Student feature – students from the Class of 2020 share their experiences of studying at SISHK and the IBDP.
Brian Wong
- Head of House, Raffles House
- Student Leader, Community Council
- Captain, Table Tennis (Competitive) Team
- SISHK Achievement Award recipient
- Harvard Book Prize, 2nd Runner Up
- American Mathematics Competition, Third Place in AMC12
- HKSSF Table Tennis Championships Division 3 (HK) U16 Boys, 2nd place winner
University offer: Yale University (USA)
Q. How long have you been studying at SISHK?
I’ve been in SISHK for 12 years.
Q. What advice do you have for students looking to study the IBDP?
Expect to be challenged both academically, emotionally, and physically. I would advise them to engage in inquiry and thoughtful discourse during classes, to be open-minded and receptive to feedback from teachers, and to seek new opportunities and strengthen relationships with friends. But above all, most importantly, I would tell them to have fun, to savour and treasure the experiences which make up the final two years of high school — which, speaking from experience, go by way too fast, seemingly in the blink of an eye.
Q. What is the highlight of your IB journey at the school in the last two years?
My final two years at SISHK have been filled with gratifying and formative experiences, but if I had to choose one, it would be getting admitted to college.
Q. What is your studying strategy?
I don’t really have much of a studying strategy. I (try to) listen in class, I seek help from teachers when needed, I make a daily checklist, and I go to the library to avoid distractions.
Q. What are some of the mistakes that you have made that you would not make again?
I would try to get more sleep and avoid getting caught up in YouTube’s never-ending recommendation chain. I would also try to reduce the number of last-minute requests that I repeatedly asked of my teachers and university counsellors.
Q. How do the teachers support you during the IB programme?
My teachers have provided me with invaluable guidance and support throughout the IB programme. Whether it be sacrificing lunch periods and staying back after school to give one-on-one consultations, bringing snacks to keep us motivated on Friday afternoons, or organising late-night zoom meetings to catch up on syllabus content, my teachers have truly gone above and beyond in supporting me over the past two years.
Q. How would you describe the student life and student leadership opportunity in SISHK?
The SISHK community is small, tight-knit, and supportive, consisting of students who have grown up alongside each other for the past 10 years. Leadership opportunities are plentiful and are available to all who seek it. Enabled by an overtly passionate teacher-in-charge, we have both a vibrant house system and a number of impactful leadership councils which serve as the backbone of our school.
Q. How do the IBDP mock exam and its predicted grade help you with university admissions?
The IBDP mock exam and its predicted grade have enabled me to apply to world-renowned universities.
Q. Can you share more about your university admissions experience?
I was guided (and carried) through every step of the university admissions process by my university counsellors at school. They walked me through my entire application, provided feedback on my many terrible essay drafts, and patiently addressed each and every one of my trivial questions, paying attention to every single minute detail. I am sure I would not have gotten into college had it not been for my teachers and university counsellors.
Q. What is the one thing that you will miss after leaving SISHK?
I will miss the unwavering support of my friends and teachers who make up the tight-knit community where I have spent the majority of my childhood, a community I am proud to be a part of.
Q. What and where are you planning to study after IB?
I will be attending Yale University in the fall. As of now, I am undecided on my major.
Q. What is one part of the school that you would like to see preserved and not changed?
The small, tight-knit community, which allows students to form lifelong friendships and develop relationships with teachers.