Brillantmont Newsletter

Graduation and Prize Giving Day 2016

Message from Mrs Anne Frei, President of the School Board and Co-Owner of Brillantmont

“Nowadays there is a huge amount of pressure put upon young people and the life choices they make. During a speech to Stanford graduates, Steve Jobs explained how his own choices (dropping out, pursuing his interests without any grand master-plan), led him on a circuitous route to find his own way and along that very way, he just happened to found Apple! His speech “Connecting the Dots” has been viewed by millions on the Internet.

He concludes that life is like a connect the dots shape which only takes on meaning when we look back, when we see that in the end, that all the dots did indeed connect, even if it meant straying from a path which was all mapped out. It’s about having the confidence to follow your heart and your convictions.

Jobs’ idea links to Brillantmont’s philosophy, which is “to encourage our students to realise their potential.” This doesn’t mean measuring success through wealth or fame. It means measuring success by making choices which are true to you, through having gained meaningful knowledge which enriches you. It means tracing a path, upon which, in years to come, you will look back with satisfaction at having lived a life which is true to you and your personal values.”

Adapted from the welcome speech made at the Brillantmont Graduation and Prize Giving Day, June 2016

Class of 2016

The school year seems to have just started and yet, it’s already time to say goodbye. Congratulations to our Class of 2016 and we wish you all the very best for your futures.

Congratulations to the Class of 2016. Read where they’re all heading. We wish them every success and happiness.

Students who completed the British programme of studies (A Levels)

Ekaterina Afonina from Russia will study Intensive French before embarking on a degree in Sports Science at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland.

Leonardo Attuch from Brazil will study Politics & International Relations at Bristol University, UK.

Fotini (Faye) Bardi from Greece will study Primary Education at Durham University, UK.

Ella Marie Jones from the UK will work in the property market field.

Rebecca Keay from the UK will study Psychology at Southampton University, UK.

William Lozano from France will study Screen Writing & Producing at Regents University, London, UK.

Alix Lucano-Urioste will study Art at UCA, University of the Creative Arts, UK.

Vladimir Morozov from Russia will study INTO Business at the Newcastle University International Campus, London, UK.

Luke Smith from the UK will study Hospitality Management at the Ecole Hotelière de Lausanne, Switzerland.

Fanqi (Kiki) Zhou from China will study Economics & Geography at University College London, UK.

Students who completed the American programme of studies.

Diploma with Distinction:

Loyse Burki from the United States will study Psychology at University of Lausanne, Switzerland.

Diploma with Merit:

Marta Alonso Martinez from Spain will study Law and Global Governance at ESADE University, Spain.

Elena Economu from Romania will study Hospitality Management at the Ecole Hotelière de Lausanne, Switzerland.

Elizaveta Kharchuk from Russia will study Events, Sports and Entertainments Management at Glion, London, UK.

Rafaela Soares from Brazil will take a gap year before preparing for entry to her chosen universities.

Wei Lian (William) Zou from China will study Film Studies at Kings College, London, UK.

Diploma with Pass:

Abdulla Al Mulla from the United Arab Emirates will return home to complete his national service before embarking on his university studies.

Mohammed Al Sagri from Saudi Arabia will study Business Administration at Business School Lausanne, Switzerland.

Luana Baptista Dubrule from Brazil will take a gap year before embarking on the next stage in her education as she is still young.

Mariya Ivanova from Bulgaria will gain work experience at home in Bulgaria before taking up her place at Glion Hotel School, Switzerland.

Bowen (Mark) Liang from China will study Business Administration at Webster University, Switzerland.

Bohua (Frank) Wang from China will study Business Administration at Webster University, Switzerland.

Certificate with Pass:

Saleh Al Sagri from Saudi Arabia will study Business Administration at Webster University, Switzerland.

Jia Yu (Ada) Hu from China will continue perfecting her English at Lanagara College, Vancouver, Canada.

Hikari Kimura from Japan will return to Japan where she will prepare for entry to university.

Maria Monica Mbuka from Angola study Events, Sports and Entertainments Management at Glion, Switzerland.

Yuki Nakamura from Japan plans to work in the field of Sports Medicine but has not yet decided on his university.

Erina Ono from Japan will study Hospitality Management with a specialisation in luxury brand management at Glion Hotel School, Switzerland.

Xiao Zi Ning (Linzee) Qi from China will study Foundation Art & Design at the University of the Arts London, UK.

Yingzhou (Alan) Sun from China will take a gap year before applying to universities in the USA.

Shunei Yamanaka from Japan will return to Japan to prepare university entrance examinations to study medicine in Japan.

Quan (Henry) Zhou from China will study INTO Business & Economics with Accounting at City University, London, UK.

ECIS Award for International Understanding

The European Council of International Schools gives an award each year to a student who has been a contributing force in the life of the school, who has a positive attitude to the culture of others and who is able to converse in at least two languages. This year, the award was given to Fanqi (Kiki) ZHOU.

Kiki attended Brillantmont for 4 years. She is Bilingual in Chinese and English and has reached an Advanced Level in French. Kiki was Student Advisor for three years and emerged as a natural leader for Rousseau House where she undertook the organisation of many social events, creating a fun, team environment. She was organised and mature in her approach and genuinely wanted the best for her peers. She often helped prospective Chinese families visit the school and welcomed new students at the start of the school year.

Kiki represented the school at THIMUN conferences in The Hague and Singapore as well as the TEDx conference in Switzerland. She became part of the Ecolive Committee, working towards making Brillantmont a sustainable school.

Kiki is a highly valued and respected member of our school community. She brings the best out of her peers and is a positive influence, making friends from all over the world and amongst both day and boarding students. She has been an excellent ambassador for her home country.

Icelandic adventures

One group headed to the white peaks of Iceland, visiting the famous Blue Lagoon, the capital Rekyavik, the sulphurous geysers and having the opportunity to straddle two geographical plates, gaining an in-depth understanding of the geology of this fascinatingly beautiful island. Read more about it here.

Venetian splendours

Another group headed off to Venice on a Maths and cultural treasure trail. They put their mathematical skills to use measuring angles and scale on such famous landmarks as the Clock Tower in Piazza San Marco and calculating surface areas. This enabled them to gain insight into the Renaissance mind, giving them an historical perspective to their maths learning. It wasn’t all hard work though: there was still lots of time for delicious pizza and gelati!

Learning the lessons of history

Every year, a history trip invites students to step back in time as they visit the battlefields of the First World War in the Somme. Walking in the trenches, seeing where so many thousands of young people, not much older than our own students, lost their lives, who could fail to be moved by the tales of their courage? A trip like this makes such a tremendous impact on our students, particularly given the troubled times in which we live today.

Summer Course 2016

Summer is officially here so take advantage of the long school holidays to learn and have fun at the same time, making friends from all over the world. The Brillantmont Summer Course still has limited spaces available from late July, so don’t miss out.