Expanding Horizons, Unlocking Potential – Highlights from Post-Exam Activities in the International Curriculum

In June, after six weeks of international exams, the new academic year's courses have already begun. Alongside regular lessons, subject panels launched a rich array of post-exam activities under the theme "Breaking Boundaries in Learning." From hardware assembly competitions and business research to technology exploration, ecological experiences, theatrical recreations, club innovations, and game workshops, these seven themes create a diverse and practice-oriented learning environment. Students integrate interdisciplinary knowledge in real-world contexts, spark creativity through teamwork, and achieve the unity of knowledge and action by solving problems—fueling continuous momentum for their future learning and development. 

PC Build: From Campus to Huaqiangbei, a Journey into Discovering Hardware

On the morning of 27th June, Grade 10 Computer Science students set off on a hands-on exploration of  Huaqiangbei—widely known as China's largest electronics market. Their mission was clear: with a budget limit of 900 RMB, source all the components needed to build the most powerful PC they could.

Huaqiangbei is home to some of the world's latest hardware innovations and tech-driven commerce. Students navigated its bustling electronics markets, negotiating with vendors, comparing specifications, and learning to distinguish between genuine and substandard parts. In the afternoon, back at school, they had just three hours to assemble their machines and ensure each one ran smoothly. When the final screen lit up with the Windows desktop, it marked more than just technical success. These young engineers walked away not only with sharper skills, but also with a mindset of curiosity, innovation, and the confidence to think beyond boundaries.

Student Feedback

WANG from Grade 10: In this challenge, our team made a bold choice: to fully embrace the spirit of the "tech scavenger." We ditched the PC case entirely and put every last penny into the graphics card! While others carried neat, boxed builds, we went all in on performance—no frills, just power. The result? A "postmodern masterpiece" that won first prize. Turns out, when you commit to scrappy, it can still be stylish!

ZHU from Grade 10: In the building process, we ran into all sorts of challenges, but with teamwork and perseverance, we managed to get the job done. This experience taught me a lot, and I hope the school will offer more hands-on activities like this in the future—it's a great way to learn and grow by doing.

WANG from Grade 10: After purchasing a motherboard compatible with 5th Generation Intel CPUs at Huaqiangbei, our team discovered a faulty RAM slot that prevented the system from booting. We quickly returned to the market to find a replacement and managed to secure a compatible motherboard before the deadline. This was a valuable learning experience.

On 7th July, the exciting PC hardware assembly exploration continued with a special event organised by Grade 10 students for Grade 9 students. More than just a build competition, it was a vibrant exchange of knowledge and skills across year groups. The senior students designed a fast-paced Kahoot quiz featuring 60 questions on hardware principles, brand histories, and cutting-edge technologies—bringing textbook knowledge to life as instantly "spendable" tokens.

Armed with their tokens, the Grade 9 students entered the real challenge—the hardware auction. CPUs and graphics cards became auction items, won by the highest bidder. Four senior students took on the role of sellers, launching into sales mode. "Check the gold fingers like this on second-hand RAM..." They shared insider tips on purchasing, identifying, and assembling components. This student-designed, student-led event didn't just produce four impressive custom PCs—it also left a lasting mark on the young "engineers" taking part.

Student Feedback

WANG from Grade 10 (Organiser): After carefully budgeting, drafting rules, building the website, and developing our own benchmarking system, we finally set up this "large-scale junk-picking simulator" event. Along the way, we faced many challenges—lost website databases, dead PCs, sellers refusing to provide invoices, blue screens, flickering displays, weird noises, and furious fans... These "surprises" became our most vivid lessons: building a PC is as much about hardware and compatibility as it is about mindset and character. It also taught us valuable skills for organising future competitions. Not wanting younger students to feel lost, I created a "Junk-Picking Guide" and a "PC Assembly Tutorial" for them. On competition day, the atmosphere was electric, and beginners beamed with pride as their builds came to life. Watching everyone go from just recognising parts to cheering when their PCs lit up was incredibly rewarding. Thanks to our teachers' inspired ideas, my teammates' teamwork, and every participant's enthusiasm and intelligence—you all made this event a success! I hope this competition plants a seed of courage in our juniors to explore and create across disciplines. Next time someone says, "Computers are too expensive," just say, "Have you heard of Huaqiangbei?"

 LIU from Grade 9: At first, the Kahoot was especially fun! I learnt lots of things you can't get from textbooks. The auction and bargaining afterwards made me feel like I'd grown up and stepped into the real world early. During the competition, my teammates and I discussed and worked together to face and solve problems.

KANG from Grade 9: During the auction, our team was misled by a photo in the presentation and ended up paying a high price... It taught us that there are sometimes "dishonest sellers" in the market, and you have to judge for yourself. This was a truly meaningful activity—we not only learnt about computer hardware, but also gained valuable experience in teamwork and problem-solving.

