經歷了一個艱難的冬天和春天，在夏日臨近的時刻，我們也希望和大家分享一份份來自畢業生的喜悅。在今年的畢業申請中，截至目前，海嘉共計收到了主要來自英美的的80多份大學錄取通知書。所有學生均收到自己心儀大學的錄取通知。其中，不乏有帝國理工大學、多倫多大學、英屬哥倫比亞大學、塔夫茨大學、紐約大學、波士頓學院、愛丁堡大學、倫敦國王學院、華威大學、香港大學等世界著名大學的Offer。
而今天，我們將首先帶你走近一位蘊藏著巨大能量的畢業生Anya Hurst-Liu 劉安祺——同時收到帝國理工大學、曼切斯特大學、倫敦國王學院、華威大學、杜倫大學5所大學的offer。
同時被5所頂尖名校錄取，對熟悉Anya的老師和同學來說，並不令人意外。「水到渠成」是大家對於Anya一致的評價，「一點點積累、一步步成長」最終成為最美好的樣子，在她的身上，我們看到了自然生長的美好。
課程結束，Anya一直在收拾著自己的書籍、回想著自己在海嘉的時光，Anya不禁感嘆時光的飛逝。轉眼來北京已經三年，在海嘉的生活的每一幕都像是發生在昨天。想到即將離開的校園，她的心裡滿是不舍，但是全新的生活又帶給她無限的期待。在海嘉的三年，Anya像是一棵自然舒展的樹苗，拔節、綻放，成長為她所期待的樣子。正如Ms.Tanner所說的，「從上課的第一天開始，Anya就是課堂討論的積極參與者。……她開朗樂觀，樂於接受反饋，並不斷學習、成長，這種令人印象深刻的力量將會持續為她在大學以及未來服務。」
海嘉有很多來自不同國家、地區的老師和同學。在Anya看來，海嘉的雙語環境完美的契合了她自身的背景。作為一名中英混血，雙語環境下的海嘉不僅提供了深厚的中華文化滋養和國際化前沿教育，同時也培養了她的邏輯思維、批判性思維和學術創意性，在Anya看來，這些思維方式的培養，在她的學習和申請中都有著不可小看的影響。
無論是在課堂上大膽地闡述自己的觀點，還是在模聯中慷慨陳詞，亦或是在學生主席競選中擔任學生大使……一點點的歷練，讓Anya不斷地汲取著海嘉文化的養分。「完美」是中文耿鶴老師對於Anya的評價，作為一名混血孩子，Anya在中文上完全可以達到母語7分的水平，同時，在完成作業上也總是給人意外的驚喜。
在成長的過程中，Anya幼年時期生活在英國，回到中國後便一直就讀於公立院校，在Anya看來，海嘉給予了她一片全新的學習天地。無論是文學、藝術、科學，還是體育、設計……每一個領域，學校都有非常豐富的學習和實踐資源。而雙語浸潤的環境更給予了她更多的自由，放飛自我、自由成長。
選課、選專業
那些讓你興奮到跳起來的才是你的最愛
在來到海嘉的之前，Anya考慮過很多的專業：數學、國際關係、科學類的化學、生物、醫學，IGCSE的課程讓Anya更加明確了自己的方向，喜歡科學和數學的實際應用，喜歡邏輯性的推斷，喜歡做實驗獲得結果後得出結論的過程…可是專修哪一門科學呢？面對IB選課，Anya也曾經迷惑、踟躕。最終Anya選擇了學習高級數學、化學及英語A課程以及標準級的生物、心理及語文A課程。選擇這些課程大多因興趣而生，也跟自己所具備的能力有很大的關係。
同樣，在面對大學專業的選擇時候，Anya也有著自己的認知和見解。學習生物的過程中，基因讓Anya特別感興趣，那些肉眼完全看不到卻又操控者生命一切的DNA，以及運用他們能夠解決的多種問題讓Anya開始思考微觀生物以及生物化學。而學習化學的時候，Anya選修了生物化學的單元，學習的過程當中，她從化學的角度，了解到了各種生物酶、血紅蛋白等等的運作原理。這一切話題的探索，像是打開了一個全新的世界。
當有一天，她在和媽媽聊到生物學中的一個實驗，興奮的話題讓她從凳子上跳了起來。「那就是你最喜歡的專業。」媽媽的一句話點醒了Anya，於是在大學專業的選擇上，Anya毫不猶豫的選擇了生物化學，通過化學的角度探究世界上一切生物。
在Anya看來，如果不明確自己大學專業的方向，IB先挑自己的的強項和自己感興趣的學科進行深入的研究。IB課程能夠讓學生了解到這些科目的學習在大學中大概是什麼樣子，並為這些課程做好準備。選擇專業沒有什麼條條框框，主要就是按照自己的興趣愛好和長處進行抉擇。
熱情、好奇心，這看似很常見，也往往被忽視的詞語，卻是人們學習的最初動力。保持好奇，充滿興趣也是IB課程體系下培養學生主動學習、終身學習的一項極為重要的品質，而Anya，無疑是發揚這一品質的最好例證。
