What is the Great Tradition?
The concept of 'The Great Tradition' originates from British literary critic F. R. Leavis' (1895-1978) commentary of the same name. First published in 1948, 'The Great Tradition' is a commentary on the greatness of the English novel tradition. Within each civilization in human history there is a greatness, a driving force. How do we help our next generation better understand the greatness of tradition?
YK Pao School’s 2016 Residential Chinese Summer Camp helps its students achieve this comprehensive understanding of tradition with an exciting programme that utilises eight categories of learning – poetry, calligraphy, painting, music, science and technology, drama, food and architecture, combined with the study of cultures around the world.
2016 Residential Chinese Summer Camp
Date: July 4-15, 2016
Location: YK Pao School Secondary Division (1800, Lane 900 North Sanxin Road, Shanghai, China)
Suitable for Chinese and international students aged 12-15
Language of instruction: Chinese
This exciting 12-day programme begins with a study of ancient Chinese artefacts, and combines an interactive and immersive teaching environment with professional teaching staff, exploration and collaborative work which allows students to develop their creativity, imagination, artistic expression, organizational and coordination skills, as well as the ability to express themselves through language.
Poetry
Campers will trace the experiences of renowned poets Qu Yuan and Li Bai, putting together their very own poetry anthology. They will also learn receive traditional training in rhymes: the sounds of enlightenment!
Calligraphy
Campers will learn the story of Chinese calligraphy and become a part of history by creating their own calligraphy work!
Art
Campers will enjoy learning about Chinese ink animation, exploring the secrets of traditional Chinese paintings and experience the uniqueness of Chinese graffiti!
Music
Campers will experience a great part of Chinese civilisation - traditional Chinese music! Students will have the chance to examine the differences between Chinese and Western music, and of course, learn to play instruments!
Science and technology
Campers will gain insight into the profoundness of Chinese medicine and explore the intrigue of ancient tombs and secrets of the compass.
Drama
Students not only watch Chinese traditional stage drama, but also learn the staging process, the three unities of drama and even improvisation!
Architecture
Campers will gain exposure to architecture from all over China, including structures dating from the prehistoric times to the towering palaces of modern civilisation!
Food
Campers will learn about the cultural significance of Chinese tea, the stories behind every flavour, and experience a food festival!
Exploration
Campers will enjoy visits to the Shanghai Museum and Shanghai Natural History Museum!
Exhibition
Students will showcase their learning outcomes in an exhibit featuring all eight categories of study!
Programme highlights
Experienced instruction by experts in their field
Quality instruction will be provided by Pao School’s experienced teaching staff in partnership with experts in literature and history (Shanghai Museum Department of Education Director Dr Guo Qingsheng, Pao School Secondary Division Head of Chinese Department David Xiong, experts from art galleries, members of the Shanghai Calligraphers Association, and renowned university professors).
A unique programme
Designed with the greatness of tradition in mind, the Residential Chinese Summer Camp programme incorporates eight essential components of Chinese culture, giving campers a comprehensive introduction to the cultural heritage of China.
Innovative and interactive instruction
The programme brings the intrigue and excitement of the museum into the classroom, combining exploration components to provide campers with insight to the vastness of Chinese tradition.
The first ever Chinese culture summer boarding programme in China
Pao School is the leading boarding school in China, with a residential programme modelled on traditional UK/US boarding schools.
Cultural immersion
In addition to the major cultural emphasis of the camp, students enrolled in the programme have the opportunity to interact with local students during their stay, greatly enhancing language skills and cultural exposure.
Rich afternoon activities
Pao School recognises co-curricular activities as an essential part of whole person education. Sports, as well as reading and other fun activities are arranged each afternoon as a way for students to have fun, relax as well as forge friendships and even improve their academic performance.
About Pao School Secondary Division
Pao School’s Secondary Division is situated in Thames Town, a beautiful and serene English-style town in Shanghai’s Songjiang district. Pao School provides UK/US boarding education as well as day school options, and offers the IGCSE and IB programmes.
The 57,000 square-metre campus was designed by British architects and comprises four buildings for academics, athletics, performances and residential life.
The Yang Chen Ning Learning Centre houses three libraries: the Great Room, the Reading Room and the Learning Commons. In addition to its many classrooms, the campus also includes six laboratories and a Student Centre. The Senior Study Centre is a separate area where Senior Secondary students have their own classrooms, meeting rooms and a separate library, the Oxygen Bar and more.
Our sporting facilities include a running track, all-weather pitch, indoor gymnasium, fencing area, underground sports arena and state-of-the-art indoor swimming pool.
Arts facilities include a Black Box Theatre, Outdoor Amphitheatre and auditorium. We have three art classrooms, a pottery room, a metal/wood workshop, a design lab, five music classrooms as well as a dance studio. The Residential Centre contains dormitories, music practice rooms, activity rooms, kitchens, game rooms, TV lounges and Day Student Centre.
Residential experience
