Official HD Beijing school crest
HD BEIJING
GRADE 7 COMMUNITY
OCTOBER 2026 · ISSUE 03

G7 Connect.

A month of discovery, creativity and community — celebrating the people and moments that make Grade 7 special.

ConsistencySupportBelonging
Grade 7 students and teachers together at Dongba Park
Learning that lasts beyond the classroom
HD BEIJING · GRADE 7
01COVER STORY

Out into the world

Science, observation and the beauty of being different.

Students classify leaves and plant samples in Dongba Park
SCIENCE · DONGBA PARK

A living laboratory

Grade 7 scientists took their learning outdoors to Dongba Park! Building on their studies of photosynthesis, flowering plant life cycles and plant classification, students collected specimens, compared gymnosperms with monocots and dicots, examined bark and leaf textures, and explored how plants transport water and sugars.

The visit sparked a deeper reflection: just as every plant finds its own place in nature, every person has individual strengths and a valuable path to follow. Team games and time together in the autumn sunshine rounded off a memorable day.

02LEARNING IN ACTION

Curiosity made visible

Research, making, language and thoughtful design.

Grade 7 students proudly displaying the Roman shields they made
HUMANITIES & LITERATURE

Roman shields: design, defend, discover

How did Roman equipment contribute to battlefield success? Students studied two shield types, explored the meanings of Roman military insignia and designed their own shields using carefully chosen symbols. They then tested the strengths and weaknesses of their creations by racing around the track, defending a leader, capturing a Roman standard from enemy territory and checking visibility from a distance.

History was not simply read about — it was designed, constructed and put to the test.

Collaborative fantasy island drawing made by Grade 7 students

One island, many imaginations

Across Grade 7, Art students collaborated on a giant fantasy island map. Each learner added drawings, ideas and details to a shared world, combining individual styles into one imaginative creation. The finished map is a lovely celebration of creativity, teamwork and belonging.

Student ELA poetry poster with three favourite poems

Voices in verse

In English Language Arts, students chose three favourite poems from their first unit, presented them creatively on posters and recited them to their classmates. The activity brought together literary appreciation, personal choice, visual communication and confidence in public speaking.

Grade 7 student poetry posterGrade 7 student poetry posterGrade 7 student poetry poster

Chinese Humanities: What if China had no coastline?

Students used maps, illustrations and explanations to imagine how a landlocked China might develop differently. Their posters investigate the effects on trade, transport, industry, international connections and the natural environment — showing the power of geographical reasoning and creative thinking.

Students from different English phases collaborating during team games

Different phases, one community

Our cross-phase English games brought students from different learning phases together. Through team challenges, conversations and collaborative games, they practised communicating, problem-solving and supporting one another — building friendships beyond their regular classes.

Cross-phase English teamwork activityCross-phase English teamwork activityCross-phase English teamwork activity

Design Thinking: two routes to one birdhouse

In Grade 7 Design Thinking, all students research birds, plan carefully and develop maker skills while working towards a birdhouse suitable for the school environment. They follow two different pathways, with shared learning outcomes.

Project-Based Pathway

Students design for a particular bird “client” and potential campus location, considering shelter, weather, safety, materials and success criteria.

Traditional Pathway

Students build skills step by step through research, scaled drawings, graph-paper plans, measuring, cutting, gluing and assembly.

Different journeys. Shared goals: research, planning, safe construction, problem-solving and reflection.

03OUR COMMUNITY

Leading, supporting, celebrating

Students take the lead — and we recognise every kind of progress.

Grade 7 students taking a bow following their student-led assembly
STUDENT VOICE

The stage belongs to our students

A huge well done to Ms Shirlee’s, Ms Ayla’s and Ms Demi’s mentees for their wonderful student-led assemblies! Through theatre, interactive demonstrations and thoughtful messages — including time management and decision-making — students planned, collaborated and spoke confidently to their peers.

These moments help turn our Grade 7 value of responsibility into everyday leadership.

★STUDENT RECOGNITION

Celebrating our award winners

Five awards. Twenty students. So much to celebrate.

Recognising character, personal growth and academic achievement.

Empathy同理心奖

Showing kindness and understanding towards others.

Cathy Ye · Dida Wang · Kimi Sun · Melody Liao
Wisdom智慧奖

Making thoughtful decisions and showing sound judgement.

Jocelyn Li · Amelie Hou · Claire Wang · Gabriel Guo
Courage勇气奖

Facing challenges with courage and determination.

