Student Spotlight: Emma L

100 Possibilities -

BBSG Student Spotlight Series: EP05

From Editor 

As we begin 2026, we're reminded that success in A Complete Education isn't just measured in spotlight moments, but in the ongoing, daily growth of every student.

Today, we feature Grade 7 student Emma L. Known to teachers and peers as a quiet, friendly and thoughtful artist, Emma has transformed her uncertainties, attempts, breakthroughs, and sense of belonging into stories during her 18 months at BBSG. Let's explore BBSG through her eyes and step into her artistic world.

Note: The following content is from Emma L's sharing with minimal editing.

Before BBSG, I was in a private primary school. Following my teacher's recommendation, I chose BBSG for Grade 6 because its environment and learning atmosphere really attracted me - compared to other schools, campus life seemed more interesting, and communication between teachers and students felt more dynamic and open.

01 

An Encounter That Broke My Shell

I was quite worried before attending BBSG. My biggest fear was about making friends. I was quite introverted then and found it challenging to speak up or connect with others.

I still clearly remember my first day here. The unfamiliar buildings and crowds of people made my heart race. I was excited about starting my journey here, but nervous about fitting in.

Emma captured her first impression of BBSG's main building

Emma (middle) and her friends in recess

These feelings lasted until I joined the summer bridging programme. At lunchtime, I was lost and too shy to ask for directions to the cafeteria. Two students just approached me and invited me to join them for lunch. Our conversation and laughter broke through the awkwardness. At that moment, I thought to myself: "This place might be pretty nice."

02 

English Progress: From Set 1 to Set 3

My English improvement - moving from Set 1 to Set 3 - has been really special to me. 

(Editor's note: BBSG implements personalised English instruction with Sets 1-4 in Secondary School, grouping students flexibly based on their level and progress.)

Emma participating in a quiz challenge in her English class

My first English teacher at BBSG was Ms. Chloe Mai. Though my English wasn't strong then, and I was afraid to speak, Ms. Mai's patient and cheerful teaching style gradually changed my fear of the subject. Her classes were always engaging and encouraging. Inspired by her, I started daily English conversations with our foreign teachers. It was stumbling at first, but it got smoother with practice.

Emma is always focused in class, taking notes and following along. She'd ask me for vocabulary-building tips and create her own unit word lists for review, which helped her build a strong foundation in Set 1. After one term, she actually met Set 2 standards, but she chose to consolidate further, then advanced directly to Set 3 after a year. 

- Ms. Chloe Mai

Junior Secondary English Teacher

When I knew I could move to Set 3 English, I felt mixed emotions: excited but also scared. The worry was that I wasn't good enough and couldn't keep up. However, looking back now, those worries were unnecessary. This experience truly taught me that with effort, each step forward becomes steadier and takes you further.

03

Visual Arts: From Interest to Passion, From Paper to Digital

I've been interested in drawing since I was five years old. But I really fell in love with it and made it a daily habit at 11 years old - right when I came to BBSG. Since then, I have spent at least an hour drawing every day. My skills improved quickly, and I’ve also developed my own style. Recently, I've been exploring digital watercolour effects on Procreate, which has made my artistic world even richer.

Emma drew about her classroom at BBSG

Back in Term 1, I actually chose Design and Technology (DT) over Visual Arts for my selective course. At that time, I thought Visual Arts might be a bit boring, and I was more attracted to design. But after half term, I decided to switch back because that was when my passion for drawing really exploded. In those classes, I kept practising and tried many new techniques, such as the Piet Mondrian colour style. These new ideas broadened my artistic horizons and gave me fresh possibilities with my art pieces.

Emma working on a Mondrian-style map in an interdisciplinary lesson of Arts and Geography

In this BBSG Campus Building piece, I used a technique that mixes flat colours with textured details in digital painting. First, I sketched the building’s outline. Then, I put down base colours with blocks, layering light and shadow to create a sense of volume. Next, I added details to different materials like stone and glass, making everything look more realistic, while keeping some of the hand-drawing for style and personality.

04

Beyond the Classroom: 

Becoming an Ambassador

To me, BBSG respects everyone’s uniqueness, which makes me feel safe to be my true self. Our frequent cultural exchanges are just part of daily life here. The small class sizes and support from teachers give me a strong sense of belonging. I no longer feel alone, and I want to share my experiences and growth with others, helping them overcome any worries and embrace their new life here. It feels like seeing my past self.

I also enjoy being a school ambassador. In this role, I introduce the campus, answer questions... I’ve realised I can communicate and share confidently. This experience has opened a window for me to see the unlimited potential in myself.

Emma's Parent Says:

We chose BBSG because we didn't want Emma's education to be just about academic achievement - we wanted her to develop broader horizons, independent thinking, and deeper awareness. Her growth so far has been remarkable - her confidence in expressing herself and positive actions continue to amaze me. BBSG has given her something truly precious: inner confidence and a clear sense of purpose for her future. As a mother, this was the most rewarding part of our journey.

Emma’s story reminds us that genuine growth is a gradual process. It’s about taking deliberate, confident steps forward, embracing each new challenge as an opportunity to learn.

Her experience also exemplifies BBSG’s personalised approach to A COMPLETE Education. The small class size provided her with a supportive environment to build her English skills at her own pace, while the flexible course options allowed her to deepen her passion for Visual Arts. We are seeing more and more students thrive in this system, pursuing their own passion with purpose.