School Advisor Articles

How Fairview International School Ipoh Helped Shape Isabel Chin's Journey

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Dec 04, 2024

At just 18, Isabel Chin Kay Yee from Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, has already had a transformative educational journey that spans across three countries. She is currently a freshman at Lake Forest College in Illinois and a proud Davis Scholar in the United World College (UWC) programme. Her two years at UWC ISAK Japan, where she studied with peers from over 83 countries, were life-changing.

But it all started closer to home at Fairview International School Ipoh (FISI), where she built the foundation that helped her thrive academically and personally. Her time at FISI was full of growth and new experiences. She feels the school gave her opportunities she might not have explored elsewhere.

"In FISI, I studied under the International Baccalaureate programme for both Primary and Middle years,” she says

FISI created a flexible, engaging environment that encouraged students to think creatively and collaborate. Subjects like Individuals and Societies included group discussions and mind-mapping exercises, which made learning interactive and enjoyable. One teacher who left a lasting impression on Isabel was Ms. Chermaine Lim, who taught her chemistry and physics and was also her homeroom teacher.

"She greatly impacted my studies and work ethic in general. Though she taught chemistry and physics, I had to apply certain artistic elements in the class, such as creating note sheets and videos, and that made me enjoy doing STEM, which I never expected myself to find joy in."

Studying at FISI exposed Isabel to numerous learning opportunities she had not previously considered, proving highly beneficial.

Beyond the classroom, Ms. Lim’s warmth and guidance were invaluable. She often shared personal experiences that inspired her students to confidently tackle challenges. Her encouragement motivated Isabel to give her best in every task.

Beyond academics, Isabel participated in several co-curricular activities, including the Cooking Club, Badminton Club, and the Student Council, where she served as President. Her leadership role in the council helped her develop essential skills. She organised events such as Chinese New Year celebrations, leadership camps, and Halloween activities. Leading these events during the pandemic was challenging, but it taught her how to adapt to new situations and maintain connections with her peers.

Being part of the Student Council helped Isabel grow as a leader and made her application for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) stand out. "Universities look for students who take initiative, and your role in managing large-scale events demonstrates a strong capacity for leadership," she says.

Apart from leadership roles, Isabel also pursued dance at FISI, which became a major part of her life. She continued dancing at UWC ISAK Japan and later joined the dance team at Lake Forest College.

"Fairview allowed me to explore what I truly enjoyed and continue to pursue my passions further."

Choosing IB over A Levels

When Isabel was choosing between pre-university qualifications, the IB programme stood out as the right fit for her. She appreciated its focus on more than just exams, saying, “I felt more suited to a learning environment where I could interact with my peers and be evaluated on more than just exams.”

Collaboration and skill-building were key aspects of what she wanted in a program. The IB provided plenty of opportunities to work with peers while honing her research, critical thinking, and creativity. Projects like the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge encouraged her to explore and grow rather than just memorise facts.

“The balance of academic and creative disciplines, along with opportunities for extracurricular activities, made it the perfect fit for my goals,” Isabel says.

Isabel has advice for all aspiring students: Opportunities don’t come twice, so take them while you can.

During her IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), Isabel thrived academically, earning top scores (7) in subjects like English Language & Literature and Mandarin Language Acquisition, Integrated Humanities, Biology, Design, and Interdisciplinary Learning. Her strong performance across humanities, sciences, and design reflected her dedication and versatility, laying a solid foundation for her future studies.

Transition to UWC ISAK Japan and University

FISI’s IB programme prepared Isabel well to transition to UWC ISAK Japan. She was already familiar with the grading system and assessment style, which helped her settle in quickly.

"I already understood what was expected from students regarding assessments, so I could focus more on the content rather than just figuring out the structure."

FISI’s focus on global issues, especially in humanities classes, gave her the tools to engage in meaningful discussions with peers from diverse backgrounds at UWC. This foundation not only helped her academically but also allowed her to build strong connections with others.

Today, Isabel is studying for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in New Media Art and Design at Lake Forest College.

Isabel’s experience at FISI and her familiarity with IB grading eased her adaptation to the IBDP at UWC ISAK Japan.

Advice for Parents Considering Fairview

For parents thinking about FISI for their children, Isabel believes the school offers much more than a standard academic experience — it’s a transformative journey shaped by its IB curriculum. She sees the IB programme as an excellent choice for students who may not thrive in a traditional, exam-focused environment, as it emphasises holistic development and personal growth.

"Fairview's approach encourages students to think critically, explore their creativity, and develop a deep sense of curiosity. It’s not just about memorising facts, but about understanding and applying concepts to real-world situations."

This approach can offer a much-needed change for children who feel constrained by rigid educational systems, giving them the freedom to learn and grow in their own way.

This approach can provide a refreshing and supportive alternative for children who find rigid educational systems overwhelming. Reflecting on her own journey, Isabel shares simple yet powerful advice for aspiring students: "Opportunities don’t come twice — take them while you can."

Her time at FISI shaped her into a confident, curious, and determined individual, ready to embrace new challenges and pursue her dreams.