Phoebe joined YCIS Beijing in Year 10, embarking on her IGCSE academic journey. Over the past two years, she has not only achieved a remarkable leap in her academic performance but has also found a community of like-minded friends and mentors who have stood by her every step of the way. It is this positive and nurturing environment that has provided her with the confidence and drive to pursue sheer excellence.

In the recently released IGCSE results, Phoebe achieved a stunning 12 A*/A grades across all her subjects. As we congratulate her on this magnificent achievement, we invited her to share the story of her growth and reflections on her time at YCIS Beijing.

Mentorship: Driving Inner Motivation

Before joining YCIS Beijing, Phoebe attended a highly competitive local international division. At the time, she viewed herself as merely an "average student." Upon enrolment, she began in a standard Mathematics class; however, after committed dedication, she successfully moved into the Additional Mathematics set and eventually secured double A* grades in both Mathematics and Additional Mathematics.

This journey of growth was supported by her teachers along the way. Beyond their patient classroom instruction, they encouraged her to participate in the World Maths Competition, where she discovered the joy of mathematical logic beyond the standard curriculum.

The path to excellence, however, is seldom a smooth or linear ascent. With a deep passion for the humanities, Phoebe elected to study History. Faced with the rigour and depth of the IGCSE syllabus, she admitted to having moments of doubt. At this critical moment, Dr Gareth Moss (IGCSE Coordinator) and Mr Niall Quinn (History Teacher and Head of Humanities) engaged her in deep and open conversation. They encouraged her to persevere, noting that this challenge would serve as a vital foundation for the IB Diploma Programme. With their encouragement, she found the tenacity to see the course through, eventually earning a well-deserved A*.

Phoebe reflects warmly on how the small class setting at YCIS Beijing allow teachers to take care of each and every student. Ms Susan Mosago, her Biology teacher, is another key mentor. When Phoebe initially struggled with the subject, Ms Mosago never gave up on her, consistently reassuring her: "I trust you." Inspired by this unwavering support, Phoebe’s grades soared. Ms Mosago even prepared small rewards to celebrate her progress. " I don't want to let my teachers down," Phoebe says. This powerful bond between teacher and student became the ultimate catalyst for her success.

Fully Bilingual: A Foundation for the Global Stage

Phoebe’s 12 subjects spanned across sciences, languages, mathematics, humanities, and business. Her stellar performance—comprising 9 A*s and 3 As—earned her the prestigious Cambridge ICE Distinction award.

Notably, her exceptional results in both First Language English and First Language Chinese demonstrate her sophisticated cross-cultural communication skills. The diverse curriculum and robust bilingual support at YCIS Beijing empower students like Phoebe to evolve into globally-minded citizens with a competitive edge.

Holistic Education: Discovering Infinite Possibilities

Prior to joining YCIS Beijing, Phoebe had heard of the school’s deep commitment to Holistic Education. She and her parents sought an environment where she could pursue academic excellence while having the space to cultivate her personal interests. YCIS Beijing proved to be the perfect fit.

Looking back, Phoebe describes her two years as "incredibly fulfilling." In her first year, she joined the Model United Nations (MUN), representing the school in debates with peers from other international schools. Simultaneously, she committed herself to the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. These experiences, combined with her academic depth, helped her secure the Humanities Scholarship for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Beyond academics and clubs, Phoebe became a popular host for the school’s celebrations. In various student-led activities, she and her peers managed everything from poster design and promotion to rehearsal coordination. These opportunities honed her leadership skills and helped her forge lasting friendships.

Most recently, Phoebe has embarked on a new opportunity: collaborating with students from YCIS Shanghai to upgrade a senior-led Entrepreneurship project into a comprehensive "Leadership and Innovation" initiative. We look forward to seeing this innovative vision come to life!

From academic breakthroughs to the blossoming of her personal character, Phoebe has found the right fit to thrive at YCIS Beijing. We look forward to seeing her continue her legacy of excellence in the IBDP and beyond. At YCIS Beijing, we remain committed to supporting every student’s passions and academic pursuits, helping them become the very best version of themselves.

Would you like to follow in Phoebe’s footsteps? Join us for a Wednesday Exclusive Tour and discover how we can support your child’s path to excellence.