Support Services

Student ID Cards/Smartcards

Student ID Cards, issued upon enrollment, are used to:

  • identify students to guards when entering or leaving the campus
  • sign out library resources (including textbooks and/or electronic devices)
  • scan, copy and/or print documents
  • open and lock assigned lockers
  • purchase food (cards can be charged with money)

Home and School Communication

WAB uses a wide variety of strategies to ensure parents remain informed of student progress and aware of school events. The following publications are produced on a regular basis:

  • WAB Weekly – a weekly newsletter delivered to parents’ email on Fridays and WAB Special Emails are sent on a as-needed basis to inform parents of events or other school related issues. These communications include information from WAB Administration, Elementary School, Middle School, High School and/or individual teachers.
  • WAB News – unique and individual news stories about life at WAB at www.wab-edu.cn/connect/wabnews
  • WAB Parent Portal – Information for the Whole School, and for the Middle School in particular, can be  found on the WAB Parent Portal at www.parents.wab-edu.cn. This page includes links to news and WAB Weekly, as well as the school directory, and gives you access to the most up-to-date information and events listings.
  • In addition, parents’ questions and feedback are strongly encouraged. Please do not hesitate to contact the Middle School administrative team at any time. 

Middle School Counseling

WAB Counselors support the academic, social and emotional needs of students. Counselors offer support services for students and families to help them manage issues of studying and living in an international environment. The goal is to promote personal well-being, healthy relationships and the successful balance of academic, extracurricular and community involvement for WAB students. Counselors are often one of the first staff members that new students meet. As such, they assist with initial placement through review of academic records and help develop a suitable study program. In addition, students may receive assistance from a counselor in dealing with a wide range of personal, academic and social issues common to this age group. Typical issues may involve:

  • social relationships
  • emotional regulation
  • time management
  • academic planning and decision-making
  • problem-solving and life skills development
  • crisis intervention

     

Technology For Learning

At WAB, the effective use of technology by students is an essential component of their Middle School experience. Technology is actively integrated within all aspects of the school’s curriculum. A wide variety of technology is used throughout the year. Students use laptop computers regularly in their day-to-day instructional program.

WAB is an Apple Distinguished School and runs a successful 1:1 laptop program. All middle school students are required to have their own Apple MacBook that meets a set of requirements outlined by our IT Support Staff. For more information, please see the IT Helpdesk in the Middle School.

It is the requirement that the school software image is installed, which is at no additional cost to you. For more detailed information about laptop configuration and purchasing, visit parents.wab.edu.

WAB’s 1:1 laptop program is supported not only by on-site Apple Care to provide prompt repair services but and our IT Helpdesk also facilitates continued learning by providing loaner MacBooks to students who have a genuine reason to seek their use.

Laptop Program

All students are required to have an Apple laptop computer that meets WAB specifications in each of their classes each day. All laptops will have educational software installed by the school each year. 

Apple laptops can be purchased through the school. Announcements will be made throughout the year giving details about purchasing laptops. Information about the specifications required for laptops or other information about the program can be found on the WAB Parent Portal. Questions can be directed to the IT Help Desk.

Acceptable Use of Technology

The Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) outlines the general use of technology at WAB. All students must sign the AUP at the beginning of each school year.

All Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) community members are expected to use technology resources and services appropriately. You must always remember that your actions can affect yourself and others, so you must be a responsible, principled user of technology both at home and at school.

The following are examples of technology tools and services:

  • Internet sites and services
  • WAB computer networks
  • Computers
  • Mobile phones
  • iPods
  • Cameras
  • Electronic storage devices (example: iPods, iPads)

These may not be used to hurt, harass or bully people or to access inappropriate or illegal information, websites or images. Any violation will be treated very seriously and there will be appropriate consequences. The school has the right to access, check and monitor any device on school campus, owned by you or the school, at any time when investigating inappropriate behavior when using technology. A safe learning environment for all people at WAB is very important.

Using WAB Technology (e.g.: computers, cameras, scanners, printers, microphones, iPods, iPads)

  • You may have to pay for any loss, damageor repair of equipment.
  • Always inform appropriate staff of any loss or damage as soon as possible. 
  • Always check if the equipment is working and all parts (cables, batteries etc.) are included when you check out and check in items.
  • Do not borrow equipment for others to use – you are responsible for all equipment taken out.

