Life at Bellerbys College

First Post From Me, Nazim

Posted by Nazim @ Bellerbys London

I’m Nazim Ahmad. What? Now now, don’t give me that look!

Fine, I won’t act like everyone knows me, because fact is no one knows me. YET! Allow me to introduce myself.

I’m 18 years old, turning 19 in about three months and I come from Malaysia, that country which has awesomely amazing weather all year and well beaches! I guess I should bold the “beach” as it’s especially special to me.

If you’ve heard of Malaysia, well I’m pretty sure that you heard about Kuala Lumpur. I guess I’m the first student from Bellerbys to have come from another place from Malaysia, that is Penang! Google it! It’s amazing; it has amazing beaches as well as food. What more do you need? =D

I’m currently pursuing Foundations in Media and Humanities at Bellerbys College London. My dream is to pursue a Journalism degree at City University London, and who knows maybe a masters with the final ambition of working as a journalist, hopefully with one of the international news or media agencies.

I chose Bellerbys College London due to numerous reasons. Bellerbys is very established among the international community for pre university courses and its experience with producing students who are capable of entering well known universities.

Why London you may ask? London has all the amazing activities that I believe a student should experience during this important journey in life. What could be better than the capital of Europe?

I watching movies and listening to music. Be it a hard-core Bruce Willis action film or an extremely funny Adam Sandler film. A hard-core Mayhem goth metal track or a slow Bach track, I love them all. That might not be interesting to you, but well to all those who think that are, well you can always send me a message. =P

Let me get back to the topic though, I find the most interesting part of me is that I make my own music. Yes you got that right, I’m a musician. I love just sitting at home on the couch while playing around with synthesisers and creating new melodies to create beats specifically hip hop or rap tracks.

You might be extremely bored and sleepy now that you’ve pretty much got to know everything that is needed to know about me. But hey, you don’t just get to know so much info about anyone so fast do you! So smile that you are so privileged. I’m joking! In fact it is actually a privilege for me to be able to share with everyone my experiences as a student at Bellerbys College London.

I hope to share with you the experiences that I’ve had during my first term in Bellerbys College London as I will be able to write more about it now that the Christmas break has started.

Till my next post,

Nazim Ahmad

Nazim is studying Media Foundation at Bellerbys College London

Hi, It's Me, Asel!

Posted by Asel @ Bellerbys Brighton

Hello everyone!

I am delighted to become a new blogger for Bellerbys College Brighton! My name is Asel Mansurova and I come from Moscow, Russia. I am intended to study Law at the university. My passion for this subject has appeared recently, as when I arrived at Bellerbys I wanted to study History of Art. However soon I understood that it wouldn’t help me reveal myself entirely and I decided to change it.

Obviously I must thank Mr Peter Corcut, the Program Manager of A Level Department, who supported this idea and made it possible despite the fact that half of the term had already passed. So now I study Pure Maths, English Literature, History, German, French and once a week Philosophy.

As for extra curriculum activities, Bellerbys has plenty to offer. One of the most exciting things is Debating Society with Mr Lucas and Mr Gray, where they teach us to state our opinions about some important topics of the day, as absolute freedom of speech, age of majority, legalisation of cannabis and torture. There are always 2 proposers, 2 opponents and a chairman. My team has won the debate twice!

Another wonderful thing was Public Speaking Competition that was held in Hilton Metropole hotel. Our team consisted of three people: Tigran, the chairman; Rauan, the speaker; and me, the proposer of vote of thanks. This was unforgettable!

Obviously the discussed topic caused a resonance among the audience, as Rauan gave talk on "Why Borat Make Benefit for People of Glorious Republic of Kazakhstan". Most of the people have watched this film and they understand that it was very provocative, sometimes offensive and apparently extremely vulgar. However, the point was that, on the contrary, the Kazakhstan tourist industry has benefitted enormously after the 'Borat' film was introduced.

Though we didn’t take the first prize, we managed to perform better than some other English teams and moreover I have won the cup for the best vote of thanks! This was my first great achievement at Bellerbys, and hopefully not the last:) Nevertheless it is not entirely my achievement. I am very much obliged to Mr Lucas and Mr Gray for given opportunity to participate in this competition, their help and support throughout the whole stage of training. Not less I am grateful to Mr Russ, the Ielts preparation teacher, whose effort and excellent support helped me improve my knowledge of English and gain the victory over the native speakers.

