SJIIS Lasallian Scholar Awards 2024

The Cambridge A Levels is a 2-year educational programme primarily aimed at students aged 16-18. Amongst the notable universities that our Sixth Form alumni have been accepted to are the University of Oxford, Cambridge, KAIST, Imperial College London, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, University of British Columbia, Tsinghua University, Yale-NUS, Nanyang Technological University and Osaka University.

Success in A Level offers students the opportunity to gain access to the best universities in the world. Our A Level pathway commenced in August 2023, providing students with greater opportunity to secure a place in their university of choice. St Joseph’s Institution International School (SJIIS) is offering our Scholar’s Award to internal students entering Year 12 who contributed to our school’s academics or broader community in exceptional ways throughout their IGCSEs.

The Lasallian Scholar embodies the Lasallian ethos of the school to the highest possible standards. Throughout their time at St. Joseph’s, these students have not only thrived academically and shown consistent effort in their studies, but they have also driven the Lasallian life of the school through their leadership, contribution to service and displays of respect, integrity and commitment to create a cohesive community. They consistently have shown faith in themselves, others and the school.

Key Characteristics of a Lasallian Scholar

  • Consistent effort in the pursuit of high academic standards
  • A proven track record of academic excellence
  • Service contributions to the school community and beyond
  • A commitment to act in a manner which befits the values of a Lasallian
  • A commitment to serving the last, the lost and the least
  • A commitment to serving the school community through the alumni network upon graduation from SJIIS

Some of the benefits of being a scholar at SJIIS include recognition for hard work, standing out in university & internship applications/interviews, representing the school at Lasallian events such as the Lasallian Formation Camp in the Philippines (financially covered by SJIIS), an invitation to be recognised at the Scholar’s Award Ceremony, and blazers and lapel pins for students to wear carrying the LEAD and SJIIS logo.

Academic Awards
The academic SJIIS Lasallian Scholar awards are decided after the publication of the iGCSE results in August. These will be announced together with the other awards. Students need not apply for Academic Awards.

The following academic awards were announced:
1. SJIIS Lasallian Scholar for Academic Excellence – awarded to the student demonstrating overall academic excellence at IGCSE.

We will also present awards for students who have demonstrated academic excellence in the following academic subjects:
2. SJIIS Lasallian Scholar for the Field of Arts
3. SJIIS Lasallian Scholar for the Field of English
4. SJIIS Lasallian Scholar for the Field of Technology and Digital Content
5. SJIIS Lasallian Scholar for the Field of Mathematics
6. SJIIS Lasallian Scholar for the Field of Science

Community and Leadership awards
These awards are decided based on application and interview with the scholar’s panel, led by Brother Butch our LEAD representative.

7. SJIIS Lasallian Scholar for Community and Service
8. SJIIS Lasallian Scholar for Leadership

Statement from Head of School
The Lasallian Scholar Awards serves as a recognition of the outstanding achievements and efforts of our students, and it gives me great pleasure to see this particular group of students recognised for their exceptional dedication, hard work, and academic excellence. Having known these students for many, many years and witnessed their Lasallian journey firsthand, I’ve been continually impressed by their unwavering dedication to their studies, their active participation in our school community, and their commitment to serving others.

These awards not only celebrate their individual successes but also inspire and motivate other students to strive for excellence. It is truly an honour to witness the remarkable talents and potential of these young recipients of the Lasallian Scholar Awards, and I am confident that they will continue to make significant contributions to our community and beyond.
Gary Cairns
Head of School

Statement from the Scholars
SJIIS Lasallian Scholar for Academic Excellence
Awarded to the student with the greatest overall academic excellence for IGCSE

Jaden San Ming Xu
9 A*s at IGCSE (most in cohort), and highest scoring A* in multiple subjects

Receiving this award has been extremely fulfilling for me and an amazing reminder of how far a student can come and what they can achieve with the right mindset and goals. Though it wasn’t all smooth sailing, I’m very pleased to say that in the end, my journey of hard work and perseverance on the path to my IGCSEs paid off in the end. I hope this can be an inspiration to students to always believe in your potential to grow, change and improve, and most of all to enjoy the process of growth and exploration as you continue your schooling journey. I’m looking forward to continuing my journey as a young adult with enthusiasm and determination. Thank you so much to SJIIS for this fantastic award and a wonderful high school experience!

