aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 1 Contents Our RamNation Our Community 4 Letter from the Director 62 AISG’s Annual Fund 6 Leadership Team 64 Annual Fund Speaker Series 7 Letter from the Board of Governors 69 Our Alumni 8 Year in Numbers 70 Our Students 72 Our Faculty Our Strategic 74 Our PTA Direction Our Support 12 Strategic Vision Framework Systems & 16 Master Facilities Plan Resources Our Celebration 80 Facilities & Operations of Learning 82 Communications 84 Finances 22 Our Curriculum 24 Academic Progress The Global 26 IBDP Results Pandemic 28 Class of 2021 32 University Acceptances 88 Another Unprecedented Year 34 Elementary School Review 90 Back to School Plan 40 Secondary School Review 91 Pre-Planning Task Force 46 Arts 92 Ram Migration 50 Athletics & Activities 94 Reflections from the Community 54 Innovation & Technology 58 Community Service P u b l i s h e d b y : American International School of Guangzhou A rt D i r e ct i on & P rod u ct i on : Lou O’Brien
2 I our ramnation Our RamNation
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 3 2020 was a year of challenge, resilience, reflection and vision for the American International School of Guangzhou. Kevin Baker, D i r e c t or
4 I our ramnation Letter from the Director W elcome to our Annual Report. Each year, we take a reflective look back on the past academic year to report on our performance, to celebrate our accomplishments, and to share our improvement plans for the future. the strong leadership of the Board and Administration Team, with the dedicated and inspiring efforts of our faculty and staff, and the hard work and dedication of our students, parents and the Guangzhou community, AISG students thrived and excelled. We could only have achieved these extraordinary results during the global pandemic as a united and connected RamNation! As you will see in this year’s annual report, the school’s overall performance is steadily improving and has a firm foundation. We continue to inspire our students to pursue their passions and make a difference in the world through a rigorous program of inquiry- based curriculum, expansive co-curricular programs, community service experiences, and innovative technology training. Honestly, it is a strange time to look back AISG was founded in 1981 to serve the needs of on. The current circumstances have forced the international community in Guangzhou. many of us to re-evaluate priorities and ways In 2020, AISG still passionately and inclusively of working and mobilize new solutions in serves this purpose as our school community order to ensure the safety, care, and learning expands and becomes more diverse. We of all our students and community. The clear proudly look forward to providing the premier message we wanted all stakeholders to dynamic, compassionate, and connected experience during this difficult time is that education in Guangzhou to ensure that each “AISG cares!” Of course, looking back is what AISG student is future-ready! We look forward accountable organizations do: we ask if we to continuing our exciting journey together followed our mission and achieved our goals, in 2021 and beyond with even more excellent if we strengthened our relationships and school performance and greater levels of partnerships, if we helped and supported achievement and impact as together we others with their learning and if we impacted seize the opportunities before us. Enjoy your young lives for the better. We also ask reading! ourselves about what we, as a school, learned and how can we better serve our community Go Rams! going forward. Therefore, the fundamental purpose of our annual report is to look at the Kindest regards, relationship between our actions and our impact. Did we make a difference? 2020 was a year of challenge, resilience, reflection, and vision for the American International School of Guangzhou. Under Kevin Baker, Director
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6 I our ramnation Leadership Team Leadership at the American International School of Guangzhou has oversight of all aspects of the school’s learning and operations. Guided by our school mission, our leadership team is dedicated to creating a forward-thinking school with an environment that values creative learning and quality teaching. B a c k R ow : Anne Martin-Bauer – International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Coordinator Corey Kydd – Director of Athletics and Activities Eric Crabtree – Elementary School Assistant Principal Dirk De Jager – Director of Finance and Operations Robert Bauer – Director of Innovation and Technology Amos Lyso – Secondary School Principal Jamie Robb – Deputy Director Ruth Herrin – Secondary School Director of Teaching & Learning F ront R ow : Kathy Burns – Director of Communications and Marketing Trixie Siemens – Secondary School Assistant Principal Shirley Chan – Director of Human Resources (up to May 2021) Kevin Baker – Director Tatiana Lopukhin – Elementary School Principal Lydia Van Berkhout – Elementary School Director of Teaching & Learning, Primary Years Programme Coordinator Sanja Ilić – Director of Admissions N ot p i c tured : Christy Tan – Director of Human Resources (since May 2021)
