1) What did you study with Pamoja?
Film SL online.
2) What year did you graduate the IB DP?
2022.
3) Why did you choose to do a Pamoja online course?
I had always loved watching films, but didn’t know much about film history nor how films are made, which made me curious. My school didn’t offer Film as a subject, but Pamoja did – and without the online course I would never have discovered the world of cinema. As soon as I saw how the course was structured, how lessons functioned each week, and how incredible my teacher was, I was confident that I had made the right choice.
4) How has studying with us supported your future ambitions?
The films we studied were from a broad cultural and temporal context, but I always connected to the Italian filmmakers and films (Italian Neorealism, Spaghetti Westerns, Italian directors). This inherent connection convinced me that I needed to learn Italian at some point in my life. I was already learning Spanish at school, so in hindsight, the decision to study Modern Languages was quite natural.
5) What key skills has our flexible study approach helped you develop?
Above all, self-management. Having work assigned to you at the start of a week and being given seven days to complete it without a teacher looking over your shoulder means that you have to organise your time well. I think that is an invaluable skill, especially in preparation for university, which is a drastic shift from high school in how it expects students to be independent and self-directed, with support available on a needs basis – just like Pamoja.
6) How did engaging with our international school community help with your learning?
Surprisingly wonderful. At first, I was worried that it would be a solitary experience, but my teacher proved a mentor in every sense of the word. Even though we have never met in person, he’s without a doubt one of the most influential and memorable teachers I have ever had. He provided support, encouraged me to be myself with various film projects, and was able to always challenge me and push me forward. I would not have achieved what I did without him and his support.
7) What advice would you share with other students thinking about studying a Pamoja online course?
Don’t be afraid to try it! Studying remotely does not mean that you will be left in the dark – in fact, it only gives you more freedom! The course content is fascinating and extremely well put together. If you are passionate about your subject and want to learn, Pamoja is the place to be.
