As the academic year draws to an end, it’s the time to reflect upon and celebrate the achievements across our community. Many of our events have been forced to go online and the Student Leader Awards has been no exception.
It was fantastic to welcome students, teachers, parents and alumni to the event to celebrate the learning journey of our student leaders. Students from each strand shared their amazing projects and reflected on the challenges of leading change at such a difficult time.
We were also very fortunate to welcome three former GIS head students as guest speakers. Our Alumnis reflected powerfully on their educational journey, on the key skills gained during their time at GIS and the impact these skills still have today as they face the challenges of working life and university study.
This insight into the importance of the wider school experience in the world of work made a strong impression on our student leaders, offering real relevance to the students’ current experiences and the wider skills they are gaining through their engagement with the student leadership programme.
Edward Smith
GIS Student Leader Coordinator / Teacher of History and Sociology
“The reflection of our GIS Alumni upon their learning journeys really brings home to our students the value of GIS education. The Alumnis’ emphasis on the merits of extracurricular activities and how these broaden one’s portfolio, both for university and employment opportunities, highlights the importance of the breadth of the GIS experience. To hear this from Alumni who students feel are living this experience with them, gives this message so much more power and relevance than that of a teacher or parent.”
Dr Michael Browning
Head of Sixth Form / Assistant Head of KS5 at GIS
“The involvement of GIS Alumni at school events is so important in helping current students to visualise future successes. The shared roots that Alumni have with current students fortify a common connection that through vicarious experience, allows aspirations of our students to be realised”.
Alumna Henrietta Teh, Class of 2016
Specialist B.A. International Development & Geography – University of Toronto
Regional project consultant Childfund Guatemala
“Congratulations to all the student leaders! It was wonderful to be part of the students’ special night and was great to hear what the students have been up to. I am really impressed with what they have achieved this year, as well as how the student leadership programme has been transformed into such a holistic and hands-on experience. Despite the challenges due to this pandemic, the students have been so resilient and adaptable which are vital skills to have as youth leaders. My student leadership experiences at GIS have shaped the person I have become and play a direct and significant role in my professional and academic career. I am always happy to support other student leaders! Thanks for allowing me to share the space to reflect on the important skills we have gained this past year!”
Alumna Kasumi Higewake, Class of 2015
Bachelor of Social Work with First Class Honours. The receiver of Dean’s List of Excellence and Academic Merit Prize, University of Sydney
Social Worker – NSW Health, Australia
“What an honour to witness how the leadership team has developed into a holistic program since my appointment as a head student in 2014. The tenacity of this year’s student directors and leaders could not go unnoticed as they shared the significant challenges involved in constantly amending their projects throughout COVID-19. This experience will provide them with life-long skills that will serve any obstacle as a student, graduate and young professional; I am excited about the endless opportunities these students will have beyond GIS. My experience as part of the leadership team has served as vital stepping stones for my current employment which I absolutely love! With that, I am beyond excited to see you where this journey will take our student directors and leaders today!”
Bryan Zen Lin Soo, Class of 2019
BSc Statistics, Economics and Finance Statistical Science, UCL
“Having had the privilege of being a 2018/2019 Head Student, the majority of my work revolved around improving the learning opportunities and sense of community in GIS. From talking in front of large audiences to organising various events, this role allowed my individual and teamwork skills to flourish, which enabled me to build a strong foundation coming into the university. Although I wasn’t able to attend the recent Student Leader Awards Ceremony, I was tremendously happy to hear how well this year’s cohort of Student Leaders have tackled the unprecedented situation with such positivity, determination and creativity – ultimately having a successful year. It is these experiences that build character and shape who we are. I strongly believe this cohort will go on to achieve many great things and I am excited for them to utilise these lifelong skills as they embrace their next chapters. “
A huge ‘Thank You’ to Mr Edwrd Smith and our inspiring Alumni Head Students, who generously shared their time and experiences to put together this wonderful online Student Leader Awards 2021 Ceremony.
If you are interested in sharing your journey post-GIS, then please get in touch with us at alumni@gardenschool.edu.my. We are always updating our Alumni Website with news from the Alumni community across the continents, and would love to hear from you and share your stories. Please like and follow our Alumni social media pages too at Facebook, LinkedIn