November: Rejoice! Exciting News and Updates Await

 What happened in November?

On the BRS campus, November has been a month of celebration, as our school achieved the prestigious NEASC/CIPASH accreditation. This milestone distinguishes us as the first international school to receive certifications from both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

As autumn progresses and the leaves gently fall around our campus, we invite everyone to explore the stunning visual art displays at the heart of the Teaching Hub. Additionally, the campus is alive with a variety of academic, athletic, and community events that we encourage all to partake in throughout the month.

A Visual Tribute to Nature

“The richness I achieve comes from nature, the source of my inspiration.”

–Claude Monet (1840–1926)

Immerse yourself in ‘Colorful World,’ an inspiring exhibition that highlights the artistic evolution of our 8th grade students, deeply influenced by the legendary French Impressionist, Claude Monet. Renowned for his exquisite use of color and light, Monet has been a guiding force in our students’ profound exploration of the natural world.

The journey began on November 1st when the students visited Wenyu River Park. Armed with acrylic paints, these emerging artists skillfully captured the ephemeral beauty of nature. Their works reflect the subtle and enchanting interplay of light, texture, and color, showcasing their growing mastery of these elements.

A New Milestone

BRS has achieved the distinguished honor of becoming the first international school to receive certifications from both the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), two globally recognized and esteemed educational accreditation bodies.

• Accreditation Timeline:

▪ Oct. 2023: received NEASC/CIPASH accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

▪ Feb. 2021: received a 6-year Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation

• Why Accreditation Matters:

“What BRS values more is how the school can actually improve its performance through the accreditation process,” said BRS Principal Wang Guangfa.

▪ A trustworthy institution with high standards of educational quality and academic integrity;

▪ Providing quality assurance to parents;

▪ Commitment to continuous improvement of school programs and operations;

▪ Supporting students’ academic and personal development

Well-rounded Achievements

• A Strong Start for Class of 2024:

The BRS Class of 2024 is delighted to announce that they have received an impressive first wave of 14 early university acceptances from prestigious institutions in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. We eagerly anticipate expanding this list with more acceptance news in the near future. Keep an eye out for our upcoming updates!

• Academic Excellence:

Three BRS teams made their mark in two significant academic contests: The BRS Science Team secured the top position in the Shing-Tung Yau High School Biology Award in China, earning a spot in the international finals. Additionally, two teams achieved runner-up status in the 31st International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC) China Finals, where two individual students were also honored with the prestigious Leadership Award.

• Cheer for the BRS Lions:

At their home ground of BRS, our boys’ basketball team triumphantly won against Harrow in the 2023-2024 International High School Basketball Tournament, with an impressive score of 50-35!

In events held beyond the BRS campus, our Lions demonstrated exceptional prowess by securing first place in both the Junior High Boy’s BASE Football and the Cross Country Runs for both Junior and High divisions.

A Happy Healthy November

November heralds the onset of winter in the northern hemisphere, although the winter solstice (冬至 in Chinese) isn’t until late December. In China, this period is traditionally seen as the optimal time for preparations that ensure robust health and vitality in the spring (冬藏春生 in Chinese).

However, it’s also the start of the cold and flu season. So, bundle up and keep warm. One local Beijing specialty to try is Xiaodiao Pear Soup (小吊梨汤 in Chinese). This soup is not just a delicacy but also a nourishing remedy, renowned for its throat-soothing and cough-relieving properties.

We encourage our community members and readers to take extra care of their physical and mental well-being this winter.

We’re curious to know: What aspects of November do you cherish the most? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!”