Leadership, balance and big dreams: Vanessa’s A-level experience
Vanessa joined Kings Brighton from Indonesia and is currently completing her second year of A-levels, studying Physics, Maths, and Art & Design.
Drawn to the UK after visiting several times, Vanessa decided to step out of her comfort zone and pursue her ambition of studying Economics and Politics at a leading British university. Alongside her studies, she has embraced leadership opportunities and made the most of student life in Brighton.
Q: Hi Vanessa. Tell us a little about yourself.
A: My name is Vanessa, I’m from Indonesia, and I’m currently in A2 studying Physics, Maths and Art & Design.
I came to the UK because I want to pursue university here and earn my degree here. I had visited before on holiday and really liked the environment. I felt that coming here to study would be a good way to step out of my comfort zone and try something new.
Q: Why did you choose A-levels?
A: I chose A-levels because it’s the curriculum I’m most familiar with. Back home, I studied the Cambridge pathway — I did iGCSE and Checkpoint — so continuing with A-levels felt like the natural progression for me.
Q: You’re very involved in school life. What super-curricular activities have you joined?
A: I joined the Student Council and I’m currently the President. I also joined the Business Enterprise Club.
Student Council felt like a natural choice because I enjoyed being involved in it back home. I like helping to plan events and understanding how the school works. It gives me a better perspective and allows me to contribute to the school community.
I joined the Business Enterprise Club because business connects to almost everything. Since I’m planning to study Economics and Politics at university, I wanted to gain more experience and understanding in that area.
Q: What are your university goals?
A: My dream university is the London School of Economics (LSE). It specialises in social sciences, and their Economics and Politics course really interests me because it focuses heavily on research and reading, which helps broaden my understanding of the subject.
I’m also applying to the University of Bath, the University of Manchester, City, St George’s, and the University of Westminster.
Q: How does studying in the UK compare to studying back home?
A: I would say that here there’s more emphasis on balance.
Back home, I would study much more intensely, and I didn’t always have enough time to focus on my mental health or to de-stress. Here, while you still need to work hard and put in effort, there’s more structure and balance.
At Kings, we have enrichment activities like sports and board games, which I regularly join. Recently, we even had a trip to London to watch Hamilton. These activities really help us relax and maintain a healthy balance alongside our studies.
Q: Why do you think Brighton is a good place for international students?
A: Brighton is a great starting point because it’s not as big or overwhelming as London. Everything is close by — the beach is about 20 minutes from school, and the shopping centre is around 15 minutes away.
If I ever need to calm down, I can just walk to the beach. The city feels more relaxed and slower-paced, which makes it ideal for students who are moving abroad for the first time. It’s a nice environment to adjust before moving to a bigger city later on.
Q: How has Kings Brighton supported you?
A: I would definitely recommend Kings Brighton. It feels like a community — it’s small and close-knit, and everyone is friendly. There are welfare staff and subject teachers who are always willing to help.
As Vanessa continues her A-level journey, she combines academic ambition with leadership, balance, and a strong sense of community. At Kings Brighton, she has not only prepared for university, but also grown in confidence by stepping beyond her comfort zone and embracing every opportunity along the way.
