What did you most enjoy about your time at ICHK?

During my seven years at ICHK I appreciated the freedom to explore my interests, with the support of friends, teachers and staff. I was able to participate in sports, art, gardening, drama productions, the list goes on! The school's focus on outdoor learning also helped me foster a deep connection with the environment, which influenced my decision to pursue a career in ecology. I felt like I had all the tools to shape my personality and interests during my time there. I especially enjoyed the time spent hanging out in the IB common room. It was a place where we all came together to tackle the IB diploma, and where we could unwind or have a laugh between study sessions. I also appreciated the chance to connect with students in the years above me, listening to their advice, and when I reached Year 13, I found myself offering guidance to students just beginning their IB journeys.

How do you feel that teachers at ICHK prepared you for life after school?

Their guidance, both critical and supportive, helped me develop resilience and problem-solving skills. The ‘adult-to-adult’ relationships with the teachers allowed me to develop my maturity and feel that my contributions in class and extracurricular activities were truly valued, giving me confidence in my work. The personal connections I built with my teachers at ICHK also helped to shape my career path. Many of my teachers shared my passion for the natural environment and inspired me through their own academic and career journeys, particularly in the sciences. This encouragement helped me persevere through challenges and value hard work, but also to appreciate that doing my best is enough and something to be proud of.

How do you think that ICHK differs from other schools?

ICHK’s community is relatively small compared to other schools. This small community allowed me to develop personal connections with the teachers and created an environment where everyone supported each other. The smaller number of students also allowed for classes to emulate seminars at university level, where you are easily able to ask questions and participate in discussions, encouraging my curiosity and engagement in class. The growth mindset at ICHK also acknowledges that although academic achievement is important,  personal improvements are prioritised. Perseverance is encouraged by embracing errors as opportunities to learn and grow, and helped me to build resilience and confidence.

What were the key skills that you learnt at ICHK?

Working with people from diverse backgrounds throughout my education has given me valuable insight into collaboration and adaptability, skills that are crucial in both academic and professional settings. Similarly, the IB’s CAS program taught me the importance of balancing work, exercise, creativity, and community service. This experience not only looks good on a CV, but also fosters the resilience, organisational skills, and perspective necessary for maintaining a healthy work-life balance in the future. These lessons have been essential in shaping my approach to both personal and professional growth

Any significant moments / highlights / achievements in your life that you may like to share, and do you think your time at ICHK helped you prepare for them?

The skills I developed during my time at ICHK have supported me in my academic achievements. I was able to achieve a first-class in my Biology degree and scored the highest degree mark in my cohort. This required resilience, organisation, collaboration and perseverance. The confidence I gained in my own ideas and knowledge pushed me to independently design and undertake a dissertation project in a local nature reserve, combining my academic interests with real-world impact. Now, as I pursue my master’s degree in Biodiversity and Conservation, I continue to rely on the skills I gained at ICHK to tackle new challenges. While I’m proud of my academic achievements, what feels even more rewarding is the growth in my knowledge and skills that will help me pursue a future career in ecology.