Secondary School Student Award Programme

Profile

Beijing World Youth Academy (BWYA) is an independent, international, day school located in Beijing. Founded in 2001 with a small cohort of students studying the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, it has now grown into a large K-12 school with over 1100 students. BWYA has developed a reputation for academic excellence coupled with a strong sense of community. We educate students with English and Chinese as the main language of instruction, as well as with a commitment to the Chinese government education policies for national students. BWYA is authorised with International Baccalaureate Organisation (IB), Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), and accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The school is also a member of Association of China and Mongolia International Schools (ACAMIS) and East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS).

Mission

Beijing World Youth Academy strives to provide members of our community excellent learning opportunities that incorporate critical investigation, exposure to different cultural perspectives and assessment against objective criteria. Our mission is to develop principled, open-minded thinkers who are capable of integrating with diverse international communities and who are empowered to shape their environs for the improvement of quality of life for themselves and others.

Values

As a school community, these are our values:

Compassion: We respect and empathise with the rights, opinions, culture and feelings of others.
Trust: We believe that honesty, integrity and reliability in ourselves and others, forms the cornerstone of our community.
Solidarity: We value harmony and oneness while recognising the individuality of each person in our community.
Collaboration: We recognise that the development of the student is the shared responsibility between the student, the family and the school.

Schoolwide Learner Outcomes

We have adopted the International Baccalaureate ® (IB) Learner Profile, which describes a broad range of human capacities and responsibilities that go beyond academic success, as our Schoolwide Learning Outcomes as part of our commitment to help all members of the school community learn to respect themselves, others and the world around them.

As learners we strive to be:

Inquirers: We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.
Knowledgeable: We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.
Thinkers: We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators: We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.
Principled: We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.
Open-minded: We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.
Caring: We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.
Risk-takers: We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.
Balanced: We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives — intellectual, physical, and emotional — to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognise our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.
Reflective: We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.

Rationale

At BWYA, we believe that student achievement should be formally recognised. In this endeavour, we have established a series of awards that correspond to our mission statement, school values, and schoolwide learner outcomes (SLOs). Detailed below are the different awards students are eligible to receive, as well as the selection criteria and process.

Policy and Implementation

A. Graduating Senior Awards

We present four awards to graduating students: the Outstanding Graduate Award and three individual awards for Intellectual Curiosity, Principled Character, and Intercultural Understanding. These recognitions honour graduating seniors who demonstrate our core values of excellence, academic integrity, character, and international mindedness.

Selection is made by the faculty of the Diploma Programme (DP) and verified by the secondary school senior management team. The awards are presented at the graduation ceremony. Winners receive a certificate, a scholarship, and a plaque engraved with the title of the award and their name. The criteria for each award are detailed below.

1. Outstanding Graduate Award – 1 winner

Demonstrates academic excellence (predicted grade ≥ 40).
Fulfil all other descriptors of BWYA values and the SLOs.

2. Intellectual Curiosity Award – 1 winner

Maintains a strong academic standing (average semester grade ≥ 33).
Demonstrates consistent attendance and active participation in class.
Exhibits a passion for learning, a willingness to take academic risks, and disciplined study habits.
Emphasises knowledge attainment, critical thinking, and analysis; grasps the focus and significance of TOK.
Approaches the Extended Essay as a challenging and dedicated pursuit to add knowledge to their field of study.
Reads content beyond the required IB curricula.

3. Principled Character Award – 1 winner

Maintains a strong academic standing (average semester grade ≥ 33).
Serves as a model of trust, sincerity, and honesty in both academic and social settings.
Demonstrates significant growth in maturity over the course of the DP.
Has few behavioural or academic concerns, or shows genuine remorse and positive change in response to challenges.
Demonstrates perseverance, even in the face of adversity.

4. Intercultural Understanding Award – 1 winner

Maintains a strong academic standing (average semester grade ≥ 33).
Is bilingual as a minimum, and transcends cultural barriers.
Demonstrates a willingness to lead and take action.
Is committed to helping others, especially those in need.
Participates in social clubs, organisations, or activities; is focused on enhancing their community through service and commitment.
Contributes to local, national, and global causes; promotes social change through volunteer work that meets and exceeds CAS requirements.

B. Scholarships

To encourage excellence in academics and personal development, we offer two types of scholarships:

Excellence Scholarship: for students in Grades 8 to DP2.
Special Talent Scholarship: for students in Grades 6 to DP1.