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 7 Letter From the Board of Governors D ear AISG Community, I am very pleased to present to you the 2020-2021 Annual Report for AISG. As you read this report, I hope you will be policies to facilitate such activities in able to take the facts and information and the future. view them in totality with all the activities, • We expanded the number of community challenges, and successes that have taken activities to strengthen our identity and place this year. Viewing them with this lens esprit de corps. makes this year’s work and accomplishments even more impressive. As we have endured the latest round of COVID-19 developments and challenges, I Emerging from the heights of the COVID-19 would like to stress again the importance pandemic, we find ourselves in a very strong for all of us to continue working together and stable position compared to other to be dynamic, compassionate, and international schools in China, in the region, connected. We all have a role to play to and around the world. Under the leadership of promote the welfare and development Mr. Kevin Baker and with assistance from our of our children and others. We should all community members, my board colleagues be committed to care for others and to and I were able to achieve the following major promote inclusivity, respect, and dignity. developments: Let us be mindful in our words and action to promote safe, respectful, and productive • We facilitated the entry of nearly all our two-way dialogue. administrative staff and faculty which allowed us to resume full in-person Along with Mr. Kevin Baker, my board learning. colleagues and I are eager to develop and execute strategy, policy, and activities to • We concluded Phase One of the Master ensure that AISG continues to improve upon Facilities Plan and are looking to complete what it provides to all our stakeholders. Phase Two by the end of 2021 calendar Most importantly, we appreciate the year. support from all of you: families, students, PTA, faculty, staff and the corporate and • We completed the school’s strategic diplomatic communities. We are grateful framework, a collaborative process that for all of your contributions, energy, and involved voices from the entire AISG assistance. community, in order to provide a path forward to sustain and strengthen AISG. Mr. Thomas Jung Board Chairman • We diversified and stabilized the school’s financial position with access to lines of credit as well as loan financing. • We laid the framework to expand our development and donation activities and will finalize investment and donation B o a rd o f G o v e rnor s Thomas Jung – Chair, Jane Wang – Vice Chair, Eric Hansen – Treasurer, Tess Cai – Secretary, Frederic Barbier – Member, Carmen Wu – Member, Rick Adams – Member
8 I our ramnation Year in Numbers 150PTA Volunteers Graduating Students 49 44Highest IB Score Ele me ntary School Secondary School Af t e r Sch ool Activi ti es Competitive Athletic Teams 76 52
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 9 N at i onal i t i e s Speaker Series Guests 42Represented at AISG 4 78% of Teachers have Master’s Degrees University 5 Acceptances Perfor m i ng Arts Programs 180+ (Band, Orchestra , Drama , Choir & Dance) Social Me dia Followers on All Platfor m s 14,300
10 I Our Strategic Direction Our Strategic
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 11 Direction
12 I Our Strategic Direction Strategic Vision Framework As a leading international school, AISG’s Strategic Vision Framework reflects the importance of building a sustainable future that takes into account the vast changes in the education market as well as the market we serve. It also highlights how to leverage those changes to provide the most transformational experiences for our community. The journey towards creating the Strategic Vision Framework was extensive and comprehensive, with participation from all areas of the AISG community. Led by the Board of Governors and with the professional guidance of an organizational consulting firm, Triangle Associates, the development of the framework took into consideration data from the community, focus groups, and feedback from stakeholders. It is important to note that this is a framework and not a three- or five-year plan that is common in many schools. As we approach our 40th anniversary next year, AISG’s Strategic Vision Framework creates an exciting, bold and ambitious vision for AISG for the next 40 years. A key outcome from the framework called for AISG to reinforce its foundation, which includes a reexamination of our school’s purpose, vision and mission statements, core values, and value propositions. A continuation of involving the AISG community is instrumental in this foundational work that is planned for the following school year.
