Branksome Hall - Review #7

What makes Branksome Hall unique is how global it feels even within its Toronto campus. The IB curriculum itself pushes you to think beyond borders, but it’s the culture of the school of hosting Model UNs, world affairs events, international trips, and cultural exchanges that really fosters a mindset of global citizenship. At Branksome, I was never just preparing for tests; I was preparing to engage with the world, to question systems, and to imagine how I could help shape change. That global orientation is exactly what inspired me to pursue the World Bachelor in Business program, where I’ll live and study across three continents.

The best thing that happened to me at Branksome was finding clarity about my path. I came in uncertain about what I wanted to do, and I’m leaving with a strong sense of purpose, to pursue international law and work on addressing inequities in the legal system. I’ve grown into someone more confident, more articulate, and more willing to take risks.

If I could do anything differently, I would have joined the debate team even earlier. I didn’t realize how much I would love it until Grade 10. My advice to new students is take the leap. Even if something scares you, try it, you’ll be surprised where it leads.

What I loved most about Branksome was its balance of rigor and support. The school pushed me harder than I thought I could go, but it never let me feel unsupported. Teachers, friends, and mentors were always there, helping me become not only a stronger student but also a more grounded person.

Lean into the opportunities Branksome gives you. Don’t limit yourself to just one thing, try sports, arts, leadership, whatever sparks your interest. And don’t underestimate the muffins in the café, they fueled many of my study sessions! If you want a place that represents Branksome best, I’d say the World Affairs Conference, stand at the podium and feel the energy of hundreds of voices from around the globe. That’s Branksome at its heart.

Branksome’s IB program was both demanding and rewarding. I thrived in courses that asked us to connect the dots between disciplines and encouraged us to see multiple perspectives on an issue. Classes like Economics and Global Politics made me realize that I wanted to study international law and business. What I valued most was that teachers didn’t just “lecture” but they pushed us to wrestle with ideas, to argue our positions, and to think critically. That kind of intellectual training has prepared me for the challenge of studying across USC, Bocconi, and HKUST.

Though I wasn’t a varsity athlete, Branksome’s athletics culture still touched my life. Participating in recreational sports was a way to build friendships and balance the intensity of academics. I appreciated how inclusive the athletics program was. It wasn’t only about high-level competition, but also about fostering healthy habits and teamwork.

Some of my closest friends were involved in theatre productions and music performances, so I was often in the audience cheering them on. What stood out to me was the school’s deep commitment to the arts. The facilities were excellent, and the productions felt as professional as community theatre. Even if you weren’t performing, being part of that culture of creativity made school life richer.

Model UN and debate were the center of my extracurricular life. They gave me confidence in my public speaking, sharpened my analytical skills, and taught me how to think on my feet. But beyond that, they showed me the power of collaboration. Whether negotiating with students from other schools in a Model UN session or organizing a massive conference with my peers. Volunteer opportunities also helped me stay grounded, reminding me that leadership isn’t just about recognition but about service.

Though I was a day student, I spent a lot of time in residence visiting friends. The dorms had a warm, international feel. Girls from around the world living and learning together. Even as a visitor, I could see how strong those bonds became, and I often envied the late-night conversations and friendships that only boarding life creates.

The dining hall became a gathering place as much as a meal stop. I loved how food always seemed to bring people together after stressful exams or busy extracurricular days. While I didn’t have a “signature” favorite, grabbing a snack before meetings or after practices always felt like a small ritual of community.

Toronto is one of the best parts of Branksome. Having access to such a vibrant, multicultural city enriched my education far beyond the classroom. I loved exploring restaurants with friends, visiting art galleries, or attending city events. Toronto isn’t just a backdrop to Branksome, it’s an extension of the school’s global outlook.

The social life at Branksome is woven into everything we do from classes, clubs, dorms, and city outings. For me, some of the best moments were late nights preparing for Model UN conferences or debriefing after debates, laughing and bonding with friends. Because Branksome draws students from so many different backgrounds, you’re constantly learning from each other, and that diversity made my social experience unforgettable.