It is a great honor to receive the invitation from the school to share Bella's growth and change at GOS. At first, I was very surprised because, honestly Bella was not the traditional 'straight A student'. But on second thought, isn't it precisely why we chose GOS that schools can pay attention to the growth and progress of children and affirm them? So, as an ‘average mom’ of an ‘average child’, I would love to share Bella's growth and gains at GOS!

Become An Active Learner

Field Trip

Bella transferred from a public school in Hong Kong to GOS in her Year 2. This transfer seems to have opened the door to a new world for her. She found that learning could be so interesting: 

Teachers would turn math classes into treasure hunting classes, and the fastest students could get clues to the treasure box. One of the clues was hidden in the principal's office, and the children turned the principal's office upside down; 

During Topic class, children prepared various magic potions;

 Went to the playground to dig up dinosaur fossils and ancient coins stolen by the teacher... 

Every day when she comes home from school, Bella keeps sharing interesting things that happen at school. In her daily sharing, I found that certain things quietly changed during the process of playing. 

Children who originally didn't know a few words can now write long paragraphs. 

During the detective topic, they conducted fingerprint experiments and learned to write experimental reports; In the topic of universal，children pretended to apply a job at NASA and they learned how to write a cover letter and a PowerPoint; When studying a topic about Shakespeare, she learned how to write plays and so on. 

Bella has also changed from passive learner to gradually active learner, and she can research with relevant books, and collaborating with classmates to complete tasks. I am increasingly delighted to see the achievement of GOS thematic teaching on Bella. A relaxed learning atmosphere and the stimulation of children's interest in learning, as well as the cultivation of exploratory spirit, will have a positive and profound impact on children's future lives.

Take the first step bravely

If the relaxed learning atmosphere allows Bella to enjoy learning, then the GOS fully support of student autonomy makes Bella braver in presenting herself. In Year 3, the school organized a New Year performance, and Bella and her classmate Sunny approached a teacher who said they could compose and accompany music, and could help their classmates rehearse their choir. The teacher actually agreed to the proposal of two Year 3 children! So, the children performed their first original song in the auditorium at GOS. What a great experience!

Participate in various school activities

Chinese textbook drama                        Host of the flag-raising ceremony

Basketball team training

Orchestra

Having gained this confidence in school, Bella increasingly hopes to present herself on more stages. She actively participated in the school orchestra, basketball team, ran for House Captain, and participated in the creation of A Dream of Red Mansions textbook drama. While enjoying each activity, she learned how to work hard to improve herself, and more importantly, learned how to collaborate with classmates.

During the creation of the textbook drama, the friends arranged for Teams every night to systematically divide and rehearse props, costumes, backgrounds, and characters, as if a group of college students were completing a project. I think this is inseparable from the group collaborative discussion learning in GOS class. And this experience of campus activities has made Bella grow from a shy and timid little girl to a big girl who dares to bloom on stage.

German educator Thistoy once said, "The art of teaching does not lie in teaching skills, but in inspiring, awakening, and inspiring." This is in line with the teaching philosophy of GOS - Education, Nurture, and Inspire Excellence, and has been fully implemented in the teaching practice of GOS. We believe that it will not only bring growth and change to Bella, but also to every child at GOS. The life experience at GOS will have an extraordinary impact on their future.