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 13 Clarify our Value Revise Mission Proposition Statement Pivot our Purpose Identify our Revise Vision Core Values Statement
14 I Our Strategic Direction The framework also identified four strategic priorities that the community believes will guide them for the next 40 years: School Improvement, Expansion, Training & Consulting and Corporate Social Responsibility. School Expansion Improvements Corporate Social Training & Responsibility Consulting These four strategic priorities are aspirational and are meant to push the boundaries of innovation in a way that is inclusive of both local and global communities. The work on these priorities will be ongoing with the expectation of moving from framework to action by identifying task forces, creating action plans, and identifying projects. Strategic Projects Priorities Foundation Action Plan
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 15 STRATEGIC PRIORITY: SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT AISG will be a hub of education, offering a learning environment that provides a transformative experience through its innovative programs, methods, and spaces, empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and character strengths necessary to be positively impactful global citizens, striving to excel educationally and personally. STRATEGIC PRIORITY: EXPANSION AISG will increase its influence through the physical expansion of its programming, leveraging its expertise to increase accessibility to a diverse population of students within Guangzhou and beyond. STRATEGIC PRIORITY: TRAINING AND CONSULTING AISG will be a leading center of international education, recognized locally, regionally, and globally as a thought leader in curriculum, teaching and learning, and student experience. STRATEGIC PRIORITY: CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AISG will develop and leverage partnerships with businesses, educational institutions, alumni, and non-profit organizations to create a service program that enriches the AISG community and establishes the school as a leading “corporate citizen” in Guangzhou and beyond.
16 I Our Strategic Direction Master Facilities Plan Continuing to Build Innovative Learning Spaces Overall Objective The Master Facilities Plan (MFP) was intentionally designed with the future of learning in mind. A redevelopment project across both campuses, Science Park and Ersha will transform educational spaces into world-class learning environments. This includes large, bright, open learning spaces to promote collaborative and transparent learning while also adopting a sustainable approach with green building design and flexible spaces that can evolve with the pedagogical changes that lie ahead.
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 17 Construction Timeline October 2019 October 2019- August 2020 Sc i e nc e P a rk G ro u nd B r e a k i ng C e r e m on y Phase 1 The kick-off to the MFP was a groundbreaking Sc i e nc e P a rk : Upp e r E l e m e n t a r y ceremony at Science Park. Hosted by the Board Sc h oo l & M a i n En t r a nc e of Governors, the grand event was attended by parents, government officials, consulate A little less than a year after the groundbreaking representatives and many other special guests. ceremony, the brand-new building for the Upper Elementary School and the renovated main entrance November 2020 – were completed on the Science Park campus. The November 2021 (est.) new building then served as a temporary location for the Secondary School while their building was Phase 2 next in line for construction. The new building is a state-of-the-art building that consists of four Sc i e nc e P a rk : R e no v a t e d floors of classrooms and administrative offices, S e cond a r y Sc h oo l including pathfinder hallways, adjustable walls, and innovative furniture to provide varying Phase 2 on the Science Park campus started as learning environments. The canopy-style main soon as the Secondary School students moved to entrance includes a natural skylight that provides the new building in November 2020. Using the a warm welcome and a 54-step grand staircase existing foundation and frame, the renovated with built-in benches that has proven to be a building is now the main academic wing of the favorite spot for people to socialize during the day. Secondary School. The enhancement includes a centralized learning atrium flooded with natural light, flexible learning spaces and innovation labs. June 2021 – June 2021 – January 2022 (est.) August 2021 Phase 3 Phase 3 Sc i e nc e P a rk : N e w Er s h a : C a m p u s Upgr a d e s Und e rgro u nd P a rk i ng a nd Over the 2021 summer, the re-design process started on R e no v a t e d Spor t s F i e l d the Ersha campus by remodeling its external landscape to promote play-based learning, outfitting the To support expansion, a parking area for parents classrooms with innovative furniture and completing and guests is being constructed on the Science Park small refurbishment projects to the existing buildings. campus. The parking area will be located under the current sports field, which will be renovated to have a surrounding walking trail. The expected completion date is December 2021. Future Phases The original planned phases of the MFP were revisited during the 2019-2020 school year with many factors to consider, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the continued focus on quality control to ensure a sustainable and long-term investment. The result was a longer but more realistic timeline with certain projects moved to a later date, such as the enhancement of the athletic and playground facilities at the Science Park campus, which includes two gymnasiums, swimming facilities, and rooftop spaces, and further renovation of the Ersha campus. These projects and their timelines will be further reviewed during the 2021-2022 school year. Most importantly, the MFP plan and the construction continue to move forward, demonstrating the school’s commitment to enhancing learning for all of its community.
