International education booming in Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone

Source: hubei.gov.cn 03/27/2018 04:03:35

Break time at the Wuhan French International School.(photo by Mei Tao/ Hubei Daily)

Class time at the Wuhan Yangtze International School. (photo by Mei Tao/ Hubei Daily)

Kids having Chinese class at Wuhan Yangtze International School. (photo by Mei Tao/ Hubei Daily)

On March 15, ISA International School of Wuhan, an investment project worth more than one billion yuan, settled down in the Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone (hereinafter referred to as “WETDZ” ). With an area of 170 mu, this school is expected to open in 2020.

WETDZ, where the most foreigners live in Wuhan, has been attaching great importance to international education in recent years . At the end of 2013, the WETDZ government designated a site of 44 mu between Sanjiao Lake and Houguan Lake for international education.

At present, two international schools: Wuhan Yangtze International School and French International School of Wuhan are opening here.

Founded in 2003, Wuhan Yangtze International School (WYIS) is the first international school in Wuhan. It's an American school that only enrol foreign children from kindergarten to high school.

The French International School of Wuhan (EFIW) was created in September 2008, covering an area of 30,000 square meters. It aims to provide French education from kindergarten to high school for children of foreign workers who hold valid residence certificate in China. According to the president of the EFIW, the school currently has 85 students, mainly from countries such as France, Brazil and Algeria.

At Taizi Lake, in Wuhan ZDET, there is another international school: San New School. Founded in 2015, this high school is created by Fan Ben, expert of China’s "Thousand Talent Program". It is the first American-style boarding school in Wuhan. According to Fan, the school currently has more than 400 students, of whom more than 20% are children of senior executives and foreign experts in Wuhan.

In addition to these international schools, a good number of pulic schools in the region also offer international curricula, aimed at training local talents with an international vision. No.1 Senior High School of Wuhan Economic Development Zone opened the Sino-French class since 2006 , Jianghan University and Wuhan University of Commerce all opened the foreign language department.

Breif Introduction to Wuhan Yangtze International School

Wuhan Yangtze International School (WYIS) is an English-language international school located within the Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone (WHDZ) in Wuhan, Hubei, China.

WYIS provides a respected education for Pre-K through Grade 12 expatriate children. WYIS implements an American-based curriculum with an international focus using English as the main language of instruction.

Founded in 2003 with seven students, WYIS has expanded to over 200 students today. Serving more than 35 nations and territories demonstrates the value of diversity within the school environment. There is also a strong partnership between the school and parents that allows for effective student learning.

WYIS challenges students to build a solid foundation by critical thinking, group work, and a diverse offering of studies. An emphasis on character development is present throughout the school, and students are challenged to consider their own gifts and talents and how they can impact the world around them.

History & Mission
Beginning in 2003, South Lake international School (SLIS) opened with seven students in Wuchang. Within two years, SLIS moved to a more spacious campus in the WHDZ within San Jiao Hu Elementary School. By 2007, SLIS had changed its name to Wuhan Yangtze International School. WYIS received full accreditation status in 2008 and its official international school license from the national government of the PRC in 2011. Partnering with the WHDZ government, construction of the new campus began in 2012 with the school beginning classes on the new campus in January 2014. WYIS’ diverse community has come from more than 35 countries and territories during its history.

WYIS' mission is to educate the whole child socially, spiritually, intellectually, physically, and emotionally to become a dynamic individual of truth and excellence who positively contributes to society. As such, a variety of opportunities are provided for students both inside and outside of the classroom. WYIS also believes that parental involvement is a key indicator of successful learning.

Academics
Wuhan Yangtze International School prepares students for higher learning with a challenging and supportive standards-based curriculum. Its academic program is designed with research-based tools and methods to help students become dynamic individuals of truth and excellence. The academic learning environment caters to the needs of all students. Students are encouraged to succeed in small, interactive classes where they can receive targeted and individualized instruction. Teachers use hands-on learning activities, field trips, and classroom projects to support student learning. WYIS is an excellent choice for parents committed to post-secondary preparation.

Campus Location & Highlights
WYIS is located on a purpose-built campus. The facilities include an academic building, performing arts center, and sports complex. The academic building consists of 28 large classrooms, a spacious library with break-out rooms, two fully-equipped science labs, and two art studios. The self-contained Early Childhood Center (ECC) consists of large rooms with direct access to the outdoor play area and in-room, bathroom facilities. Students enjoy a completely climate-controlled indoor environment. Outdoor spaces include separate ECC and elementary playgrounds, basketball courts, a weights room, and a full-size, natural turf soccer pitch. The sports center includes a full-size indoor gymnasium.