School Advisor Articles

elc International School: Bhadra Sreejith's Journey from Quiet Student to a Confident Professional

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Jan 15, 2024

Bhadra credits her parents for sending her to elc, acknowledging the school's role in shaping her present self.

In the heart of a lush, green campus surrounded by the Sungai Buloh hills, Bhadra Sreejith embarked on a transformative educational journey at elc International School. The picturesque setting was just the beginning of an experience that shaped not only academic success but also personal growth and professional achievement.

“elc International School transformed me from a shy 13-year-old to a confident, friendly 16-year-old,” says Bhadra, a former student who is now Acting Strategy Director at The Telegraph. 

Studying at elc International School

Founded in 1987, elc International School has developed a reputation for its dedication to both academic and social excellence. Mrs Margaret Kaloo, the visionary CEO and Founder, instilled in the school three core values – ‘excellence in everything we do’, ‘loyalty to each other and the School’, and ‘commitment to continuous improvement.’ These values, echoed in the school’s motto, ‘Learn to Aspire,’ encourage students to seek success as they work towards reaching their personal, social and academic potential.

elc holds its students to high standards, fostering a culture of excellence that extends beyond academics. Here, discipline and organisation are not mere virtues but tools for unlocking one's full potential.

“We were always encouraged to work hard and be disciplined and organised, no matter how big or small the task. A half-hearted effort was never good enough,” Bhadra says. These lessons became the foundation of a strong work ethic that Bhadra carries with her even a decade later.

Bhadra believes international schools cultivate invaluable cultural capital, enhancing students' global perspectives and benefiting them at university and in their careers.

The small class sizes, capped at 20 students, and year groups limited to 60, created an intimate setting where faces became familiar and connections deepened. Today, the bonds formed during those school days remain strong, a testament to the close-knit community elc fostered.

The school library became her sanctuary, its shelves overflowing with books waiting to be explored. Devouring books at a rate of 30 a term, Bhadra was an avid reader and still is to this day.

Bhadra's dedication to academics bore fruit when she scored an impressive 10A* in her IGCSEs. The school’s academic environment and teachers’ commitment to students’ success propelled Bhadra and her classmates to achieve exceptional results.

“We were always taught to aim for the best results possible, and our year group had really strong results at IGCSEs. Teachers put much effort into ensuring students are best placed to achieve strong grades.”

The demanding academic rigour and environment can be a challenge for some, but it fuelled Bhadra to success. She believes the school’s emphasis on ethical values and hard work undoubtedly leaves a lasting mark on students.

For A Levels, Bhadra pursued English Literature, Maths, Chemistry and Economics at HELP College, achieving an outstanding 4A*.

Enriching Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs)

elc wasn’t just about textbooks and exams. It was in school that Bhadra found her voice as a prefect, her passion on stage in musicals and her talent as a writer for the school magazine. Leading her Yellow House crew in inter-house competitions – the adrenaline rush of strategising, orchestrating practices, and witnessing the joyous chaos of victory are memories she cherishes to this day.

These experiences contributed to the vibrant school community and laid the groundwork for Bhadra’s future success at the London School of Economics (LSE). “The experience I gained from CCAs helped with joining and running university societies at LSE,” she says.

Transition to University and Beyond

Transitioning to the multicultural environment of LSE, Bhadra found her experiences at elc invaluable. The international exposure facilitated an understanding of diverse cultures, making it easier to navigate the cosmopolitan atmosphere at the university. Bhadra reflects, “It helped that many of my elc friends went to university in London at the same time and were going through the same thing.”

Studying BSc Government and Economics at LSE was a decision made during A-levels, but Bhadra credits elc for offering sage advice in Year 9. A teacher’s counsel to ‘work backwards’ from university goals influenced her academic journey, showcasing the long-lasting impact of mentorship at the school.

After LSE, Bhadra went on to Bain & Company as a management consultant in their London office, and is currently working at The Telegraph

Advice for Parents Considering International Schools

For parents contemplating international schools, Bhadra stresses the profound impact of such institutions. “International schools open your children's eyes to a wide variety of experiences and encourage them to mix with people who are not exactly like themselves.”

Bhadra believes elc wasn’t just a stepping stone to academic success; it was a stepping stone that shaped her into the confident, well-rounded individual she is today. She says, “Eelc encouraged us to work outwards from our moral centre in everything we did. It also emphasised the value of hard work and set high student success standards.”

elc’s legacy for Bhadra isn’t just polished presentations and a stellar work ethic – it’s the memory of playing games under the Sungai Buloh sky, the thrill of inter-house victories, and the enduring friendships forged in the crucible of learning. It’s a gift she cherishes, one she wholeheartedly recommends to future learners.

“It’s the best decision my parents could have made for me then, and I am very thankful to them for it.”