Enthusiasm for BIEA International Youth STEM Centre Project exceeds expectation
On 19th March, Gareth Bullock, President of the British International Education Association (BIEA) and his colleagues were warmly received by Mr Honghai Xu, Secretary-General of the China International Cultural Exchange Centre (CICEC) and Mr Wunan Xiao, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Exchange and Cooperation Foundation (APECF).
The focus of the meeting was in facilitating cultural exchanges as well as the development of international education between the UK and China.
The host, the CICEC, has been established for 35 years and is the leading non-profit organisation in China engaged in forging international cultural links. With exchange visits from the British and Chinese political leaders in the recent years, exchanges and co-operation in the field of education between the two countries is anticipated to reach a new mutually beneficial era.
Mr Wunan Xiao, Vice Chairman of the APECF, gave an outline of the aims of the Foundation. The Foundation was set up by a combination of politicians, scholars and activists allied with international enterprises and research institutes in the Asia-Pacific region. The organisation prides itself in building inter-governmental co-operation in that region. Chairman Xiao stated that the Foundation would be glad to contribute positively to the cultural and educational exchanges between the UK and China.
As a non-profit educational organisation that promotes British-style international education to countries outside the UK. BIEA has, since its establishment, been working continuously to build a platform for direct dialogue and exchanges within the international educational system. The main operational interests of the Association are early years and STEM education as well as the BIEA International STEM Youth Innovation Competition at present.
Gareth spoke of the unexpected popularity of BIEA’s Early Years League (E-League) programme in China. Launched in late November 2018, the E- League project has been welcomed with enthusiasm by early years providers in China. At the beginning of this year, BIEA held its first STEM Conference in London, which had a very positive reception, at the same time as the BIEA 2019 International STEM Youth Innovation Competition was launched. In just two months, schools from more than 32 countries and regions, representing all continents, signed up to take part. BIEA STEM League (S-League) has also attracted the attention of institutions, enterprises and teachers in China. It is the aim of BIEA’s STEM Centre that young Chinese students and their teachers should benefit from the comprehensive UK STEM educational system.
Secretary-General Xu believes that the British STEM system had started earlier than in China and will provide a reference and learning experience for China’s education institutions in the future. As China and the UK are keen to strengthen exchanges and co-operation in the field of STEM education, there is an opportunity for mutual benefits and friendship between the two countries in an enhancement of the desire of China’s young people to be involved in technological innovation.
Chairman Xiao mentioned that there is an international trend to introduce advanced science, technological and innovation concepts to young people. This trend enhances and encourages those concepts in Chinese youth. He mentioned that APECF has extensive experience in coordinating such international projects.
After the meeting the three parties signed a memorandum of understanding and cooperation at the International Youth Science and Technology Centre in China.
The project of the International Youth Science Innovation Centre consists of the BIEA International Youth STEM Innovation Competition and an International STEM Youth Innovation Platform, the purpose of which is discovering, training and the recruitment of world-class innovative young talents in science and technology. The project is committed to improving young people’s STEM education at an international level and so cultivating, discovering and incubating STEM projects and talents.
Making full use of BIEA’s comprehensive STEM educational resources and projects the International Youth Science and Technology Creation Centre is aiming to become an important part of China’s and the world’s youth talent developmental plans.
After the signing of the contract, CICEC and BIEA exchanged gifts signalling the start of a new collaborative relationship.
Let more students benefit from quality British educational resources, BIEA projects in China get approval from the British Council.
The STEM Conference and the International STEM Youth Innovation Competition launch, both held in London by BIEA in January 2019, were received with much enthusiasm by the industry. Just prior to this, in November 2018, the BIEA Early Years League (E-League) project was launched in China and it has generated a great deal of interest from the pre-school educational sector in that country. BIEA UK Head Office has received many requests from Chinese schools and institutions for collaboration with them in STEM education and early years education. In response to this demand, the BIEA President, Gareth Bullock, led a team to visit China on 18th March 2019 to consult with relevant parties. He and the team met leaders from the China International Cultural Exchange Centre, the Soong Ching Ling Foundation, China Association for International Educational Exchange and other leading cultural and educational institutions during the five-day trip. Topics for discussion focused on international educational exchanges between the UK and China; particularly concerning STEM and Early Years education (EYFS). Further meetings will take place with representatives from the British Council, the DIT and other British organisations represented in China to explore ways to support cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries and also to promote BIEA projects in China. Nikki Collins, managing director of BIEA, Mikky Ho, BIEA Chairman in China, and Alex Zhang, the Director of International Development are all part of the executive team.
