Student Success Story

Student Success Story We've caught up with Crystal Shin, one of our 2019 Year 11 alumni. Crystal joined us in 2015 as a Year 8 student and left with an incredible set of IGCSE results last summer: in nine of her subjects, Crystal achieved grade A* or Level 9. In this brief interview, Crystal gives some advice to students studying at BSKL with a particular focus on how they can achieve success by building their vocabulary through reading and speaking and, most importantly, how they should believe in themselves.

We've caught up with Crystal Shin, one of our 2019 Year 11 alumni. Crystal joined us in 2015 as a Year 8 student and departed with an incredible set of GCSE results last summer: in nine of her subjects, Crystal achieved grade A* or Level 9.

 

In this brief interview, Crystal gives some advice to students studying at BSKL with a particular focus on how they can achieve success by building their vocabulary through reading and speaking and, most importantly, how they should believe in themselves.

How did you feel when you received your IGCSE results last summer?

I couldn’t believe what I achieved when I first received my IGCSE results. This was due to an anxiety that I had when I finished my last IGCSE exam and stepped out of the exam hall. However, all those feelings vanished away when I got my results back.

You achieved the highest grade, a Level 9 for English Literature, how do you feel about the progress that you made in English during your time at BSKL?

What I’m most surprised about my results is what I achieved for English literature. My progress in English at BSKL was like stairs; sometimes, my progress improved but sometimes, it stayed the same. All those improvements were possible because I was privileged to have talented teachers and classmates. 

What did you do to improve your English so rapidly over the time that you were at BSKL? (How did your teachers help you and what did you do yourself to make progress?)

When I was in BSKL, there were lots of teachers and friends to get some advice from and to chat with. Having a conversation with them has boosted my speaking and listening skills. My vocabulary skill was mostly developed by reading English books and articles. Library lessons were very useful too, librarians and teachers have helped me choose the most suitable books which fit my interest. 

What were your "highlights" of being a BSKL student?

There were lots of events throughout my school life at BSKL such as participating in various competitions, making benevolent friends and being a house rep. Latter of which is the most memorable highlight. Not only it has helped me to be more independent and committed, but my speaking skill was enhanced further. 

What advice would you give to other students who join the school and take EAL lessons?

EAL is one of the wonderful lessons provided at BSKL.

My first English study at BSKL started with EAL lessons,  some of the grammar rules which I’ve learnt during those lessons are still highly beneficial. I personally recommend EAL lessons for students who came from non-English speaking countries as these lessons will raise their self-confidence. Most importantly, they should trust themselves that they are capable of achieving lots of amazing things throughout their lives.