18 I Our Strategic Direction
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 19 Construction Numbers Upper Secondary Elementary Building Building SQUARE 8,475m2 13,979m2 METERS 43 NUMBER OF FLOORS 6,306m3 150m3 AMOUNT OF (new foundation) (remodeled building) CONCRETE USED 578t 338t TONS OF REINFORCED STEEL 1,910m2 1,855m2 AREA OF GLASS 26 56 WINDOWS 32 NUMBER OF CLASSROOMS 331,467 151,548* NUMBER OF 779 228* INNOVATION LABS NUMBER OF WORKING HOURS NUMBER OF WORKERS *estimated as of June 30, 2021
20 I Our Strategic Direction Our Celebration
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 21 of Learning
22 I Our Strategic Direction Our Curriculum The American International School of Guangzhou provides the International Baccalaureate Primary Years and Diploma Programme as well as a standards-based curriculum. American Education Reaches Out (AERO), Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are used throughout all phases to tailor a program most relevant to our unique context and learners. AISG is one of only two schools in Asia and the only school in China to have a full Early Childhood through Grade 12 implementation of the PLC at Work framework. PLC (Professional Learning Community) teams work in a continuous cycle of inquiry focused on student learning outcomes and data-informed instruction and assessment. The 2020-2021 school year saw continued growth in our faculty’s approach to hybrid teaching and learning, including experiencing professional development tailored to a range of flexible learning environments. In the first half of the year, many teachers returned to China from their displaced locations abroad. At school, we pivoted with a return to face-to-face instruction, while maintaining all the valuable insights and learning opportunities gained from the prior year including flexibility in planning and instruction, varied and innovative assessment practices, and a focus on student well-being. The 2020-2021 school year provided us with a focus on accelerated learning – by ensuring the most essential learning opportunities
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 23 and assessing the gaps in the taught curriculum from last year, we were able to prepare our students to access the curriculum, stay on track in their learning and excel. PLC teams worked collaboratively to determine the essential elements of our units and distill content into what was most important to cover. This process re-emphasized the importance of all the hard work done over the past few years in identifying power standards and creating a viable and aligned curriculum. English Language Arts, Language Acquisition and Early Childhood were up for curricular review. This process of review includes data- driven research and investigation into the best teaching and learning practices associated with the subject area. Additional curricular work included continuing our development of language phases in Spanish, French and Chinese B, the extension of Robotics in the Lower Secondary School to a whole-year course, the development of NGSS units in the Elementary School’s science lessons, and alignment of health standards across Elementary School. Next year, Mathematics, English as an Additional Language, Learning Support, and our assessment policies are all up for this same data-driven review.
24 I our celebration of learning Academic Progress Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests in Mathematics, Language Usage and Reading are administered twice throughout the year for students in Grades 3-10. MAP tests are adaptive assessments, meaning the difficulty level of the questions are adjusted to best assess students’ abilities. Results are reported in a manner which allows AISG to compare scores from international, US and EARCOS schools. Our Fall 2020 MAP results indicate that AISG students are continuing to perform well above international and US school norms, which is consistent with longitudinal results even with hybrid and distance learning due to COVID-19. AISG scores were higher than, or near to EARCOS norms in most subjects, most notably in Mathematics, which is also consistent with historical results.
