Shanghai Intl School Roundup ： STEAM, Awards & Open Days, Oct 2026

Shanghai international schools' Oct 2026 news: STEAM weeks, IGCSE Top in World awards, and Wellington 2027-28 scholarships up to 100% tuition (deadline Dec 18).

Tags:

• Shanghai
• International Schools
• School News
• Scholarships
• Open Days

STEAM Week Sparks Creativity at Britannica Shanghai

Britannica International School Shanghai celebrated STEAM Week with challenges that encouraged students to experiment, adapt and collaborate.

Primary pupils embarked on a mission to bring ‘Eggy’ home, designing boats, programming robots, and engineering protective cases for a catapult launch.

Secondary students took on the ‘Anything That Floats’ challenge, building rafts from recycled plastic bottles and testing them in the pool.

Older students supported younger learners, sharing ideas and refining designs together. 

Across science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, the week brought learning to life, giving students opportunities to develop creativity, resilience, and practical problem-solving skills through discovery and hands-on exploration.

SAS Sophomore Wins 2026 Hurun Teenage Entrepreneurship Competition

For Shanghai American School sophomore Ouya W., a problem at sea became an engineering challenge worth solving.

His project, Marine AI Scout, is an AI-powered maritime search and rescue system designed to identify people in the water, calculate their location, and alert a ship’s crew.

Developed with support from SAS’s Eagle Innovator program, Marine AI Scout went on to compete in the 2026 Hurun Teenage Entrepreneurship Competition.

Three SAS teams advanced in the competition, with Ouya ultimately taking the championship.

The win also includes access to equity investment benefits worth millions of RMB.

SAS was also recognized with the HTEC Annual Outstanding Partner School Award.

Ouya now plans to continue developing Marine AI Scout into a real product that could one day help save lives at sea.

Concordia Students Headed to World Maths Finals

Concordia Shanghai hosted the World Mathematics Championships (WMC) Regional Qualifier, welcoming students from five other schools. 

Their Phoenix mathematicians delivered impressive results, with eight qualifying for the 2027 Senior World Finals at Imperial College London and several others earning awards.

The competition challenged students to think critically, solve complex problems, and collaborate under pressure.

From the energetic relay race to the popular cryptography round—where students decrypted questions and encrypted answers—participants put their mathematical skills and creativity to the test.

Furthermore, a total of six Grade 8 students secured a place in the Junior World Finals, taking place at the University of Melbourne in December.

This success follows another strong showing at the WMC Senior World Finals this past summer, when six Concordia high school students competed in London, earning a gold and a bronze despite being among the youngest competitors.

READ MORE: Concordia Mathematicians Take on London

Congratulations to the Phoenix mathematicians!

Fortune Kindergarten Hongqiao Campus Baby Class 

Fortune Kindergarten Hongqiao Campus's newly opened Baby Class builds its school day around a simple rhythm: observe, explore, and play.

The youngest children are getting to know their classroom and the wider campus through familiar routines that help them settle quickly into a new environment and arrive excited each day.

Their outdoor activities begin with a walk to the school garden, where they check how the plants are growing and help water them, turning regular trips into opportunities to notice change.

Elsewhere around the school, the children watch the chickens and observe what they eat, while colorful birds offer another focus for their curiosity.

Outdoor play brings a different kind of discovery as the children move among cars, balls, and slides.

Together, these everyday experiences give the class a steady introduction to school life, helping the children grow more confident and comfortable in their surroundings.

Harrow's Annual Booktober Harry Potter Night

Booktober was back, and with it Harrow Shanghai's annual Harry Potter Night. This year's theme was Spells and Potions. 

Pupils made their own wands and discovered the magic of "the wand choosing its wizard." They enjoyed a shared reading of a classic passage and stepped back into the wizarding world.

Older pupils became magical messengers, delivering delicious treats to everyone. Pupils drew their own Patronus and joined in a resounding "Expecto Patronum!"

