Feature
INTERNATIONAL HONOURS Antonia Scott (92)
On her recent return to Oakham School to attend Speech Day, OO President Katharina (Kat) Klohe (07) shared some memories of her time at School and talked about her life beyond Oakham. Although Kat was only at Oakham for two years to study the IB Diploma, she managed to fit in an enormous amount and contributed hugely to School life. As a German national, what made you decide to come to Oakham School?
Oakham stood out for its equal focus on academics and extra-curricular activities, helping students discover their talents and strengths. Also knowing Oakham was very good at hockey, a sport I loved, definitely helped. I immediately liked the town, the atmosphere at the School and Dr Spence definitely stood out as Headmaster. I felt at home the moment I arrived and together with the other international students, we were as much part of the School as all the other students.
What made you choose the IB over traditional A-level subjects?
The IB not only allowed me to keep the door open should I want to go back to Germany for university, but also provided an international outlook to my studies and a breadth of learning I have always valued at School. The IB reflected the all-roundedness of a person who is ready to embark on a future after school.
What extra-curricular activities did you enjoy at Oakham?
I played a lot of hockey, was President of the International Society, part of the Oxbridge group, as well as doing Community Service at Langham Primary School. I also played the piano.
Did you have a favourite teacher(s) at Oakham?
I had wonderful teachers at Oakham, each of them with their own strengths and patience to deal with us Germans who had to grasp new vocabulary, running around with our little pocket translators! They took time to explain and were always willing to help. I fondly remember being encouraged to learn and ask questions. Mrs Dunbavand – Biology, Mrs Meyrick – Maths and Mr Brown and Dr Dunn – History, probably stood out the most. Not to mention Mr Williams, my Geography Extended Essay supervisor, who made analysing the impact of market days on Oakham so much more exciting than you can imagine!
What are your favourite memories of Oakham School?
The community we built as boarders was something very new to me, but I thrived knowing there was always someone back at House I could talk to. I loved seeing my friends standing on the sideline of home hockey matches cheering for me, including Dr Spence in his wellies! I remember singing in Chapel on Saturdays and long brunches on Sunday mornings before heading back to House for our mounting homework; as well as our evening visits to the Indian restaurant, between prep time and before we had to be back in Hodges, to eat a cheeky naan bread!
What was your greatest achievement at School?
Being the first international student to become Captain of the Girl’s 1st Hockey team plus being selected to play for the 2nd XI Boys Hockey Team, as well as getting best report in my first term of Form 7, made me very proud of being able to thrive both academically and at sports, in a different country and foreign language.
As an international IB student I was encouraged, stretched, supported – and with this prize I wanted to encourage other students to make the most of their time at Oakham and allow them to give something back to the School. 146