International Students

Year 10 Media Award

Recently international student Cindy won an award in the Year 10 Media weekly photo challenge, here is her reflection on this competition: 

The topic of the photo challenge was “an object that can best represent yourself”. I took a photo of my instant camera as it well represents one of my hobbies. Photo shooting is a meaningful way to record life, especially when using an instant camera, it can capture some tiny moments as the memories of life. 

Media is one of my favourite subjects because I can express my ideas in many different forms such as pictures, short videos and zines. I am very excited after winning the award. This prize means a lot to me as it encourages me to express myself more in my future media studies, and it also increases my interest in media.

Cindy L. 10F

Arty International Student

I’m not necessarily a creative person, I prefer to redraw my favourite panels in manga as it’s relaxing and satisfying. I’ve always enjoyed anime since I was in Y3 and never had a desire to become a mangaka or artist, drawing my favourite moments in a series are just a passion projects for myself. Typically, I also prefer redrawing characters with unusual hair or clothing as I feel they are more unique and easily distinguishable; it guides me to figure out more ways to draw/line hair, the folds of clothes, eyes and expressions. however, I don’t really draw girls as I am just not good at it; the normal template for their faces in most animation is smaller which makes it difficult to portray a range of emotions as I’m not good at delicate drawings. Furthermore, I end up drawing males as I often enjoy series with a male protagonist and out of all the anime’s I’ve seen I normally draw characters from D. Gray Man. They have a gothic feel but the personalities of the characters are full of determination and optimism, bless Katsura Hoshino. In which way it helps you? Drawing is also a good way to pass time and make memories; I’ve saved drawings from Y7 and typically enjoy roasting or celebrating my past drawings with my sister. 

Kit Yun H. 12

International Student Buddy Program

International Student Program has launched a 'buddy program', pairing new students with existing DSC students, offering them support from peers who have adjusted well socially and achieved excellent academic results.

Here is the reflection of some new internationals: 

The buddy program is very helpful to me. They are really nice and kind so we have been keeping in touch with each other. One of my buddies that I make friend with has the same favourite KPOP band, which is amazing. Even though we study in different classes, but we always have lunch together. 

Che C. 8K

On the first day of High School, we had this International Orientation Day Program to introduce what high school is like etc. On that day we’re assigned with people that were from the same/similar background as you and I was paired up with a girl named Cynthia, she also brought her other friend with her and her name was Hannah. They were all really nice and I really enjoyed getting to know them and talking to them. Overall, I really enjoyed that short session with them it made me feel really happy to get to meet other people from the same background as you and also meeting their other friends! 

Adrian R. 7C

Starting High school is a challenging phase for everyone, myself included. Just the thought of going to high school made me nervous and uneasy. I had thought running through my head, for example, “What if I get lost? Are the teachers nice? Will the tests be hard, Etc?” Those were just some of the question that made me overthink, but the main fear I had was whether or not I was able to make friends. Luckily, that problem was solved before I had time to stress about it. DSC has a buddy program that helps individuals like me feel comfortable about the change they have to go through and the fears they have to overcome. Despite going through a big change in life, having a buddy made my high school experience easier and more comfortable. High school has never been easier. 

The buddy program was helpful and considerate. My buddy was remarkable along with the people in-charge. The program was very thoughtful, as well as the team behind it. And now, after a week of getting used to high school, I couldn’t have done it without the hard work and effort put into the buddy program. Fatima A. 7J