“在之前学校好像只学会了用刀叉吃饭，但在这里，我学会了真正重要的东西——如何学习、如何交朋友、如何管理自己。”转学一个月后，七年级的Seven用这样一句幽默而深刻的话，总结他在深圳曼校的成长蜕变。

这句话背后，是一个曾经只专注于细节规则的孩子，如何在这里找到学习的热忱、情感的共鸣和自我的价值。而这，也正是他的家庭毫不犹豫选择曼校的原因。

我们深信每一个孩子都能以自己独特的方式发光，有的如阳光般炽热，有的如星光般静谧。而我们愿意做的，是找到那束光，守护它、温暖它，让每一个孩子都能在被理解和支持的环境中，走向属于自己的远方。

谈起当初选择曼校的原因，学术成绩与文化底蕴自然是重要考量。作为有着近200年办学历史的曼校，自扎根深圳以来，曼校连续六届毕业生持续收到了来自梦校的录取Offer，其中包括剑桥大学、帝国理工学院、香港大学等世界名校。但最终让Seven和家人坚信"就这儿了"的，是那些学术之外的人文温度——是老师蹲下来与他平视交谈的那个瞬间，是当他感到困惑想举手提问时，老师递来的一个鼓励的眼神。

班主任Saba至今还对和Seven的第一次见面的场景记忆犹新："他径直走向我，第一个问题是：'您来自印度吗？'当我解释我是英国人，父母来自巴基斯坦时，他脸上绽放出兴奋的光彩，立即开始分享有关巴基斯坦及其与中国友谊的趣事。那一刻，我就知道这是一个充满好奇、喜欢探索的男孩。"

一直以来，Seven拥有出色的记忆力，尤其在计算机和编程方面展现了卓越的天赋。但也由于性格好动，他在集体教学中有时难以保持注意力。

"我们不强迫他变成'大多数人'，而是帮他找到最适合自己的学习路径，"Saba老师说。学校为Seven提供了多项个性化支持：他可以随时使用图书馆或安静角落来调整状态；老师会提前告知课程表变动或特别活动，帮助他平稳过渡；鼓励他在感兴趣的编程领域进行深度学习。

英国教育体系的系统化和规范性对Seven产生了深远影响。明确的校规、预期和一致的时间表提供了一个安全的框架，减少了他的焦虑，让他能将精力专注于学习。

同时Seven的情感细腻、善良真诚，但也常常不知如何表达。学校的老师没有勉强他“合群”，而是循序渐进地引导。

教师节那天动人的一幕，正是这种细腻情感的最好注解：当Seven将表达敬意的鲜花递给袁汇校长时，袁汇校长转身将花送给了身边的教学老师。看到这一幕，Seven立即再次取来一束鲜花，郑重地送到袁汇校长手中，坚定地说："请您一定收下，这是我对您特别的心意。"

而他另一个温暖的习惯是：记得每一个好朋友的生日，并总会提前准备小礼物，为他们带来惊喜。“我觉得朋友之间互相祝福是一件很重要的事。”他说。这种真诚与体贴，也让他在班级中收获了深厚的友谊。

“遇到我和同学在争执，老师没有批评我，她会带我去阳光房，坐在帐篷里慢慢聊。她说情绪没有错，只是我们需要学习更好的表达方式。”曾经，Seven在与同学冲突后容易情绪激动。但在曼校，他体验到什么是“无条件地支持”。

正是这种"不批判、先倾听"的教育氛围，让他愿意主动反思、承担责任。Saba老师观察到："最显著和令人欣喜的成长是他的性格变得更加活泼，会积极发起对话和提问。

谈起转学至曼校后的变化，Seven幽默地说："在之前学校好像只学会了如何使用刀叉吃饭，但在这里，我学会了真正重要的东西——如何学习、如何交朋友、如何管理自己。"

如今的他，每天坚持拓展英语词汇，合理安排时间，甚至主动减少娱乐时间以专注学习。而学校也持续为像他这样有特长的孩子提供展示舞台：无论是兴趣课程、部落活动、体育竞赛，还是情感成长支持，学校始终陪伴在侧，鼓励每一个孩子勇敢发光。

像Seven这样在曼校一天天变得更加自信耀眼的孩子，让我们更加确信：教育的终极使命，是让孩子相信——"我与别人不同，但这正是我的光芒所在。"

"In my previous school, it felt like I only learned how to use a knife and fork. But here, I've learned what truly matters—how to study, how to make friends, and how to manage myself." This was the humorous yet profound summary offered by Seven, a Year 7 student, after just one month at Shenzhen Merchiston International School (MIS), capturing his transformative journey.

