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For Yew Chung International School of Hong Kong (YCIS Hong Kong), there was every reason to celebrate when the results of this year’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) were announced.
Senior students graduating in the 2024 cohort distinguished themselves by achieving excellent scores, paving the way to places at some of the world’s leading universities and bright futures in diverse fields of interest.
This year, 2 YCIS students obtained a perfect score of 45 points after their final exams, while a further 2 achieved 44 points and 8 were awarded 43 points.
Indeed, of the total 122 YCIS candidates taking the IBDP, an impressive 27 attained a score of 40 points or above, with 76 of them also receiving a coveted bilingual diploma.
YCIS provides a multicultural, bilingual learning environment, nurturing students into global citizens highly proficient in Chinese and English, with a deep understanding of Eastern and Western cultures. Every year, YCIS has a high share of graduates obtaining the IB Bilingual Diploma, with an impressive 76 students (62% vs 26.8% worldwide in 2023) this year, which sees the success of YCIS's bilingual teaching model. The IB Bilingual Diploma requires students to do two languages from the DP course studies in language and literature, or two subjects from the curriculum in a non-native language, demanding bilingual abilities at native language level. Despite the high academic demands of the IB curriculum and the challenge of learning in a non-native language, YCIS encourages students to take the arduous path to benefit the most from a bilingual learning experience.
This success says much for the students’ hard work, dedication and all-round abilities. But it also underscores the strength of Yew Chung’s unique approach to bilingual education and the multicultural environment which is such a notable feature of everyday school life.
Student Chan Hoi Kiu, who obtained 45 points perfect score, says “I am really excited about my results and am grateful for the support that the school and teachers have given me. Studying at YCIS since I was 2 years old, where 'play-based learning' has been at the core of the school's early childhood education, all the way through primary and secondary school, teachers have made learning very fun and we have been nurtured to always stay curious and to proactively explore the unknown. I have been given ample opportunities to nurture my various interests, taking on various leadership roles throughout the years such as Debate Vice-Captain, Head Prefect, and multiple lead roles in our school’s annual musical productions. Through these opportunities, I have developed a liking towards various subjects, and hence I was considering between law and medicine for university. There were stressful times, but my activities outside of the classroom have helped me de-stress and maintained a balanced life while I prepared for the public exam.”Chan Hoi-kiu felt a great sense of pride on receiving offers from both the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong to study either law or medicine. “I hope to play a leading role in Hong Kong’s healthcare system, influencing policy and enhancing global public health standards.”
Also obtaining 45 points, another perfect scorer student Augusta Tang, who has received four university offers of medicine, says: “I was shocked by the news and my parents and I were in tears of joy. My family and teachers have been so supportive to me throughout the years. When I was young, I wasn't strong academically, especially in Science and Maths. The turning point was in Year 7, when a science teacher reassured me that I was capable. He encouraged me to keep on trying and I started to have confidence in myself when I won an award at a Math contest he organised which recognised students for their effort in trying and not for perfect scores. Since then, I started to work extra hard to achieve my goals. I aspire to become a doctor in the future. I had the opportunity to volunteer at Queen Mary Hospital and through my shadowing experiences, I came to realise the field of medicine involves much more than science and technology, it is also about providing emotional and physical care to patients. This meaningful combination of scientific knowledge and human compassion is what has inspired me to pursue a career in medicine.”
One direct outcome of that is the number of exceptional university offers, both confirmed and conditional, which are received each year.
For instance, YCIS graduates in the 2024 cohort have already secured offers from top-rated universities around the world and in Hong Kong with admissions to highly competitive courses and joint programmes.
Their chosen disciplines range from business, law and engineering to biomedical science and the performing arts.
Significantly, there has also been a marked increase in the number planning to start degrees in computer science with extended studies in artificial intelligence (AI). This development reflects the growing importance of technology, but also students’ broader desire to contribute their skills to building a better future and improving the overall welfare of global society.
So far, this year’s YCIS graduates have received a total of 56 offers to study interdisciplinary programmes at university, combining two or more subjects, 39 offers to take law, and 30-plus offers for medicine or biomedical science.
Without doubt, that can be taken as affirmation of the school’s pledge to provide holistic learning, develop well-rounded individuals, and maintain consistently high standards.
For Tony Chung, who has an offer from the University of Oxford, the prospect of a degree in biomedical sciences leading on to research in immunology and rheumatology has opened up a world of possibilities.
“I’m hoping to specialise in developing new treatment strategies for currently incurable diseases,” Chung said.
Fellow YCIS graduate Hannah Cheng was understandably overjoyed to receive news of her own admittance to Stanford University, which was testament to her hard work and perseverance.
“I aim to pursue a career in business, potentially running my own start-up company with my siblings and continuing the path of involvement in community service,” Cheng said.
For Serena Lee, getting a dual degree offer with scholarships from two prestigious institutions - the University of Hong Kong and the University of California, Berkeley - was really a dream come true. The goal will be to contribute to the arts and cultural sectors, ideally by illuminating and amplifying underrepresented cultures that deserve more recognition and appreciation.
“I believe everyone possesses artistic potential, and art should be accessible to all, regardless of economic, religious, or political barriers,” Lee said.
Sophia See is excited to embark on the journey of studying medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, fulfilling her lifelong dream.
"After pouring my heart and soul into my studies for the past few years, I am relieved to have achieved such a remarkable result, far exceeding my own expectations. All of this would not have been possible without the support from my teachers and counsellors from CUGO (Careers and University Guidance Office)," See said. "I would like to especially thank my family, for always supporting me throughout my academic life and for believing in me. I look forward to starting my journey in the medical field and hope to make significant contributions to society."
Martin Scott, Education Director and Executive Principal of YCIS Hong Kong, extended his congratulations to all those graduating with the Class of 2024.
“We take immense pride in our students’ outstanding IB results and their embodiment of the YCIS ethos as enthusiastic learners keen to explore different interests and find their own path in life,” Scott said. “As they now embark on the next stage of their respective journeys, they will continue to pursue their goals and passions and take a further step towards making meaningful contributions to our world.”
