About the Host School

The school was established in 2000 and has about 2100 students on roll from 12 to 18 years of age. The school is known for its student centred approach and a focus on preparing students for lifelong development.

The campus covers an areas of nearly 80,000 sqm and has over 160 teaching staff (a number of these are highly regarded educationalists within the province). The school has won a number of awards, including: 'Double Civilised Unit of Zhangiagang' (for 5 consecutive years), 'Demonstration School of Suzhou', 'Experimental School of Modern Education Skill of Suzhou', 'Safe and Civilised School of Suzhou' and 'Model Private School in Jiangsu'.

The A Level Centre 

The CIE Centre was established in 2005 and has130 students in the programme. We have 8 foreign teaching staff and10 Chinese teachers. We place a high value on the student/parent/teacher relationship which is critical to the success of our students. Students are hardworking, well disciplined, participate in a range of academic and non-academic activities and are extremely focused on excellent exam results and entry to world class universities. 

We have access to excellent resources provided by the Host School, including science laboratories, IT suites, studios, lecture theatres, study rooms and teachers' rooms. A variety of clubs are run within the centre including: sports activities, a volunteer group, a robot competition and aerobics competition. 

Frequent lesson observations mean that staff are 'on top of things' at all times. Assessment and tests are frequently given to students and monitored by Subject Leaders or the Centre Principal. 

What is really fascinating is being able to experience and understand the rich Chinese culture through our close working relationship with local staff and students.

Lifestyle

Accommodation is available on campus or off campus and cost of living is very reasonable. Many teachers choose to live on campus because of the convenience. Staff tend to live a quiet life during weekday evenings. There are good places in town to eat and a wide range of shops and local markets. Larger towns and cities are easily reached from Zhangjiagang, such as Suzhou, Wuxi and Nanjing.

A few sites of interest locally include: Jiyanghu Ecological Park  and Xiang shan.

For further information about the city, please see:
http://www.zjg.gov.cn/english/english/default.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhangjiagang

Teacher Case Study

Paul Murray, Chemistry

Before coming to work with Dipont in China I had recently returned from working as a Chemistry Teacher in Qatar. This was my first time working in an international school having worked previously in the United Kingdom Education system since gaining my PGCE in Secondary Science in summer 2010. I really enjoyed working amongst a different culture as I found it exposed me to new challenges as a Teacher and really developed my teaching practice. In the UK I have had experience of working in both private and state funded schools and have also tutored privately to A level in Science and in my specialist subject of Chemistry.

 I have always wanted to experience the Chinese culture and this opportunity at Dipont Education has given me the professional approach to work as a Chemistry teacher where I can both develop my Teaching profession and also gain the cultural experience while working here. 

I am the current Chemistry Teacher in the Ivy Experimental School in Zhangjiagang and have so far really enjoyed my time here. Our international section is relatively small (8 teachers) department and we are a very dedicated team of professionals who work closely together and strive to make the best possible education environment for our students. 

My role as Chemistry Teacher is both challenging and rewarding. The students I teach are excellent, they are very dedicated to their studies and strive to become better learners. The students are very well behaved in class and are very eager and occasionally ask questions which surpass the knowledge required at both IGCSE and A level in my classes. It is therefore crucial to have excellent understanding and sound planning of your lessons when working with such gifted students. 

Many of the students will eventually go onto study in prestigious Universities around the world so my responsibility at developing their English Language skills is also of crucial importance for their future education. The teachers in my department all work very closely with each other at developing the English Language across all subject areas and this is a major responsibility and focus in our centre. 

The majority of my time is spent on planning for lessons and developing resources to enhance my teaching. I am also responsible for the running of the Music Club as part of the extra-curricular activities program in school which I hold weekly. Our centre is very targeted orientated and we have a main target of improving upon the EL skills of all our students so incorporating resources to develop this skill is an essential part of our teaching. 

There are many benefits working and living here, firstly the Chinese people I work amongst professionally are very friendly people and dedicated to their roles so this sets the scene for an excellent working environment. 

China is a very beautiful country and if you like to travel (like I do) the opportunity to explore the many cities of China is always an option on a weekend or school holidays. So far I have been to Shanghai, Suzhou, Wuxi and Hong Kong which were all amazing places. 

Dipont Education has a very good package in place for its employees with a very good competitive salary and housing allowance offered and annual return flights to you home country. Another advantage to working in China is the standard of living you can have as the cost of living is reasonably cheap which provides a good opportunity to save money due to your high disposable income. 

The city of Zhangjiagang where I am based is very clean and is easily accessible on both foot and e-bike. Most weekends I go out for lunch/dinner with a group of friends and also have membership at the local gym which is good to unwind after a long week in work. There is also good shopping here which is located in the city ‘walking street’ and it is relatively easy to find what you want. 

Overall I am happy with my lifestyle here in Zhangjiagang and look forward to the remainder of my time here

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Student Case Study

When did you start at the A Level Centre and how would you describe your experience there?

I began studying at the A Level Centre in February in 2008. The school life was more relaxing compared to the traditional schools in China. During this period, I gained valuable experience. I could communicate with foreigners more confidently and more fluently. Besides, the knowledge I learn has extensive coverage, such as alternative subjects and experiments, which was more useful and closer to our daily life. Furthermore, due to the active class atmosphere, my imagination was allowed to be free. Therefore, I could accept new concepts easily.

What have been the benefits to you personally in studying A levels?

Without too many complex contents, the subjects covered in the A-level course are broad. I can choose any subjects I want to study instead of learning nine all-together, and hence I can put more attention to the areas I am interested in, which is much more meaningful for me to decide what I will do in the future. Also, I can develop my hobbies because more free time is provided.

What have been the challenges?

At the beginning, English was the biggest problem. However, it got better as the time went on.

What  grades have you obtained?

At AS level, I obtained 4 A grades in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. At A level, I'm predicted 3 A's in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.

What are your plans for University?

I will attend a university in Britain. After graduating, I may apply to universities in America for further study.

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