Life at Bellerbys College

10/10/10 – 1000th Anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam in Cambridge!

Posted by Tien

Vietnamese students from Bellerbys Cambridge, both from Queens and Manor, had a picnic in order to celebrate the greatest date in the history of our motherland - 1000 Anniversary of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam!

To save our money, I and one some of my friends spent the whole Saturday painting T-shirts with letters “I love Hanoi” for more than 20 members of our Vietnamese-Bellerbys Community.

It was a really hard working day. But for me it was so pleased to hear good comments about my Art and Design work.

I am happy because my friends (My new Vietnamese Family at Bellerbys Cambridge) love my hand made T-shirts! :)))

We had a picnic at the park near Manor Campus. It was a great chance for all of us to meet each other, to know each other more, to make new friends and just to talk about studies, life experience and cultural shock … when we first came here.

And of course we took some pictures with small comments “Beautiful memories 10-10-10 :XXX”. I believe that for all of Vietnamese - Bellerbys members it was an amazing day and we will do it again!!!

Tien is studying A Levels at Bellerbys Cambridge

I am Tien :)))

Hi!!!

My name is Tien (Thuy Tien TRUONG).

I am from Hanoi, Vietnam.

I am an A Level student at Bellerbys Cambridge.

This is my first post so I will start with introduction. Simple things about me ...

I was born in our historical city - Hanoi but I think I am a very lucky person because I had a chance to live in a one of the most beautiful cities in the world - St Petersburg, Russia for a long time.

Every time when I go to an interview I have to answer this question: “What are your hobbies/interests?” Well, there are a lot of things that I want to do and I prefer to do when I have free time:

1^st - Learning foreign languages. In my opinion it’s really amazing to talk to people, to learn more about the world. For me every country, every culture is special and unique! In my life Russian and Vietnamese are both my first languages. I love English and I am trying to improve it by reading and taking every day at school. At the same time I joined French Club at Bellerbys. It’s an amazing opportunity!  

2^nd - Reading books, newspapers ..., I really like reading because books give me a lot of good information and knowledge; books also are a source of emotional inspiration. Besides, books help me to continue my own education. “There is no friend as faithful as a good book.” English proverb says “Knowledge is power”. That’s why the time spend on a good book is never wasted!

3^rd – When I am free I always try to do something I like. For example watching films (sometimes going to the cinema with friends in really nice), listening to different kinds of music (it depends on my feelings), drawing pictures (I used to study art in Kustodiev’s Art School in St Petersburg. Now I am not doing it as a professional artist but it is still my hobby! And I really enjoy it!), surfing the Internet, talking/chatting with friends (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) and of course going out when the weather is nice. In Cambridge punting or picnic on sunny Sundays are the best things to do! xxx

   

I am sure we all came to Bellerbys to study, to get the best education. My mother always tells me that “Success in life is not a  given. It is costs attitude, ambition and acceptance.” I believe that “If there is a will there is a way” and if I will try my best, one day I will build the home of my dreams! As Tony Blair said in his speech “British Education is the 1^st class ticket for life” that is why my choice is the UK and soon you will know why Bellerbys College!?!?!?!

Thank you and see you in my second post!

Tien is studying A Levels at Bellerbys Cambridge

Meet Tien, Our First Blogger for Bellerbys Cambridge!

We are very pleased to welcome a new student blogger to represent Bellerbys College Cambridge.

Say hello to Tien Truong from Hanoi, Vietnam. 

Tien is in her first year studying A Levels at Bellerbys Cambridge and hopes to study PPS & Economics, Philosophy, Politics & Economics or Economics & International Relations at university.  Phew!

She hopes to gain a place at one of the top UK universities following her studies at Bellerbys and has set her sights on University of Cambridge, UCL, LSE, University of York or University of Warwick.

Outside of the classroom Tien enjoys, "learning foreign languages, reading books, newspapers ..., watching films (sometimes going to the cinema), listening to different kinds of music, drawing pictures (art and design), surfing the Internet (when I am free), talking/chatting with friends (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) and going out when the weather is nice (punting or picnic on sunny Sundays)…"

Visit the blog again soon to read her first post about her very busy life studying A Levels at Bellerbys College Cambridge.

BELINDA in the house! ✌✌

Hi everyone!

I'm Belinda Ong and I'm from that very little red dot on your map - Singapore! :)

 

I'm 18 years old this year and I write everything from zero to epic!

For starters, has anyone heard of Singapore before? Well, if you haven't, it's not too late to ask Mr. Wiki! Haha.  One thing to make it clear is that, no we are not part of China, nor are we situated in Malaysia, contrary to many beliefs.

I think that because we are studying in an international school like Bellerbys, we get to meet people from all over the world and be exposed to so many various cultures, so it isn't very surprising for people to mix up your nationality and country of origin. More about Singapore if you haven't known...

Well, Singapore is made up of four major races, namely Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians.

Singapore stresses on a bilingual education policy so apart from English (which is the main language we use to speak, learn and a medium for communication between the different races), we also have to learn our Mother Tongue language which is in this case, it's Chinese for me.

For me, growing up in such a cosmopolitan country has taught me the virtues of tolerance and understanding as we all learn to appreciate each other’s different cultural practices. And this is probably the main driving force that has ultimately urged me to come to the UK to pursue my studies.

Well basically, having been in the UK for a year already (currently in my A2 year now), I think the most important lesson that life has taught me so far is Independence.

I could still remember vividly the very first day where I came to the UK all by myself, from a country that is practically half way across the globe. Of course, unfortunate events usually strike us at the moments when we least expected them to be. So in a way, my first couple of days wasn’t exactly very smooth sailing, but fortunately, it did take a turn for the better and I’m very grateful for that.

