UK GCE A-Level
Bachelor of Business Management
From 2019 to 2021, I spent my 2 years studying A-Level at Ashford school, UK. I studied IB before, so switching to another international course is not too challenging for me and I have quickly adapted myself into this new environment.
For our academic life, the A-level study is intense, different from the GCSE, the junior program, A-Level study requires higher self-discipline and the ability to understand and explore knowledge by yourself. I choose 4 A-Level subjects, which are Biology, Economics, Math and Further Math, therefore my timetable is very compact, with average 1-2 free periods per day. Here I want to share my view on the above 4 subjects:
Biology: We have a mix of practical lesson, which focus on doing experiment and data processing, and the normal lectures studying biological concept. There are 4 major sections in biology, most of them overlaps with the syllabus covered in GCSE Biology, but in a more detailed and in-depth learning. For me it is the easiest subject among all science subjects.
Economics: Study both microeconomics and macroeconomics. The first year will go through all the topics and the second year will add more information based on the basic knowledge. Gaining an A* in Economics is a very hard because it requires massive essay writing skills, which need to include a well-developed logic flow supported with accurate Economic graph and data.
Math and Further Math: A-Level math is not too complicated, but further math is. However, further math is highly appreciated in many high reputational universities, so it is worth to have a try.
In terms of boarding life, Ashford School provide various accommodations including girl’s boarding house, boy’s boarding house and another house with mixed gender. The decorations are not in a modern way, but we feel like a big home with house parents carefully looking after us and giving help. Ashford also provide weekend and evening activities to their boarders which we can go out for a quick trip to elsewhere near Ashford or have some sports activities like bowling, skiing, and fishing. Most of them are very interesting and can enrich our boarding life, I highly recommend joining those activities if you do not have very heavy work load that week. In year 12, you may have a roommate if you live in the boarding house called Judith Webb, but it is sure that you will have an independent room when you move to year 13.
My life in Ashford is very delightful, I develop close friendship with each other, and I enjoy the time spend with my teachers and classmates. All of my teachers like me very much and we all had a great time, if you are thinking about Ashford school, it is a good place for you to spend your 2 years’ time with a balanced study and life. When I recall my memory at Ashford school, I feel over the moon.