An Interview between Mr Aggs, Director of Creativity and Culture and Xixi Lei, G10 and Joe Eng, G11. Both students received Best in the World and Best in China awards for their CIE IGCSE Exams.
Mr Aggs: How does it feel to be recognized by being awarded an elite academic prize?
I’m thrilled to receive this prize. It’s like my hard work has really paid off. I’m even more glad that my parents are so pleased as they have always been so supportive of my studies.
Joe Eng
I never expected to receive such an award, so it was quite a pleasant surprise for me.
Mr. Aggs: How would you describe the community at SUIS GUBEI?
Xixi Lei
SUIS GUBEI is a very tight-knit and friendly community. I know almost all the teachers very well, both from classes and afterschool clubs. They are all so willing to spend lunch or break times to answer extra questions or give extra help if needed. They are very approachable and makes learning an enjoyable experience.
Joe Eng
The community here is quite large, and with so many people to talk to, I never feel alone when having to get through any task. I’ll help someone when they need help, they’ll help me when I need help, so everyone wins.
Mr Aggs: What makes the school so wonderful?
The wide range of activities offered at SUIS GUBEI help us grow and develop in many different ways. The various sports teams include football, basketball, volleyball, touch rugby, tennis, badminton, swimming, track-and-field. GUBEI also puts emphasis on the arts and more academic events, such as the biannual production, the arts soirees, film club, the science fair, and debate competitions.The thing I love the most is that almost all the clubs are student-led. The school encourages us to form our own clubs and pursue our individual interests, adding on to the school’s diversity. This helps us develop leadership skills and learn to be independent, which is valuable preparation for the future.
For instance, I have been involved in the World Scholar’s Cup competition since seventh grade. Through the competition, I greatly improved by debating skills, expanded my general knowledge, and my analytical abilities. This Wednesday, I’ll be going to Yale University for the final round of this season. it will be challenging, of course, but I’m really looking forward it.
Joe Eng
This school is not perfect, and there are some things that need working on, but one of the best things about this school is how devoted the teachers and students are towards the projects they work on. The musical productions are always so much fun to watch, thanks to the consistently outstanding performances that we get to see every year.
Mr Aggs: In what ways do the teachers in SUIS GUBEI prepare you for CIE excellence?
My Maths teacher gave us lots of past papers to practice which was very helpful.
Joe Eng
The quality of teaching varies from teacher to teacher, I think I was extremely lucky in my IGCSE years to have been taught by some of the most excellent teachers. I have to thank especially the science department for hosting lunchtime revision classes during the last few weeks before the exams, which helped me achieve such great results.
Mr Aggs: Where do you see yourself going once you complete your education at SUIS GUBEI?
I plan to go to US for college, and I hope to major something engineering related, although I also have interests in History and German.
Joe Eng
Two years of National Service in Singapore, then hopefully off to University.
