PRINCIPAL LETTER

Welcome to Concordia International School Ningbo

A Message from the Principal

Dear Parents—Current and Prospective,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Concordia International School Ningbo (CISN). Whether you are a prospective family exploring educational opportunities for your child or a current parent engaged in our school community, I invite you to discover what makes our school so special.

As the Principal of the PYP section, overseeing both Concordia International School Ningbo Kindergarten (CISNK) and the International Primary School (CISNP), I have had the privilege of working with dedicated educators, engaged students, and supportive families since joining CISN 18 months ago. Our mission is to nurture young learners who are curious, compassionate, and equipped with the skills to thrive in an ever-changing world. Rooted in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), we emphasize inquiry-based learning, global citizenship, and holistic development—preparing students not just for academic success, but for a lifetime of meaningful learning.

A Learning Environment that Inspires

At CISN, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom. Our transdisciplinary, concept-driven curriculum encourages students to make real-world connections, engage in collaborative projects, and develop critical thinking skills. Whether investigating sustainability in science, exploring cultural perspectives through literature, or applying mathematical reasoning to everyday challenges, our students are active participants in their own learning journey.

A key part of our approach is promoting student agency—voice, choice, and ownership—in their learning. We empower students to ask questions, make decisions, and take responsibility for their education, ensuring that they develop the confidence and skills needed to become independent, lifelong learners. This emphasis on agency is supported by fantastic teacher-to-student ratios, allowing for personalized instruction and meaningful engagement with the Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills that form the foundation of the IB framework.

Our school is also a place where values matter. We strive to instill integrity, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility towards others and the environment. As an IB candidate school, we embrace the IB Learner Profile, fostering students who are inquirers, communicators, risk-takers, and principled global citizens.

A Caring and Collaborative Community

One of the hallmarks of CISN is its caring and collaborative community. With families from various cultural backgrounds, our school fosters meaningful connections and a spirit of cooperation, ensuring that every child feels supported and valued. We provide a rich international experience while remaining deeply connected to the local Chinese context, embracing the strengths of both global and local perspectives.

I encourage you to explore our website, but more importantly, I invite you to visit our campus. Come and experience the energy of our classrooms, the warmth of our teachers, and the enthusiasm of our students. We would love to share with you the dynamic learning that takes place here every day.

I look forward to welcoming you to CISN and to the beginning of an exciting educational journey for your child.

Warm regards,

Ian Barnes
Principal, PYP Section
Concordia International School Ningbo (CISNK & CISNP)