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. She achieved a score of 41 in her IB diploma, which paved the way for a place at the University of St. Andrews, where she’s now studying social anthropology.
“ISA just has a really nice atmosphere. I’ve known many of the teachers since I was very young and 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.
“I’m now studying at the University of St Andrews and I think ISA’s close-knit community and the small class sizes allows teachers to tailor their support to the individual needs of everyone in the class.
“The IB’s broad curriculum helped me discover new interests and keep my options open, including university choices. Unlike other academic pathways where students specialise early, the IB requires students to study a wide range of subjects, which really encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone.
“A turning point came while I was studying for a GCSE in environmental management, when a teacher’s real-world experience working in the Amazon rainforest sparked my 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.
“Another huge plus for me was the facilities at ISA, which are outstanding. I swam competitively for several years and 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 I felt at ISA has helped shape what I 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. I didn’t want to move to a massive city and feel like a stranger to everyone.
