Xi'an Gaoxin No. 1 Middle School

About the A Level & AP Centre

There are 400 secondary students enrolled at the centre and student age range is 14 to 19 years old. The Dipont Centre was established at the beginning of the 2006-07 school year.

The Dipont Centre is located on a separate campus site as an extension of the main campus of the Xi'an No. 1 Middle School. In addition to conventional classrooms, the campus also includes: physics/chemistry laboratories, reading/study rooms, teacher offices, a music room, a gym/weight room, an art room, a computer room and administrative offices. Each classroom is resourced with a computer and overhead projector for instructional purposes. In addition, our students have access to the on-site cafeteria and physical education facilities (basketball courts, running track, and soccer field).

Virtually all our graduates attend colleges and universities abroad. Historically, all our students have also distinguished themselves in standardized exams (particularly in the areas of maths and science). It is significant to note that in addition to the normal schedule required for the Dipont Centre programme, the students also attend mandated Chinese classes to prepare for the National Chinese exams. Subsequently, their typical school day is from 8:00am to 5:00pm. We have a broad range of extra-curricular activities such as Investment Club, Juggling, French Club, Drama, Music Writing Club, Calligraphy, drumming, and choir.

The students at the Centre are extremely courteous, receptive and highly respectful towards their teachers and the educational process in general. Working with them is the most rewarding aspect of this role. Traditionally, Chinese students have not had a history of or exposure to 'critical thinking' concepts within the classroom. Consequently, they need to be encouraged to express their opinions if they think they are contrary to conventional wisdom and/or authority.

Lifestyle

Most teachers live within a 10 minute walk to the school in the South of Xian – one hour from the city centre by bus. 

As the ancient capital of various Chinese dynasties, Xi'an offers an abundance of internationally known historical sites (the Terracotta Army, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the Drum/Bell Tower and Xi'an's version of the 'Great Wall'). As expected with a population of 8 million, the city offers a multitude of shopping centres and shopping malls in addition to an abundance of fine restaurants (international included). Teachers at the centre have many opportunities to explore the historical sites within the city proper and outlying areas within the province.

The technological sector in Xi'an is advanced and high-tech components that can be purchased in the West are available here (computers, cell-phones etc.).

For further information about the city, please see
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/xian.htm
http://en1.xian-tourism.com/
http://www.virtourist.com/asia/china/xian/index.html
http://www.chinahighlights.com/xian/
http://muztagh.com/xian/
http://www.iexplore.com/city_guide/China/Xian/Information

Teacher Case Study

Zak Bagwell, English 

I studied US history and English language at the University of Houston, before taking an education course at graduate school. I made the decision to pursue international teaching as a career after a few overseas tours with the US military. After becoming a licensed teacher in Texas, I taught for three years before venturing overseas. In my first three years, I taught History, Government, English, and test preparation within the realm of special education. After that, I taught ESL in the Emirates for a year.

I am a classroom teacher of both US History and English Language Arts. In my English classes, I have the opportunity to work with local and western teachers in collaboration to deliver the prescribed curriculum. As a US History teacher, I have the freedom to design my own lessons based on the center’s desires for a balance between an English language acquisition based model and the AP curriculum. I also advise students on American culture, on geographical regions for university choice consideration and guide students with their application essays. I also provide students with guidance on TOEFL, IELTS, and SAT reading comprehension and write university recommendations.

There are many benefits of working at the Gaoxin school in Xi’an. The center offers many opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and insight into the inner workings of a Chinese national high school. The center is located in the outer perimeter of town, so you have both access to the amenities of the city and the quietness of suburban life. The city has many options for sightseeing, nightlife, and adventuring although it is a city where English is not widely spoken. 

My lifestyle in Xi’an can be described as quiet with sporadic moments of excitement. Due to a full work schedule, during the week I mostly stay at home or eat at restaurants close by. All of the teachers live close enough to the school to walk to work, and we occasionally see each other, as well as students and parents, at local cafes, eateries, and shops. It sometimes makes for a small town experience. During the weekends, I go exploring in the city and investigate interesting places highlighted in the local expat magazine, visit bars and restaurants and even hit the internationally known tourist spots. Where the weather is warm, I might go for a motorbike ride through the mountains. On rare occasions, I will even take random buses just to see where they go. One can always be sure to have some form of interesting experience by taking a bus in Xi’an. Most experiences outside the home involve some sort of gamble as to whether transportation can be found, or if communication can be had. Either way, it makes for an interesting day.

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Student Case Study

I do appreciate the various chances the Centre has given me during my three-year high school life, such as Model United Nations. Normal high school students in Xi'an have hardly heard of this activity. But thanks to my former Dipont teacher, I had this experience. Through ceaseless effort, not only did I manage to write a resolution with good consistency but I also strengthened other leadership skills, such as the art of communication and the spirit of altruism. Also, the school organized us a trip to Singapore in the summer of Pre-A Level, which broadened my horizon and enriched my experience.

Studying in the A-Level Centre, I am taught to be an independent person. Before, I was good in study but weak in everything else. Mom said I could not even take care of myself. However, thanks to the all those traveling activities the school arranged for us, I went to different places accompanied by my schoolmates. We took care of each other thereby cultivating the sense of responsibility and teamwork. Through diverse experience, I gradually become brave and experienced.

I think the foremost challenge is not study itself but how to manage and allocate time reasonably. I used to study in a Chinese middle school where teachers are so nice and caring that they arranged everything for us in advance. Students simply follow the instructions and they will get good grades. But here, things are totally different. No one will tell you what to do. You have to work out things on your own, including how to study without spoon-feeding from teachers. I was confused a lot at first, especially at the beginning of A2, but soon I adapt to the new circumstance after consulting my class tutor several times. I think study in A-Level is quite flexible and that's why some students from Chinese system find it difficult to manage study at first.

I obtained 4As in my AS exam, including A-Level Math, Physics, Chemistry and Business Studies. I applied to universities both in the UK and US. I decided as long as the university is suitable for me and good enough, I do not really care which country. I intend to study Economics and Management in the near future.

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