Austin Aung Hein Htet, Class of 2019, Myanmar

Studying in HCIS was undoubtedly one of the biggest turning points in my life. The IB curriculum has, dare I say, perfectly prepared me for my undergraduate studies, not only in terms of workload but also the soft skills I gained over the course of two years. I have always thought I am a science person and that reading and writing essays are not things I would prefer to do in further education. Unexpectedly, I found myself drawn to both science and arts subjects by the end of my IB journey — subsequently leading to my choice to pursue a joint degree in English and psychology at the University of St Andrews. Prior to studying at HCIS, international-mindedness has always been an abstract concept for me. As an international student, I was elated that HCIS provided boarding facilities, where I met peers from various nationalities, and some of my most memorable moments were formed during these interactions. If I had to choose one of my favourite parts of HCIS and the IB, it would definitely be CAS. Apart from merely fulfilling the requirement, I found myself volunteering for causes I care about: environmentalism, helping the disabled and elderly, as well as cancer research. CAS has pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me to ‘just go for it’. So now here I am, virtually involved in several co-curricular activities at my university despite not being physically situated there. I felt a sense of closure and relief at having completed the IB when my examinations were over and I received my grades. However, everything that happened in HCIS — the giggles, the whimpers, the challenges, the epiphany — have accompanied me till now and become an asset, or rather a highlight reel which I can always look back upon.

Chen Feifan, Class of 2019, People’s Republic of China

I am Chen Feifan, from the class of 2019 at HCIS. Currently, I am studying Economics in University College London (UCL). In my first year of undergraduate study, I joined the UCL Investment Society, participated in the Finance Conference as a delegate, successfully applied for and joined the Discovery EY programme, and accomplished the First Year Challenge, Venture Capital Externship and Investment Banking Virtual Internship. Firstly, the IB course prepared me in the academic writing of essays, assignments and coursework. I am now able to write using analytical and critical perspectives, lay out empirical evidence in a readable way and structure articles for my target audience. Secondly, the tight schedule of the IB course taught me time management and multi-tasking skills. I also learnt how to cope with pressure and challenges. Thirdly, it provided me with opportunities of collaboration with others and this enhanced my teamwork skills. The HCIS CCA programme gave me an opportunity to be one of the organisers of HCIS Gives Back. During this event, we invited more than 80 elderly from the local community to join our National Day celebration with our schoolmates. This developed my organisational, collaborative and planning skills, and boosted my CV. What is more, the wonderful CAS trip organised by HCIS broadened my horizon: I visited schools in rural areas, interacted with the local children and contributed by helping the local community to build fences. For CAS, I also participated in academic competitions, volunteering activities, and joined the Student Council. All of these taught me how to achieve a balance between study and meaningful co-curricular activities. The Teachers’ Day celebration is one of the major events organised by the Student Council. I was in the special projects committee and hence was involved in event planning, stage design, decorations and rehearsals. I still remember the days when I worked with my committee members until late in the evening to ensure that the school’s Indoor Sports Hall and Multi-Purpose Hall décor were put up. After the successful event, members of the council took photographs to commemorate the occasion. I really felt a sense of achievement and the synergy achieved through our teamwork.

Crisann Tan, Class of 2015, Singapore

My name is Crisann Tan and I am a HCIS alumnus. Graduating as part of the class of 2015, I went on to study Medicine in University College Cork, Ireland. In my 6 years at HCIS, I was given a multitude of opportunities to not only achieve academic excellence in a wide variety of topics and areas, but also to pursue my passion in the performing arts. I attended the International Baccalaureate program in my final 2 years in HCIS. Although daunting at times, it is no doubt one of the most fulfilling challenges I have faced to date. I was able to study Higher Level Chemistry and Biology as part of the curriculum, which proved to be immensely valuable in the first few years of medical school. The opportunity to engage in research in the form of the Extended Essay, as part of the IB curriculum, was also a great stepping stone for the years of research that were to follow in college. One of the greatest privileges of attending an international school was the unique opportunity to connect with people from all over the world, via innumerable school events, sports and daily classes. This has allowed me to forge tight-knit, lifelong friendships with amazing people who have extended their unwavering support to me over the past decade, regardless of where they are in the world. I would also like to extend special thanks to all my teachers for their umpteen years of encouragement and mentorship, both during my time in HCIS and in the years following graduation!

