The Magic Triangle of Parent, Teacher, Student Relationship
We all know the importance of parental involvement in a child’s learning; we also know that each family is unique and each family has their own challenges. To meet these varying needs, DCSZ arranges a range of events and publications to support parents’ engagement with their children’s learning. To learn more about parental involvement, we have invited Dr Yan, the father of a Class of 2024 graduate, to share his family’s journey at DCSZ.
Journey of the Yan Family
The Yan family’s journey is diverse and international. Mr Yan hails from Xi'an and has over 20 years of experience in Beijing’s educational industry. His wife also has experience working in education but later decided to accompany their son, Yu Huan, in his studies.
Yu Huan began his educational journey in kindergarten in the USA and then continued to Junior School in Canada. In September 2019, due to Mr Yan's professional commitments, the family relocated to Suzhou. As a professor specializing in child development and psychology at XJTLU , Mr Yan conducted extensive research to select the best school for his son. After thorough consideration, he chose DCSZ as the ideal fit for his child.
How does DCSZ support the child’s learning
As Yu Huan had previously studied internationally, he made a point of travelling extensively during holidays, helping him become more adaptable and flexible.
Upon joining DCSZ in Year 9, he initially encountered some challenges in his academic learning, as the depth of education here, particularly in IGCSE and IB courses, significantly differed from his experiences in Canada. Adjusting to this higher level of academic rigor was challenging at first, but with the support of his family, friends, teachers, and the DCSZ community, he persevered, ultimately transforming into an independent, resilient, confident, responsible, and proactive individual.
Reflecting on the world-class education provided at Dulwich College Suzhou, Dr Yan believes the following three aspects are instrumental in supporting children in the best possible way：
High-quality teacher qualifications: Teachers at DCSZ exhibit a strong sense of responsibility and possess excellent educational backgrounds. During Yu Huan's learning time at DCSZ, his teachers consistently offered encouragement and support. They not only answered his questions but also provided guidance to help him develop into a well-rounded individual.
Good-quality learning environment: The academic and holistic learning environment at DCSZ is exceptionally enriching. The school is dedicated to providing students with a top-tier educational environment with facilities to support holistic learning.
Supportive community: The DCSZ community, comprising parents, students, and teachers, is remarkably supportive. There is a culture of mutual aid and respect among them. Yu Huan forged positive relationships with his teachers, who consistently advised him to pursue his passions. For example, when he was initially struggling with his Mandarin studies, the teacher discussed the situation with Yu Huan and encouraged him to enhance his Mandarin skills for his own benefit. Additionally, my son has cultivated strong bonds with a close-knit group of 10 friends. They learn, play, and assist each other without envy, whether in academics or any other matters. The learning ambiance at DCSZ is notably conducive to positive growth.
A triangle Relationship - Parent-child relationship, Teacher-pupil relationship and Peer relationship
In terms of Dr Yan’s professional background, he has conducted extensive research in child development and psychology, focusing on three key aspects that aid in children's growth: Parent-child relationship, Teacher-pupil relationship and Peer relationship. Crucially, when children maintain a healthy balance in these areas, they are likely to develop into adults with positive personalities.
In today's age, many students face addiction to social media and mobile phones. However, my son has never succumbed to such addictions. His peer group engages in collective studying and basketball, supporting each other and fostering strong bonds. I am reassured and do not worry about such issues.
If you aim to steer your child away from such addictions, fostering a supportive peer group involved in sports and social activities is essential.
It's vital for them to engage with the real world, as reliance on online activities can trigger dopamine release, potentially leading children into addictive patterns. In such scenarios, seeking assistance from professionals may become necessary.
For the university, Yu Huan ultimately decided to pursue a Finance degree at The University of Hong Kong. Throughout the application process, he handled everything independently. From researching universities, and preparing application materials like personal statements, to making the final decision on where to study, he took charge of it all. He independently managed his study schedule and application process.
Remarkably, after receiving 14 offers, he dedicated himself to researching online, seeking advice, and eventually settling The University of Hong Kong. While my wife and I were concerned and inclined to advise him to consider Computer Science as his major, he reassured us not to worry. He confidently asserted that he had made up his mind and knew what he wanted to pursue.
Yu Huan has a deep affection for DCSZ and wholeheartedly believes that it was the best school for him. As parents, we are immensely proud to witness Yu Huan develop into a young adult with independent thinking, resilience, maturity, and a clear sense of direction for his future. A new chapter has unfolded for him, and although we acknowledge the array of challenges that lie ahead, we have full confidence in his ability to surmount them. The soft skills he has cultivated at DCSZ have equipped him to navigate the complexities of the real world effectively. And we believe that he will become an adult who Lives Worldwise and continue to make changes to the world.
Thank you to Dr Yan for sharing his insights and experiences at DCSZ with us, and for his trust in the school. We will continue to provide the best and most supportive learning environment for our students. We believe that the golden trio—parents, teachers, and peers—will continue to foster growth in our community.
