KCIS came alive in a different way

# Week Without Walls #

As part of our annual Week Without Walls,students put their devices aside and embraced something more powerful: genuine human connection, curiosity-driven learning, and the chance to create without digital distractions. This year's theme, A Week Without Devices,encouraged students to think differently, collaborate more deeply, and reconnect - with their peers, with the world around them, and with their own creativity.

PART.01

G1-G3

The week began with a series of trips that sparked inspiration for the days ahead. Our G1–G3 students visited Nianhua Bay, where they took part in a scenic scavenger hunt and created traditional fans, blending exploration with cultural artistry. Meanwhile, G4–G5 students travelled to Suzhou, where they explored the Humble Administrators Garden, climbed Tiger Hill, enjoyed a tranquil boat ride through Luzhi Ancient Town, and soaked in the rich heritage and natural beauty of the region. These hands-on experiences laid the foundation for a week of engaging, cross-grade project work.

Back on campus, students formed mixed-age groups, working with new peers and teachers to tackle creative challengess parked by their adventures. Let's take a look at what some of the classes got up to during this unforgettable week:

G1–G3 – Mr Hall

During Week Without Walls, our group travelled back in time to explore life in the Stone Age. We designed and created realistic replicas of tools such as axes, knives, and spears, gaining insight intohow early humans survived. Our cave-themed diorama showcased daily life,complete with hand-drawn cave art inspired by real prehistoric discoveries.Students crafted Stone Age outfits using faux animal skins and learned about now-extinct creatures like the woolly mammoth and Andrewsarchus. We also had fun learning the “We Will Rock You” Stone Age dance, bringing history to life through movement, creativity, and collaboration.

G1–G3 – Ms Davey

Our activities were inspired by the poem “The Lost Gnome at KCIS.” Students enjoyed a variety of hands-on activities that sparked creativity and connection. They began by designing gnome landscapes to make the lost gnome feel happier, using art and problem-solving skills to create cosy, colourful spaces.

The fun continued with baking the gnome's favourite chocolate chip cookies, following a recipe from Gnome Land. We then compared the taste with a human recipe. Students designed their own gnome costumes, encouraging imagination and self-expression.

Outside, children built gnome homes from natural materials found around the school grounds. This project promoted teamwork,environmental awareness, and basic engineering as they worked with sticks,leaves, and stones. To celebrate friendship and the memories made, students painted friendship pebbles, a reflective activity fostering kindness and mindfulness.

Finally, each child drew a map to help the gnome find his way home, practising spatial awareness and storytelling. These colourful maps showcased their understanding of the gnome's journey.

Week Without Devices was a wonderful opportunity for KCIS students to engage in creative,collaborative learning while connecting with nature and each other — proving that sometimes the best adventures happen unplugged.

PART.02

G4–G5

# Week Without Walls #

G4–G5 – Miss Clarke

The G4&5 students showcased creativity, teamwork, and enthusiasm during Week Without Walls through their Living Landscapes project. Inspired by Suzhou's beautiful environments of the Administrator's Garden, Tiger Hill and Luzhi (Water Town), they worked together and independently to design, gather materials, and build their own miniature living gardens.

To make their work interactive, they crafted thoughtful questions about their creations and even designed special ‘token’ prizes to reward visitors who stopped to admire and engage with their amazing designs. Their hard work, curiosity, and artistic vision truly made this project a success!

G4–G5 – Mr Hickey

The Cardboard Carnival

During our exciting Week Without Walls, Mr. Hickey's group took on the challenge of a “Week Without Devices” by creating something truly special - our very own Cardboard Carnival! With no screens or electronics allowed, we said, “If we can't use our devices, we'll make our own fun!” Working in teams, students designed and built 12 creative, no-tech carnival games using almost entirely cardboard and simple materials like marbles, cups, balloons, and beanbags.

Each game had unique rules and objectives from “Marble Maze Madness” and “Dice Drop Derby” to “Ski Ball” and “Mystery Box Challenge.” Students spent the week planning, constructing, and testing their games, showing great teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity along the way.

On Friday afternoon, the carnival came to life! Students became game hosts, running their booths and handing out tickets to excited classmates and parents. Tickets could be exchanged for fun prizes, creating a true carnival atmosphere.

Everyone had a blast, and it was a wonderful reminder that you don't need devices to have fun, you just need some cardboard, imagination, and teamwork!

As the week drew to a close, it became clear that this was more than just a break from screens—it was a powerful reminder of what happens when students are given space to imagine, connect, and create.None of it would have been possible without the incredible dedication of our teaching staff, who brought energy, flexibility, and heart to every part of the week.

To our teachers—thank you. And to our students—well done for making this a week to remember.