Garden International School (GIS) students have been given top IGCSE awards at a special ceremony in Bangkok.
Jun Beom Chi was Top in Thailand for IGCSE Music, while Arjit Verma was Top in Thailand for an incredible three subjects: World Literature, Geography and Co-ordinated Science.
Dr Ben Schmidt, Regional Director, Southeast Asia & Pacific for Cambridge International Examinations, presented the awards at an Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards’ ceremony at Shrewsbury International School in Bangkok.
Dr Ben Schmidt, Regional Director for Cambridge International Examinations, at the Bangkok awards’ ceremony.
GIS had the 4th-highest number of awards for the whole of Thailand – only three large international schools in Bangkok had more winners. It also had more awards than any other school in this region.
A spokesman for Cambridge said, “Such results demonstrate the enormous talent, dedication and passion for learning among students. It is also a clear indication of the high quality of support from teachers, schools and parents in the Cambridge network.”
Jun Beom’s achievement is even more remarkable as his sister Sarah won exactly the same Top in Thailand honour for IGCSE Music two years ago. Sarah is now studying at the world-famous UCLA in the USA.
When Jun Beom joined GIS he was an ESL (English as a Second Language) student, but quickly progressed. He is now studying for the International Baccalaureate Diploma at GIS.
Jun Beom, who started playing piano when he was six, also plays bass, guitar, drums and violin. Since joining GIS four years ago, he has taken part in numerous performances, as part of rock bands, the choir and orchestra. He said, “I think I want to use music as my job but it will always be there whatever I do, maybe I’ll join a rock band as a hobby.”
Arjit Verma gained Top in Thailand awards for an amazing three subjects.
He also had some tips for those wanting to improve their musical skills: “Learn the basics first and then just practice a lot and enjoy what you’re doing. Don’t force yourself to do what you don’t like.” Jun Beom thanked his music teachers for helping him become the best in Thailand, saying: “I would like to thank my Music teachers at GIS. Mr and Mrs Shiells helped me get through the IGCSE course; I think that’s why I did so well.”
Arjit Verma was named as Top in Thailand for three subjects: Co-ordinated Science, Geography and World Literature. In total Arjit was awarded 9 IGCSEs, all with A*s. For every subject, Arjit scored more than 90 percent.
What is particularly impressive is that Arjit’s awards come in three different areas: Literature, Humanities and Science.
IGCSE Coordinator Mr Stokes said, “This is an incredible achievement for both students. It shows that GIS students really are incredibly talented and dedicated.”
IGCSEs are the International General Certificate of Education awards; the main exam in the UK for 16-year-olds. GIS is based in Ban Chang, near Pattaya.
Thailand’s top IGCSE students.
Jun Beom receives his award from Dr Schmidt.
