Mr. David Edwards
Head of School
On behalf of the staff of WISS, it is our pleasure to welcome you to our school as we share insights through this important initial source of information.
Founded in 2006, WISS made the bold decision to become the first and, as of today, only four programme International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) World School in China. In doing so, the founders aligned the WISS belief in the importance of a balanced education on the development of the whole child through the internationally recognized IB continuum of learning.
At WISS, we believe that international education brings together the best of East and West in both what and how we do things at our school. We celebrate the wonderful opportunity of residing within one of the world’s most dynamic cities, a tier-one location within a leading country.
As a leader in international education in China, bringing together the best of East and West through a focus on the development of the whole child through globally certified programmes, we look forward to partnering with you on the journey ahead.
Sincerely,
David Edwards
Scholarships
WISS is proud to offer a variety of scholarships that help diversify our student body. These scholarships are offered in an effort to provide students with exceptional talent an opportunity to receive a top international education in Shanghai.
Currently WISS is four in-house scholarships: Scholarship for University, IB Diploma full academic scholarships, outstanding achievement partial scholarships and financial assistance scholarships.
In addition to the in-house scholarships listed below, there are two more incredible opportunities for scholarships through the Western International School of Shanghai’s IB Career-related Programme and partnerships with the Savannah College of Art & Design and FirstPoint USA.
You can find more information here.
We have organised the information available for this school into 10 sections and 37 questions. Click or tap on the name of each section to read more.
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Number of students
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Peak enrollment 775
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Number of nationalities represented in the school
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Around 50
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Most common nationality
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The Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) is a truly diverse community with students representing around 50 different nationalities and with no majority population.
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Native English speaking teachers
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Yes
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Language support for students not fluent in English
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Yes
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Additional language classes offered by the school
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English, Chinese, German, Spanish, Korean, French (some others as self-taught)
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Max. number of students per class
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Early Years: 18
Primary: 25
Secondary: 25
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Average number of students per class
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20
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Does the school employ teaching assistants?
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Yes
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Use of technology in the classroom
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At WISS, we fully embrace the power of technology as a valuable tool to enhance learning in the classroom. Our aim is to prepare students for the digital age and equip them with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
We integrate technology into our curriculum in various ways. Each classroom is equipped with smart displays, allowing teachers to create dynamic and engaging presentations. These tools facilitate visual and interactive learning experiences, making lessons more immersive and impactful.
Additionally, we provide our students with access to digital devices such as laptops or tablets, depending on their grade level. These devices offer opportunities for personalized learning and allow students to explore educational resources beyond the traditional textbooks. They can access online research materials, multimedia content, and educational apps that provide interactive learning experiences.
To support collaboration and communication among students and teachers, we utilize digital platforms and software.
Moreover, we actively promote digital literacy and responsible internet use through digital citizenship programs. We educate our students about online safety, digital ethics, and responsible behavior in the digital realm. We believe in empowering students to navigate and leverage technology responsibly, ensuring they become responsible digital citizens.
Overall, technology at WISS is utilized as a powerful tool to enhance teaching and learning. We strive to create a balanced and purposeful integration of technology in the classroom, preparing our students with the necessary skills for future success.
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Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures)
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Yes
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External examinations or assessments available
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IB Exams
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Results in these examinations
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Our students consistently perform well above the global standard. Students at WISS have a 100% pass rate, with some students reaching a mark of 44/45.
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Do teachers assign homework to their students?
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The purpose of home learning at WISS is to support, enhance, and extend the work done in school during the day and to provide practice in key concepts and methods. But this does not mean that homework is example problems in math or worksheets. In line with our curriculum standards and framework, the school will often give homework that requires reading and then a thoughtful response. In higher grades, this response will need to be increasingly nuanced.
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Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation
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100%
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Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs
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Yes
The Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) is an educational community with a wide range of nationalities, cultures, and languages. Our students’ educational and emotional needs are as diverse as they are. We seek to offer every student the tools needed to help them succeed during their years at WISS, and for their future success as well. The student support department offers academic, social, and emotional support. Our highly qualified counseling team provides student support to maximize each students’ skills, talents, academic achievements, and abilities. School counselors serve as student advocates and support the varying needs of the diverse student population by collaborating with parents, teachers, and students.
WISS provides academic support for Early Years, Primary, and Secondary students.
WISS provides social-emotional support for Early Years, Primary and Secondary students.
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Learning support offered
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Academic Support:
Early Years: Early Years is a play-based curriculum so academic support has a different focus, student’s academic assistance would be in the areas of either language and communication or sensory and motor development.
Primary: In Primary, support services may range from push-in individual support to pull-out small group instruction. The type of support is determined on a case-by-case basis, customized for the student. The LSS teacher works closely with both students and teachers to help that student succeed in their everyday classroom.
