the school’s first Sunday Times ranking in the UK, national media attention for curricular innovation and its success as national winner at the Independent Schools Association (ISA) Awards.

Mike’s career has also seen him work internationally, including several leadership positions in schools in South East Asia. He also played an integral role in the establishment of an overseas arm of another leading British independent school, Brighton College, where he served as Head of Senior School.

Throughout his varied professional experience, Mike has placed very deliberate emphasis on providing whole child education that supports students to thrive and grow into capable, independent adults. He believes that education goes beyond the classroom in developing students who have the character and attributes needed to succeed in today’s world.

First post in China

The founding head role will be Mike’s first posting to China, although he has visited the country on several occasions, including during his MBA studies in educational leadership.

He is excited to be leading a school that combines King’s world-class reputation with Dipont’s rich experience in developing internationalized schools in China.

“There’s a great zest for learning in China and I am committed to ensuring that King’s College School Chengdu delivers one of the strongest and most innovative educational experiences on offer in Asia,” he said. “I am passionate about combining the best of Chinese education with the holistic educational approach for which British independent schools are renowned.

“From our state-of-the-art campus, we will ensure that exceptional learning takes place both within and beyond the classroom. Thanks to our outstanding partnership, King’s Chengdu pupils will benefit from links with KCS through student exchanges and support in applying to the best universities in the UK and beyond.”

While Mike is due to arrive in China in January 2021, he has already been working remotely with colleagues at King’s and Dipont on the school’s initial phases of development.

Recruitment for King’s Chengdu has already begun. Opportunities will be available across all sections for highly talented expatriate and Chinese staff who are keen to contribute to the development of a world-class school. Vacancies will be advertised on the Dipont careers pages as they are confirmed.

Please note that since September 2021, the school has been known as Dipont KCS Chengdu.

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King’s College School Chengdu will welcome its first pupils in September 2021 and follows the successful development of Nanwai King’s College School Wuxi and RDFZ King’s College School Hangzhou, which are now in their third year of operation. Dipont also has a number of other new school projects currently in development.

Originally set to open in 2022, the Chengdu school’s opening has been brought forward due to the excellent progress of the build phase and support from local government. At capacity, the whole school will serve more than 2,100 students from 3 to 18 years of age.

World-class campus

The school’s campus is located northeast of Chengdu city center with beautiful hills and open green spaces surrounding it. The district is being developed for high-end residential projects and as an area for leisure and tourism.

The facilities at the school will be outstanding and include a 600-seat theatre, first-class laboratories, sports fields, a running track and a 50m indoor pool.

As with previous schools in the Dipont-King’s partnership, the aim is to create an educational environment that combines the best of Chinese and western approaches to learning and academic excellence. This will be delivered within a context of first-rate pastoral support and opportunities for pupils to excel outside the classroom.

Internationalized approach

Chinese students at King’s Chengdu will progress through three phases: kindergarten, elementary/junior high and high school. The Chinese curriculum will be delivered in both Chinese and English (utilizing international pedagogy) throughout the compulsory Chinese curriculum phases between Grades 1 and 9.

IGCSE and A-level programs will be delivered in the high school. As has been the case with the schools in Wuxi and Hangzhou, it is expected that Chengdu students will quickly embrace the holistic style of education and inquiry-based pedagogy employed.

An international section will cater to expatriate children through the elementary and junior high school phases, delivering a program based on the English National Curriculum and progressing onto IGCSE and A-level in the high school.

Building a strong team

Recruitment for school leaders, teachers and support staff has already begun. British school leader, Mike Seaton, will lead King’s Chengdu as its founding head.

Opportunities will also be available across all sections for highly talented expatriate and Chinese staff who are keen to contribute to the development of a world-class school. Vacancies will be advertised on the Dipont careers pages, as well as below, as they are confirmed.

Jeff Zhu, vice president at Dipont, said: “We’re delighted to be continuing our partnership with King’s College School, Wimbledon to open our first independent school in western China. Chengdu is a fantastic location for the new school, with a local government that’s committed to the internationalization of education in the city and parents that are keen to embrace a new approach to learning.”

Andrew Halls, headmaster at King’s College School, Wimbledon, added: “We know from our experience with Dipont already how important learning is to everyone in China. Fusing western and Chinese educational styles is a really exciting endeavor for King’s to be involved in and we’re grateful to the authorities of Chengdu for showing their faith in us. We’re pleased to continue working with Dipont – our collaboration has led to such success in Wuxi and Hangzhou and we now have solid and strong foundations for the building of this wonderful new school in Chengdu.”

Please note that since September 2021, the school has been known as Dipont KCS Chengdu.

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