Language Usage 250 a i s g a n n ua l r e p o rt 20 20 -20 2 1 I 2 5 200 150 100 50 F a l l 2 0 2 0 M a p C o m p a r a t i v e L e a rn i ng D a t a – Mean Rit Versus Grade Level Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 Reading AISG US INTL EARCOS 250 200 150 100 50 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 Math Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 250 200 150 100 50 Grade 3 Language Usage 250 200 150 100 50 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 AISG US INTL EARCOS
26 I our celebration of learning IBDP Results AISG outperformed last year’s results in every category. For the American International School of Guangzhou, however, success means more than just high grades. When it comes to the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), the school believes in an inclusive approach. AISG allows students to pursue online IBDP courses that we do not offer on-campus or that are blocked by scheduling constraints. We encourage all students to build a program for themselves which may include 2-year IBDP courses, first year IBDP courses and electives. We believe in allowing for as much student choice as possible. AISG’s rigorous IBDP, strong college counseling program, and emphasis on social-emotional wellness provides a unique platform for students to find their best-fit pathway. It is this very balance of providing students with opportunities to take ownership of their learning and creating young adults who are future-ready that cements AISG’s place as the premier international school in Guangzhou. We are incredibly proud of our 2021 graduates and the successes they had with their university applications. Our graduates secured admissions to excellent universities in multiple countries in a highly competitive market. We wish them the very best as they pursue their future dreams and aspirations! Dr. Amos Lyso, S e cond a r y Sc h oo l P r i nc i p a l
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 27 Class of 2021 - IB Results Average Diploma Score 42/49 36.4of all Students Students were Full Diploma Candidates HIGHEST 8 SCORE Graduates in 14/42 National Honor Society Diploma Candidates with Score Over 40 33% n Exam GMearade Diploma Candidates earned 5.85* Bilingual Diplomas An Increase from Last Year’s 5.33 and Outpacing World Average of 4.95 *by those earning the IB diploma WORLDWIDE STATS BASED ON MAY 2021
28 I our celebration of learning Class of 2021 5 5 Online graduates S t u d e nts h av e att e nd e d 100% A I S G s i nc e of students plan k i nd e rgart e n t o a t t e nd 49 u n i v e r s i t y a bro a d ( outside of China ) Students in the Class of 2021 Being part of the RamNation is like being part of a family. We are always taken care of and are welcomed back after graduation. Furthermore, being part of the RamNation is like having pride in the accomplishment our community has made. This helps me make friendships with other people because they realize the RamNation and how dominant our school is. RamNation is a tag that I will be carrying wherever I go, and I will proudly say that I am from the RamNation. And y H a n
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 29 To me, being part of the RamNation means that I’m in a community of caring people who I can always reach out to. It’s about the relationships and memories I’ve made over these past three years - which I will cherish for a long time. M a y a H a n T a y l or 49 Graduates received offers from more than 180 universities worldwide A I S G st u d e nts appl i e d 13+ countriesfor top universities in 3.38* Average GPA (*Grade 9-12 cumulative GPA)
30 I our celebration of learning
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32 I our celebration of learning University Acceptances 2019-2021 Universities listed below with at least one enrolled AISG graduate appear in bold type. A u stral i a Oxford Brookes University j apan Monash University Queen Mary University of London International Christian University University of Sydney University College London Keio University University of Bath Sophia University C anada University of Birmingham University of Tokyo Bishop’s University University of Brighton Waseda University Concordia University University of Bristol McGill University University of Greenwich S o u t h Kor e a Mount Allison University University of Kent Hanyang University Queen’s University University of Leeds KAIST Ryerson University University of Liverpool Korea University Simon Fraser University University of Nottingham Seoul National University University of Alberta University of Reading Sungkyunkwan University University of British Columbia University of Southampton Yonsei University University of Calgary University of the Arts London University of Ottawa University of Warwick Macao (China) University of Toronto University of Winchester Macau University of Science & University of Toronto Mississauga University of York Technology University of Toronto Scarborough University of Victoria hong kong (china) P h i l i pp i n e s University of Waterloo Chinese University of Hong Kong Ateneo de Manila University University of Western Ontario City University of Hong Kong De La Salle College of Saint Benilde York University Hong Kong Baptist University De La Salle University Hong Kong Polytechnic University S w i t z e rland Hong Kong University of Science S i ngapor e Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne and Technology Lasalle College of the Arts Les Roches Bluche Swiss Hotel The Education University of Nanyang Technological University Management School Hong Kong National University of Singapore SBS Swiss Business School Zürich University of Hong Kong Singapore Management University f ranc e h u ngar y Un i t e d S tat e s ESCP Europe Business School in Paris Semmelweis University o f A m e r i ca ESMOD International University of Debrecen Medical School American University and Health Science Center Arizona State University gr e at b r i t i an Auburn University Brunel University London i r e land Babson College Cardiff University National University of Ireland, Galway Barnard College Coventry University Trinity College Dublin Belmont University King’s College London University College Dublin Binghamton University London Metropolitan University Boston College
