Beijing - School Report Question and Answers
Is the amount and type of homework generally appropriate for the age and grade of the students?
No much homework for elementary or in 6th and 7th grade. It has ticked up a bit in 8th grade. My highschooler in 9th and 10th did not seem to spend much time on homework, but there is much more homework demanded by the IB curriculum in 11th and 12th grade. My graduate told me in 12th grade he had to communicate with teachers and to discern for himself which work to leave undone because there simply was not enough time to do it all in addition to his sports, community service, and balanced social life. He managed it successfully, but it was quite stressful until he figured it out. Overall IB was a good experience for him but I do not believe the IB program is a good fit for every student. - Jun 2023
Definitely. My elementary age child had almost no homework unless she had unfinished work from the day. Middle school added a bit more homework, but no more than an hour or two per day (at the most). My older middle schooler is able to accomplish most of his school work during the day. My high schooler is able to use free/study blocks at school to get most of her work done. WAB has something they call "Day 9" - which is the ninth day in their block scheduled week that allows options to learn for fun (everything from language learning to chess to sports to knitting) or extra help in a particular class. IB diploma students may have one or two high level classes on these days, but most have a bit of a break. It is a great time for kids to catch up on work, spend an extra block in a class where they need tutoring, or just learn/do something for fun. Students sign up for blocks so their time is accounted for. My kids have really appreciated having these breaks every other week to either have a bit of a break or to work on bigger projects, catch up. - Dec 2022
There is very minimal homework in the ES. There are always home learning options but this is based on each students need and self agency. - Nov 2022
WAB may give slightly less homework than some of the other schools. I appreciate this as my kids can get their CAS hours done and just generally be less stressed out. - Mar 2021
Yes - Mar 2019
Yes. - Apr 2018
