Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards 2024
Following the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards, DHSZ students have continued to excel, with two students receiving the Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards! Year 12 student Jessie R achieved the Highest Mark in China in IGCSE Economics, while Hank W (Class of 2024) earned the Highest Mark in Asia for Graphic Communication. Additionally, our school was honoured with the Outstanding Pearson School Award in recognition of its students' exceptional academic performance.
Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards
The Outstanding Pearson Learner Awards, presented by the globally renowned educational organisation Pearson, celebrates the most outstanding performers in Pearson Edexcel examinations each year. Spanning multiple countries and regions, this award recognises students who achieve the highest marks at national, regional, or global levels. The competition is intense, and the accolade is a testament to both academic excellence and significant achievement in the international education arena.
For Jessie, this recognition not only marks her extraordinary success in Economics but also adds to her impressive accolade of a Top in World award in Mathematics, achieved as part of the Cambridge Outstanding Learner Awards.
Reflecting on her achievements, Jessie shared, “These two awards represent a recognition of my efforts during the IGCSE stage. For Economics, although the result didn’t fully meet my expectations, I was surprised to achieve the highest mark in China. This made me realise the inherent difficulty of scoring highly in Economics and has given me greater confidence for my A Level studies in the subject.”
Jessie also shared her study methods, noting that while IGCSE Economics covers a wide range of topics, the content is relatively easy to understand. Her approach focused on extensive reading and methodically organising key points for better retention.
Having achieved significant academic honours in both Mathematics and Economics, Jessie reflected on the interplay between the two subjects, “Economics involves some basic mathematical models, and a strong foundation in Mathematics undoubtedly helps deepen my understanding of the logic and principles within Economics.”
Ms Jessica Law, Jessie’s Economics teacher, expressed her admiration for Jessie’s academic accomplishments,
I have had the pleasure of being Jessie’s Economics teacher since her first year at our school, and I can confidently say that her performance in the subject has been outstanding. Jessie’s attitude toward learning is a significant factor in her success. Over the past two years, she has consistently remained focused and engaged during lessons.
"She actively participates in class discussions, raising insightful questions and occasionally challenging my ideas, which demonstrates her commitment to deepening her understanding of the subject. Furthermore, Jessie has the courage to confront her weaknesses and make the necessary adjustments to overcome them. This self-awareness and willingness to improve have transformed her from a good student into an exceptional one.”
Ms Law also shared her insights on teaching Economics to younger students, “In my experience teaching lower school students, I have found that Economics can be particularly challenging, especially to students who have recently transitioned from the Chinese public education system. It requires not only critical thinking skills but also fluency in expressing thoughts in writing. To support my students, I pay special attention to scaffolding their academic writing using EAL strategies. I also strive to draw on real-world examples that resonate with students, as economic concepts can often seem abstract without relevant life experiences. Additionally, I ask extension questions to activate students' critical thinking, encouraging them to explore the material more deeply. This approach has proven effective in helping students grasp complex concepts more thoroughly than through rote learning.”
At Dulwich, such teaching methods—emphasising the integration of academic skills with practical understanding—have helped students overcome academic challenges and enabled them to excel in an international education environment.
The exceptional performances of Jessie and Hank, along with the Outstanding Pearson School Award, highlight our unwavering commitment to academic excellence and providing a supportive learning environment. These achievements are a result of our students’ hard work, our teachers’ dedication, and the school’s multifaceted support. We look forward to seeing more students shine brightly in their academic and life journeys!
