International Programs Nurture Talent, Pioneering a New Chapter for a Smarter Future
In November 2025, High School Affiliated to Nanjing University’s International High School hosted a landmark educational event. From November 12 to 15, Gary Ku, President of Great Lakes College of Toronto, and Thomas Worthy, Principal of the Canadian Trillium College, visited the school to attend the CTC China Region, High School Affiliated to Nanjing University International High School Education Seminar. The seminar was also joined by key Chinese school leaders, including Party Secretary Haiyan Li, Vice Principal Xueliang Jiang, Honorary Principal and Principle of the International High School Jianqing Zhou, as part of a series of activities celebrating the 21st anniversary of the CTC program at High School Affiliated to Nanjing University.
Deepening Curriculum Collaboration and Shaping the Future of Education Together
On the morning of November 13, Chinese and Canadian school leaders convened at Hongsheng Building on the Gulou Campus for a working meeting. The discussion focused on practical topics such as curriculum development, academic achievements, faculty growth, and campus infrastructure.
Party Secretary Haiyan Li reviewed the remarkable achievements made during the 14th Five-Year Plan period: High School Affiliated to Nanjing University was recognized as a Four-Star High School in Jiangsu Province; the 2025 graduating class of the International High School achieved record-breaking university admissions, with a 100% acceptance rate to QS Top 100 universities; and multiple key performance indicators saw significant leaps forward. She emphasized that, in the face of educational transformation in the new era, the school will remain committed to its development vision of “Leading the Wave, Winning the Future with Wisdom,” focusing on enhancing educational quality and continuously advancing the substantive development of international education.
Vice Principal Xueliang Jiang provided a detailed overview of the 2025 graduating class’s achievements: 65 students from the Sino-Canadian program collectively received 37 offers from the University of Toronto, 4 offers from the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and 67 offers from universities ranked in the global QS Top 30 – results that exceeded expectations. He noted that the 2026 cohort will aim for breakthroughs in admissions to the world’s top 10 universities, with a target of increasing total offers by 1.8 times. On the curriculum front, the school reaffirmed its focus on the OSSD program while planning to introduce cutting-edge courses such as “AI-Driven Low-Altitude Economy,” fostering students’ interdisciplinary innovation and practical skills.
Mr. Zhou Jianqing, Principal of the International High School, outlined the school’s development philosophy with three key words: “Family, Integration, and Challenge.” He emphasized the coordinated growth of the junior, senior, and international divisions, which together form an integrated “one school, three campuses” model. The International High School actively draws on the management experience of the regular high school’s “Senior Year Program,” enforcing rigorous teaching processes and focusing on Grade 11 and the final-year sprint, resulting in significant improvements in teaching quality and academic atmosphere. Addressing policy fluctuations regarding the recognition of OSSD courses in certain countries, he called for joint efforts from both Chinese and Canadian sides to meet these challenges – “building a brand through distinctive teaching and empowering the future through systematic management.” In addition, Mr. Zhou noted that the school is gradually establishing a student record system and exploring the application of AI technology in teaching management and personalized support.
Principal Thomas Worthy expressed strong appreciation for the achievements of High School Affiliated to Nanjing University, noting that the OSSD curriculum emphasizes continuous assessment and skill development, providing students with a solid foundation for adapting to overseas studies.
President Gary Ku stated that the Canadian side will continue to invest in high-quality faculty and curriculum resources to support High School Affiliated to Nanjing University’s International Program in building a benchmark Sino-foreign cooperative education project in the Yangtze River Delta region.
Haiyan Li, Party Secretary of High School Affiliated to Nanjing University
Gary Ku, President of Great Lakes College of Toronto
Xueliang Jiang, Vice Principal of High School Affiliated to Nanjing University
Thomas Worthy, Principal of the Canadian Trillium College
Jianqing Zhou, Honorary Principal of High School Affiliated to Nanjing University and Principal of the International High School
Xiangyang Shan, Director at High School Affiliated to Nanjing University
Celebrating 21 Years of Educational Excellence and Shaping a Blueprint for Future Development
On the morning of November 15, the second session of CTC China Region, High School Affiliated to Nanjing University International High School Education Seminar was held as scheduled. Angel Radouane Boukhari, Principal of CTC Shanghai Pinghe Campus, and Melissa Kimberly Smith, Principal of CTC Jinhua Campus, attended the meeting to jointly discuss strategies for advancing international education.
