Congratulations to the high achievers at Victoria Shanghai Academy! Here, some of the top scorers reflect on their fulfilling study experience, sharing how their school and teachers have supported them along the way and offering advice to those currently going through the curriculum.
The 2023 International Baccalaureate® (IB) results are in, and Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA) is brimming with smiling faces. Ten students have achieved an outstanding score of 43 points or more, while 32 percent of its students have scored 40 points or more. Overall, VSA students have performed well, scoring an average of 37.4 points, which is 7.16 points higher than the global average. VSA’s 100% IB diploma pass rate is also well above the global pass rate of 79.3 per cent.
“This school year has been an exciting new start as we resume normalcy after the challenging circumstances due to COVID-19,” says VSA’s Head of Academy Dr Maggie Koong. “Despite the obstacles of the last few years, our Class of 2023 persevered and demonstrated resilience, dedication and hard work. They have shown us that with a positive attitude and a growth mindset, we can overcome any challenges that come our way.”
VSA has built a sterling reputation for rigorous international education that prepares students for the world’s finest universities and beyond. This year’s cohort is again highly sought after by universities all over the world, having received more than 400 offers from an impressive roster of top institutions, including Stanford University, the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, and the University of Toronto, as well as the two medical schools in Hong Kong.
Soaring high
Angus Leung, who scored a near-perfect point of 44, will study medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Crediting VSA for helping him “to go above and beyond, pushing him to become the best version of himself”, he chose to study medicine in Hong Kong because “CUHK’s medical school is ranked among the best in the world and I also want to do my part in alleviating the dire manpower shortage in public healthcare.”
Imogene Ji, also scoring 44 points and heading to the University of Hong Kong to study medicine, is someone who once transferred from a local school to VSA. One of the biggest differences, she says, is transitioning from rote learning to a project-based study mode. Ji is thankful to VSA for “instilling a passion for helping people, enabling me to challenge myself to learn beyond the classroom.” During her enrichment program, she partook in tutoring services at Caritas and E-Concept Hong Kong, developing an interest in communicating with those in need and a deeper understanding of their circumstances.
Leap into the future
Built into the fabric of VSA is a strong bilingual education in English and Mandarin. The school doesn’t only help develop students’ academic skills but also encourages them to think independently and critically. Matthew Wang, who scored 44 points and will be taking the Law with French Law LLB at University College London, says 12 years of studying at VSA has put him on a springboard to “develop his creativity and critical thinking”, all of which are “transferrable to career and future studies.”
Ainsley Ternes, achieving 43 points, will embark on a law degree at the University of Oxford. She offers words of wisdom to students currently going through the IB program: “IB is often described as a marathon. Every time you fall back down is a chance for you to work your way towards your goals. This is how you are going to ultimately succeed.”
Broadening the horizon
With a focus on both personal and academic development, VSA opens the door to many different study and career options. Jack Kwok, who got 43 points, will pursue civil engineering at Imperial College London. He has made it a mission to “experience what the world has to offer, whether it’s the languages or culture. But I’m still looking to develop a career in Hong Kong because this is my home and I want to give back to my community.”
Keane Liu, scoring 44 points, is set to study biomedical sciences at Imperial College London: “I’m interested in the more theoretical side of human systems and organisms, so what I’m studying is pertinent to helping clients with potential treatment and accentuating innovations in science.”
In the art and creative domain, Eliam Lau will be studying music at the University of Oxford. He attributes his achievement to VSA’s forte in nurturing students’ strengths in both academics and extra-curricular activities. “Every piece of music has its cultural influences and the more you understand its background story, the more you come to appreciate it. It’s quite similar to literature and is something I have a huge interest in,” he says, adding that he’s proud to have made it into Oxford given how intense the competition is.
The Class of 2023 is a testament to VSA’s holistic, multicultural learning environment with a commitment to developing well-rounded, principled leaders. And if there’s one thing studying the IB program at VSA has taught the students, according to Wang, it is to “live life to the fullest with no regret, whether it’s studying or taking part in the graduation dinner, there are always opportunities to challenge ourselves and aspire for excellence.”
Dr Koong is extremely proud of the graduates, and says VSA’s 190 faculty members join her in wishing them all the best as they take on ambitious and meaningful paths for their future: “I feel privileged and honored to witness their continued growth into bilingual learners who are passionate, healthy, accomplished, and engaged with the global community.”
