Graduate Story | From Gothic Literature to Oxford Physics: Simon X’s Journey Begins at Harrow Beijing

In the classrooms of Harrow Beijing, physics is more than just formulas and laws—it’s a kind of magic sparked by curiosity. For Simon X, a 2025 graduate, this journey began with one science lesson, one teacher’s response, one hands-on project—and has now led him to an offer from the University of Oxford to study physics, as he confidently steps into the next chapter of his life. 

Simon X

Joined Harrow Beijing in Year 7

Offered by Physics, Oxford University

At Harrow Beijing, 

finding your own questions

—and the answers that follow

Simon joined Harrow Beijing in Year 7. Here, he gradually transformed from a student passionate about the humanities into a curious learner who found deep excitement in physics. He recalls how he was once deeply interested in Gothic literature and history, but his path began to shift thanks to a series of imaginative and practical science classes. From Mr. Kim’s “egg drop challenge” to a golf ball launcher project with Mr. Chin, every hands-on experiment opened a new window into the fascinating world of physics.

“I started constantly asking ‘why’—I wanted to understand the principles behind every phenomenon,” Simon recalls. Harrow Beijing, he says, is the kind of school that not only welcomes such curiosity but actively encourages it. Here, a question isn’t a sign of doubt—it’s the beginning of possibility.

A school that encourages students 

to “play” with maths and physics

To Simon, what makes Harrow Beijing stand out isn’t just the academic challenge—it’s the school’s enduring commitment to nurturing curiosity. 

Since Year 7, he has participated in competitions organized by the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT), winning the “Best in School” award in the Senior Mathematical Challenge (SMC) in Year 12, and progressing all the way to Round 2 of the British Mathematical Olympiad (BMO).

In physics, his growth was equally impressive—his score in the British Physics Olympiad (BPhO) nearly doubled in a single year. These achievements didn’t happen overnight. Behind them lies the consistent guidance and support of his teachers over the years.

Simon also spoke about his physics teacher—a mentor who is both rigorous and deeply philosophical. In one memorable class, when Simon asked, “Why can a bicycle stay balanced?” the teacher didn’t give a direct answer. Instead, he built a simple model by hand and used the concept of “trail effect” to help students discover the answer for themselves. He would often say things like, “Believe in magic—because magic is just physics we don’t yet understand.” This kind of teaching language allowed students to internalize complex ideas and truly grasp the concepts behind them. At Harrow Beijing, teachers consistently use the most imaginative approaches to guide students in exploring the most profound questions. With curiosity as the starting point, and strong foundations in both theory and practice, students are empowered to forge their own paths to academic excellence.

When reason meets philosophy: 

exploring the mind and the cosmos

For Simon, physics is not just about equations—it’s a way of understanding the world. With friends, he often dives into long discussions on Bayesianism, quantum mechanics, and even whether consciousness can be defined. These seemingly “far-out” questions are, at Harrow Beijing, treated as worthy intellectual explorations.

He doesn’t rush to conclusions. Instead, through dialogue and reflection, he has developed an independent mind and a deep sense of thoughtfulness. These are precisely the qualities most valued by Oxford—and it is here at Harrow Beijing that Simon was given the space to question, to be wrong, and to try again.

Beyond physics: a pianist 

on the Harrow Beijing stage

Harrow Beijing offers more than academic freedom—it provides a space for personal growth. Simon has studied piano since he was young and frequently performs at school assemblies, activities, and parent meetings. Music is his way to relax, but also a way to express himself and build confidence.

He is also an active participant in House activities, once volunteering to perform pop music pieces for his House and bringing his passion for the arts into the heart of community life. “I really enjoy being on stage, but I also love the process behind it—rehearsing and discussing with my friends,” he shared. At Harrow Beijing, Simon can excel in the British Physics Olympiad, and at the same time, simply be a student who plays pop piano pieces during morning assemblies.

Reflecting on his seven-year journey, Simon shares: “The greatest thing I’ve gained is this: I know who I am, and I know the kind of person I want to become.” This is not only the self-summary of a young physicist but also the kind of growth Harrow Beijing hopes to cultivate in every student. Oxford is simply the next stop on Simon’s journey. The curious mind, eager to explore the laws of the universe, is already well prepared for takeoff—launched from the very foundation he built at Harrow Beijing.