- James Burman, Year 12 student
Why did you choose to further your studies at Impington International College (IIC)? What stood out to you about its offering?
I originally chose Hills Road Sixth Form, because that was where my friends were going and I felt it was the right decision. However, it was a close call between the two Sixth Forms and I quickly transferred to IIC after I realised that A-Levels were not what I expected. I knew that I would rather be somewhere where the class sizes were smaller, the teachers would know you personally and care about your individual progression and I had an opportunity to learn more about the things that I enjoy. Being able to continue studying such a broad range of subjects really appealed to me and having the chance to either continue learning a language, or start a new one is amazing.
What appealed to you most about your chosen pathway at IIC?
I really enjoy that I can study Maths, Physics and Computer Science at an A-Level equivalent standard while also being able to explore other non-STEM subjects.
What elements of your study are you currently enjoying the most and why?
I really enjoy the independence. You are expected to manage and organise your workload, but there is constant, personalised feedback from the teachers, and they are always happy to send you resources or take some of their own time to go over something that you maybe didn’t quite understand.
How was the transition from Impington Village College (IVC) to IIC?
Changing subjects was a very simple process and all of the teachers were helpful, answering any question I had about the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the College.
What was one of the most valuable lessons that you learnt from your time at IVC, that you have carried over to your studies at IIC?
During my time at IVC, I learnt to be more open minded to both other people’s ideas and views, and how to formulate my own. This has been extremely useful both in lessons, and in socialising, as there are people from all over the world at the College. It is amazing the number of interesting things people have to say and being able to listen to others helps to give you a better understanding of different world views.
How have the teachers at IIC helped you with balancing your workload and with exam preparation?
We go over exam technique in class, and revision outside of class is expected. The homework that is set is well-balanced and, if you keep on top of your work, you find yourself in a sublime situation – or at least I have so far.
Tell us about any extra-curricular clubs you are a part of – how did you get involved, and why?
At the moment, I am doing the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and also completing activities for CAS such as river swimming with my friends and going to the gym.
What are you hoping to do following your studies at IIC?
I would like to go on to study at university. I am hoping to study Computer Science and Philosophy at either St. Andrews or Oxford.
What support has been offered to you by IIC to prepare you for these next steps?
Teachers have provided bonus resources on request and 1:1 meetings with my Form Tutor to discuss my current trajectory.
What advice would you give to younger students when choosing where to study next?
If you don’t know what you want to do, do the IB. It is amazing as no doors are shut. But most importantly, don’t just do something because ‘everyone else is doing it’, give it thought and reflection and then make a decision based on your own interests.
If you could sum up your IIC experience in three words, what would they be?
Made me well-rounded.
