STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
Celebrating the Class of 2025
At ACS Hillingdon, we take great pride in the journeys our students undertake during their time here – both in the classroom and beyond. In this edition of Student Spotlights, we shine a light on five graduating students from the Class of 2025 whose stories reflect the diversity, ambition, and spirit of our international school community.
Brendan
Brendan was enrolled in ACS Hillingdon's mixed pathway, combining International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
Brendan’s time at ACS Hillingdon was shaped by the strong support he received here. He credits his teachers for their detailed, constructive feedback, and praises the university counselling team for their depth of knowledge. “They’re like encyclopedias,” he says. “They knew everything about every university I asked about, which gave me real confidence in planning for the future.”
Beyond the classroom, Brendan was a dedicated member of the National Honor Society, a leader in the Global Citizenship Diploma team, and an avid volleyball player. “Extracurriculars that are meaningful and fun make it easier to balance everything. I’ve learned so much about teamwork, leadership, and contributing to something bigger than myself.”
After graduation, Brendan plans to return to Singapore to complete two years of mandatory national service, before heading to the United States for university. He hopes to pursue a degree in either International Relations or Film – two areas inspired by his upbringing in a diplomatic family. “Film is another way to influence the world – not from behind a podium, but through storytelling.”
Reflecting on his time at ACS Hillingdon, Brendan pointed to the recent Hawks Night event as a defining memory. “Seeing the whole school come together, cheering each other on – it just showed how strong and supportive this community really is.”
Omar
Originally from Saudi Arabia, Omar is part of a growing number of students at ACS Hillingdon who tailor their academic experience through the mixed pathway, combining elements of the IB Diploma, Advanced Placement (AP), and High School courses to match their personal goals.
Omar’s study programme here included IB Economics, IB English Language & Literature, AP Human Geography, and High School Psychology. His choices reflect a strong interest in economics and marketing, fields he hopes to pursue at university and beyond.
“I wanted to keep my options open for both the US and Europe,” Omar explains. “That’s the advantage of this programme – you don’t have to limit yourself to one country’s system. AP is more aligned with the U.S., while IB is recognised globally, especially in Europe. With both, I’ve got more flexibility.”
His decision to study psychology alongside business-focused subjects stems from a deeper curiosity about how people think. “A lot of marketing involves understanding human behaviour – like why we choose one product over another. Psychology gives me insight into those unconscious choices.”
Throughout his time at ACS Hillingdon, Omar also grew in confidence and collaboration. “One of the biggest things I’ve developed here is being comfortable sharing different opinions. The environment is very open and supportive – whether it's staff or students, people listen to what you have to say.”
He is particularly appreciative of the trust and respect shown by teachers. “They’re less strict but still serious about helping us succeed. There’s room to joke, to relax, to enjoy learning – it makes a big difference.”
Leah
Originally from India, Leah joined ACS Hillingdon three years ago and chose to study the full IB Diploma Programme. Her decision to pursue the IB came from familiarity with the programme from a young age – many of her family members and friends completed it.
“It’s a really interactive curriculum. You’re constantly developing different skills – not just academic writing or sitting exams,” she explains. “You practise oration, presentation, collaboration… it’s a well-rounded approach that prepares you for life beyond school.”
Leah founded the ACS Law Society at Hillingdon, co-led the Global Policy and Debate Club, and participated in MUN. These lunchtime clubs, while not overly demanding, were spaces where she developed her voice and advocacy skills.
“The IB’s CAS requirement encourages you to do more than just study. You realise how important it is to balance academics with things like sports, clubs and social causes,” she says.
Leah plans to study Law in the UK, with aspirations of pursuing Corporate Law and a Master’s in Economics later. She has applied to top institutions including Durham, Exeter, UCL, KCL and Bristol. “The IB gave me a taste of economics and global politics. That’s when I realised how much I enjoyed them, and how they connect to law.”
