How to Achieve Outstanding IGCSE Results: The Three Key Pillars Are Crucial

Recently, Harrow Hengqin students have achieved remarkable IGCSE results, with 79% of students attaining grades A*-A, setting Harrow Hengqin apart as a leading bilingual school in the Greater Bay Area. These results surpass those of many of the top 50 independent schools in the UK, which already have well-establishe7 d international sister schools in Asia. As a bilingual school in the Greater Bay Area that carries forward the century-old educational excellence of Harrow UK, Harrow Hengqin’s outstanding results reflect the continued excellence of Harrow’s educational legacy.

In this year’s IGCSE exams, subjects achieving 100% A*-A include English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Chinese as a Second Language, with English subjects achieving 67% A*-A.

Harrow Hengqin students have achieved impressive results in international exams for the first time. What is the foundation of this success?

Harrow Hengqin focuses on the following three pillars:

1. Educational Community Promotes Growth

 The school is committed to understanding each student’s needs, particularly in English learning. We use the GSE to regularly track students’ English performance. In the Harrow Hengqin educational community, students’ needs vary; whether they are studying English as a first language, a second language, or an additional language, teachers tailor personalised learning paths to suit their individual circumstances.

Ms. Jane Adams, IGCSE English Teacher said: “Each student followed a personalised route to success in their IGCSE English Language exams, whether they studied First Language, English as a Second Language, or English as an Additional Language. Through carefully planned lessons, targeted assessments, and engaging online homework activities, every student achieved impressive grades.

In IGCSE Literature, students explored the physicality of drama texts, the historical context of novels, and the beauty of poetic language. These studies were integrated with the more analytical aspects of the IGCSE First Language curriculum, providing a comprehensive understanding of English.

It was a privilege to witness the remarkable progress and dedication of our students as they developed their language skills. This not only ensured their success in IGCSE English but also positively impacted their performance in other subjects.

2. Personalised Learning Plans

 We provide opportunities for personalised learning to enhance students’ well-being and development, equipping them with the values and traits needed for success. The open, research-based, and practical Harrow approach fosters creative thinking and skills, increasing their chances of gaining entry to top global universities and maintaining excellence.

Mr. Anton Rixon,  IGCSE Biology Teacher , remarked:   “The students’ excellent results are well-deserved. I designed personalised learning plans for them. In the early stages of the plan, I focused on solidifying their foundational knowledge by providing two past exam papers each week. Students completed the sections related to the classroom content, and I provided targeted feedback, including exemplar answers and marking schemes, to improve their problem-solving skills. As the year progressed, I gradually encouraged them to tackle unsolved content, preparing them for future topics. In the weeks leading up to the exams, I concentrated on reviewing knowledge and reinforcing weaker areas while providing additional support. Throughout the process, I engaged students actively, and they were very cooperative, completing extra assignments and asking questions proactively. This close collaboration was key to achieving our learning goals. The students’ efforts combined with our teaching strategies were crucial to their outstanding results.”

3. Academic Excellence 

Harrow Hengqin offers high-quality international curricula (IGCSE/A-Level) with a focus on enhancing students’ proficiency in English, ensuring they are well-prepared for public examinations.

Mr. Claus Li , IGCSE Mathematics Teacher , stated : “Mathematics teaching in public schools differs from that in international education systems. At Harrow Hengqin, we not only focus on students’ grasp of mathematical knowledge but also use English as the medium of instruction and apply scenario-based teaching methods to help students master understanding and solving mathematical problems in English. Over the past year, their results have seen tremendous progress. In class, students enjoy the learning process, are not intimidated by mathematics, and learn in a relaxed classroom atmosphere. They actively provide feedback and gradually improve, achieving mutual growth in teaching and learning.”

These elements together form the foundation of our success in the IGCSE. Harrow Hengqin’s excellent teachers are practitioners of the school’s three pillars of educational excellence.

This represents one step in the journey of our students towards being equipped to thrive in life beyond school. They now commence the study of a curriculum that gives access to A-Levels, a gold standard for university entrance exams. This journey requires greater maturity and independence. Students not only acquire knowledge but must apply it in a more sophisticated, creative and critical manner. Success here once again will be built on the pillars of community, student development and academic excellence.