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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.

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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.

Outdoor Classroom Day at WISS

An integral part of our commitment to outdoor learning is the annual celebration of Outdoor Classroom Day. This special day on our school calendar is dedicated to engaging students in hands-on outdoor activities that promote learning, creativity, and environmental awareness. On this day, our students partake in a wide range of activities specially designed to encourage exploration, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. From nature walks and scavenger hunts to art projects inspired by the natural surroundings, Outdoor Classroom Day offers a unique opportunity for students to connect with their environment in a meaningful way.

Academic Benefits

Outdoor learning experiences go beyond traditional classroom settings, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical manner. Research has shown that outdoor education improves academic performance by enhancing memory retention, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities. When students engage with the natural world, they develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts, build vocabulary, and improve their reading comprehension through firsthand experiences. Moreover, outdoor learning promotes interdisciplinary learning, as students connect concepts across subjects, fostering a holistic approach to education.

Building Independence, Creativity, and Innovation

The outdoor environment provides a unique space for students to develop independent thinking, creativity, and innovation. At WISS, we encourage our students to explore nature's mysteries and stimulate their imagination through outdoor activities. By venturing outside the classroom, students learn to embrace a world with no set rules, allowing them to climb trees, jump in muddy puddles, get their hands dirty, or even cook in a mud kitchen. Such experiences foster risk-taking, problem-solving, and adaptability, empowering students to become confident, self-reliant learners.

Experiential Interactions and Real-Life Connections

At WISS, we understand the importance of hands-on, inquiry-based learning. By combining outdoor learning with classroom time, we enhance creativity and make natural connections between environments and learning. Through practical experiences, students acquire knowledge of the world, develop effective communication skills, hone critical thinking abilities, and master self-management skills. Whether it's conducting experiments in the school garden, observing local flora and fauna, or participating in team-building activities, our students exercise, learn, and have fun while gaining authentic real-life experiences.

Social and Emotional Benefits

Outdoor learning also nurtures students' social and emotional well-being. By experiencing the freedom of the outdoors, students develop resilience, self-confidence, empathy, and cooperation. Collaborative outdoor activities foster teamwork and communication skills, while exposure to nature reduces stress and increases overall mental well-being. The sense of wonder and curiosity that outdoor learning instills helps students develop a lifelong appreciation for the environment and a desire to become responsible global citizens.

At the Western International School of Shanghai, we recognize the invaluable role of outdoor learning in shaping well-rounded individuals. Through our commitment to providing opportunities for outdoor exploration, we empower our students to become independent thinkers, creative problem solvers, and environmentally conscious individuals. The celebration of Outdoor Classroom Day epitomizes our dedication to fostering academic, social, and emotional growth through immersive outdoor experiences. By embracing outdoor learning, we prepare our students for success in a rapidly changing world, while instilling a lifelong love for learning and the environment.

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WESTERN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SHANGHAI

555 Lian Min Road, Xujing Town, Qing Pu District,

Shanghai, PRC, 201702

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enquiry@wiss.cn

+86 (21) 6976 6013

+86 (21) 6976 6015

13816450346

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OFFICIAL WECHAT

WESTERN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SHANGHAI

555 Lian Min Road, Xujing Town, Qing Pu District,

Shanghai, PRC, 201702

enquiry@wiss.cn

+86 (21) 6976 6013

+86 (21) 6976 6015

13816450346

Admissions

Follow us | Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) Official WeChat Account QR Code

OFFICIAL WECHAT

拥抱多样性：全球创新学习联盟会议在新西兰奥克兰举行

全球创新学习联盟（GAIL）是一个著名的学校网络，致力于促进教育领域的创新、合作和文化交流。上海西华外籍人员子女学校（WISS）很荣幸成为全球创新学习联盟（GAIL）的成员，并兴奋地宣布将参加即将在新西兰奥克兰举行的全球创新学习联盟会议。此次会议为上海西方国际学校的学生提供了一次难得的机会，他们将在校长 David Edwards 先生、学术与创新部主任 Timothy Pyeon 先生和设计教师 Nwanneka Okwuosa 女士的陪同下，与其他 GAIL 成员学校共同促进多元化发展。

在中断四年之后，GAIL 会议将在新西兰奥克兰汇聚来自全球各地的教育工作者、管理人员和学生。今年的会议将特别关注多样性，承认多样性为教育机构带来的巨大价值。接受多元化观点、文化和思想的重要性无论怎样强调都不为过，GAIL 的目标是增强教育工作者创造包容性学习环境的能力。

WISS 始终站在倡导多元化和培养学生全球思维的最前沿。学校曾在 2019 年主办过 GAIL 会议，因此对这一活动的意义并不陌生。在 David Edwards、Timothy Pyeon 和 Nwanneka Okwuosa 等主要代表的陪同下，WISS 的学生将有宝贵的机会与来自其他 GAIL 成员学校的同学合作、学习和分享自己的独特经历。

本次会议的主要关注点是多样性，与会者可以期待一个深入探讨文化、种族、语言和社会多样性各个层面的丰富活动。研讨会、小组讨论和互动环节将为与会者提供在自己的学校创建包容性环境所需的工具和知识。会议旨在培养跨文化能力，弘扬学生和教育工作者的不同文化背景。

GAIL 会议之所以如此具有影响力，其中一个关键因素是它强调合作。与会者有机会参与合作项目，交流促进多样性和包容性的想法和最佳做法。通过这些互动，与会者将获得宝贵的见解和创新策略，并将其应用于各自的学校社区。

对于 WISS 的学生和更广泛的 GAIL 社区来说，在新西兰奥克兰举行的 GAIL 会议将是一次难忘的活动。当他们沉浸在一个多元、包容的环境中时，与会者将学到关于同理心、尊重和文化交流之美的宝贵经验。这次会议无疑将成为通过教育创造一个更加和谐和宽容的社会的垫脚石。

在即将于新西兰奥克兰举行的会议期间，WISS 与其他 GAIL 成员学校一道，热切希望为有关多样性的讨论做出贡献。通过参与此次全球对话，学校重申了其促进文化理解、拥抱多样性和推动教育创新的承诺。毫无疑问，GAIL 会议将成为积极变革的催化剂，教育工作者和学生将通力合作，共同建设一个重视和赞美我们丰富差异的未来。

WISS 主办 GAIL 会议（视频链接）