From spell-guessing games and magical treasure hunts to coloring in fantastic beasts, every activity brought the magic of reading to life.

At Harrow Shanghai, the joy of books was passed on to young readers through moments of wonder, imagination, and fun.

YCIS Shanghai Celebrates Cambridge IGCSE 'Top in World' and 'Top in China' Awards

Three YCIS Shanghai students achieved outstanding results in this year's IGCSE examinations.

‘Masaki (Puxi) received the 'Top in World' award for Mandarin as a Foreign Language, Rui Xi (Pudong) earned Top in China in Global Perspectives, and Ana (Pudong) earned Top in China in World Literature.

With hundreds of thousands of candidates each year, only a small number achieve these distinctions.

Most of the IGCSE achievers have spent many years at YCIS Shanghai, developing their abilities progressively through a rigorous and carefully structured curriculum.

For all three, experiences inside and outside the classroom complemented one another. 

Rui Xi's service learning broadened her global perspective alongside 11 A* grades; Ana's involvement in the World Scholar's Cup, the John Locke Essay Competition and theater shaped her voice as a writer; and Masaki embraced school life through Drama, LAMDA, and a Shanghainese culture CCA.

Underpinning these achievements is YCIS's East-meets-West approach, with intercultural understanding and empathy cited as key to success. 

Congratulations to Masaki, Rui Xi and Ana.

Investing in Peace at SCIS

Students across all Shanghai Community International School (SCIS) campuses recently explored the theme ‘Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day’ through activities connected to the International Day of Peace and United Nations Day.

From collaborative games and creative art projects to cultural performances and the annual Country Parade, students reflected on how understanding, empathy, and respect can strengthen communities.

Representing more than 58 nationalities, the SCIS community provides students with daily opportunities to learn from different perspectives and celebrate cultural diversity.

These experiences help students develop the values of global citizenship while fostering a strong sense of belonging both in school and beyond.

Dulwich World Expo 2026: Celebration of a Vibrant Global Community

Dulwich College Shanghai’s campus was transformed into a vibrant celebration of cultures from around the world.

Hosted by families representing different countries, the booths brought together traditional flavors, cultural traditions, and opportunities for the community to connect, creating a lively carnival atmosphere.

From exploring the booths to sharing traditions and connecting with fellow families, World Expo offered a glimpse into the richness of life at Dulwich.

Each booth told a story, reflecting the unique heritage and experiences that families bring to the community.

At Dulwich, being truly international goes beyond the diversity of nationalities represented on campus.

It is about creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds to share their cultures, learn from one another and build meaningful connections.

Beyond the Textbook: What Learning Looks Like Outside the German School Classroom

At German School Shanghai, learning extends far beyond the classroom through field trips, hands-on projects, and partnerships with companies and institutions.

Over the past two weeks, primary and secondary students explored destinations across China on their class trips—from Shanghai and neighboring provinces to Beijing, Xi’an, Xiamen, Huangshan and Zhangjiajie.

Each grade discovers a different destination, bringing China’s culture and history to life.

And learning beyond the classroom starts early!

As part of their self-chosen space project, preschoolers visited the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum and spoke with an astronomy expert in collaboration with the Heidelberg Research Station.

These experiences spark curiosity, foster independence and teamwork, and make learning tangible.

BISS Students Win Cambridge Outstanding Learner Award

The British International School Shanghai is celebrating two of its Year 12 students for winning the Cambridge Outstanding Learner Award—achieving top marks in IGCSE subjects!

Jiwon achieved the highest mark in China in Business Studies, whilst Moneshka achieved the highest mark in China in First Language English.

Both of these subjects are important with a large number of candidates, so achieving the top mark in the country is incredible and a testament to their hard work and dedication. 

It's also a good reflection of the strong support that they receive from their teachers and the pastoral team.

The students and their families will be attending an awards ceremony in November, held by the Cambridge International Examinations Board.