Her involvement in Model United Nations also played a defining role in shaping her future. “MUN taught me confidence, diplomacy, and the value of collaboration. Representing countries and debating real-world issues made me want to work in a field where I could be part of meaningful conversations.”
Leah has unforgettable memories of her ACS trips, including MUN conferences in The Hague and Milan, and a Biology fieldwork trip to Juniper Hall. “Those were some of the most memorable experiences I’ve had here– both were academically and personally enriching.”
Ege
Ege, a Turkish Grade 12 student, recently marked his eighth year at ACS Hillingdon. Having joined the school with little to no English, Ege’s transformation is nothing short of remarkable. Through dedicated language support during his first two years, he built the strong academic foundation that now sees him preparing to study Mathematics at the University of Cambridge.
Reflecting on his time in the IB Diploma Programme, Ege describes it as a “multifaceted” experience that constantly pushed him beyond his comfort zone. While he has always had a passion for mathematics, the IB encouraged him to engage with disciplines he might not have chosen independently – like economics and chemistry – broadening his perspective and skill set.
A standout example of this growth was his Extended Essay, where he explored the chemical properties of different sun tanning oils. “It’s something I would never have done on my own,” Ege admits. “But the IB pushes you to explore, to research, and to think scientifically about things you encounter every day.” He also credits the Theory of Knowledge course with helping him develop a more philosophical and analytical mindset, especially when juggling academic deadlines alongside extracurricular commitments.
Throughout the two-year programme, Ege found that the internal assessments across subjects taught him how to write in a clear, professional style and cite his sources with academic rigour – skills he believes will be invaluable at university and beyond. “You don’t just learn content,” he explains. “You learn how to communicate like a scholar.”
Key to his success has been the unwavering support of his teachers. Whether helping him understand difficult content, guiding him through university applications, or simply being available for conversations outside the curriculum, Ege says the faculty at ACS Hillingdon have played a pivotal role in his academic and personal growth. “They’re very approachable. I know I can always ask for help, even outside class time. That made a big difference, especially when I was applying early to Cambridge.”
As he looks ahead, Ege is excited about the possibilities that lie beyond graduation. Passionate about mathematics, he envisions a future in mathematical research, finance, or even physics.
Rhianna
Rhianna, from the U.S., has been at ACS Hillingdon for five years and studied the IB Careers-related Programme (CP) in Theatre Arts, including Standard Level English, Higher Level Psychology, and her CP course in LAMDA (the one-year acting qualification).
She loved the creative, flexible nature of the CP course, especially acting and performance. Trips to Pinewood Studios and workshops in VFX, stop motion, fashion, and Regency Era themed hair and makeup broadened her creative skills. Her favourite experience was working on set, handling cameras and lighting, and collaborating with directors.
LAMDA exams require formal performance and etiquette, which helped Rhianna gain confidence, supported by her dedicated LAMDA teacher who offered honest feedback and encouragement, pushing her to do her very best.
She thinks the Theatre Arts programme at ACS Hillingdon is often academically underestimated by peers, parents and others unfamiliar with the programme, but it involves substantial research, reflection, and critical self-analysis alongside practical creative work.
Rhianna received offers from several universities including Emerson, SCAD (with a scholarship), and Florida, where she plans to major in film with a minor in musical theatre. Her ambition is to direct and create her own films.
From Brendan's leadership on and off the court to Omar’s global academic outlook, Leah’s commitment to advocacy and debate, Ege’s passion for scientific inquiry, and Rhianna’s creative ambition behind the camera – each of these students represents the spirit of ACS Hillingdon at its best. Their paths may differ, but they are united by the skills, confidence, and global mindset developed during their time here. As they move on to universities and opportunities around the world, we celebrate not just where they’re going, but who they’ve become – and the meaningful mark they’ve left on our community.
To close this spotlight, we take you to behind the scenes for a glimpse into a day in the life of Rhianna and her IBCP peers during their unforgettable experience at Pinewood Studios.
