2021 S4 O-Level Results

On 12 January, the 2021 graduating cohort collected their long awaited O-Level results. This was a culmination of years of hard work and practice. Now that they have received their results and are progressing on to the next stage of life, let us take a minute to gain insights from our 2021 O-Level top scorers, to learn how they got to where they are today.

Pupil of the Year Award - Jeslyn Yeo Xuan Li 

1. How do you feel about receiving this award?

I feel extremely honoured to be receiving this award. To be recognised for my effort in the different areas of school life is something that I am very grateful for. I faced many challenges along the way but the help and support of the people around me got me to where I am today and thus, to be able to receive this award is not just my effort alone. 

2.What are you most grateful about the St Nicks experience?

I am most grateful for the people whom I’ve met in St Nicks. These four years have been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride and to have a strong support system by my side throughout this journey is something that I am very thankful for. With friends who never hesitate to offer a helping hand by sharing notes or helping each other to get a snack from the canteen and teachers who care for our well-being and are always ready to offer us additional help, the St Nicks experience will truly be one that I hold close to my heart because of all the wonderful people I’ve met.

Special Commendation Award - Ang Shyan Ning Chloe 

1. Who helped you persevere through the O-Levels? 

People who helped me through the O-levels were definitely my teachers and classmates. Many of my subject teachers were very supportive as well as they were always open to students asking them questions regarding the subject and they would always try their best to answer questions as soon as possible. Ms Ou Wan Jun, my Form Teacher, would always check on my well-being and clarify my doubts regarding any Maths question. My classmates were also another pillar of support who pushed me through O-Levels as they were always willing to patiently help me with my work and write me notes of encouragement to motivate me.

2. What kept you motivated?

To be frank, it was tough to find motivation but after creating a reward system of my own, I found it easier to study without dreading it. For example, I was only allowed to watch one Korean drama episode after completing one full examination paper. In my opinion, having an end goal is a salient factor in achieving one's goals. I came into SNGS via DSA, hence, during my lower secondary years, I felt like I did not deserve a spot in SNGS. Thus, I was determined to do well for O-Levels so I would not feel the same in JC as well. What really kept me going was also not wanting to disappoint my teachers who put in a lot of effort in teaching me. 

Kindness Award - Ng Yu Xin 

1. Who helped you persevere through the entire Secondary 4 year? 

There were many people who helped me over the course of the year, but I’m particularly thankful for my teachers! They looked out for me and checked in with me when I was overwhelmed by the workload or deadlines throughout the year, which was very comforting for me during tough times. Beyond that, my classmates were also a major source of support for me in Secondary 4, as the mutual encouragement we gave one another made stressful periods a lot more manageable.

2. Do you have any words of encouragement to give to your juniors?

Trust the process and have faith in yourself! It’s really not easy to juggle assignments and tests with other commitments such as CCA, so don’t be afraid to ask for help from the people around you when you need it. 加油！

Outstanding Performance in Leadership Award - Disha Purohit  

1. How do you manage to juggle CCA, Student Leadership and schoolwork?

It was definitely difficult having to juggle so many different commitments, but what I found worked for me was having a strong and reliable routine that I knew I could fall back on. My biggest piece of advice at this point would be to always start early and set reasonable deadlines for yourself. As much as we want to, none of us can give our 100% every second of every day and we should learn to accept that! It is necessary to rest and allow yourself to unwind a little from time to time. 

2.What kept you motivated?

I motivated myself by always keeping my goals in mind and being clear about what I wanted to accomplish. Envisioning my goals made them feel more tangible and drove me to continue working towards them by putting in the necessary time and effort to achieve them. Another thing that helped motivate me, especially during examination season, was rewarding myself for every goal I accomplished, no matter how small. By setting attainable short-term goals for myself and celebrating every small victory I had, I was able to keep myself motivated in the long run all the way through my four years in St Nicks.

The biggest thing that kept me going was by far the people around me. I was very fortunate that I had an extremely strong support network whom I could trust and turn to any time I needed. That alone brought me an unparalleled sense of comfort and the hope I needed to carry on. One important piece of advice I would give at this juncture would be that you do not and should not have to go through anything alone. It is important that you reach out for help when you need it. Know that there is strength in weakness and courage in fear, so go forth with faith and trust that you will always have people who love and support you no matter what. Keep these people close and you will find that you can make it through anything.

Outstanding Performance in Academic Award (OP) - Jesslyn Chew Yuan Yue 

1.What was your secret to success?

There isn't really any secret, just try to study for every examination throughout the year and don't spot topics, so by the time the examination comes, you would be familiar with the content and question types. Doing practices instead of just reading from textbooks or notes helps as well. 

2.What advice would you give to juniors taking the O-Levels?

Firstly, try to be as prepared as possible before the Preliminary Examination as it serves as a good indication of our level of preparedness for the O-Levels. Secondly, take the revision tests seriously as they are one of the last few summative assessments before O-Levels and it will help you note your areas of weaknesses. Last but the most important is to get sufficient rest. A good rest before the examination will help you think clearly. Don’t stress, just believe in yourself.

Talia Ann Chung, 4 Justice

Emma Tan, 4 Wisdom

Law Xuan Ping, 4 Truth

2021