“Embracing a new activity that also forces you to think and learn and requires ongoing practice can be one of the best ways to keep the brain healthy.”
——Dr. John N. Morris, an expert in social and health policy research
Since its establishment, Hiba Academy Hangzhou has had a wide range of School Activities (SAs) that supplement and enhance life at the school. The academic, creative, performing arts and physical SAs at Hiba allow pupils to try more new experiences and find their passions while realising their potential and broadening their horizons so they may go on to the global stage with an assertive posture. The interactions and outcomes of our SA activities enhance a sense of achievement among pupils, thus helping them develop into talented individuals with characteristics of our school identity - inspired, intelligent, independent, individual and inclusive. Furthermore, the experiences gained through SAs can help children learn to adapt in challenging situations and build mental resilience, which is also a valuable skill when it is time for university applications.
The spring wind is still a bit chilly but there are plenty of exciting experiences to look forward to with our School Activities. Follow us and have a look at how our Hiba pupils have embraced the opportunities to explore the unknown with courage in February.
Academic School Activities (SA)
Academic SAs offer a range of opportunities for participants to challenge themselves and apply their academic knowledge and skills in new, exciting and novel ways.
Science Competition
Science Competition focuses on competition training and prepares pupils to participate in global youth science competitions in subjects like physics, chemistry and biology. These include YBTC (You Be The Chemist), JCCO (Junior Canadian Chemistry Olympiad), BPhO (British Physics Olympiad), JSOC (Junior Science Olympiad of Canada), and JSOE (Junior Science Olympiad Exam). Our first cohort have been focusing on chemistry competitions such as the YBTC and JCCO and gained excellent results. In the 2022 JCCO, seven Hiba pupils were awarded the Global Merit Award, 1 Global Bronze Award and 6 Global Honourable Awards.
English creative writing
The English Creative Writing SA presents pupils a chance to write and share their writings with a group of young ambitious writers. It is not only for children with a passion for writing, but also for those who have a creative mind and want to develop their writing skill set. Research shows that pupils are more willing to create when they choose topics relevant to their own lives and interests. Creative writing will provide space for our young writers to develop their own ideas, and boost their confidence by overcoming the fear of writing. It is also a chance for them to improve their comprehensive English skills. A lifelong love of writing will undoubtedly open the door to a bright future.
Creative School Activities (SA)
Creative school activities at Hiba serve as a platform for pupils to be creative and imaginative. Being creative is to concentrate on and recognise the present, a demonstration of mindfulness. Creativity allows us to build a closer link to our surroundings and a foundation to become a qualified global citizen.
Baking – Egg Tart Pizza
Baking is relaxing. When your attention is entirely drawn to baking and mixing the dough, you can feel how calming and comfortable it makes you. It is a therapeutic activity as it leads you to realise your inner harmony. This week, pupils shared with others a pastry they baked, a small pizza using egg tart. Learning to bake makes one more peaceful and resilient.
First-Aid Training
Learning how to protect oneself and help others is essential. The benefit of having first-aid training should never be underestimated. It teaches pupils the basic knowledge of how to deal with emergency situations correctly and calmly. Having first aid skills gives the perfect example for the saying, “it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it!”
Performing Arts Activities (SA)
Performing arts grant us a chance to express ourselves, sometimes, not even with words! It also improves pupils’ sense of community. In these SAs, Hiba pupils present the best versions of themselves through various forms.
Pop Dance
Pop music, energetic dance moves, and happy faces. It is where Hiba pupils fully express themselves through dance.
Ukulele
In the Ukulele SA, pupils will learn how to hold a ukulele correctly, play a selection of chords and then use their skills to accompany a selection of songs. Through playing music together, pupils learn how to work as a team, support each other and develop confidence, persistence and resilience while developing their musical skills in a small group setting.
Physical School Activities (SA)
Research from WHO concludes that physical activity reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, and in fact enhances thinking, learning, and judgement skills. However, more than 80% of the world's adolescent population is insufficiently physically active. Here at Hiba, we provide a variety of physical school activities with a focus on improving their sports skills and physical strength so our pupils can become well-rounded talents
Golf
This semester we offer golf SA to both primary and junior high pupils. Golf is known as an elegant and fashionable sport. In this activity, pupils can exercise, practice, and improve their health in a beautiful environment.
Rugby
In the spring sunshine, teachers are teaching pupils rugby skills. In addition to improving health and overall physical fitness, rugby SA also teaches pupils about loyalty, dedication and, more importantly, teamwork.
We will continue updating more SA highlights in the future and sharing them with you.
