Articles
Annual American Cultural Fair
On March 25th, the annual American Cultural Fair was held on the campus of Buena Vista Concordia International School, BaoAn, Shenzhen, China. Although the early spring weather was very hot, the format of numerous scientific experiments and games provided for much learning and interesting fun. The BCIS American Cultural Fair aims to showcase American-style education to the local community and those interested from abroad. This year’s theme was focused on the hottest topic in education - STEM. This STEM event represents technology and innovation in education, not only to BCIS teachers and K-8 students, but also for the special invited guests and businesses, to the explore Science and technology themed activities.
Opening ceremony was provided by the Principal, Dr. Maryann O'Brien, and Mr. Ramon Olivier, US Consulate Officer from Guangzhou, China. After Dr. O’Brien’s opening remarks and encouragement for all parents about the importance of studying the STEM program, Mr. Olivier shared his story from a time when he was also a teacher. His wonderful speech led to a great start of the day, and was received with a warm applause from all in attendance. He encouraged children to believe that they have unlimited potential, and that by learning science and math concepts, all students can find and solve problems that may one day improve the world.
Mr. Ramon Olivier stated that "Today I can feel the enthusiasm and vitality of all members of BCIS. BCIS offers STEM teaching much like what we have in the United States, because most American students find STEM more difficult to learn than compared to other subjects. I am very happy then to see the Chinese children in the STEM lessons, for it creates strong practical understanding. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to come to BCIS again, and see children share more about STEM learning.”
Mr. Ramon Olivier, US Consulate Officer from Guangzhou, China.
Founded in 2011, Buena Vista Concordia International School (BCIS) is an American-styled school that offers the national Common Core foundation curriculum with special attention given to inquiry-based learning and Chinese courses. As a member of the Hong Kong Concordia education system BCIS is built upon tradition spanning more than 70 years of high-quality education which values academic achievement and character development. BuenaVista Concordia International School attaches great importance to cultivating literacy in all areas of learning, including scientific and numeric literacy, English and Chinese language, and social and cultural competence. Shenzhen is the first city in China to set up STEM courses at international schools, allowing BCIS to lead the community in discovery and application of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
