Alumni Spotlight

Why I Chose to Study Overseas after IGCSE

I still remember when my parents first asked me in Year 1 whether I wanted to go to boarding school. I was completely against the idea. Now, more than five years later, I am overseas and almost done with my first year at boarding school. Coming to the UK for sixth form, the equivalent of Years 5 and 6 in ACS （International）, felt like the right decision. By then, I was more independent and ready for a new challenge.

What initially drew me in was the idea of studying in another country and living on-campus with friends in castle like houses in the countryside. In reality, my current school is nothing like that. It is located in the city and is smaller than many traditional boarding schools, but it is still beautiful, with a mix of old and modern buildings.

Pros of My Current Course

Another key reason I chose the UK was the A Level curriculum. After my IGCSEs, I was fairly certain about what I wanted to study, and I appreciated that A Levels allow for greater depth in a few subjects rather than a broad range like the IB. The focused structure suits me well.

Whilst I no longer have to complete CAS, TOK or the EE, I still participate in many similar activities. For example, we have service sessions every Wednesday. I am currently involved in Music in the Community, where we visit old folk’s homes and primary schools to spread the joy of music.

I am also completing an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which is somewhat similar to the EE, where we write a 5,000-word essay on a topic of our choice. I really appreciate the academic rigour of my current school. Especially as a boarder, we have prep time every evening, which is an allotted period during which we must remain in our rooms studying. Having this structure has pushed me to become more disciplined. Additionally, I have found it incredibly motivating to watch my peers excel not only academically, but also beyond the classroom. This has encouraged me to work harder in all aspects of school life.

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Cons of My Current Course

One aspect of A Levels is that we do not have internal assessments, and only certain subjects include coursework. For some, like me, this is a positive, but it may not suit everyone, as our grades are heavily dependent on final year examinations. Due to differences in school terms, I have already completed my prelims to obtain predicted grades, despite still being in the equivalent of Year 5. This can feel quite pressurising, having to sit major examinations in the first year rather than the second.

Advice for Those Who Want to Apply for Boarding School

Overall, I would recommend going to boarding school, as it has allowed me to gain independence and create unforgettable memories. Some of my best moments so far include chatting with my friends in our rooms at night, full boarders’ dinners where we each cooked a dish and hiking 24 kilometres for charity.

I would also recommend starting the application process early. I began researching schools at the end of Year 3 and sat my entrance examinations towards the end of Year 4. Choosing a school is similar to selecting a university. It is important to ensure that it suits you. It does not have to be the most academic, but it must be somewhere you know you will love being in 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I skipped all the schools I heard were particularly sporty, because I am not sporty at all.

I am deeply thankful for everything ACS (International) has given me over the past four and a half years. I grew immensely during that time, gaining the confidence to move forward into this next chapter of my life.