Pinricpal Weekly Update 11 | Learning Beyond the Classroom: Action with Purpose

Hello everyone,

I hope you’ve had a great start to the new week! I want to take a moment to reflect on the powerful experiences we shared last week, learning beyond the classroom, here at Concordia International School Ningbo—experiences that beautifully connect to the heart of the IB PYP.

Last Friday, we came together as a community for a school-wide charity event to support the planting of apple trees in Aksu, Xinjiang. This event was a valuable opportunity for children to participate in service learning—a chance to connect their classroom learning to meaningful, real-world action.

From an IB perspective, this gave students a deeper understanding of responsibility, global citizenship, and how our actions, even from far away, can support sustainability and the environment. They learned about how planting trees helps stop desertification, supports communities, and even grows apples they might one day enjoy!

We also celebrated Book Week and International Chinese Language Day, where students from K3 to Primary performed poetry, music, dance, drama, and storytelling. These moments are not only joyful—they build confidence, cultural appreciation, and support the development of communication skills and risk-taking—essential parts of the PYP learner profile.

Language is at the heart of how we understand each other. In the IB, language is seen as a key to building international-mindedness, because it carries not just words, but culture, history, and perspective. Through these experiences, children practise not only speaking and listening, but also social skills, thinking skills, and becoming more open-minded—learning to appreciate different ways of expressing ideas and seeing the world.

These events remind us that learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Whether through books, languages, or service, our children are growing into curious, compassionate, and responsible learners.

Thank you for being part of that journey. See you next week!