SJIIS Lasallian Scholar for the Field of Arts
Awarded to the student with the highest academic results and contribution to the field of Arts

Filipp Tiurin
A* in Music (highest grade across the Arts subjects). Performing Arts Leader since joining SJIIS, starring and leading in multiple whole school productions

I’ve been so, so inspired by every person in the school who has put themselves out there and shown what wonderful individuals they are. I feel extremely happy to have opportunities provided by the community. Performing Arts comes from a place of expressing things beyond just sound, and I see what we’ve created together in this field. We’re always putting love out into the world; it needs it a bit right now. I think it is, obviously, really important to remember that there is no such thing as ‘best’. None of us sit down and make decisions based on getting one of these awards. This is really kind; I’m extremely grateful and honoured. Thank you.

SJIIS Lasallian Scholar for the Field of English
Awarded to the student with the highest academic results and contribution to the field of English.

Zining Law
A* in English Language and A in English Literature.

Receiving this award has truly clarified my passion for English—a subject where everything ultimately comes down to personal interpretation. I would like to express my immense gratitude and appreciation to those who solidified my foundation in the subject, those who guided and supported me, and those who pushed me—pressure is privilege. This recognition isn’t only mine; it’s theirs too. I believe the world’s riches stem from expression, identity, and understanding, and that is the power of English. Taking this achievement further, I hope to impact others in the same way.

SJIIS Lasallian Scholar for the Field of Technology and Digital Content
Awarded to the student with the highest academic results and contribution to the field of Computer Science, Design and Technology, Editorial or Communication Projects and Activities.

Nathan Motha
Nathan received an A* in Computer Science, the highest in his cohort.  He is also the co-president of the Computer Science Society and a contributor to the 8am digital magazine.

I am truly grateful to have received this Lasallian Scholar award, and I would like to express gratitude to my parents and teachers who have supported me along the way. I believe I can use my enthusiasm for Computer Science to positively impact my community. In this leadership role, I aim to teach computer literacy and coding to disadvantaged children who may not have such opportunities, to enhance their career prospects, and to potentially help them discover a passion for Computer Science. I’m excited to get to work!

SJIIS Lasallian Scholar for the Field of Mathematics
Awarded to the student with the highest academic results and contribution to the field of Mathematics.

Nathaniel San Ming Ren
Nathaniel received an A* in Additional Mathematics and is studying both Maths and Further Maths at A level.

I was extremely happy when I found out that I had gotten this Lasallian Scholar Award and I feel even more motivated to continue to study mathematics,, especially in my A levels. I am also extremely grateful to my teachers who helped me.

SJIIS Lasallian Scholar for the Field of Science
Awarded to the student with the highest academic results and contribution to the field of Science.

Iris Ang Ee Sim
Iris received an A* in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. She is also the founder and leader of our incredibly successful Medical Society at SJIIS.

Receiving this award means so much to me; it’s a wonderful encouragement to keep on seizing opportunities for growth, both in the field of science and in my personal development. I’m incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of my family, teachers, and friends, who have pushed me to challenge myself beyond what I once imagined. Going forward, I’m excited to use this achievement as a foundation to explore new ideas, take on meaningful initiatives, and inspire others to pursue their own passions in science.

SJIIS Lasallian Scholar for Community and Service
Awarded to the student who has demonstrated the greatest contribution to our SJIIS community through leadership of service projects.

David Glen Motha
Based on personal statement and application form, as well as responses to interview questions. David has been an active leader in our Lasallian Youth Movement, and is currently the leader of Community Service within the Medical Society.

I am truly honoured to be recognised as a Lasallian Scholar and for the opportunity to represent our school. Studying at a Lasallian school has only deepened my passion to serve and build our community, and I hope to help foster a strong sense of unity through service within our school. I extend my appreciation to SJIIS and the scholar’s panel for their trust in granting me this award, and I look forward to giving back to the community that has given me so much! 

SJIIS Lasallian Scholar for Leadership
Awarded to the student who has demonstrated the greatest leadership contributions to SJIIS in leading school projects, events and activities.

Kirsten Yap Vern Yi
Based on personal statement and application form, as well as responses to interview questions. Kirsten has been an active leader in our Lasallian Youth Movement, whole school productions, sports, and through Miguel’s house.

I felt thrilled hearing I was the recipient of this award, being recognised for my leadership within SJIIS through roles such as Head Editor of 800AM Magazine, Head of Prom Committee, LYM Leader and Deputy Leader, Miguel Senior House Captain, and others. Leadership has always been something I enjoy and is a big part of my life. Through these roles, I have learned many valuable skills and lessons, and have grown as a person and leader. Thank you so much to the Scholar’s Panel for this prestigious award. I hope to be able to continue demonstrating leadership through various roles and projects both in and out of school and inspire others to do so as well.