By South China Morning Post | Created at 2025-04-02 16:02:09 | Updated at 2025-04-04 01:48:23
1 day ago
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In today’s fast-paced world, education aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are not just academically successful but also resilient in all aspects of life. At Chinese International School (CIS), we embrace this philosophy through our Visible Well-Being programme. We believe that students can’t learn well if they’re not well, so our programme prioritises the physical, mental, and emotional health of our entire school community.
Visible Well-Being is a key initiative in our Vision ’33 roadmap, our strategic plan as we approach our 50th anniversary in 2033. As part of our goal to ensure that "Each Learner Flourishes”, we aim to empower students to take charge of their learning, build resilience, learn from failures, and develop healthy relationships for a positive emotional life.
For over a decade, our commitment to well-being has been a strategic priority, beginning in 2011 with our drive to enhance well-being, which led to a significant partnership with Professor Lea Waters, a leading expert in positive education from the University of Melbourne. Her guidance has enabled us to integrate well-being into our educational framework, policies, and practices.
The foundation of our Visible Well-Being program is the meta-SEARCH framework created by Professor Lea Waters that articulates 6 pathways to well-being: Strengths, Emotional Management, Attention & Awareness, Relationships, Coping and Habits & Goals. This structured, data-driven approach helps us make informed decisions in designing learning opportunities that combine well-being with effective learning. The SEARCH framework also provides a common language around well-being, allowing us to integrate dedicated lessons and programmes that align students, teachers, and parents with shared goals.
At CIS, well-being is woven into everything we do. The SEARCH framework is part of daily learning, fostering essential skills and a supportive environment. For our students, dedicated time is established for well-being activities across all year groups. All staff receive mandatory training on the importance of supporting student well-being. Parents attend well-being workshops to create a shared language and framework that connects home and school.
Our Visible Well-Being programme also emphasises data-informed decision-making, by systematically conducting individual student surveys -. This information is presented in a well-being dashboard, allowing us to tailor goals and activities for various year groups and students. It also helps us identify individuals who may be struggling, enabling early intervention and support. This approach is particularly crucial during key transition years; for example, the transition to a full-day programme for our youngest learners, moving from Primary to Secondary School, or returning from our Year 10 flagship boarding programme in Hangzhou.
The impact of our Visible Well-Being programme is reflected in our results. Significant improvements in well-being literacy have empowered our students to be even better at expressing emotions, managing conflicts, and building stronger relationships. Our recent triumph at the inaugural GBA School Awards, where we received the prestigious School Wellness Award, stands as a testament to the excellence and quality of our programme.
Visible Well-Being has enhanced our school culture by fostering collaboration and inclusivity, creating a community where every student can thrive. At CIS, prioritising well-being empowers students to become lifelong learners, equipped to face challenges, build meaningful relationships, and positively contribute to their communities. Visible Well-Being is central to our mission of nurturing individuals ready to deliver on our school’s motto, “To Seek and Serve”, thereby making a positive impact on the world.
Watch this video where our staff and students reveal the truth behind Visible Well-Being!