Selection is based on academic achievement and commitment to the BWYA's mission, values, and schoolwide learner outcomes. Recipients must demonstrate leadership, service, character, and integrity.

General eligibility requirements for both scholarships

Have studied at BWYA for at least one full school year.
Meet academic requirements as specified in the Scholarship Schemes of the Scholarship Programme for Excellence Scholarship, and in the Student Promotion Policy for Special Talent Scholarship.
Maintain SA/CAS progress as "on track" or "excellent".
Adhere to school policies and procedures.
Exhibit good learner qualities as described in the SLOs.
Maintain good attendance (no tardiness or absences without parental excusals).
A student repeating a year is ineligible.

Additional Requirements for Excellence Scholarship

Grade 8: Community Project (CP) grade ≥ 5; Music Ensemble Programme ≥ C
Grade 9-10: MYP elective ≥5, IGCSE elective ≥ B
Grade 10: Personal Project score ≥ 5 (IB moderation)
Grade 11: Theory of Knowledge (TOK) grade A or B

Special Talent Scholarship Categories

Students participating in the following programmes and clubs are eligible for this scholarship. Specific criteria per category are defined in the full Scholarship Programme.

Athletics Programme
BWYA Orchestra
BWYA Jazz Band
Robotics Club
Senior Model United Nations Club
Creative Media: Wolfbites and Film Festival

Scholarship Committee (SC)

The SC oversees selection and comprises relevant administrators, coordinators, and programme directors, and club supervisors (detailed in the full Scholarship Programme).

Selection and Award Process

The SC conducts selection at the end of a school year.
A shortlist is submitted to the school board for approval.
Scholarships are awarded at the start of the following school year.

For full details, please refer to the BWYA Scholarship Programme 2026-2027.

C. Interim Awards

At the end of each semester, award ceremonies are held to recognise student academic achievement and personal growth.

1. Academic Achievement

Honorary Award: Grade of all subjects ≥ 5
Excellence Award: Grade of all subjects ≥ 6

2. Personal Growth

Head of Grade (HoG) Awards are presented to students demonstrating notable progress in developing the learner qualities as described in the SLOs.

3. SA Progress

SA awards are presented to students achieving significant progress towards completing SA requirements.

D. End-of-Year Awards

1. Excellent Academic Performance Award (HoD Awards)

Heads of Departments (HoDs) present this award at year-end to students demonstrating outstanding academic performance. Each department follows its specific criteria and a maximum number of awards per grade or subject.

Chinese Department

Grades	G6	G7	G8	G6-8 (CB)	G9	G10	DP1
Awards (Max)	4	4	4	1	4	3	2

"Qiao Chu Jiang" (Grades 6-10)

Demonstrate genuine interest in reading and writing.
Exhibit a strong understanding and ability to analyse texts in the study of literature or language.
Show creativity, critical thinking, and imagination in writing and speaking.
Model self-motivation to learn and take responsibility by meeting deadlines, being prepared for class, and actively participating in discussions and activities.
Serve as a role model in this subject.

The Love of Literature Award (DP)

Demonstrate a deep understanding of the set texts in Literature or Language & Literature course through critical study.
Exhibit a genuine interest in and passion for reading across various genres.
Engage in meaningful dialogue with teachers and peers, going beyond mere reading.
Undertake independent research and seek out authoritative critiques while nurturing an informed response to texts.
Maintain a positive attitude in the classroom and demonstrate exemplary academic discipline by taking responsibility for learning, meeting deadlines, being prepared for class, and actively participating in discussions and activities.

The Linguist (DP) jointly presented with English and Korean departments

Demonstrate a passion and enthusiasm for becoming multilingual, particularly by applying multilingualism outside of the classroom.
Speak and study (or have studied) more than two languages.
Show significant improvement in the acquisition of second language(s) as reflected in grades, tasks, command of language mechanics, skills, and attitude, while displaying great effort in becoming fluent in languages other than their mother tongue.
Maintain a positive attitude in the classroom and demonstrate exemplary academic discipline by taking responsibility for learning, meeting deadlines, being prepared for class, and actively participating in discussions and activities.

