By Shruti Menon Seeboo
In the competitive world of international education, few achievements resonate as powerfully as a top-tier score in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). For Northfields International School, part of the global Inspired Education Group, this year’s examination results have been particularly momentous. The school is celebrating an outstanding set of results, headlined by an exceptional 43-point score achieved by 18-year-old student, Julie Kwan Tat. This remarkable accomplishment not only marks the highest score in the school’s history but also stands as a testament to Julie’s dedication, resilience, and a balanced approach to learning that extends far beyond the classroom.
For Julie, the moment she saw her final grade was a whirlwind of emotions. “When I first saw that I scored 43/45, I was very overwhelmed. It was a mix of disbelief, relief, and deep gratitude,” she recalls. The score was the culmination of years of hard work, late nights, and significant personal sacrifices. “After so much hard work, sacrifice, and late nights, seeing that score felt like a quiet moment of reassurance that the sacrifices had led somewhere meaningful. I had given it my all and knowing that it paid off was incredibly fulfilling.”
Her journey to this point was not defined by innate genius, but by a consistent and disciplined approach. When asked about the biggest contributor to her success, Julie points to something far more accessible than a high IQ. “I believe discipline and consistency were the biggest contributors to my success,” she says. “Success, for me, wasn’t about being the smartest in the room; it was about showing up and putting in the effort every single day, even when it was difficult.” This powerful philosophy, coupled with the unwavering support from her family, formed the bedrock of her success. “Having a strong support system also played a vital role, offering encouragement and helping me stay grounded throughout the journey,” she adds.
Navigating Challenges with Resilience and Resourcefulness
The IBDP is renowned for its academic rigour and complexity, and Julie faced her share of challenges along the way. One of the most significant hurdles was managing her time effectively. “Time management was a huge challenge — balancing six subjects, CAS, the Extended Essay, and Theory of Knowledge isn’t easy,” she admits. Her strategy was to break down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable daily goals. This proactive and methodical approach allowed her to stay on track and prevent burnout, even during the most demanding periods. “I learned to pause, reset, and keep going without being too hard on myself,” she explains.
On her journey, she also encountered a difficult situation in one of her subjects. Instead of allowing this to derail her, Julie showed impressive maturity and initiative by taking ownership of her education. She proactively sought out additional support, which helped her regain clarity and stay on track. This experience taught her a vital life lesson: “asking for help doesn’t mean weakness and that sometimes it’s exactly what’s needed to move forward.” Her ability to adapt and find solutions independently is a testament to the type of resilient and self-aware individual the IBDP aims to cultivate.
A Holistic Education: Beyond the Books
Julie’s success is a compelling story of academic excellence, but it’s also a powerful endorsement of Northfields’ holistic educational philosophy. The school’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals is reflected in Julie’s own journey. Her favourite part of the IBDP was not a specific subject, but the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) programme. “It pushed me to grow beyond academics and helped me reflect on who I was becoming,” she says. Through her CAS projects, she learned valuable lessons about “character, not just grades.” Her love for learning was also sparked by subjects like English, Business, and Economics, which she found intellectually engaging and connected to the broader world.
Beyond the formal curriculum, Julie was deeply involved in the school community, taking on several leadership roles. As a Prefect, President of the Student Council, and President of the Interact Club, she played an active role in creating a positive school environment and bringing the community together. These positions taught her essential skills such as “leadership, responsibility, and effective communication.” Her dedication also extended to her personal passions, including music and martial arts. The discipline and focus she gained from practicing the piano, karate, and wushu proved invaluable in supporting her academic journey, demonstrating how a balanced life can enhance, rather than detract from, academic performance.
A Community of Support and a Glimpse into the Future
Julie’s success was a collective effort, with the support of many individuals. She expresses deep gratitude for her teachers at Northfields International School, specifically thanking Mrs. Dalais, Mrs. Canakiah, Mrs. Drishtee, Mr. Ramgolam, Mr. Bundhun, Mrs. Burtenshaw, and Mrs. Daby for their “unconditional encouragement throughout these years. She also extends a special thank you to Mrs. Philogene for her support during her time at the school. Most importantly, she credits her family, particularly her parents and sister Jade, for being her “anchor throughout the entire IBDP journey.” Their unwavering belief and constant encouragement gave her the confidence and strength to keep going.
As Julie looks to the future, her path is clear. She plans to pursue higher education in the field of Law in the UK. She is eager to immerse herself in a new academic culture and engage with diverse perspectives, with the ultimate goal of building a career where she can “make a meaningful impact.”
For students currently preparing for the IBDP, Julie’s advice is both practical and profound. She encourages them to “not hesitate to seek help when facing difficulties,” even if that means looking for support outside of school. She also reminds them of the importance of balance. “Set clear goals, but don’t lose sight of your passions or personal interests,” she advises. Her journey is a powerful reminder that while academic excellence is a commendable goal, true success is found in a combination of discipline, resilience, and a commitment to personal growth. Her record-breaking score is a magnificent achievement, but it is the inspiring story of her journey that will truly resonate with and motivate others for years to come.
