It is often said that knowledge is power. But in my opinion, real power can only be obtained when you possess both wisdom and knowledge. These two are different concepts. Knowledge can be learned, but true wisdom comes from experience. In this age of data, machines can be deemed more intelligent than people since they can calculate faster and boast more solid memory. However, in the future wisdom and education will be competing with knowledge.

In Chinese, the word 'education' is composed of two aspects: teaching and cultivating. The object of the former is knowledge, and the latter is culture. Likewise, the Chinese word 'learning' also combines two aspects: learning and practicing. ‘Learning’ is about gaining knowledge, but ‘practicing’ is about imagination and learning through mistakes. The current education system in China needs to be looked at from multiple points of view. The teaching part is excellent, but the cultivation is not yet satisfactory, and more emphasis is being placed on the former over the latter. 

Looking purely at teaching, even those students whose grades may be below average in China are still able to achieve high scores in Europe and America. But academic standards are not everything, and they may not in fact prove to be the most effective way of producing competitive students. Cultivation and enlightenment are crucial. Teachers should offer encouragment and guidance to inspire students to find their inner beauty, to discover their interest in study and exploration, and unleash boundless imagination and creativity. If this is done successfully then every student will grow into a happy individual and a complete person, instead of just being a learning machine. People in China have very high expectations of teachers and schools. 

In my opinion, teachers have the primary role in teaching. However, the parents have the major responsibility for cultivation. If this cultivation is inefficient or inappropriate, the children will not receive the guidance that they need regarding how to live their lives. It will be difficult for them to enjoy studying. They will not have the courage to take chances and make mistakes. How then can they embrace the future?

Yungu School hopes to make a long lasting contribution with our attempts to develop and reform education in China. Always aware of our roots in China, we will embrace a global view and cultivate children that are best prepared for the future.

At Yungu School, the kindergarten and primary school focus on “cultivating”, while the middle and high schools put more emphasis on the ideas of “teaching”, recognizing the journey on which students must go. In kindergarten we inspire children’s spiritual growth through music, fine arts and sports, to plant a seed of culture and lay a good foundation for the future.

In primary school, we foster the students’ enthusiasm in sports and cultivate their spirit of teamwork. Meanwhile, we guide them in their learning from both oriental and western culture so as to help them develop strong values and good habits. 

In junior high school, besides acquiring academic skills, the students will also learn and practice self-discipline and determination. 

In senior high school, we support the students as they explore their interests further, and prepare them to participate in the competitive global environment. 

The students of Yungu School will think from a global perspective, face challenges with an optimistic attitude, create a future inspired by vivid imagination, and have a strong degree of self-discipline. We believe these four elements will equip our children for the future, and that they collectively are the hope for China.