Life at Bellerbys College

Punting…Happy birthday…and Study…

Posted by Linh

Hello everybody!  How are you?

Since my last trip to Paris everybody was hoping to hear something amazing, unexpected about our second bank holiday. On Tuesday, the day after bank holiday that we had to come back to school, my English teacher asked me: “How was your weekend?  Another trip?  Italy?  Or Rome?”.  I had to apologize if you were disappointed but I just spent it right here in Oxford.  Believe me, it wasn't as bad as it sounds.  Actually, it was awesome!  Sometimes you don’t have to go far away to find happiness.

I spent the first day with a group of Vietnamese students studying in England, some of them live in London. We gathered at a Vietnamese girl's house and cooked a traditional food with rice noodle.  It was delicious.  Then we went punting.  Haha, it was funnier than I had imaged at first.  We hired three punts because our number was 15 people.  I asked to try to row the punt.  It was harder and exhausting than I thought.  It just took 10 minutes to knock me out.  Fortunately, other boys who wanted to show off by rowing the punt felt out of the punt.  We had a good laugh together.

 

The next day, on 24th May, I spent all the day with my classmate to prepare a birthday party for Saray - the girl from Venezuela that went to Paris with me last time.  She was going to be 19.  We gathered at an Iranian friend’s house.  The party started at about 7 pm and lasted until 12 am.  I wished that my birthday party would be like this too.  But it seemed impossible, as I would be back in Vietnam at that time. (Hix!)

Well, there was nothing much to talk about the third day as we were too exhausted to stay awake half of the day, lol!

Anyway, it was a really good time!  As we are getting older every year, every month, every day, every hour and even every second, it’s good to stop yourself sometimes, thinking of what was happening in your life, knowing that, sometimes, you did this badly, sometimes, you acted like a hero, but whatever has happened, you know that your friends are around there, ready to share any moment of your life.  And I know that moment spending time with your friends was always awesome!!!! ^^

A College Worth The Time Spent

Posted by Theresa

Bellerbys College is indeed the best college ever!  In fact, if one is looking for college league table, for those who depend on it; Bellebys would be and is number one.  This college has many treasures in it apart from outstanding academic performance.  It is unique, accommodating, friendly and the teachers are ridiculously wonderful.  I have enjoyed everyday in this college and I would forever cherish every moment I spent in this prestigious college.

My dear readers, I leave you with some guiding principles that have taking me throughout life and they would still lead me to my desires in life. 

Firstly, always believe you can do it, not just because others are doing it but because you are determined to reach your goal. 

Secondly, always follow your heart and be positive.  Aim to make a positive impact where ever you go. 

Thirdly, if you fall, always get up and try again.  Moving the right way is not easy, it takes patience, sacrifice, zeal and determination.  Before all these you must set your mind on an aim.  Never, never give up.

Always remember, you can climb the highest mountain and swim the deepest ocean.  All you need is self up-liftment.

I would always remain yours, Theresa Belonwu.

Are You Ready for Summer?

Posted by Maggie

First things first. I just wanted to say that I had a fabulous time at the Graduation Ball a couple weeks ago. The weather was on our side, thank God. It was a beautiful and warm evening. Excitement was definitely palpable on the school ground pre-soiree. Everybody, and I mean everybody, looked absolutely stunning that night! The students huddled in groups, checking out others' outfits and giggling like mad.

When the 188 bus came, everyone boarded and we were on our way to the Greenwich Pier (which I recently discovered was in fact called Cutty Sark Gardens). There were a few latecomers but all was well and at 8.15 (or so), we left the dock for what proved to be a wonderful night, filled with equally wonderful memories. A glass of bubbly is, without a doubt, mandatory once we were on the boat. As we clinked our glasses and proposed silly toasts, I realized I've been in London for nine months. Time is a very strange concept. Lately, I feel as though time and I were playing this game called "Catch-me-if-you-can". Only time is winning.  That's why I've decided to live my life to the fullest, as if it's the last day.  No regrets. Just living in the moment. And make it worth it.