George Xia · Teresa Sun · Pony Jiao · Grace Zhang
Progress进步奖

Making meaningful progress through sustained effort.

Barton Ming · Lillian Shen · Jenny Deng · Vorin Wang
Academic Excellence学术卓越奖

Recognising the highest GPAs in Grade 7 by class.

Golden Jia · Nancy Zhang · Miumiu Wan · Ann Wang
U14 Foxes football team on the pitch

Two wins for the U14 Foxes!

9–3ISB
6–5DAYSTAR

Our Foxes earned their first victory of the season with an impressive 9–3 win over the International School of Beijing, then held their nerve to beat Daystar Academy 6–5 in a thrilling match. What teamwork and determination — congratulations to the players and coaches! Let’s go, Foxes!

Team photograph after a football match

Parents helping our Grade 7 community thrive

A huge thank-you to our Parent Liaisons — the parents of Charlie Chen, Claire Wang, Amelie Hou, Allen Lu and Mariella Wang — for generously taking on this responsibility. Your willingness to share ideas, strengthen communication and support our families makes a real difference.

Our Boost Club will also share new opportunities for parents to get involved and learn together in the near future. Stay tuned!

Off to Yale! Good luck, Claire & Kimi

Best wishes to Claire Wang and Kimi Sun as they head to Yale University in the USA to compete in the World Scholar’s Cup. We are proud of you both. Enjoy the experience, make new connections and give it your best!

04DATES FOR THE DIARY

October brings us together

Culture, House spirit, character and a marketplace of ideas.

Poster featuring eight international and Chinese tea traditions
FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER · 2:00–3:30 PM

Mad Hatter’s International Tea Party

Tea began its story in China, but cultures around the world have made it their own. Students and parent volunteers will host eight stations introducing tea, traditions and activities.

  • D109: United Kingdom, Morocco, USA, Kazakhstan.
  • Student Centre: Fujian White Tea, Yunnan Pu’er, Zhejiang Longjing and Fujian Jin Jun Mei Black Tea.
FRIDAY 23 OCTOBER · ALL DAY

House Day: wear your colours!

Get ready for a full day of events, teamwork and friendly House competition. Whether you are a Dragon, Phoenix, Centaur or Gryphon, show your pride and wear your House colours!

15–22 OCTOBER · BUILDING D FOYER

House charity donation drive

Thank you to everyone who supported the four-House collection of good-condition clothing, books, toys, stationery, sports equipment and household items for local charities. Small items, big impact!

HD Character Day costume guidelines poster
FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER

Characters in FLOW: HD Character Day

Come dressed as a character from a book, film, TV series or other literary work. Costumes must be suitable for school, practical and respectful. No real or toy weapons; remove masks during lessons. Students not in costume should wear full school uniform.

HD Beijing FLOW Market event poster
SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER

FLOW Market

A day to exchange, explore and create: the Second Life swap wall, Drifting Book Market (bring one, take one), Taste Surprise Box for food and drinks, Unfinished Works exhibition and an Open Mic Stage. A photo area and volunteer station add to the fun.

Parent–Teacher–Student Conferences

An important chance for students to reflect on progress, celebrate growth and set next steps with their parents and teachers. The School Office will communicate the exact dates and arrangements.

Harmony Tree Speaking Festival 2027

For students born in 2013–2014: choose a 3-minute speech (“Finding Strength in the Hottest Days” or “The Comparison Trap”) or a 4-minute monologue (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown or Treasure Island).

Online registration: 23–30 October (official registration closes 31 October). Coaching: 1–13 November. Video deadline: 20 November. Entry fee: CAD $58 (approximately RMB 388).

www.harmonytree.ca/htisf2027

05PARENT REMINDERS

Good routines, strong starts

Uniform expectations

Monday · Formal uniform

Blazer, school tie, blue button-up shirt and approved formal bottoms.

Tuesday–Thursday · Sports kit

School sports kit with white polo shirt and navy sports trousers.

Friday · Approved House / club wear

Official House T-shirt or approved club/team wear paired with navy trousers.

Trousers must be NAVY only. Black, grey and khaki are not permitted. Character Day costumes on 30 October follow the event rules above.

myON: keep reading at home

Encourage regular reading and build a daily habit. Students who need help accessing myON should contact their English teacher.

Dear families, thank you for helping us create a community where students feel supported, connected and ready to take responsibility for their learning. We look forward to the next chapter of Grade 7 together.

Nick Holmes & Connie Chen
Grade 7 Cohort Leadership Team