Behind this simple statement lies the story of a child who once focused intensely on rules and details, but who has now discovered a passion for learning, emotional connection, and self-worth at MIS—precisely why his family chose the school without hesitation.

At MIS, we firmly believe every child shines in their own unique way—some as brilliantly as the sun, others as steadily as the stars. Our mission is to recognize that light, nurture it, and allow each child to flourish in an environment built on understanding and support.

The Warmth of Being Seen: From Day One

Academic excellence and a rich heritage were naturally important factors in choosing MIS. With a history of nearly 200 years, MIS Shenzhen has seen six consecutive graduating classes receive offers from top universities worldwide, including the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the University of Hong Kong. Yet what truly cemented the family's decision was the human warmth beyond academics—the moment a teacher knelt to speak with Seven at eye level, or the encouraging glance he received when hesitating to ask a question.

His Homeroom Teacher, Saba, vividly recalls their first meeting: "He walked straight up to me and his first question was, 'Are you from India?' When I explained that I'm British with parents from Pakistan, his face lit up. He immediately started sharing fascinating facts about Pakistan and its friendship with China. Right then, I knew he was an incredibly curious and explorative boy."

Seen and Supported: Letting His Talents Shine

Seven possesses an exceptional memory and a remarkable talent for computing and programming. However, his energetic nature sometimes made sustained focus challenging in group settings. MIS's learning support department worked closely with teachers to create a personalized learning plan tailored for him.

"We don't try to force him to become like 'everyone else'," explains Saba. "Instead, we help him find the learning path that suits him best." This includes access to quiet spaces like the library when needed, advance notice of schedule changes to help him prepare, and encouragement to pursue advanced projects in his areas of interest.

The structure and clarity of the British educational system have profoundly benefited Seven. Clear routines, consistent expectations, and a predictable timetable provide a secure framework that reduces anxiety, allowing him to channel his energy into learning.

Emotional Growth: Learning Expression and Acceptance

While sensitive and kind-hearted, Seven sometimes found it challenging to express his feelings. Rather than pushing him to simply "fit in," his teachers gently guide him, offering opportunities to talk in their offices when he feels anxious or overwhelmed.

A touching moment on Teachers' Day perfectly illustrated his growing emotional awareness. When Seven presented a flower to the National Head Wendy, she turned and gave it to a teacher beside her. Noticing this, Seven immediately fetched another flower, presented it to her firmly, and said, "Please, you must accept this. It's my special thanks to you."

Another heartwarming habit is his ability to remember every friend's birthday, always preparing a small gift in advance. "I think it's very important for friends to celebrate each other," he says. This sincerity and thoughtfulness have helped him build deep friendships within his class.

Growing Through Trust: From Observer to Active Participant 

"There was a time when I had a disagreement with a classmate. The teacher didn't scold me. She took me to the Sunshine Room, sat with me in a tent, and we talked it through. She said feelings aren't wrong, we just need to learn better ways to express them." Previously, Seven might have become easily upset during conflicts. At MIS, he experienced what it means to be "unconditionally supported."

This "listen first, don't judge" approach has encouraged him to reflect and take responsibility. Saba has observed significant growth: "The most noticeable and joyful change is his increased confidence. He initiates conversations and volunteers answers much more readily."

Reflecting on his time at MIS, Seven jokes, "It's like before I only learned how to use a knife and fork, but here, I'm learning what's truly important."

Now, he diligently expands his English vocabulary, manages his time effectively, and even chooses to reduce leisure time to focus on his studies. The school continues to provide a platform for students like Seven to shine—through interest-based classes, house activities, sports, and emotional support programs, ensuring every child is encouraged to embrace their unique light.

Witnessing students like Seven grow in confidence and ability day by day reaffirms our core belief: the ultimate goal of education is to make every child believe that "I am different from others, and that is precisely where my light lies."