Alina Akhmetova is being recommended for the University of Reading's International Baccalaureate Scholarship. She transferred to GEMS World Academy in Dubai after studying in Russia under a British curriculum, where she earned the highest marks. She currently ranks in the top 10% of her graduating class of 63 students and has been named Salutatorian with the second highest marks. Alina has exceptional work ethic, perseverance, and intellectual curiosity. She is actively involved in numerous extracurricular activities, including Model UN, debate club, and serving as president of the Eco School, demonstrating leadership and a dedication to learning beyond the classroom.

1. PO Box 126260 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 4 373 6373 Fax: +971 4 3233176
www.gemsworldacademy-dubai.com
Letter of reference for Alina Akhmetova
April 14, 2013
It is with complete confidence and enthusiasm that I write to you about Alina Akhmetova’s
candidacy as recipient of University of Reading’s International Baccalaureate Scholarship.
I have had the honor of knowing Alina for the past 9 months as her high school counselor at GEMS
World Academy – Dubai, where she has been a student since September 2011. Alina joined GWA
after only having studied in Russian following a British curriculum. Alina brought with her perfect
academic records earning only the highest marks in each of her subjects during grades 8, 9 and 10.
It is not in the least bit surprising to learn that Alina currently ranks in the first decile of her
graduating class of 63 students and has just been named Salutatorian with the second highest marks.
I confidently rank Alina as one of the top students I have worked with in my career based on the
fact that Alina transferred to GWA with minimal English skills and has consistently demonstrated
that she has exceptional work ethic, perseverance and intellectual curiosity. Her academic prowess
in the IB Diploma program as an English B student is evidenced with an overall predicted score of
40. Alina’s astuteness, professional and mature approach to learning, and leadership qualities has
earned her the respect of students and teachers alike.
Actively involved in numerous school activities and sports, Alina demonstrates a dedication to life
and learning that extends beyond the classroom walls and she has built for herself a strong balance
to living her life to its fullest. Most notable are Alina’s participation in MUN, World Scholar’s Cup
as part of our Debate Club, and Eco School’s in which she has held the position of President. This
year, while speaking at the MUN conference hosted by Dubai International Academy (DIAMUN
2013) Alina earned the titles of the “best female delegate” and “most knowledgeable delegate”, as
well as the “best position paper” in General Assembly 2. Apart from taking part in MUN
conferences, Alina has been actively involved in MUN school organization for the past two years
through being one of the organizers of the MUN day at GWA and creating class activities for
younger students to promote the Millennium Goals of the UN. Furthermore, she has shown great
dedication to the GWA’s debate club by representing the club at the school assemblies. As a
member of the club, she has also taken part in Dubai International Debate competitions in 2012-13
representing GWA. After getting the 3d team place in World Scholar’s Cup Debate competition
and being chosen as one of the top six speakers out of 400 students for the debate showcase, Alina
has taken a part in World Scholar’s Cup 2013 as a judge for senior teams. Furthermore, in 2011,
Alina was one of 200 students chosen out of 50,000 applicants for the Future Leaders Exchange
Program. In 2004, 2006 and 2007, Alina represented West Kazakhstan as a Chess Champion in the
Kazakhstan Republic Competitions. Alina continuously demonstrates a zealous approach to being
an active and contribution member of today’s global society.
Regards,
Pascale Thomas
Secondary School Counselor