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 33 Boston University Michigan State University University of California, Santa Cruz Brandeis University New York School of Interior Design University of Chicago Bridgewater State University New York University University of Colorado Boulder Brigham Young University Hawaii North Carolina State University University of Connecticut Brigham Young University Idaho Northeastern University University of Dallas Brigham Young University Provo Northern Arizona University University of Delaware California College of the Arts Northwestern University University of Denver California Institute of the Arts Occidental College University of Florida California Lutheran University Ohio State University University of Georgia California State Polytechnic University, Ohio University University of Houston Pomona Old Dominion University University of Illinois at Chicago California State University Channel Oregon State University University of Illinois at Urbana- Islands Parsons School of Design Champaign California State University, Long Beach Penn State Abington University of Kansas California State University, Los Angeles Pennsylvania State University University of Lynchburg California State University, Northridge Pepperdine University University of Mary Washington Carnegie Mellon University Pratt Institute University of Maryland, Baltimore County Case Western Reserve University Providence College University of Massachusetts Amherst Chapman University Purdue University University of Massachusetts Boston Clark University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Colgate University Rhode Island College University of Michigan College of William & Mary Rhode Island School of Design University of Minnesota Twin Cities Connecticut College Ringling College of Art and Design University of Nebraska-Lincoln Curry College Rutgers University, Newark University of Nevada, Las Vegas DePaul University Rutgers University-New Brunswick University of New England Dickinson College San Diego State University University of New Hampshire Dixie State University San Francisco State University University of North Carolina at Chapel Drew University Santa Clara University Hill Drexel University Savannah College of Art and Design University of Oregon East Carolina University School of the Art Institute of Chicago University of Pittsburgh Elon University School of Visual Arts University of Portland Emory & Henry College Seattle Pacific University University of Rhode Island Fashion Institute of Technology Seattle University University of Richmond FIDM-Fashion Institute of Design & Skidmore College University of Rochester Merchandising, San Francisco State University of New York at Fredonia University of San Diego Fordham University Stony Brook University University of San Francisco Framingham State University Suffolk University University of South Carolina Aiken George Mason University Susquehanna University University of South Florida George Washington University Syracuse University University of Southern California Illinois Institute of Technology Temple University University of Virginia Indiana University Bloomington Texas A&M University University of Washington Iowa State University The New School University of Washington Tacoma James Madison University The University of Tampa University of Wisconsin-Madison Juniata College Tufts University Ursinus College Lehigh University University at Buffalo Valencia College Louisiana State University University of Arizona Virginia Commonwealth University Loyola Marymount University University of California, Berkeley Virginia Tech Loyola University Chicago University of California, Davis Washington University in St. Louis Lynn University University of California, Irvine Western New England University Marietta College University of California, Los Angeles Wheaton College (MA) Marist College University of California, Merced Worcester Polytechnic Institute Maryland Institute College of Art University of California, Riverside McDaniel College University of California, San Diego Merrimack College University of California, Santa Barbara Miami University
34 I our celebration of learning Elementary School Review What an exciting year we have had in the AISG Elementary School! The 2020-2021 school year began with most of our students returning to campus, but many of our teachers were not yet able to return to China. As the weeks and months continued, more and more of our teachers were able to get back to their classrooms to see happy kids and relieved parents! As the year continued, AISG was able to get back to more and more of our traditions. This school year was unlike any AISG has seen before, but it didn’t stop our wonderful students, parents, and teachers from making it truly memorable!
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 35 74 Grade 5 students took part in this year’s PYP Exhibition 50 p a ss i o n a t e , dedicated, experienced & fu l l - t i m e Elementary S c h o o l f a c u l t y 14 Parent Coffees (both virtual and in-person) 12 qu e s t i o n s i n the Battle o f t h e B o o ks competition
36 I our celebration of learning HIGHLIGHTS C h i l d P ro t e c t i on A w a r e n e s s The month of November was Child Protection Awareness month at AISG, and students learned some important rules to protect themselves and their friends. Parents engaged in presentations and workshops and the whole school came in one day wearing AISG’s Child Safe Zone color, purple, to show our community’s unified stand in preventing child abuse and neglect. It was a powerful month! Up s t a nd e r A w a r e n e s s The month of March served as Upstander Awareness Month, where students developed new skills to stand up to unkind treatment and share with the world that no one in our community will stand by and allow bullying and hurtful behaviors! Through curriculum, assemblies, and parent events, we raised awareness about what bullying is and what we can do to prevent it from entering our community.
