2017 O Level Success Stories

JARED WONG [4E1]

Jared scored 7 distinctions in the O levels.

A jubilant Jared quipped, “I feel proud of myself and at the same time, I feel deserving because I had put in a lot of effort in the last four years as a Swiss student.” He added that his achievements are also because of the support of those around him, particularly his family.

“Despite only achieving a B4 for the MTL O level examinations in June, my family continued to encourage me. They told me that it is not the end of the world, and that there was still an opportunity to redeem myself. Every time I studied, I thought about my family and their faith in me, and that drove me even harder to do well”. Jared attained an A2 for his Chinese paper in the second sitting.

Jared was an active member of the school’s Science and Technology Club. He represented Singapore and the school in RoboCup Junior 2015 competition held at Hefei, China in 2015. He was awarded First and Third placing for Inter-school competition at the RoboCup Junior competition held in Singapore in 2105 and 2016 respectively. He also represented the school in the National Junior Robotics Competition in 2016, in First Lego League in 2015 and 2016. Being the Section Head for Programming, he helped build up the foundation of programming skills for the junior members. His passion for science and technology was evident in his notable participation in the Singapore Youth Flying Club (SYFC) where he achieved the standard of excellence in the SYFC Inter-Schools Aeromodelling Competition. He also excelled in sports, taking part in Triathlons. He clinched the top position of the ‘B’ Division in the school’s annual Cross Country Meet in 2017. He is a Cadet Pilot of Singapore Youth Flying Club. On top of all these achievements, Jared was also keenly involved in the Values-In-Action (VIA) programmes and events, rallying his peers for community service for sports events.

How did Jared manage all of this? Jared explained that it was all about having a structured plan to fit in everything – including hobbies. It was the balance that kept the plan going. More importantly, it was important to have the discipline to “stick to it”.

When asked on the day of results release with seven distinctions in his bag, Jared was spoilt for choice. He could only say that he was open to the many possible paths ahead of him and that regardless of the path he will ultimately take up, an unchanging wish is to continue to be a role model for other aspiring youth. Today, Jared is a student of Raffles Junior College.

PANG YI QI [4E2]

Yi Qi scored 7 distinctions in the O levels.

“I feel that my achievements were hard earned. Obtaining them wasn’t easy, and a struggle at times. Often, I had the help of those around me,” says Yi Qi. “In the various tests and exams I took in Secondary 4 prior to the GCE O levels, I often didn’t score as well as I wished, I was getting Cs and low Bs in the various subjects, and sometimes, even failing. Initially, I was upset and disheartened, wondering if I could ever pull myself up from the slump I was in. I started to review my past mistakes, and it was through them that I began to learn better and comprehend more, by paying close attention to my weaknesses. It also strengthened my will power to succeed, to improve from my past self.”

Yi Qi not only focussed on the pursuit of academic excellence. She was the President of Chinese Orchestra. She was also a member of the Student Council Executive Committee. In this capacity, she performed her duties diligently and worked with the teachers to uphold the high performing standards of the Orchestra. Yi Qi looked after the discipline of the orchestra and ensured that the mastery of the skills by the members was well-paced. She accomplished both tasks through care and sensitivity, making sure that each member was well cared for. Her maturity and wisdom put her in a good stead to be a good leader, but it is her belief in the importance of teamwork that won her the following of the members. With the effort and passion of the orchestra, they achieved Certificates of Distinction and Accomplishment in 2015 and 2017 respectively, at the prestigious biannual Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) Arts Presentation for Chinese Orchestra.

Besides her contribution to the orchestra’s SYF participation, Yi Qi’s musical skills were also recognised when she was selected to play with the orchestra at prestigious venues for key events such as Euphonius International Chinese Orchestra Concert in 2015 where orchestras from all over the world gathered in the Singapore Indoor Stadium for a world-class event. She was also called upon to play with the orchestra for the Roxy Foundation – Children Are Our Hope for the Future performance in 2016 and the Spring Surprise – Gardens by the Bay Chinese New Year (CNY) Performance in 2017. Specifically, during the Swiss Arts Expression in 2016, a showcase of music, dance and drama by the Performing Arts Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) in the school, Yi Qi also learnt to collaborate with leaders from other CCAs to put up a performance at the Esplanade Theatre

While managing everything in her stride, Yi Qi also validated the wonderful network of caring friends and dedicated teachers who gave her support and guidance whenever she was overwhelmed. “I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them as they have truly helped me in many way.”

Pang Yi Qi is now a student of National Junior College. Still exploring her goals for the future, Yi Qi desires to enter a career path related to her passions. She wants to enjoy the process of learning even more and make the best of her time as a student.

CHEONG WEI SAN SUNNY [4E2]

Sunny scored 6 distinctions in the O levels.

“I feel so relieved that I did well. I struggled with studying during the second half of the year. I think I could have done even better but I am grateful for the results I already have.” Says an ecstatic Sunny.

Sunny is a well-respected student and a role model. She has been consistent but even Sunny had moments of challenges and doubt. “My classmates encouraged me a lot when I struggled. At one point, I was burnt out and did not feel like doing anything, let alone studying. It didn’t help that my results were usually good so many people brushed off my struggles, “she reflected.

She was elected to be the President of the club unanimously. A talented actress, Sunny was often selected to play principal roles at major performances. The stellar performances that she put up at the prestigious Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) Drama productions entitled, “Drunken Prawns” in 2015 and “The Lovers” in 2017. She was also Vice-Captain for the Brown House and took charge of the administrative matters. Brown House was crowned the Overall Champion for the Annual School Cross-Country in 2017. On top of these leadership roles, Sunny was one of the school’s Sports Leaders, tasked with the organisation of sporting events with the Physical Education department of the school. Beyond contributions to school, she served the community through her involvement in several activities organised as part of the school’s Values in Action (VIA) programme, e.g. Elder Walk with Lions @ Bishan Park in 2016, W2 Art Cluster Exhibition Opening Ceremony in 2014 and the yearly Halloween Night at Bukit Batok Community Centre, etc.

