Life as a Sixth Former in Tenby International School, Ipoh

December 2013

I had just completed my SPM. Thoughts began to fill up my mind: Where would I do my Pre-U studies? Should I delve into A-Levels or stick with STPM? Or would Matriculation be a better idea? I spent long hours in front of the computer, reading about the pros and cons of A-Levels and STPM, as well as other Pre-U options. During this time, I also attended Tenby International School's Open Day in Meru Aman Jaya, Ipoh, Perak. A heart-to-heart talk with the subject teachers (many of whom had taught both A-Levels and STPM) and I was confident with my choice of pursuing A-Levels.

March 2014

SPM results were announced and I was one of the top scorers in my school. Many of my relatives suggested that I apply to do my A-levels at Taylors or INTI. While I was considering these two options, I read about Tenby's SiWu Scholarship. It is a full/partial scholarship which covers the tuition fees for all the subjects that the student wishes to take. 

In comparison, neither Taylors nor INTI offered a full scholarship for A-Levels study. Furthermore, there was the problem of food costs and accomodation in Kuala Lumpur. Considering the fact that I knew many of the teachers and students, having debated regularly with their team, it is not surprising that Tenby became my top priority. I duly applied for their scholarship and kept my fingers crossed.

June 2014

While awaiting a reply from Tenby, I started STPM in my secondary school, SMK Anderson, Ipoh. The first week was basically orientation for the new students as well as the assignment of classes. I was placed in Class 6RB1. Although I only spent around a month doing STPM, it became very apparent early on that STPM was no pushover compared to SPM.

Around the same time, I was invited for an interview with the board members of Tenby. They asked me about my background and my personal achievements as well as why I decided to choose Tenby. I answered as best I could and they appeared satisfied.

Fast forward two weeks and a phone call came through. I was not at home at the time so my dad answered the call for me. I can still remember the elation I felt when he broke the news to me during dinner that night. I was the only candidate chosen to receive the full SiWu Scholarship that year!

With Mr. Neil David Page, Head of Tenby International School

July 2014-November 2015

I began my A-Levels study in Tenby. Their A-Levels course runs for 18 months, with 1 year for AS and the next half year for A2. I took five subjects at AS level, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Thinking Skills. For A2, I took four subjects and dropped Thinking Skills.

Life at Tenby was constantly changing. Apart from the rigmarole of tutorials and practical sessions, we had debate workshops with teams from other schools. We recently hosted our very own Global Perspectives Debates, which invited the top orators from the various schools in Perak.

Our cohort was also involved in two drama productions, the Merchant of Venice and Hamlet. I was cast as Antonio in the Merchant of Venice. We performed in many schools and received very favourable reviews for our efforts. 

Apart from this, we were involved in a lot of charity work. From keeping the residents of the Kampung Simee Old Folks' Home company, to the charity sale we organised at the Daybreak Community Centre, it was obvious that this A-Levels programme was unlike any other.

Selling ice-cream at the Daybreak Community Centre

Personally, I participated in my first Model United Nations (MUN) and ended up making lots of friends. The following year, representing the Delegate of Algeria, I submitted my resolution in DISEC and was pleasantly surprised when it received a majority vote! Another feather in my cap, as they say.

Having gone through the whole A-Levels, my opinion is that AS feels more like an extension of Form 5 while A2 is where the real challenge begins. Fortunately, all my teachers were extremely supportive of the progress I made and were always willing to take the trouble to explain a concept until I thoroughly understood it. As a result, my confidence grew and I really enjoyed all my lessons there.

I finished my A2 examinations in November 2015. In the end, I obtained 3A*1A for my CIE A-Levels. This is a testament to the dedication and sacrifice of my teachers and I cannot thank them enough. 

Currently, I'm applying for medicine at both local and foreign universities. I'm hoping for a reply before the end of April. 

Stay tuned...