Nurturing Independent Learners

Research and experience inform us as educators that including science, technology, engineering, and maths within early education provides a strong foundation for applying problem-solving skills. A focus on these skills is embedded within our Programme of Inquiry. Within Primary, our Robotics programme and coding have long been integral to our After School Activity (ASA) provision, with students gaining opportunities to compete in local and regional ACAMIS events.

At the Western International School of Shanghai, Primary School students learn Mathematics through technology, using Dash robots. Students practice addition and subtraction skills learning concepts of multiplication and division. Students connect to positive and negative integers, coding, and problem-solving skills through activities like this.

The Primary Robotics teaching teams recently attended a local Shanghai interschool event in preparation for future competitions. Our well-trained teachers implement the use of our new Sphero and Dash robots to incorporate this technology further into the curriculum for students to not only gain exposure to this technology but also to further develop skills in communication, collaboration, and teamwork.

By Lisa Ellery – Primary School Principal | Western International School of Shanghai