I think that I’ve gotten the best of both worlds because I have experienced home-staying for a month, and then I shifted to the college residence for the rest of my AS year. And now, I’m out of the residence and living in private accommodation with my Korean friend! That’s a whole lot of experience for me because I see myself slowly adapting to this new environment and finally, being able to actually venture out on my own.

Honestly speaking, A2 year now can be rather overwhelming for me at times. I find my daily schedule more hectic than before and the humongous workload that I have now, has conveniently made my AS year seem like a breeze for me. True enough, I did have much fun during my AS year.

From visiting Cambridge and London during my first mid-term break...

...to going to the University of Nottingham for the Medlink Conference in December... (haha see the stethoscope I'm holding? ^_^)

 

 ...and going to Rome and Venice during Easter Break with my brother 

  

 

 ... and going for MIKA'S concert! *screams*

 

 ... and even learning how to windsurf right before the summer exams :) ...

  

... and finally the Summer May Ball which ended my AS year perfectly! :P

So a note for all AS students, enjoy your year whilst you can!

Other than travelling, I also do take part in other activities, like the college Medics Group, being part of the Student Council and also doing voluntary work during my spare time.

So far I have spent some time in Age Concern for the elderly before the summer and I’m going to start my voluntary work soon in a children’s ward at the children’s hospital too! I’m really looking forward to it!

I feel that the good thing about being in Bellerbys is that other than concentrating on your academic work, they also encourage you to develop your other non-academic self so as to make you a more all-rounded person. Besides, it’s always good to have some other life out there besides college life!

My other passions range from bowling to drawing and painting. I’ve been bowling for 6 years already, taking part in the school nationals and all that, but I haven't had the chance to bowl in the UK yet. I've always been wanting to check out the bowling alley at the Marina though...

Wow I didn’t expect my first post to be such a lengthy one but I think I’ve yet to talk about the most important thing about myself: I’m currently studying Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and History in Bellerbys so…

I’m an aspiring doctor-to-be!

Till then guys!

BO

Belinda is studying A Levels at Bellerbys Brighton

Welcome Belinda from Singapore, New Blogger for Bellerbys Brighton

We are delighted to welcome another new student blogger to represent Bellerbys College Brighton.

Say hello to Belinda Ong from Singapore. 

Belinda is in her second year studying A Levels at Bellerbys Brighton and hopes to study Medicine at university.

Outside of the classroom Belinda enjoys bowling, drawing and painting, golfing and watching movies.

Visit the blog again soon to read her first post about her very busy life studying A Levels at Bellerbys College Brighton.

Hi. My name is Jamie and I'm a...

BELLERBYS BLOGGER!

Not an alcohol addict; not a nicotine addict. Just a Bellerbys blogger.

Hello everybody. :)

I'm a 17 year old Malaysian student currently in my second year at Bellerbys College Brighton and loving it.

Moving to Brighton was one of the best choices I've ever made as it is absolutely suited to my character - easy going and always inviting for the naturally curious. It's filled with so many quirky shops and amazing events, such as the Chocolate Festival and the Gay Pride Festival. I have grown to become an avid antique shopper, so places like Snooper's Paradise and the weekend open market are where I can usually be found! 

I used to attend an international school in Malaysia, so I grew up around an amalgam of cultures. Settling into Brighton was not difficult for me; I was lucky enough to build a big family of friends to relieve me of my home sickness.

To be honest, the decision to study in the UK was very last minute for me. I had only applied two months before I arrived in January 2010 and pretty much jumped at the opportunity to study abroad when they had accepted me. Something about the new environment excited me - I really wanted to gain independence and challenge myself to adapt outside of my comfort zone. 

As mentioned in my profile, I am a HUGE sports fan. Although I prefer to play the sport as opposed to watch, I'm actually really interested in the dynamics of physical education as a whole. I've recently took an interest in first aid for sports injuries [though have yet to find any books on it!].

I currently play for the Brighton Cougars Basketball team, which is outside of college life. I also work out and dance at Fitness First, but have been dying to find a Latin dance instructor! [Anyone got any contacts?]

I'm really the sort of person who just likes to try different things. During my time at Bellerbys, I've tried learning to play the guitar, life drawing and even joining in Oxbridge sessions. You can ask anyone - I'm always busy, busy, busy! Despite the fact that I'm pursuing a career in Art, I still love learning new things from my friends, whom, ironically, are all interested in Medicine or Economics. 

Aside from that, I'm in the midst of applying for US universities. For those of you who are considering studying in America, my advice would be to START EARLY. I cannot stress that enough; I am suffering the ill consequences of my procrastination. 

I guess that's about it for now. Till next time!

Ciao,

Jamie T.

Jamie is studying A Levels at Bellerbys Brighton

Meet Jamie, New Blogger for Bellerbys Brighton

We are delighted to welcome a new student blogger to represent Bellerbys College Brighton.

Say hello to Jamie Tan from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

Jamie is in her second year studying A Levels at Bellerbys Brighton and hopes to study Animation or Illustration at university.  Fun!

Unlike most other Bellerbys students, Jamie hopes to continue her studies in America and lists Harvard, California Institute of the Arts, California College of the Arts and the Art Institute of Bournemouth (in the UK) as her top choices when she completes her A Levels.

Outside of the classroom Jamie has a really active life and enjoys basketball, ice-skating, photography, reading, baking, Latin/street dancing and going to the gym.

Visit the blog again soon to read her first post about her very busy life studying A Levels at Bellerbys College Brighton.