Project-Based Learning (PBL) at Hong Kong Disneyland: A Real-World Look at Business Strategy

On 26th June and 3rd July, guided by the Economics teacher, our students embarked on an extraordinary study trip to Hong Kong Disneyland, brimming with curiosity and enthusiasm. Working in groups, they conducted field research through firsthand observations and data collection, gaining interesting insights into the operational strategies and marketing logic behind the Disney brand. Each question they explored brought them closer to the real world of business while accumulating valuable primary data for their research reports.

Despite the sweltering heat, spirits remained high. During their free time, the students immersed themselves in Disneyland's enchanting culture, experiencing the wonder of its fairy-tale world. From learning to hands-on experiences, this journey was not just about acquiring knowledge—it was a cherished memory of laughter and personal growth.

Student Feedback

WU from Grade 11: As a member of the group, we conducted a survey on Disney's marketing strategies, pricing models, and other aspects, gaining valuable insights into how the brand appeals to visitors from around the world. We were especially impressed by the park's approach to creating a magical, immersive experience.

Zeng from Grade 9: Although I’ve visited Disneyland many times before, this study trip with my classmates filled me with excitement. We visited the statue of Walt Disney and learned about the brand’s history—a perspective I had overlooked in past visits, giving me a fresh understanding of Disney.

Wang from Grade 9: During this Disney study trip, our teachers designed insightful academic tasks for us. I noticed that merchandise and food in the park were priced very high, yet many visitors were still willing to pay. After the trip, our group analyzed the underlying reasons, such as brand loyalty and market monopoly strategies.

BGI Genomics Study Trip: Unlocking Genetic Technology

On 3rd July, students visited Shenzhen's BGI Genomics for a full-day study trip. This is not only a practical exploration of cutting-edge technology, but also a spiritual journey of perseverance, dedication, and innovation.

In the exhibition hall, the students' attention was immediately captured by a unique exhibit, a collection of pipette tips used by scientists in the 1% Human Genome Project and five gene sequencers used in different periods. This exhibit conveyed moving stories to the students, without words—of how Chinese scientists, working with limited resources but immense patriotism and perseverance, inscribed the name "China" into the global pursuit to decode life's blueprint.

In the laboratory, students acting as gene detectives, eagerly learnt about DNA fingerprinting under the guidance of professional instructors. Through hands-on experiment, the DNA they had only read about in textbooks now appeared as clear bands on the gel, revealing critical information. The dynamic integration of theory and practice left students both thrilled and inspired.

Student Feedback

HU from Grade 10: At BGI Genomics, we marveled at the array of high-precision instruments. We got hands-on experience with agarose gel electrophoresis and saw DNA bands under UV light. A truly eye-opening experience indeed.

YANG from Grade 10: We saw China's most cutting-edge gene sequencer today. It's a truly valuable opportunity. Guided by our instructors, we completed hands-on experiments we've never done before. We have learnt a lot from this trip.

In addition, under the guidance of their science teachers, INC students also visited the Shenzhen Science & Technology Museum and the Shenzhen Gas Science Museum, exposing them to the forefront of scientific discovery and technological innovation through interactive exhibits and enjoyable activities. Throughout the trip, students were fully engaged by the guide's professional explanations. They actively asked questions and tried out the many demonstrations available in the museums.

Chimelong English Trip: A Dual Experience of Ecology and Language

On 26th June, the Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park study trip, jointly organised by the English and Biology panels, offered students an immersive bilingual learning experience. Students applied English in real-life settings to identify animals and describe their ecology, while integrating biological knowledge through close observation of animal behaviours and habitats. This cross-disciplinary approach fostered ecological awareness, encouraging respect for nature and care for animals, while enhancing students' English communication skills in authentic contexts.

Student Feedback

LI from Grade 9: During the trip, we gained a deeper understanding of the animals' ecological environments through the tour guide's explanations, and had the chance to observe a wide variety of animals up close from the sightseeing bus. Overall, this experience broadened our knowledge beyond what we learn from textbooks.

LI from Grade 9: During the trip, we not only saw many animals but also took part in interactive activities, such as feeding the giraffes. Spending this unforgettable time with the animals made us truly realise the importance of protecting wildlife and maintaining the balance between humans and nature.

Chinese Drama Performance: A Cross-Cultural Reinterpretation of Classics

On the afternoon of 27th June, the Chinese panel of the International Department organised a "Reimagining Classics" drama competition to inspire students' literary creativity and teamwork. Drawing from world-renowned literature, students directed, wrote, and performed their own adaptations, showcasing impressive cross-cultural understanding and artistic expression.

