Branksome Hall - Review #11

What makes Branksome Hall truly unique is how it encourages both depth and independence in learning. Beyond the rigorous IB curriculum, students are given space to pursue their own projects and passions. For me, that came through the Personal Project, where I explored gene-editing, did independent research, and even produced a mini-documentary. Having the freedom to design something entirely my own, with support from mentors, showed me how education can be both structured and creative. Branksome doesn’t just prepare you for university, it pushes you to think like a researcher and problem-solver while you’re still in high school.

The best thing Branksome gave me was confidence in my own voice. Founding the Chemistry Club, taking on leadership roles, and pushing through the IB workload all taught me that I can take initiative and make an impact.

If I could do something differently, I would have joined more activities earlier on. I didn’t realize how much joy and growth they would bring until later in my high school years. My advice to future students is don’t be afraid to create something new, even if it feels daunting. Branksome is a place that will support you if you take that leap.

What I loved most about Branksome was how it combined academic challenge with a supportive, encouraging environment. The school believed in me even when I wasn’t sure of myself, and that made all the difference. It’s a place that doesn’t just prepare you for university. It shapes you into someone who is curious, resilient, and ready to contribute to the world.

For incoming students, lean into the IB though it’s tough, but it will make you stronger than you think. Also, check out the student-led conferences and clubs; they’re where you’ll find some of your most defining experiences. And if you ever need a pick-me-up? The muffins from the café are legendary.

The academics at Branksome are both intense and incredibly rewarding. The IB Diploma Programme challenged me in ways I couldn’t have imagined, long nights of studying, difficult exams, and plenty of moments where I doubted myself. But it was also transformative. I learned resilience, discipline, and how to approach problems with persistence. What stood out most were the teachers: they didn’t just teach content, they encouraged us to connect ideas, to question assumptions, and to see how science, history, literature, and art all intersect. That interdisciplinary way of thinking is what excites me most about studying Chemical Biology at Brown.

While athletics weren’t the main focus of my Branksome journey, I really admired the way the program was structured to be inclusive. Sports were always available as an outlet, whether you were a competitive athlete or just wanted to be active with friends. For me, it was more about balance, being able to step away from labs, textbooks, or debate prep and have time to recharge physically.

I wasn’t heavily involved in the arts, but I loved the energy that surrounded them at Branksome. Attending school plays and concerts was a reminder of how much talent exists across the student body. Even if you weren’t performing, you still felt connected to that artistic community, and it gave school life a special vibrancy.

Debate, the Chemistry Club, and organizing aspects of the World Affairs Conference were the heart of my extracurricular life. Each of them gave me a chance to grow as a leader and collaborator. What stood out about Branksome’s extracurricular scene is the sheer diversity, you could explore global politics in one moment and turn around to join a STEM-focused group or a service club in the next. It really reflected the idea that students aren’t boxed into one identity; you can be both a scientist and a debater, both a leader and a learner.

I was a day student, but I often spent time with friends in residence. The dorms had an international feel, with students from all over the world creating a second home together. I think the thing I admired most was the support system they created, when you live with peers, you’re not just classmates, you’re family. That kind of closeness carried over into the larger school culture.

The dining hall was where we all came together, and honestly, it was one of my favorite parts of the daily routine. There was always a range of options, and it was comforting to know you’d never leave hungry, even on the busiest days. But more than the food itself, it was the atmosphere, the way meals became a chance to connect, laugh, and take a break before heading back into classes or club meetings.

Being around Toronto made the Branksome experience so much richer. Whether it was grabbing bubble tea after class, exploring different cultural festivals, or visiting museums, the city offered endless opportunities. Toronto’s diversity mirrored Branksome’s, and it reinforced the global mindset the school cultivates.

The social life at Branksome was a blend of structure and spontaneity. Some of my best memories came from late-night prep for debate tournaments, Spirit Week events, and the excitement of large school assemblies. Because students are so involved in different activities, you’re constantly meeting people with different perspectives and passions, and that makes friendships deeper and more interesting.