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The Transformative Power of Arts Education at Western International School of Shanghai

Nov 16, 2023

At the Western International School of Shanghai (WISS), arts education is not merely an extracurricular activity but a fundamental pillar of a well-rounded education. We have witnessed how arts education has the power to transform students' academic journeys and nurture their overall development. By offering a diverse range of artistic disciplines, including visual arts, music, theatre, and dance, WISS provides students with opportunities for creative exploration, personal growth, and academic success.

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At the Western International School of Shanghai (WISS), arts education is not merely an extracurricular activity but a fundamental pillar of a well-rounded education. We have witnessed how arts education has the power to transform students' academic journeys and nurture their overall development. By offering a diverse range of artistic disciplines, including visual arts, music, theatre, and dance, WISS provides students with opportunities for creative exploration, personal growth, and academic success.

Cognitive Development and Academic Achievement

One of the key benefits of arts education is its impact on cognitive development. Active engagement in visual arts, music, theatre, and dance stimulates students' cognitive faculties, leading to enhanced memory retention, improved attention span, and heightened spatial reasoning skills. Research consistently shows that involvement in arts activities nurtures neural connections and strengthens cognitive functioning, contributing to higher levels of academic achievement.

Arts education also fosters creativity and critical thinking skills. Students at WISS are encouraged to think outside the box, challenge established ideas, and approach problems from multiple perspectives through artistic expression. Students develop invaluable skills in observation, interpretation, and evaluation by interpreting works of art, composing music, performing in theatre productions, or expressing themselves through dance. These skills enrich their artistic endeavors and permeate other aspects of their academic journey, empowering them to excel in various subjects.

Cultivating Self-Confidence and Communication Skills

Furthermore, arts education at WISS plays a vital role in cultivating self-confidence and communication skills. Through participation in art exhibitions, musical performances, theatrical productions, and dance recitals, students have the opportunity to showcase their talents and express their unique perspectives. This exposure to public forums helps students develop confidence in their abilities as they learn to present themselves and their work with poise and conviction.

Additionally, collaborative experiences within arts education foster effective communication and teamwork as students learn to negotiate ideas, give and receive feedback, and work harmoniously towards a common goal. These skills are transferable and invaluable in their academic and personal lives.

Implementation of Arts Education at WISS

The Western International School of Shanghai implements its approach to arts education through various activities and events. One such event is the Gallery Walk, where students showcase their artistic talents and expressions, allowing them to demonstrate organizational and communication skills while exploring different art forms. Collaboration across grade levels is also encouraged, as seen in the collaboration between Grade 2 and Grade 6 students in creating wanted posters using sketching, watercolors, and symbolism. These activities enhance students' understanding of various art forms, promote cultural awareness, and foster critical thinking.

A highlight of the arts education program at WISS is the "Sharing" event held in the Secondary school, where students from Grades 6 to Grade 8 showcase their artistic talents in mesmerizing performances and exhibitions. This event not only showcases individual achievements but also fosters a sense of unity and belonging within the school community. It serves as a celebration of students' growth and development and highlights the arts' transformative power in inspiring and uplifting the community.

In summary, the commitment of the Western International School of Shanghai to arts education goes beyond integrating it into the curriculum. It is viewed as a crucial aspect of holistic student development, nurturing cognitive abilities, fostering creativity and critical thinking, and cultivating self-confidence and communication skills. Through arts education, WISS empowers students to achieve academic excellence and equips them with the essential skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world. With its transformative power, arts education shapes not only future artists but also well-rounded individuals who can make a positive impact on society.

To book or tour or to learn more about how students at the Western International School of Shanghai flourish in all aspects of their development, click here or contact admissions at enquiry@wiss.cn.

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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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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）