We learn more about Cornerstones, the real-world project-based work experience programme that’s putting the students of Stamford American School Hong Kong through their paces!
What is Cornerstones?
Cornerstones is a relatively new, intensive project-based learning course that allows Grade 9 and 10 students from Stamford American School Hong Kong to work alongside seasoned professionals in leading industries.
It presents real-world opportunities for students to explore their potential career choices. Last year, the school partnered with the likes of Oxfam, South China Morning Post, and the MIT Hong Kong Innovation Node, experiences that were well received by students and parents alike.
Cornerstones returned for 2021, and for the lucky G9 and G10 students, it was expanded to include Hong Kong businesses in popular industries such as design thinking (Flux Compass), e-commerce (Mazu Concepts Ltd), game design (Press Start Academy), architecture (Enzyme), along with creative opportunities at the Hong Kong Art School and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.
Expat Living caught up with two Stamford American School Hong Kong students to hear how it went.
Mike, Grade 10
Cornerstones experience: MIT, Oxfam and Flux Compass
What did you learn from Cornerstones?
I learnt things personally and academically. I found out I want to be an engineer, to work in my community more and to make a big impact. Throughout the Oxfam Cornerstones last year, I learnt the importance of not just being a good person and a leader in my family but also in my community. Academically, I’ve learnt so much I don’t know where to begin! I think Cornerstones has helped me find not only who I am as a student but as a person.
What was one part of the experience that had a big impact on you?
In the last week of our MIT workshop, we had to do a presentation of what we’d been working on for the past 12 weeks, I was super nervous; getting feedback from so many successful people – professionals who have been in my shoes and made it – was so impactful. I’ve been working harder to follow in their footsteps.
George, Grade 10 (new student)
Cornerstones experience: Flux Compass
What have you learnt so far?
So far, we’ve been covering climate change and AI technology. We have been talking about what we might be able to do in the future to stop climate change by using AI.
How do you think this experience might impact your future career?
It has really sparked my interest in technology – learning about AI is very interesting and I think I would like to do something with it to try to address climate change. What is your final project? My final project in Cornerstones is a “Vendai” machine; it’s a vending machine that provides medical assistance to people in need.
Sum up Cornerstones in one word.
Exciting!
Read more about Stamford American School Hong Kong and the Cornerstones programme at sais.edu.hk.
This article first appeared in the Winter 2021 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