On 18th March, Gareth and the team met with the British Council in Beijing to exchange views on the development of British education in China. Jazreel Goh, British Council Director of Education and Sports in China and Medy Wang, the Director of Schools, also attended the meeting. The British Council fully supports the two business platforms of the BIEA, EYFS and STEM, in China. Jazreel appraised the BIEA International STEM Youth Innovation Competition and invited BIEA to participate in future activities of the British Council and in its future events in China.
As an international institution providing educational opportunities and promoting cultural exchanges, the British Council’s remit covers arts, culture and education as well as English language and social development. Its clients include cultural enterprises, educational institutions, student bodies and other groups. Gareth, President of BIEA, was also on the board of British Council in the UK before stepping down in November last year. During his six-year term of office (2012-2018), Gareth, with his experience in the financial field, ensured the stable development of the British Council’s business objectives. He has also advised on the effective formulation of the Association’s business strategy. Gareth took up the presidency of the British International Association for Education (BIEA) once he had left the British Council. Today’s visit is an opportunity to renew an old friendship.
As a non-profit educational organisation promoting British-style international education to countries outside the UK, the British International Education Association has steadily grown from its inception in 2016. Since its establishment it has been working hard to build a platform for direct dialogue, exchange and learning within the global education system. The main objective is to support educational practitioners, operators and investors in implementing international education systems. The main operational focus of BIEA is early years education, and in furthering both STEM education and the BIEA International STEM Youth Innovation Competition.
The Early Years League of the BIEA was launched towards the end of last year. The response has been overwhelming as we have received applications from many early years educators. A number of them have come, or plan to come, to the UK to extend their professional studies. Gareth also introduced the first STEM Conference held by BIEA in London at the beginning of this year, which was supported by the British Council, the DIT and many other STEM organisations. Since its official launch, more than 200 schools from 32 countries and regions have signed up to the competition including a number of schools in China. BIEA has plans to support STEM education in China so that Chinese students and teachers can benefit from the STEM education system developed in the UK.
In commenting on the current education market in China, Jazreel supported BIEA’s model of developing British-style International Education in China and shared with Gareth and the team her experience at British Council in promoting educational and cultural exchanges between the UK and China. Jazreel believes that the British Council and BIEA share a common goal of developing quality British education overseas. Jazreel invited BIEA to participate in the future activities and events with the British Council in China.
With a common vision, BIEA and the British Council believe that with mutual support and a joint effort, we could enable more overseas educators, business institutions, students and parents to benefit from high-quality educational resources available in the UK.
Scientific and technological innovation will provide new ways of coexistence of humans and wildlife
Global warming, disappearing forests, marine pollution, loss of biodiversity...we are facing serious problems of environmental collapse. What can humans do? The BIEA 2019 International Youth Competition partner and British wildlife conservation charity, the Born Free Foundation, has promoted the use of technology of in animal protection work, helping to facilitate a peaceful coexistence between humans and animals.
This view was outlined by the Born Free Foundation CEO, Howard Jones, and Dr Liz Greengrass in ‘Environmental Challenges Facing Science and Technology And How To Play A Role In The Protection Of Wild Animals, ’ their talk that was delivered at the inaugural BIEA STEM Conference in January 2019.
Their talk emphasised their excitement of being involved in animal protection. The Born Free Foundation described how humans and animals can co-exist through the use of aeronautical platforms, communication and tracking technology. These and other similar technologies are used in their programs to assist their animal protection strategies and conservation work. Drones are being used to track and record wild animal movements; communication, hi-tech security and other technological tools are also being advanced by the Born Free Foundation teams.
