Avenues students showcase imagination and compassion through J-Term

What would a school look like if everything — from the campus layout to the curriculum — were designed entirely by children? And how can students show compassion and care for stray animals? Students from Avenues Shenzhen demonstrated their creativity and commitment through the school’s J-Term program at a showcase event held last week.

A student experiences the "Ideal School" designed using 3D modeling and VR technology. Photos by Avenues Shenzhen except otherwise stated

During the school’s three-week J-Term this month, students from various grades participated in different programs in Shenzhen, Yunnan, and overseas. The Grade 5 students were divided into two groups: one traveled to Dali City in Yunnan Province, while the other remained in Shenzhen. Both groups engaged in project-based learning centered on the theme of the purpose of education, specifically focusing on Article 29 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

The Dali group conducted field visits, interviewing local students and villagers and immersing themselves in their daily lives. Upon returning to Avenues Shenzhen, they compiled their research and shared their insights on education and social equity, as well as an ideal school model they designed for local students through a mini-exhibition.

An Avenues Shenzhen student introduces the smart shelter to visitors.

“Through interviews with local students, we learned about their daily classes and the food they prefer. We also designed a logo for the school uniform,” said Daxton Binninger, a Grade 5 student at Avenues Shenzhen.

Meanwhile, the Shenzhen group collaborated with peers from New York and Singapore to research UNCRC articles. By comparing similarities and differences between Avenues Shenzhen and other schools worldwide with advanced AI technology, conducting video calls and correspondence with children in Xichang, Sichuan Province, and interviewing teachers, they ultimately designed their vision of an ideal school using 3D modeling and virtual reality technologies.

Focusing on the theme “Tech for Good,” the middle school students researched the living conditions, community ecology, and animal management policies related to stray animals in Shenzhen.

A photo wall showcases middle school students participating in the Co. Lab project of the J-Term. Chang Zhipeng

Using AI technology and programming, they developed innovative prototypes including smart shelters for stray animals, published magazines calling for greater public attention to animal welfare, and created video games aimed at encouraging reflection on the relationship between humans, pets, and urban development.

According to the project teacher, the smart shelters created by the students will be placed in local communities and donated to animal protection organizations to genuinely benefit stray animals.

Avenues Shenzhen’s J-Term program aims to connect classroom learning with the real world. By stepping outside the classroom, students explore and engage with their communities and city, enabling them to apply what they have learned in meaningful ways.