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 37 Fr i e nd s h i p A w a r e n e s s April was Friendship Awareness Month, where AISG elementary students took some time to marvel at our incredibly diverse school community. Each student, class and grade level worked hard to develop friends and bridge our many different cultures through kindness and caring.
38 I our celebration of learning L i t e r a c y Mon t h Literacy Month was held in May at AISG and was a fun-filled time celebrating our great readers and writers at AISG. We had multiple author visits, including Trevor Lai. Classroom doors were decorated to look like the covers of students’ favorite books and our community shared in lots of other great activities related to reading and writing. AISG truly ‘reads the world!’ B a t t l e o f t h e B ook s The infamous Battle of the Books was held with 83 students from the Elementary School. They read several novels and picture books and then, with their teams, answered tough questions about the various stories. It was a blast! P Y P E x h i b i t i on We ended the year with 5th Graders sharing their PYP Exhibition projects, an exhibition of their independent research projects and a celebration of learning of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). The theme was ‘Small Actions Matter,’ and students chose a wide range of topics and used their critical thinking to think of what small actions can be done to help global issues. S a t u rd a y a t t h e L i br a r y Saturday at the Library is an opportunity for families to visit the library to listen to stories and borrow books. This year, Saturday at the Library was delayed until January 2021 due to campus access restrictions from COVID-19, but then successfully hosted four Saturdays until the end of the school year. Families signed up, with slots filling quickly, and everyone enjoyed their time in the library.
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40 I our celebration of learning Secondary School Review It has been an unpredictable and exciting year with a plethora of change at Science Park. The decision to create a Secondary School, with distinct Lower Secondary (Grade 6-8) and Upper Secondary (Grades 9-12) phases, means that we have many things to share that have impacted students across the grades. Resiliency has been at its finest in Secondary School with adapting to new learning spaces, overcoming challenges and creating unique learning opportunities throughout the year.
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 41 3 s c h e d u l e c h a n g e s accommodated the transition from online to hybrid to in- person learning 82 Grade 5 students participated in Transition Day 64 p o i n t s e a r n e d during the dynasty c h a l l e n g e s (22 Yuan, 20 Qin, 1 4 T a n g & 8 H a n ) 14 Faculty members performed in the pantomime
42 I our celebration of learning HIGHLIGHTS s e cond a r y Sc h oo l R e no v a t i on While the Secondary School building underwent its renovation to again become the main academic wing of the Secondary School next school year, Secondary students moved into temporary spaces, including the newly built building that will eventually house Upper Elementary students. These changes provided an opportunity for students to access new environments and furnishings in which to engage and share their learning. C h i n e s e N e w Y e a r C onc e r t A new tradition started with having to re-imagine how to celebrate our host country due to campus access restrictions. This resulted in a Chinese New Year Concert, featuring students from all grade levels in the Secondary School singing, dancing and even producing their own drama performance. Faculty Pantomime A musical comedy stage production like no other, this Pantomime involved faculty members who took to the stage to tell the melodramatic story of Cinderella in front of the entire Secondary student body. A great time was had by all with students actively participating with their cheers and advice to help Cinderella find her own voice.
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 43 R AMSMU N I This year was our first ever MUN hosted at Science Park! Our very own AISG students created their own two-day MUN conference, hosting 30 of our students. This year’s theme was “Sustainable Development Amidst Turmoil” to reflect the hardships we continue to go through, which provided students with an opportunity to debate and discuss current and world issues. They are already planning RAMSMUN II! Un i v e r s i t y In s i g h t s An event attended by over 300 participants who heard from key stakeholders on how AISG offers unique insights for its students to attend and succeed at the best U.S. universities that are aligned with their passions and career interests. A great presentation showcased our long-standing university relationships, community connections, and the continuous development of our personalized university guidance program.
