academics
Reaching for the summit!
Vanke Meisha Academy has developed a curriculum that is diverse yet rigorous, thanks to the dedicated efforts from our wonderful faculty. Our teachers are passionate professionals who are committed to bringing the best of international curriculum to our school.
- Math
- World Languages
- Chinese
- Science
- Social Science
- Visual Arts
- Performing Arts
- Physical Education
- UK-Track
Math
Welcome to the Mathematics Department at VMA! The mathematics curriculum at VMA is designed to encourage students to challenge themselves and persevere through problem-solving, developing strong analytical and critical thinking skills, and reasoning abstractly using variables, functions and logic. It provides students with opportunities to come face-to-face with real-world problems and to apply their newfound knowledge to develop innovative, relevant and feasible solutions to problems. We also place a strong emphasis on the development of English in our department through our daily instruction and assessment strategies.
The Mathematics curriculum at VMA is both rigorous and flexible. We offer both a US common core (with a focus in AP) and Cambridge curriculum. It allows students to study at a pace that is right for them, or move to a higher level of Mathematics should they feel they have attained the right motivation and prerequisites to do so. Our 600-level, post-AP and elective courses are designed to challenge even the brightest of students and also give students the opportunity to experience and appreciate the beauty of Mathematics form a real-world perspective.
World Languages
Welcome to the World Languages department at VMA. Classes are student-centered with a purpose to provide solid English skills. Additionally, students are exposed to literature written in English, Spanish, and German from all periods and places. The curriculum of the World Languages department includes: English literature courses for students aligned to the California Common Core Standards, Public Speaking and Journalism. Additionally, Spanish and German Course as a second foreign language allows students to develop additional language proficiencies. Students enrolled in VMA are provided essential tools to communicate and develop their leadership in a global environment thus providing them the tools for success in other academia.
The English/ World Language curriculum at VMA is rigorous. We offer both a US Common Core (with a focus in AP) and Cambridge curriculum. Both allow students to study at an appropriate level for them and to choose the pathway they decide to follow in preparation of post-secondary education. Our 600-level, post-AP and elective courses are designed to enable students the ability to use English as the medium to appreciate literary work required for critical thinking skills.
English
Second Foreign Languages
Chinese
Welcome to the Chinese Department at VMA. With the purpose to cultivate global citizens with leadership and Chinese identity, we, as the first window to fulfill ‘Chinese identity’, integrates the contents of domestic teaching materials within the framework of modular teaching, also includes the innovative teaching mode of IB and other international Chinese curriculum, establishes the characteristic Chinese curriculum of VMA. Grade 9 students will take the Cambridge iGCSE Chinese (First Language 0509) as the introduction and foundation, then classical literature and Tang&Song poetry in Grade 10, modern and contemporary Chinese literature (prose, poetry, novel, drama) in Grade 11, so as to establish a broad understanding of the history of Chinese literature and literary works; Grade 12 students can select specific modules for in-depth study by their own interest and expertise. Chinese Department aims to enhance students’ critical thinking skills, improve students' ability of mother language usage and aesthetic taste. It integrates various teaching methods to improve students’ humanistic literacy, equip students with the analytical skills, critical awareness and sensitivity needed to meet the challenges of a world of increasing divides and conflicts.
Science
All students who wish to explore the world around them and learn what it’s made of will find a home in the VMA Science department, where inquiry based learning is at the core of our curriculum. We offer courses that will develop your hands-on experimental design and problem solving skills, as well as mathematical and reasoning routines to help mold you into a well-rounded student. Additionally, instruction and assignments are designed to improve your ability to read, write, and speak using proper scientific English. If you have only a mild interest in science, there is a basic track that meets all of your requirements for graduation. But if you want to explore further and find out where your interests may lie, we offer all the core scientific courses at more intermediate-advanced levels, including chemistry, physics, and biology, as well as computer science, robotics, and engineering.
As a student in the sciences pursues a particular subject area, the courses are arranged sequentially, building to higher levels of difficulty and deeper understanding. Thus, whether a student chooses to follow the Common Core, Cambridge, or AP track, the VMA Science department offers a full complement of classes. In addition our department offers a number of college styled electives, such as biochemistry, botany, and nuclear chemistry.
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Computer Science
Engineering
Social Science
Carpe Diem! The Social Sciences Department at Vanke Meisha Academy includes the academic disciplines of History, Economics, Business, Geography, Political Science, Research, Psychology, and Philosophy. This multi-disciplinary Department provides courses that examine the human condition from a variety of evidence-based approaches. Our collective goal is to expose students to social science methods and theory to build the skills necessary to research and critically evaluate important issues in today’s complex world, such as human motivations and behavior, poverty, economic and political turmoil, social justice, and human diversity.
The social science curriculum at VMA is both rigorous and flexible. We offer US common core (with a focus in AP), online hybrid courses that allow students to study abroad, as well as a Cambridge curriculum.
Visual Arts
Welcome to the Big Visual department. Here we seek to inspire fresh perspectives, provide an understanding of the role of art in contemporary culture, and encourage creativity and authenticity. Our foundation courses are designed for zero foundation students with basic skills and techniques, while advanced courses for those who have taken foundation courses and want to improve in certain skills, allowing students to develop both technical proficiency and a grasp of the creative process. We also have studio classes focus on disciplines including digital drawing, painting, photography, filmmaking, fashion, architecture and interior design, and AP studio classes that allow students who are seriously in art and want to apply for an art / design major in college to have chance to do deep learning. By making art, students learn to explore their own ideas and experiences and express themselves visually.
Performing Arts
Welcome to the VMA Performing Arts Department where exciting new courses like Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Show Choir await you! And, don’t forget about the spring production where you have an opportunity to be a part of the magic of theatre. Classes in drama, dance, vocal and instrumental music are open to beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Studies show that performing arts can increase student abilities to problem-solve, collaborate, and to think creatively and imaginatively. Further, the arts can encourage experimentation, foster social and emotional intelligences as well as increase cognition, working memory, and the ability to adapt to change. There is no better way to de-stress and get your creativity flowing than taking Performing Arts courses at VMA!
Physical Education
VMA is committed to building a high-performing and sustainable international school with students who pursue excellence in all that they do. The Latin adage “mens sana in corpore sano” encapsulates how we can accomplish this goal in physical education. To enable us to meet this high standard we must ensure that both our minds and our bodies are healthy. The physical education program at VMA blends the best of the traditional Chinese and international physical education curricula to help improve students' physique and self-discipline and prepares a foundation for them to select personal lifelong fitness habits.
UK-Track
Grade Level | Courses | |
IGCSE | 10 | Chinese first language, English as a Second Language, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Geography, Computer Science |
11 | additional courses: Physical education, Arts | |
AS/A-Level | 12 | Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Geography, Extended Personal Project |
13 |
additional courses: Academic English |