Secondary: WISS is committed to helping students reach their academic potential. To this end, the community is guided by the belief that effective support for learning must be based on an inclusive and collaborative approach. This perspective requires different strategies for learning, needs a range of different teaching approaches and experiences, and acquire, assimilate, and communicate information at different rates.
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Student access to education psychologist
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Yes
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Entry evaluation for students
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Yes.
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Brief description of entry evaluation required
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Placement assessments and interviews are required as part of the admission process. These assessments, interviews and observations allow us to place students in the most suitable class based on their skills, language ability, and interests.
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Waiting list
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Some grade levels may have waiting pools. We encourage parents to check with our admissions office for specific information. (enquiry@wiss.cn)
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Deadline for registration (new academic year)
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WISS offers a rolling admissions policy, which allows us to accept applications for new students at any time throughout the school year. This is one of the ways that we support our prospective families as we consider the needs of families who may relocate to Shanghai throughout the school year. As part of our Admissions Process, WISS upholds a non-discriminatory admissions policy and enrolls eligible students who would like to experience a WISS Education regardless of race, religion, cultural orientation, or country of origin.
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Students can join after academic year begins
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Yes
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School start time
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8:20 am
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School finish time
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3:20 pm
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Supervised care before/after school
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No
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School bus service available
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Yes.
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School provided lunches
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Yes. A healthy and well-balanced snack and lunch are provided daily for students.
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Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc)
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Yes, on a case-by-case basis.
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Uniform required
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Yes. All students in Pre-Nursery through Grade 10 are required to wear school uniform.
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Facilities at the school
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WISS offers 2 libraries, a range of science labs, indoor and outdoor theatre, a dance studio, a green room, music studios, several playgrounds, a community garden, a bamboo forest, a scenic lake area, and plenty of green spaces across campus.
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Sports facilities at the school
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Sports facilities include both grass and Astroturf football fields, a running track, basketball courts, badminton courts, a gymnasium equipped with a rock climbing wall, and two swimming pools.
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Qualities and characteristics best defining the school
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The Western International School of Shanghai (WISS) is a leader in international education. A WISS Education includes students in the Early Years, Primary School, and Secondary School and rests on four pillars that form our curriculum, Academics, Sports, Arts, and Community Service. Our curriculum offers a robust but balanced academic program and is unique as the first and only full continuum International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in Mainland China. WISS offers students the Primary Years Programme (IBPYP), the Middle Years Programme (IBMYP), the Diploma Programme (IBDP), and the Career-related Programme (IBCP).
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Teaching approach of the school
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WISS is the only full continuum IB World School in mainland China offering the four programmes of the International Baccalaureate (IB): the Primary Years Programme (IBPYP), the Middle Years Programme (IBMYP), the Diploma Programme (IBDP), and the Career-related Programme (IBCP) in four pathways: Sports, Arts & Design, Business and Sustainability, and Aeronautics. - providing the entire and unbroken IB curriculum model leading to the most sought after qualification for university entry in the world
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Our Campus
WISS is located in New Hongqiao, minutes from the Hongqiao International Airport and Railway Station, two metro lines (2 and 17), and the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC). Our beloved Xujing offers the quiet, green spaces of residential compounds 30 minutes from the exciting entertainment of downtown Shanghai.
WISS has one of the largest international school campuses in the city with facilities for Early Years, Primary and Secondary spread out over 18 acres. The modern campus features open plan, bright classrooms equipped with ceiling air purification units, a well-resourced library with areas for Early Years, Primary, and Secondary, a large cafeteria, two cafes, and a multi-function community room as well as specialized areas for the arts, sciences, and sports.
Academics
WISS is a leading international school in Shanghai and the first and only full continuum World IB School in Mainland China offering the four programmes of the International Baccalaureate: The Primary Years Programme, the Middle Years Programme, the Diploma Programme, and the Career-related Programme.
Our small student-teacher ratio allows our students a personalized and flexible learning experience. WISS places an emphasis on student-centered learning, both inside and outside the classroom walls.
As an international school in Shanghai, China we believe our student’s learning experience should reflect the globally-minded, diverse, and technological world we live in. Following the IB philosophy, we nurture our students to inquire, think independently, and drive their own learning.
Activities
The Western International School of Shanghai offers a vibrant array of extra-curricular activities and is home to world-class academies, such as the ISTA Performing Arts Academy and the Stoke City FC Football Academy as well as offering unique opportunities to develop leadership such as GAIL, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and MUN. EY and Primary students enjoy one afternoon of activities per week. There are also many after-school activities offered daily and on weekends.
We believe in offering a diverse selection of activities and athletics that will enhance our students’ learning experience. We encourage our students to not only follow their passions and develop their skills and interests, but to also be risk-takers who are always challenging themselves to try new things.
