Life at Bellerbys College

Today is gonna be a great day!!!

Posted by Autumn

Hello Bellerbys blog readers,

It's been a hectic and totally awesome fortnight for me, and I couldn't find some free time to calmly sit down and write some decent writings for our beloved blog until now. My apology :p

In retrospect, the past two weeks have proved to be so educational, superb, and full of excitement. That's why I can't help but dedicating my second post to sharing with my exceptional experiences with my readers.

The introductory post of mine was written during my half-term break, and since then, so many things have happened. 

I spent three days of my short holiday wandering around Oxford. Before I came to the UK, many people often told me that Oxford is sooo… not interesting. That's totally wrong in my viewpoint.

Having been in this magnificent city for almost three months, whenever I take my time to stroll leisurely in Oxford, the breathtaking views of many stupendous colleges of the University of Oxford, as well as many remarkable museums here never cease to impress me deeply.

I take tremendous pleasure in enjoying the charming scenery and the placid, tranquil atmosphere that Oxford is able to offer. Just by admiring the staggering towers of Christ Church or the vast collections of artefacts in Ashmolean museum, I consider myself extremely lucky to be able to study in such a wonderful city.

Speaking of view and scenery, the trees have been changing colour for the past few weeks. The view from Trajan House is now even more fascinating, as you can see the golden leaves falling from the trees, creating so beautiful a scene for one to behold.

My teachers were all so pleased that while I was enjoying myself I didn't forget to spend some time doing my holiday homework. And I had such a great time doing my assignment (believe it or not), as our teachers had done their best to make the assignment appeal the most to us.

Jane Mansell, my Maths teacher, asked us to research for a function whose graph was interesting, and whoever could find the most interesting one would win a prize (a box of chocolates)!!! It's a pity I didn't win, but I have learnt more about the true beauty of Maths while doing this assignment (or so I believe).

Coming back to school after half-term break, I immediately threw myself into the process of preparing for the first issue of Bellerbys Oxford's brand new magazine: The Trajan Mail. 

With the greatest help of Sharon, Psychology teacher/Trajan Mail's director, and Sharlene, English teacher/Trajan Mail's advisor, the autumn issue of Trajan Mail was published on November 9th, 2010. Thank you very much, Sharon and Sharlene ^^ your indefatigable dedication has prompted us to finish our fabulous magazine. And cheers to our Trajan Mail's devoted reporters and writers ^^, whose effort and contributions will never ever be forgotten.<

Being greatly encouraged by Carol - my tutor and Head of Maths, and Jane, I took part in the UK Maths Challenge on Thursday November 4th, 2010. Befitting its name, the competition was as challenging as it could possibly be. There were many problems that I hadn’t seen before in my (academic) life, but I did the best I could. The result is expected to come out next week, so I still have to wait agonizingly.

Everyday, I go back home at around 5pm, completely exhausted but utterly happy. I simply enjoy each and every day in Oxford, studying, experiencing and having the best time of my life. I know that I have made the most of my time, that I haven’t wasted any seconds, and that I have every right to be proud of what I have achieved.

That’s why every morning, I wake up and tell myself: Today is gonna be a(nother) great day.

PS: Today Is Gonna Be A Great Day (Theme Song from ‘Phineas and Ferb’) – by Bowling For Soup

"This could possibly be the best day ever!
And the forecast says that tomorrow will likely be a million and six times better.
So make every minute count, jump up, jump in and seize the day,
And let’s make sure that in every single possible way,
Today is gonna be a great day!"

Posted by Autumn, studying A Levels at Bellerbys Oxford

Post Mid-term Break ☺☺

How was everyone’s mid term break? Well, mine was AWESOME!

Awesome for the fact that I went to Scotland for the first time and finally got to meet up with one of my closest college friend who is now studying in The University of Edinburgh – Neuroscience. When we finally met in Edinburgh Airport after so many months, she ran to me immediately and hugged me!  Oh I miss my friend so much too!

This is Lee and she is one cool girl from Taiwan! :P

She is an ex Bellerbys student~

During my trip in Scotland, I visited 2 cities – St. Andrews and Edinburgh.

St. Andrews:

After knowing that St. Andrews is renowned for golf, I instantly knew that I should definitely go visit St. Andrews, for my father who is an avid golfer.

And of course, we visited the famous Old Course golf course which happens to be the world’s oldest golf course.

And also being typical tourists, we took a photo with the Swilcan Bridge which is some sort of a icon for the golf course.

Well, our journey on finding the golf course wasn’t that exciting in reality.

The fact that there was literally a huge massive chunk of dark cloud, following us above our head for the entire day, was simply annoying enough.

