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With 70% of students at Garden International School (GIS) having achieved straight A*/A in 2020, it’s hardly surprising that many go on to study at the world’s most prestigious universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Stanford, Brown, UCLA and YALE-NUS. Three alumni reflect upon their experiences of GIS, and how it helped to pave the way for even greater achievements in the future VANESSA LEE
Although a British curriculum school, Vanessa says that studying at GIS prepared her well for a smooth transition to an American curriculum.
“There were a few initial shocks, but the core of it is the same. It’s about learning how to study smart, take effective notes and manage your time. Equipped with the toolbox that I left GIS with, I was well prepared to succeed in a new environment.”
A sophomore at Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Vanessa attributes her academic success, as well as her love for learning, to the nurturing, supportive community that surrounded her at GIS during her formative years. She vividly recalls teachers consistently going above and beyond to assist their students: “On the day before my A-level exams, I remember bombarding my teachers with lastminute questions, and all of them responded without hesitation. When the exam ended, they would run over to us, eager to know how did it go. Knowing that my teachers were just as invested in my success as I was, in all honesty, was incredible.”
Currently majoring in economics, focusing on business analytics and behavioural economics, Vanessa shares that it was during her IGCSE studies when she developed an interest in the field. Accrediting her teachers for igniting her passion, she stresses that “encouraging one’s intellectual curiosity is one of the greatest life skills that you can cultivate.”
It is well known that US universities seek well-rounded students, whose experiences to date exemplify strong leadership, initiative and character. Vanessa reflects upon her time at GIS in affording her plentiful opportunities to pursue and demonstrate leadership: “Besides being captain of the swim team, I initiated #iamthankfulfor in my role as Head Student, a campaign which helped to foster a greater culture of gratitude across our school community. I think it was these kinds of experiences that made me stand out when applying to university.”
ASHLEY CHEE
Had it not been for her time at GIS, Ashley would likely have been on a very different path. She believes the transition from a Chinese-medium school to GIS was ultimately a life-changing moment, as it effectively built a path for her to Oxford University, where she is currently studying chemistry. “It was the means of education that was so different—my previous school was all about memorising, whereas at GIS I was constantly probed to think at a higher level and often beyond the syllabus. Always challenged and encouraged to ask questions, I believe being immersed in the learning culture at GIS is one of the main factors that helped me get into Oxford.”
Offering one of the largest co-curricular programmes in Southeast Asia, GIS encourages its students to pursue a range of interests, develop passions and nurture talents. Ashley attributes her involvement in a broad range of activities, from cross-country running and football to the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, to striking a balance and enabling her to adjust well to the heavy workload at one of the world’s best universities.
Always eager to support students in achieving their dreams, Ashley is grateful for the support and guidance she received when she expressed an interest in applying to Oxford. Teachers and Higher Education Counsellors assisted and guided her in writing her personal statement as well as preparing for the interview.
Now at Oxford, Ashley says that she continues to reap the benefits from her time at GIS. “Being immersed in such a culturally rich and diverse environment at GIS has set me up well to study in the UK, alongside students from all over the world.”
With a strong support system in school, true to its motto of ‘Bringing Out The Best In You’, Ashley affirms that, “GIS ensures that everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their potential.”
LIM ZI YANG
Here’s the thing about thinking outside of the box: it pushes one to think critically, beyond what’s conventional and comfortable—which is something Zi Yang, a psychology student at Cambridge University and a recent GIS graduate, values from his time there. “It helps that at GIS, they don’t stick by the book all the time, which encouraged me to be more open, to look at things from different perspectives and to think independently.”
Zi Yang says that having OCD was not an issue for him at GIS; he never once felt alienated by his peers or teachers, and asserts that the school’s inclusive, tailored approach fuelled his drive to learn.
“The pastoral support we received through 1:1s with our tutors, the emphasis on inclusion and wellbeing, and the de-stigmatising of issues around mental health, were all invaluable.”
In addition, Zi Yang appreciates the exposure he had to different worlds through extracurricular programmes offered at GIS: “I really enjoyed camping in Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well as some outreach work with refugees, which inspired me to look for related internships.” Zi Yang went on to intern at a school for autistic children, as a result of his interest in teaching and supporting others through personal challenges, and having been inspired by the care and support offered to him.
The A-level Programme at Garden International School provides students with an outstanding academic experience while enriching their education by providing wider learning opportunities to ensure that they are well prepared for the future. To find out more about how GIS can support your child’s future, contact the Admissions Team at admissions@gardenschool.edu.my or +603 - 6209 6888.