Life at Bellerbys College

Finally, I am back to my Bellerbys blog ;)

It’s really nice to be back to my Bellerbys blog after such a long time.

I know that it’s my style to start the blog with these words “Time is flying really fast!” To be honest living far away from family I realized that every second we have in this life is valuable.

It’s my second and crazy busy A2 year at Bellerbys Cambridge. It’s my second year here and I still feel that Bellerbys was a reasonable choice for me. I got my offer from University College London which is really good. I think Bellerbys gave me a very good basic preparation for my future which is essential if I want to be successful in the future.

I have to say that I won’t be like I am today without my amazing teachers at Bellerbys. They are Jasmine (our A level manager). She is a great person. Jasmine really cares about students and I never feel down because whatever happens I know that she can help me so solve my problem. My subject teacher James for History, Alex for Politics and Chris for Maths - are absolutely awesome :D They help me a lot with my studies and university application. I remember my crazy busy weeks when I was applying to universities and writing my personal statement. James and Alex helped me a lot. Of course without my tutor Marie I won’t have such an amazing reference. She is an expert who guides us through the whole UCAS process.   

Moreover I feel that at Bellerbys I learn but also play. We can learn hard and play even harder. In my A2 year I try not to do so many things and concentrate more on my studies but it seems that here I can combine both. I am still doing my job as Bellerbys Times chief designer and participating in many school activities. It’s a great thing to do after school because I can spend time with my friends from another campus – Manor. I like being busy as it helps me to keep going! 

I feel that my second year is going even faster. At the moment I am really enjoying my days in Cambridge because it is a great place to live and study! Well, to be honest I just love it :D

 

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

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

Кембридж! :X

Posted by Tien, from Vietnam, studying @ Bellerbys Cambridge who has blogged for us in Russian!

С утра, за исключением выходных привычно прихожу я в школу! Друзей встречаю, милых и родных… здесь светил мир, как в первый день творенья… пролеты коридоров, залы, классы… здесь все подвластно только вдохновению, разумно, мудро, чисто и прекрасно!  - эти мысли приходят ко мне в голову, когда я думаю о своей школе здесь, в Англии.

Я много раз писала про свою жизнь в Кембридже, про школу, про друзей, про учителей…, но еще ни разу не писала по-русски!

Я приехала в Беллербис колледж в сентябре и вот уже живу здесь почти год. Я сама из Вьетнама, просто выросла в России, точнее в Санкт-Петербурге.

Я всегда говорю, что время не просто бежит, оно просто летит очень быстро! Мне казалось, что впереди целый учебный год, новая страна, новая культуру и конечно же новый люди. Но удивительно, я не почувствовала какого-то шока… Англия конечно же не Россия, но все равно, есть что-то схожее. Я сразу же познакомилась со многими ребятами и вскоре мы уже все сдружились! Хорошо, когда встречаются добрые и отзывчивые люди!!!

Если говорить о Кембридже, то наверное всем сразу придет в голову Кембриджский университет, красивый замки. Нет сомнений, что Кембридж – это очень красивый, не большой интернациональный город. Мне очень нравится Кембридж, так как здесь очень спокойно. В центре города всегда кипит жизнь, как и во многих больших городах. Много магазинов, большая библиотека, рестораны, кафе, кинотеатры, клубы, бары… но с другой стороны, в Кембридже очень спокойно, нет суеты, это все-таки город студентов, кругом маленькие и очень уютные дома.

A eсли говорить о школе, я бы сказала, что меня все устраивает. У нас хорошие учителя. В классе примерное 7-10 человек, поэтому учителя могут уделять внимание каждому ученику. Это очень помогает, особенно когда мы в чужой стране и когда все предметы на английском! Я сразу же почувствовала поддержку со стороны учителей и мне это очень помогает!

Еще я бы сказала, что моя школа именно в Кембридже – это самая лучшая, так как у нас очень много кружков, это спорт, иностранные языки, йога … кружки на любой вкус! Каждый ученик может создать свой кружок, если он этого хочет. Мы не только получаем знания, но и развиваемся!

Мне  очень нравится здесь, потому что здесь я учусь, получаю знания, здесь встретила замечательных друзей! :)

Tien is studying A Levels at Bellerbys Cambridge

What is Special About Bellerbys Cambridge?

