This summer, Hiba Academy Nantong was buzzing with life with three different summer camps. Each was built around immersive bilingual teaching, blending academic challenge with the fun of personal discovery. Nearly 50 pupils took part, making memories and growing along the way.
Pupils picked up new knowledge in bilingual lessons, solved tricky maths problems and took their turn in the spotlight on stage. Here’s a look inside these three special summer experiences.
Hiba Education Experiential Camp
In the first week of July, the Hiba Education Experiential Camp offered pupils a week of learning, laughter and lasting memories. During the day, they joined bilingual classrooms and experienced Hiba’s signature courses such as Design & Technology (DT), Social Studies, Wellbeing and Information & Communication Technology (ICT). Learning was no longer repetitive, but became a series of exciting explorations: building a kaleidoscope by hand, discovering the magic of music programming, and experimenting with creative cross-disciplinary design.
Although lessons were taught in both English and Chinese, as in Hiba’s regular classes, flexible and engaging teaching methods, along with patient guidance, meant even those new to bilingual instruction could take part comfortably and enjoy the process of learning.
In the evenings, boarding life brought a different kind of experience. Team challenges taught pupils to listen and take responsibility, while relaxed evening gatherings bridged the gaps between them through shared laughter and stories. It was a place where they felt the warmth of home, the companionship of friends and the chance to develop independence and self-care skills.
In just a few days, pupils experienced growth on many levels in Hiba’s unique bilingual environment: improved language proficiency and confidence, broader academic horizons, stronger teamwork and self-management skills. Alongside these, they forged genuine friendships that will be remembered long after summer ends.
AMC Intensive Training Camp
Launched for the first time, the AMC (American Mathematics Competitions) Intensive Camp offered a five-day challenge for pupils passionate about maths. Through bilingual teaching, it not only equipped them with the problem-solving strategies needed for AMC competitions but also improved their English skills in a subject-specific context.
In class, teachers guided pupils step by step in both languages, encouraging them to push their limits in logical reasoning, mathematical modelling and geometric proof.
The camp also offered tailored content according to age and mathematical background: younger pupils developed creativity and problem-solving skills through engaging games and story-based activities, while older pupils honed their precision and speed with real competition questions and group discussions. By the end of the week, many said, “I never knew maths could be so much fun!”
Through rehearsals and performance, pupils not only enhanced their language skills and stage presence but also discovered how to unlock their potential in the face of challenge. For many, it was their first experience with a full English musical — a fresh and exciting challenge. Immersed in the creative process, they experienced the joy of teamwork, the thrill of performing and the discovery of new possibilities within themselves.
April Jiang
Extracurricular Activities
Manager
“This summer, we created an immersive bilingual environment through seamless collaboration between Chinese and international teachers. Our courses balance academic rigour with engaging, hands-on activities, ensuring equal emphasis on ‘input’ and ‘output’. Small class sizes and tailored teaching mean every pupil receives personal attention and support. Here, language is not just the object of study — it is a tool for thinking and exploration. We look forward to welcoming more pupils next year to share in those sparkling moments of growth.”
At Hiba Academy Nantong, our summer camps are more than a seasonal experience — they reflect our daily educational ethos: blending the best of Chinese and Western approaches, connecting academics with the arts and focusing on individual growth.
Here, language is a bridge, thinking is the engine and exploration is a way of life. Whether solving a complex maths problem in class, delivering a moving performance on stage or building friendships in boarding life, every attempt and breakthrough quietly shapes our pupils’ futures. We are committed to building a ladder for each pupil to reach a wider world, guided by purpose and moving forward without pause.
