BBSG's Inaugural School Opening Ceremony

On September 15, the inaugural School Opening Ceremony of Benenden Bilingual School Guangzhou (BBSG) was held with success. Dr. Wang Dianjun, Chief School Supervisor and Honorable Principal, Jennifer Ma, Executive Supervisor, Paul Rogers, Executive International Head, Louisa Shen, Chinese Principal and all the founding families and staff came together to witness the realisation of five years of meticulous planning. They celebrated this significant milestone in BBSG's history.

Five years in the making, unlocking 100 possibilities together

Ms. Shen recalled the steps we took to construct this school from the ground up. ‘We broke ground for the first time, laid the first brick, constructed our maiden classroom and dormitory, and ushered in our first residents. We served our initial meals, hosted our inaugural open house, and extended a warm welcome to our first enrolled students. we have journeyed from 0 to 1, knowing that every BBSG student carries boundless potential within them. ‘Remarked Ms. Shen, ‘We’ve witnessed the miraculous transformation of mud into verdant fields to the strengthening of our team, echoing with the delightful sounds of children reading aloud. The future we awaited, day and night, throughout the past five years has now come into reality.

Mr. Rogers delivered a speech reflecting on the fresh experiences during the very first two weeks. In the classroom, they explored human lives and our planet Earth, and delved into the captivating world of Chinese characters. In the dormitory, students and their new roommates embarked on a fresh chapter in their 'home away from home'. These are the achievements of our team’s collaborative dedication. As we contemplate the past few years of planning, our affection and admiration for the educational journey to which we have wholeheartedly devoted ourselves, deepens.

The development of the school Is also bolstered by the support of the Benenden School in the UK, an institution with which we have fostered intimate ties and collaboration despite the geographical distance that separates us. As BBSG inaugurate our first school year, Benenden School in the UK is simultaneously commemorating the centennial anniversary of their schoo’'s founding, a milestone of immense significance. Mrs. Samantha Price, the Headmistress of Benenden School, sent over a video message brimming with confidence and anticipation for the extended collaboration between the two schools.

She remarked, ‘This marks an incredibly exciting day for BBSG, and its inauguration holds equal significance for Benenden School UK, too.’ For years, Benenden School UK has actively participated in the planning of BBSG and engaged in discussions about its educational vision. In the future, the two schools will continue to collaborate, striving to establish BBSG as a new benchmark for bilingual education in the Greater Bay Area of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao, and even throughout China.’

Initiating the school year with a talent show- BBSG students showcase boundless potential

Throughout the ceremony, the students representatives and our music teacher gave an array of performances, ranging from piano solos to vocal performance, from rap to ballet and traditional Chinese dance. In its first academic year, BBSG has already drawn in a multitude of multi-talented students. They infuse vibrant colours into our stage, and it is their presence that bestows upon our school limitless possibilities.

Founders’ Scholarships awarded to honour outstanding talents

BBSG's commitment to 'Future Ready Complete Education' is anchored in the belief that each student possesses unique potential. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, our goal is to nurture this potential through personalised training, granting them access to a diverse platform for growth. The Scholarship Programme stands as a beacon for outstanding students. During the ceremony, Ms. Shen proudly revealed the first cohort of scholarship recipients. These exceptional individuals excel in various domains, including academics, arts, and STEAM, while continuously pushing their boundaries. This announcement underscores BBSG's unwavering commitment to its philosophy of holistic education and the values it believes in.

Rayna J, the student speaker for scholars, expressed her profound sentiments about BBSG, describing it as a special place in her heart. She shared, ‘In BBSG's visual materials, we frequently encounter a propeller plane, a creation crafted by students from Benenden School in the UK using their acquired knowledge and skills. I too, look forward to joining my fellow classmates in forging our invisible wings here at BBSG. We aim to soar high into the sky, unfurling our wings and becoming better versions of ourselves.’

Sherry, representing the founding parents, shared her personal journey in choosing BBSG. An ardent fan of BBSG, she eagerly anticipated collaborating with the school in the upcoming academic year to provide her child with a comprehensive education and pave the way for an unlimited future.

Keep dreaming and set sail, scripting a chapter from page one to infinity

In the inaugural year of BBSG, our hearts brim with hope for the future, while at the outset of this new journey, we acknowledge the long road ahead. In the presence of our esteemed founding members, BBSG’s first academic year officially kicked off.

As the School Leadership Team slowly poured water into the activation device, the school motto ‘Learning and Thinking, Leading the Future with Wisdom’ gradually came to light. This symbolic act reflects our collective commitment to nurturing a magnificent educational vision, one that we are determined to transform into reality through the efforts of our entire community.

As we stand at the threshold of the new school year, BBSG remains resolute in its commitment to the vision of 'Future Ready Complete Education.' The school will continue to blend the quintessence of both Chinese and foreign educational philosophies, serving as a cultural bridge for the students and forging connections with the wider world. Together, we shall script a splendid narrative, stretching from the first page to an infinite horizon.