reasons for its decline. In doing so, students begin to develop critical
thinking and research abilities that help them form objective, historical
and well-rounded perspectives on any given social or historical fact. The
discussion on the pros and cons of existing exam systems in different
cultures, bridging history and contemporary reality, China and the rest
of the world, provides students with an open-minded and multicultural
context to learning and knowledge.”
trails – some traveled across once already, others yet waiting to be
uncovered and traversed. But what do we hope for students at the end
of the Keystone road, this road that begins in foundation and reaches
to graduation? Learning in a school that blends the best of Chinese
and international curriculums in novel ways, our students will be
knowledgeable about China and the world, citizens who possess local
and global understanding. “Keystone Academy integrates educational
philosophies of the East and West, and makes them compatible and
Such critical thinking is also available from scholarly writings and texts inclusive. This enables our children to soak in the essence of both
in ancient and modern China. Lu Xun, who was considered one of cultures,” says grade 7 parent, Zhu Pingqiu.
China’s greatest 20th century writers, is exemplary of the kind of critical
thinking and reflection Keystone wants students to understand, believes This local world school hopes that our students – Chinese and
Pei Lu, middle school Chinese Language and Literature teacher. It was expatriate – will be cultural ambassadors in the world proudly carrying
Lu Xun who gave birth to the critical writing concept called ‘horizontal forward a rich cultural legacy and history. We also hope that Keystone
stand’ (hengzhan). It denoted the critical thinking that placed writers is the beginning of a prosperous and solid foundation to a future in
in the difficult position of being neutral – not an easy position for a China or elsewhere – as diplomats, scholars, entrepreneurs and more
writer. Ms. Pei feels that reading the works of Lu Xun has helped her – with a thorough understanding of the language, literature, history,
students understand the complexities of critical thinking and writing. and culture of one of the oldest civilizations in the world. And most
Zhu Pingqiu, father of a grade 7 student, agrees that a well-rounded of all, we aim to ensure that our students are ready to embrace any
and in-depth understanding of Chinese history and culture with an challenge surefootedly, wherever they end up in the world, with the
appreciation of its essence and treasures is only possible together with a certainty and self-confidence that comes from knowing who they are,
“critical view of the limitations and anachronisms of traditional culture.” and understanding that education is not just a road to a good college or
well-paying job, but also that it is a social commitment to oneself and to
the world, a commitment that starts right at home. Keystone’s Chinese
At the End of The Road
Thread, intertwined with its international curriculums, is a testimony to
On the road to discovery, there is no end, only further pathways and this commitment.
www.keystoneacademy.cn
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