English Department

Grades	G6	G7	G8	G9	G10	DP1
Awards (Max)	5	5	6	4	4	2

Grade 6: P2x1, P3x1, LLx3 = 5
Grade 7: P3x2, P4x1, P5x1, LLx1 = 5
Grade 8: P3x1, P4x2, P5x2, LLx1 = 6
Grade 9: P3x1, P4x1, P5x1, LLx1 = 4
Grade 10: P4x1, P5x1, LLx1, IGCSE English x1 = 4
DP1: LL x1, LBx1 = 2

Excellent Performance (Grades 6-10)

Demonstrate a deep understanding of texts, topics, and author choices through critical study of literature.
Show imagination in creative work.
Exhibit a genuine interest in reading and writing.
Take responsibility for learning by meeting deadlines, being prepared for class, and actively participating in discussions and activities.

The Love of Literature Award (DP English A)

Demonstrate a deep understanding of the set texts in the English A Language & Literature course.
Exhibit genuine interest in and love for reading.
Engage in meaningful dialogues with teachers and peers beyond mere reading.
Undertake independent research and seek authoritative critiques while nurturing an informed response to texts.
Maintain a positive attitude in the classroom and demonstrate exemplary academic discipline by taking responsibility for learning, meeting deadlines, being prepared for class, and participating in discussions and activities.

"The Wordsmith" Award (DP English B)

Demonstrate a deep understanding of texts, topics, and author choices through critical study of literary and non-literary texts.
Show imagination in creative work.
Exhibit a genuine interest in reading and writing.
Maintain a positive attitude in the classroom and demonstrate exemplary academic discipline by taking responsibility for learning, meeting deadlines, being prepared for class, and participating in discussions and activities.

The Linguist (DP) jointly awarded (Identical criteria as Chinese Linguist Award)

Modern Foreign Language - Korean

Grades	Grades 6-8	Grades 9-10
Awards (Max)	1	1

Excellent Performance (Grades 6-10)

Demonstrate curiosity, inquiry, and enjoyment of language learning and its culture.
Participate actively in class activities and complete tasks to the best of ability.
Submit all work and projects on time.
Take risks in using the new language in class.
Show collaboration and cooperation in all activities performed in and out of class.

Humanities Department

Grades	G6	G7	G8	G9	G10	DP1
Awards (Max)	4	4	4	7	6	4

G9: 2 for Ind&Soc, 1 per subject: Economics, Business, Psychology, Enterprise, History.
G10: 1 per subject: Ind&Soc, Business, Psychology, Economics, Enterprise, History

Excellent Performance (Grades 6-10)

Maintain a good attendance record.
Show a desire to learn the subject.
Participate actively in class.
Demonstrate cultural awareness.
Connect knowledge to the real world.
Excel consistently in all assessment criteria.
Exhibit most of the IB Learner Profile attributes.

"The Ramon" Award for History (DP)

Meet all deadlines.
Respond constructively to feedback and complete corrections.
Show a desire to master the subject.
Bring positive contributions to class discussions, including on topics such as national and international events.
Demonstrate understanding of evaluating sources and different interpretations in history.
Exhibit awareness of their own historical identity.

"The Visionary Leader" Award for Business Management (DP)

Achieve excellent grades on assignments, including case studies, essays, and quizzes.
Participate regularly and provide insightful contributions during class discussions.
Engage in classroom discussions by connecting business concepts to current affairs and real-world issues.
Take a leading role in group presentations, showing leadership and the ability to motivate classmates.
Assist peers during class discussions and group projects, encouraging teamwork and collaboration.
Analyse real-world business scenarios and suggest innovative solutions.
Set and achieve personal goals related to improving business management skills in the school community.

"The Economist" for Economics (DP)

Demonstrate consistently excellent performance on all homework, exams, and class activities.
Contribute regularly and meaningfully to class discussions.
Exhibit a strong understanding of economic concepts and an above-average ability to apply them in evaluating economic developments.
Use knowledge to assist weaker students in grasping economic concepts and theories presented in class.

"The Psychologist" for Psychology (DP)

Demonstrate consistently excellent performance on all homework, exams, and class activities.
Contribute regularly and meaningfully to class discussions.
Exhibit a strong understanding of concepts taught and an above-average ability to apply them in evaluating the human mind and behaviour.

Science Department

Grades	G6	G7	G8	G9	G10	DP1
Awards (Max)	4	4	4	7	5	5

G9: 2 per subject: Physics, Chemistry; 1 per subject: Biology, Computer Science, and Coordinated Science.
G10: 1 per subject: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, and Co-ordinated Sciences
DP1: 1 per subject: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, and DT.

