At BIS HCMC, leadership is more than just a title — it’s about inspiring others, fostering a sense of community, and embracing personal growth. This year’s Head Students, in Year 13, — Atom, JaeYeon, Tim, and Serena — embody these values with authenticity and dedication, each bringing their unique strengths, creativity, and passion to their roles. Tim noted how he once thought “The Head Students as the coolest kids in the lunchroom and it was one of my biggest dreams to be a member of that table.” And now, here they are! Their leadership journeys reflect not only their impressive achievements but also their commitment to making a positive impact on the BIS community. As they prepare to move on to university, we celebrate their contributions, their growth, and the inspiration they have provided for future student leaders and the impact they have made in our school.
Each of the Head Students has grown alongside BIS HCMC, with Atom and Serena joining in Year 1, Tim in Year 4, and JaeYeon in Year 5. Their time at BIS has been a journey of personal and academic development, shaped by their teachers and the supportive and vibrant school community. JaeYeon reflected on her academic experience at BIS HCMC, explaining “I am most proud of my overall academic performance at BIS. Some of my proudest achievements include receiving three Cambridge Outstanding Learner Awards for receiving the highest official scores in IGCSE Mathematics, Physics, and Chinese.”
From their earliest days navigating the playground to stepping into the responsibilities of Head Students, they have witnessed the school's evolution — and in turn, have evolved themselves. Their growth is not just reflected in their academic successes but in their increasing confidence, leadership skills, and the positive influence they have had on their peers.
Embracing Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Beyond the classroom walls, Atom, JaeYeon, Tim, and Serena have fully immersed themselves in a wide range of extracurricular activities. From leading CCAs and taking on leadership roles in MUN to organising impactful charity events, these Head Students have seized every opportunity to make a difference. Serena commented on how “I had always looked up to the Head Students as beacons of reliability and trust. But beyond that, I realised that Head Students were individuals who are able to instigate effective change in the school system. I wanted to become a part of that positive student body, and act as a facet for the students’ voices. This motivation drove me to actively participate in our school and ultimately become Head Student.”
From Atom and Tim collaborating with the Marketing team and Student Council to establish the Student Media Team, to JaeYeon serving as Secretary General of MUN, Tim leading community projects like Precious Plastics; Serena excelling as the chief design engineer for Vietnam’s Formula 1 in Schools Team—taking them to the world finals in Saudi Arabia; and Atom captaining the First Aid Team, their willingness to step beyond their academic comfort zones has enriched their own experiences and inspired others to get involved.
Shaping a Global Perspective
One of the unique aspects of BIS HCMC is its international community, and the Head Students have embraced this global perspective wholeheartedly. With diverse cultural backgrounds and future plans spanning continents — from JaeYeon heading to Oxford to study Physics; to Atom aspiring to study in Japan; Tim eyeing Political Science in the US; and Serena, who on this very day, has just received the news that she has been accepted to study Mechanical Engineering art Imperial College London! — their experiences at BIS have prepared them to thrive in a globalised world. The friendships they’ve formed with students from different countries, along with their involvement in international events like MUN and F1 in Schools, have broadened their horizons and reinforced the importance of inclusivity and global citizenship.
Gaining Leadership Skills
Leadership has been a defining element of our Head Students' journeys at BIS. Tim has championed meaningful initiatives as a UNICEF Ambassador, with JaeYeon made her mark as both a House Captain and Subject Ambassador. Serena inspired others through her leadership of the UNCRC club and her F1 in Schools team, and Atom played a pivotal role in co-leading the Prefect and Student Council teams.
Yet, their leadership goes far beyond titles — it’s been about taking initiative, motivating their peers, and fostering a supportive, positive community. Each of them has discovered that true leadership lies in collaboration, resilience, and adaptability — invaluable skills they will carry with them as they step confidently into the next chapter of their lives.
Supporting and Collaborating
The strength of their leadership has been shaped by the unwavering support they’ve shown one another. Balancing the demands of IB coursework, university applications, and the many responsibilities that come with being Head Students was never easy, but they faced every challenge as a team. It wasn’t just about dividing tasks or sharing duties — it was about offering words of encouragement during late nights of studying, stepping in when someone needed help, and celebrating each other's wins, no matter how small.
Throughout the year, they learned that leadership isn’t a solo pursuit; it thrives on collaboration and trust. When the pressure mounted, they leaned on one another — drawing strength from their shared sense of purpose and the unity that defined their team. Each of them brought something unique to the group, whether it was through quiet reassurance, bold ideas, or the ability to lift the mood with a well-timed joke.
What truly set their leadership apart was this collective resilience — the unspoken understanding that they were never alone in their journey. By lifting each other up and pushing forward together, they not only became more effective leaders but also forged friendships that will stay with them long after they leave BIS HCMC. These bonds, built through mutual support and shared experiences, have shaped their time at school in ways far beyond their titles — a reminder that true leadership is as much about the people beside you as it is about the path you walk.
Making Lasting Friendships
While their leadership roles have left a lasting impact, it is the friendships formed at BIS HCMC that hold the most special place in their hearts. From late-night rehearsals for school productions and brainstorming sessions over karaoke and ramen to shared laughter in the common room, these moments of connection have defined their experience.
