The transition from Prep to Senior school marks a significant milestone in a pupil’s journey. At MCC, we divide the Senior stage into lower and upper years, tailoring support for each developmental phase. With Prep 6 pupils now entering the final stretch of their primary education, they will embark on their senior school journey in less than six months. To help both parents and pupils prepare for this crucial transition, we recently held our first Transition Parents’ Meeting, attended by key staff including
Headmaster: Michael Urquhart
Head of Lower Seniors: Yolanda Zhao
Head of Mathematics: Dr. Esther Liu
Head of Chinese: Jim Cao
Head of Arts and Creative Learning: Sana Maheru
Head of University Guidance and Careers: Eva Zhou
Smooth Transition, New Beginnings
To provide pupils with an authentic senior school experience, Prep 6 pupils will have the opportunity to spend one day a week in the senior section this term. This initiative allows them to experience lessons, schedules, and the overall pace of senior school life, helping them to adapt to the upcoming academic challenges. A strong start is key to success, and through this transition experience, we aim to ensure pupils are both mentally and academically prepared for their next stage of learning.
Diverse Curriculum, Broadened Horizons
Ms Yolanda Zhao, Head of Lower Seniors, provided an overview of the Lower Senior curriculum. From Foundation Year 1 and 2, the curriculum is designed with a clear focus on preparing pupils for IGCSE and A-level courses. Building on the foundations of the Chinese National Curriculum, subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Art, and Computer Science are delivered in a bilingual or fully English environment. Additionally, subjects like Humanities, Literature Studies, Physical Education, Entrepreneurship, and Global Perspectives further expand pupils’ knowledge and enhance their critical thinking skills.
Dr. Esther Liu, Head of Mathematics, explained that the subject content of the Senior School, is built upon the foundations of the Chinese Mathematics curriculum, while integrating elements from Hong Kong and Singapore Mathematics. Additionally, it incorporates high-level mathematical competitions, such as the AMC (American Mathematics Competitions), allowing pupils to develop a deeper understand and transition smoothly to the IGCSE stage of their learning in the lower years of senior school.
In order to be well-prepared for further studies, Dr. Liu suggests that pupils can study subject-specific terminology in advance and fully grasp essential concepts. At the same time, she highlighted the need for a shift in mindset when approaching mathematics. For example, traditional Chinese mathematics is more focused on arithmetic ability, problem solving skills, etc., while the international teaching content is more focused on practical, real-world applications. Pupils will also encounter more applied and short-answer questions, requiring a deep understanding of the underlying principles and also accurate calculations, what we often refer to as “knowing the ‘why’ behind the ‘how’ “.
Mr Jim Cao, Head of Chinese, explained that the importance of bilingual education in todays and future societies cannot be overstated, especially for Chinese pupils, whose in-depth knowledge of their country’s culture and language can make them truly “bilingual”.
Also participating in the discussion was Ms. Sana Maheru, Head of Arts Creative Learning, who showcased subjects such as art, music, and computer science. MCC pupils have achieved remarkable success in arts-related university applications for the 2024–25 intake. In addition, the computer science curriculum spans from lower senior to A-level. Each year, many pupils apply for university majors in fields such as Computer Science, Programming and Animation.
University Planning, Guidance at Every Stage
For pupils following an international education pathway, early university planning is essential. At MCC, we provide a seamless academic and subject selection advisory service from FY 1 and 2 through to A-levels, which ensures that every pupil has a clear academic direction. At the end of March, our annual Higher Education Fair will take place, with over 50 globally renowned universities participating.
Malvern Mingle and Exchange Programme
Our successful Malvern Mingle programme, now in its third year, will run this year from May to July. This initiative has already generated great excitement among our senior pupils. For the first time, our Tokyo campus will join this cultural exchange, fostering connections between Malvern communities in the UK, Hong Kong, Chengdu, and Tokyo. This initiative provides pupils with an invaluable opportunity to explore the world and experience diverse cultures firsthand.
On 11 April, the second Transition Parents’ Meeting will be held. During this event, departments including English, Science and PE will also offer 1-to-1 sessions for parents to engage in discussions.
