Anna Hursey Young athlete

The main reason for studying with InterHigh was the flexibility of learning. I am an athlete, based in Tianjin China. Due to my table tennis commitments, I needed to have a more flexible way of learning than with mainstream school. I knew InterHigh had a good reputation, it looked professional and I could adapt to this learning style as I was already used to working independently on the internet at high school. It has made a difference to my life. I could continue with my GCSE’s whilst being able to maintain my training and international tournament commitments.

At the moment, I’m training with the Tianjin regional squad in China, this means my time is limited when it comes to education. I always try to utilise my spare time for studying as it is really important to me. InterHigh allows me to continue with my education whilst developing my table tennis career. I enjoy studying using the online platform, if I’m busy with table tennis I can just go back and listen to the recorded lessons, so I don’t have to miss out on anything. The teachers always explain things very clearly, meaning I can progress with my education alongside my training.

I have always enjoyed studying! I previously studied at Cardiff High School in Wales, a mixed comprehensive school. It was a brilliant school and I did well. Pupil’s achievements at the school have been amongst the highest in Wales over recent years, but my achievements were not as good as they could have been because I missed lots of lessons. I liked the teachers, had many friends and it was a great learning experience. However, as I was often abroad training or competing, I found it difficult to do well.

InterHigh has given me the opportunity to catch up with lessons which I couldn’t previously do. At Cardiff High School, I missed a lot of lessons but with InterHigh, the flexibility of learning fits with my table tennis career. I am often abroad and would usually be unable to attend mainstream school, whereas the online education system is easy to use. I can utilise my time better, being able to have lessons anywhere, from the training hall or when I am travelling.

I didn’t realise I could continue my GCSE’s in this way. InterHigh is similar to attending school, but without the need of physical attendance as the learning is online.

At InterHigh, I log in to the online portal in the morning. I have a lot of lessons, which is hard work alongside my training, but there are breaks during the day. I do have to study hard at InterHigh, but I have already learnt a lot. After my online lessons, I go and train. If I’m having a break during training, I can also get my computer, log in and start studying because of the 24/7 accessibility of the InterHigh online portal.

What has helped me is that I have to take responsibility for my learning, helping me to develop a stronger commitment to work. I believe this type of learning will help me in my future, in everything I do. When other students aren’t around to distract me, I can focus on my studying better. My Mum is also helping me develop a good work ethic as she makes sure I complete my work with InterHigh.

InterHigh is excellent for any students, not just athletes or people who already have a career. It is particularly good for those who have high career ambitions, enabling them to use more time for training with the flexibility that InterHigh offers. InterHigh saves time too as you don’t have to travel to school and can have lessons anywhere with an internet connection. In sport, everyone is competing to be the best they can be, meaning a lot of training is required. With InterHigh, I can do my studies effectively while utilising my time for training and competitions.

Check out the system and use the notebook before you start the year. Get used to the online system and ask questions before starting.