Class of 2011 graduate

Fifty final year students from ACS Hillingdon International School celebrated the completion of High School at their graduation ceremony last week on Thursday 16th June. The event was attended by parents and teachers, who saw the students mark the end of their school careers and reflect on their achievements of the past two years.

The students were addressed by Brian Hadfield, who began his career in teaching modern languages but is now a leading figure in business having held senior executive positions in a number of large companies.

The majority of the students have recently completed their International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, while others mark the end of their Advanced Placement (AP) examinations (American university-level courses).  The IB is an international qualification, widely recognised by the world's leading universities, whilst AP courses earn students valuable credit at North America universities that are looking for able, motivated students.

They were presented their High School Diploma certificates by Ginger Apple, Head of School and Monika Howick, High School Principal. Monika said:

"Graduation day is the culmination of all the hard work, effort, and perseverance of a number of parties: the students, the teachers, and the parents. It is through this important partnership that goals are set and dreams can be achieved. Congratulations to the ACS Hillingdon Class of 2011."

Abbey Judd, Student Council President, has graduated having completed her Advanced Placement examinations. Abbey, who is also the 2011 winner of the coveted Founders' Award, which recognises academic achievement, contribution to school life, service to others, and leadership, stated:

"The AP programme is really rigorous and provides you with a lot of knowledge. It also ensures that you are very organized and makes you have strong study habits. Learning these skills  will prepare me for college, for I'm heading off to Brigham Young University in Utah, USA."

Neha Lalani, who studied the IB added:

"I think that the IB Diploma has been great preparation for my future studies.  I am planning to study medicine, and in order to do so one needs so many qualities that the IB Diploma helped me to develop. Thanks to the IB I have learnt how to handle a stressful situation calmly and that is something that is really important in a doctor."