Graduation season is a time of bounty at Pao School. Students often remember this period of cherry blossoms and peer camaraderie with particular affection. Yet the university application process is often accompanied by feelings of confusion and anxiety, for students and parents alike. Recognizing this, Pao School has established a dedicated University and Careers Counselling Office, designed to assist students in identifying the higher education options most suited to them.
The Office guides students in their exploration of colleges, universities, courses, and industries, both locally and internationally. It also offers tailored advice for their future educational pursuits, based on their individual interests and capabilities. The Office provides students with essential support and direction, to help them navigate their college applications successfully. Concurrently, it broadens students' perspectives through a range of workshops and information sessions.
When it comes to UK university applications, Oxford and Cambridge stand out, due to the unique requirements in their application process. They have specific requirements concerning academic results, personal statements, and interviews. To support students applying to Oxbridge and to help them navigate the application season with greater ease, Pao School has been running a special ‘Oxbridge Application Programme’. Oxbridge offers received by Pao School students have increased over the years, with this year's total of 11 reaching an all-time high.
Anna Bullard, a Cambridge University graduate from the UK and the project leader, has highlighted how Pao School seamlessly merges resources and expertise across various academic departments to offer students professional and personal guidance throughout their Oxbridge application journey.
The Oxbridge Application Programme begins with three comprehensive information sessions covering key areas: What is Oxbridge; Selecting a course and college; Admissions tests and personal statement. Once students pinpoint their academic interests, the school facilitates personal mentoring sessions. This year, 15 teachers have been actively engaged in the Oxbridge Application Programme, including Cambridge graduates Anna Bullard, Phoebe Schenk, and Stephen Eddison, as well as Jeff Zhang, who graduated from Oxford University. Mentors assist in the refinement of research topics and personal statements, conduct mock interviews, and remain accessible for any queries. Students with similar search interests can collaborate in student discussion groups, where they hone their ability to articulate opinions clearly and concisely. Interview workshops are designed to boost student confidence for the final online interview. These workshops delve into such essential areas as presentation and interview skills, while fostering flexible thinking, and offering specialized guidance for STEM applications.
Three students who recently applied to Oxbridge shared their experiences. Lorie Li, a student who has been part of the Pao community since Year 1, applied to study Psychological and Behavioural Sciences at Cambridge University. She expresses appreciation for the diverse environment at Pao School, which has helped her become more open-minded and accepting of differing viewpoints in both her personal life and academic pursuits. Lorie also values the continuous support she receives from the school, both in her academic subjects and personal interests, saying this has played a crucial role in her journey.
Lorie (left) participated in a school activity in Year 5
Sophia Xu joined the school in Year 4 and applied to Cambridge University to study Natural Sciences. She appreciates the kindness of her classmates and teachers, who spared no effort to help her in times of need. The resources provided by the school, such as the project on organic synthesis of fluorescent molecules conducted in collaboration with professors from the East China University of Science and Technology, have also inspired her in her discipline.
Sophia Xu received an academic award in Year 9
Sophia Zhou, who joined Pao School in Year 5, was offered a place at the University of Oxford to study Biomedical Sciences. During her years at Pao School, she transformed from a shy girl to an independent and confident individual. She credits the school's open and inclusive atmosphere for encouraging every student to explore their interests and expand into uncharted territories, for her love of literature and her willingness to share it with others, and for her active participation in sports clubs such as the swim team, volleyball team, frisbee and football team.
Sophia Zhou (left) participated in a trip to San Shan Island in Year 5
"The school has provided us with a lot of help in getting to know more about Oxford and Cambridge. The sharing activities organised by Oxbridge application programme has given me a more concrete understanding of life and study at Oxbridge."
-- Sophia Xu, Year 12
