School Advisor Articles

Valerie Ho’s Impactful Journey at The Alice Smith School

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Aug 07, 2024

Have you ever wondered how it feels to study in an international school after having been in a national school for 11 years? Will it be challenging to adjust to a new environment, or will it be an exciting opportunity to broaden your horizons?

The transition from a national to an international school can be a significant shift, filled with both opportunities and challenges. You’ll find yourself surrounded by diverse perspectives, new teaching methods and a multicultural student body. It can be a chance to develop a global mindset, enhance your adaptability and gain valuable experiences that will shape your future.

It’s something to ponder, or you could ask Valerie Ho, who went from SMK Seksyen 4 Bandar Kinrara to The Alice Smith School in 2018.

“Upon completing my SPM examinations in 2017, I had the honour of receiving the KLASS Scholarship, a full scholarship granted by The Alice Smith School to pursue Sixth Form in their secondary campus for 2 years," she says. "Transitioning to an international school was fairly daunting at first due to the vast differences in culture, community and teaching styles, however, I was excited to embark on this path of unfamiliarity where development opportunities abound.”

A New Chapter at The Alice Smith School

Valerie’s time at Alice Smith School was marked by significant personal and academic development. The transition to an international school came with its challenges — differences in culture, community, and teaching styles were immediately apparent. However, the support and encouragement from the school community played a crucial role in easing her adaptation.

“In my two years at The Alice Smith School, I have witnessed the diligence, commitment, and passion that this organisation provides for its students. The campus staff, including the teachers, scholarship admissions team, and administrative management team were all incredibly supportive in my learning journey, exerting utmost patience and understanding, especially during my initial transition to a foreign environment.”

Valerie played the saxophone in the KLASS Jazz band, performing regularly at annual recitals, concerts, and school events.

The curriculum at Alice Smith promotes independent thinking through a variety of engaging methods beyond traditional textbooks. Innovative approaches such as mock debates and short film screenings enrich the learning experience, making it more dynamic and interactive. What’s more, with class sizes limited to twenty or fewer students, teachers can build close relationships and offer personalised attention to their students.

Cultural integration is a cornerstone of the Alice Smith ethos, with over 50 nationalities represented within the school community. This multicultural environment fosters global awareness among students, enriched by events like the annual International Day and cultural food festivals. Such initiatives contribute to a well-rounded education, making Valerie’s Sixth Form experience both enjoyable and impactful.

Beyond academics, Valerie thrived in the school’s vibrant co-curricular scene. As a member of the KLASS Jazz band, she played the saxophone and participated in annual recitals, concerts and school events. Her leadership role as President of the KLASS Community allowed her to organise various initiatives, including fundraising for underprivileged communities and promoting internationalism.

“Through these experiences, I was able to hone transferable skill sets beyond academics and fully integrate myself into the vibrant and incredibly diverse community that characterises The Alice Smith School.”

It is no wonder she was awarded the Key Stage 5 Award, which is given to students who reflect the core values of The Alice Smith School as individuals and as students.

Valerie was awarded a full scholarship to study law at the University of Warwick for three years.

Academic Excellence and University Preparation

During her A-Levels, Valerie pursued subjects including Psychology, Mathematics and Economics.

The school’s support extended beyond academics, particularly in preparing her for university applications. The Higher Education (HE) team provided comprehensive assistance, from individual consultations on university choices to workshops on crafting effective personal statements. They also facilitated sessions with experts to prepare students for tests like the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) and arranged interactions with alumni who shared their experiences and insights.

Valerie’s hard work and the support from Alice Smith culminated in her securing a place at the University of Warwick to read law.

That’s not all. In 2019, Valerie achieved a significant milestone by securing the CIMB ASEAN Scholarship — a prestigious honour that stands out even more given the context. That year, the scholarship attracted over 9,000 applicants from across ASEAN, with only 15 to 20 candidates shortlisted. Valerie emerged as one of the select few to receive this coveted award, which allowed her to pursue her undergraduate studies at the University of Warwick.

The Alice Smith School played a crucial role in Valerie’s scholarship success. The encouragement from her teachers and the resources provided by the school were instrumental in her preparation for the rigorous application process. The school’s proactive support, including frequent check-ins and connecting Valerie with key individuals, was vital in achieving her scholarship goal.

“This was a huge turning point in my life as it fulfilled my personal and professional aspirations of studying abroad, besides greatly easing my parents’ financial burden. While the scholarship application process was extensive and arduous, it was an unforgettable experience as I got to form valuable relationships with like-minded peers.”

Currently, Valerie is working in investment banking within CIMB.

Impact on University Experience and Career Path

Valerie’s Alice Smith background had a profound impact on her university experience. The international exposure and intercultural awareness gained at the school made transitioning to university life abroad much smoother.

“It honed my intercultural awareness, which allowed me to adapt quickly to novel environments and be receptive to trying new things. In terms of the learning environment, I was comfortable with the level of independent research required in university assignments, which required stronger critical analysis and reasoning skills.”

Currently, Valerie works in investment banking within CIMB. Although her role differs from her initial career pursuit in law, the skills and knowledge acquired during her degree have equipped her for success in the finance sector.

Looking back, Valerie is grateful to The Alice Smith School, which has opened many doors for her. “The combination of expert educators, varied curriculum offer and excellent facilities has been outstanding and only serves as a testament to the school’s ability to provide the very best for its students.”