I’m not sure if it’s us just being sensitive or plain unlucky because we noticed that the sky of whichever place we passed by would turn sunny immediately, right after we walked out of it and “bring” the dark cloud along with us.

As a result, I really got a taste of the Scottish weather up north of England.

Wet and freezing!

In St. Andrews, we also met up with one Bellerbys College senior who graduated last year.

She is currently studying Medicine in St. Andrews University.

This is Ogaga from Nigeria and she is one of the most ecstatic person I have known, for the fact that her mood is always so bubbly! HAHA 

So, Ogaga kindly gave us an insightful tour around the new school campus (especially the new medicine block) and her hostel life.

 
 

Ogaga and her dissecting kit!

In fact, we also managed to visit other parts of the old campus of St. Andrews University during the day and some other attractions too.

St. Andrews Cathedral

 

We even chanced upon an apple garden!

   

Halloween mania!

And not to forget sending postcards back to Singapore! :)

Edinburgh: 

Back in Edinburgh, Lee showed me around the city.

We visited Edinburgh Castle and the shopping district.

 

I’m definitely going back to Edinburgh once more because I have yet to visit all the attractions that I’m interested in!

Especially the highlands! I want to go see the Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster Lake!

I didn’t know that Nessie is from Scotland! HAHA 

They say all good things come to an end. Sometimes, an ending might not necessarily be a bad thing. It can be there to remind us that we once had fun; we once enjoyed ourselves; we once had the time of our lives. If there is no end to every memory we create and mould, how are we certain that they are memorable ones?

 

                         
 

 Belinda is studying A Levels at Bellerbys Brighton

Half-Term - I Love Bellerbys!

Posted by Tien

It’s getting dark early and really cold in Cambridge these days. Wow, I can’t believe it’s already my third month here. The time is moving really fast, isn’t it?!?!

Every morning I am walking to school, thinking about my life, my studies and just fell happy :) … because “I am here”, in Cambridge. And it’s so pleased to realize that Bellerbys will be my home for these two years!

Mr David Few (International Student Director, my interviewer) thank you again for everything you have done, for giving me such an amazing chance, an opportunity to study here!

I feel that “I love Bellerbys” from my first days in Cambridge. I arrived early that’s why I had nearly 2 weeks walking around Cambridge.

To be honest it’s really amazing to come here and feel like you are at home. I had a warm welcome from all Bellerbys stuff. I didn’t feel lost because I can always ask for the advice, for the help and just any questions. 

My first impression (from my 2^nd day) is that at Bellerbys Cambridge we have a very nice A Level manager. Her name is Jasmine. She loves her job; she takes care about all students at Bellerbys.

Jasmine is an amazing person who always spends a lot of time talking to every single student. Moreover she often comes to our Bellerbys Times Newspaper meetings, SRC (school representative committee) meetings … even in the evenings. Jasmine helped me to choose my A level subjects. I know that I can always talk to her about my studies and she will always help me! She also reads my blog! Thank you very much, Jasmine!!! :)

I really enjoy school activities. In other words I can’t live without them.

In this case “Thanks to Ross Boss” we have a lot of things to do, clubs, activities …. It makes our school life more colorful and unforgettable.

Ross is our Centre Head, at the same time he is Bellerbys Times and SRC boss. Trust me he spends a lot, a lot, a lot of time with us. He helps us with school newspaper, organizing school events, parties and even cleaning classrooms.

This term we had a nice FREE Halloween Party on the 29^th October at Queens Campus … and everything is thanks to Ross!) Even when he was on his business trip to Russia he was in touch (24/7), he worked with us via emails; he gave us suggestions and new ideas. He understands us and tries to do everything possible for Bellerbys! That’s why every single student at Bellerbys loves him!!!

My teachers at Bellerbys are great!!! Every lesson is interesting with stories and examples from everyday life. They help me to develop fully the abilities of individuals and to be more creative.

My French Club teacher, Melanie is so sweet and I really like her lessons. (I am so lazy … But I promise I’ll try my best!!!) I have a LOVELY personal tutor, Marie. She is also my Macro Economics teacher. I love her smile (she is so kind), her lessons and her clear English. Marie helped me to find some universities where I can study in two years time. She always asks me about my studies, my host family and the food I have every day! During our tutorial lessons we can talk to her about everything like to our mom and it really helps! :X

The time is moving too fast. Sometimes I just what to make it slow down. I really enjoy my life, my every school day at Bellerbys with my friends. As my Micro Economics teacher, Chris Wooley says ... "Keep smiling because ... Life's beautiful". I hope it’ll be an amazing year full of experiences and beautiful memories!!!

