This year’s Graduation Day was held at the beautiful Vale do Lobo reception, bringing together students, teachers, and families to celebrate another incredible year at AIS. It was a day filled with pride, laughter, heartfelt moments, and inspiring words — a true reflection of the spirit that makes this school so special.

A huge congratulations to all the pupils and teachers for their achievements this year. We look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new students in September as we step into another exciting chapter.

But before we look ahead, let’s take a moment to revisit one of the highlights of the day — a truly touching and inspirational speech by our Head Girl, Camille Laurent. Her words captured the heart of the AIS experience, and we’re proud to share them here in full:

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Head Girl Graduation Speech – Camille Laurent

AIS Graduation Day, Vale do Lobo Reception

Good morning everyone, students, teachers, 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, where you begin to actually feel motivated by the posters on the wall (“Habit beats IQ”), and where the schedule might change, but the heart of the school never does.

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

As I said earlier, 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, because 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, and experiences, and 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 equally focused 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 across the world, and I can confidently say that I’ve never had such caring teachers. For example, Jane, who will teach you everything you need to know about PE, but also want to know what movie you watched last night.

You’ve all supported us to achieve the best we can. And that reflects in where we’re all going. We’ve got people flying everywhere, 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 now, and before that I was a prefect. Leadership roles help develop skills like responsibility, communication, and initiative, but so much more as well.

Leadership looks different for everyone. So whether you’re more into sports, community, or academics, there’s a role for you, for example, Sports Captain or House Captain. I highly 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 you and 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 will miss it.

I truly hope that 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, and self-doubt. It’s no small feat.

I feel like there’s a group of people I haven’t spoken about yet who deserve praise. Mums and Dads, thank you so much for everything. I think I speak for everyone when I say: we wouldn’t have survived these years without you.

From the small things, like checking in on us while we were studying, to the big things, like driving us to our 7am exams in January winters when it’s 8º outside. Thank you for your patience, and your belief in us.

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 it all down to here.

So one last time — thank you Kathryn, Ian, Jane, Lynette, Amy, Issma, Corinna, Nicola, Kathryn Jenkins, and so many more teachers, for everything.

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

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

Thank you so much again — for everything.

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Camille Laurent