Two years ago, Zhongwei Liao walked through the gates of Curro Century City High School unable to speak a single word of English. Today, he stands among the school’s top achievers with an 82,57% average, five subject A averages and a place in the IEB’s top 1% for Mathematics.
For Zhongwei, the challenge was daunting: navigating an entirely new language in which all teaching takes place. Yet rather than seeing the language barrier as insurmountable, he viewed it as ‘a wall that blocks my growth,’ one that could be cracked open with determination.
His approach was strategic and immersive. ‘What worked for me was listening to more English and speaking more. I also tried to think in English,’ he explains. But conversational fluency wasn’t enough. ‘Speaking English and academic English are totally different,’ he notes. His solution? Practising past papers persistently while filling his free time with English TV series and conversations with friends.
The results speak for themselves: distinctions in five subjects, scores of 90% and above in two, and that coveted top 1% placement in Mathematics.
Yet Zhongwei credits his teachers. ‘The most helpful support was absolutely the patience from all my teachers and the encouragement from the school. To get top marks, you can never do it without their support.’
In his final year, Zhongwei was awarded the Head of High School Award, recognising outstanding academic achievement in the face of personal challenges and barriers, and acknowledging that he fully embodied the values and criteria set for the Class of 2025.
Throughout his journey, he carried wisdom from his father: ‘Do it and strive and do not delay because the outcome will be better than your expectation.’
Now, Zhongwei has advice for learners facing their own challenges: ‘Nerver be afraid because a challenge also leads to growth. Smooth seas never make skilful sailors. The most important advice is to always feel confident and never doubt your abilities. If you believe in yourself, you will realise your full potential.’
Now studying Chemistry at the University of Cape Town, Zhongwei Liao is looking forward to the challenge ahead. For him, the wall didn’t crack, it came down entirely, proving that determination, support and self-belief can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
