Theory and practice have always gone hand in hand in the design of the Year 9 IGCSE Biology programme. Theoretical knowledge is the cornerstone of practical exploration, while practical exercises are an important way to deepen understanding and verify theories. Through this mode of teaching, children are not only able to systematically grasp the basic concepts and principles of biology, but also exercise their observation, analysis and problem-solving skills in practice.

Recently, the students have been engaged in an in-depth study of the human circulatory system. In order to understand the structure and function of the heart more intuitively, we organised a practical activity in which the children worked together in small groups to dissect a pig's heart. During the dissection process, the children not only witnessed the structure of the four chambers of the heart and the opening and closing mechanism of the valves, but also deeply experienced the dynamics of blood circulation through hands-on practice. This leap from theory to practice made the abstract knowledge vivid and concrete, and greatly enhanced our students’learning interest and impact.

Grade 10-12 Explores Food Science

Additionally, some of our Grade 10-12 students conducted research on the effects of salt stress on rice growth under the guidance of Dr Ruan, unlocking new codes for food security through scientific research practices. By systematically exploring the relationship between soil salinity and rice growth, the students not only mastered the paradigm of scientific research, but also deeply felt the strategic significance of ‘hiding food in technology’ in the process of cultivating saline-tolerant rice plants.