Marla’s story
For Marla Carmichael, ISA feels like her second family. She attended the school from kindergarten and with her parents teaching biology and chemistry here too, ISA has been a central part of her daily life.
Marla attributes much of her success to the school’s close-knit community and the small class sizes, which allowed teachers to tailor their support to her needs.
“It’s just a really nice atmosphere. I’ve known many of the teachers since I was very young. I think that because it’s such a small community, you get to know everyone very well, and the teachers even more. They’re not just there to get you through the content; they actually know each student very well.”
She achieved a score of 41 in her IB diploma, which paved the way for a place at University of St. Andrews, where she’s now studying social anthropology.
Although rigorous, the IB’s broad curriculum has helped Marla discover new interests and keep her options open, including her university choices.
Unlike other academic pathways where students specialise early, the IB requires students to study a wide range of subjects, encouraging Marla to step out of her comfort zone.
A turning point came while she was studying for a GCSE in environmental management, when a teacher’s real-world experience working in the Amazon rainforest sparked her interest in environmental issues.
“My favourite part of doing the IB is that you study six subjects across different areas and I did higher level biology, English and economics, along with standard level maths, Spanish and environmental systems. The IB makes you well-rounded and broadens your perspective.”
Marla swam competitively for several years and says the facilities at ISA are outstanding.
“The pool at ISA has been a big part of my life. My swimming club trains at the school pool, and I was also an instructor for some of the younger children. There are so many opportunities for clubs and you can even run your own if you want to.
“ISA also encourages students to actively engage with the wider community through its dedicated volunteering programme, ISA Connect. I volunteered weekly at a local food bank, helping to prepare and distribute food parcels.
“I also supported a children’s club at a nearby community centre and took the lead in organising a tea party for 70 guests, successfully raising £700 for the Archway charity. This experience contributed to my IB Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) project and has given me so much confidence and skills which I know will benefit me in the future.”
The familiarity and connection she felt at ISA has helped shape what Marla was looking for in a university.
“I’ve been going to ISA my whole life, so I’m used to small environments where everyone knows each other,” she said. “I didn’t want to move to a massive city and feel like a stranger to everyone. ISA is a real community – the relationships, the opportunities, the support. It’s something special. There’s space to be yourself and space to grow.”