Being Connected at WAB (e.g.: WAB network connection, storage and resources, other network connections while on campus)

  • You are responsible for your actions and for the content you place in all storage areas and accounts.
  • Use resources for educational purposes (i.e., to help your learning).

Being Part of the WAB Community

  • You are expected to be a principled and caring user of technology whether on or off campus.
  • Always think about how your actions could affect others – conduct yourself appropriately.

The Red Scroll Library

The Red Scroll Library is located in the heart of the Middle School Building. As one of the three WAB Libraries, it provides information, skills and ideas that enable students to function successfully in an increasingly information-rich society. As a result, it plays an important role in shaping imaginative, responsible and active citizens of the world. All WAB Libraries focus on student learning, and to that end, all library programing, resourcing, services and operations are guided by the tenets of the IB Learner Profile. The Red Scroll Library caters particularly to the interests and needs of Middle School students and the first three years of the IB Middle Years Programme. The Red Scroll Library is a student-centered facility, designed to play a key role in the intellectual, educational and cultural life of the school and its community. The Red Scroll Library Team is comprised of one teacher-librarian and ed-tech coordinator, two part-time library technicians, and two library assistants. All members of the team work with teachers, students and, in fact, the entire WAB community, to provide:

  • access to relevant and current materials for use inside and outside the classroom
  • guidance in acquisition of the best materials
  • stimulus for the development of life-long reading habits and increased literacy
  • instruction in the development of traditional and information literacy skills
  • exposure to real-life professional writers and illustrators (not just books!)
  • support in all school literacy initiatives

Library Hours

Students are allowed to use the library freely from 8:00am to 3:30pm Monday to Friday. The library is staffed until 5:00pm each weekday. However, students who remain at school after 3:30pm must be in a supervised activity and cannot stay in the library. Parent patrons are very welcome! Please complete an information form at Red Scroll Library circulation desk on the main floor of the Middle School, and you’re ready to go!

 

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The EAL Department supports non-native English speakers in all grade levels. Non-native speakers receive help in all areas of language acquisition in order to reach a high level of English language proficiency and achieve full participation in their WAB curricula. The EAL Department in the Middle School provides the following programs:

  • English for Academic Purposes program (EAP) is designed for students in Grades 6 to 8 as additional language support specific to their academic course work. Students are taught skills and study techniques that enable participation in the WAB curriculum. The EAP specialist teacher confers with relevant subject teachers to discuss assessment criteria, goals and content material. EAP is tailored to address the language and literacy skills necessary for academic success in each grade level..
  • In-class Language Support (ICLS) is designed to assist subject teachers with differentiation of instruction in mainstream classrooms, as well as to support EAP students. ICLS is available in identified classes from Grades 6 to 8, with a primary focus on Individuals & Societies, Sciences and Design. In addition, ICLS may include support with specific tasks in other subjects, such as Mathematics, Arts, and Physical and Health Education (PHE). This support is provided after consultation with the subject teacher.
  • Individual Support is occasionally offered to high-need English language learners from Grades 6 to 8 to assist with issues regarding language arising from classroom work in all subject areas. Individual support is intended to help students develop strategies to complete work from all subjects, as well as support students on a pastoral care level. At times, subject teachers may recommend that students seek guidance from the EAL staff on language-related issues.

The EAL Department also delivers the English Language Acquisition program. English Language Acquisition is for students whose primary language is not English. The main aim of IB MYP Language Acquisition is to encourage students to gain competence in a modern language other than their primary language. This course is organized into six phases, representing a developmental continuum of additional language learning. Students may commence their Language Acquisition course at any phase on the continuum. Where appropriate, the 6-8 IB MYP Language Acquisition course parallels the English Language and Literature program. At WAB, Middle School students will, after assessment by the EAL Department, be placed on a phase between 1 and 5, based on the IB MYP Proficiency Table. 

 

Learning Support Program (LSP)

The Learning Support Department assists students who experience academic difficulties. This support can take several forms: 

  • In-Class Support: An LSP teacher will support identified students who require additional learning support within the subject classroom.
  • Learning Support Program: In consultation with parents, teachers and LSP staff, individual students may receive a Learning Support block in place of a language acquisition class.
  • Ad-hoc Support
    At times the LSP may be called upon to support students experiencing difficulties with organization, study skills, workload management and other related school issues.

