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Scholars Interview 2018: Part 2

*Parts 1 and 2 consist of our interviews with scholars taking a Science combination.

For interviews with scholars taking a Mixed combination or Humanities combination, check out part 3.

Stefan Liew:

Tell us a bit more about yourself (e.g. CCA, subject combination in JC, any interests, etc.)

I took Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Economics all at the H2 level in JC. I was from the Student Council, the Science Leaders Academy and Table Tennis.

Tell us a bit more about how you prepared for the A Levels in Y6. What were some of the greatest obstacles you faced and how did you overcome them?

Preparing for the A Levels was an extremely intense period of my JC Life. The greatest obstacle I faced was the management of the very short time available to fully prepare myself for the A Levels. In order to tackle this problem, very detailed planning was required. I prepared a very detailed spreadsheet of what I would study on each of the days leading up to the A Levels, which gave me a better, more quantitative idea of how much time I had left before the A Levels, and it helped me keep track of whether I was on task as the weeks went by.

Were you stressed? If so, why and how did you cope with it?

I was definitely stressed. During the process of studying for the A Levels, I doubted myself many times, as to whether I would eventually be able to get the grades I wanted. Time passed extremely quickly as well, while the content left to study seemed never-ending. The only way to cope with these forms of stress would be to put trust in your study plan, and to keep pushing on in the face of these negative thoughts. Constantly remind yourself of what you're fighting for - be it for your parents, your teachers, or to get into a particular university that you really like.

What are some study tips you would like to share with your juniors?

Study strategically. The amount of content that one has to study for the A Levels can get very overwhelming, and it is almost impossible to study them all by the time the A Levels arrive. Of course, you should attempt to do so if time permits. However, when time is running out, do not push yourself to memorise every single detail and essay plan, but instead take a step back and think from the examiners' perspective. Which topics have a higher likelihood of being asked? Which topics have a higher weighting in the entire paper? Make sure you are completely familiar with these key topics before moving on to study the other topics. Get your teachers' advice on what you should study, given limited time. They definitely will not be able to predict what will be tested or what will not, but they will be able to highlight key concepts and ideas that you must be familiar with for that particular subject.

Additionally, figure out whether you study better alone, or with friends. This differs from person to person. Some study with friends, thinking that they can learn from each other, but their friends end up being a major distraction for them. Others study alone, thinking that it would help them stay focused, but end up burning out early on in the studying process.

What would you say is the biggest reason for your academic accomplishments thus far?

The school. The dedicated, caring and highly professional teachers in River Valley are the biggest reason for my academic accomplishments thus far. With their expertise in giving lectures and dedication with the provision of after-class consultations, one does not require tuition to do well. However, students definitely still have to put in large amounts of effort and play their part, instead of only relying on the teachers for the grade that they want.

How do you think the school has helped you in your academic pursuits?

I am extremely grateful for the amazing teachers at RV. I am also very grateful for the exposure the school has provided me with, in the areas of science research, leadership and overseas learning experiences.

What is your personal definition of success?

Constantly learning and growing as a person, so that you are able to value-add and make a positive impact on the people around you.

Moving forward, what are your plans for the future?

I hope to be a leader in the Public Service, giving back to the country and community that I am so privileged to be a part of.

Bernice Lim:

Tell us a bit more about yourself (e.g. CCA, subject combination in JC, any interests, etc.)

I was involved in the Girl Guides and was also a member of The Eco-Sustainability Leaders Academy, the Humanities and Social Sciences Leaders Academy and the River Valley Photography Club. My subject combination included H2 Physics, H2 Chemistry, H2 Mathematics and H2 Geography.

Tell us a bit more about how you prepared for the A Levels in Y6. What were some of the greatest obstacles you faced and how did you overcome them?

In Year 6, I was determined to focus on my academic work and reduced my involvement in external commitments. With time freed up, I felt more comfortable to concentrate on my studies. Progressively my friends and I found ourselves rooted to various common study spots. Personally, I found myself a ‘home’ at the ‘blue tables’ where my friends and I would meet daily after school, sometimes till late night or even during the holidays to study.

