Elementary School
Welcome to the Xiamen International School (XIS) Elementary School. It is an honor to be the elementary principal, and together, with a dedicated staff, supportive parents, and enthusiastic, engaged students, we continue to provide the highest possible standard of education, already well established at XIS. Our learning community prioritises people and relationships and we assume shared responsibility for learning, health and well-being.
Our students are independent, life-long learners and critical thinkers. Through problem-based learning, collaboration and experimentation they find the answers to their own questions by carrying out research and participating in hands on, inquiry-based activities. The inquiry process is purposeful and authentic, building capacity through student agency where voice, choice and ownership are key features. Our students become self-directed by setting personal goals and determining next steps to help them reach these goals.
Our teachers use innovative teaching methods and collaborate with each other to provide our students with a coherent learning experience and an education that will prepare them for the continuation of their educational journey in the Middle Years Programme (MYP).
Please spend some time browsing through our website to learn more about the educational benefits of receiving a world class International Baccalaureate (IB) education at XIS.
Mary Collins
XIS Elementary Principal
“Our students are independent, life-long learners and critical thinkers.“
-Mary Collins, Elementary Principal
XIS provides an inquiry-based and student-centered education with responsible action at its core.
Elementary School Program Overview
The XIS elementary school program (grades 1-5), within the Primary Years Programme (PYP), provides an inquiry-based and student-centered education with responsible action at its core. Students experience learning that is engaging, challenging and relevant acquiring knowledge, concepts and skills through six transdisciplinary themes: ‘Who we are’, ‘Where we are in place and time’, ‘How we express ourselves, ‘How the world works’, ‘How we organize ourselves’ and ‘Sharing the planet’. The subjects are Language (English and Mandarin), Social Studies, Mathematics, Arts, Science, and Personal, Social and Physical Education. Concepts link the different subject areas and allow for deep thinking.
A central principle of agency is evident throughout the XIS elementary school. Agency is voice, choice and ownership to impact learning and teaching. In September 2022, our teachers developed this definition of agency: “Agency empowers students through opportunities to wonder, to use their voice, to reflect and to grow self-efficacy, which provides an avenue for action.”
Approaches to learning (communication, thinking, social, self-management and research skills) have relevance across the curriculum and help students to explore subject knowledge in the context of the transdisciplinary themes. These skills support purposeful inquiry and set the foundations for lifelong learning.
With a focus on lifelong learning and the development of the whole child, XIS prepares children for the opportunities and challenges found in our rapidly changing, complex world.
Learn more about the Primary Years Programme.
The XIS Difference
Why is XIS the international school of choice in Xiamen?
Over 80% of our faculty hold advanced degrees, and the average number of years of teaching experience is 11.
We are a diverse community with over 40 nationalities represented.
XIS develops independent, confident, and open-minded thinkers.
Our students attend reputable, well-known universities around the world. XIS University Acceptances 2016-2021
XIS is accredited by WASC (for 20 years) and authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (15 years).
We are an IB World School, the only school in Xiamen offering all three of the prestigious and internationally recognized IB programs.
An average of 74% of XIS seniors earn a bilingual IB Diploma—the world average is 25%.
We have a warm community, family environment where every child is valued.
XIS students participate in international school regional athletics, arts, and cultural leagues and conferences: ACAMIS, SCISAC, & ISCMS.
We are the longest established international school in Xiamen, delivering a world-class education for 25 years.