Having said that, it is not my only achievement at Bellerbys. I have always wanted to take part in the Senior Maths Challenge, as in my opinion I’m rather good at Maths. However I couldn’t even imagine the shock that I felt when I saw the test papers. Moreover it was impossible simply to guess the correct answer, as for every incorrect one you lose marks. That’s why I had to toil a lot over it. Surprisingly, when the results were announced I found my name amongst 16 Bronze winners. It was so stunning, that at first I couldn’t believe my eyes!

Oxbridge meetings with Mr Corcut are essential for those who are thinking of applying to Top English Universities. There we give talks on topics related to our subjects. It is very difficult to prepare, as your talk should be illuminating, interesting to others and reflect your own position. As for me, unfortunately I can’t say that I am absolutely satisfied with the way I perform due to the lack of self-confidence when I speak in front of Mr Corcut, whose appreciation is very difficult to receive.

After every talk he sets some questions to the speaker. The difficulty lies in the fact that there is no definite answer to them. For example, “What is justice?” This question apparently placed me in a deadlock. But this is exactly what may happen at the interview, so it’s better to become a skilled hand at it. And I’m sure that these meetings will be very helpful, as well as a short course of Philosophy with Mr Stillwell.

Having already spent a lot of time here, I have understood how strongly Bellerbys appeals to me. I like every day spent here, as there is always something interesting!

Asel is studying A Levels at Bellerbys College Brighton

My 1st term at Bellerbys Cambridge :X

Posted by Tien @ Bellerbys Cambridge

So fast …

I can’t believe!

After 4 months living in Cambridge and of course studying at Bellerbys I suddenly realized that it’s my home now! It’s my new big home where I come every morning, say “Good morning!” … see my teachers and friends.

It’s a lovely place where I spend most of my time: studying, reading in the library and just simply chatting with friends in the common room. Bellerbys is a place where we all get knowledge, smile all the time and definitely enjoy beautiful days when we are still students and have nearly no worries about our life!

In this post I want to talk about clubs and activities we have at Bellerbys Cambridge. I had a chance to study in different schools in Russia and Vietnam but I had never had such a big choice of clubs and social activities. I can’t join all clubs.  I can only join a few of them but it’s so nice as I spend all my free time doing something useful with my friends from both Manor and Queens Campuses.

The first one is SRC – School Representative Committee. We often solve many important problems of our college. We talk about students’ life, the food at school residence and try to make it better.

During our meeting with our boss-Ross we discuss other issues and the way to make every student at Bellerbys happy with their studies, also with food and their accommodations.

SRC also organize different social events, parties, raise funds for Building Futures (which is for Study Group’s charity), graduation ceremony … In other words the best everything for our students and for the college in general!

The second club is “Bellerbys Times”. It’s our Bellerbys Cambridge’s newsletter. We have writers and designers who work extremely hard to make colorful pages of the newsletter for the college. I am writing and doing some design as well. I have to say, after one term working very hard with Newsletter members I feel that everyone is really creative and we are a good team here in Cambridge! :D

You can find out more about our newsletter and read the Christmas edition here.

There are many unique and useful articles. We write about different things including our school life, education, food, sport, social life … “Bellerbys Times” represents our students’ life and shows at Bellerbys we can not only study well but also have FUN and of course – Bellerbys Cambridge is the best! ;)

Third and one of my favorite clubs is “Debating club” with my history teacher James Underwood. We meet once or sometimes twice a week.

When I came to Bellerbys I realized that to be a good students and to know that 1+1=2 or UK is representative democracy sometimes in not enough because it’s very important just to be YOU (as a unique personality) – to show your own opinion, to show that YOU – are right and your idea is the best!

These lessons really help me to be more creative and to be a good speaker. Life is based on communications between me and you, between people. One of the main things and important steps on the way to success is to know what to say and how to say it.

As a member of Debating club – all students can have a chance to join public speaking, debating competitions and we also go to trips (for example to London – Oxford Union) to learn now to debate from other students. It’s really amazing and I love it! Trust me, debating (as well as critical thinking) is essential if you want to be a successful in the future!