在這個紛雜的、變幻快速的時代，擁有一顆清澈而明靜的心，是一件多麼難得的事情。Anya就是這樣一個始終堅守初心的人。學習也好，參加活動也好，無論做任何事，Anya一定是發乎內心的。
我們都知道，除了學習成績，豐富的經歷也是眾多大學在錄取時考慮的因素之一。為了幫助自己進入一所好大學，Anya完全可以去參加很多富有影響力的活動，以豐富自己的經歷，獲得更多招生官的青睞，但Anya並沒有這樣做。Anya的簡歷上，她所參加的活動並不耀眼，相反，看上去既樸實又簡單，但正是這些活動，讓我們看到了一個最真實的Anya.
模擬聯合國競賽、社團辯論賽，足球、幫助同學協調IGCSE課程……看似雜亂無章的活動，卻對Anya的個性成長有著密切的幫助。「不要因為這個活動跟申請大學沒有什麼直觀的聯繫而放棄他們。在我的個人陳述中，模聯等活動與生物化學的關聯是兩者都是我了解世界，成為世界公民的平臺。你做的任何事情，都有或多或少的意義，主要就是在確定夢想和目標以後，向之努力，展現自己的個性、優點和學習的熱情。這些活動，都是我真正想做的事。」
在寫下這段話的時候，我相信每一位閱讀的人都能夠感受到她身上自然生長的美好。海嘉學校總校長彭敬慈博士讀了該生的大學申請陳述後讚賞有加，「欣喜地看到一名高中學生能如此熱愛學業並嚴格自律。她對未來致力於為全人類奉獻服務獨具洞見，真誠實至。海嘉學校的教師在教育我們學生這方面頗有心得。」
當然，家庭的因素也會對每一個人的成長帶來至關重要的作用。如果，我們想了解一個人的行為和思想背後的深層原因，那我們應該去了解她的家庭。
作為一個跨國家庭，Anya的成長融合了中國、英國的兩種文化的氛圍。幼年的時候，Anya生活在英國，在上幼兒園的時候，爸爸每天騎車接送她和妹妹。上學、放學的路上，爸爸就會和Anya姐妹倆用中文進行對話，分享各種有趣的中國童話故事：三打白骨精、十二生肖……即使成長在英國，Anya也覺得中國並不遙遠。回到中國以後，就讀於公立院校，藝術家出身的媽媽則很好的成為了西方文化的傳播者。不會因為衣服弄髒而被責罵，也不會因為充滿好奇不聽地問而被厭煩，爸爸媽媽小心地保護著她這份好奇心，尊重生命成長的過程，才有了此刻自然生長的美好。
這個世界從來不缺少聰明的人，但我們更缺少的是像Anya這樣精神豐滿、人格優秀的人。正如安迪·魯尼 (媒體人)所說的，「每個人都想住在山頂，但所有的快樂及成長都是在登山時產生。」
培養一個好成績的學生，並不是我們教育最終的目的，培養一名「心中有愛、眼裡有光」的學生卻是我們一直在踐行的。倡導「愛與幸福」，根深中華，心懷天下 -- 培養每一個孩子，在變幻的世界中，成為推動多元文化間互相理解、尊重及共融的雙語使者。Anya就是這樣的孩子吧！
The beauty of natural growth
BIBA graduate Anya Hurst-Liu
After a difficult winter and spring, as the summer approaches, we』d also like to share with you the joy of our graduates. Among this year's college applications, BIBA received a total of more than 80 university offers, mainly from the UK and the USA, many from world famous universities such as Imperial College London, University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, Tufts University, New York University, Boston College, University of Edinburgh, King ’s College London, University of Warwick, Hong Kong University and so on. All students have received an offer from their favorite university.
