Life at Bellerbys College

The Journey

Posted by Jamie @ Bellerbys Brighton

And what a journey it's been. A year and half away from the family really puts the spotlight on one's identity. It's hard to believe that it's all behind me, actually, and that I'm on my way to greater things. Time is such a deceiving concept - we never seem to feel like it's in sync with our lives, or rather, we are in sync with time. When we want it to go slow, it runs faster than lightning but when we need it to go fast, it remains static. But in truth, it's the one constantly changing constant. I'd love to see the day when I finally fall into step with time; everyone has those rare moments when the two points meet and suddenly, there is no place or time more perfect.

Thinking reluctantly back, the past eighteen months of my life has really dragged me through personal growth. Today marks the end of so many things, most of which contain memories that are simly irreplacable and in some way, it saddens me to have to close that chapter. Knowing that the only way I can revisit and relive them again is by reading the very words I've written or viewing photographic fragments makes me that much more poignant. In some cases (if not most), all I have as a souvenir is based in the contraints of my mental capacity. And that's slightly worrying. 

I feel like I've left so many great friends behind. In particular, I can't believe I won't be seeing Mr.Nix for a very long time. The thing about college which I guess I never realised before about school is that you grow very attached to the people you see everyday. They become great comforts to our daily lives because they tell us that everything is at its norm and that we do not have to be afraid of dramatic changes. I still remember when Mr.Nix was gone for two weeks and exactly how I felt each day when I walked into the studio faced with his absence. There was such a black hole in my heart purely because things felt so disorientating and deviant from my daily expectations. And we all have them about everyone and everything. 

When we tried to say goodbye, it was surprisingly humorous. We procrastinated as we rambled on about derelict buildings and leaving traces of our presence behind wherever we are (sometimes in the form of a creepy dollhouse and awkwardly large musical tree). Then after what was meant to be a quick five minutes turned a lengthy half an hour, all I could do was give him the biggest bear hug I could manage with my all-encompassing arms. He has been my support and father figure for the past eighteen months and to be quite honest, he's become my family. When you think about all of the single-serving people that enter and exit your lives (as aptly put in Fight Club), your family are the only people that see you through the adversities. When you pepper time away with your friends, you all become a single entity. That's probably the best and worst thing about Bellerbys. 

Well anyway, to be more concise with my final post, I'd best get to the thank you's and goodbye's. I'd die if I ever forget the amazing teachers that taught me - Dr. Cheng, Dr. Lively, Mrs. Dreiling, Mr.Nix. I have no complaints. Absolutely none. Dr. Cheng and Dr. Lively have been like my pseudo-moms, constantly caring about my general wellbeing both inside and outside the classroom. Mrs. Dreiling... where do I begin?! You are like my big sister, seeing as we seem to share many similar interests and you're always looking out for me. 

I also have to give great thanks to the Art Department - Mr. Fraser, for always being patient with my pathetic computer-challenged ways; Mrs. McDurmot for always conjuring up some fantastical method for building something awesome (and her double bubble dippy doo-dah); Dr. Barr for always checking to see if I'm alright; Mrs. Stewart for being understanding with the havoc that I had wreaked in ALL studios and of course, Mrs. Rudkin for her beautiful Russian accent and inspirational ideas. Everyone has been so supportive of my work and I couldn't have done what I've done without them.

My great Art friends - Asty, Cristina, Chloe, Jia Ling and Weenie. I will surely miss our random talks on teenage pregnancies and romantic endeavours. Plus, not to mention our ice cream adventures at Boho Gelato. 

Mr. Corcut, Mr. Addision, Toby, Fi, Agnes - You are all so willing to help and have also supported me throughout the course.

And of course, how could I ever forget my collection of friends? Too many of you guys to list out (and I'd hate to forget anyone's name) but you know who you are. Thanks for all the parties, the clubbing nights, the mafia games, the laughs and of course, the company. I still remember when I first came to Bellerbys last March and my grandmother had passed away. Dwelling in my room, I heard a shy knock on the door and opened it to a crowd of sympathetic faces. That was one of the sweetest things that has happened to me. 

I'll not go without a grateful thanks to the cleaners who hopelessly attempt to clean my room every Wednesday morning (thanks for vacuuming around the junk) and of course the canteen people who usually sneak a few extra servings for me. Mrs. Peers, ever willing to print my impossibly lengthy documents. 

I've learned a lot about myself and gained a bit, lost a bit. So as I've said before, I'm off to do great things now. Hopefully, everyone I know is out to do the same. 

Jamie is studied A Levels at Bellerbys College Brighton and is heading to California to study Experimental Animation at university in September.

End of Term Trip To Riga, Latvia

Posted by Asel @ Bellerbys Brighton

Hello everyone!

Since I’ve been offered an opportunity to become an official blogger for Bellerbys Brighton, you’re going to hear from me more often!

