Parent Workshops

For several years CAIS has provided an annual opportunity for parents to come to the school to learn more about the IB programs. In 2018 we expanded this opportunity from 4 to 6 workshops and expanded the nature of the themes offered to include  broader topics, such as the nature of creativity.

2018 - Increased workshops from 4-6

In 2018 after increasing the range of workshops from 4-6 parent participation increased by over 50% compared to 2017. However the Parent Feedback survey in 2018 was clear that offering live Chinese translation via a co-presenter had some draw backs; it effectively halved the content that could be presented in the same time framer and made it more difficult for both English language and Chinese language speakers to focus during the periods when the 'other language' was being spoken.

2019- Introduction of live, simultaneous translation for Chinese speakers

In 2019 parent participation increased further after offering live, simultaneous translation for Chinese speakers. This did not interfere in the presentations as translations were made by a translator in a sound-proof cubicle and sent to recipients' earphones. This facilitated workshops to be more focused and time used more effectively.  The text of the presentations were provided at least one week before hand allowing for a high degree of accuracy.  Feedback from parents was highly positive. Parent participation increased again compared to 2018.

Future Improvements

CAIS aims to continue to build on this model in the future. award have plans to expand these events to include External speakers and to engage have teachers engage in Action Research to not only present what we do, but to demonstrate how we are continually improving.

We are still working on a formal to ensure that Parent Workshops will continue this year (2020-21) online.