Academic Excellence | Excellence Scholarship Student Dylan: Blossoming in Multiculturalism

CIS is proud to announce its new scholarship program, designed to identify and support students with exceptional potential.

One of the outstanding recipients this fall is Dylan, a Grade 6 student who has demonstrated remarkable academic performance and comprehensive capabilities, earning him a prestigious CIS scholarship.

This is not only the result of Dylan's personal efforts but also a testament to his family's educational planning and the support of CIS's diverse educational approach. In this article, we will explore Dylan's learning journey, his mother Phoebe's school selection insights, and how CIS has contributed to his all-around development.

CIS Grade 6 Student: Dylan

From Bilingual to International: Dylan's Growth and Adaptation

Dylan transitioned from a bilingual school to CIS to begin Grade 6, marking his first transfer since starting primary school. While his family initially had concerns about how smoothly he would adapt to the new environment, Dylan exceeded all expectations.

Dylan's mother recalls, "Shortly after the school year started, he took on the role of 'translator' assistant for his homeroom teacher, made many new friends, and went to school every day with joy. The advantage of transitioning at a younger age is clear—children can adapt and integrate into a new environment more easily."

Before choosing CIS, the family explored several international schools but ultimately decided to enroll Dylan at CIS a year earlier than planned. Phoebe explains, "We wanted him to be in a more international environment where he could explore broader possibilities. CIS's curriculum and educational philosophy perfectly align with what we were looking for."

Three Key Reasons Why Dylan's Mother Chose CIS

1.Global Perspective and Cultural Diversity

"CIS students come from various countries and regions, offering a culturally diverse environment that helps Dylan learn to view the world from multiple perspectives and think critically. The cross-cultural curriculum further stimulates his curiosity both inside and outside the classroom."

2.Personalized Education and Flexible Scheduling

"CIS emphasizes tailored education, with subjects grouped based on students' abilities. The compact daily schedule allows Dylan to choose from ASA (After-School Activities), sports training, or self-study in the library after 3 p.m. This flexibility provides endless possibilities for his personal growth."

3.Stable Faculty and Outstanding Resources

"Backed by the Canadian Education Group's extensive experience, CIS offers stable and reliable faculty. The library resources are a particular highlight for Dylan—he loves the collection of the latest books that are unavailable elsewhere. Our whole family eagerly anticipates even more new titles being added in the future."

The CIS Library currently houses
over 10,000 original edition books
for students to enjoy.

Dylan's Favorite Original Novel from the School Library:
The Trials of Apollo

Outstanding Achievements: Awards and Excellence in CAT4 Testing

Dylan's mother added, "Every child is unique, and education should be tailored to their needs. CIS provides a platform where children can fully realize their potential in a globalized learning environment."

Some of Dylan's Award Certificates

In the admissions test, Dylan excelled in all four areas of the CAT4 assessment—Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, and Spatial Ability—outperforming 97% or more of his peers in the system.

The CIS academic team shared, "CAT4 not only helps us identify a student's potential but also provides a scientific foundation to tailor an individualized learning pathway. Dylan's results highlight his exceptional strengths in logical reasoning, creativity, and academic aptitude."

Note: CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test, Fourth Edition) is developed by GL Assessment in the UK and is widely used by international schools and educational institutions worldwide. It is designed to assess students' learning potential, cognitive abilities, and adaptability.

Growth at CIS: Balancing Learning and Interests

After joining CIS, Dylan quickly adapted to the school's learning and lifestyle.

He particularly enjoys STEAM, science, and PE classes. "These courses are really fun. Not only have I learned a lot of new knowledge, but I’ve also experienced a sense of accomplishment through teamwork, such as assembling robots or conducting science experiments," Dylan shared.

Dylan actively joins
school-organized community activities.

In addition, he actively participates in school-organized community service activities, such as visiting nursing homes. These experiences have not only fostered his sense of social responsibility but also helped him realize the importance of helping others.

When talking about the future, Dylan hopes to become a diplomat:
"My English and Chinese are quite strong, and I've also studied German for six years and some Spanish. I hope to use language and cultural understanding to become a bridge for communication."

Parental Advice on School Selection: Educational Choices and Early Planning

Dylan's mother believes there is no “best” school, only the one that fits a child’s unique needs. “Parents should base their choice on their child’s interests and developmental needs, selecting an educational environment that aligns with their growth,” she shared. She encourages families to attend school open days or summer camps to experience the school’s atmosphere firsthand and involve children in the decision-making process. “This involvement not only helps children adapt better to a new environment but also builds their confidence in their educational choices.”

She also highlighted that transitioning to an international school requires both psychological and academic preparation. “Children need to be aware of the challenges they might face during the transition, analyze the pros and cons with their parents, and develop adaptability. Meanwhile, parents should approach this shift with strategic educational planning, preparing for the language and curriculum adjustments as early as possible.”

CIS Scholarship Program: Attracting More Outstanding Students

To encourage more outstanding students to join, CIS has launched a new scholarship program:

Nathan Gray, Head of School at CIS, stated:
"We believe that every child has unique potential. The CIS scholarship program provides a platform for outstanding students to step confidently into their future."

Dylan's journey exemplifies how CIS supports student growth through a multicultural environment, personalized education, and comprehensive support. CIS looks forward to welcoming more exceptional students to join and create new chapters of growth and success together!