Embracing Outdoor Learning at the Western International School of Shanghai

Nov 3, 2023

At the Western International School of Shanghai (WISS), we believe that every child possesses untapped creativity that must be nurtured. In line with this philosophy, we offer a range of experiences that enable our students to make real-world connections and grow holistically. One essential element of our educational approach is outdoor learning, which we believe offers numerous academic, social, and emotional benefits to students in our Early Years, Primary, and Secondary programs. A highlight of our commitment to outdoor education is the annual celebration of Outdoor Classroom Day.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Dec 2, 2022

Activity-based inquiry is foundational to students' academic, social, physical, and emotional development. Through hands-on, inquiry-based learning, students develop their knowledge of the world, communication, critical thinking, and self-management skills. Activity-based inquiry at the Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) helps our students explore social interactions with people and the natural world in a safe and enjoyable environment.  

CNN and WISS celebrating Call To Earth Day

Nov 24, 2021

At WISS, 2.5-year-old children are in contact with the natural environment and build a strong relationship with it by becoming explorers, developing curiosity, and creativity.

Recently, the world celebrated #CalltoEarth Day – A global movement that emphasizes the importance of protecting our planet. At WISS, we are committed to protecting the planet and teach our students about the importance of sustainability and respecting the environment. CNN, impressed by our way of educating in sustainability and our firm commitment to outdoor learning, decided that there was no better place in Shanghai to celebrate #CalltoEarth Day than our campus with our Early Years students.

CNN joined WISS for one of our unique Forest School days. Cooking in our mud kitchen, building tents, or playing with loose parts outdoors is something that students at WISS are very familiar with.

Forest School: When Nature Becomes a Classroom

Jun 30, 2021

What is the first image that springs to your mind when you hear the word learning? It will probably be a classroom or a school. Most people are used to associating learning with these two things. But what if we tell you that the learning process can be more productive when it is done outside?

At The Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) we are convinced that other approaches to learning have a beneficial impact on students, support their development, and contribute to broadening their knowledge in many areas.

Our Early Years students have the chance to experience the Forest School Approach to Learning every week. An amazing, innovative initiative which not only helps students gain knowledge but is also a lot of fun. WISS is one of the few schools in Shanghai that offers this learning initiative to their pupils.

Ideas Too Big for a Classroom – Feature Friday

Feb 4, 2020

WISS students onnect to Learning in a Real-World Context

When Grade 3 teacher Nadya Faqir decided to implement virtual reality in her 3rd grade classroom, she knew she might run into some hurdles. She did not know that she would find the answer to those problems within the walls of WISS.

When COVID-19 hit, Ms. Faqir was brainstorming new ways to engage with her students and creative ways to allow them to explore the world at a time when field trips weren’t possible. “Last year, we did not have a chance to go on field trips. The same is happening this year, so since we cannot go on field trips, the field trips are coming to our classroom. What better than VR to accomplish this?” shared Faqir.