'Top in World' for Additional Maths
We are incredibly proud to announce that Stefano S, our student at Dulwich College Suzhou, has been awarded the prestigious 'Top in World' prize for his exceptional performance in the IGCSE Additional Mathematics examination.
IGCSE Additional Mathematics is renowned for its conceptual complexity and demands a profound grasp of advanced mathematical topics. This award places Stefano among the top students globally, representing the pinnacle of academic achievement and intellectual depth. Stefano's success is a testament to his personal diligence and talent, following in the Dulwich College Suzhou tradition of rigorous academics and excellent performance.
Mr Craig Roberts, Stefano's Mathematics teacher from Year 9 to Year 11, helped him prepare for the exam.
Craig Roberts Senior School Mathematics Teacher
'Stefano's achievement is truly remarkable. Over the past three years, he has completely transformed as a mathematician—developing exceptional attention to detail and a rigorous approach to checking and refining his methods. His natural gift for mathematical thinking, combined with his perseverance and curiosity, has led to outstanding progress. It has been a pleasure to support his learning and to witness his exceptional progress and success. I am extremely proud of how far he has come and delighted to see his hard work recognised at the highest level.'
Ms Betty Lutterodt, Deputy Head of Senior School (Academic), also extended her heartfelt congratulations to Stefano for his remarkable achievement.
Betty Lutterodt Deputy Head of Senior School (Academic)
She noted that this outstanding result is the culmination of his years of intellectual curiosity, rigorous approach to learning and the powerful synergy between dedicated students, expert faculty and the supportive wider school community.
Ms Lutterodt further shared more insights regarding mathematics and how it's taught in Dulwich College Suzhou.
Mathematics is More Than Just Numbers and Formulas
In traditional perception, mathematics is often equated with formulas and repetitive exercises. But at Dulwich College Suzhou, mathematics is a subject about 'how to think'. We firmly believe that true mathematics education goes beyond 'knowing how to calculate'; it enables students to learn how to think, how to reason and how to solve problems. Therefore, our mathematics curriculum is both challenging and profound.
From 'Memorisation' to 'Understanding'
In the classroom, teachers never simply provide definitions. They act as facilitators rather than lecturers, posing challenging problems that guide students to discover mathematical principles for themselves. Through this process of proposing ideas and testing methods, students develop a deep, conceptual understanding. We further solidify this knowledge by emphasising cross-disciplinary connections, weaving together topics like geometry and algebraso that students build a single, robust and logical framework of thinking, moving far beyond fragmented facts.
Cultivating Intellectual Autonomy
We train students to become independent thinkers by equipping them with universal strategies like reasoning from first principles and hypothesis testing. A key practice is learning to 'speak mathematics'—articulating logical processes with precision. This builds the cognitive framework essential for advanced university study.
Building Confidence Through Challenge
Confidence is forged through carefully structured challenges and formative assessments. Teacher feedback targets metacognition, refining a student's strategic approach to problems. This prepares them for high-pressure scenarios, a skill further enhanced through maths competitions and seminars. We also emphasise rational tool use, ensuring students can flexibly utilise calculators while retaining the ability for disciplined, unaided reasoning.
Lifelong Skills for Future Success
Ultimately, our graduates from the Additional Mathematics Programme master more than abstract concepts; they develop a versatile, analytical mindset. These transferable skills—including intellectual resilience, critical thinking and clear communication—empower them to evaluate information objectively, confront complex challenges and make a positive impact as future global citizens.
Once again, congratulations to Stefano S and thank you to the family and teachers who have supported him throughout his journey. Dulwich College Suzhou is committed to nurturing thoughtful inquirers, responsible learners and compassionate global citizens—it is this very ethos that makes excellence possible.