Dr. Liz Greengrass, The Born Free Foundation’s Head of Conservation, said that “Science and technology has a huge potential for helping in the support of endangered wildlife. With the involvement of the BIEA STEM Competition for teenagers, and its theme of using drone technology for wildlife conservation, young people will be encouraged and enthused to participate in conservation.”
The entry period for the BIEA STEM International Youth Competition is approaching its closure. International STEM workers, experts in wildlife conservation, international schools, students and parents have all been enthusiastically getting involved.
If you want to be involved in technological innovation, wildlife protection and be part of creating an exciting future for our planet, contact your teacher to submit a registration application. You can find the entry details on the 2019 BIEA STEM International Youth Competition official website.
In promoting human and wildlife coexistence, the BIEA hopes to engage the involvement of young people in the long-term support and sustainability of the environment. If we can do this by encouraging young people to do this and engage with new technologies at the same time, then all the better.
BIEA 2019 International Youth Branch Competition official website: www.bieacompetition.org.uk
The Born Free Foundation Profile
The Born Free Foundation was founded 35 years ago and is one of the world's leading wildlife conservation charities. They have always been committed to advocating compassionate protection in order to improve the survival of endangered wild species and their ecosystems. We hope that this work with the BIEA will also have a positive impact for wildlife.
The UK Department of International Trade shows support to BIEA
Chris Waterman, Early Years Chairman of the British International Educational Association (BIEA), along with Yang Feng, BIEA Marketing Director, visited the UK Department of International Trade office in Guangzhou on the 27th February. There they held discussions with Sharon Qu, Schools and New Markets Education and Skills Secretary, and Florence Huang, Secretary for Education and Skills Trade Investment. The discussions centred on how to support the BIEA projects in China and satisfying the demand for British education in the international Chinese education market along with the promotion of the development of British and Chinese co-operation in this field.
Chris outlined the model of BIEA's educational programme in China and internationally – integrating UK education resources and setting up dedicated teams to meet the various needs of the overseas education market. Chris hoped that these internationally designed programmes would benefit the children, their families and the teachers carrying them out.
Yang gave a detailed description of the current BIEA projects being implemented in China. Currently, the BIEA Early Years Education Alliance (E-League) has a partnership nursery in China that is adopting the EYFS (Early Years Foundation System). To compliment this, BIEA has set up an EYFS teacher training programme. EYFS Training is one of BIEA's CPD (Continuing Professional Development) training programme modules for UK overseas education practitioners. It is also a popular international early years professional training facility that is welcomed by BIEA E-League members. These programmes that focus on British early years education practices are popular in the Chinese market. Yang explained that in terms of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education that BIEA had held an international STEM Youth Innovation Competition opening and a STEM Conference in London in January this year which successfully attracted the attention of many schools, students and parents from China.
Sharon expressed their appreciation of BIEA’s efforts to promote British education internationally and that the DIT would give the BIEA support and promote exchanges between the UK and China and the expansion of BIEA in China.
Chris thanked the support given by the DIT at the STEM conference in London. Particularly to Geoff Gladding and Sarah Chidley.
Innovative thinking alongside environmental awareness: how BIEA are encouraging young people in STEM to solve real world problems.
At the BIEA STEM Conference in January 2019, Melissa Schiele, Researcher from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), gave a presentation on the topic ‘Development and assessment of a fixed-wing amphibious UAV for marine megafauna surveys and enforcement’. Melissa pointed out that through modifications of fixed-wing drones, investigation of marine mega-animals could be facilitated, although there remains a lot of room for efficiency improvement in investigating the UK’s marine protected areas due to the complex environment of its surrounding seas.
Melissa also described how her research team’s fixed-wing UAV had been modified. The modified drone is fully waterproof (marine) and includes two cameras. It is be controlled by both a laptop and a RC controller. In order to meet the requirements of surveying marine animals, which can involve extended flying periods, it has a long flight duration, allowing it to collect valuable information about marine animals. For example, it allows researchers to identify the species, and numbers of them, that frequent an area; it also allowed researcher to monitor illegal fishing activities from some distance away.
