Sophie's Story
Through all her adversity in life, never would Sophie have thought she would find another ‘family’ in her schooling environment…but then she found Hubbard’s School.
Sophie’s life has not been the easiest… more like a rollercoaster of chaos/events that she had no control over. Sophie was born with a health condition and spent most of her younger years in and out of hospital, having various operations. The year she turned 16, Sophie had another medical flare which significantly hindered her life again, especially her education.
After a number of further hospital visits and rehabilitation, Sophie returned to her mainstream school to continue her education, with her goal, to complete year 12 and receive an ATAR. On return, she commenced two fifth of a senior workload, just so she could ‘learn’ how to learn again. After ‘graduating’ with her class, Sophie had not officially completed her senior studies but was falling back in love with school.
It was at this point, Sophie decided to enquire into Hubbard’s, after hearing many positive reviews but not knowing much about the school.
“After meeting with Cathy, the Principal at Hubbard’s I felt much more confident that Hubbard’s would be the school that would be able to support me through my senior years and help me thrive” Sophie explained.
In meeting with, Cathy, she learnt of the alternate flexible learning environment that Hubbard’s offered which meant she was able to tailor her education to achieve her ATAR goal.
Different to mainstream schools, a full-time student at Hubbard’s is someone who enrols in three subjects within a year. The student then completes year 11 and 12 of that subject within the same year, allowing them to focus on alternative subjects towards their ATAR the following year.
Due to Sophie’s medical history, she commenced at Hubbard’s as a part-time student, completing her subjects over a period of three years.
“Hubbard’s honestly was a little bit of what I imagined but also nothing like what I imagined. It was so comforting and I never felt overwhelmed or scared, it was always a positive environment to come to. Hubbard’s helped me rediscover my love and appreciation for maths and science. That kind of fell apart when I got sick”, Sophie claimed.
The small class sizes, ranging anywhere from seven to a maximum of 15 students, was one of the aspects Sophie believed was Hubbard’s point of difference. She believed this attributed to her success at Hubbard’s.
“The classes are half to a quarter of the size in some subjects compared to mainstream school. This makes it easier and gives you more one-on-one time with the teacher. I felt that I learnt better in this smaller supportive environment”.
Through this unique learning environment, Sophie noted that the rapport between teacher and student is rather special.
“Hubbard’s staff treat you more like an individual than a student. It’s a different level of respect than I have experienced in other schools”.
Sophie found the learning environment supported her preparedness for university. She mentioned that whilst the teachers are incredibly supportive, equipping you with all the information, time and resources needed to succeed, you need to have the drive if you want to succeed.
“Hubbard’s taught me that I have to be accountable for my own actions. My first year of uni has been very interesting to say the least but after leaving Hubbard’s I felt very prepared. Not as overwhelmed as I anticipated I would be… Hubbard’s taught me how to balance my workload and set me up for what Uni pace is like… it kind of subconsciously conditions you.”
Since graduating from Hubbard’s, Sophie was accepted into Griffith University studying a Bachelor of Science, looking to major in Marine Biology. She is excited to enter a career looking at marine life including fauna and flora, water chemistry and the chemistry of the environment. She is intrigued in understanding what is impacting the environment and what makes it deteriorate or thrive at the rates it does.
Long term, Sophie strives for a career in research, particularly relating to genetics of the animal and the genealogy.
Hubbard’s is a school with a difference… we help you through your journey to succeed, reach your potential and your goals.
Flexible education is just one of the ways in which Hubbard’s School offers a different kind of learning. Unlike mainstream schools, Hubbard’s also has ongoing enrolment intakes. If you’re a parent of a student (or a student) who isn’t benefiting from the traditional system, get in touch with us to find out more or to enrol.