James Penstone, Secondary Principal
27 October 2023
Recent conversations within our parent community have prompted me to share some insights into the support we offer our students. This is especially crucial as they navigate the complex yet rewarding journey toward university applications and other future pathways.
Our team of two dedicated universities and careers guidance counsellors, Ms Doell and Ms Young, specialise in offering individualised support. Their commitment is to motivate students to take control of their higher educational journey, equipping them with the necessary skills and insights. Whether your child is eyeing institutions in North America, the UK, Switzerland, or other global destinations, rest assured that our team has the expertise to guide them toward a fulfilling path.
Last year, we were delighted to see that 84% of our students secured a spot in their first-choice universities.
As an inclusive community, we do not just celebrate recent acceptances to prestigious places such as Oxford, Cambridge, ETH, and Brown University. We take equal pride in those who opt for vocational training, for instance, or those who contribute to marginalised and underprivileged communities through NGO apprenticeships as just one other example.
All of these successes are a testament to the collaborative efforts between our students and their counsellors. Authenticity and inclusion lie at the core of our educational philosophy. This is particularly vital in the university application process, where applicant screenings are highly sophisticated and designed to assess the genuineness of each student's voice, aspirations and abilities.
Whether pursuing a traditional university pathway or an alternative route, we aim to extend the skills and values that students acquire at ICS into a global context. The twin landscapes of higher education and employment are evolving rapidly; employers are increasingly prioritising the development of relevant, adaptable skills over the brand recognition or prestige associated with attending a specific university.
Our IB education goes beyond academic rigour, fostering critical thinking, service learning, transferable skills, and interdisciplinary understanding within a truly holistic framework. This comprehensive approach equips students to adapt to a rapidly changing world, setting them on a path to success in diverse higher education pathways.
Thank you for entrusting us with your children's education. We look forward to a continued partnership in helping them forge their futures.