Gabrielle Kwan, Class of 2018, Indonesia (Singapore PR)

In HCIS, I forged meaningful friendships and had supportive teachers. The IB Diploma programme was challenging. However, it has prepared me well for my university studies. The writing skills that I gained from completing my IB coursework, such as formulating coherent arguments and including accurate citations for research, have been beneficial for my studies in university. In the final year of IB, not only were we faced with many coursework deadlines and the pressure of the IB examinations, we also had to kick-start our university applications. We were given briefings, including crucial information needed to complete the applications and enhance our chances of success. Throughout this process, my academic counsellors clarified the doubts I had and guided me closely. (Gabrielle is currently pursuing his studies in London School of Economics.)

Gan Xiaolong, Class of 2019, People’s Republic of China

Hi, I am Xiaolong and I graduated from HCIS in 2019. I’m now studying Mathematics at Cambridge University. The IB is certainly a fantastic course. Looking back, university-level study is very different from that in high school, and you will soon realize that what you know only constitutes a tiny portion of what you need to know. Therefore, I believe the most important thing to learn in high school is not any specific knowledge but the ability to learn and think critically, and this is exactly what I learned from doing the IB. Any course in IB is not isolated —a particular theorem in Physics may be a perfect real-life situation for the Theory of Knowledge course, and an Economics article may be a good reference to be included in the Extended Essay. This close association of different disciplines is certainly challenging, but also equally rewarding. HCIS also organises meaningful co-curricular activities, ranging from sports to debating. No matter what hobbies you have, you can always find something interesting to do. For me, participating in CCAs gave me the space to take a break from a long week of study and to socialise with my friends. One of the most memorable events for me at HCIS was the Business Bazaar, a unique event that takes place once every two years. Students from different levels come together and set up small booths selling a variety of items, ranging from fresh food to tarot fortune-telling. It is certainly one of the many great experiences I had at the school.

Nathaniel Lam(Nursalim), Class of 2014, Singapore

I graduated from HCIS in 2014 and will be graduating from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and a minor in Real Estate Development soon. I have come a long way in my academic journey and it all started at HCIS. I joined the school as a young 13-year-old looking to be part of a community of international students that would one day provide me with a network of friends all across the world. I joined the football team and made some of the best friends in my life, who come from many different countries. The international exposure at HCIS really helped me transition into university life abroad; it became easier for me to connect with people from different cultures here in America. In addition to the friends I made, I also met some of the best teachers in HCIS. HCIS gave me the necessary foundation to easily transition into tertiary education. I had the best Math teacher and she inspired me to love the subject. Today, my mathematics graphic display calculator (GDC) is still my best friend, and I am working with econometrics models. It all started at HCIS. If I had the choice to go back in time, I would do it all over again. I miss the days of gathering in the football court during every recess, the excitement of traveling abroad on school trips, and even just saying hello to the wonderful staff in the cafeteria. I miss them all. To my juniors who still have the opportunity to be a student in HCIS, please cherish your time there. Sometimes life gives us plenty of reasons to be upset but you should remember to cherish the little good moments you have as a teenager. Enjoy your time at HCIS to the fullest!

Parent of Aryan Vij, Class of 2020

HCIS fosters an all-rounded development environment for its students that values diversity of thought, gender, and nationality. Aryan being the only student with an Indian origin in his cohort whilst feeling at home is a testament of such. The teachers and staff at HCIS are genuinely committed to the development and success of the students. Ongoing strong encouragement, open and transparent discussions with students on their learning progress, frequent parent interactions where needed, and openness to provide extra time to students with learning gaps are some of the many strong attributes of the learning environment that HCIS faculty creates for its students that contributes to student’s success such as Aryan’s case.

Parent of Esther Wong, Class of 2020

Enrolling Esther into HCIS’s IB programme was a brave, experimental decision, knowing that it is not the mainstream in Singapore. We liked the collegiate environment and the small intakes. The school, though small, is well equipped. The programme is well structured and designed to allow ample time for students to grow, develop curiosity in learning and find interest in life!

Parent of James Pai Gunawan, Class of 2020

Studying alongside students with diverse backgrounds from different countries has certainly enriched his understanding of how to interact with different cultures. Experience as student council, HMUN and other competitions and activities arranged by school was invaluable in building his self-confidence. During his 6 years of studying in HCIS the teachers have mostly been very supportive.

Parent of Mean Kao Hui, Class of 2018

Enrolling Kao Hui and her elder brother in HCIS was possibly one of the best decisions I made. HCIS has provided her with numerous platforms to develop her intellectual and spiritual well-being. HCIS has provided her with invaluable experience, both academically and socially. Though she faced academic challenges throughout her years in the school, the team of teachers in HCIS always believed in her, and never failed to give her their support and encouragement.