So, the exams are over (thanks God!) and it’s time to relax. However, I proved to be a masochistic person since I’ve chosen to study almost the whole summer! But now, before the language school in France, my mother and I decided to spend some time doing what all girls love and all boys hate to do - shopping!

My vacation started in Riga, Latvia. I’ve been there only one day though, but I fell in love with that city. Everything was exactly like it was in my dreams. Nobody in the streets! Perhaps it was because we arrived there during the national holiday - Ivan Kupala (I hope the spelling is correct), that lasts more than Christmas and the New Year holidays - 4 days!

The hotel was great in terms of location, and the rooms for that price were excellent - it was 3 times larger than a room in the college residence. The hotel was situated straight in the centre of the ancient and, in my opinion, most beautiful part of Riga. Therefore in the morning we decided to take a tour along the streets and local shops. Most of them offer a great variety of amber accessories, such as different earrings, beautiful bracelets, huge necklaces and sophisticated pendants. However I’ve bought myself pearl earrings! A very strange choice...

As for food, there are lots of lovely restaurants with Latvian cuisine, which is very similar to that of Germany. In the first restaurant my mother and I took one dish for both of us, as it was huge! That was the most delicious Schweinehaxe I’ve ever eaten. It was served with Sauer Kraut - absolutely German!

Another restaurant that we’ve been to is “Ribs & Rock”, that offers its customers a great variety of ribs. After we finished eating there was still a huge part of ribs left. It’s hard to imagine how difficult it was to leave it on the plate, as we were absolutely full and most importantly had a plane to catch.

And that’s it, my short trip to Riga is over, and now i’m going to Serris, which is some 30 km away from Paris. But I’m sure, one day I will definitely come back to Riga for more than one day to explore it more profoundly! Have a nice holiday!

Asel is studying A Levels at Bellerbys College Brighton 

Sunny Day (For Once!) For the Charity Bike Ride & School Photo

Posted by Autumn @ Bellerbys Oxford

Thursday 2^nd June was one of the most exciting days of my life and time in Bellerbys College Oxford. The day was packed with events, none of which were lacking in excitement and festivity.

The day started out as normal as a Thursday could, with students sleepily attending class and teachers busying themselves with essays and assignments. Few if any noticed the disappearance of two of our favourite teachers.

As the first couple of lessons finished, the fun began. Most the students had been recommended to be at the car park at 11 am sharp (oh the prime time of Bellerbys College, most events starts at 11!). The music was blaring; cameras were flashing (slightly exaggerated here, but all for the sake of rhyme!); and all the students and staff was chatting animatedly. We were all here to cheer and clap and see off in style our dedicated staff, who were getting ready to cycle from Oxford to Didcot as part of the Cycle Challenge.

The National Cycle Challenge is a fund-raising event, where ‘staff and students from all over the UK are cycling from Stirling in Scotland to Brighton on the south coast of England linking all of our colleges together. We hope to raise £20,000 at least to help build the new Building Futures school in Niger, Africa’. And Bellerbys College Oxford was as enthusiastic as ever to take part in such an event.

The two aforementioned missing teachers, Ian and Jo, were also part of the cycle team. (Surprise much!) They started even earlier, as their destination, Guildlford, is much further.

      

The Cycle Challenge day also coincided with Bellerbys College Oxford annual school photo. At 1.45pm, everyone, as in hundreds of students and many many staff, gathered at the car park once more for the school photo to be taken. I was amazed at seeing for the first time how big Bellerbys College Oxford has expanded.

Due to technical problems, the photo session lasted almost an hour. It sure was no fun standing in the sun for an hour or so, but the innovative and fun-loving students here in Bellerbys College spent that time effectively on posing and taking great photos of their own.

Following the photo session was a fantastic barbecue, where staff and students queued for mouth-watering food.

At 15.30, Bellerbys UK Managing Director, Mr. James Pitman - who had cycled miles from WALES - reached Oxford. A wonderful end to a great summer day. (It was sunny, for once!)

Posted by Autumn, studying A Levels at Bellerbys Oxford

1st blog ever :) Hello from London!

Posted by Vivonne @ Bellerbys London

Hello readers! 

    As you all may know I'm new here, to be honest it's my first time blogging :) I have always wanted to start a blog but I never got to doing it. Anyways, my name is Vivonne from MALAYSIA! I come from a small island called Penang, some of you might have heard of it before. It is an amazing place to grow up in. My favourite part of Penang would probably be the warm and sunny weather! OH, and the beaches :D It's like a holiday everyday. SO if you have the chance to visit Malaysia, especially Penang *wink* PLEASE do.

     It was not easy making my decision to study in the UK. It took me many sleepless nights thinking about what I should decide to do after secondary school. I have always wanted to study in the UK ever since i was little. My dad used to tell me alot about London and how it was the GREATEST city in the world, and after staying in London for about two months now, I have to agree with my dad :P GO DAD! 

