Another school year ends and another set of beaming graduates step out. It is a bittersweet time at Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing). Excitement and anticipation over the upcoming summer holidays is tinged with sadness about the goodbyes that must be said.

Our Year 13 students will soon embark on the next stage of their journey at top universities in China, Southeast Asia, Australia, the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States.

A graduation ceremony on Friday, 4 June 2021, marked the finish line of their school journey. In an auditorium decked with graduation banners, the students enjoyed a welcome address from Mr Paul Bawden, YCIS Beijing’s Education Director, and speeches from Dr Betty Chan Po-king, the CEO and School Supervisor of Yew Chung Yew Wah Global Education, and Cici Lin, a YCIS Beijing alumna.

Celebrating the students’ efforts and outstanding achievements, there were presentations, academic and sporting awards plus the much-awaited Highest Academic Achievement Award and the Honour Roll. The prized Madam Tsang Chor-hang Award was presented by Mr Paul Bawden. Song and dance performances added to the celebratory atmosphere.

The traditional YCIS Beijing procession followed the award ceremony through a snaking arch of students who cheered the graduates on. The morning concluded with a luncheon for graduates and their parents at the Hilton Hotel. They were joined by academic leaders and some staff.

On the sidelines of the graduation ceremony, we spoke to some of the Class of 2021 who shared their most memorable moments at YCIS Beijing and offered advice for upcoming students.

Many of them said they missed the close-knit community of the school where they had made so many friends. The tutor groups allowed closer collaboration with the teachers and more individualised attention that helped them excel in their studies and schoolwork.

When asked what they enjoyed the most at school, being part of sports teams like football, basketball and volleyball, was cited frequently. Another highlight was the international school’s annual Global Community Day.

Some of the advice shared for those who will follow in their footsteps through Secondary School, was to work hard, manage personal time and prioritise education while also making time to enjoy life. They also encouraged anyone struggling with any aspect of life to open up and talk to a parent, close friend or the school counsellor. This, they felt, would add perspective and help with problem solving.

YCIS Beijing is exceptionally proud of its Class of 2021, which is part of a network of 220 Year 13 students in Yew Chung and Yew Wah schools that received over 800 offers from top universities worldwide.

The international school in Beijing provides a fully qualified University Guidance Counsellor to assist students with university applications. In addition, the UGO Office of the Yew Chung Yew Wah network of schools offers students an Advanced University Preparation Programme with expanded exposure, knowledge, and perspective to stay competitive.

Our graduates will continue their relationship with YCIS through our Alumni Network that offers ongoing support.

We congratulate our Class of 2021 and wish them the best of luck in the journey ahead.