Student IB & DSE Journeys: Looking Back, Moving Forward
CSS is pleased to share this year's results in both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) examinations.
This year, we invited eleven students across both programmes to share their stories. We asked about the mindset shifts that helped them most, what made their senior school experience memorable, and what they're looking forward to next.
Villa and Marcus opened up about how their approaches evolved over two years. Villa found that reaching out to teachers made a real difference. Marcus developed his own method of staying on track, reminding himself, "You're going to regret this", whenever he felt tempted to slack off. Villa will study Computer Science at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), while Marcus is heading to the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) for Business.
Wing Kiu LUI and Jecho then reminded us that the journey matters as much as the destination. Wing Kiu kept one principle in mind: the journey is only successful if you enjoy the process. Jecho learned the importance of a good study environment. "Go to a study room instead of your bedroom, as there will be fewer distractions," he advised. Both are heading to HKU next year, Wing Kiu for Economics and Finance, and Jecho for Computer Science and Data Science.
Stanson, Jonas, and Yu Him Tsui also shared what helped them get through the past years. Stanson stayed driven by curiosity about his own potential, reminding himself that he was "more capable than you realize." Jonas treated every small test like a final exam, which kept him consistently prepared. Yu Him found comfort in knowing he wasn't struggling alone, and leaned on that support to get through tougher weeks.
Stanson is preparing to study Biomedical Sciences or Physiotherapy, Jonas will study Physics at HKU, and Yu Him is heading to HKU for Speech Therapy.
Samantha and Fatima shared their perspectives on getting through IB. Samantha learned to accept that mistakes are unavoidable when the content is challenging. Fatima found her own way to relax, watching shows after studying to recharge before repeating the same routine the next day. Samantha will study Psychology at the University of British Columbia(UBC), while Fatima is going to HKU for Law.
Throughout Form 4, Hasan often asked himself, "What if I had put in more effort? Am I wasting my potential?" The pressure built until he had a breakthrough in Form 5. "Hard work is a kind of ability," he realized. "There's nothing called full effort. We are human, we eat, we shower, and sleep. We rest." This shift helped him stop dwelling on regret. With an interest in Mathematics, Hasan hopes to study Science at either HKU or the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK).
Andy came to understand that work-life balance isn't laziness, but something closer to a long-term investment. His occasional mahjong games with friends during study leave became what he calls "reset buttons," moments that helped rather than hurt his focus. Andy hopes to attend the City University of Hong Kong (CityU).
These stories remind us that learning happens in more places than exam halls. Our students learned to ask for help, to rest without guilt, to find joy even during stressful months, and to support each other through it all.
As they step into something new, we're celebrating not just their academic results, but more importantly, the growth and connections they've gained throughout.
Congratulations to Villa, Marcus, Wing Kiu, Jecho, Stanson, Jonas, Yu Him, Samantha, Fatima, Hasan, Andy, and every CSS student who took on the examinations this year.
Below is the full interview video.