Having achieved ABRSM Grade 8 in three instruments — piano, violin and drums; served as a key member of the Gold Medal-winning iGEM team; and currently pursuing an independent EPQ research project on immunotherapy for Alzheimer’s disease…
Meet Clark C., a student who is making his mark in both music and science.
When choosing a school, many parents ask the same question: How much room does a school give a child to grow and explore their potential?
Clark’s first year at Harrow Shanghai may offer a glimpse of the answer.
Clark C. (Year 13)
Currently studying in Year 13 at Harrow Shanghai
A-Level subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics
Harrow Shanghai Scholarship Recipient: Churchill Scholarship (All-Round Excellence Award)
2024 iGEM Synthetic Biology Competition: Gold Medal and three nominations (Media Team Leader)
ABRSM Grade 8 in Piano, Violin and Drums
Independently composed and released a music album, donating all proceeds to charity
Guitarist in a rock band · DJ · First Violinist in the school orchestra
Choosing A-Level：A No-Brainer
For many families, choosing a curriculum for the upper years is a weighty decision. For Clark’s family, the answer was remarkably clear — the curriculum was the deciding factor.
「The A-Levels seemed much more focused compared to the IB, with only four subjects instead of six.」 For someone like me, who had a clear plan of what career I wanted to pursue, the switch was a no-brainer.
The IB would only allow me to take two science subjects when I wanted to take all three. Harrow’s classes are also generally smaller, so the learning is more targeted.
—— Clark C.
His honesty captures a concern many families share: there is no single “best” curriculum — only the right fit. For a student who knows his direction, a focused pathway often unlocks far greater potential.
Grade 8 in Three Instruments：Music in His Bones
If A-Levels are Clark’s “track”, then music is the colour of his soul. Piano, violin, and drums—all three at Grade 8 —are a testament to remarkable discipline and passion.
But Clark’s musical journey goes far beyond exam grades. He composed, produced and released his own album — and donated all the proceeds to charity.
“Making music has always been fun for me, whether playing or writing, so composing has been the most meaningful. Donating the proceeds was a simple way to give back to the community, and it gave extra meaning to my work.”
At Harrow Shanghai, music is never just an “extra”. Clark plays the guitar in the school rock band, performing at Founders’ Day, the Winter Fair and Prom; he is also an experienced DJ, a familiar face at school events.
Here, a passionate musician never has to choose between academics and his passion — the school’s stage is exactly where both can thrive.
From iGEM Gold to Alzheimer’s Research: The Warmth of Science
On the science track, Clark is equally focused and passionate. In 2024, his team won a Gold Medal at the iGEM competition, with three nominations for Best Human Practices, Best Hardware and Best New Composite Part.
As Media Team Leader, he had to understand the work of every other department — research, engineering and presentation. The experience gave him far more than a medal.
Of course, winning the medal was awesome, but what really stayed with me was working as a team to develop our product, present it to judges, and attend the event itself.
—— Clark C.
Clark’s scientific ambition ultimately rests in biochemistry. Inspired by the progress of Leqembi, a new Alzheimer’s drug, he is now undertaking an EPQ research project at Harrow Shanghai, analysing clinical trial data on passive and active immunotherapies.
Behind him stands a teaching culture that goes beyond the syllabus. His supervisor, Mr Fraser, has offered invaluable guidance, and in everyday lessons, teachers regularly share cutting-edge research and explore beyond the exam board.
“We regularly explore beyond the bounds of the syllabus, especially in chemistry, to gain a better understanding of the topic at hand.”
This is the most precious part of international education — when curiosity is ignited, learning is no longer a task, but a journey of discovery.
A Year at Harrow: The Warmth of Small Classes
Asked what moment made him feel he was in the right place, Clark’s answer is both candid and warm.
I can confidently say most of my fondest memories from my first year here come from experiences I shared with my friends. I’m also eternally grateful to all my teachers for their passion and support, for helping me through my A levels, and for never making learning feel like a chore.
—— Clark C.
He is grateful to the friends who welcomed him warmly, and to the teachers who have stood by him both in and out of the classroom. Small class sizes bring more than just individual attention — they bring a sense of being seen, supported and warmly embraced.
In these words, we glimpse the ideal state for a student: no estrangement — only full engagement, with exactly the right support.
Clark’s story is but one of many at Harrow Shanghai. Here, a student who loves music is devoted to science and knows his direction finds a focused curriculum, inspiring teachers, a stage for his talents, and a warm community of friends.
When “right” replaces “best”, growth happens naturally. And that is perhaps the most precious gift a school can give.
