Talk ÍÑ¿ã°É talks to Maria Almeida, pupil of King's Interhigh UK. Get to know more about this brilliant online school and their dedicated IB programme by reading on...
What are the three best things about your school?
First and foremost, it’s definitely the flexibility. King’s InterHigh allowed me to have ample time to study outside of classes, go to interesting events like the London Film Festival and also spend time in nature. Another great thing about my school was the support from teachers. I was able to email them at any point during an assignment or if I needed help with any of the coursework elements. The teachers were also a highlight during my time at King’s InterHigh and I am truly indebted to them for all the help they provided me in my IB journey. Finally, a third great thing about my school were the people. All my fellow classmates were very welcoming and always supportive, especially during the exam period. It truly felt like we were all in it together.
If you could change anything, what would it be?
Sometimes I look back and regret not digging deeper into a topic that interested me. I think I probably could have changed my approach in different subjects like maths, as I would have liked to learn even more and maybe even change the topic I focused on for my internal assessment (the big coursework piece). Additionally, I think I would have liked to have cultivated deeper connections with more people in the cohort as there were so many incredibly interesting people from various parts of the world.
Does the school match up to the expectations you had before you arrived?
Yes it does! I have been with King’s InterHigh since Year 9 and frankly the two IB years were some of my favorites that I spent with this school. I got to have great classroom discussions and have really grown as a person because I decided to take a chance and undertake the IB online pilot.
How long did it take you to settle in? Who helped you?
Not long at all, the teachers really encouraged class discussions and got us to communicate and get to know our peers so it didn’t feel like online school was a detached and individualistic experience. I was already aware of how the whole system worked due to some great video orientations but the teachers were great at guiding us through how to submit assignments and take tests. Additionally, I think it really helped that my fellow students were in the same boat as me, as we were all starting something new and getting to know the intricacies of the IB diploma.
Who do you go to if you have a problem?
Usually if it’s a subject specific issue I would go directly to my subject teacher however the school also has some great pastoral programs and there are always people there to listen if anything goes wrong or if you need any help.
In relation to the questions about art, food and sport I thought I would just write about some of my own activities outside of school as I didn’t take any art subjects and I live at home.
Outside of school I was able to cultivate a really great environment to pursue my hobbies such as painting, reading, writing and doing sports. The CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) aspect of the IB curriculum also enabled me to do these things and get credit for them for my diploma at the same time. For example, I created an entire fantasy world from scratch and wrote short stories surrounding characters that lived in the world. I also ran a 5K and got back into swimming because of CAS! I think going to online school for the IB really helped me manage my time effectively and still allowed me to pursue my passions because I could still fit my favorite activities into my schedule.
What are the teachers like? What is the head like? Does s/he know your name?
The teachers are really great! I was able to cultivate some wonderful relationships with them and they really helped me achieve my goals throughout the two years. For example, I have really developed as a writer and have been introduced to a variety of new favourite topics. The head is wonderful and has attended a variety of assemblies as well as provided some really informative newsletters.
What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about coming to this school?
Be prepared to be very independent! Online school has provided me with the space and time to really focus on my studies as well as other activities, however you really have to work on time management to succeed. Many of the teachers are a great support if you make the effort to communicate and ask for help. Online school is vastly different from traditional school because you have to be in charge of your own learning. So for anyone who is thinking of joining they have to be ready to take ownership of their studies and find tools to aid them throughout.
What’s your favourite part of the school day?
I really enjoy going to my favorite subject classes! Especially if the teacher is really passionate about what they’re teaching and makes the class really interesting to be in. I also really like going into breakout rooms where I can discuss the topic with fellow students.
Are your friends mainly local or do they come from all over the country/world?
All over the world! I live in the UK and I believe only two or three other students live here from my cohort (including my best friend). It has been really great to meet people from varied cultures and backgrounds, especially as I have also got to see many of them in person.
Where are you aiming for when you leave here? Has this school prepared you well for your next step, and for the rest of your life?
I am going to be attending university in Scotland! I am going to be studying anthropology and psychology, which I hope to apply to my future career. I am still undecided on what career I want but I want to go into research and hopefully write a book. I think that this school has definitely prepared me as the IB is a very demanding program and I have learnt to really effectively manage my time.
What’s the one thing that you’ve learned here which will always stick with you?
I think that I have learnt a lot about myself and my own learning style. King’s InterHigh has really helped me explore facets of my interests and has made me more passionate about learning in general.