44 I our celebration of learning S t u d e n t C o u n c i l ( STU C O ) Ac t i v i t i e s STUCO tirelessly worked on finding fun ways for Upper Secondary students and faculty to build school spirit. Great events that showcased talents were the Open Mic Afternoon and the Talent Show. Other great events included Spirit Week that celebrated Fandom Day, Mismatch Day, Crazy Hair Day, PJ Day, Rainbow Day and the infamous ‘Absurdity April Week’ that featured teachers battling it out every morning before classes started. This included arm wrestling, a “try not to laugh” battle, basketball shootout, compliment battle, and a dance battle. Literacy Fair Lower Secondary students worked for several weeks on their literary projects that were then uploaded to Flipgrid to share with everyone. Great projects on historical fiction, poetry and author studies were displayed in many forms, such as posters, models and scenes built in Virtual Reality programs. D y n a s t y C h a l l e ng e s Lower Secondary students are split into dynasties, Yuan, Tang, Han and Qin, which is our version of a ‘house system’. These dynasties have friendly competitions throughout the year which are part of our Social Emotional Learning Program. The most beloved challenge is the Iditarod race where groups are given the same materials to create their own version of a sled. The sled must be sturdy enough to carry one student from the group, as they are then pulled/pushed the distance of the soccer field in their sled creation. Teamwork and school spirit was at its height! Tr a n s i t i on D a y Fifth graders had the chance to visit the Science Park campus in preparation for being sixth graders next year. Through targeted activities such as a scavenger hunt and lunch with their Grade 6 buddy, questions were answered and students became familiar with the new campus, teachers and classes. More excitement awaits them at the beginning of the next school year!
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 45
46 I our celebration of learning Arts AISG’s Visual and Performing Arts program is designed to provide our students with experiences to develop curiosity, interest, and enjoyment of their own creativity as well as an appreciation for others’ work. The Visual Arts program fosters a learning environment where all students feel welcome to exhibit their creativity. The Performing Arts program is robust, comprehensive, and founded on the belief that band, strings, choir, drama and dance are part of a balanced and effective education.
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 47 E lementary S c hool highlights P e r f or m a nc e Ar t s En s e m b l e s To showcase the talents that they’d been working on during the school year, students in gala choir, junior choir, orchestra, and beginning band performed for their fellow students and teachers in June. Students performed classical songs as well as folk songs about unity and peace. Er s h a V i s i on The theme of this year’s annual tradition of our remarkable AISG Elementary School Talent Show was ErshaVision, a play on the popular EuroVision Song Contest. On stage, students showed off their numerous talents including singing, dancing, playing instruments, telling jokes, comedy skits, and short plays.
4 8 I our celebration of learning S e condary S c hool highlights S e cond a r y Sc h oo l M u s i c a l : Ann i e Jr . A musical to remember with the collaboration of Secondary students committing to hours of practice to put on a spectacular show in our state-of-the-art theater. The performance not only included the actors on stage, but also the musicians in the pit orchestra who played songs that kept everyone humming for weeks after the show, the stagehands who made each scene look perfect, and the technical crew who managed the lighting, livestreaming, and audio. I B D P V i s u a l Ar t s E x h i b i t i on Upper Secondary students had an amazing Exhibition as the summation of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) two-year Visual Arts Program. Students curated their own collection to showcase what they have been working on over the past two years. Students used a range of art forms, such as multimedia, mixed media, digital art and photography to communicate a specific topic through their work. IBDP Recitals The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) Music and Performing Arts students held several recitals during the school year. Our talented students performed piano, as well as solo theater performances. The IBDP Recitals are not only an opportunity for our students to present their learning to the AISG community, but also part of the curriculum that grades their performance that imitate real-world situations.
aisg annual report 2020-2021 I 49 1 Secondary School Musical 52 27 12 8 5 students Actors musicians Stagehands technicians 7 st u dents showcased their collections at the I B D P V is u al A rts E x hibition 5 5 IB Student concert recitals performances 4 p e r f o r m i n g a r t s i n v o l v e m e n t o ff e r i n g s (band, orchestra, drama, and choir) 146 Total performers as part of 47 different acts in the year’s Elementary School Talent Show
50 I our celebration of learning Athletics & Activities AISG boasts an extensive athletic program, giving our student athletes the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of sports against other schools both internationally and within China. In addition, a diversity of options is offered to students in their pursuit of engaging and exploratory activities.
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