At ASJ Foshan, we always uphold a core belief: The growth of students is the success of school.
We never merely chase standardized answers here. Instead, we focus on whether students can build resilience amid changes, find their own direction through exploration, and nurture inner strength in an inclusive, understanding and supportive environment.
For senior students transitioning to new academic curricula, growth means far more than simply adapting to a new education system. Shifts in language immersion, learning mindsets and classroom learning modes all mark a brand-new start.
In this feature, we share the genuine stories of three students.Though they start from different paths and hold distinct aspirations, all of them have discovered their unique routes to growth at ASJ Foshan.
From “Adjusting to a New Curriculum” to “Finding a New Rhythm of Growth”
When Li first enrolled at ASJ Foshan, what she struggled with most was not the difficulty of courses, but the shift in the learning environment. In the public school system she attended before, students were mostly used to studying quietly on their own. Coming here, she truly experienced for the first time a warm class atmosphere filled with mutual support. Whenever problems arise, classmates are willing to discuss ideas and share learning methods. This open atmosphere gradually helped her ease the discomfort and unfamiliarity during the curriculum transition.
"I believe communicating more with peers matters a lot. I can learn diverse ways of thinking from them, which greatly aids my problem-solving and academic progress."
The shift in learning approaches also left a deep impression on her.
In class, teachers grant students greater freedom to learn independently. She noticed that instead of arranging every single detail for them, teachers encourage students to explore knowledge and figure out solutions on their own. Especially in English classes, teachers adopt iPad-based interactive e-learning, turning knowledge points into challenges, quizzes and point-earning tasks, making lessons relaxing yet highly efficient.
With growing interest in study, she took the initiative to expand her vocabulary and polish reading skills, and never hesitated to turn to teachers for advice.
Beyond academics, she also serves as the vice class monitor and takes part in class management affairs. Through constant communication, coordination and dedication to her classmates, she has learned how to get along well with others and truly grasped the meaning of collective honor. "I used to think studying was only my own business, but now I realize that every member shares responsibility for the whole class."
Now she has set new goals for herself: preparing for the IELTS exam to steadily improve her English proficiency, and devoting time to delve deeper into her favorite subject — Chemistry. She also hopes to step out into the world someday and embrace broader horizons.
Follow Inner Passion, Unlock New Growth Possibilities
Tan, who also switched to this new academic track, shared his thoughts: "Science subjects have become much easier." After starting his DSE studies, he found that he could easily build up confidence in learning.
Yet at the same time, English learning poses increasingly obvious challenges. Largely due to his limited vocabulary, he realized he needed to devote more time and effort to this subject. Teachers guide students to expand vocabulary through reading and recommend IELTS study materials to solidify their language foundation. For him, studying is no longer merely completing assigned tasks. Instead, with teachers’ guidance and support, he has gradually found his own ideal learning pace.
If classroom learning has helped Tan Yue build academic confidence, competition experiences have taught him how to truly solve practical problems.
At the 2026 Spark Competition, he worked with his teammates to finish overall project design, sort out problems, conduct repeated tests and optimizations, and polish full-English presentation scripts, ultimately winning the Business Innovation Achievement Award. These experiences have helped him grow comfortable showcasing himself on bigger stages. "When facing large audiences, I gradually stay calm and no longer feel timid."
He is fond of Rubik's Cubes and has taken part in relevant competitions at home and abroad. Whenever overwhelmed by study pressure, he adjusts his mood by solving Rubik's Cubes. Rather than regarding such hobbies as distractions from studies, the school encourages students to discover their passions and strengths in diverse fields.
At ASJ Foshan, he greatly appreciates the harmonious teacher-student dynamic here. Teachers are willing to listen to students’ ideas and communicate with them like friends, while peers always encourage and motivate one another. Surrounded by outstanding classmates, he is constantly inspired to forge ahead.
Since enrolling, he believes his biggest transformation lies in his way of thinking. "I used to bury myself in rote learning and stick rigidly to textbooks, but now I try to reflect on life and growth from brand-new perspectives."
Growth extends beyond classrooms, stride toward all-round development
Fan has deeply felt the power of all-round development during her time at ASJ Foshan.When she first started learning the DSE curriculum, she found that the answering logic of many subjects was vastly different from what she had learned before. Take Chinese reading as an example; she had to explore brand-new answering rules from scratch.
"I do feel under pressure, as most of my classmates are highly diligent and hard-working. I take the initiative to identify my weaknesses and learn from those around me."
Guided by the school’s philosophy of holistic education, she has gained plentiful learning opportunities outside class and begun to attach greater importance to long-term self-development.
Besides academic coursework, she actively participates in competitions such as the AMC and BBO, delivers speeches on the TEDxASJ Foshan Youth stage, and joins the Model United Nations and Debate Society. She has also taken part in Bay Area MUN activities in Shenzhen. These experiences have enabled her to step beyond textbook boundaries and vastly broaden her vision.
In her view, what the school offers students is not only academic support, but also a nurturing environment that encourages them to explore the world and sharpen their expressive and critical thinking skills. "My mindset has undergone tremendous changes. Back in junior high, I solely focused on academic scores and neglected the development of my all-round abilities. Since coming to ASJ Foshan, I have become more composed, no longer feeling upset over temporary fluctuations in grades. Now I consistently rank among the top students in my class and grade, and I am confident in maintaining steady progress in my studies."
These subtle shifts in personal growth are far more valuable than a mere improvement in exam scores.
A major feature of the HKDSE curriculum is that it opens up diverse and promising pathways for further education and personal development. Therefore, the senior high programme at ASJ Foshan not only helps students consolidate academic foundations and build a systematic knowledge framework, but also respects individual differences in growth to inspire their inner drive for self-improvement.
Some discover their strengths and clear career orientations here, others regain initiative in learning, and many come to realize that hobbies are never opposed to study. Instead, they serve as a source of nourishment that empowers them to move forward steadily and go further in life.
All these transformations and gains will gradually take root in their life journey, becoming solid confidence that enables them to embrace the future bravely and tackle challenges with poise.
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