CHILDREN are the apples of their parents’ eyes. Some are accustomed to leading an easy life, with everything provided by their parents. Oftentimes, when they reach school age they have no idea how to complete basic tasks, like dressing themselves or maintaining good hygiene. Life at the Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University Affiliated School will change all that. Here, children will become more independent, learn how to take care of themselves and how to share. XJTLU-AS’s boarding school lifestyle provides children with the warmness of a family, and allows them to enjoy the kinship of their classmates, while at the same time enjoying the changes spurred by a first-rate education.

An important education method

Basic education develops individuals from small children into competent young adults. Just like sunlight shining down on a rain-moistened seedling, education is the rain and sun that help students to grow day by day. “Developing people rather than test-takers, creating happy and healthy students” is XJTLU-AS’s educational belief. The boarding school lifestyle is an invaluable educational resource and an important method to develop and educate students. Children who attend boarding school are at school for five days a week, where their work, rest, diet and nutrition, fitness and health, and studies are all led and managed by specialized teachers. Children who live at school have more time to study and explore their own interests and hobbies and develop their minds and bodies through the many school-organized events and elective classes offered. The group lifestyle cultivates kids’ interpersonal communication skills, independent problem-solving skills, and soundness of character. Research suggests that the boarding school lifestyle develops the overall quality of its students and is one of the most effective methods in creating happy and healthy students.

Live-in teachers

Before 6:30am, XJTLU-AS elementary school live-in teachers are already preparing the students’ clothes for the day. The teachers help the kids comb their hair, put on clothes, and make their beds. The live-in teachers patiently teach the students life skills and guide them in the right direction by developing their independence. In upper elementary school grades, the majority of students can already bathe themselves, dress themselves, and even do their own laundry.

The school maintains a strict standard of three meals a day. The school cafeteria has created nutritious meals that provide students with all the nutrients they need for their development. Every day for lunch and dinner, there are a variety of dishes from all regions, meticulously prepared to satisfy the students’ taste buds. The live-in elementary school teachers will dine in the cafeteria alongside their students, making sure they eat all their food.

At boarding school, introverted students will become more extroverted.

After finishing the day’s studies, all the kids will return to their dorms, and the live-in teachers will help each child settle down and go to sleep — their work is not finished until the lights go out. XJTLU-AS’s teachers work from sunrise to sunset to assist their students through the day.

Say no to weekend school

XJTLU-AS keeps scheduled working hours, with regularly arranged times for study, activities, and rest. Time is not wasted going to and from school, but is instead spent on studies and after-school activities. XJTLU-AS has small class sizes, so teachers can give each student individual attention. By dividing the students into levels, teachers are also able to teach classes tailored to their students’ aptitudes, which is beneficial to the students’ confidence, independence, and the development of critical thinking. At average schools, many parents hire private tutors or enroll their kids in classes on weekends and evenings to help improve their grades. At boarding school, students will be with excellent teachers from morning until evening, who provide them with comprehensive instruction and tutelage. Aside from normal class times, afternoons and evenings can all be used for additional tutoring. If students encounter any problem or confusion, they can ask a teacher for help. The classroom teacher will know his or her students best, and will be able to use tutoring methods that best suit the student’s needs — not only is it effective, students also enjoy it.

XJTLU-AS is working hard to offer special classes that will satisfy the developmental needs of all students, regardless of age. The school has combined the national curriculum with its own original classes to form a “one body, two wings” structure; the body is the national curriculum, while the two wings are special classes offered by XJTLU-AS (humanities and art classes, as well as science and technology classes). The five school curriculum centers have developed many classes and interactive curriculum components. That way, students no longer have to spend time in different training institutions, but can instead fulfill their personal needs and interests in school-organized classes.

Promote familial relations

Rebellious streaks are common occurrences during the transition into young adulthood. This can leave many parents confused and frustrated. Even if boarding school does alleviate the burdens of busy parents, this doesn’t mean that parents don’t have a hand in raising their children. Parents will never be absent when it comes to their children’s education, and XJTLU-AS believes that family life should work in tandem with school education. Both are essential components that promote healthy and happy development. Parents’ participation will certainly affect a child’s development. XJTLU-AS’s elementary school department requires that parents spend at least one day out of the weekend with their children. Because the children don’t usually see their parents, they cherish their time together, and are especially willing to discuss the events of the previous week with their parents.

XJTLU-AS puts a heavy emphasis on the construction of a Home-School Association, establishing the three-tiered “School-Department-Class” Parent Committee for cooperative development among parents, schools, and society. The school established a parent school and invited experienced education professionals to teach parents how to better guide and educate their children. The school also enthusiastically encourages parents to participate in activities both on and off campus, come see their children attend classes, and track their children’s progress. Parents can attend reading days, culture days, charity activities and more. This allows family life and school education to integrate smoothly, creating an optimal environment for the child’s development.