Previous School: 7Hills International School, Kampala, Uganda
Course studied: International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Next Steps: Psychology at Exeter University
My Story
Before attending Truro and Penwith College, Kaeya originally studied and obtained international GCSE qualifications at 7Hills International School in Kampala, Uganda.
After moving to Cornwall and starting College, not knowing anyone, Kaeya found the IB Diploma was the perfect choice for her thanks to the close-knit community that the course fosters. Kaeya describes her favourite part of studying the IB as: “Definitely the social side, I’ve formed the best friends over here.
“Honestly, I think it’s the best thing I could’ve done coming from Uganda. The cohort as a whole are incredible people. I’ve formed incredible friendships with the people I’ve met that will last a lifetime.”
The style of teaching being familiar to her was also a big reason Kaeya chose the course.
“I chose the IB as I found the teaching styles were similar to those at my International School”, Kaeya explained.
“The teachers have been so incredibly supportive; it’s made my experience completely worthwhile.”
She has now completed her studies with an incredible 38 out of 45 points score on the course.
After her fantastic results, Kaeya now plans to progress to Exeter University to study psychology, with a placement year:
“I’m really fascinated by research and discovering more about the mind and brain. I would like to go to New Zealand for my placement year as I’ve seen a couple of links to opportunities there. Exeter University has got a lot of links, so I think no matter where I go, I’ll be really happy.”
Kaeya’s advice to other students considering the IB diploma is to “Just do it! Just do the best you can and try and have as much fun as you can – and definitely stay organised! I think that’s the biggest thing I’ve learned from the IB, and I’ve leaned that for university as well – staying organised and on top of things!”
After university, Kaeya hopes to find work in the field, researching other cultures: “I’m really fascinated by the social and cultural approach in psychology, and I love looking at different cultures, and mainly tribes. Coming from Uganda, there’s lots of different tribes there, and around the world. I definitely would like to go into research.”
