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WHAT IS ISTA?
Founded in 1978, the International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA) is a UK charity that runs over 200 annual performing arts events worldwide. The ISTA Performing Arts Academy Shanghai-based at the Western International School of Shanghai (WISS), is ISTA’s first of two Performing Arts Academy worldwide. Backed by a star-studded and award-winning board of patrons, the program brings together students aged 11-18 from across Shanghai to collaborate and combine their talents to create their work. Each eight-week course culminates in a public sharing or performance.
WHAT IS ISTA?
Founded in 1978, the International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA) is a UK charity that runs over 200 annual performing arts events worldwide. The ISTA Performing Arts Academy Shanghai-based at the Western International School of Shanghai (WISS), is ISTA’s first of two Performing Arts Academy worldwide. Backed by a star-studded and award-winning board of patrons, the program brings together students aged 11-18 from across Shanghai to collaborate and combine their talents to create their work. Each eight-week course culminates in a public sharing or performance.
WISS BELIEVES THAT
WISS BELIEVES THAT
Young people desire to learn and participate in a dynamic and creative environment.
The best way to develop discipline comes from a commitment towards common goals.
The arts encourage individuals to work in a creative, supportive, and collaborative way.
Young people desire to learn and participate in a dynamic and creative environment.
The best way to develop discipline comes from a commitment towards common goals.
The arts encourage individuals to work in a creative, supportive, and collaborative way.
The Academy is committed to these beliefs, and its structures and teaching methods are planned to reflect them.
There are no auditions, and the process is inclusive. We require drive, dedication, open minds, and total commitment to the process. It’s not just about talent – it’s about the desire to do well by yourself and your peers.
The Academy is committed to these beliefs, and its structures and teaching methods are planned to reflect them.
There are no auditions, and the process is inclusive. We require drive, dedication, open minds, and total commitment to the process. It’s not just about talent – it’s about the desire to do well by yourself and your peers.
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APPLICATION DOCUMENTATION
Applications are completed through Open Apply and all requested documents are uploaded to the system.
Personal Documents
• Completed application
• Copy of student birth certificate
• Copy of student and parent passports
• Copy of student and parent Shanghai residence permit, diplomatic visa, or letter from your employer affirming that a visa will be procured
• ID Photos (Head & Shoulder Passport Style photos) for each member of the family.
• Completed Medical Form and Immunization Records
Academic Records
School reports for the current and previous academic years (Certified translations into English are required for reports in other languages.)
• For PK- Kindergarten: school reports from the current year
• For Grades 1 – 8: school reports from the current and previous year
• For Grades 9 – 10: school reports from the current and previous 2 years
• For Grades 11 – 12: all school reports beginning from G9 including the current year
Supporting Documents
• Early Years Parent Questionnaire
• Confidential Principal/Teacher Recommendation Form
• Standardized test scores (if available)
• Relevant educational or medical evaluations, IEPs, or other reports about learning needs (if applicable)
• Completed Transportation Request Form (if applicable)
Upcoming events
WESTERN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SHANGHAI
555 Lian Min Road, Xujing Town, Qing Pu District,
Shanghai, PRC, 201702
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WISS FEATURED NEWS
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WESTERN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SHANGHAI
555 Lian Min Road, Xujing Town, Qing Pu District,
Shanghai, PRC, 201702
OFFICIAL WECHAT
Admissions criteria
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Eligibility
Admission is open to all foreign passport holders with no preference given to any one nationality. Preference will be given to families with siblings already attending WISS.
PRC Regulations
In compliance with Chinese government regulations, WISS can accept applications from foreign passport holders or residents from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Applications can also be received by any Chinese passport holder who has one or both parents holding a foreign passport, or those who qualify to apply under the regulations of the Shanghai Education Committee.
Guardianship
Local government requirements in regard to proper guardianship of students mean that WISS may accept students who are a: a) resident with at least one parent, or b) resident with an approved guardian (with power of attorney). Students are not permitted, under local regulations, to be under the supervision of non-resident guardians. Students who are not living with at least one parent or authorized guardian cannot be enrolled at WISS.