Adaptations such as "Turbulence in the Business World" inspired by Chekhov's "The Chameleon", "The Necklace"—a tragic tale of luxury by Maupassant, a creative reinterpretation of Lu Xun's classic "Diary of a Madman", and "The Silent Secret", a symphony of hatred and reflection, took to the stage one after another, captivating the audience and earning enthusiastic applause.

Student Feedback

Scriptwriting Team - YI from Grade 9: Adapting a classic was tougher than I imagined! We had to preserve the original essence while being innovative, and ended up revising the script for three whole weeks...

Directing Team - PU from Grade 9: Preparing the entire play was a huge and complex task, far more demanding than I expected. This experience helped me grow a lot.

Acting Team - ZHANG from Grade 9: Playing Sherlock Holmes meant memorising long passages and coordinating closely with my partner on gestures and tone. We practiced a lot—big thanks to the directing team for their guidance and support!

Props Team – HONG from Grade 9: I never expected "The Necklace" to be so funny! Now when I read the original story, it feels much more vivid!

ECA Club Pitch: A Fusion of Passion and Expertise

On the morning of 27th June, the International Department's second annual ECA Club Pitch was enthusiastically held, much anticipated by students. All Grade 9 and Grade 10 students gathered to witness seven Grade 9 clubs showcase their innovative projects. This event not only provided a platform for new club ideas to shine but also fostered leadership and creativity.

The participating clubs represented a diverse range of interests across science, humanities, and the arts:

●iGEM Club: centred on gene editing engineering, preparing students for international competitions

●Law & Debate Club: enhancing legal knowledge and critical thinking through mock trials

●Economics Club: sparking interest in economics with engaging games

●Psychology Quiz Club: promoting psychological awareness and self-understanding

●Amateur Radio Club: exploring the wonders of radio technology

●Craft Club & Aromatherapy Club: celebrating lifestyle aesthetics through creative practice

At the event, the leaders of the Coffee Club, one of the outstanding Grade 10 clubs, shared insights into founding their club and reflected on a year of achievements. The judging panel, including Executive Principal Dr. WANG Hongjun and Deputy Principal Ms. MA Di, praised the event highly and presented awards to outstanding clubs. They encouraged students to continue pursuing their passions through extracurricular activities, where growth happens beyond the classroom.

Student Feedback

ZENG from Grade 9: From sourcing materials and preparing our presentation to handling unexpected issues on the day, we overcame countless challenges. Not only did we showcase the Craft Club's creative vision, but we also strengthened our commitment to preserving traditional culture and inspiring innovation.

LI from Grade 9: As a member of the audience, I was truly drawn in by the outstanding performances! This event not only introduced me to so many fascinating clubs, but also made me look forward to school life even more.

Interdisciplinary Workshop: A Creative Journey into Game Design

On 4th July, students took part in a unique interdisciplinary game design workshop, experiencing the full process of developing a tabletop game from concept to prototype.

The day began with an industry expert delivering a talk on "Trends in the Gaming Industry and Academic Pathways", offering an accessible yet insightful overview of the sector's growth and its boundless possibilities. From Nobel-winning scientific breakthroughs to ADHD treatments prescribed in the form of games, students discovered the surprising and far-reaching impact of game design.

Guided by mentors, students worked in teams to design original board games—developing game mechanics, crafting narratives, and integrating knowledge from subjects such as biology, economics, computer science, and psychology. The result was a series of inventive prototypes, each reflecting thoughtful interdisciplinary thinking. As students play-tested one another's creations, the room buzzed with energy and laughter. Through this hands-on, collaborative experience, they witnessed first-hand how creativity can take shape through teamwork. More than just a fun activity, the workshop offered meaningful insight into the creative process—and may well spark future aspirations in design, innovation, or beyond.

Student Feedback

ZHOU from Grade 9: This game design workshop showed me how games can be truly interdisciplinary. For example, games can be used to treat ADHD, and AR technology can help patients with rehabilitation exercises. Our team chose evolution from biology as our theme, and through designing a board game, I learnt about the ocean's food chain and the negative impact of human-made waste on marine life. This activity not only expanded my knowledge but also gave me a strong sense of accomplishment. I look forward to another game workshop next year!

Pui Kiu Xinyi School's International Curriculum not only pursues academic excellence but also strives to nurture innovative problem solvers with a strong spirit of practical learning. These post-exam activities allow students to sharpen their thinking, integrate knowledge, and develop essential skills in real-world contexts. Looking forward, we will continue empowering our students—making practice a powerful way to develop talent, helping each learner push boundaries through exploration, unlock potential through innovation, and grow into globally minded young adults with a deep sense of social responsibility.

Author: INC Subject Panels & Communications Department