It is a tradition at YCIS Chongqing to provide a teacher Professional Development (PD) day, without students, after a significant vacation period. During this time, all staff participate in a range of section specific workshops, conferences, and team building activities that is sometimes referred to as an ‘INSET’ (In-Service Education and Training) day. The aim of these professional development days is to review practices in order to build on the excellent learning programmes for our students.

On Monday February 11, the Secondary team worked together reviewing a new WIDA (Measure of Developing English Language) programme, introduced by the Secondary English Department. This tool to be used by teachers is to identify the next steps needed to improve our students’ language proficiency. At YCIS Chongqing, we believe every teacher is a language teacher, and the skills gained can be transferred in to learning exercises that transcend all subject areas.

Our teaching team also engaged in a team building activity, delivered by the PE Department, which focused on using clear communication, observation skills and team work. Staff were divided into teams and required to actively participate in the support of their team goals, a skill that teachers work to impart on our students all the time. The competition among the teams was fierce and the Science Department team reigned supreme, using their problem solving and analytical skills, by achieving the team goal first.

We congratulate all our staff for their active engagement in all our learning activities and are we look forward to embracing the challenges that await us, students and staff, during Semester 2.