In 2025, Nanjing International School built meaningful momentum, strengthening student voice, deepening community partnerships, and celebrating exceptional learning across the school. With stable leadership and low teacher turnover, this was a year defined by continuity, innovation, and achievement.

Students across Primary, Secondary, and the IB Diploma Programme engaged in authentic, real-world learning experiences, from Early Years entrepreneurial planning to Grade 8 inquiries into Mars colonisation and DP explorations of human resource systems. Primary School students experienced joyful growth, including the G2–5 production In Harmony, expanded literacy initiatives, the launch of Grade 3 Discover China overnight trips, and student-designed enhancements to the Early Years playground.

Student leadership flourished through hallmark events such as the 10th anniversary TEDx, International Women’s Day, Earth Week, and an expanded Service as Action programme. A highlight was hosting GCD Up, welcoming students from across the world for a week of intercultural collaboration, design thinking, and global citizenship.

Our commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) continued to deepen. Staff engaged in identity-centered practice workshops, the whole school undertook a curriculum equity audit, and the Humanizing Pedagogy Framework was launched to remove barriers to learning. Recognition came internationally through the Council of International Schools (CIS), East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS), and the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China.

Professional learning at NIS remained a hallmark of excellence. We hosted regional conferences – including ACAMIS, EARCOS, and Responsive Classroom institutes – while NIS teachers presented widely across Asia on inclusion, AI, and early years pedagogy.

Partnerships with organisations across Nanjing and the Asia-Pacific region strengthened wellbeing, safety, and global engagement.

The year also brought vibrant community connection: PTA events, ParentEd, coffee mornings, robust alumni engagement, and a standout whole-school production of Oliver! that showcased extraordinary creativity.

Our Board advanced critical long-term work, including the search for the next School Director and developing clearer ways to measure progress toward our mission. As we look ahead, NIS enters 2026 with confidence and purpose: grounded in strong foundations, energised by student agency, and committed to shaping an inclusive, world-class learning community.

For an in-depth exploration of 2025 at NIS, we look forward to presenting our Annual Report after the Winter Holiday.