Melissa’s example inspired us in how application of STEM knowledge and innovation can help solve ecological problems through the novel use of technology. In recent years, educators have sought to encourage enthusiasm about STEM to the younger generations. Seeing how STEM is actually applied in this way in real world is an opportunity to cultivate innovative thinking in conjunction with environmental awareness. This fits alongside the aims of the BIEA 2019 International STEM Innovation Competition Contest with our theme ‘Fighting Extinction via Drone Technology;’ a competition already attracting participating teams of enthusiastic young people from around the world.
BIEA Early Years Chair’s visit to Xi'an
Chris Waterman, BIEA’s Early Years Chair, and his team accompanied by Jie Bai, General Manager of BIEA China and Yang Feng, BIEA Marketing Director China visited all the representative children’s nurseries in Xi’an on the 25th of February. There they held meetings with the various directors and experts regarding the policy and development of early years education in the UK and China. They did the same at the nurseries in Shaanxi Province.
On the morning of 26th February Chris and his team went to Xi'an Jiaotong University Sunshine Nursery. It is a provincial demonstration nursery in Xi'an. The director Xiaorong Gao warmly welcomed the team. They toured the nursery whilst Xiaorong explained the nursery’s philosophy and gave a brief history of its development. The team visited the classrooms and observed the children playing games. At the end of the tour, Xiaorong gave Chris a Chinese painting created by the children. Chris then presented the children with a collection of poetry dedicated to The Jiatong Sunshine Nursery.
Later the team visited the Xi'an High-tech International Nursery, which is a nursery of the China Montessori Association and the Women's Department of the Women's Federation of Shaanxi Province. The director of the nursery, Lan Zhang, showed them its indoor and outdoor environments. Lan also emphasised the importance of the school-parent education to the children to the team.
Then Chris and the team went to the Jidong Liao Nursery, which it is a high-end early years education international brand created by the Beijing Zhongyou Sunshine Education Group. The Chairman of the group Zhidong Jiao and Director Xia Huo invited the team to observe children having activities and to interacted with the them. Knowing the interest Chris has in Chinese culture Zhidong wrote the word "Fu" to him with a Chinese brush, the word means “blessings” in English.
Chris and related experts, investors, early years teachers and directors in Shaanxi Province held a forum to discuss the policy and development of early years education in the UK and China. The meeting was hosted by Zhidong Jiao, Chairman of the China Youth Education Group. The Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the Shaanxi Provincial Private Nursery Alliance, Mr. Kunshan Luo and Mr. Yunqi Jing also attended the forum.
Chris explained the establishment of BIEA and its abundant British educational resources to all the early years education experts and teachers in Shaanxi Province. At the same time they discussed the policy and development direction of the early years education in the UK. The audience discussed the new policy of local education in China and learned from Chris how early years education in the UK responded to any policy requirement and adapted to it.
The forum focused on two areas, teacher development and featured courses. Kunshan conducted a detailed analysis of the current policy in China, and gave a brief explanation of the future developmental direction of the private nurseries as well as the current situation and problems they are facing. He concluded that there needs to be a steady development and an improvement in overall quality.
Chris also outlined the proportion of the UK's investment in education that goes to the early years sector. The UK invested more in early years education than in any other stage. It is not easy to start a nursery in the UK. The requirements are extremely strict. Chris believes that the combination of advanced educational concepts and excellent teachers can provide better help for children's growth. This is one of the important reasons why BIEA introduced the CPD training programme for early years teachers overseas. Chris also shared his thoughts after visiting a number of nurseries in China. He proposed two major differences between British and Chinese nurseries: Firstly, The size of the UK ones is generally smaller whereas Chinese ones have a size of 300 to 400 students; Secondly, Chinese nurseries are very clean and orderly whilst British ones are more disorderly, which Chris believes represents the traits of freedom, creativity and energy. In addition, he felt that Chinese nurseries had a bit of “over-investment”. Much wealth is spent on construction and equipment, but pay for teachers is low. In his view, children do not need such luxury facilities, and a good teacher, no matter in what circumstances, can have more benefit to a child. The forum was thought provoking and provided those present a platform to exchange educational ideas between the UK and China and on how to enable further international teaching in Chinese state nurseries.
