An Education That Delivers Results

The 2018 graduating cohort at the Australian International School (AIS) has achieved outstanding results across the School’s 3 academic pathways - the New South Wales Higher School Certificate (HSC), International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) and Vocational Education and Training (VET). Highlights include a 100% pass rate on the IBDP for a third year running, and an average point score of 35.2, which is almost 6 points higher than the global average. One of our highest achievers is Alicia Wong, an IBDP graduate who achieved the top IB score of 45 points. She shares her experience on how she achieved this.

1. How did you feel when you achieved an IB top score of 45/45?

When I received the phone call about my results,  I was shocked and couldn’t believe it. I had put in a great amount of effort throughout the course of two years to prepare for the exams and to hear that I have achieved the top mark was a great testament to the fact that hard work does pay off!

The IB pathway has certainly prepared me for University, so I am excited for my next academic endeavour, knowing that with this score, the possibilities are endless.

2. How did you prepare for your examinations?

The preparation for the final IB examinations required a lot of prioritisation and effective time management to ensure I had left enough time to rest as well.

In terms of revising, I set-up a study timetable so that I was able to cover all of the content, leaving enough time to ask my teachers questions on anything I was unsure of. I completed a substantial number of past papers to ensure I was both comfortable and familiar with the exam format and style of questions, where for some subjects I even attempted all the past papers from 1999 until 2018!

However, with that being said, I tried not to over-work and stress myself out in the final weeks leading up to the exam, because at the end of the day, I had to trust in myself with the preparation I had consistently done throughout the two years.

3. What are your future plans?
    

I am currently waiting to hear back from some universities which I had chosen but my ambition is to study Medicine in Australia either doing a combined double degree or a postgraduate degree.

After completing that, I hope to have the opportunity to travel around the world to gain new experiences and potentially get involved in medically-based service for the less fortunate communities who lack access to healthcare.

I also plan to also continue growing my YouTube channel “studycollab: alicia” and website “study-collab.com” which provides students worldwide with useful tips and resources about organisation and effective revision!

4. How has AIS helped you to achieve your goals?
    

A great deal of my success in achieving my goals was contributed by the wonderful teachers I had throughout my time in AIS, especially within the last two years. My teachers were not only thorough in their approach, but were also extremely supportive. Their undeniable passion for teaching in their respective subjects was very inspiring and motivated me to work harder to pursue my goals and passions.

AIS has also supported a number of my interests in community service and leadership by giving me a myriad of unique opportunities. For example, having the chance to organise fundraising events throughout the year for different charities and partake in life changing trips to underprivileged communities in India and Cambodia. All these experiences and the people I have met through them at AIS has truly shaped me into the person I am today.