Beijing Royal School Participates in the Flourishing in International Education Conference 2026 at UWC Changshu

On March 7–8, Beijing Royal School proudly participated in the Flourishing in International Education Conference 2026 held at UWC Changshu, represented by a delegation of four educators committed to advancing student well-being and social-emotional learning.

Continuing a Meaningful Partnership

This marks the second time Beijing Royal School has participated in this important conference.

At last year’s conference, BRS had the honor of representing the school in a panel discussion, where we shared our perspectives and experiences in promoting student well-being and social-emotional learning within an international school context.

Photo of Upashna as panelist

Building on that experience, this year the BRS delegation participated as workshop presenters, further contributing to the global conversation on adolescent development and education.

A Global Conversation on Student Well-Being

The Flourishing in International Education Conference 2026, with the theme “Learning to Do Well and Be Well,” brought together educators, psychologists, researchers, and school leaders from across China who are deeply engaged in youth physical and mental health and well-being education.

At a time when young people face increasing academic pressure, digital dependence, and challenges in emotional resilience, the conference provides an important platform for exploring how schools can better support adolescent development.

The conference focused on several key themes, including:

• Building inclusive school cultures that support student well-being
• Developing effective mental health assessment and intervention strategies
• Promoting physical and mental health education for students and teachers
• Exploring the impact of AI and social media on digital well-being
• Strengthening partnerships between schools, families, and communities

Through keynote lectures, workshops, and panel discussions, participants explored practical strategies and innovative ideas to help young people build resilience, develop social-emotional skills, and thrive in an increasingly complex world.

The conference also featured leading scholars such as Professor Peng Kaiping of Tsinghua University, a pioneer of positive psychology in China, and Professor Kevin Xu, founder of Confucius Psychology, who shared research and insights on happiness education, resilience, and adolescent development.

Photo with BRS delegates

Workshop Presentation: Bridging the Gap

At this year’s conference, the BRS delegation led a workshop titled:

“Bridging the Gap – A Game-Based SEL Workshop for Real Parent-Teen Conversations and School Empowerment.”

The workshop offered participants an immersive experience designed to strengthen communication between parents and teenagers. Through interactive activities, participants explored how structured conversations can help families and schools better support adolescents as they navigate complex emotional and social challenges.

At the center of the workshop was the Xiuqi Compass, a tool designed to guide meaningful reflection and dialogue. The framework behind the Compass draws on multiple influences, including psychological research on adolescent development, coaching methodologies that encourage reflective dialogue, and elements of Chinese philosophy that shape approaches to reflection, decision-making, and personal growth.

Participants actively engaged with the tool and experienced how it can support authentic conversations between parents and teenagers, while also strengthening collaboration between families and schools.

The session received very positive feedback, with many participants highlighting the practical value of the approach and its potential to support real conversations that build trust, reflection, and mutual understanding between parents and teenagers.

Looking Forward

Beijing Royal School remains committed to contributing to global conversations about student well-being, social-emotional learning, and positive education.

By participating in forums such as the Flourishing in International Education Conference, BRS continues to share innovative practices while learning from leading experts and educators around the world.

Through collaboration, research, and innovation, BRS seeks to empower students with the emotional resilience, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills needed to flourish in today’s rapidly changing world.

We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to UWC Changshu for their dedication and leadership in hosting this important annual conference, which provides an invaluable platform for educators to exchange ideas, share research, and collaborate in support of adolescent well-being and positive education.