 

Alright! Enough of my neurosis now, back to the party. The party was incredible. There were a few amazing performances, commenced by Yusuke and Eleanor's rendition of a song... whose title I couldn't quite remember. All I could remember was the intensity of Yusuke's solo - it was off-the-hook. You could almost feel this electrifying vibe radiating from him and his violin. Eleanor provided a steady beat and melody on the keyboard that complemented Yusuke's part. Everybody loved it. The applause went on for what seemed like milleniums! Afterwards, we witnessed the moves of the year, only better when our beloved Bellerbys students showed them off! The Russian ladies strutted their thangs and flipped their hair back while the boys did their own thing. It was like a hip-hop comeback and the dance was so hot that some people requested for an encore! Unbelievable, I know.

Some prizes were given out - like the Best Dressed for the Lady and the Gent which went to Ting Ting, who wore a subtle and elegant kimono get-up and Ian, who pulled off this luxe tuxe look, accessorized with a quirky tie with Elvis' face splattered across it. They were awarded a bottle of Cava each - which I took advantage of. Then there was the King and Queen. Melina - a very very pretty and smart girl from A5 took the crown and a Nigerian boy whose name I couldn't remember became King (and I assure you, he sure is handsome).

The night was in full swing. The bar was packed with people, the casino was packed with people, the dance floor was packed with people. Everywhere you go - there was somebody. And don't forget, the flashing lights!!! I believe the photos taken that night exceed the Oscars red carpet pictures. Loads of us went outside when we were crossing Tower Bridge - only underneath it. We were screaming and laughing our heads off, waving at confused-looking tourists.

 

The boat stopped over at Westminster and some people left and continued partying in Central London. I stayed on (though I did go partying after we got back to Greenwich) and tore the dance floor apart with my girls and boys! Then, I went down to the casino and won quite a bit of chips at the Blackjack table! Too bad they're not real money. Anyhow, it was good fun. Just like the night. It was packed with glam and that's how we like it.

We also had a prize-giving ceremony recently, which was held at the Greenwich University. The staff body was hilarious, as usual, and gave different awards to the deserving students from different groups like the ELPP, Foundation and lastly, A Level. I got a little present as well, for being one of the student ambassadors. I had a tiny dilemma with my belt that day. It kept coming off! When I walked to the stage, all I could think of was, "Snap snap snap, what if my belt just bursts apart?!" I would be the laughing stock of the school. Thank God it didn't fall off.Phew.

After a whole week of grueling exams, suddenly, reality dawned on me. I sit on my desk now, blogging at 2am to tell you how stoked and psyched I am for the summer of 2009! There are several loose ends left for me to sort out, then I'm off! I just can't believe it's already been a year since I first arrived in London. Well, not a year yet but close enough.

I'm no longer the girl who gets lost while trying to find her way to IKEA in Wembley. I'm the girl who takes my friends and Mother around in London, as if I've lived here for my whole life. London has integrated into every single crumb of my soul. I'm definitely going to miss London this summer. Most of all, I'm going to miss all the awesome people I've met in Bellerbys and my closest friends from the college. You know who you are. My dearest flat-mates, I know that next year, we won't live together but remember, flat 5 is probably the most amazing flat that has ever existed on this planet. You girls were amazing. You put up with my constant loud music and late-night disturbances, begging for food. And anyone who feeds me good stuff, well, it goes without saying that I'll love you for the rest of my life. Also, I promise, when I return in September, I'll have heaps of tales to share for everybody!

Until then, I wish you all a splendid and marvelous summer and see you when we all get back!

With love,

Maggie.

What A Term!

Posted by Theresa

Hmm!  You cannot imagine how hectic this third term is.  You can just imagine how university will be; extra hard work.  This is why I cherish Bellerbys College because it prepares one for university education; both the stress part and the relaxing times.  I know what you are thinking?  The stress is much but if one does what they have to do in time, then comes the relaxing part which is revising the notes.

This term was all about researching, course work and presentations, all in a very short time.  This has really been very university like.  On your own with little help from the great teachers of Bellerbys.  My Foundation English Skills lessons have really helped me to progress as well, especially in researching and writing essays in all my subjects.  The best part of my English course is the presentations, where we research formal academic English topics.  It is not really easy, it is all about hard work, zealousness and determination.  Thus, one can learn many things from one another's presentations even on things never heard before.

In fact I am very proud to say that I have really gained my academic writing, vocabulary and many other things on my English course in Bellerbys and the rest of my mates would agree very much with me.