One of the greatest obstacles I faced was self-doubt. Why do my grades still remain stagnant after all the hard work put in? Have I not been working hard enough? Will I ever be ready for the Prelims or A Levels? There were moments of disappointment upon realizing that the effort put in did not commensurate in an expected grade.

While these lingering doubts were helpful in pushing myself further to be more productive, I decided to believe in myself. By having confidence that I have tried my best and prepared sufficiently for every test and trial consistently, I found it easier to face examinations with a peaceful mind and a calmer heart.

Were you stressed? If so, why and how did you cope with it?

Stress is definitely a core part of the ‘A Levels Package’. As students, we often struggle with the expectations of our parents, teachers and even succumb to peer pressure. As days drew closer to the Prelims and the A Levels, we could sense a tinge of tension especially around the common study areas. Everyone was nervous and trying his or her best to cram every possible information before the examinations.

I coped with stress by knowing where my threshold of studying was. Burning out was a very real issue that anyone could face. While it is important to stretch your limit and cram that extra piece of information, it is also critical to know when your body limits you.

There are many ways of coping with stress such as exercising and eating your favourite food and everyone’s coping mechanism could vary. Personally, I enjoy studying with my favourite music on. It helps me concentrate and achieve higher levels of productivity.

I also coped with stress by accepting imperfections. By striving for the best instead of being the best, I gave myself space to make plenty of mistakes and created opportunities to correct them before the major examinations.

What are some study tips you would like to share with your juniors?

Don’t be shy to ask your tutors for help! This could range from asking questions after class to arranging consultations during breaks or after school. It is advisable to correct misunderstandings on the topic at hand lest all the misconceptions snowball and overwhelm you before major tests.

Maintain a positive outlook throughout the A Levels journey! While the journey may be long and arduous, there can be many happy days! I encourage you to speak to your peers or tutors should you encounter emotional setbacks which you are unable to overcome on your own. There will be moments of disappointments and anxiety along the way. However, by journeying through these tough days, you will become a more emotionally resilient person.

Find a suitable group of friends to study with. I was fortunate to have coincidentally formed a study group at the ‘blue tables’, fuelled by our passion for a common subject - Geography. I would anticipate finishing classes everyday to study together with them at our favourite study spot. Besides helping one another in our studies and having consultations together, we also spent time having meals and fun laughing together. These friends definitely made studying and school days less dull!

What would you say is the biggest reason for your academic accomplishments thus far?

The biggest reason for my academic accomplishments thus far would be my willingness to learn. It is easy to give up after receiving multiple ‘U’ grades on your report card. Yet, admitting that I have not understood a topic or mastered a skill and being teachable will be a more realistic action in the long run. Being humble and willing to put in consistent effort into improving on weaker subjects helped me to achieve grades that were beyond my expectations eventually. I am not someone who can achieve outstanding results overnight. However, I believe that with consistent effort, I will be able to improve gradually and attain my goals ultimately.

How do you think the school has helped you in your academic pursuits?

Academic transition from Year 4 to Year 5 was a huge leap for me and I appreciate my tutors who provided me with space and time to catch up. I have been blessed with tutors who are dedicated towards helping us achieve content and skills mastery through structured tutorials and lectures as well as providing after school consultations. While my academic results were not consistently outstanding, my tutors were always supportive and held on to a firm belief that, with hard work and due diligence, I will be able to achieve greater academic excellence. Besides my subject tutors, I am also thankful to the teachers who took time to stop by at our study tables to encourage us. Being in such a nurturing study environment definitely motivated me to work harder.

What is your personal definition of success?

Success is finding meaning in what we do.

Moving forward, what are your plans for the future?

I hope to continue serving in River Valley Girl Guides as a Young Adult alongside my peers while pursuing higher education in Geography. My aspiration is to become an urban planner eventually.


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