Blog Archives
How we help A level college students to believe in themselves
Getting students to believe in themselves and step beyond their self-imposed boundaries is not easy, but it is one of the things that we pride ourselves on here at Ashbourne. Whether it be based on past results or just a general lack of confidence, some students will struggle to see possibilities beyond what they have already achieved. Nicola Brownless or ‘Nikki’, never considered herself to be academic. In fact, she had absolutely no desire to study A levels once she had finished her GCSEs. But something about Ashbourne College changed her mind. With a keen interest in drama, and having Continue Reading →
When maths and computer science cross over
Ashbourne had another fantastic experience taking part in the National Cipher Challenge at the end of last year. Team ASHERS2016 got off to an amazing start and went on to take bronze in the overall competition. Though it was a valiant team effort, it was the determination of one particular student that sealed the deal. Jiazheng Zhu, or Dean as he also likes to be known, is not typical of the students that usually enter competitions such as this. He doesn’t study computer science and knows very little about code-breaking, but came across a mention of the competition in an Continue Reading →
The importance of gap years and taking time to think
Going straight on to university after studying A levels is a natural step for many. It keeps the academic momentum going, and there is much excitement to see what the next phase of education has in store. However, for some students, a gap year is necessary to allow them the breathing room to think about their next steps. One such student is Danielle Bernard-DeShong. Danielle joined Ashbourne in 2014, after completing her GCSEs at St Edmund’s College in Hertfordshire. Although she did well, Danielle readily admits that she didn’t push herself when studying for her GCSEs, and didn’t take academia Continue Reading →
The EPQ: Why All Ambitious Students Should Take the Extended Project Qualification
There can be no doubt that an EPQ is a vital tool for developing students’ intellectual and creative interests, and for preparing them for life beyond the school walls. EPQ stands for ‘Extended Project Qualification’, a dry title that is technically accurate but captures little of the excitement of doing an EPQ. At Ashbourne College we have had the pleasure of supervising students with a formidable range of topics, from the technology of rocket launchers and aircraft control systems to the history of pi in ancient China. One student even wrote about black feminism in the Southern Gothic of Beyoncé’s Continue Reading →
Verena Koay shares her experience of Ashbourne College
My experience studying A level at Ashbourne? Well, it might sound a bit cliche if i tell you it is the best experience I’ve ever had, so I will show you why. As an international student traveling from Penang (an island in Malaysia) to the heart of London, the 13 hour flight felt like a spaceship bringing me to a parallel universe… I mean, everything is different here! Before I tell you more about my college, I have to say, living in London as a student is an exciting experience I wouldn’t have guessed existed. Due to the fact Continue Reading →
How can educators help students to manage stress?
Stress is an inevitable part of life, and managing it can be complex at the best of times. For students who have revision, exams and a truckload of hormones to content with, it can be even more of a challenge. In a recent article for The Guardian, Carrie Starbuck outlined six key tactics that can be used to help students to navigate their feelings of stress and anxiety. Provide students with a better understanding of how stress works Stress is our body’s way of warning us about imminent threat or danger. Helping students to recognise the signs for themselves will Continue Reading →
Student Council Leadership Training
Ashbourne College’s dedication to help students reach their full potential goes beyond academic study. Young people of today will be the leaders of tomorrow and any help they get on the way is invaluable. Our newly elected student council is made up of some of Ashbourne’s brightest stars, all of whom have already displayed leadership qualities. To boost their confidence in their new roles we sent them on a specialist workshop run by All About Education. All About Education designs bespoke courses for schools and teachers in order to improve personal and professional development. The director, Tim Guilford, was eager Continue Reading →
Advice for A level college students: The many possibilities of a law degree
For sixth form college students in London and around the UK, the pressure to know what steps to take after A levels can be a bit daunting. Deciding what subject to study at university is the first step towards committing to a specific career for many, but it can also be the opportunity to learn skills that can be transferred to many different fields. For A level college students who wish to study law, there are many opportunities once entering the world of employment. The number of law graduates far outweighs the demand for practicing lawyers, resulting in a great Continue Reading →
Do young people need more help deciding on a career path?
In the time leading up to results day, A-level college students in London and around the UK are likely to be under more pressure than they have ever experienced before. Many will be awaiting grades that determine conditional offers, whilst a select few may be feeling less pressured, having secured unconditional places. Students have a tendency to fall into three categories; those who have very specific career goals such as medicine, and therefore require specific qualifications; those who know which industry they would like to work in, but are unsure of the capacity; and those who have yet to figure Continue Reading →
A-levels, BTECs and IBs – Why it’s important for students to find the right fit
It would be naive to assume that education is a ‘one-size-fits-all’ affair. The way one student learns and absorbs information can differ greatly to another, which is why we should consider ourselves fortunate to be living at a time when there is real choice. However, before making a choice, students must first identify where their strengths lie, or request some assistance in doing so. For this to be possible, there needs to be more information and transparency when it comes to the benefits of all options in post-16 education. A level A-levels are regarded as the ‘gold standard’ when it Continue Reading →
