An interview with Pin and Siddharth | Senior Highlight

As Term 3 approaches, two senior students, Pin and Siddharth, are reflecting on their experiences during their time in the IB Diploma Programme at St Andrews International School Bangkok.

Siddharth, who succeeded in receiving an offer to study Sanskrit at the University of Oxford, found the IB Diploma to be both rigorous and liberating. He credits the programme, their teachers and peers for the unique experience they've had as seniors at St Andrews – an experience worth celebrating. Pin, having likewise succeeded in receiving an offer to study Economics at Brown University, shares insights to the collaborative nature of their experiences as seniors, and the successes it led to.

The following is an excerpt of the talk we had, discussing the IB Diploma Programme as a whole and life as seniors at St Andrews High School.

Pin: I agree with how you said that the IB Diploma is really freeing, and I think that one of them is the opportunity that you get to start your own projects, like in CAS. Because of the IB Diploma, I was involved in organising lots of different events; from Halloween, to Valentine’s, and now Prom. I also got more involved in leadership roles, and I believe that St Andrews is really open to having students take initiatives and present their own ideas. I don’t think a lot of other schools have that level of freedom; in allowing students to have their own initiatives and building trust to fulfil and carry them out.

Siddharth: I think there are a lot of things that our teachers organise, particularly in Year 12, where a lot of us reacted with a kind of, “Why are we doing this now? This is all so far away. What’s the point of doing all this preparation now?” And I think, really, following the schedules that have been set up for our curriculum—be it for the Extended Essay or for any of your subjects—is actually very much worthwhile in the long term. Having done a few too many late-night submissions myself, I think getting stuff done early, getting your work done before you go out and enjoy your life outside of studies, is also very worthwhile.

Also, just enjoy it! The IB Diploma is tremendously intense, but it’s because of that intensity that it’s really liberating. Because it is all about you, and how you manage it and how you approach it. So, I think there is a lot of opportunity there – for students to enjoy the IB Diploma as well as work through the challenges in it.

Both Pin and Siddharth agree that the IB Diploma has provided them with an education that goes beyond just academic excellence. They have developed a global perspective, cultural awareness, and a strong sense of camaraderie through their senior studies at St Andrews. As they prepare to graduate and embark on new adventures, they reminisce about the university application process their cohort went through together.

Pin: I think everyone in our year group—including students, teachers, staff—we’ve all been really supportive in our journey, from applying to universities to actually succeeding in getting an offer. Without their support, I don’t think we would have gotten to where we are.

Siddharth: I agree with that. It’s been really nice watching us grow closer as a year group throughout Years 12 and 13. And I do think—it’s cliché, but it’s true—that we couldn’t have gotten to where we are without the support; the enthusiasm; the friendship and the mentorship from all of our teachers and peers. I really think that’s something to be celebrated about.

Pin: We traded university application essays! To check for each other and see how we can improve them. I think I had at least ten people read mine from my year group, and I also checked their personal statements. And, when they got accepted, they would tell me and I would be so happy for them. People would ask, “Hey, where are you applying?” and they cheer you on when you get in!

Siddharth: Yes. Actually, one of the things I really liked about Year 13 was exactly that, trading essays and giving each other feedback before submitting them. It’s like we’re collectively working towards a higher goal.

Pin: Even if we were applying for the same schools, we would still help each other to the best that we can. And I think that’s the really special part about our year group.

Siddharth: What we’ve done for our university applications hasn’t been seen as something competitive.

Pin: It’s very collaborative.

Siddharth: It’s been very collaborative. When we both applied, there wasn’t a sense of, “Oh let’s see who gets into the better university.” We’ve both helped each other with our applications, we’ve kept each other updated, and done that with so many people in our year group. People that I’ve gotten close to this year and last year, just by helping each other out. I think it’s safe to say that we’re a very talented year group, but there’s never a sense of racing for the first place and putting the others down.

Pin and Siddharth are shining examples of the success stories that emerge from the IB Diploma programme at St Andrews Bangkok. Their hard work and passion for learning are a testament to our school's commitment to fostering creative, resilient global citizens. Individuals who are well-equipped to face life’s challenges and find their own pathway to success.