SUIS Gubei Sets Vision to Be a Most Respected International School

SUIS Gubei has unveiled a new vision to become "one of Shanghai's most respected international schools," Academic Principal Rick Spadafora announced in the school's Insights series.

Building on strong academic results and university offers, the school plans to diversify pathways, expand international competition participation, and develop its sports and arts programs.

It also aims to guard against AI overreliance and unethical practices.

The vision rests on a vibrant community, a professional growth framework for teachers, and a learning environment where every student is challenged, supported and inspired to grow.

Wellington Shanghai Opens Applications Worldwide for Its 2027–28 Scholar & Scholarship Program

Wellington Shanghai's 2027-28 Scholar and Scholarship program is now open to external applicants worldwide from Year 7 and above.

The holistic award recognizes excellence in academics, the arts, or sport, celebrating outstanding talent, leadership, curiosity, and community contribution.

Exceptional Scholars may receive scholarships covering up to 100% of tuition fees.

External families should complete an enrolment enquiry form; the Admissions Team will then arrange next steps.

The application deadline is December 18. 

For more information, contact Wellington Shanghai Admissions at:

[email protected]

Discover Sabre Cubs at Shanghai Singapore International School

Shanghai Singapore International School Early Years Centre offers free, two-hour parent-child sessions for little ones aged 12–36 months.

From Singapore Mathematics to literacy, from music to STEAM, enjoy purposeful play on Tuesday or Thursday mornings.

Reserve your free trial today and unleash your child's personalized learning journey.

NAIS Lantern Festival 

Enjoy an evening of Chinese traditions, colorful lanterns, spectacular dragon and lion dances, fascinating Sichuan face-changing performances, delicious food, festive stalls, and live music by NAIS students.

Bring your family and friends for a memorable night of culture, entertainment, and fun—book your tickets online and save RMB20 with online purchase!

• Date: Sunday, 8 November | 5–8pm

• Venue: 2888 Junmin Road, Pudong

• Tickets: RMB 30 online | RMB 50 at the door

Shanghai French School Brings AI, Robots & Science to Maker Faire

Can you spot an AI-generated image? Code a robot to follow a line? Find out what makes a lava lamp work?

Shanghai French School invites visitors to try all three at its first Maker Faire Shanghai appearance today and tomorrow, October 31 and November 1.

At Booth G5, the school's technology, IT, and science teachers will join representatives from LIN, its educational innovation lab, to turn these questions into hands-on challenges.

‘Humans vs AI’ will put visitors' judgment to the test as they distinguish human creations from AI-generated content, spot errors, and check information.

Coding challenges range from creating colorful shapes with Scratch to programming an mBot robot, while science experiments explore color-changing indicators, vibrations, and lava lamps.

The school's debut brings its approach to learning beyond the classroom: giving people something to try, a problem to solve, and a reason to ask another question.

Admissions and communications staff will also be on hand to chat about programs and school life.

READ MORE: Shanghai's Favorite Family Festival is Back!

Curious to see more? Book an Open Day visit on November 2 at the Yangpu campus or November 16 at the Qingpu campus.

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Hong Kong Teen Jailed 8 Years for Paid Acid Attack on Singaporean

A Hong Kong teen was jailed 8 years for a paid acid attack on a Singaporean woman in Wan Chai on June 9; paid HK$10,000, he left her scarred and with PTSD.

Tags:

• Hong Kong
• acid attack
• court sentencing
• Singaporean victim
• juvenile crime

Source: OT-Team(G), VnExpress, The Straits Times

A Hong Kong teenager has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a carefully planned acid attack on a Singaporean woman, leaving her with permanent scars and lasting psychological trauma. The attacker, who was 17 at the time, carried out the assault in exchange for a promised HK$10,000 (approximately US$1,270).

