International Students
International Student's
Equestrian Training
International student Jeffrey S (10C), originally from Hong Kong, not only enjoys the academic side of life at DSC, but also enjoys making time for activities such as equestrian sports. He shares his thoughts:
Q: What have you learnt from equestrian sports training?
A: I have learnt how to walk, trot, canter, gallop and do show jumping.
Q: What do you enjoy the most?
A: I enjoy show jumping because it’s exciting.
Q: What do you find most challenging?
A: Riding a horse is challenging as you need to control your emotions. If you feel nervous, your horse will sense that and will also be nervous.
Extra Support During Remote Learning
The International Student Program at DSC has set up an online platform to give students the support they would normally receive at school. Students can access support groups on Microsoft Teams during recess and lunch, and after-school support daily from 3:30 to 4:30pm to address their academic and social needs.
Students are divided into five groups based on their year level, and can meet with staff once a week through a video call so that they can see us regularly.
During these after-school sessions, we focus on English language conversation skills, homework, classwork, wellbeing check-ins, homestay issues and peer support. If necessary, year level coordinators, career and wellbeing staff can join these sessions. We can even include students’ guardians and homestay families if they want to participate. We know it’s very important to put extra support measures in place for our international students during these difficult times.
Sally HUANG, Director of International Student Program
Holiday Reflections During COViD-19
Term One holidays were challenging for all international students at DSC as they couldn't travel, meet their friends or play team sports. However, they are a resilient and positive group of teenagers! Here's how they spent their break.
By Tien Hieu (Harry) B (11A)
Q: Did you do/learn anything new to enrich your holiday?
A: Although we had to cancel an important event I had been working on (University Open Day for Vietnamese High School Students), I was able to spend time on self-reflection and study. I am trying to achieve a better score for IELTS and SAT, so I kept busy by studying. Furthermore, my relationship with my homestay family was strengthened. Spending time by yourself and with the people around you can bring positive surprises.
Q: What was hard about the holidays and how did you overcome this?
A: Missing home was hard, so to deal with that I called my parents regularly.
Q: Did you receive any support from DSC during the holidays?
A: Yes, all of my teachers were awesome. When I had questions about subjects, I emailed them and they were so helpful. Miss Huang also called me to see how I was feeling, which made me feel cared for.
By Shin Thant (Berry) E (9E)
Over the holidays I had a mini photoshoot in my backyard with my cousins. I also learnt how to solve a Rubik’s cube under three minutes!
As a shopaholic, it's really hard for me to stay home. It's also hard not to see my friends or family. To keep busy, I do online shopping or video call my friends.
Doncaster Secondary College gave us weekly updates about COVID-19 before the term began, and some teachers contacted us to see if we were doing alright during this uncertain time.
By Xinyi (Cindy) L (9G)
I enjoyed the holidays. I started to learn how to cook and it’s fun! I received support about the remote learning program and I'm glad I can email teachers for help. The International Student Program at DSC also provided me with all the support I needed.