Bellerbys Cambridge also provides a huge choice for all students to do many interesting things during their free time including Young Enterprise, Music Club, Art Club, French Club, Yoga, different sports … Here, at Bellerbys Cambridge I found everything I had ever wanted. That’s why for me it’s not only amazing to study but also to spend my free time.

PS I love and really enjoy my life in Cambridge! XXX

Tien is studying A Levels at Bellerbys Cambridge

Happy New Year!

Posted by Autumn @ Bellerbys Oxford

Hello, Bellerbys Blog readers, and Happy New Year :) (better late than never :p)

First of all, I sincerely apologize for my procrastination. I got so engrossed in enjoying my first White Christmas ever, that before I even noticed, more than a month had gone by since my last post.

And such a fantastic time that month is. So many things have happened and I can’t wait to share all of my experience with my beloved readers.

After the wonderful bowling night mentioned in my previous post, my first term at Bellerbys College Oxford ended in as classiest a way as possible. Students and staff celebrated the last week of the term with fabulous Christmas parties.

The student party was held on 15^th December, in a lively bar named Bar Baby Love. Being fashionably late that day, I and my friends arrived at the venue when the party was already in full swing.  The DJ was playing popular dance music and without further ado we joined the crowd and stirred up the dance floor. The party lasted till 11h30 that night, and on the following day, lateness was inevitable. Fortunately, we have many sympathetic and compassionate teachers, who thoroughly understood the situation and forgave us for our tardiness. 

The term officially ended on Friday, 17^th December. Right after receiving my holiday homework and promising to finish them on time, I hopped a train to London. A friend put me up for the holiday, and we spent a great Christmas together.

Being far from home for so long, all of us Vietnamese miss the taste of our fine cuisine. That’swhy during Christmas, we bought ingredients and cooked our local specialities and threw huge parties almost every night.

On Christmas Eve, we, mostly my friends, cooked ourselves an appetizing traditional Christmas meal, with stuffed turkey and mince pies and mulled wine.

It was so enjoyable being, cooking and having fun with our friends. It considerably eased the homesickness we overseas students all have to endure sooner or later. 

Visiting London without going shopping would be a huge loss. Oxford Street and Regent Street at Christmas time is a blissful heaven for shopaholics (like me :D ).

The streets were decorated with lights and garlands and posters and ornaments, all of which enhanced the air of festivity in this big capital city. Shops and stores opened till later than usual. The streets got more crowded and crowded every minute. Christmas shoppers filled the streets, carrying bags and bags. The jovial atmosphere made joining the line in front of the cashier irresistible.

After 2 weeks partying in London, I went back to Oxford and started revising for the upcoming exams.  My first 2 exams this morning went pretty well, and I hope to do even better in the exams next week.  

In comparison to London, Oxford is small and quiet. The place is not as big, bustling and crowded as London.  The streets are not as wide, and the shops are not as elegant. However, it’s this placid, simple beauty that makes Oxford charming and attractive.

A new year has begun. I would like to send the best wishes to our blog readers, to families, friends and teachers at Bellerbys College. May you have a happy, healthy and successful 2011.

PS: Happy New Year -  ABBA

“May we all have a vision now and then
Of a world where every neighbour is a friend

...
May we all have our hopes, our will to try

If we don't we might as well lay down and die”

Posted by Autumn, studying A Levels at Bellerbys Oxford 

 

 

Meet Asel, A New Blogger for Bellerbys Brighton

We are very pleased to introduce a new student blogger for Bellerbys College Brighton.

Welcome Asel Mansurova from Moscow, Russia. 

Asel will be 17 this month and is in her first year studying A Levels at Bellerbys Brighton. She hopes to study Law at university and has her sights set on a place at Cambridge University.

Outside of the classroom Asel enjoys playing lawn tennis, snowboarding, reading, singing, debating and philosophy.

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

Remember, Remember, the Month of December

Posted by Belinda, studying A Levels at Bellerbys Brighton

December, the month to remember.

The month of the year where we are constantly reminded of once upon a time and reminisce on how much we've gone through; how much we've stumbled across; our winnings, our losses; our everything that has happened so far.

Towards the end of the month, we celebrate Christmas and be thankful for what we have been given.

And right at the end of the month, we celebrate the arrival of yet another new year, welcoming another new beginning with open arms.

Yet, why do we still have this forlorn expression struck across our face?

