"This Is the School I Wanted” - Dahamdi's Student’s Experience at ICS, Sri Lanka

At Independent Collective School (ICS), growth is not only measured academically but in confidence, character, and voice. Below is a reflection written by Dahamdi, a very talented 14-year-old student in our Warriors Category, about her journey over the past two years, exactly as she chose to express it:

I am 14 years old, and I joined ICS two years ago. Since then, I have learned many important things.

My English has improved a lot, and I have made some good friends. I have changed a lot too, and I like who I am now.

My speaking skills have become so much better. I have learned Python, practised martial arts, learned chess and life lessons that will be very important in my life. My drawing and art skills have also improved a lot, which I really like. This School has helped me grow in many ways, not just academically, but in life skills and personality too.

We moved from one premises to another recently, and I really liked the old place, but I do enjoy being at the new building too. The old building had more space , and I really loved the kind of freedom that gave us. What I like about the new school building is that there are lots of trees that we can climb and it is a nicer environment. Our self-defence skills have improved somewhat, but we still need to keep doing it.

What I love in this school is not having exams, because it reduces stress, gives more free time, and helps you enjoy learning instead of just memorising for marks. I have also realised that exams can affect students’ mental health and emotions. There are no grades, and all students learn together. This helps us work as a team and help each other.

Basically, this is the school I wanted.

I have met some amazing people at this school, each with their own pack of stories, including teachers and students, and the pets.

Some of the projects and activities are really fun and interesting, we need more projects and activities like that. The school is relaxed and modern, not like a traditional classroom. There’s freedom to explore your interests. You can enjoy learning instead of just focusing on marks. You can use computers, coding programs, and online resources for learning. Technology is used in projects, which makes learning easy and fun too.

Having pets at school is really good because we learn how to deal with them and how to take care of them.

Overall, Independent Collective School has helped me become a much better person.

I have learned many skills, made great relationships, and gained confidence.

My experience at ICS has been very special to me. I have learned many things and made good memories that I will always remember.