Addressing the current challenges facing international education, principals from various campuses engaged in a lively discussion. Vice Principal Xueliang Jiang proposed three key topics – “Improving Enrollment Quality, Enhancing Language Skills, and Integrating Science and Innovation” – which resonated strongly with participants. Angel Radouane Boukhari, Principal of the Shanghai Pinghe Campus, and Melissa Kimberly Smith, Principal of the Jinhua Campus, shared their experiences in curriculum localization and immersive English teaching. Hepziba Grace Abraham, Principal of the Nanjing Campus, introduced innovative practices such as AI-assisted teaching and weekly English speeches during morning assemblies, earning unanimous praise. Principal Jianqing Zhou, under the theme of “Gratitude, Inspiration, and New Challenges,” reflected on the program’s journey since its inception in 2004. He noted that over 21 years, the International High School has grown from 8 teachers and fewer than 100 students to nearly 90 teachers and about 500 students today, with graduates’ acceptance rates to global top 100 universities rising from 31% to 100%, showcasing the success of Sino-Canadian educational cooperation.
Seizing the opportunities of the AI era, the meeting reached multiple agreements on joint curriculum development. From core OSSD courses to cutting-edge modules such as AI-driven low-altitude economy and drone programming, leaders from all three campuses unanimously agreed to continue advancing curriculum upgrades and building an integrated “Technology + International” education system.
Party Secretary Haiyan Li remarked: “We are living in an increasingly globalized era where mutual understanding and cooperation among nations have become more important than ever. Education, as a vital bridge connecting different cultures and countries, plays an irreplaceable role in fostering friendship and driving social progress. Our school has always adhered to an open approach to education, placing great emphasis on and actively promoting international exchange and collaboration. We look forward to building close partnerships with outstanding international institutions such as Great Lakes College of Toronto, learning from each other’s advanced educational philosophies and teaching methods, jointly exploring paths of educational innovation, and working together to address global challenges. In doing so, we aim to contribute to cultural exchange and friendship between China and Canada and to cultivate the next generation with global competence.”
Principal Thomas Worthy concluded: “The true essence of education lies in the inspiration and companionship between people. The vitality, creativity, and sense of responsibility demonstrated by the teachers and students of High School Affiliated to Nanjing University give us great confidence in the prospects of our collaboration.”
Angel Radouane Boukhari, Principal of CTC Shanghai Pinghe Campus
Melissa Kimberly Smith, Principal of CTC Jinhua Campus
Hepziba Grace Abraham, Principal of CTC Nanjing Campus
Exploring Classrooms and Clubs to Witness Students’ Growth and Vitality
During the visit, President Gary Ku and Principal Thomas Worthy stepped into the frontlines of international high school teaching, observing core OSSD classes up close and engaging in full-English interactions with teachers and students. In his post-class remarks, Principal Thomas Worthy emphasized: “English is not only a subject of study but also a tool for thinking and a bridge for international communication. The confidence and professionalism demonstrated by High School Affiliated to Nanjing University students in the classroom reveal the potential of future global leaders.”
Canadian school leaders also visited student clubs, including the school band, journalism team, and kung fu club. Notably, representatives from the Campus Animal Protection Foundation shared with the guests their achievements in promoting animal welfare on campus and in the community. This student-led organization advances animal protection education through charitable rescues, public awareness campaigns, and fundraising initiatives. Deeply moved, President Gary Ku encouraged the students: “Change the world with kindness and action – this is the true responsibility of future leaders.”
After 21 years of dedicated effort, a new journey begins hand in hand. High School Affiliated to Nanjing University’s International Program will take its 21st anniversary as a fresh starting point, continuing to deepen the integration of Chinese and international curricula, strengthen faculty collaboration, and drive academic innovation – striving tirelessly to cultivate globally competent talents who are firmly rooted in Chinese culture and prepared for the future.