Serena cherishes the unwavering support of her fellow Head Students, while JaeYeon finds comfort in the simple, everyday moments spent with her peers. Atom treasures the friendships built through sports teams and choirs, and Tim fondly recalls karaoke nights and those last-minute assembly preparations.
These bonds — grounded in mutual support, shared memories, and genuine camaraderie — are what they will carry with them long after they leave BIS HCMC.
Inspiring and Supportive Teachers
A key part of their journey has been the unwavering guidance and encouragement of their teachers at BIS HCMC. From Sixth Form mentors to extracurricular advisors, these dedicated educators have played a pivotal role in shaping not only their academic paths but also their personal growth. It wasn’t just about preparing for exams or completing university applications — it was about the quiet moments of reassurance, the extra time given after school, and the gentle push to aim higher when self-doubt crept in.
The students each found support in different ways. Whether it was the mentorship that helped build the Student Media Team, the science teachers who nurtured a passion for discovery, the staff who championed social initiatives, or those who encouraged stepping outside comfort zones, these relationships extended far beyond the classroom. It was about fostering curiosity, building confidence, and inspiring bold ideas.
What truly made this support system special was the sense of belief their teachers instilled in them — a belief that they were capable of more than they sometimes saw in themselves. This nurturing environment not only guided them academically but also empowered them to become the confident, compassionate leaders they are today. As they move forward, they carry with them not just the lessons learned from books, but the lasting impact of the teachers who stood beside them every step of the way.
Advice to Other Students
As they reflect on their experiences, the Head Students share heartfelt advice for those who aspire to follow in their footsteps. Their words go beyond leadership titles — they speak to the spirit of teamwork, growth, and empathy that defines true leadership.
Atom reminds future leaders that “humility, selflessness, and unity are the foundation of a strong team”. JaeYeon highlights “the power of asking for help and offering unwavering support to those around you.” Tim encourages students to “embrace their mistakes, seeing them not as setbacks but as vital steps on the path to growth.” And Serena urges the next generation to “lift one another up, foster open communication, and create an environment where every voice is heard.”
Their collective message is clear — leadership is never a solo journey. It thrives on collaboration, compassion, and resilience. True success lies not in standing above others, but in standing beside them, moving forward together, and building something greater than yourself.
What’s Next?
As they prepare for the next stage of their lives, the future is bright for these Head Students.Atom expressed how he will “definitely miss all the laughs I shared with friends and teachers, and the sensation of being amongst a network of people who have grown and matured in the same environment as me, that sense of comradery will stick with me for years to come.” But our students have much too be excited about in the future! Atom looks forward to studying in Japan, JaeYeon will begin her Physics degree at Oxford, Tim is excited about the prospect of studying Political Science in the US, and Serena studying Mechanical Engineering art Imperial College, London. While their paths may lead them to different corners of the world, they carry with them the lessons, friendships, and experiences from BIS HCMC that will continue to shape their journeys.
What They Enjoyed Most About BIS HCMC
Above all, what resonates most with Atom, JaeYeon, Tim, and Serena are the everyday moments that made BIS feel like home. It’s not just the big achievements or formal events that stand out; it’s the little moments woven into the fabric of their daily lives. The bustling corridors filled with familiar faces, the shared excitement of school events, the comforting rhythm of stormy afternoons spent in classrooms, and the simple joy of lunchtimes surrounded by friends. It’s the spontaneous laughter during study breaks, the whispered words of encouragement before a presentation, and the quiet moments of reflection in the common room.
These seemingly small moments — of connection, belonging, and unspoken support — are what have truly defined their time at BIS HCMC. They are the memories etched into their hearts, the ones they’ll carry with them long after they step beyond the school gates. Because in the end, it’s not just about the lessons learned or the milestones reached, but about the friendships formed and the everyday magic of being part of a community that feels like family.
A Lasting Legacy
As Serena, Atom, JaeYeon and Tim prepare to step into the next chapter of their lives, their legacies as Head Students will undoubtedly endure — a testament to their leadership, resilience, and the lasting impact they’ve made on the BIS HCMC community. Their time as student leaders has not only shaped their own growth but has also inspired those around them, leaving behind a foundation of collaboration, empathy, and ambition for future Head Students to build upon. Their advice to the next generation of leaders is simple yet powerful: lean on your team, embrace the challenges, and never stop learning. While their journeys at BIS may be coming to an end, we know their passion for making a difference will carry them forward. We wish them all the very best in their future endeavours, confident that wherever life takes them — whether at Oxford, Yale, Imperial, or beyond — they will continue to inspire, lead, and create positive change in the world.
We are thrilled to announce that a record three students from the BIS HCMC Class of 2025 have received offers from the University of Oxford, ranked number 3 in the world, and the University of Cambridge, ranked number 5 in the world. A huge congratulations to Quynh An, YeongSeo (Judy) and JaeYeon on their extraordinary achievement that sets a new benchmark for BIS students.
These achievements come as BIS students begin to secure outstanding offers from top universities around the world, including USA, UK, Australia and Asia and these numbers will only continue to rise as more decisions will be made over the coming weeks.
We are incredibly proud of our Year 11 class of 2024, for their impressive IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) results. This incredible cohort of 155 students, our largest IGCSE class in the history of the school, have significantly surpassed UK and international averages and were awarded 97% of all grades at A*-C. An incredible 62% of all grades awarded were at A*-A.
