Fudan school now open for grades one to 12 - VictoЯi〆維墮離亞♀

THE economic boom in China is proving a strong attraction to a growing number of overseas students and expats.

To some married couples working in Shanghai, the city is more than just a workplace, it is a place for them to enjoy their lives and where they can have their kids educated.

Meeting the demand of parents, Fudan International School will open its primary division, offering classes for grades one to 12 this autumn. Renovation work on the campus is in full swing right now.

"Education has been a problem for some expat families. Since their kids had been receiving a Western education, their lack of Chinese language skills and their Western style studying habits made it difficult for them to adapt to the Chinese education with its heavy workload," says Xie Yingping, the principal of the High School affiliated to Fudan University.

"As many parents want their kids to further their study in overseas universities, high schools that combine an international teaching style with local academic qualifications are proving popular," says Xie.

Currently, there are 10 international schools in Shanghai but, according to Xie, there are huge differences between them. Some provide a completely Western education, while others provide bilingual teaching.

Launched in September, 2006, FIS is backed both by the tradition of excellence set by Fudan University and its close ties with world famous universities such as Columbia University. As a student-centered school, the students' needs are the driving force behind everything in the learning environment.

Last September, the school enrolled 66 students in grades six through 12. All students are overseas passport holders.

"We seek to provide an education that allows individual development and sustainable growth and that will lead to the students enjoying a truly global future," says the principal.