Besides her friends, Sunny is grateful to her teachers for keeping their lessons interesting and for their advice when she needed guidance. She pointed out how when she was on the verge of giving up on Chemistry, Ms Tan Pui San and Mr Raeksmey Thou gave her the push and confidence to keep going.

“I have this quote pasted on my Wall. ‘Progress, Not Perfection.’ The line resonated with me when my mid-year results did not meet me expectations,” Sunny recounted.

A student currently with Anglo Chinese Junior College, Sunny’s goals for the future is to help and encourage the youth and under-privileged in any way she can.

CHONG KOIL JIAT [4E3]

Koil Jiat scored 7 distinctions in the O levels.

“As much as I feel relieved and happy that I managed to secure a raw L1R5 score of 9, I believe that there is much more room for improvement and much more to achieve,” says Koil Jiat who believe that a good education is important to gain greater opportunities.

He believes that the motivation to do well is a result of a positive mind-set, which will in turn motivate one to work hard. Koil Jiat explained that once there is this positivity and will power, one will inculcate the habit of diligence. And so, he would advise students to set own personal goals and to dive into the required action in a self-directed way – with self-reliance and initiative. To him, the pursuit of excellence drills down to a simple approach of knowing what one wants followed by a commitment to working hard and a disposition of resilience.

“In spite of studying hard, I have met with a lot of failures in tests and examinations, especially in the Combined Humanities. It was important to see failures as chances to learn. Ultimately, I managed to secure a distinction for my Combined Humanities.”

Besides being a conscientious student, Koil Jiat sees serving others as a calling and served as an active VIA leader in the school and an enthusiastic participant in Values in Action (VIA) activities on the ground. He was also a Vice-head of his CCA (Science and Technology Club) in Sec 3. True to his beliefs about diligence and resilience, he remained undaunted when faced with personal challenges. Instead, he was driven to excel both academically and in CCA. It is also noteworthy that he had been a recipient of the EduSave Merit Bursary And Edusave Scholarship throughout the years in Swiss Cottage.

On the day of the results Koil Jiat was still exploring his options because he had a good range of academic options at the next level. He knew that he was quite keen to explore the JC route and he has successfully enrolled himself in National Junior College. We wish him all the best.

LIM YING WEI [4E4]

Ying Wei scored 6 distinctions in the O levels.

“Although there are a few subjects that I didn’t do as well as I had hoped to, I am satisfied with my overall performance. This is because I think I have put in my best at trying to catch up on my weaknesses. When I handed over my duties fully, this became an even bigger priority”, say Ying Wei.

Most of us know Ying Wei as the President of the Student Council. As a President, she chairs a monthly meeting with the Swiss Council, made up of the various heads representing the student body. Ying Wei also spearheaded multiple initiatives as the President, one of which was the Humans of Swiss initiative. It provided a platform for the school’s staff and students to tell their own stories. She also carried another leadership portfolio: she was the Captain of the Floorball girls’ team. On top of all her contributions to the school, she was also an enthusiastic participant in the Values in Action (VIA) activities.

With so many areas of foci, there is a significant stretch on her time and capacity. Ying Wei quips, “Things can get tough and stressful to bear. But there is a promise of rainbow after a storm.” She recalled how she wrote down her goals for every subject and taped them on her wall to remind herself of them so that she will be driven to work hard towards them.

Ying Wei hopes to gain a stronger resolution of her passions and interests in a Junior College. She has opted to further her studies at Nanyang Junior College.

HONG ZONGBIN [5N1]

Zongbin scored 3 distinctions.

“I am pleasantly surprised but wished I had done better and studied harder. I did not find much passion for learning until after Sec 4N. When I started putting in the effort and learning took place, I started to enjoy the process,” he recalled.

Zongbin was dedicated to both his academic and CCA commitments. He held the pinnacle rank of Senior Patrol Leader in the Swiss Scouts Falcon Troops. He was a commendable mentor to his juniors and was a pivotal person who contributed significantly to help his CCA achieve its Gold Award. He was given an opportunity to do the more challenging Combined Science paper at the end of Sec 2 (Normal Academic). He did very well and also achieved the Bronze Award for the Singapore Junior Biology Olympiad.

There achievements did not come easy. “There were personal challenges that affected my motivation, like finances and parents’ divorce. But I realised that I had to do something about my situation. My mother is very hardworking and she struggles every day. So I felt I had to work hard so one day she can have an easier life.”

Zongbin took it upon himself to find a job and worked through term time. He contributed his income to support his family and juggled his academic work, CCA and job commitments for the most of his Upper Secondary years. It took a toll on him sometimes and he would look tired. But Zongbin pressed on remarkably, becoming quite a role model for others to look up to.

“I studied in cafes instead of home because home was distracting. I did many practice papers and had consultations with teachers to clear my doubts. I found ways to overcome my weaknesses, e.g. I watched good videos to improve my English – to pick up suitable vocabulary. I now hope to now start reading more to keep up at my goal to speak and write better. Then there were all my fantastic teachers who encouraged me. I am especially grateful to Mr Sunil, my FT for 5 years, for encouraging me, watching me change and stepping in to help me when I needed it.”

Zongbin was aiming to apply to the Ngee Ann Polytechnic to pursue biomedical sciences and we are happy to announce that he has been offered a place to pursue his goal.