Ahead of an article on Bilingual Education in Shanghai, SmSh sat down with experts at SUIS Gubei to get a better understanding on what's on offer there. Rebekah Hommel, Staff Development Officer and Senior Teacher on SUIS Gubei's senior leadership team and Vice-Principal Kevin Dumble helped to shed light on what they think is unique about the East-Meets-West culture at SUIS Gubei.

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SmSh: What does it mean (at SUIS Gubei) to be Bilingual?

Rebekah: Bilingualism is a core skill of the 21st century. The ability to navigate multiple cultures and language systems is fundamental to finding a place in the increasingly international communities our students are and will be a part of. At SUIS Gubei we are proud to have a program that prepares the majority of our students to graduate with a Bilingual IB Diploma. Our students leave our school with not only two but often more languages at their command. Our staff of highly trained teachers have cultivated a curriculum of rigor, inquiry, and creativity, that fosters language acquisition in a truly holistic manner.

SmSh: And what are the benefits for students? Are there any drawbacks?

Rebekah: The benefits for our students are far-reaching. From the advantages of expression, and insights into critical literacy, to the ability to traverse multiple cultures with ease and confidence. But perhaps the greatest advantage this offers our students is that university admissions at the world's top universities have begun to recognize that students with the ability to analyse academic literature in two or more languages have developed a level of perseverance and intellect that monolingual applicants fail to offer the learning communities on their campus. This competitive edge is just part of what our education can offer students. But it goes far beyond this.

SmSh:SUIS Gubei is a prestigious school that makes an effort to keep Chinese influences rather than shed them, has that always been an intentional choice?

Rebekah: Absolutely. Our students and teachers embrace the idea that we are better together as a global society. Learning to work across and between cultures, to understand that there are multiple perspectives and values to consider when collaborating to solve real-world problems is a skill set we value enormously. We have a truly inclusive East-Meets-West community, and we are extremely proud of the multi-cultural spirit of our school.

SmSh: Can you tell us a bit about SUIS Gubei's history?

Kevin: SUIS Gubei has completed its 11th year. Numbers in the international stream have increased from about 150 students in the early days to now nearly reaching full capacity at 1,000 students. The demand exceeds places at all grades offered at SUIS Gubei. One reason for the demand is our emphasis on a holistic approach to education where Sport, Drama, Music, and Debating are promoted to develop social integration as well as valuable extra dimensions to learning. We strongly believe that success in these areas builds character and confidence, which in turn have a positive impact on increasing academic achievement. It also means a much more meaningful and enjoyable learning journey for our students.

SmSh:What do you think SUIS Gubei has to offer that’s missing at other schools?

Rebekah: We have a belief in the ability of our students to push themselves to be truly bilingual. We never let our students coast through with the path of least resistance. We encourage our students to embrace a growth mindset, to try new challenges, to cultivate passions, to stretch and grow at every opportunity. Our visual and performing arts programs are among the best the city has to offer, and our students have access to internships and extra-curricular programs that foster their personal goals...We recognize that we are just the beginning of their education, and so we strive to empower them to reach their goals in life well beyond their formal education. Not only do our students get accepted to some of the world's best universities, but we also offer opportunities to develop the efficacy and confidence they will need to succeed at these universities and in their careers beyond that. * You can learn more about SUIS Gubei's Bilingual Curriculum here.