Today, we will introduce to you a graduate with great potential who received offers from five top universities including Imperial College London, Manchester University, King's College London, Warwick University and Durham University. This is not a surprise to the teachers and classmates that know her well as Anya, a diligent student and also a model citizen: 「Rooted in Chinese culture, with a world-embracing mind.」 (BIBA motto). The working ethics of 『Little by little, day by day』 is evident in her development in the same way that a river follows its natural course.
With the IB program drawing to its end, Anya can't help but lament the passing of time. Three years in BIBA filled her heart with rich memories, yet the new life ahead also brings multiple expectations. The journey of growth is like a sapling that naturally stretches, joins, blooms and develops. As her teacher Ms. Tanner said, "Since the very first day, Anya has been actively participating in class discussions .... Her cheerfulness and optimism, willingness to accept feedback, and constant learning and growing, this stamina will continue to serve her well in college and in the future. "
Many of BIBA’s teachers and students come from different countries and regions. In Anya's view, the School's bilingual environment fits perfectly with her own Chinese-British family background. BIBA’s bilingual environment not only provides profound Chinese cultural nourishment and front-line international education, but has also cultivated her logical thinking, critical thinking and academic creativity. According to Anya, the cultivation of thinking has been an important influence on her study and college applications.
BIBA empowers students with boldly elaborating their views in class, enthusiastically speaking in the MUN or shouldering leadership in the Student Council... Anya benefited from all these experiences and cultural nutrients. "Perfect.", commented Anya’s Chinese teacher Ms. Geng He. 「As a mixed-race child, Anya can fully reach the level of 7 in Chinese as a mother tongue. At the same time, she always brings unexpected surprises to her homework completions.」
Having spent much of her childhood in the UK, Anya studied in a local Chinese school on returning to China, and then joined BIBA in 2017. From the perspective of literature, art, science, sports and design ... in every field, Anya appreciated the very rich learning and practical resources BIBA has given her as a whole new world of learning. Above all, the bilingual environment infiltrated her with increasing freedom and cultural empathy.
Choice of subjects and learning areas: what really matters speaks directly to the heart
Prior to her study at BIBA, Anya considered a lot of majors: mathematics, international relations, chemistry, biology, medicine. The IGCSE Program facilitated the setting of a clearer vision. Among the enjoyment and learning of the practical application of science and mathematics, logical inference, the process of drawing conclusions after experiments with results ... which should she choose as a specialization? In the face of IB course options, like her peers, Anya was put into various stages of confusion and hesitation. In a balance of her interests and ability, the choice was finalized with a combination of Higher-Level Mathematics, Chemistry, and English A courses, and Standard-level Biology, Psychology and Chinese A courses.