English Fluency
Students applying to WISS will be evaluated for English speaking, reading, and writing ability. As the school wishes to maintain an environment where English is the primary language of academic instruction, preference is given to those students who are most functional or have the greatest potential to be functional at their grade level in English. All entering Secondary students not having English as their native language must, as a minimum, be at a level from which they can work to complete the IB Subsidiary English B program by graduation, along with self-taught study of their mother tongue language.
Age Placement
A child must be:
• toilet trained and 2.5 years old by February 1st of the year entering Pre-Nursery
• toilet trained and three years old by September 1st of the year entering Nursery
• four years old by September 1st of the year entering Pre-Kindergarten
• five years old by September 1st of the year entering Kindergarten
• six years old by September 1st of the year entering Grade 1
During the admissions process, the Admissions Team and Application Review Committee will take into account a student’s country of origin, the educational system from which the student comes, and the student’s past performance to determine suitable grade placement. Students who have not completed a full year in the previous grade may be required to repeat the grade.
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application PROCESS
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Create an account and submit the WISS Online Application Form, which can be found by clicking our "Apply Now" button.
Complete, upload, and submit all WISS-required application documents. The list of grade-specific required documents and their downloads can be found below and on the pages within our "Apply Now" button.
Request Confidential School Recommendation Forms from your child’s educators. Admissions will share a secure link to an online form for convenience.
Speak to your dedicated Admissions Officer to arrange a time for an Admissions Assessment, Academic Interview, and a Family Introduction Meeting.
*Step 5 must be completed before the Language Proficiency Test takes place.
Submit payment of the application fee. Once the Step 2 online application is received, you will receive an invoice for payment. This non-refundable fee is 2,500 RMB and applies only for the academic year of application.
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WELCOME
WISS Academic Programmes and approached to teaching and learning.
WISS Academic Programmes and approaches to teaching and learning.
Learn more about where WISS Graduates attend University.
Our Vision & Mission, Quality Education , and Global Citizenship
High-Quality, World-Class Education available at WISS.
15+ Years of Excellence in Education. See how WISS has grown and developed since 2006.
Discover how WISS enhances student learning experiences through exclusive partnerships.
WHY WISS
A roadmap from 2006 to now. 15+ Years as a leader in international education in Shanghai.
From Dance Studio’s to Forest School, WISS offer top-quality facilities that enhance and support the student learning experience.
The inspiration behind the founding of WISS.
Learn the qualities we nurture within our students every day.
Get to know the highly-qualified and experienced faculty at the Western International School of Shanghai.
Develop your career as an educator and explore available positions at the Western International School of Shanghai.
Interactive Campus Map to help parents and students discover what has to offer.
ACADEMICS
A Pre-Nursery through Kindergarten Education for Children aged 2.5 - 5 Years Old
A look at the IB Programmes and how it’s rigorous academic programmes benefit student learning at WISS.
Primary Education for Children aged 6 - 12 Years Old
Support, Guidance, and Student Pathways to University.
Secondary Education for Children aged 13 - 18+ Years Old
Programs unique to WISS that truly enhance the student learning experience.
CAMPUS LIFE
CAMPUS LIFE
CAMPUS LIFE
Explore the WISS Campus, our classrooms and facilities through photos, video and Virtual Tour options.
Discover the wide-variety of activities, sports, music, and arts options available to students at WISS.
Learn more about the School Bus Service, School Uniform, Meals, and Health & Safety available to students at WISS.
Read about excursions and the WISS exclusive Explore Shanghai, Explore China, and Global Citizen Trips
ADMISSIONS
Introduction message from the Director of Admissions & Marketing.
Learn why parents choose WISS for the education of their children.
Explore the Academic merit-based scholarship programme for high-achieving students.
A Step-by-Step Guide to applying for admission to WISS.
See what is included in the WISS Tuition Fees, Payment Information and Refund Policy.
Eligibility and student placement information.
Discover the benefits of a WISS Education directly from our students and parents.
Document requirements for Admissions.
WORLD OF WISS
Explore what happening at WISS, news on student achievements, sports and cultural events.
Videos of activities, events, , parent workshops, and info session recordings at WISS.
Programs unique to WISS that truly enhance the student learning experience.
Upcoming Events and Past Events
Photos of events and activities at WISS.
An Information Hub designed for WISS parents to stay connected and informed.
CONTACT US
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