Inclusive Education, Exceptional Outcomes

YCIS’s holistic education shines through this pair of siblings. Last year, Levona – Leroy’s elder sister – graduated with a perfect IB score of 45 and a full scholarship to study Law at the University of Hong Kong. This year, Leroy followed suit with another perfect 45. Both grew up in the school’s bilingual, multicultural, and inclusive environment, and have emerged as well-rounded, outstanding individuals.

“Primary school was the period of my most transformative growth,” Leroy recalls. In his memory, YCIS classrooms never confined learning to textbooks; the school consistently afforded students ample space to explore their interests and develop self-awareness. This open and inclusive campus atmosphere encouraged him to think deeply, reflect honestly on his own work, and stay intellectually curious. It helped shape him into a learner who enjoys critical thinking and academic exploration.

These qualities carried him right through his IB studies. His Geography lessons, which are grounded in global citizenship, gave him a balanced, multi-perspective way of looking at the world. Meanwhile, years of bilingual immersion deepened his empathy and sharpened his cross-cultural critical thinking, helping him to truly appreciate the cultural richness of the texts he was reading.

It was his Year 6 homeroom teacher, Mr Ward, who first helped Leroy take an active role in his own development. A routine assignment to document his extracurricular activities introduced him to Model United Nations and debate – and with that, a platform where he could build his knowledge, sharpen his logical reasoning, and develop his oral fluency. But what YCIS ultimately gave him – and what he values most – was critical thinking: not just following rules but understanding the logic and values behind them. That understanding cemented his decision to pursue law, with the goal of giving back to society through his work.

Academics aside, Leroy’s school life was rich and varied. He took part in many activities and societies, from Model UN to the Hope Beans charitable initiative. He also took the lead on setting up student activities –  a debating society and a pickleball club, which he started in Year 9 and maintained through graduation. These experiences, whether hands-on practical work or community service, ended up being some of his most formative of his school years.

Today, Leroy holds offers from several world-renowned institutions, including the London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London, the University of Hong Kong, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the University of Edinburgh, and King’s College London. That two siblings, in successive years, have each earned a perfect IB score and secured places at globally elite universities is a most powerful testament to YCIS’s enduring educational philosophy.

Vandy’s story is no less compelling. If Leroy shows what long immersion in the Yew Chung approach can achieve, then Vandy embodies YCIS’s inclusive and student-centred approach – education for all, tailored to each individual, meeting students exactly where they are. In just eight years at YCIS, this once-timid transfer student, who arrived in primary school with barely any English, pushed past every obstacle to secure an outstanding IB score of 44 – a quiet but determined transformation.

Looking back, Vandy admits she was anxious at first. Her limited English made her worried she would not fit in. However, the warmth and support of the school quickly eased her fears: her Chinese co-teacher was always there for her, classmates were patient and encouraging, and the specialist EAL teachers gave her targeted support to pick up English quickly. Together, they all helped her find her feet in a new learning environment and, for the first time, feel what it means to be seen and valued as an individual.

Vandy’s Secondary school years were a period of real growth – both academically and personally. She was active in musicals, the school band, and the orchestra. At her busiest, she was juggling eight or nine music commitments in a single week. Through it all, she grew into a well-rounded learner – academically strong, richly engaged in a range of interests, and remarkably good at managing her time. She also maintained a habit of self-reflection, constantly fine-tuning her approach and staying focused on her own path.

Her long-term bilingual and multicultural immersion proved invaluable. Over time, she came to understand the cultural depth and intellectual breadth behind each language. The rigorous academic writing demanded by the IB programme deepened her command of both languages and gave her a solid scholarly foundation, while also fostering a strong bilingual identity and a genuine sense of cultural empathy and global awareness.

Mr Pham, her music teacher, gave her the courage to face pressure and stay true to herself. When she was overwhelmed by the demands of piano accompaniment, his gentle words – "It’s okay to say no" – taught her to prioritise her own well-being. That moment crystallised what YCIS education is truly about: not just pushing for academic results, but seeing the child as a whole person. The school’s emphasis on process over outcome helped shape her resilience and composure, and instilled a lasting belief that real growth lies not in fleeting victories, but in the passion and persistence invested along the way.

Through sustained dedication, Vandy earned offers from University College London, the University of Hong Kong, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She ultimately chose UCL’s Arts and Sciences programme, majoring in Social Studies with a minor in Science and Engineering. She has always believed that life is not just about the finish line – rather, every moment in which you give your all contributes to a precious journey of personal growth and understanding. Humility, perseverance, and steady progress: to her, is the truest way to success.