A Surgeon in the Making: Arielle Reid’s Journey to Achieving Her Career Dreams at CGA

Arielle Reid was recently interviewed on 9News Australia, and ABC Mid North Coast about her experience switching from a traditional physical school to Crimson Global Academy, an online private school. Discover her incredible academic ambition, why she's studying the British A-Level curriculum, and how CGA is empowering her to achieve her career and university dreams.

At just 15 years old, Arielle Reid is already well on her way to realising her dream of becoming a surgeon, with aspirations to study at the prestigious Oxford University. Her story is one of ambition, dedication, and an unwavering passion for learning.

Moving from a traditional school setting in Port Macquarie, Australia, to CGA, a global online private school, has opened doors she once thought were out of reach. Arielle's path highlights not only the power of quality education but also the benefits of stepping into a global academic community like CGA.

Transitioning to full-time to CGA: A New Academic Horizon

Arielle’s educational journey began at St Columba Anglican School, where she was a standout student. Despite excelling in traditional classroom settings, she found herself yearning for greater academic challenges and opportunities to connect with her dream of studying at one of the world’s leading institutions. “Ever since I was little, I have always wanted to know more, be more,” Arielle says. “I never settle for good enough.’”

It was this hunger for knowledge and drive for excellence that led her to Crimson Global Academy. At CGA, Arielle has embraced a international curriculum that is recognised and respected worldwide.

Arielle joined CGA in 2023 as a part-time accelerated student, completing iGCSE Maths after school hours and received top marks in her external exams. Since then, she embarked on the journey of completing her A Levels.

The British A Level programme, offered by CGA, stood out as a crucial component for Arielle in pursuing her dream to study medicine at Oxford.

“The Australian curriculum isn’t recognised internationally,” explains Arielle’s mother, Stephanie Burrows. “Finding something that she could pursue that would open that door to Oxford was where CGA came into the picture.”

For Arielle, choosing International A Levels over the local Australian curriculum wasn’t just about gaining a strategic edge for international university applications; it was about access to an academic pathway that is rigorous and specialised. “I’ve done my research and realised the British curriculum was the only way I was going to get to Oxford,” Arielle emphasises her academic goal is ambitious: to achieve four A* grades in A Levels, a feat that would put her on a competitive footing for medical programmes at top-tier universities.

Importantly, A Levels are also recognised by Australian universities, giving her future academic options both at home and abroad.

Arielle’s aspirations follow a similar path to Anna Hutchens, a CGA alumni, who completed her A Levels alongside her local curriculum and got accepted to Oxford Medicine.

Benefits of Studying at CGA

Crimson Global Academy offers students like Arielle a flexible and supportive environment to maximise their potential.

One of the most significant advantages of CGA’s online model is the opportunity to study in a global classroom. Students from over 65 countries come together to share diverse perspectives, creating an enriching learning experience.

Arielle highlights how studying at CGA has allowed her to engage with international peers and access a curriculum that truly challenges her. “The teachers at CGA push you to think critically and excel, not just pass,” she notes.

CGA’s emphasis on holistic education—balancing academics with extracurricular activities—has given Arielle the chance to explore her interests deeply, while also honing essential skills like time management, critical thinking, and communication.

Embracing Extracurricular Excellence

Beyond academics, Arielle is a multi-talented individual. She thrives in extracurricular activities, whether in STEM, performing arts, or sports. In her hometown, Arielle has been an active participant in netball, surfing, soccer, and gymnastics. She is also a Hastings Youth Voice representative on the local council, demonstrating her passion for leadership and community involvement.

Arielle’s passion for STEM has seen her excel in numerous competitions. In robotics, for instance, she joined her school’s team for the First Robotics Competition and achieved an impressive fourth place at the Southern Cross Regional. “The entire process of designing, building, and competing with our robot was incredible,” she says. Such experiences have helped her build teamwork skills and foster a deeper love for problem-solving and innovation.

Her creative side is just as impressive. Arielle has participated in school musicals, drama clubs, and poetry competitions, even earning third place in the Education Perfect Micro Poetry Slam. This balance of arts and sciences showcases her adaptability and broad range of talents, which are assets in her journey toward a medical career.

The Impact of the Founder's Scholarship

Earning the Founder’s Scholarship at CGA has been a life-changing moment for Arielle and her family. This prestigious award is only granted to one Australian student each year, highlighting her exceptional talent and commitment to academic and extracurricular excellence. “I was nervous about applying for the scholarship,” Arielle admits. “But you just have to put yourself out there and see what happens.”

The scholarship has provided not only financial relief but also a sense of validation for all the hard work Arielle has put into her education. It has made it possible for her to study full-time at CGA without sacrificing her extracurricular passions.

“Getting this scholarship means I actually have the chance to achieve my goals,” Arielle says. The financial support will also enable her to participate in medical and STEM internships, further paving the way toward her dream of becoming a surgeon.

Stephanie, Arielle’s mother, reflects on how the scholarship has opened up new possibilities for her daughter. “This has really been a dream of hers for a long time,” Stephanie shares. “Without the scholarship, pursuing a top-tier education like CGA would have been more challenging.” The family is incredibly grateful for the opportunities that CGA has provided, and they are inspired by the global network and academic excellence CGA embodies.

Looking Ahead: Arielle’s Vision for the Future

With her sights set on Oxford University, Arielle is determined to make the most of her CGA education. “I want to study medicine and become a surgeon—maybe in orthopaedic or trauma surgery,” she says. Her experience at an Oxford prep programme solidified her ambition, and she remains focused on excelling academically to make that dream a reality. “Every bit of support we get now will help me so much in my future,” she explains.

The journey to becoming a world-class doctor is no small feat, but Arielle’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education, ambition, and perseverance. Through CGA, she has found a school that not only aligns with her academic goals but also empowers her to pursue her passions fully.

Arielle’s story is an inspiration to students everywhere. It’s a reminder to dream big, work hard, and embrace every opportunity that comes your way. As she puts it, “I’ve always wanted to know more and be more—and now, thanks to CGA, I’m on my way to doing just that.”