Tien is studying A Levels at Bellerbys Cambridge 

THIS IS ME ^^ the one and only......

AUTUMN!!!

Hello, readers of Bellerbys Blog!

My name is Bich Thu HOANG (which can be nicely translated into Blue Autumn in English, hence my nickname), and it’s a huge honour of mine to become a Bellerbys Blogger :D

Like the other Bellerbys bloggers, I will start a year of blogging with a short entry introducing me.

I come from in Ho Chi Minh City, the place where Western cultural meets its Eastern counterpart, where the modern world intertwines with what was left from a dim and distant past.

Being one of the most important economic and cultural centres of the country, Ho Chi Minh City is an area of fascinating cultural and ethnic diversity.  Born and bred in such a wonderful city, I have soon come to realize the true beauty of diversity, thus developing an interest in being exposed to different cultures and countries. That is one of numerous reasons why I chose Bellerbys College, an international school, where I have a chance to meet and befriend many people from all over the world.

I started my A Levels a few months ago, after choosing four subjects: Mathematics (a superb subject; everyone in my course chose this subject, by the way, and Ms.Carol - my tutor and Bellerbys Oxford’s Head of Maths- was simply jubilant), Economics (an excellent choice; the sublime beauty of Economics has captured my heart at the very beginning), Politics (so amazing a subject that my mind was completely blown away), and Accounting (who can resist the alluring fascination of numbers???).  

Back in my old high school, we did not have subjects like Economics or Accounting. These new subjects therefore intrigue me, as I am always ready to face and conquer new challenges. Not that other subjects are not interesting; on the contrary, I am not prepared to be showered with their awesomeness :D . One of the factors that make all the subjects so captivating is my amiable, considerate and dedicated teachers. A standing ovation for all of them!  *clap clap*

About my hobbies….I actually have many hobbies, ranging from normal ones (reading books, listening to music, facebook-ing etc.) to slightly abnormal (wandering around the city, collecting tonnes of books, blah, blah, blah) to completely weird ones (counting the number of vehicles parking near the school; again, numbers, without intricate mathematical formula, interest me ^^). 

I am in fact a bibliophile (someone who adores books). I believe that books are our best friends, since books can entertain us, can grant us knowledge, thus broadening our horizon considerably. Therefore, books deserve to be valued and treated with care. That’s why I can spend hours standing in front of a bookshelf in Waterstones just to choose a version (of a particular title) that has the best-looking cover. I spend the same amount of time crying over one book that I have accidentally broken the spine.  I may appear to be rather strange, but this is me!

Being quite an adaptable person, I have settled down quickly and started enjoying myself in a brand new environment, with soon-to-be-family strangers. I am staying with a lovely British family in Kidlington, Oxfordshire. It takes me roughly 40 minutes to get to Trajan House, Bellerbys Oxford’s new building. As our school is expanding, Trajan House has certainly met our requirements.  The new building has more spacious classrooms (Boswell House’s rooms were much smaller!) with state-of-the-art facilities (although malfunctions do occur, our student service are always there to help). We also have a new cafeteria just for ourselves. Isn’t that great? I am really thrilled to be able to study in this newly-built school.

I sincerely hope that I haven’t bored you to tears with my ramblings…… My next post will be much better, I promise.

Until then, keep checking the blog for more posts from my fellow Bellerbys Bloggers.

Best wishes,

Autumn

PS: If you happen to visit Bellerbys Oxford, do look for a black-haired Asian girl wearing purple coat, purple scarf (hopefully) and purple nail polish (I <3 purple!).  If you are lucky, she might treat you to lunch in the new River Café!

PPS: This Is Me – by Demi Lovato
                “….I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be now….”

Posted by Autumn, studying A Levels at Bellerbys Oxford

A New Blogger for Bellerbys College Oxford Called Autumn - How Apt!

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

Say hello to Hoang Bich Thu, also known as Autumn, from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Autumn is in her first year studying A Levels at the fabulous new Bellerbys Oxford building which opened in September this year.

She is studying Maths, Economics, Politics and Accounting and hopes to go on to a degree in Economics & Management, Philosophy, Politics & Economics or International Relations. Autumn has set her sights high and would like to study at University of Oxford, City, UCL, LSE or York.

Outside of the classroom Autumn has many hobbies including, "reading and collecting books, playing the piano when I have time, Facebook-ing (whenever I can), listening to music (mostly Alternatives, Pop, and Classical Music), shopping (for shoes, purses, bracelets, earrings and more books :D), wandering around the city, drinking coffee (Latte or Frappuccino), and visiting the Library :D

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