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Sezarya’s spectacular International Baccalaureate results

As the only school in New Zealand to offer the internationally-recognised dual pathway of Cambridge A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, ACG Parnell College students have the opportunity to choose the option that is right for them. This flexibility ensures students continue to achieve to the highest of their abilities, and 2021 has seen some of the school's best ever results across both curricula.
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Top scholar and recent ACG Parnell College graduate Hongchao Fei (Sezarya)

For recent ACG Parnell College graduate Hongchao Fei (Sezarya), self-discipline and time management both played a critical role in her outstanding academic success.

The highly-motivated student was awarded a phenomenal 44 out of a possible 45 points in her 2021 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). And now Sezarya looks poised to accomplish great things as she heads off to university this year.

"IB has not only provided me with the academic foundations for university but also the ways to learn new things, face challenges and overcome hardships," says Sezarya, whose exceptional results have earned her a New Zealand IB Top Scholar Award.  

"There is never a shortage of smart and knowledgeable people in this world, but we could do with more who have a sense of social responsibility. That's the beauty of the IB programme – it develops students who are able to use their knowledge to improve society."

The hard-working 17-year-old took Chinese, English, mathematics analysis and approaches, economics, physics and chemistry, but is quick to point out there is a lot more to the IBDP than bookwork and classroom learning.

"The programme strengthens students' global awareness and social responsibility and provides plenty of opportunities for individual study and research. I really enjoyed the fact that it allowed me to learn for myself – it was a very precious experience."

Understandably, the top scholar is absolutely thrilled with her results.

"I'm very happy with what I've achieved and the effort I've put into my studies over the past two years. Going into the IB directly after finishing Year 9 in China was a big academic risk for me; however, I now believe it's the best decision I've ever made."

Currently enrolled at the University of Auckland to start a degree majoring in mathematics and economics, Sezarya is also considering a move to the United States for her tertiary studies.

"At the moment, I'm waiting for application results from some US universities. I'm not sure how much my IB results will do for my admission, but I am pretty sure they will help!"

Wherever she finds herself studying this year, Sezarya can't wait to learn new things, make new friends, and tackle her next academic challenge.

Meanwhile, for those yet to embark on their Year 12 and 13 IBDP studies, she shares the following advice: "Everyone is capable of getting an IB diploma if they are willing to try hard enough – attitude makes all the difference. When you think something is hard, you can never overcome the challenge, but when you view it as an opportunity to learn, anything is achievable."