Chinese Curriculum with a Global Outlook: Preparing Students for the Future
When 6-year-old Peng Gelin stepped into the Chinese School Dubai for his admission interview, he faced a daunting challenge. Born in Iran to a Chinese father and an Iranian mother, Peng spoke only Persian. His nervousness was palpable as he grappled with the prospect of speaking in Mandarin or English. However, the admissions team recognized his potential and offered him a second chance. This decision marked the beginning of a transformative educational journey.
A Transformative Educational Journey
In that second interview, with gentle encouragement, Peng sang an Iranian children’s song and expressed his desire to attend the school in broken Mandarin. Fast forward a year, and this once shy boy now communicates fluently in Mandarin and has thrived in his new environment. "I like everything here—my classmates and teachers, they’re all good to me," he beams, showcasing his remarkable growth.
His transition wasn’t without challenges, particularly the complex tones of Mandarin. Yet, with encouragement from classmates and teachers, he soon integrated well into the school community, consistently asking about his exam scores, aiming for that coveted perfect mark.
Bridging Cultures
The growth experienced by Peng is not an isolated case. His father, Peng Tinghui, observes a profound change in his son’s personality since enrolling in the school. "The school changed his personality and his destiny. Here, he is encouraged to grow into a bridge between two cultures," he reflects, acknowledging the unique blend of Persian and Chinese influences shaping his son’s identity.
In Dubai, a city that hosts the largest Chinese community in the Middle East, the opening of the Chinese School in 2020 has been a game changer for families. Before its establishment, parents often found themselves torn between sending their children to local international schools or back to China for a traditional education.
A Unique Educational Model
The Chinese School Dubai is the first overseas institution to adopt China’s national basic curriculum. Operated under the guidance of the Chinese Ministry of Education, its curriculum combines core Chinese subjects with other subjects, including Arabic, sociology, and ethics. This innovative blend prepares students not just academically but also culturally, fostering a global outlook.
The school has maintained small class sizes, with a maximum of 24 students per class, which allows for personalized attention. Principal Zheng Li emphasized the school’s mission: "Chinese education offers discipline and depth, while Dubai fosters openness. We combine both." The interaction between these two educational philosophies aims to cultivate students who are not only well-rounded but also culturally aware.
Celebrating Cultural Heritage
Inside the school, vibrant decor reflecting both Chinese and Arabian cultures fills the hallways. Students engage in projects that incorporate Chinese cultural elements, enhancing their competencies while developing a deep appreciation of their roots. Principal Zheng notes, "Over the past five years, we have adhered to the belief that establishing this school is aimed at cultivating more overseas talents who can preserve and pass on Chinese culture."
The school’s success has garnered recognition. In 2023, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) awarded it a "good" rating—an impressive achievement for a new establishment. This recognition highlights the school’s role in enriching Dubai’s educational diversity while showcasing the strengths inherent in Chinese educational practices.
Academic Excellence
The academic achievements of students at the Chinese School Dubai speak volumes. A recent highlight was the school’s team triumphing in the Purple Comet Math Meet, securing first place in the UAE and ranking 38th among over 1,000 teams worldwide. One of the team members, Bao Hafu, plans to continue his education in a U.S. curriculum high school, emphasizing how the school’s rigorous academic environment nurtures critical thinking and analytical skills.
Students like Bao appreciate the constructive feedback culture at the school. He shared that compared to his previous international school, this environment encourages personal growth and critical evaluation rather than merely praising efforts.
Embracing Globalism
Teachers at the Chinese School come from Hangzhou, fostering a rich cultural exchange by bringing their expertise to Dubai. Each year, the school welcomes new teachers, striving to maintain high educational quality. Adapting traditional Chinese lessons to a local context is a crucial part of their approach. For instance, during discussions about the Spring Festival, teachers incorporate local customs like Eid al-Fitr to highlight shared cultural values.
Moreover, students engage in cross-cultural activities, such as exchanging greeting cards with their peers in Hangzhou, further solidifying their understanding of their dual heritage.
Community Impact
The influence of the Chinese School extends beyond its walls. The UAE’s "Hundred Schools Project," initiated in 2019, has expanded Chinese language education to 171 schools, benefiting about 71,000 students across the country. Abdulla Al Saleh, undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Economy, remarked that the Chinese School symbolizes cultural exchange and friendship between nations.
In the school’s Saturday Mandarin classes, over 200 participants from nearly 20 countries come together, indicating a growing interest in learning Mandarin. Emiliya Miroshnichenko, a Dubai-born girl, expressed her excitement about the program and its depth compared to what she experienced in international schools.
Educational Aspirations
For students like Emiliya, learning Mandarin is not just about language; it’s a gateway to global citizenship. Inspired by documentaries highlighting China’s infrastructure and culture, Emiliya dreams of attending a boarding school in China, where she can immerse herself fully in her studies. "Mandarin isn’t just a language; it’s my gateway to global citizenship," she asserts, embodying the aspirations many students hold.
As the Chinese School Dubai continues to flourish, it stands as a testament to the power of education in bridging cultures and preparing young minds for an interconnected world. With its commitment to a rigorous and culturally rich curriculum, it significantly enhances the educational landscape of Dubai while nurturing the next generation of global leaders.
