Greenoak Secondary Shines in the Cambridge Outstanding Learners Awards!

Posted: 28th October 2025

Cambridge Outstanding Learners Awards

The Cambridge Outstanding Learners Awards for candidates who sat the June and November 2024 Cambridge examinations were formally conferred on 29 August 2025. 

Greenoak International School (GIS) was among the top performers in several categories:

  • Top in the World – 2 students in English as a Second Language and 1 student in Agriculture
  • Top in Nigeria – 2 students in History and Biology respectively
  • High Achievement Award – 2 students in Food & Nutrition and 1 student in Biblical Studies

While these awards celebrate the students whose names appear on the certificates, they also reflect the teaching culture that underpins their preparation. At GIS, the approach to Cambridge examinations is defined by structured practice, close monitoring of learning gaps, and a deliberate focus on examination technique.

Mock Examinations and Examiner-Style Feedback as Core Strategy

One of the key strategies adopted across departments is the consistent use of mock examinations with examiner-style feedback. This method trains students not only to master content but also to understand how examiners think. This in turn helps to develop precision, reasoning, and confidence under exam conditions.

Interview with Teachers on Cambridge Preparation and Strategic Feedback Culture

We sat down with  teachers from 2 departments to get their personal insights and key tips on how strategic feedback-driven culture shapes what they do every day in the classroom and, most importantly, helps your students shine.

Marketing Department: What are some of the most common misconceptions students have about Cambridge marking, and how do you help correct them?
English Department: Many students worry that they need to read the examiner’s mind to know what is expected, especially when answering implicit questions. We take time to help them understand that the Cambridge system isn’t exactly restrictive. It can actually encourage exploration, provided the responses are logically derived from the passage in view.

Marketing Department: How would you describe the difference between regular marking and examiner-style feedback?
English Department: Regular marking isn’t personalised and doesn’t always show students how to improve. Examiner-style feedback, however, helps them see what went wrong and why. We believe in this approach deeply — it’s part of what defines our school culture. Similar scores may hide different strengths or weaknesses, so we tailor our feedback to each student’s specific needs.

Marketing Department: What do you do differently to prepare and produce such outstanding students?
Food & Nutrition Department: Our teaching is very practical and application-focused. We conduct regular tests and mock exams to keep students engaged and familiar with the Cambridge system. After each assessment, examiner-style feedback is provided, and we review the questions and address grey areas together in class.

Conclusion

This structured feedback culture, repeated over weeks, builds not only academic excellence but also independence, reflection, and mastery. Recognition at this level positions students strongly for competitive university admissions, scholarships, and international academic pathways.

GIS welcomes enquiries from families seeking a structured, globally aligned academic environment. To learn more about admissions, curriculum, or campus tours, contact the school office or visit the official GIS website.

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