This week, students from YWIES Shanghai Lingang, YWIES Shanghai Gubei, YWIES Guangzhou, YWIES Yantai, and YWIES Zhejiang Tongxiang received the results of their AS/A Level (Advanced Subsidiary Level/The General Certificate of Education Advanced Level) exams. 

Because of their dedication, our students achieved remarkable results. They excelled in the most popular subjects among candidates in China: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, and Chinese Language and Literature. Notably, the A*-B rate was 83 percent for Chinese Language and Literature, and 70 percent for Chemistry. Both Physics and Economics surpassed the 60 percent A*-B rate, and over half of the candidates secured B or higher grades in Mathematics and Further Mathematics.

In the AS examinations, Yew Wah students delivered equally strong performances in Further Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Chinese Language and Literature. The a-b rate for Further Mathematics was at an impressive 86 percent, and the rate for Chemistry was 72 percent.

The students showed remarkable diversity in their subject choices. The variety of subjects—such as Music, Drama, Digital Media Design, Art & Design, and Psychology—reflected the confidence and determination of the students to pursue their personal passions. For example, in A Level Digital Media Design, 38 percent of students achieved A*-A grades, significantly exceeding the global average of 13.2 percent in the 2024 Cambridge International A Level examinations.

Renowned for its academic rigour, the A Level curriculum employs a modular assessment system and offers flexible subject combinations. This makes the A Level curriculum a core standard for university admissions in countries with British-influenced education systems, including the UK, Australia, and Singapore. It is recognised by top global institutions, such as the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.

"In a time of uncertainty and transformation, the outlook that an international education provides is not just an advantage, it's a necessity."

--Rod Smith, Group Managing Director for International Education at Cambridge

According to Cambridge International Education, the number of candidates for the AS/A Level exams reached a new level this June to over 680,000 students worldwide –  a 9 percent increase over last year. This growth underscores a shift in the educational philosophy of families and educators. They now place greater emphasis on nurturing students' ability to learn and work globally, and encourage them to adapt to change, and engage in critical thinking in order to help resolve real-world problems.

With the release of the A Level results, Yew Wah's 2025 graduates have now completed their secondary-school journeys. Because of YCYW's holistic education, they have achieved strong academic results and developed a resilient character and a rich inner life, empowering them for lifelong learning.

Sam (Wang Zichuan), a 2025 graduate from YWIES Guangzhou, achieved exceptional results with 4A* (Mathematics, Economics, Further Mathematics, Chinese Language and Literature) and 1A (Physics). He will pursue Mechanical Engineering at the University of Manchester in the UK. 

Sam believes his A Level studies have significantly developed his critical thinking and independent learning.

He elaborated, "The A Level curriculum balances depth and breadth, demanding active exploration rather than passive absorption. For instance, when studying economic principles, I connected theories to real-world cases, analysed data, and formed my own conclusions. Open-ended assignments taught me to approach problems from multiple perspectives rather than settle for a single answer—a mindset that benefits both academic work and everyday life. During Further Mathematics, I encountered advanced topics such as calculus, linear algebra, complex numbers, matrices, and differential equations. While teachers explained core ideas in class, much of the detail required independent review. Truly mastering intricate formulas meant deriving them repeatedly myself, not just rote memorisation. This process of organising logic and filling gaps trained me to plan my own learning."

Sam hopes to strengthen his academic foundation at university while engaging with cutting-edge global innovations. He also aims to identify his true passions and develop a clearer vision for the future.

Johnny (Weng Shizhen), a 2025 graduate from YWIES Shanghai Lingang, described his A Level journey as "profoundly enriching and dynamic." He attained 3A* (Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics) and 1A (Further Mathematics) in the examinations.

"The difficult work of preparing for the exams helped me to hone my time management skills, as well as my self-discipline, and perseverance. In addition to personal growth, I became friends with like-minded peers, and my family always supported me. Learning to be grateful has been one of the most valuable lessons." 

This autumn, he will begin studying Electronic Engineering at the University of Toronto. "This will be my first experience stepping out of my comfort zone, and I will face new challenges in my social, academic, and daily life. I am grateful for the diverse opportunities that Yew Wah provided. I feel that I am well prepared. Although I feel some pressure, I am also confident. In addition to my studies, I look forward to pursuing my interests—travel, photography, music, and visiting art exhibitions," he added.

Congratulations to all the Yew Wah AS and A Level students! The results reflect your perseverance and the support of your families and teachers. As the new academic year begins, we look forward to continuing our home and school partnership at YCYW to empower students in their learning and growth.