The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) International Award programme provides students with real opportunities to develop leadership, independence, and resilience. It helps young people to be empowered with not just the confidence but the desire to create meaningful change, to find their purpose, passion, and place in the world.

From 29th September to 1st October, several of our Year 13 students successfully completed their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Adventurous Journey. Over three days of hiking, camping, and navigating through unfamiliar terrain, they demonstrated impressive perseverance and teamwork.

From the first steep climb to the final destination, every student faced both physical and mental challenges. I was proud to see how they supported one another — sharing responsibilities, making group decisions even when bad weather posed additional challenges.

The journey was not just about reaching the destination, however; it was also about learning to collaborate, adapt, and stay positive under pressure. Watching their growth throughout the expedition was truly rewarding.

Congratulations to all participants for their dedication and achievement!

Xi'an Hanova International School, serving as a DofE award delivering center, offers DofE programme opportunities to all 13-24-year-olds to participate in this world-leading youth achievement award. For more information, please contact Mr. Sam at sam.quan@his-xian.com.

Year 1–2 Cooking ECA - written by Ms Lindsay Meltzer. Our Year 1–2 students have been busy in the Cooking ECA, where they not only make delicious creations each week but also develop important life skills. Each session focuses on both a recipe and a learning goal, giving children the chance to practice independence, creativity, and teamwork.

In Week 1, the students made fresh fruit salad while learning how to safely use knives and practice careful cutting. Week 2 introduced sandwiches, where children worked on sequencing and following steps in order. By Week 3, they were exploring different tastes and reflecting on their own likes and dislikes. Alongside their cooking, the students are building their own recipe books—an exciting project that helps strengthen vocabulary, encourage reflection, and create a wonderful keepsake of their progress.

The Cooking ECA has been a joyful blend of learning, tasting, and experimenting, and we look forward to seeing what tasty skills our young chefs will master next!

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Upcoming Events:

• Oct 9: 4:45-6:00 Soccer U11 Boys/Girls @KCIS vs KCIS; 4:45-6:00 Soccer U9 Coed @KCIS vs KCIS

• Oct 10: 4:45-6:00 Volleyball U19 Boys/Girls @XLIS vs XLIS; 4:45-6:00 Basketball U14 Boys/Girls @HAN vs XLIS

• Oct 11: 9:00-9:40 Soccer U9 Coed @XLIS vs XLIS; 10:00-11:00 Soccer U11 Boys/Girls @XLIS vs XLIS

• Oct 15: 5:00 Volleyball U19 Boys/Girls @HAN vs KCIS
• Oct 17: DP 1/1 & 2/4 Interim Reports Issued; PYP Spelling Bee Round 2

• Oct 22: MYP/DP Info Session; MYP/DP Parent-Teacher-Student Conference (PTSC); MYP/DP Global University Fair

• Oct 23: 5:00 Basketball U14 Boys/Girls @KCIS vs KCIS
• Nov 1: 9:00-2:00 Volleyball U19 Boys/Girls @XIS Tournament; 9:00-2:00 Basketball U14 Boys/Girls @KCIS Tournament

• Nov 7: PYP Spelling Bee Final