BIEA Early Years Chairman visited Henan University
Chris Waterman, Early Years Chairman of the British International Education Association (BIEA) accompanied by Yang Feng (BIEA marketing director) and Qifeng Wu (BIEA advisor) visited Henan University on the 24th of February 2019. They were welcomed by Hengbing Wang (Secretary and chair of Henan University Asset Management), Lei Zhang it’s General Manager, Shangcheng Zhou (General Manager Henan University Industrial) and Jianhua Ge (Director Henan University Asset Committee). They then held in-depth talks on future co-operation between their respective offices in the UK and China.
The meeting was chaired by Hengbing. Chis outlined the background to the establishment of BIEA. He spoke of the strong support from the UK Department of International Trade (DIT) and British Council for BIEA’s mission to promote British education internationally. Chris outlined that currently BIEA resources are concentrated on the up to eighteen year old educational needs comprising of Early Years Foundation System (EYFS) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. He also explained that BIEA holds a STEM conference and international Youth Innovation Competition, open to students from around the world, every year.
Hengbing briefly outlined the history and academic background of Henan University. He spoke of the University’s emphasis on pre-school education and the University’s influence on education in general in Henan Province and in China as a whole. Hengbing said that the preparatory school for entrance to the University had a strong emphasis on European and American studies which was a good foundation for future co-operation between the UK and China. He also spoke of the Henan University Asset Management Co. Ltd and its promotion of education and research as a result of it’s scientific and technological achievements. Henan University is expected to be the pilot university in China, in partnership with BIEA, to lead a nationwide international teacher training programme. Hengbing then explained the concept of the “1+X” model (one academic certificate + “x” professional certificate) that has been outlined in the latest work of the Ministry of Education for 2019. He then said that this was in line with the BIEA concept of Continual Professional Development (CPD) vocational training.
Yang then explained the BIEA CPD training programme and led a discussion of it’s training content, it’s duration, value and quality. Lei then had a general discussion with Chris and the rest of the team on BIEA’s training system and future development direction.
At the conclusion of the meeting it was agreed to set up working groups on both sides to facilitate further co-operation. Chris said that BEIA was very happy and keen to promote international education in China in partnership with Henan University.
After the meeting Hengbing invited Chris and the BIEA team to tour the University, see some of its cultural treasures and get a brief history of its development. Hengbing also shared some of his experiences of life as a student when he studied at Henan University.
Early Years Chairman of BIEA attended the opening ceremony of Shanghai ABNER International School in China
On February 23rd, Chris Waterman, Early Years Chairman of the British International Education Association (BIEA) was invited by Shanghai ABNER International School to its official opening ceremony.
Shanghai ABNER International School is an international school established by the British Thames Education Group. It will deliver a British curriculum with a key focus on developing' well-rounded individuals'. The school name ABNER hope to provide inspiration for the students and teachers:
A stands for “Academic”, which refers to a strong academic team;
B stands for “Brave”, which refers to cultivating the brave quality of students;
N stands for “Noble”, which means that students have noble character;
E stands for “Excellent”, which refers to outstanding teachers and students;
R stands for “Responsible”, that is, being responsible is a pre-requisite for teachers and students.
Mr Liu Gang, the executive president of ABNER International School, shared the school's vision and future plans with the guests at the event. Chris who has over 40 years of education expertise delivered a keynote speech on “How to quickly adapt to the British education culture”.
As a staunch supporter of quality education to enable each and every individual to fulfil their potential, Chris believes that students hold the future in their hands. By sharing his life experiences Chris teaches students how to adapt to the British education culture more quickly, and he hopes that his experiences will bring enlightenment to the students at Shanghai ABNER. In his speech, Chris also said that he hopes that international educational exchanges can break down the barriers between individuals, countries and cultures.
At the end of his speech, Chris took to the stage with Mr Liu and the school's president Jiang Yujie to cut the ribbon for the opening ceremony of Shanghai ABNER International School.
