Date: September 22, 2025
From: Dorothy Wong, Chairperson, Utahloy International School Guangzhou (UISG)
To: UISG Students, Parents, Faculty, and Staff

Insights from Cambridge and Edinburgh: Shaping Our Path Forward

Dear UISG Community,

I am delighted to share reflections from a recent visit to St John’s College, Cambridge, where I was joined by Matthius Dorzapff and Dean Hoffman to explore ways to elevate Utahloy International School Guangzhou (UISG) as a global leader in education. The rich exchange of ideas, particularly Matthius’s insightful advice, has inspired a clear vision to strengthen our academic programs, foster school spirit, and deepen our cultural engagement through initiatives like the Edinburgh Festival 2026.

At St John’s, Matthius emphasized the need to enhance our Mathematics A-Level program to prepare students for competitive university admissions, such as engineering and economics at institutions like Cambridge. Drawing inspiration from an elite international school in Singapore, which secured 60 Cambridge offers last year, he recommended a final-year boarding program to foster teacher-student mentorship. This approach builds student confidence for university interviews, where Singapore schools currently excel. To set a personal example, I am exploring further studies at Cambridge to inspire our students to pursue lifelong learning.

The historic charm of St John’s, with its vibrant boat club and alumni traditions, sparked ideas to introduce a boat club and watersports program at UISG. These initiatives will build school spirit and create a unique campus identity that resonates with international families.

Building on our strategic discussions with Amber Education on August 11, 2025, UISG is committed to organizing a cultural exchange program for students to attend the Edinburgh Festival 2026, a world-renowned arts and cultural event. This initiative will provide our students with unparalleled exposure to performing arts, aligning with our International Baccalaureate (IB) mission to develop globally minded individuals. We are collaborating with Amber Education to integrate this experience into our curriculum, ensuring it enriches our students’ personal and academic growth.

The insights from St John’s College and our plans for the Edinburgh Festival 2026 reflect our dedication to making UISG a hub of academic rigor, cultural engagement, and global connectivity. By enhancing our academic programs, embracing traditions that build community, and offering transformative cultural experiences, we aim to empower our students to thrive in a competitive world.

Warm regards,

Dorothy Wong
Chairperson, Utahloy International School Guangzhou