In a similar way, when faced with choosing university majors, Anya also developed her understanding and insights. In the Biology class, Anya was particularly interested in learning about genes. The DNA that is completely invisible to our naked eye but actually controls all in our lives, as well as the fact that various problems solved by the study of DNA made Anya start thinking about molecular biology and biochemistry. While in her Chemistry study, the Biochemistry unit was taken as an elective. She learned from the Chemistry point of view the working principles of various biological enzymes, hemoglobin and so on. The exploration of all these topics seemed to open up a whole new world.
One day when she was talking to her mother about an experiment in Biology, the intriguing topic made her jump up and down in excitement. 「Maybe that could be your major?」 Mom's words enlightened Anya. In her university application, Anya decided on Biochemistry as the key to serve the world and explore all living creatures through the lens of Chemistry.
In Anya's view, if you are unsure of which university major to choose in IBDP studies, first pick your strong subjects and areas of interest to conduct in-depth research. The IBDP course allows students to understand what these subjects are like in college and prepares them accordingly. There are no rules for choosing a major. The main point is to choose in line with your interests and strengths.
Enthusiasm and curiosity, these seemingly common and often overlooked attributes are at the center of one’s motivation. Staying curious and full of interest is also an extremely important quality for cultivating students' active and lifelong learning in the IB curriculum system. Anya’s learning journey undoubtedly exemplifies this quality.
The beauty of natural growth: pure motives and drive
In this complex and fast-changing era, it is extremely rare for everyone to possess a pure and radiant heart. Anya strives and works out of pure motives whether in her study or participation of an activity.
As known to all, apart from academic performance, well-rounded experience is also one of the criteria that many universities put in assessment during the admission process. There are opportunities available for doing impactful activities to gain the favor of university admissions officers, but Anya did not create opportunities just for the sake of looking good. On her resume, the activities she participated in were not dazzling. On the contrary, they looked common and ordinary, but it was through these activities that we see a most truthful person in Anya.
MUN competitions, community debates, football, helping students choose and learn IGCSE courses ... these seemingly scattered activities have played an essential role in helping Anya's personality development. "Be prudent when giving up on an activity just because it has no intuitive connection to the application for universities. In my personal statement, the association between MUN activities and biochemistry initiatives is that both are platforms for me to understand the world and become a global citizen. Everything that we do has a meaning, be it more or less. What matters is striving and working hard towards our dreams and goals identified by demonstrating our personality, strengths and enthusiasm for learning. These activities are all things I really want to do. "
Very impressed by Anya’s personal statement, Dr Pang commented, 「How nice to say this as a high school student, the statement shows deep personal insights from great passion and rigor in her studies. It gives a unique personal perspective linked to her life-long contribution and shows her genuine aspirations and ideals to serve the world! BIBA teachers are great in providing this quality and unique education for our students!」
As a matter of fact, one's family also plays a vital role in one's growth. If we want to understand a person and the underlying reasons that have influenced his behavior and thoughts, then we should learn about their family.
Born in a cross-cultural family, Anya has grown up immersed the blended Chinese and British cultures. During her childhood in the UK, her Dad did the kindergarten run picking her and her sister up every day. On the way and back, the father and the sisters conversed in Chinese and shared a variety of interesting Chinese fairy tales: The Monkey King Three Beats, zodiac signs and more. Even though she grew up in Britain, Anya had never felt that China was far away. After returning to China and studying in a local school, the artist mother became a good disseminator of western culture. Not getting scolded if her clothes got muddy, nor getting pushed away because of endless asking of questions. With tender care, her parents protected her curiosity and respect for the process of life growth.
This world never has a shortage of smart people, but what we are in great need of are people with a well-rounded spirit and excellent character like Anya.
"Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you ’re climbing it." – Andy Rooney, Broadcaster
Cultivating a student with good grades is not the ultimate goal of our education, but "love in his heart and light in his eyes" is what we have been aiming for. For "Love and Happiness, rooted in Chinese culture, with a world-embracing mind」 – to nurture each child to become a bilingual messenger that promotes mutual understanding, respect and integration among multiple cultures in a changing world. Anya, could already be a child doing so!