For decades, YCYW schools have focused on nurturing students with strong Chinese and English language skills, empowering them to communicate confidently in both languages. What truly sets our education apart is our commitment to equipping students with the skills, mindset, and global perspective needed to thrive in an interconnected world.

In 2015, Dr Betty Chan Po-king, CEO & School Supervisor of YCYW Education Network, introduced the innovative concept of Learning Communities, encouraging students and teachers to explore knowledge creatively and collaboratively.

Reflecting on our traditional bilingual education model, we developed the Bilingual Learning Communities (BLC) framework between 2019 and 2020. Officially launched in 2022-2023, BLC combines two essential elements: bilingualism in Chinese and English, and a collaborative environment promoting student-led inquiry across disciplines.

Our dedicated educators have refined their practices over the past few years, particularly during the critical Years 6 to 8 (Grades 5 to 7 for Yew Wah schools), where subject boundaries can pose challenges. For instance, teachers have found creative ways to integrate subjects, allowing students to explore real-world problems collaboratively.

In the 2023-2024 school year, a diverse team from YCIS Hong Kong, YCIS Shanghai, and YWIES Beijing Yizhuang documented their inspiring BLC journey. The resulting short film, "Learning Beyond Borders: The BLC Experiences," provides an inside look at how our teachers and students are redefining education. It includes three powerful sections: About Learning Communities, From Language to Cultures, and Solving Real-World Problems.

This documentary highlights the potential of diverse learning approaches and showcases YCYW's commitment to nurturing curious, collaborative learners prepared for the future. We invite you to explore how learning can be dynamic, borderless, and full of possibility.

Introducer

Dr Tung Fei Lam

Senior Curriculum Officer

YCYW Education Network