Is it because we can't bear to let the memories of 2010 go or are we just plainly tired to start everything all over again?

That's December for you.

So the Winter Holidays are finally here!

I remember myself being so homesick last year, but after a year here, I think I’ve gotten pretty much used to it. Also, this year, there were a few events that made the last few weeks of the term (Novemeber/December) pretty exciting.

And to name a few:

Our Biology teacher, Miss Kingham, has gotten married!

So the day before her big day, we decided to throw her a surprise mini class party and send her our well wishes!

I’ve met her husband a couple of times (when I went to Hove Lagoon with some others to learn how to windsurf and also during the May Ball) and I really think that they look very compatible and sweet together! :)

         

                                  The class with the cake and present we bought for her!

Next, I went to the Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1 World Premiere at London’s Leicester Square too!

(Quote during a history lesson, my classmate came up with this conclusion that "ALL THE HISTORY TEACHERS SEEM TO DISLIKE HARRY POTTER!" haha)

The crowd was so massive over there and it was raining too, not an ideal weather, taken for the fact that you've to stand there and wait for hours for the event to start.

I went with a Vietnamese friend, Linh!

This is Linh!

It was our first time at a movie premiere event, so we were quite clueless at first on where we should be to get the best view/what we should be doing.

                

Another interesting thing that happened during school time was that we made NYLON during Chemistry class!

It was so cool that even the teachers and lab technicians were amused.

It really was an eye-opening practical in my opinion because we normally wouldn’t think about how our clothes came about/were made and what the industrial processes were.

But of course, the Nylon that we made in class can’t be compared to the real Nylon used in factories, but still… It was really an amazing experience!

(Apart from the fact that all of us got rather frustrated after realising that we are faced with a never-ending thread of Nylon. We had to twirl the Nylon thread countless number of times around the scalpel and it just never ends!)

Of course, I think everyone would agree with me that the most exciting part towards the end of term was THE SNOW!

 

Okay, but we do have to admit that the two days of school closure due to the snow and following it, another two days off because of the weekend (which sums up to 4 days of holiday!), was pretty much why we were so ecstatic about it. Haha.

The funny thing is that from the previous day, after school closed early in the afternoon due to bad weather forecast of the soon-to-be heavy snow, everyone was practically speculating that school would be closed the following day and all of us got so excited about it.

It only snowed after the term ended last year so we were rather clueless on what to do if in the event of a heavy snow the next day.

Well, I guess technology really works wonders for us.

Because in such times, we ought to be thankful that social networking sites like Facebook do exist for our convenience sake.

Early next morning, notifications of school closure were posted all over Facebook by kind souls who helped to convey the message to people like us, who are living in private accommodation or homestaying.

And last but not least, the end of the term would mean that I had my last ever History lesson in my entire life (prior to the January exams)!

From GCE O level History to now, wow, it’s been years since I’ve first picked up this subject.

And one important thing to note is that because the rest of my subjects (the 3 sciences and maths) are so different from History, I do have to admit that whenever I’m in History class, it’s like a completely different world from the other classes.

Maybe because of its huge contrast to my other subjects, I do treasure and appreciate the time spent in History too because the stuff we are taught/how lessons are carried out/ etc are all so different.

That’s why I do enjoy History a lot!

And of course, I’ve to thank my History teachers Mr. Knight and Mr. Baker for not making me regret taking up History!

                                               

Mr. Baker posing for the camera! HAHA

Honestly, because of the fact that he also teaches English, I feel highly pressurised whenever he marks my essays.

His English is REALLY VERY GOOD (P.S he excels in crossword puzzles, HAHAHA). So, I find my essays being checked for grammatical errors too albeit that it is not specifically for an IELTS exam.

I think he does this unconsciously though, HAHA, which is really good because at the end of the day, we’ve to be clear and concise in our essays.

And who knows, because we don't have English lessons for A Levels here, my English would have deteriorated without me knowing! HAHA!

Counting down is really a tiring chore because at the end of each day, you cross out each day and lament on the fact that there doesn’t seem to be any difference and there’s
still a long way to go.

But… It’s finally here – the long awaited day for me to fly back to Singapore for my winter break.

I guess I’ll see you guys next time in Singapore then!

 

Belinda is studying A Levels at Bellerbys Brighton