Atoms, Athletics, and Ambition: Meet Class of 2025 Robin P
From as early as Year 7, Robin P had set a clear goal: to be in an environment where he could stretch himself, not just academically, but in all the ways that mattered. Eleven years in China and six at DCB later, as he prepares to graduate, he reflects on how he found exactly that.
Meet Robin P, Class of 2025, who—from the laboratory to the football pitch—has embodied DCB's spirit of holistic growth. Now weighing university offers that include University College London (Chemical Engineering) and Durham and St Andrews (Chemistry), his learning journey reveals how curiosity, when paired with resilience, transforms potential into purpose.
Thriving In and Beyond the Classroom at DCB
Whether he’s sketching equations in class or sprinting across the football pitch, Robin is someone who thrives on challenge and variety.
His days are rarely one-dimensional. His love for Math and later Chemistry in Year 11 sparked his desire to teach. He spearheaded several CCAs (co-curricular activities) that honed both his leadership skills and his mathematical skills while helping younger students build confidence in math through collaboration.
In Year 12, he founded Art of Experiment, a science CCA where he demonstrated scientific experiments to younger students, breaking down complex theories into simpler, digestible terms. “This taught me how to communicate scientific ideas clearly, which is essential when I study Science and Engineering further at university,” Robin shared.
2019 football competition where DCB team placed second.
Football became another cornerstone of Robin's DCB experience. Joining the team in Year 8 and making varsity in Year 10, he participated in multiple tournaments, including the Phuket tournament in Year 8 and ACAMIS football in Shanghai in Year 11. "Some of my favourite moments in DCB were from these tournaments outside Beijing," he said. "It felt like a vacation, playing football with friends in different regions."
For Robin, sports instilled valuable life lessons that went beyond physical fitness. “Football taught me resilience, how to work with all kinds of people, and how to persevere. It made me more determined and better at handling pressure, which helped a lot during IB.”
2024-25 varsity football team, 2025
His love for Science led him to sign up for last year's educational trip to CERN amidst the breathtaking Swiss landscapes of snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear lakes, which ended up becoming more than just a school excursion for Robin. At the world-renowned research facility, surrounded by cutting-edge science and natural beauty, everything came together: the rigorous IB preparation from his DCB maths and chemistry classes, his growing passion for scientific inquiry, and, thanks to this real-world exposure, his sudden clarity that he wanted to go into Chemical Engineering.
CERN, 2024
University Decision:
Job Security or Passion?
Yet, Robin faced a dilemma: should he pursue Statistics or Chemical Engineering? To him, statistics seemed to offer better employment opportunities.
It was in Year 11 when Robin started feeling drawn towards chemistry, particularly physical chemistry. “I was looking for a major that combined chemistry with mathematics, and Chemical Engineering felt like a perfect fit.”
That summer, he joined several online summer programmes that focused on Chemical Engineering which, along with his trip to CERN later on, which helped him see how fundamental science translated into large-scale engineering. This made a deep impression on him. And so, after researching the course and seeking advice from his teachers, he realised that he wanted to follow his passion. “This is how I ended up applying to Chemical Engineering,” he said.
Inside the CERN Antimatter factory, 2024
From that point on, he started planning for university—building his portfolios, organising his activities, and preparing for admission tests. In addition to taking up leadership roles in maths and science CCAs, he joined maths competitions and completed online courses in engineering, AI, and analytical chemistry. “These experiences in Year 11 and Year 12 helped me grow both as a student and as a person.”
Although universities typically start looking at students’ grades from Year 10, Robin wasn’t too concerned about this, as he has always been committed to maintaining strong academic performance. He emphasised that, while extracurricular activities matter, maintaining one’s grades and having good predicted grades in Year 12 was what mattered most.
For those applying to university, here's Robin’s advice:
Stay true to who you are. Everyone has their own strengths, and copying others will hold you back. When applying to universities, let your individuality stand out by focusing on what genuinely interests you – it’s much more powerful and memorable.
The earlier you start, the less stressful it will be. There’s a lot to do for university application — like essays, recommendation letters, tests, and more — most important of all, your. Staying organised and planning ahead can save you from panic and allow you to build a stronger application portfolio.
Do not hesitate to seek advice from teachers, counsellors and senior students. Their experience and perspective can help you refine your personal statement and strengthen your application. Being open to feedback is essential for presenting yourself in the best way possible.
Gratitude
Robin extends his heartfelt thanks to his family for their unwavering support and for encouraging him to aim high. He is also grateful to his teachers, especially in maths and science, whose mentorship deepened his interest in the subjects and inspired him to pursue Chemical Engineering.
Finally, he is thankful for his friends who have kept him grounded, motivated, and reminded him to laugh even during the most stressful moments.