Life at Bellerbys College

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 

10 months in Cambridge :X

Posted by Tien @ Bellerbys Cambridge

The time is running too fast… I am always saying this. Time will never wait for us. It’s just flying. It’s June now and I cannot believe that 10 months ago I came to Bellerbys Cambridge. Now I am nearly ready to go home and enjoy beautiful summer. It sounds great and I just cannot wait to see my parents.

But before that I want to say something about my 10 months here, in Bellerbys Cambridge. To be honest I had a good year, full of memories!

First, I want to talk about my school. I had great teachers and I really enjoyed my lessons.  Here I learned to love my subjects and to have a real passion to what I am doing. 

I keep saying that I love politics and politics is my passion. That’s why I love politics lessons. My teacher, Alex is really amazing. I am learning British politics but at the same time I can discuss international politics with my teacher.

I have to mention History as well because A Level students usually do not take history. No doubt that is very difficult but it’s even more than interesting. I really like this subject because history is the combination of everything.

My history teacher, James Underwood is one of the best teachers. I learn a lot from him, not only history but simply how to think, how to look into problems and how to solve them.  I found that Bellerbys gave me not only knowledge but it helped me a lot to grow up. It’s new me now! :)

Second, Bellerbys is a place where we can do thousand of after school activities. I have a lot of interests. At Bellerbys Cambridge, we study hard but party even harder! It’s so important to combine everything in our life. We have everything thanks a lot to Ross and now Jasmine. As a member of SRC (School Representative Committee) I hope that we will make our Bellerbys even a better place. I feel proud that we have a lot of activities and clubs here.  Next year it will be even more. Thank you, Ross (our boss) and Jasmine who just love her job! :D

Third, 10 months in the UK. I want to say that living far from my family I realized that it’s so important to have GOOD friends. I am a lucky person because I met great people here.  I cannot imagine my life without my friends because they are my second family. They are always with me and always support me.  Maybe I am not telling them every day that I love them so much but deep inside my heart I am extremely happy to have such amazing people as my friends! I love you all! :-***

I will miss my college, teachers and friends but we all will be in taught! :D

And after the summer we all will be ready for the next amazing year in Bellerbys Cambridge! ;)

  

 

Tien is studying A Levels at Bellerbys Cambridge

Eating Crepes by the Eiffel Tower - the Bellerbys Brighton French-Themed May Ball

Posted by Jamie @ Bellerbys Brighton

May Ball 2011 (or June Ball, if you will) was the biggest and last social events of the year. More importantly, it was the A2 kiddies' Graduation night, marking the step into the very bane of any student's existence - exam month. It was pretty great, actually, and for some reason beyond my understanding, much better than last year's. Could it be some subconscious psychological bias from the fact that we had a proactive hand in organizing the event to our liking? Or maybe it was some sort of chemical imbalance that ignited our giddy bones, reminding us that it was our last chance to party hard. 

Whatever the case, it was unforgettable for me. 

I always love hearing girls rant excessively over their pre-prom mishaps and emergencies. At least a month before the event, everything seeming revolves around the right pair of shoes or the right colour of the dress. Now, I'd be downright hypocritical if I didn't fess up to playing a part in the banter. Though this year, it was for another reason entirely. I had a very special pocket fairy whip up something unique for my dress (urged to be brought to the UK by my mum), something that I've always dreamt of having should I ever choose to revamp my clothes. 

I'm guessing it's a dead giveaway from the picture that I'm absolutely in love with the idea of Modern Fairytale fashion. Anyway, I admit there were some stiff competition - the occasional scantilly clad and otherwise, absolute extreme end of the pole (a.k.a Mrs. Dreiling and her husband in their AMAZING costumes). Everyone was dressed to the nines and it was nice to see that their "crises" were adverted. 

The food was really tasty, what with it being completely French inspired. I'm a sucker for skinny fries, so I was pretty much happy. The only let down was that I didn't even go NEAR the chocolate fountain, which is, for those who don't already know, the highlight of the ball, really.

Albeit, I couldn't take my mind off of my performance, which was scheduled to go on very soon. This was my second time performing in front of my friends as a solo act, and I've never actually felt so comfortable. I think it was because I was flanked by awesome piano player Long and violinist Dorothy, both of whom really led the song. Thankfully, I didn't forget the words and I didn't trip over the inconceivably snake-like wires. I only wished that Mr.Nix was there to watch me. :(

After the performances, the ballroom dancing started - a new addition to the theme. As predicted, the turnout wasn't much to be bragged, but the few who did dance seemed to enjoy it.

Last but not least, the pseudo-club music began and people were nervous to get loose. Of course, our night was just beginning as a limo pulled up for the after-party at Oceana. Let's just say, it was definitely not to be missed.

The best part of it all was waking up at 1pm the next morning for the first time in a month! I was in school literally for 6 hours a day, 7 days a week for the whole month of May due to all the Art exams. Some people just don't understand the luxury of sleeping in.

As of yesterday, I have 21 days left in Brighton and counting. I'm itching to go home to cuddle with my dog and eat my mummy's cooking. But no, I suppose you have to wade through the adversities before you can reap the rewards.

