Find out how a XCL World Academy (formerly known as GEMS World Academy Singapore) education helped George Ponodath prepare for university life in one of the UK’s top schools
As expat parents, there’s nothing we want more than to know our kids can succeed and thrive — even if they’re thousands of miles away in university. Which is why we’re such big fans of GEMS student George Ponodath’s story. George has been studying at XCL World Academy (formerly known as GEMS World Academy Singapore)for the past five years and is now studying in one of the most prestigious medical programs in the world – pretty awesome stuff!
George shared with HoneyKids why he’s so excited about studying medicine at University College London (UCL), and how his years at XCL World Academy (formerly known as GEMS World Academy Singapore)helped prepare him by moulding him into a creative thinker and global citizen…
Hi George, tell us about your experience at GEMS
The IB Diploma Program is very demanding. Students are expected and encouraged to explore a wide range of global ideas, think critically and creatively, and expand both their intellectual and emotional intelligence capabilities.
XCL is a great place to nurture personal growth, develop leadership skills and pursue the talents you’ve always wanted to. Over the past couple of years, I’ve had a chance to lead the Student Council and chair the MUN Conference, develop public speaking skills, collaborate with the school’s management team and students across all grade levels.
What made you decide to study medicine at UCL?
I’ve always been fascinated by the natural world and science. This interest led me to my love of biology and chemistry. My biology classes with Mr Grundhoefer were very student-centric. He has great respect for his students and treats them like young adults. He always encouraged us to take ownership of our learning, ask questions, think critically, and offer our inputs. He was always very supportive, and his classes prepared me well for university.
What was the application process to UCL like?
Our University Counsellor, Mr McAuley, helped me a lot. He supported me through the process of researching universities and applying to UCL. He guided me on how to write a personal statement for the university application and helped me to explain why I would bea great candidate for one of the most prestigious medical courses in the world.
Now that you’re at UCL, would you say it was an easy transition?
While I was at XCL, I had the opportunity to study and befriend people from all over the world. Despite moving to a big city and diving into a new culture, my transition to London and UCL has been a seamless one because of my experience at XCL. The support of my teachers was essential in helping me appreciate the nuances of each subject and contributed to my holistic growth. Thanks to them, I’ve learned important lessons and soft skills that I’ll use for the rest of my life.
More about XCL World Academy (formerly known as GEMS World Academy Singapore)
When it comes to prepping students for university, you can count on the learning experts at XCL World Academy (formerly known as GEMS World Academy Singapore) to arm your children with the tools they need to succeed in the future. As the first and only international school in Singapore authorised to offer all four International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, students have the chance to benefit from a personalised, well-rounded education that stretches beyond the traditional academic subjects. Yep, they’ll be able to do arts, music, drama, design, innovative technologies and sport too!
To learn more about XCL World Academy (formerly known as GEMS World Academy Singapore), book a school tour today!
This post is in partnership with XCL World Academy (formerly known as GEMS World Academy Singapore)