Posted by Tien @ Bellerbys Cambridge

Again I want to start my blog with a sentence: I can’t believe it’s my 6^th month here, in Cambridge. After such a long time living here, in Cambridge I am sure that it was my good choice and of course I really enjoy my life here!

You may ask me what I feel. OMG! It’s Cambridge. As you all know Cambridge is one of the most beautiful places. I live here now and I feel like living in the Disney World. Many people think that Cambridge is so small and boring but for me it’s the best choice. It’s not really big. True! But here you can find everything you need. I always go to the city center. There are two big shopping places, a lot of restaurants, cafes … so I am sure that international students won’t miss traditional food.

The main thing is that I love my school here! Bellerbys Cambridge is a friendly environment. I have best teachers ever. They are all so friendly and nice. Small class is one of the most important things for me. We have only 3 students in History class, 3 in Politics and only 2 in Russian. It’s good as teachers can pay more attention to each student and we feel more close to our teachers. It’s really cool!

About choosing subjects – as I said a long time ago, I am doing History, Politics, Economics, Maths, Russian and new extended project. To be honest I felt a little bit scary when I realized that I choose the most difficult subjects. Yes, to be honest they are not easy but in the reality they all support each other. I am studying American Presidents in History so politics is really useful in this case. Politics and history always link so it’s really useful for me. At the same time, learning politics I realized that economics is one of the key factors in every country and every nation. That’s why understanding economics I can also easily analyze political situation and understand the situation in the world.

One more thing, Bellerbys Cambridge is full of clubs and extra class activities. We have music, art, sport… Every student can find what he/she wants to do. Or even if we want to establish our own club … we are more than welcome here at Bellerbys!!! ;)

When I have time I also do voluntary work for Cam Sight. We help blind people. Before doing real job I went to voluntary practice where other stuff from Cam Sight teaches us how to work, how to help blind people. Of course it’s amazing to help others but at the same time it’s great to know that I can do something useful! I really enjoy it!!!

So it’s what I am doing here, in Cambridge.

Exams are coming soon!!! I hope I will have great time!!! :D

Tien is studying A Levels at Bellerbys Cambridge 

Debating Club at Bellerbys Cambridge

Posted by Tien @ Bellerbys Cambridge

Here at Bellerbys Cambridge we have a new debating club. I joined a lot of publish speaking competitions before I came to the UK. But I have never done debating before. I started learning during lessons.

“Debate or debating is a formal method of interactive and representational argument. Debate is a broader form of argument than logical argument, which only examines consistency from axiom, and factual argument, which only examines what is or isn't the case or rhetoric which is a technique of persuasion.

Though logical consistency, factual accuracy and some degree of emotional appeal to the audience are important elements of the art of persuasion, in debating, one side often prevails over the other side by presenting a superior "context" and/or framework of the issue, which is far more subtle and strategic.

In a formal debating contest, there are rules for people to discuss and decide on differences, within a framework defining how they will interact.

Informal debate is a common occurrence, the quality and depth of a debate improves with knowledge and skill of its participants as debaters. Deliberative bodies such as parliaments, legislative assemblies, and meetings of all sorts engage in debates.

The outcome of a debate may be decided by audience vote, by judges, or by some combination of the two. (Of course, this implies that facts are based on consensus, which is not factual.) The major goal of the study of debate as a method or art is to develop one's ability to play from either position with equal ease.”

Our school Debating Club is run by my History teacher – James Underwood. I think it a very interesting club us it’s not only helping us in order to improve English but it also teach us to talk, think, … in other words it’s a very effective way to practice critical thinking.

On the 1st day of Lunar New Year, I went to the Oxford Union Debating competition with my classmate – Natalya. Motions were very really difficult, about British army, homosexuals … It was a great chance for me to learn and just to have a great time!

Later, I went to Manchester Union Debating competition. The trip starts from 3:30 am from Cambridge train station to Manchester. It was a really long day, travelling.

We didn’t win all the rounds but luckily we came 1st once!!! It was a big victory especially or us – non-UK students. The motion was “This house believes that all judges should be elected.” Finally, after a hardworking day we came back to Cambridge at around 2 am!

