From July 5th to July 16th, Xi’an Liangjiatan International School hosted a two-week boarding camp with the theme of “Around the World in 10 Days” with the SDG focus #4, Quality Education.
SDG Goal 4: ensure inclusive and fair quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
With the theme of “Around the World in 10 Days”, this summer camp offered classes of Mandarin, Science, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Dance, Swimming, PSPE and ECA courses including paddleboarding, rugby and other sports. Teachers of various subjects led students to understand the history, culture, language and customs of countries from different regions of the world. During this period, the students showed their learning through song and dance performances, artwork, 3-D modeling, STEM projects, visual and print media products, etc. On July 16th, we have an exhibition on campus to show the students’ growth and achievements over the past two weeks.
Additionally, the students in this camp have experienced a wealth of night activities in school, such as “movie night” and “reading night”. During this period, we were surprised to find that many children, with the help of teachers and classmates, have become more confident in unfamiliar environments. Some have even begun to learn to be extra caring and supportive to friends, which makes us feel very grateful. All of these are in line with the pillars of an IB education, such as “establishing international-mindedness” and “being inclusive and open-minded”.
Homeroom Class
During our homeroom classes, students were encouraged to explore their regions’ geography, culture, language, food, art and historical landmarks through the eyes of a tourist. They used books, websites, maps and videos to gather information for their projects. English language support was provided by the teachers and allowed new English learners to practice their communication skills while learning about new places. In addition, we supported student choice and allowed the students to guide learning and express their creativity and skills in multiple ways. We look forward to seeing all their research and planning come to fruition at the final exhibition!
Mandarin
In Mandarin class, students began to study travel brochures. They inquired into the language and design of a travel brochure to build media literacy and learn new ways of presenting information. The students designed and created their own brochures while practicing their Chinese writing skills.
Performing Arts & Dance
In Performing Arts, students were introduced to the ancient art of shadow plays and puppetry. During the past two weeks, they planned and prepared their own puppet shows to share with all of us! In Dance, students learned about and practiced traditional dances from different regions and will showed off their new moves soon!
Visual Arts
In Visual Arts, students began to analyze footsteps, feet, and tracks; in art history, across cultures and time. This survey ranged from tribal societies, the Renaissance, to contemporary American artists. Through their research and inspiration, students created three of their own decorative footprints or feet that represent themselves. Later, they created a relief print or a spray paint stencil (or both) of their favorite footprint design to add to the final exhibition.
Although we are unable to go abroad to experience the unique charm of different countries due to the epidemic; we believe that through this summer camp, a seed has been planted in the hearts of our students. This seed will lead them to see the world with an inclusive attitude and a diversified perspective. Through learning to understand the history and culture of different countries, students can establish global thinking from childhood and gradually shape their global competencies. This will provide them with a good foundation for becoming an outstanding world citizen in the future.
Click here to check the video of XLIS 2021 SDGs Summe Camp Ⅱ.
Author:
XLIS Summer Camp Team
Sloane Hill (EAL and MYP English Language Acquisition Teacher)
Fancy Fan (Student & Parent Center Officer）
