What follows is her speech from this year’s graduation ceremony - an honest, heartfelt look at the experiences that helped her grow.

Good morning everyone: students, teachers, and parents. It’s lovely to see you all. My name is Camille Laurent, the Head Girl at this school, which is why I have the privilege of talking to you today.

Standing here feels a bit surreal, to be honest. Four years ago, I walked through the gates of the AIS car park not quite knowing what to expect. I had no idea what this place would become for me.

It’s a place where teachers know your name - and everything about you. A place where you actually start to feel motivated by posters on the wall saying things like “Habit beats IQ”. A place where the schedule might change, but the heart of the school never does.

We’ve laughed, we’ve changed - and occasionally, we’ve learned.

When I arrived at AIS, I had just moved from the other side of the world and knew absolutely no one. I was 14 and had just come out of two years of lockdown. I was so unsure of myself. Like many of us, stepping into a new place can feel daunting and uncertain. But I couldn’t have been welcomed in a kinder way.

We all come from different places - different countries, schools, experiences. That’s the beauty of AIS. Every day, you learn not only from your teachers and books but also from your peers.

AIS is a school that focuses equally on community, friendships, and academics. Its 12-students-per-class policy is an essential part of what creates this environment. It builds strong relationships between students and teachers, ensuring that every student feels heard and supported.

I’ve been to many schools in my life across the world, and I can confidently say that I’ve never had such caring teachers. For example, Jane [Cassells – head of secondary] will teach you everything you need to know about PE - but also want to know what movie you watched last night. Every teacher here supports us to achieve the best we can. That’s reflected in where we’re all going - Spain, England, Germany, the US, and so many more. AIS is a place where academic excellence and personal development work together to prepare us for success beyond here.

I’ve had the honour of being Head Girl at AIS for the past two years, and before that, I was a prefect. Leadership roles here help develop skills like responsibility, communication, initiative - but so much more as well. Leadership looks different for everyone. Whether you’re more into sports, community, or academics, there’s a role for you - for example, sports captain or house captain. I really encourage you to take the opportunity if you’re offered it. Not only is it beneficial personally and academically, but it also looks great on CVs and personal statements!

We are so lucky today to be here with every student at AIS. I look at each of you and I’m so incredibly excited for what you have ahead. If you’re still on your journey here, know this: you’ll hate it sometimes - you’ll loathe school. You won’t want to come. But know that you’re in a school that sees you, supports you, and fully believes in your potential.

Enjoy every moment that you’re here because one day, you’ll miss it. I truly hope you take advantage of everything AIS has to offer. Ask every question you come up with. Learn everything you’re even slightly curious about. Play every sport. Take every opportunity.

To the Class of 2025 - gosh, I never thought I’d say those words, nor did I think this day would come. I feel like we need to take a pause, take a breath, and just acknowledge what we did. We finished secondary school. Seven years of gruelling hard work has led us to this moment. No grades or exam results can take that away from us. We made it - through early mornings, deadlines, self-doubt. It’s no small feat.

AIS has a quote at the front of the school that says, “Educating the whole child.” And I can say without a doubt – wholeheartedly - it does. I have not left this school the same as I entered it, and I can pin that all down to AIS.

I’ll leave you with a cheesy quote - Jane-style - from tennis player Maria Sharapova:

“In the end, it’s the effort you put in that matters. The rest is beyond your control.”

So one last time, thank you AIS. For everything.

by Camille Laurent