Excellent Performance (Grades 6-10)

Demonstrate a deep and genuine understanding of science through critical study.
Attain the highest levels across the four assessment criteria
Incorporate many of the IB learner profile characteristics into reflective essays, investigative reports, and summative assessments.
Engage in wide reading around the subject, as evidenced by in-text citations in written work.
Take responsibility for learning by meeting deadlines, being prepared for class, and participating in class discussions and activities.

"The Passion for Science" Award (DP)

Demonstrate a profound understanding of concepts and ideas underlying science, particularly in their specific subject.
Demonstrate genuine interest in the subject beyond the curriculum through reading and class discussions with teachers and peers.
Provide evidence of independent reading and thought in exploration and evaluation sections of investigative work, including laboratory and field practicals, internally assessed material, and Extended Essay work.
Exhibit exemplary academic performance and a positive approach in the classroom, including meeting deadlines, being prepared for class, and helping other students with their science work.

Mathematics Department

Grades	G6	G7	G8	G9	G10	DP1
Max Awards	4	4	4	4	3	2

Excellent Performance (Grades 6-10)

Achieve an MYP final grade in the top 3.
Score in the top 5 on standardisation tests.
Demonstrate enthusiasm for and interest in mathematics.
Exhibit good organisational skills and work ethic.
Show willingness to assist peers.
Take responsibility for learning.

"The Mathematician" Award (DP)

Achieve a final grade in the top 3.
Demonstrate enthusiasm for and interest in mathematics.
Exhibit good organisational skills and work ethic.
Take responsibility for learning.

Arts Department

Grades	G6	G7	G8	G9	G10	DP1
Awards (Max)	6	6	6	2	1	1

G6/7/8: 1 per music ensemble group per grade; 1 per subject: Drama, Dance and VA.
G9: 1 per subject: VA, and Film
G10: 1 for VA and Film combined
DP1: 1 for VA, Music and Film combined

Drama - "Talent to Watch" Award (Grades 6-8)

Exhibit good listening skills and physical poise.
Show social humility, intellectual curiosity, and professional versatility.
Demonstrate genuine boldness in Drama.
Display perseverance and dedication to the production design, development, and realisation process.
Acting: Sustain application of talent and show continuous improvement in craft.
Design & Development: Actively contribute, innovate, and realise the production process.
Creativity: Demonstrate creativity through written assignments, improvisation, and other elements of theatre.
Bravado: Be unafraid of trying new things, and willingly and actively become the entertainer that the audience needs.

*Dance - Excellent Performance (Grades 6-8):

Display commitment and enthusiasm in all key areas of the dance programme.
Perform well in solo and group settings.
Show creativity in composition and analysis.
Collaborate and communicate effectively with peers.

Visual Art - Excellent Performance (Grades 6-8)

Exemplify attitudes of a learning visual artist.
Pursue creativity and show willingness to take risks with open-mindedness and patience.
Demonstrate love for the arts and attention to detail.
Strive for excellence with a learning mindset.

Visual Art - Excellent Performance (Grades 9-10)

Develop an excellent range and depth of creative-thinking behaviours.
Explore ideas and materials to find effective solutions to creative problems.
Focus on the artistic process rather than just the product.
Demonstrate critical thinking and innovation.
Show confidence in taking creative risks.
Maintain an excellent attitude towards oneself and others in the classroom.

Visual Art - Excellent Performance (DP)

Explore materials and ideas with curiosity and an open mind.
Extend initial ideas beyond the beginning stages of idea generation.
Take creative risks.
Seek feedback from others to help develop ideas and work.

Music - Excellent Performance (Grades 6-10)

Display commitment and enthusiasm in all key areas of the music programme.
Show creativity in compositions and improvisations.
Perform well in solo and group settings.
Collaborate effectively and demonstrate teamwork.

Music - Excellent Performance (DP)

Display commitment and a deep musical understanding in all areas of the music course - creativity (compositions and improvisation), performance (solos/group), and analysis and interpretation

Film & Media - "Young Artist" Award (Grades 9-10)

Show creativity during projects.
Pursue tasks with enthusiasm.
Demonstrate ability to lead and/or direct others.
Display an excellent attitude during class and projects.

Film - Excellence in Filmmaking Award (DP)

Show creativity during projects.
Pursue tasks with enthusiasm.
Demonstrate ability to lead and/or direct others.
Display an excellent attitude during class and projects.
Participate in the Film Festival.
Initiate SA activities designed to support younger Film students.
Use film as a medium intended for a target audience with the intention to create change.

Design Technology and Computer Science

Grades	G6	G7	G8	G9	G10
Awards (Max)	4	4	4	2	2

G6/7/8: 2 each subject per grade
G9-10: 1 per subject per grade.

Excellent Performance Awards (Grades 6-10)

Competently apply practical and creative thinking skills to solve design problems.
Develop practical skills and strategies for original and critical thinking.
Focus on the entire design process rather than just the final product.
Enjoy the design process and appreciate its elegance and power.
Appreciate alternative solutions to design problems.
Demonstrate innovation and originality.
Allow exploration of various possibilities.
Relish experimentation with ideas and materials.
Understand and utilise design principles and processes.
Use imagination with courage and wisdom.

Physical and Health Education Department

Grades	G6	G7	G8	G9	G10
Awards (Max)	4	4	4	3	2

Excellent Performance (Grades 6-10)

Demonstrate responsible personal, social behaviour and sportsmanship
Exhibit a physically active lifestyle
Demonstrate leadership and a positive influence on peers
Achieve a high level of physical fitness

TOK (DP)

The maximum number of this award is 2.

Challenge assumptions and ask discerning questions about knowledge.
Draw on a broad range of academic and cultural knowledge to make connections across different topics and disciplines, including examples from the curriculum and personal experiences.
Act as a catalyst for discussion in TOK class by regularly contributing original ideas and actively listening to classmates.
Maintain strong academic performance in the subject.

2. Principal Award

This award is presented to students who have been nominated to win three or more HoD awards.

3. SLO Award

This award is presented by the Head of Grade to recognise learner qualities aligned with the SLOs.

Grades 6-9: 2 per homeroom
Grade 10: 10 awards (Max)
DP1: 10 awards (Max)

To receive this award, students must exhibit the learner quality as described in the SLOs. The descriptor for each learner attribute in the SLOs serves as the best reference for candidate selection. Additionally, the following conditions must be met:

Maintain good attendance.
Stay on track with SA or CAS requirements.
Respect school rules.
Engage in homeroom activities.

4. Athletics Award

"The Wolves' Sportsperson of the Year" Award:

Demonstrate the actual value of an athlete to their team, as seen through statistics.
Participate in the maximum number of sports practices and events.
Show strong character, disposition, loyalty, and effort.

Active Participation and Best Effort Award:

Show good attendance in all practices and games.
Demonstrate a positive attitude towards instructional activities.
Contribute to the success of the team.

5. SA Award

Service as Action (SA) Award (Grades 6-10)

Consistently engage in a wide variety of service activities.
Volunteer both in and out of school.
Exhibit eagerness to be involved.
Show care and concern for others through service.
Demonstrate excellent understanding of projects through extensive reflections.

E. End-of-Programme Awards

The following awards are presented to student winners upon the completion of each project and CAS.

Community Project (CP) Award (Grade 8)

Create a highly challenging project.
Impact on community significantly through the project.
Show excellent use and development of ATL skills
Demonstrate creativity
Plan, organise, and reflect effectively

Personal Project (PP) Award (Grade 10)

This award has two categories and is selected by the PP coordinator.

Excellence Award:
- Achieve a grade of 7
- Produce a unique and innovative product, supported by a report.
Progress and Development Award:
- Demonstrate continuous improvement by consistently asking how to do better.
- Take criticism positively and act accordingly.
- Meet all deadlines on MB.
- Attend all meetings with the supervisor.

International Project Qualification (IPQ) Award

Demonstrate a strong work ethic throughout the IGCSE programme.
Exhibit excellent skills in research, analysis, evaluation, communication, and reflection in completing a research project for the Cambridge International Project Qualification.
Achieve a standardised mark of A or A*.

CAS Award (DP)

Consistently initiate and participate in high-quality, long-term projects.
Meet all 7 learning outcomes.
Successfully complete a balance of Creativity, Activity, and Service hours.

Career Internship Award (Grade 10)

This award recognises students who exemplify responsibility, dedication, and a strong work ethic during their internships. It honours those who represent themselves and BWYA positively in the workplace.

The maximum number of winners for this award is 5. Selection is based on the quality and length of the internship commitment (which must meet the minimum guidelines set by the Internship Programme), feedback from the internship provider, and a presentation that highlights the value and connection of the internship experience to future career goals.

This Student Award Programme is reviewed annually by the principal and published in September.

Last reviewed: September 2026