Sigh. Until then.

xxJ

 

Jamie is studying A Levels at Bellerbys College Brighton

Say Hi to Vivonne, New Blogger for Bellerbys London!

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

Welcome Vivonne Ganesh from Penang, Malaysia!

Vivonne is 18 years old and is studying five-term 
A Levels at Bellerbys London. She hopes to study Medicine or Health Sciences at university and is thinking of applying to UCL and Imperial College London.

Outside of the classroom Vivonne enjoys, "listening to music, watching movies, reading and I LOVE going to the parks in London :D ".

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

Bellerbys Cambridge GRADUATION Dinner – Masquerade

Posted by Tien @ Bellerbys Cambridge

On the 13th of May we had a super fun graduation dinner. The dress code was masquerade! ;) We had great time… dinner … dancing … chatting to friends …

The graduation dinner was organized by SRC – the School Representative Committee. This year we had a PROM. We also had music club performance which was brilliant. We also had prom king and prom queen.

The evening was great but the most important thing is that we all have a chance to be together. I know that my friends are graduating this year so it was really nice to spend time with them. Here are some pictures!

   

   

 

 

 Tien is studying A Levels at Bellerbys Cambridge

Royal Wedding Holiday BBQ at Brighton Beach

 Posted by Belinda @ Bellerbys Brighton

   

 

On the 29 April 2011, we had a holiday because of the Royal Wedding in the UK!

As such, a group of us decided to go down to the beach and have a BBQ.

Fortunately, the sun was out and the weather was simply great!

 

    

Beef burger!

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

  

 

    

 

   

BBQ-ing marshmallows!

 

"We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they're called memories. Some take us forward, they're called dreams."

At this point of time, I would say that it is an intersection between both memories and dreams. 

We are at the cross roads of our lies now where we will soon go our seperate ways and chase our dreams and aspirations that we have longed to achieve. 

As our graduation day looms nearer and nearer, we find ourselves scrambling to create as many memories as possible.

Perhaps it's just humans' nature to realise that we ought to cherish what we have been given when the end is just round the corner. 

Maybe beacause we are afraid of losing everything which brought us this far. 

Hence, we try to make full use of what we have so that we would not regret later in life.

 

As we watched the sun set and looked across the water, we know in our hearts that this will yet be another memorable moment which we will cherish and remember in time to come...

 

Belinda is studying A Levels at Bellerbys Brighton 

Last Term at Bellerbys College

Posted by Jamie @ Bellerbys Brighton

There's not much left to go. Exactly one month until the end of Bellerbys. I've been thinking a lot about home lately and what the future has in store for me. I'm about to take a massive leap forward in my life and I'm not so sure I'm ready. I'm moving to the West Coast (represent!) to study in CalArts - a dream of mine I've kept since I was 11. You'd think that I'd feel a little prepared for living on my own after staying in Brighton, but truth be told, I'm really nervous. Culture-wise, we're talking about an entirely different entity. Somehow, I feel like maybe I'd be more exposed to nitty gritty aspects of life in the US of A; England was somewhat of a small stepping stone for me.

Nevertheless, it feels extremely satisfying (yet strangely poignant) to finally strike a bold, black line through the first part of my step towards Pixar, and essentially, towards being somebody to the world.

After UCAS applications were done, people keep asking each other where they're going to end up after this. Everyone always replies with a resounding, 'Warwick', or 'UCL', or 'Manchester', or 'Hertfordshire' (okay, maybe not so much the latter). I'm really happy that everyone got what they wanted, but I can't help but feel like a nomad when I say I'm heading to 'California'. Everyone will get to hold onto each other for a little bit longer while I'm the only one crossing the pond. Albeit, I am really grateful for the opportunity, I just... maybe wish I had a little more time?

I'm really going to miss the Art Department the most. The studios have somewhat become my sanctuary and the teachers my family. Honestly, this school puts you in such an enclosed environment, where you're living with your friends, that you can't help but create intimate relationships with your teachers and peers.

Personally, I fair better with people who are older than me, so maybe that explains why I feel like my teachers are my closest friends. It could also explain why I'm always chatting away to Mr.Nix as if I think he wants to listen (yes, I know you can barely stand me sometimes, if not most times). He's been such a father figure to me in so many ways, and sometimes, more so than my real dad has been. You don't get to meet that kind of person very often.

The relationship between Mrs. Dreiling and I is a completely different creature. She's like my non-existent older sister - old enough to give me reaaaaally good advice, but young enough to share the same interests. I can't imagine a day when she's ever without a smile! Also, she and Mr. Nix are like my secret antidote when I'm feeling exam jitters.

I'll probably never forget Dr. Lively and her amazing Psychology classes, nor will I EVER forget the best Math teacher I've ever had, Dr. Cheng. Very different characters, but equally as awe-inspiring. Dr. Lively has really encouraged me to change my eating habits and I love the fact that we can trade our food secrets and tips every class (sort of like your personal nutritionist). Dr. Cheng pushes me like no other teacher has before because she knows I can do it. And to have that kind of support really touches me.

Alas, I can't go without giving credits to my friends. I'll probably find some other time to really expand on this part, but for now, let's just say they've been great.

Who knows? Maybe I'll start an even better chapter this September in California.

Jamie is studying A Levels at Bellerbys College Brighton