The victim, 36-year-old Jiang Wen, suffered second-degree burns to her face and limbs after being splashed with highly concentrated sulfuric acid while getting into a car in Hong Kong's Wan Chai district on June 9, 2025. She spent 61 days in hospital undergoing multiple operations and skin graft procedures before returning to Singapore for further treatment.

Despite having no known prior connection with the attacker, Jiang continues to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and insomnia, with the physical and psychological consequences expected to affect her for years to come.

• Ambushed Twice with Concentrated Sulfuric Acid

The attack took place after Jiang had met her sister in Wan Chai and was preparing to leave in a private car.

As she opened the car door to get in, a stranger dressed entirely in black and wearing a face mask suddenly approached from behind and threw corrosive liquid at her.

Jiang instinctively turned around to see what was happening, only to be splashed a second time. She immediately felt intense burning pain across her face and exposed legs before collapsing to the ground and screaming in agony.

The attacker fled the scene, while the driver immediately called the police.

An investigation later confirmed that the liquid was highly concentrated sulfuric acid. A government chemist's report found that the substance contained at least 90% sulfuric acid, while other court reporting put its concentration at nearly 70%.

Jiang suffered chemical burns covering approximately 10% to 11% of her body, including her face, feet and upper limbs. Her leg injuries included second-degree burns.

She underwent surgery and multiple skin graft procedures during her 61-day hospital stay before returning to Singapore to continue treatment.

Although she survived the attack, she was left with permanent, visible scars. She was also diagnosed with PTSD and has continued to experience insomnia, requiring medication and ongoing treatment.

• Teenager Scouted the Location Before the Attack

Following the assault, Hong Kong police launched an investigation and reviewed surveillance footage.

Investigators discovered that the attacker, identified as Anson Kew, had visited the area several days before the incident to survey the location.

On the day of the attack, he wore a hat and face mask and waited nearby. He had also hidden a red plastic bag containing the corrosive substance in a back alley before Jiang arrived.

Kew turned himself in at a police station two days later, accompanied by his father and a lawyer. However, he refused to answer police questions and never explained why he had targeted Jiang.

Police investigations subsequently uncovered that the attack was a paid job. According to information presented in court, Kew had admitted to a probation officer that he had been promised HK$10,000 (approximately US$1,270) to carry out the assault.

The assignment had come through an individual associated with local triad circles.

There was no indication that Kew and Jiang had known each other before the incident or had any personal dispute.

• Judge: Attack Had a Lifelong Impact on Victim

Kew, who is now 19, pleaded guilty on October 15 at Hong Kong's High Court to one count of throwing corrosive fluid with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

On October 29, Justice Andrew Chan Hing-wai sentenced him to eight years in prison.

In delivering the sentence, the judge described the attack as carefully planned and emphasized the severe and lasting consequences for Jiang.

He noted that Kew had committed the offense purely for financial gain, with no other apparent motive, and that the assault had caused the victim profound physical and psychological harm.

The court adopted a starting point of 12 years' imprisonment before reducing the sentence by one-third in recognition of Kew's guilty plea.

The judge also declined to give Kew additional credit for turning himself in, noting that he had done so only after police had already been searching for him and with the assistance of his father and lawyer.

• Troubled Background and Links to Triad Societies

Court reports also shed light on Kew's background.

He had a history of offending from an early age, including involvement in a theft case at the age of 14. He was subsequently placed in a juvenile detention facility after breaching a probation order.

Kew dropped out of school at around 16 and later became involved with undesirable associates. He also had a history of drug use.

Although he denied formally joining a triad society, Justice Chan said he was satisfied that Kew had effectively become involved with a triad group, noting that the assignment to attack Jiang had reached him through such associates.

The judge further questioned Kew's willingness to reform, describing his motivation to change as questionable.

The eight-year sentence brings the case to a close in court, but the consequences for Jiang remain. What began as a visit to Hong Kong to see family has left her with permanent physical injuries and psychological trauma, after she was attacked by a teenager who had been paid to target her.