A milestone moment in Qingdao: Student-led Conferences empower growth and connection

Last month marked a meaningful milestone at the International School of Qingdao as we hosted our very first Student-led Conference (SLC) event. From Grade 1 to Grade 12, students took center stage to reflect on their own learning journeys—sharing achievements, challenges and growth with their families in a powerful, student-owned way.

Parents were welcomed on campus as students led them through classroom presentations, work portfolios and personal reflections. Whether it was a Grade 2 student explaining their reading progress or a high schooler walking through a complex project, what stood out was the level of leadership, communication and self-awareness students brought to the day.

At the same time, this first SLC also surfaced meaningful challenges. For some students, the process of preparing and presenting was difficult. Sharing openly about learning struggles or unfinished goals took courage. For a few, it was a wake-up call—a realization that they need to take more responsibility and reflect more deeply moving forward. These moments, though tough, were important. They reminded us that true growth includes vulnerability, and that ownership of learning is something developed step by step.

One parent shared, “After today I can really see how much the teachers care and how much they are doing for my kids. I’m so glad that I can work together with the teachers, and I am encouraged about the way forward.”

Teachers, too, witnessed meaningful moments throughout the day. High school English teacher Ms. Tara reflected,

 “After finishing an SLC for one student and her brother, the parents were sharing how happy they were about what they were learning in school and thought they did such a great job today. The mother was so happy she was in tears by the end of the conference.”

Meanwhile, our Early Childhood Center (ECC) students experienced SLCs in a different, equally special way—through Home Visits. ECC teachers visited children in their own environments, playing and learning alongside them to better understand their development. These visits built strong connections between home and school and allowed teachers to see students in a space where they feel most themselves.

Across all grades, this first Student-led Conference was more than a single event. It was a celebration of student voice and a challenge to keep growing. We are proud of every student who reflected honestly, every teacher who prepared with care, and every parent who walked alongside with support and encouragement.

This is only the beginning of a deeper journey—one we’re committed to continuing, together.