Educational Practice
IAK Six Arts Plus
Rites · Music & Arts · Archery & Martial Arts · Chariotry / Mobility · Literature · Numbers & Natural Sciences · Social · Travel
Rooted in the classical Six Arts of Chinese education, IAK Six Arts Plus reinterprets this enduring tradition for the twenty-first century. While preserving the spirit of Rites, Music, Archery, Chariotry, Literature, and Numbers, it extends the framework by introducing Social and Travel as two additional categories.
Together, these eight categories integrate classical wisdom with modern knowledge and practical learning, encouraging balanced personal development, lifelong learning, intercultural understanding, and responsible global citizenship.
IAK Lunar New Year Celebration
February 12, 2026 | International School Rheintal (ISR), Switzerland
Each year, the IAK Culture Association Switzerland gathers friends and families to welcome the Lunar New Year — also known as the Spring Festival — one of the enduring traditions of Chinese civilization. The Lunar New Year begins according to the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar, embodying harmony and the balance between the cycles of the moon and the sun. It heralds the coming of spring — a time to honor family, gratitude, and new beginnings.
In 2025, IAK celebrated together with the International School Rheintal (ISR), bringing students, teachers, and communities into a shared exchange of art and tradition. On February 12, 2026, we gather once again, continuing this meaningful bridge between East and West.
Our celebration reflects IAK’s vision — West meets East, ancient meets modern — uniting diverse cultures in a spirit of dialogue and shared hope for the year ahead.
IAK & ISR
Education comes to life through practice.
This section presents selected educational initiatives developed by IAK Academy, demonstrating how classical wisdom, intercultural dialogue, and aesthetic education are integrated into contemporary learning through schools, youth programmes, and community partnerships.
Intercultural Education Through Chinese New Year Celebrations
For two consecutive years, ISR International School and IAK Switzerland have worked together to bring Chinese New Year celebrations into an international educational environment.
Through music, seasonal traditions, cultural workshops, artistic presentations, and community participation, students, teachers, and families have experienced Chinese culture as a living tradition. These celebrations are not only festive events but also opportunities for intercultural learning, mutual respect, curiosity, and dialogue between civilizations.
This collaboration reflects a shared vision of education beyond the classroom, where cultural heritage becomes a bridge connecting generations, communities, and cultures.
Highlights
• Chinese New Year Celebrations at ISR International School
• Traditional Music and Cultural Presentations
• Seasonal Themes and Artistic Learning Experiences
• Participation of Students, Families, and the Community
• Intercultural Education Through Living Traditions
Educational Vision
At IAK Switzerland, we believe that culture is best transmitted through experience and participation. By bringing traditional festivals and cultural practices into schools, we hope to help younger generations discover the richness of world cultures with openness, joy, and understanding.
Photo & Video Highlights
The photographs and selected video highlights below capture memorable moments from the Chinese New Year celebrations jointly organized by ISR International School and IAK Switzerland.
Further Reading
Learn more about the cultural and educational collaboration between ISR International School and IAK Switzerland:
Privacy & Copyright Notice
Selected photos and short video excerpts on this page are shared for educational, cultural, and informational purposes.
All images and video materials remain the property of IAK Switzerland and/or their respective contributors. Reproduction, distribution, or commercial use without prior written permission is prohibited.
To protect the privacy of minors and respect artists’ rights, only selected materials are presented publicly. Full performance recordings and certain event materials are not available for public distribution.
Duanwu Festival
The Duanwu Festival(also known as the Dragon Boat Festival) is one of China's four major traditional festivals, originating from ancient dragon(Loong) worship and celestial phenomena. Celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, it marks the ascension of the Canglong Star Lodges, a group of seven constellations forming the shape of an Azure Dragon in Chinese astrology. During this time, they align at the center of the southern sky, symbolizing good fortune.
Dragon boat races, dragon dances, and eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves) are key traditions. While also associated with the poet Qu Yuan, the festival predates him and evolved from dragon rituals.
The name Duanwu signifies balance and prosperity. Customs include hanging mugwort and calamus to ward off illness and insects, as these plants are believed to have medicinal and protective properties. The festival is a time for honoring tradition, nature, and well-being.
The IAK Dragon Boat Festival at Resort Walensee, Switzerland, is a one-of-a-kind cultural experience where West meets East in a breathtaking Alpine setting.