     I came to London in April when it was early spring. I was SO excited, especially because it was my first time visiting UK! It was a gorgeous day when i arrived, flowers blooming everywhere :) I was lucky to have experience spring this year as it hardly rained (YAY!) and I love the sun! The first week in London was tough as i had to get over jetlag :( My biological clock had gone crazy, somedays I even feel sleepy at 6 in the evening. Plus the dry and cold weather was killing my skin. Fortunately, I am now used to the weather here and I am loving the sunny days, gloomy days- not so much. :D Oh well, I can adapt easily, i think. ;)

      I'm currently taking A Levels and my course started in April. It's a shorter course, 5 terms instead of 6 terms, so this means I have to work extra hard :( I CAN DO THIS! So far classes have been fun and challenging. The teachers at Bellerbys are AWESOME! I really like the fact that there are only a small number of students in class. All of us can focus more AND we talk less :P I want to pursue a career in Medicine so I'm taking Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Math as my 4 subjects. Sciences are my thing ever since high school :D Everyone has a dream school to go to for university and my dream school is

UCL!

I will work my butt off to get into UCL. I'd prefer to stay in London and UCL is located in the city itself ( woohoo!). Plus everyone knows it's one of the top school in the UK. 

    Anyways, I shall not continue to blabber and bore all of you out there. :P Stay tuned for more as I will be talking about COOL places i have been so far in UK in the next post. Let me warn you before hand, there will be pictures. A WHOLE LOT of picture :) 

Toodles for now! 

xx

Vivonne is studying five-term A Levels at Bellerbys College London

A (Free) Trip To Brighton

Posted by Autumn @ Bellerbys Oxford

Hello Bellerbys blog readers,

The first thing I want to say after neglecting my privilege of contributing to this blog for so long is that.... I HAVE FINISHED MY EXAMS. Such a wonderful feeling it is! This post-exam period may well be my most fantastic time ever.

During the exam periods, lots and lots of things happened, and it was such a pity that I was unable to spare some time to share with our readers my invaluable experience. Now that I can safely put those admittedly nasty papers behind, I cannot wait to start blogging again.

This first post-exam post is to describe my (free) trip to Brighton.

I was honoured to be chosen as the Oxford candidate for the Richard Ryde scholarship, and was invited to an interview at Bellerbys College Brighton. Therefore on Tuesday, 31 May, I set out on my first trip ever to Brighton.

I had an early start, but the excitement of being a candidate for this prestigious scholarship kept me from grumpiness and boredom during my 3-hour train journey from Oxford to Brighton. (Not to mention that it was free: the school reimbursed my train fare). It was truly an honour to be taking that train to Brighton on this particular day as a scholarship candidate, as there are so many wonderful and capable AS students currently studying in Bellerbys College Oxford.

I arrived at Bellerbys College Brighton at around 10.45 am, 15 minutes before the interview officially commenced. I was warmly greeted by the principal of Bellerbys Oxford, Ms. Julia, who amiably asked me about my train journey. The other three candidates were already there, chatting with their respective principal and/or academic directors. And as it was my first time in Bellerbys College Brighton, I decided to utilise my time there to have a quick look around.

Being the main branch of Bellerbys College where all the executives have their offices, the study centre is huge. It is way bigger than our college here in Oxford. It combines both Bellerbys College and our sister, Embassy College. The atmosphere there is so different from what we have in Oxford: a little more professional, more dynamite but not as relaxing and familiar.

At 11 am, the interview started, and I, Oxford candidate, was selected to go first. I entered the interview room totally freaking out. According to the information that Ms.Julia had kindly provided me, the candidate was to be interviewed by five executives, a quite intimidating prospect. That explained well my nervousness.

The interview went better than I expected, as the interviewers were all so amicable and not-at-all-scary like I had previously surmised. Each of the interviewers asked me one simple question and I tried my best to answer every question (hopefully) with grace. The questions were set for me to express my opinions, my world view and my ambitions. They were not at all tricky, but they compelled me to think deeply about myself and what I wish and can contribute to the society.

The interview lasted around 20 minutes, and I was ushered out. As the London candidate went in, I spent my time befriending the other two candidates. The Brighton candidate, a Hong Kong girl with the lovely name Crystal studied the same subjects as me, while the Cambridge candidate, Niki from Iran, was a budding scientist. We chatted about a wide range of things: from the upcoming exams to the medical problems arising from wearing high heels. The girls were so charming and affable.

When all the candidates were interviewed, we were invited to have a free lunch in the cafeteria. Too bad the London candidate had to leave early! After that, we spent some time visiting the Brighton Pier, with Crystal as our tour guide. It had been a long time since I last had chance to visit a beach, so the experience was absolutely fascinating.

At around 2pm, we parted ways and started the journey back to our respective college.

Eventually, I did not win the scholarship. But I was not extremely disappointed, as my whole experience in Brighton was fabulous, to say nothing of the new friends I have made.

Posted by Autumn, studying A Levels at Bellerbys Oxford