I think debating club is one of the most interesting clubs we have here at Bellerbys Cambridge. It’s so useful for every subject as it the way we talk and express our opinion. At the same time it's useful because we are learning new things even after one hour of practice. And I am sure it’s a big PLUS for those who want to go to top universities in the UK! As for me, I love it and it’s a good choice! ;)

Tien is studying A Levels at Bellerbys Cambridge 

Christmas Holidays in Cambridge!

Posted by Tien @ Bellerbys Cambridge

Every time when I start writing my blog the first thing I want to say is … “OMG! The time is moving too fast! It’s running!” It’s already my fourth month living in Cambridge and my first New Year and Christmas far away from my family!

This year I decided to stay in Cambridge during holidays because I want to study and of course it was nice to be with my friends!

As a member of SRC – School Representative Committee, I organized some Christmas activities for students who decided not to go home and enjoy cold weather in the UK.

During holidays we went ice skating at Parker’s Peace – it’s a very big green park in Cambridge, bowling at Cineworld, cinema to see Gulliver’s Travels, out for lunch, dinner...

I am sure that for all of us unforgettable moment was ice skating! It was extremely fun because for all of us it was our first time standing on ice and try to skate. We all were trying to stand and even walk. But it was not easy!

We didn’t have time to go to other places in the UK as we wish to. However, we all had great time with our classmates and friends.

Being with my friends, talking and drinking hot chocolate I realized that when you are far away from home and when you don’t have school every day it’s so lonely.

In this case friends are the most beautiful thing in your life. They are like a bunch of flowers adding sweetness to your life and making you feel happy and warm!

Just some simply activities with my friends from both Manor and Queens Campuses were really nice. It was a good chance for us to see each other, to chat, to have fun and not to be along during cold days!

Tien is studying A Levels at Bellerbys Cambridge 

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

Business Theory and Practice at Bellerbys Cambridge

Posted by Tien

From economics lesson to the real business world ...

In our modern 21^st century, business and economics are very popular. Millions of people are keen to study them. At Bellerbys College, we can see that a lot of students are taking Economics or Business as their A Level subject. I don’t want to be a businesswomen or a great economist in the future but I am still choosing Economics as my A level subject just because it’s very practical and of course it’s really interesting. However, the theory I study at school does not always reflect the real business world. Bellerbys Cambridge, therefore, supports a group of students to run small business – called ‘Young Enterprise’.

What is Young Enterprise?

Young Enterprise, usually called YE, is a national charity movement which has a vision to promote and develop entrepreneurship of young people in the UK.  In other word, it is a group of students who work together, found a company, and run it during school year. Throughout the year, they create business plan, have directors meetings, import or manufacture handmade products, join Trade Fairs and expeditions, sell their products and finally make profit! They even raise share capitals to finance the company!

I joined YE in October and now I am a member of “Winspire” company. Our link teacher is Chris Woolley. I am Art and IT Director but in reality I am doing other things including sales ...  

I believe that it is a great opportunity for students to gain business experience out of their books! In other words Young Enterprise is a good way to apply theory on real practical. Because in reality, there are always unexpected problems you may encounter. By the way it’s really helpful in micro-economics lessons. I always use examples from my real work.

On the other hand, Young Enterprise also helps me to see the way a real company works. All members are able to play a business role such as providing employment and creating prosperity. We also deal with the same problem as what real company faces such as interpersonal communication problem; and try to work together, listen to each other and try to find best solution.

It also not only teaches me how to apply my study in economics to reality, but it also how to value the money I earn by myself. For example, in our first Trade Fair, we had to go to Stamford which is about one hour by train from Cambridge. The journey starts at 6 a.m. in the morning and finished at about 5:30 p.m. We had to carry a really big board for the decorations and all our products.

It was my first time selling something to people. WOW!!! I was standing for 4 hours trying to talk and smile to everyone. Simply say “Good morning” to everyone.

To be honest it was not easy to smile all the time and to repeat information about our products for nearly 100 times! But ... I promised myself that from that moment I will be nice to all shop assistance even if they are talking too much.

At the end we made 47 pound of profit. I think we all felt that 47 pounds where something special. It was a really really really hard working day but for me it was full of memories and experiences!!!  

As a member of Young Enterprise, I highly recommend fellow students of Bellerbys to participate! Because YE is from economics lesson to the real business world!  :D

Tien is studying A Levels at Bellerbys Cambridge 

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