REVIEW OF St. George's School BY student, Richard Ying

(5) Student Experience

Since joining St. George’s School in Grade 8, I’ve developed a deep appreciation and affection for everything this school has to offer. The weekend boarding house events have given me a chance to unwind, bond with friends, and create memories that will last a lifetime. The unique courses here have ignited my passion for learning, with engaging topics and inspiring teachers who make each class an adventure. I feel fortunate to be part of a community where I am constantly supported, whether by friends, teachers, or mentors. These friendships have been invaluable, and the time spent with my classmates has enriched my school experience beyond academics. Additionally, the numerous opportunities available at St. George’s, whether in academics, extracurricular activities, or personal growth, have been transformative, allowing me to explore my potential and challenge myself in ways I never thought possible.

(5) School Leadership

I look upon the individuals who assert leadership roles in my school. As a border, I know more than anyone else the effort that those house parents have put in ensuring our well-being, both physically and mentally. When you need support in academics, the house parents will use their rich knowledge and tremendous enthusiasm to answer any questions that you may have. If you need advice on how to be more involved in the school community, the house parents are more than happy to provide you with some good advice. Or if you simply need someone to spend some worthy time with, the house parents are more than happy to organize a small but fun sports competition with you.

(5) Teaching

In St. George's School, teachers thoughtfully balance high expectations with an understanding of student stress, fostering a supportive environment where we can grow. Clear guidelines and rubrics provide a strong foundation for understanding what’s expected, and teachers remain approachable and open to questions, which alleviates uncertainty. Here, the focus extends beyond high grades; there is a strong emphasis on developing critical thinking, collaboration, and resilience, preparing us to become well-rounded individuals equipped to meet life’s challenges. When difficulties arise, teachers encourage us to seek help, reinforcing the idea that reaching out is a strength. This openness and commitment to communication motivate us to persevere, making our efforts feel meaningful. The holistic approach at St. George’s allows personal growth to hold equal importance to academic success, which instills a lasting sense of purpose and commitment in our work.

(5) Academics

At St. George’s, I find the course load both challenging and time-consuming, but ultimately manageable. After grade 10, students gain significant freedom to select courses based on their interests and goals, allowing us to create a schedule that suits our strengths and aspirations. This flexibility is invaluable, as it lets us focus on subjects that truly engage us, which makes the workload feel more rewarding. Additionally, there’s a designated period for switching courses if we realize that a class doesn’t align with our goals or preferences. This option means that, if needed, we can adjust our schedules to better reflect our interests, enhancing both our enjoyment and motivation in our studies. Overall, this approach to course selection, combining choice with the ability to refine decisions, creates a more personalized learning experience, enabling us to manage our workload while pursuing classes that we genuinely enjoy.

(5) Extracurriculars

I am actively involved in the school's extracurriculars and believe that the wide variety of extracurriculars that the school offers have provided opportunities for all kinds of students to be involved in the school community. Using me as an example, I am the president of the History Club. I also actively involved in Student Government, Student Ambassador, and the MUN program.

(5) Students

St. George’s feels more like a family than just a school. It’s a place where we’re all united by common values, and you really sense the connection between everyone. Though we come from different backgrounds, our individual experiences only enrich our learning environment and make us stronger as a community. The school emphasizes respect, inclusivity, and teamwork, making it easy to form friendships and feel like you belong. Personally, I find this supportive environment helps me thrive, especially when you’re motivated and open to the many opportunities St. George’s offers. While balancing everything can be challenging at times, there’s always support available to help you through it. Whether it’s guidance from teachers or assistance from friends, you’re never left to figure things out on your own. The sense of camaraderie here makes everyone feel valued and connected, and I’m grateful to be part of such a welcoming place.

(5) School Life

If possible, I would take the visitor to the Saints Café first. It’s one of the most vibrant and bustling spots on campus, and it perfectly showcases a different side of St. George’s. Many people assume that students here are solely focused on their studies, but the atmosphere at the Saints Café proves otherwise. It’s a place where students come together, relax, and unwind. You can always find people chatting, laughing, and sharing stories about their day. Whether it’s friends catching up over coffee, or groups studying in a more laid-back setting, the café is a true hub of social activity. The energy here reflects the close-knit nature of our community: students don’t just come here for food or drinks, but to connect with each other. It’s a great example of how, even with all the academic rigour, St. George’s still fosters a sense of balance and camaraderie among its students.

(5) Community

St. George’s truly feels like home to me because of the deep sense of community that’s embedded in every aspect of school life. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the field, or in extracurricular activities, there’s always a feeling that everyone is respected and encouraged. The teachers and staff take the time to understand each student, creating an atmosphere where we feel valued for who we are. Not to mention the boarding house parents who always care about our well-being. The school is committed to ensuring everyone feels included, offering countless opportunities to get involved and discover where we fit in. With its emphasis on teamwork, respect, empathy, and kindness, St. George’s fosters an environment where students from diverse backgrounds come together, share experiences, and grow as individuals. This sense of belonging enables us to form meaningful connections that will stay with us long after we leave.

(5) School Location

Being a Grade 12 student, I can freely go off campus during my spare or the free time. Personally, I absolutely love to go off the campus with my friends and grab myself a cup of coffee from the local street. Not simply because the delicious taste of the coffee can power me through my afternoon courses, but also because sometimes it is a great time to socialize with my friends.

(5) Admissions

The admissions process at St. George’s felt both thorough and welcoming, giving me a real sense of what the school is like. I really like the idea of the group interview—it was a great opportunity to meet other applicants and get a feel for the school’s atmosphere. The campus tours helped me picture myself at St. George’s, showing me not just the facilities but also the daily life here. While the academic aspect of the process was definitely a challenge, I appreciated how much the school values extracurriculars and well-rounded students. If I could offer advice to future applicants, I’d say be yourself and highlight what makes you unique: your passions and interests matter just as much as your grades.