Katrina Cranfield spent seven years at ICHK and says the school was transformative for her.

What did you most enjoy about your time at ICHK?

The teachers that individually pushed me further than I had ever expected are the ones that I thank the most and made my experience so much more incredible. Never had I thought I would play on the senior touch rugby team, get lost in Sai Kung hiking, and teach English to Chinese students having only learned Mandarin for a year. All these opportunities (and many more) were made available to me and are definitely my most memorable. Having spent seven years at ICHK those opportunities only grew and aided me in maturing as a person and ultimately into an adult.

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

The mindset of teaching at ICHK is what has made such a big difference for me. Teachers have explained beyond the simple textbook yes or no, and showing us that there is no right and wrong. By exploring and evaluating the grey area in everything it has made me a much more developed individual in my thinking patterns and ability to solve problems. Those skills had already become apparent during the IB diploma and I believe will be a huge asset to my work at university as a chemist.

How do you think that ICHK differs from other schools?

The community of ICHK is one you don’t forget so easily. The small school allows for you to feel included and appreciated in an array of ways as we strive together and help one another. Whether it is academics, sports, drama, writing or any other skill you may have, the school has always found ways to accommodate for it. The individual care from each member of staff is what truly makes ICHK special as they get to know each and every student. They know your strengths and weaknesses and address them personally, as well as providing so much attention and time to any individuals who need it or ask for it.

What were the key skills that you learnt at ICHK?

In Year 7 I was asked to do a speech along with a fellow classmate about international mindedness. At the time I didn’t really quite understand what it meant, however by being in that welcoming and engaging international environment I found myself truly appreciating what it meant. Having now left Hong Kong it has definitely shaped myself differently from those around me. I think it’s an important mindset to nurture the way that ICHK did, along with many other roles (such as a leader, follower, listener) that allow students to become well-rounded, aware individuals.