The Mind Behind the Medal: Artur’s International Psychology Olympiad Triumph

When BSKL Year 13 student Artur first joined the school three years ago in Year 10, he was very sure of his future; his heart and mind were set on pursuing the field of computer science.

However, one class focusing on psychology would eventually change his life direction – he became interested in psychology and the study of the human mind.

"My previous psychology teacher showed me what psychology is about. I became very interested in the subject," he said recently.

With encouragement from his previous psychology teacher, Artur participated in the International Psychology Olympiad when he was still new to the field. He did not get high marks at the time.

“However, I told myself that I have to take it seriously, and put myself together and try again,” he said.

He entered again in 2026, and this time, under the guidance of the BSKL humanities department teacher, Mr Alexander Reilly, he came prepared, spending many weeks learning psychology concepts and anticipating potential questions about the human mind.

This time, he not only won Gold, but also emerged as the overall champion of the International Psychology Olympiad, scoring the highest out of 6000 students who participated from over 30 schools globally.

“It felt amazing, and I was over the moon. I knew I had achieved high marks this round, but to be at the top, it feels surreal,” he said.

He credits BSKL for his learning journey and also his teachers, peers and friends for cheering him on after he discovered his love for the field of psychology.

“I especially would like to thank Zofia for being a really good friend; she was the one who kept pushing me in my studies,” he said.

As he is preparing for his A-levels examinations, Artur said he is planning to use his outstanding results to prepare for his university entry admissions.

“I would like to pursue a double degree in Psychology and in Business; this would be helpful to my prospects in the future,” he said.