Food Services

WAB Food Services are managed by Chartwells, an international company highly regarded amongst its industry peers. WAB Food Services provide a wide range of international food options from various outlets within the school. High School students have access to the food stations in the HS Library, Koi, Bamboo Court, and the HUB Link. Student meal offers include: set menus, custom-made sandwiches, salads and snacks are served at morning break and lunchtime. Additional information can be found in the parent portal under the FOOD SERVICES tab.

There are two different ways to load money onto your child’s SmartCard: at the service counter in the HUB Link, High School, or using the Chartwells mobile app. Details and instructions about adding money can be found in the Food Services tab on the WAB Parent Portal.

Don’t forget to set a ‘low balance reminder’ on the Chartwells mobile app to ensure your child always has money on their smartcard. A minimum balance of RMB 250 is recommended to be charged to the card at all times and represents approximately five days of snacks, drinks and meals for most students.

Queries about food or food services can be forwarded to the Chartwells Unit Manager at chartwells@wab.edu.

Transportation

WAB provides student bus service to and from school. Buses arrive at school between 8:00am-8:30am each day. 

Afternoon buses depart at approximately 3:25pm. A 4:30pm bus service is available to take students home from After School Activities on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. These buses leave from the Elementary School. In addition, a 5:45pm “late bus” schedule is provided to take students home from after school activities on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (6:15pm), Thursday and Friday throughout the year. While all students may travel on the Late Bus regardless of whether they normally travel to school by bus, the Late Bus service is a limited service due to the number of buses in the fleet and traffic conditions. We regret that it cannot meet the needs of all students and, therefore, it is important that students and parents are familiar with the schedule and stops. 

Late buses depart at 5:45pm from the HUB (6:15pm on Wednesdays) and students who return from games or competitions at other schools after this time are responsible for arranging their own transportation home.

The bus service is coordinated by the Transportation Office. All school buses are supervised by bus supervisors who are in mobile phone contact with the school at all times.

Middle School students who wish to take taxis are required to bring a single note from their parent indicating approval for the year. Middle School Expectations also apply on the buses. This means: 

  • Treating the bus supervisor and bus driver with courtesy and respect
  • Wearing seat belts
  • Respecting the duty of the bus supervisor to ensure students are safely seated and wearing seat belts
  • Talking quietly and remaining seated at all times 
  • Being on time at the bus stop
  • Being responsible for personal belongings
  • Not taking food or drink onto the buses

Health Services

A Nurse Office, staffed by a Registered Chinese Nurse, is located within the Middle School Building and provides services for Middle School students. A log is kept of all treatment, and parents are notified in the event of any significant illness or injury.

Student Health Screening

The nurses carry out yearly health screening including height/weight checks with BMI and vision screening. In addition, boys in Grade 6 will have a scoliosis screening during their swimming unit in PHE (girls have their scoliosis screening in Grade 5). Parents are notified of the results of these tests and although our nurses are always available for conversations about a student’s health issues.

Illness

Parents are asked to notify the school nurse of any infectious diseases or of any change in the health status of a student, e.g. a vaccination, illness, injury, operation or doctor appointment. It is important for parents to keep students at home if they are sick.

Certain contagious diseases have specific exclusion periods set by the Beijing Center for Disease Control (CDC) and a “Fit to return-to-school certificate” issued by HePing Hospital is required to be sent to the nurse’s office before returning, the school nurses will inform you of these If required.

WAB maintains a “fever-free” environment and requires all students not to attend school if they have a temperature of over 37.3 degrees Celsius. Students must stay home if they suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, have head lice or other contagious diseases. By following this protocol (for more details please see WAB health and Illness policy and Procedure, location on the Health Service tab of the Parents Portal), we are able to maintain a healthy environment for all and to minimize the spread of infections to others.

Parents will be contacted by a school nurse before permitting the student with illness to leave. Parents will be informed of any exclusion times mandated by the CDC due to the illness.

Parents should advise the MS Reception of reasons for all absences from the school including illness. In the event of extended illness where the student will be absent for a number of days, parents are requested to contact the clinic.

