How ACS Egham prepared Benjamin for Liberal Arts at the University of Bristol

After 13 years at ACS Egham, Benjamin is preparing to study Liberal Arts at the University of Bristol, with a focus on History. It is a choice that reflects the breadth of his experience on the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), where studying across disciplines has encouraged him to make connections between subjects and approach ideas from different perspectives.

Benjamin studies Mathematics, English and History at Higher Level, alongside Biology, French and Theatre at Standard Level. For him, studying six subjects is one of the strengths of the IBDP, providing depth in individual areas while encouraging students to develop a broader understanding of the world around them.

Learning to see a subject from different perspectives

Benjamin values the range of thinking that comes from studying subjects across different disciplines. Whether approaching an issue through science, history or English, he believes the IBDP has equipped him with different ways to analyse information, contribute to discussions and engage with unfamiliar ideas. That breadth has directly influenced his choice of degree.

“Inspired by the very broad nature of the IB, I felt like I didn’t want to just study one topic,” he says.

At Bristol, Liberal Arts will allow Benjamin to focus on History while continuing to explore subjects including filmmaking, writing and biology.

For Benjamin, continuing to make connections across subjects is an important part of becoming a more informed and adaptable learner.

Developing the confidence to question information

The IBDP has also given Benjamin opportunities to pursue questions independently.

For his Extended Essay, he chose to examine the language used in the television series Ancient Apocalypse, looking specifically at how its presentation of archaeologists could influence an audience’s perception of established research.

Rather than simply evaluating the claims made in the programme, Benjamin focused on how language is used to build an argument and shape an audience’s response.

It is an example of the independent research, critical thinking and evaluation that Benjamin sees throughout the IBDP.

“In every subject, you have to write an IA, which is entirely independent, entirely self-learning and researched in whatever topic you’re interested in,” he says.

Building independence over time

Having spent 13 years at ACS Egham, Benjamin has experienced the progression from the IBPYP to the IBMYP and finally the IBDP.

He sees that progression as an important part of how he has become an independent learner.

In the PYP, students begin researching their own areas of interest. The MYP builds on this through independent essays, reports and the Personal Project. By the IBDP, students are expected to undertake their own research through IAs and the Extended Essay.

For Benjamin, each stage has built naturally on the one before it, giving him greater responsibility for his own learning.

That approach extends into the classroom. He values being able to discuss ideas with teachers and other students rather than simply working through a set of information.

“I feel like I’m actually genuinely having a discussion with people about topics that we’re both very interested in,” he says.

Learning through an international community

Benjamin’s education at ACS Egham has also taken place within a community where different backgrounds and perspectives are part of everyday school life.

He describes a year group where students collaborate across different subjects and where the structure of the IBDP means they regularly work with different groups of people.

“By the end of the two years, you know everyone,” he says. “You know something about everyone, and you’re able to work and be friends with everyone.”

That international outlook was one of the reasons Benjamin’s family originally chose ACS Egham. His parents wanted an environment that would develop a global mindset and give their children the confidence to feel comfortable wherever they found themselves.

Taking learning beyond the classroom

Some of Benjamin’s most memorable experiences have happened away from the classroom.

He highlights the school’s team-building trips as opportunities to get to know new students and build relationships outside normal lessons. He also took part in Project Nepal, where he experienced a different culture while contributing to a school and charity project.

These experiences have complemented an education that Benjamin sees as collaborative rather than confined to individual subjects or classrooms.

As he prepares for Bristol, that breadth will continue. Beyond university, Benjamin is interested in working in the film industry and becoming a storyteller, potentially creating documentaries focused on nature and humanity’s impact on the environment.

The route is not fixed, and that is part of the point. Benjamin leaves ACS with the ability to explore different disciplines, research ideas independently and bring different perspectives together. His next step in Liberal Arts is a continuation of an approach to learning that has developed throughout his time at ACS Egham.

Watch Benjamin’s interview below: