Branksome Hall - Review #6

Branksome Hall is unique in the way it empowers young women to pursue dreams that are often seen as unconventional or rare. For me, that dream was flying. Ever since I was five years old, I knew I wanted to be a pilot. At Branksome, I was surrounded by a culture that didn’t make that sound impossible or unrealistic. It was always, “Yes, you can, and here’s how you’ll get there.” The IB program’s rigor, paired with the school’s encouragement to think globally and independently, gave me the confidence to pursue aviation in a field where women are still underrepresented. Branksome’s focus on resilience, leadership, and independence shaped me into the kind of person who’s not afraid to aim for the sky literally.

The best thing that happened to me at Branksome was realizing that my dream of becoming a pilot was actually achievable. The school didn’t just support me academically but it gave me the courage to pursue something in a male-dominated field. I’ve grown more confident, more independent, and more determined

. If I could do anything differently, I would have joined even more clubs earlier, just to explore all the opportunities. My advice to future student is: don’t be afraid to dream big, even if your dream seems unusual. Branksome will give you the tools to chase it.

What I liked most about Branksome was its culture of ambition and empowerment. It wasn’t about fitting into a mold but it was about carving your own path, with the school behind you every step of the way.

For incoming students, don’t underestimate yourself. Branksome will challenge you, but it will also reveal your strength. My favorite snack was grabbing a muffin after classes to refuel before volleyball practice, and one of my favorite spots was the library’s quiet corners. It is perfect for dreaming about the future. As for dorms, every one has its charm, but it’s less about the building and more about the people inside it.

The academics at Branksome were demanding, but in the best possible way. The IB curriculum trained me to think critically and manage a heavy workload, skills that will be absolutely essential when I’m flying and making quick, high-stakes decisions. I especially loved subjects like physics and mathematics because they tied directly into aviation, but I also valued the breadth of courses that opened my eyes to global perspectives. My teachers constantly pushed me to not just learn content, but to apply it. That mindset is exactly what aviation requires. Understanding theory but also translating it into practical, real-world action.

Athletics were a key part of my time at Branksome. I played volleyball and found that being part of a team mirrored what I’ll experience as a pilot in a cockpit. It’s never just you, it’s always about communication and trust with others. The athletics program is competitive but supportive, with incredible coaching staff who really invest in your growth. I learned the value of discipline and routine, which carried over into my flying ambitions. Early mornings in the gym definitely prepared me for early mornings in the cockpit.

Although I wasn’t deeply involved in the arts, I always admired how vibrant that side of Branksome was. From theatre productions to concerts, there was always something creative happening on campus. Watching my friends perform taught me a lot about expression, dedication, and confidence qualities. Branksome really does cultivate every kind of passion, whether it’s painting, singing, or in my case, flying planes.

Volunteering was something Branksome emphasized, and it shaped my sense of responsibility. I participated in community service projects both on campus and in the wider Toronto community. What I loved most was the school’s encouragement to pursue leadership positions whether in clubs, prefect roles, or sports. That leadership experience made me more confident in taking initiative, something I’ll need every day as a pilot.

Living in residence taught me independence in a way that no classroom ever could. I had to manage my own schedule, balance academics with extracurriculars, and still make time for friendships. Dorm life gave me a “family away from home,” with girls from all over the world who became sisters to me. Some of my favorite memories are late-night conversations with dormmates about our dreams and goals, we encouraged each other to think big.

The dining hall was one of those places where the whole school came together. Meals were fuel for long days, but also opportunities to connect with friends and teachers in a relaxed setting. The variety of food was great, and as an athlete, I appreciated having options that fit into training. Breakfast before volleyball practices or study sessions always felt like the calm before the storm of a busy Branksome day.

Being in Toronto meant endless opportunities. From exploring the city’s multicultural food scene to visiting aviation museums or simply enjoying time by the waterfront, I never felt limited. Toronto’s energy is inspiring, and it definitely fueled my ambition. Knowing that Pearson International Airport, the hub of Canadian aviation was just a drive away always reminded me of what I was working toward.

The social life at Branksome is vibrant, inclusive, and supportive. Because it’s a boarding school with students from all over the world, there’s a richness of perspectives and traditions. Social life for me meant everything from hanging out with friends in the dorm, to school dances, to celebrating cultural nights. What stood out most was the deep sense of belonging as you could always find your place at Branksome.