News
Nov 11 2024
BCIS Scholarship Stories
At BCIS, the essence of high-quality learning and teaching is grounded in a student-centered approach, where teaching is not only of the highest standards but also deeply personalized to support each learner’s unique journey. Our aim is to foster a culture of inquiry, resourceful and independent learning, and personal growth, empowering students to chart their own paths toward success while contributing to the communities they are in.
Since the inception of the BCIS scholarship program in 2007, the school has continually expanded its offerings to support aspiring students. Last academic year, we introduced two new initiatives: the APEX Scholarship for Innovators and the Scholarship for Future Leaders, both aimed at strengthening our support for external applicants and their families seeking to join the BCIS community. Over the past 17 years, the BCIS scholarship program has helped hundreds of recipients become an integral part of the BCIS spirit, driving positive change in our community and inspiring others do the same.
This year, we take a moment to reflect on the remarkable journeys of our scholarship recipients and hear firsthand how the program has impacted their learning experiences.
The Founders' Scholarship, BCIS’ highest honor, is awarded to students who demonstrate a passion for inquiry and proactive learning, as well as a strong sense of responsibility. This scholarship not only recognizes a strong academic performance but also serves as a motivator for recipients to embrace the BCIS spirit, pursue their passions, and continuously shape their identities to positively impact the world around them. One such recipient, Jiarong, is a prime example of this ideal — an individual who is truly limitless in his thinking.
Throughout his time at BCIS, Jiarong has been deeply involved in a wide range of engaging projects, actively driving those around him to strive for improvement on a personal and community level. As a founding member of the secondary school’s Circular Garden project, he has always displayed a profound commitment to sustainability, embodying the BCIS approach to social responsibility and innovative thinking. His team’s work was recognized as they won the prestigious Jim Koerschen Innovation Award from the Association of China and Mongolia International Schools (ACAMIS) three times in a row, each for different projects.
Jiarong also combined his knowledge of chemistry, biology, and circuitry to design a solar power system for the garden, which not only lit up the space but also supported the school’s push toward sustainable energy practices as well. On top of this, Jiarong has also showcased his leadership and organizational skills at the Avenir Business Competition, where he led his team in garnering podium-level finishes in a competition that brought together students from international schools from across Beijing to share their innovative entrepreneurial ideas.
On social media, Jiarong has a significant presence, where he shares his vast array of personal inquiry-based projects, such as his designs and implementations of hydroponic planting racks, solar panels, VEX robots, and his interactive design work. His work online has garnered over 100 million views, happy to share his ideas with his local community at school and the wider world. “It has been a constant supporter of my ideas,” said Jiarong of the scholarship, “providing valuable resources for initiatives like Avenir.” He believes that being a dreamer is about not just thinking about the present but also creating possibilities for the future.
Thanks to the Founder's Scholarship, Jiarong has been able to rapidly advance his learning journey, ensuring his ideas and creativity continue to flourish without limitation.
For BCIS, the Merit Scholarship is not just a recognition of talent but an acknowledgment of dedication in various fields; anything from literature and mathematics to creative arts and public service, BCIS believes that every effort to improve the world, and every student who dedicates themselves to their passions, deserves support and encouragement.
One such recipient, Ivy, perfectly exemplifies this philosophy through her passion for psychology and public welfare. As a core member of the BCIS Hope project, Ivy has made a significant impact on children with special needs by using equine therapy to aid in their rehabilitation.
Ivy was pivotal in attracting more students to the project and played a significant role in collaborating with partner organizations to ensure the activities were well-planned and executed. Additionally, she integrated drama therapy into the program, which became one of its most distinctive and impactful elements.
Looking ahead, Ivy plans to work with the non-governmental organization NEST to expand the reach of the Hope project, while also aiming to host a multimedia exhibition to raise awareness about the challenges facing children with special needs in order to inspire community support.
Reflecting on her journey, Ivy emphasized the profound sense of fulfillment that comes from helping others. The Merit Scholarship, she noted, has been instrumental in encouraging her to pursue her passions proactively and continually challenge herself. “It has inspired me to push forward and contribute to parts of my community that need help,” she said. “I hope my work can inspire others to make a difference.”
Catherine's journey emerging into a leader is a testament to the transformative power of teamwork at BCIS. As a recipient of the Merit Scholarship, her growth in the field of sports exemplifies the spirit of a BCIS warrior.
Catherine’s passion for volleyball started in ninth grade, where she quickly rose through the ranks to become the captain and player-coach of the girls’ volleyball team. But her greatest pride lies not in her own personal accomplishments, but in her role in founding the Student Athletics Council—a pivotal initiative that helped foster a stronger sports culture at BCIS. Catherine and her peers identified a gap in the school’s sports offerings, where there were many talented athletes but no platform to truly showcase their skills or create a unified sports community. To fill this void, they launched the Council, with the goal of increasing engagement and participation in sports across the school.
Under Catherine's leadership, the council has organized numerous events, both within the school and in collaboration with external groups, creating a vibrant sports community among students and alumni. Catherine also utilized social media to extend the school’s sports spirit beyond BCIS, successfully establishing a cross-school sports network and elevating the BCIS’s influence in the world of Beijing international school sports.
Through her experience leading the Athletics Council, Catherine realized that true leadership is not about individual achievement, but about empowering others and helping the team succeed. In tenth grade, she was focused solely on personal success, choosing to wear the number one jersey, symbolizing being the “number one” player. By eleventh grade, however, her approach to leadership evolved to prioritize teamwork and the development of her teammates. By dedicating herself to their improvement, she, too, found her own growth.
One question from the Head of School, Mr. Egerton, always stuck out to Catherine after her first attempt at applying for the Merit Scholarship didn’t succeed: "You’ve achieved a lot, but what have you done for the development of the community?", which prompted her to reflect on what true leadership means. Catherine now understands that a true leader is not someone who simply seeks personal excellence but one who empowers others, ensuring that the community grows as a whole. Today, Catherine is not only the founder of the Student Athletics Council but also works to engage younger students in their regular sports programs, ensuring the culture she helped cultivate will continue after her graduation.
The Merit Scholarship has provided Catherine with a platform to showcase her achievements while deepening her understanding of leadership, which has been an essential catalyst in her personal growth, teaching her the value of empowering others and leaving a lasting legacy.
Through its diverse scholarship offerings, BCIS seeks to attract more students who share its vision of self-application and its commitment to development and growth. Whether through technological innovation, public service, or sports, the learners we highlighted today have made a lasting impact on their community and beyond. Their spirit of inquiry, agency, leadership, and collaboration has not only influenced those around them but has brought about meaningful, tangible change. The BCIS Scholarship Program continues to provide invaluable support, motivating students to strive for excellence and realize our HQLT goals.