As for studying Law, I advise you viewers to compile a list of those you want to sue and keep for me because when I come out a just and competent Lawyer, I would deal with each of them one by one!  Foundation Law has really given me an insight of what studying Law would be like in the university and what and what is required for world of Law.  Politics is a subject that would never be forgotten in my life, it is a very interesting subject with action and predictions.

In conclusion, it has been worthwhile doing Foundation at Bellerbys College Oxford!  Stay tuned for my goodbye message to present and future viewers.

The May Ball and The Award Ceremony...again!

Posted by Ksenia

The last few day of May always seemed very odd to me.  There is no homework, no tests, nobody cares about reports but still everyone studies much harder then during the rest of the year.  People often miss classes but not because they were on a great party last night but because they prefer to follow their own revision program in the library.  Library, revision, past papers - those are the key words for the end of the spring term.  Really, if nobody forces people to work but they still do - there must be some very important exams coming up!  Why don't we always have this enthusiasm for learning?  It would make our lives much easier ...  But we are not looking for easy solutions anyway!

Even though everyone is so busy the fact that May Ball is coming soon just could not be ignored.  The ball is always associated with the end of the year - and this time it also reminds me that's my last year at Bellerbys College.  But there was no time for sad thoughts - on the 22nd of May we all get our dresses out (which we discussed so many times before) and went to college anticipating something very special (surely between those two were hours and hours of preparation for most of the girls!). 

 

This year's theme (every time it is different) was Venetian masquerade - so we all have to bring our masks.  Here the public opinion separated exactly in two - some absolutely loved the idea but others imagined how silly we all would look like on the pictures (which are always made in huge quantities on the ball and this year is not an exception!).  I and most of my friends were in the second group so we prefer to carry our masks around, however you may see that we decided to take several pictures with them to have a laugh in future. 

Even though I did not particularly appreciate the idea of the masquerade I really liked how Bellerbys was decorated - obviously I rather prefer to see a mask on the wall then on my face!  There was so much to do during this few hours so I was constantly running around the college - that's just some of the top priorities - see the performances by our most talented students (singing and dancing this year was better then ever), take lots of pictures with all of my friends and members of staff, dance in the exam hall and of course eat some of the traditional chocolate fountain (May ball is just impossible without it!!!)

 

When at 11 o'clock the celebration was finished in college we all took our coats and the party continued!  Everyone went to the hotel which is just a few meters from the college - some students rented a conference hall there and invited a DJ from London - the music was great so there was lots more dancing to do!

After midnight people who didn't have enough fun decided to move on - and one of the Brighton's lounge was already waiting for us!  Here we stayed until nobody could move any longer and then we finally took a taxi and got home.  It was a long night but definitely one of those we will never forget!   That was very lucky that we all had an extended weekend in front of us - on the 25th of May it was a bank holiday Monday, so we all had time to sleep, look, exchange and discuss the photos and even study (how good and responsible we are!) before the new week commenced.

On the 27th of May there was another big event (well, at least for A-Level students) - the award ceremony.  Mr Addison and Mr Corcut said some very nice and inspiring words (including that we are the best group that our Vice Principal have seen during his entire career) and wished us lots of luck in the oncoming exams.  Then the best students were awarded prizes.  I was very pleased to see a few of my classmates to get the awards including the principal award, best economics student and special librarian award.  I was also very happy to receive the best science student award even though I think there are many talented students in our department who are probably better in science then I am.

I have barely noticed how the rest of the week went by as books were completely filling my life.  But on Friday afternoon I could not resist the gorgeous weather that once again came to Brighton and went for a walk with my friend who came from London.  She has previously studied A Levels in Bellerbys so it was fascinating for her to see everyone in college and talk to her old teachers.  We had a great time on the seafront talking and drinking frappuchino (have I told you that I love Starbucks? Sure I had - if not I am telling it now!). 

Most of the Saturday was also spend on the beach - me and several of my friends took our books and were hoping to study but not we were not too successful as the sun, the sea and a company of your great friends may be very disruptive.  That is why (and also because I got sunburns - as usual!) I decided to stay indoors on Sunday.  Hope you all are having great time and taking most of your summertime - I have to wait for 3 more weeks until the exams are finished and then I will definitely join you!