Injuries

The school nurse will call parents in the event that a student needs to go home due to an injury. In the event of a serious injury or illness, the nurse will contact the parents or guardian, so the student can be transported to the nearest medical center or hospital for further attention. If necessary, the nurse or designated person will accompany the student to the hospital or medical center and meet the parent there. Parents will be notified of any head injury, and an information sheet will be given to every student.  

Medication at School

The school nurse must administer all medication during school hours, all medication other than Epi-pens and asthma inhalers should be kept within the clinic. Please fill in the Permission to Administer Medicine form or send a note with the student’s name, reason to give medicine, dosage and time. All medicines must be in their original container, clearly labeled, with the student’s name, class and the dosage to be given. A few over-the-counter medications (i.e. Panadol, Ibuprofen) are available in the clinic and can be given if parental permission is on file.

Medical Records

It is very important that WAB nurses have complete, updated medical records for students. Parents are asked to complete and return the WAB Medical Questionnaire to the clinic and keep the nurses updated of any new conditions or immunizations. Parents can also update their child’s medical information via Powerschool. It is also important to keep the school informed of current work, home and mobile numbers of parents or guardians and emergency contact information. For specific illnesses the nurse may require further information and an individual health plan made, they will contact you accordingly.

Security

WAB provides a comprehensive 24-hour security service. Staff and parents are required to show their WAB ID Cards to enter the school grounds and all visitors must register at the front gate and be issued a Visitor’s Pass. All Middle School students must wear their ID cards during the school day.

The campus is equipped with closed circuit television and a state-of-the-art Fire Command Center.

Damaged or Lost Property/ Responsibility

WAB is not responsible/liable for damage to or loss of personal belongings unless the school is directly responsible.

If personal property has been lost or damaged by another party, other than WAB, the school will assist in investigating the incident but will not take responsibility for mediating between the two parties.

Visitors

Middle School students is not able to bring visitors due to COVID regulations.

Use of School Facilities After School Hours

WAB promotes the use of school facilities by the school community and the broader community after school hours. Middle School students are encouraged to remain after school to participate in a variety of supervised, scheduled activities or the Get Stuff Done club.

Middle School students must only be in supervised activities after school and must not be in any outdoor sports areas, gym or classrooms without adult supervision.

Middle School students are not allowed to leave campus after school and then return to take the late buses.

Staying After School

Four days per week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) WABX has organized an after school Get Stuff Done Club to support students with completion of homework or with supervision while students wait for instrumental lessons. Students who are not participating in scheduled events, but who wish to remain at school to complete assignments, may work in the Get Stuff Done Club on a drop-in basis by signing in. Students may also work in individual classrooms under the supervision of a teacher when pre-arranged. Middle School students who remain at school after hours should be: 

  • participating in school-organized and scheduled activities and must be signed in.
  • working in the supervised Get Stuff Done Club. Students must check in with the
    supervising teacher and should be signed in.
  • watching interschool sporting competitions, students must remain at the venue of the
    competition.

All Middle School students leaving on the 3:30pm bus must go to their buses promptly. As food is not allowed on school buses, food cannot be purchased by Middle School students who will be catching the 3:30pm bus. Middle school students who miss the 3:30pm bus should go to the Middle School Reception and call home to organize alternative transport and then wait inside the respective gate for this transport. 

Middle School students require a note from their parents in order to take a taxi or to walk or cycle home. Parents may choose to write a note for the year or may write a note each time. These notes must have a copy submitted to the front office and the original note kept with the student to show to the guards at the front gate. Year-long notes should be kept in the student’s wallet or with their smartcards or in their homework diary so it is easily accessible to show to the guards. 

Middle School students staying after school must remain on campus and may not leave the school grounds. Students waiting for the 5:45pm buses must be in supervised activities or need to sign into the Get Stuff Done Club and wait there. The Middle School Expectations apply to after-school activities and students not following these expectations may lose the privilege to remain after school to work or participate in sport or other activities.

Emergency Evacuation Procedures

Established procedures exist for staff and students to follow in the event of fire, earthquake or unauthorized intrusion. In such circumstances, student safety is of paramount importance. In emergency situations, access for emergency vehicles is vital and parents are therefore asked to ensure the school entry areas remain clear of vehicles at all times.

In the event that classes are suspended and students must return home, parents will be notified through the school’s emergency contact procedures including text messaging service, email, and/or phone calls.

WAB periodically conducts evacuation drills to practice safe and efficient procedures.