Behind every academic result, is an individual story. Find out what makes an education at the British International School of Houston so special for Year 13 Katie.
Behind every academic result, is an individual story. Find out what makes an education at the British International School of Houston so special for Year 13 Katie.
How long have you been at BISH?
I have been at BISH for 5 years.
Tell us a little bit about your background before you joined BISH?
I was born in Scotland and moved to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil when I was 8 years old. I have been passionate about becoming a doctor since living in Rio and volunteering in an orphanage where I assisted with many of the sick children.
How have you found the IB Programme?
I have found the IB programme to be challenging, especially throughout Year 13. It takes a huge amount of self-discipline and motivation to keep on top of all the demands. I have however also found it very interesting, studying aspects of the course such as Theory of Knowledge and exploring subjects in much greater depth than GCSE.
How did you feel when you were offered a place at York University?
I was ecstatic! It made all the hard work pay off.
Tell us more about your journey to being offered a place at York…
The journey to being offered a place to study Medicine is a very long and tactical process. Starting with achieving the essential high grades at GCSE, I then immersed myself in both volunteering and work experience in the UK and USA. This included shadowing a GP, consultant radiologist, anesthesiologist as well as volunteering at a residential community for disabled adults, a hospice and a camp counsellor at the Muscular Dystrophy Camp 2017. The key for success was a huge amount of research into which medical school my application would be most successful in. The journey then continued with studying for the medical admissions test (UKCAT) shortly followed by preparation for interviews (all of which took place in the UK). It’s been a long road but I have grown and learned so much from the process.
What have been your biggest achievements / highlights during your time at BISH?
To date one of my biggest achievements at BISH have been my GCSE results. Tanzania was for sure the biggest highlight, meeting other students from Nord Anglia Schools around the world and volunteering within the local communities.
What would you say about your teachers who have supported you through your education at BISH?
Some of my teachers have been incredibly supportive through my education at BISH, always with an open door and willing to help, many with a great sense of humour!
What are your goals for the future?
My goals for the future are to become a doctor and work for the NHS. I hope to continue travelling and pursue my love of exploring new countries and cultures.
In what ways do you think your education at BISH has prepared for you for your future?
BISH’s collaborative learning approach has helped me to develop my teamwork skills which is essential for my future in the medical workplace. I have learnt to be adaptable and open minded to new learning approaches, finding solutions to the challenges that have been presented.
Do you have any tips for students about to undergo their IB Programme?
Definitely work hard throughout the entire course, the IB is extremely demanding and the more you can achieve in the beginning the better! I would also recommend reviewing the mark schemes of papers and recognizing what the examiners are looking for in questions. Organization is key in the IB as two years of content can be overwhelming towards the end.
What have been your favorite memories at BISH so far?
The friendships I have made which have helped me face and overcome the challenges of the IB. Another one of my favourite memories was the transition into the new school, it had been long awaited and the new building far surpassed my expectations.
