Bangs, sights and smells are just some of the more intriguing options on offer to all pupils as part of Shanghai United International School's vibrant activity program. This entrepreneurial spirit led to the school hosting the inaugural cross-campus Hongqiao-Gubei Science Fair at its Gubei campus.

The fair posed interesting questions from IB PYP primary school pupils inquiring, "what effect does music have on cats and babies?" to "what kind of lights can plants absorb?" perplexing middle school scientists and an IB biologist student investigating "what is the effect of color on smell perception?"

A celebration of young scientific minds, 360 pupils from IB PYP elementary to IB diploma level presented 140 projects, assessed by 90 judges (including guest judges from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and St Michael's Hospital). The foyers and gymnasium were packed wall to wall with colorful display boards as fascinating scientific discussion and vigorous debate filled the air.

It takes an immeasurable level of commitment and passion to complete an independent science project amidst a demanding school schedule. Nevertheless, this is why the SUIS cross-campus science fair attracted the best and brightest future scientists from our student population.

Science forms part of a well-balanced curriculum at SUIS Hongqiao-Gubei. Pupils also participate in the arts and humanities — with 40 percent of pupils at IB level choosing either music or visual arts, with film likely to be added next year. Pupils excel at history (with one pupil gaining the top IGCSE score in China) as well as additional mathematics IGCSE (one pupil gaining the top score in the world). Four linguists gained the world’s joint highest score in IGCSE Mandarin Chinese foreign language and five Chinese pupils gained top marks in the world in IGCSE Mandarin first language.

One Grade 12 pupil achieved a perfect score of 45 points in IB Diploma, while 20 percent of graduating pupils attained 38 points or more, the minimum entry requirement for entry to Oxford University.