In recent years, the international school sector has seen exponential growth, the number of international schools in China, UAE, Singapore have been growing at double digits. The sector also faces increasing challenges in terms of finding experienced teaching staff and maintaining high standards in the quality of provision.
BIEA is a non-profit educational institution that is committed to integrating UK education resources and setting up a dedicated team to transform services to meet the needs of British education in the overseas education market. It will also adhere to the philosophy of “Bringing the best education to children”, “Bringing the best choices to parents” and “Bringing the best support to teachers”, by providing diverse British international educational programmes that serve the overseas international education market.
The future of the world belongs to young people
At the first STEM Conference of the British International Education Association (BIEA), Dr. Alex Holmes, the designer of the BIEA International STEM Youth Innovation Competition and Head of STEM, gave a presentation entitled: “The Future is Theirs”. She raised some very thought-provoking questions on how we might stimulate and cultivate STEM enthusiasm among young people.
Alex pointed out that one of the potentially serious problems for the future of STEM professions is the aging of current STEM professionals; this along with declining numbers of young entrants means that potential numbers are not enough to meet needs of future markets; therefore, society needs to cultivate students' passion in STEM subjects. A further issue however is that for many students, the focus on theory and academic achievement in STEM subjects, and a perceived view that STEM subjects are ‘difficult’ or ‘elite’ subjects is also leading to a further decrease in numbers of students taking the subjects.
Taking these issues into account, it makes sense that educational institutions and organizations work together towards breaking down stereotypes of STEM subjects and stimulate an enthusiasm and passion, which might lead to an increase in uptake. Giving students the opportunity to think critically, consider novel solutions to problems, and accept new challenges are good ways to inspire young people's STEM enthusiasm. Alex has pointed out that these form the fundamental rationale of the BIEA 2019 International STEM Youth Innovation Competition.
The 2019 BIEA STEM Competition invites young people (between 9 to 17 years old) from all over the world to form teams and work together to conceptualize how drone technology could be used to save endangered animals. The competition combines the application of STEM skills to help deepen innovative thinking in young people, whilst cultivating their ethical and environment outlook toward our planet. The entire competition process not only encourages young people to think about STEM and related careers, but also develops their transferable skills: problem-solving, communication and team-working. These capabilities are considered essential skills for positively engaging with the industrial, academic and employment market as the young people progress from school.
Help create a future we want to visit
How can technology innovations help protect animals? In the past century alone, over 90 known species of animal have become extinct and the numbers rise every day that passes. The numbers of animal species in the wild are now only half of what they were 30 years ago and many species are now highly endangered. This collapse of fragile ecosystems is now one of the top ten threats facing humanity.
We know that the advancement of science and technology can improve the quality of life for humans, but technological innovation can also play an critical role in protecting the environment. This was the focus of the 2019 BIEA STEM Conference and is the rationale behind our 2019 International STEM Youth Innovation Competition.
How can technological innovation work towards protecting animals? We had the pleasure of listening to Joshua Veitch- Sharing, Researcher in the Liverpool John Moore University at our conference. In his presentation 'Astro-ecology: astrophysics meets conservation biology' he explained how the current crisis of wild animal populations comes not only from the deterioration of their natural environments, but also the malicious hunting done by people. He pointed out that although important work is done by anti-poaching rangers, there are limits to what a few people in the field can achieve. Joshua explained how using drones can assist people in the battle against poachers.
Drones can be used for identification of animal species and give meaningful insights into their population numbers and movements, especially using the high-altitude, infrared imaging function which provides data for counting animals both during the day and at night. He also described how the impressive infrared sensors on a drone can help anti-poaching rangers by detecting and pinpointing the position of hunters at night, allowing the rangers to .target their resources to the appropriate areas.
Joshua's work gave us insight of how the diverse use of drones can support the work of animal protection officers and researchers. With the launch of our 2019 International STEM Youth Innovation Competition, 'Fighting Extinction via Drone Technology,' young people from all over the world now also have the chance to design and develop their own creative ideas for using drones to help protect endangered animals. Register now at https://bit.ly/2DIIGup and spread the word!