Feedback from a student studying the A-level program at Abbey DLD London College.

31.10.24

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Our student Anastasia is studying the A-level program at Abbey DLD College in London for the second year. Before that, Anastasia studied at another well-known school near London, but she deliberately wanted to move to London for the high school program. We offered her options for boarding schools that suited the family's requirements. Anastasia attended several of them before choosing to complete her A-level program at Abbey DLD College in London.

Now, in her second year of study, I asked Anastasia to give me an interview, to which she kindly agreed.

How did you decide to choose Abbey DLD College in London for your A-level program? What influenced your decision?

Before DLD College, I studied at a school outside of London and it was quite inconvenient because to get to the city you had to go through a whole quest, so I decided that I wanted to move to the city. This was probably one of the main factors that influenced my decision.

The college has two main programs for seniors: A-level and IFP, I chose A-level.

Please tell me where the college is located and what are the living conditions in it.

The college is located opposite Big Ben, on the other side of the River Thames, in the very center of London. The location is incredibly convenient. Everything is within walking distance: from simple grocery stores to good restaurants, and in good weather you can walk along the beautiful promenade. The only downside is that sometimes there are a lot of tourists during the season, as this is one of the most popular locations.

Accommodation is good. Positive points: good location, new and clean renovation, and furniture, the size of the room depends on the package you choose (there is very little space in the standard), private bathroom, cleaning of the rooms once a week (only the floor, dry and wet cleaning, and bathroom are complete), the cleaners do not touch personal belongings, a large shared kitchen on the floor. Up to 15 people live on one floor, floors are divided separately between girls and boys, you can adjust the temperature in the room yourself, heating all year round (this is a rarity in England!!!). Compared to the school where I studied before, the food is much better, as well as much nicer conditions for those who live in the boarding school.

The main thing is that if you are 16+, the conditions are quite fair. If you missed a lesson because you overslept or needed to go somewhere, no one will look for you or force you to return, they will just mark that you missed the lesson.

If you want to go out, you don’t need someone's permission (in the previous school, in order to go to the store, it was necessary to get the permission of parents and supervisors, just go to the store!!!!!). On weekdays, it is necessary to return by 10 p.m., and on weekends by 11 p.m.

Right next to the college, there is a gym with all modern equipment.

There are a few disadvantages: the shared kitchens do not have the necessary equipment to prepare food (stoves, ovens), the only thing provided is 2 refrigerators, 1 freezer, 1 electric kettle, 1 toaster, and there is also a full set of dishes (plates, spoons, ...).

What are the features of living in central London while studying? What did you like or surprise you the most?

I was most impressed by the location, as the schedule of senior classes is flexible (for example, I have days when classes start at 10:10 or 11:20, but this is only for senior classes! ) in the morning, my friends and I often go for coffee or breakfast at cafes that are located 5 minutes from the college, also if you have a break of 1-2 hours, you can easily go out (if you are 16+) and, for example, go to the store and buy everything you need.

For those who plan to travel by public transport, the metro is a 10-15 minute walk away, as well as several bus stations.

How is the educational process organized? How do you study your subjects and which subjects do you like the most?

The educational process is organized in such a way that you need to come for registration in the morning (if you live in a boarding school), and then you will still have time to return to your room. I usually have 2 or 3 pairs a day.

A lot is given for independent processing.

You are given a large amount of material, and you really have to learn it yourself, a lot depends on the teacher. Of course, the teachers explain the main points and tasks to us, but mainly, the focus is on self-learning with the help of materials. One of my teachers said so: "Take it, open Google or Chat GPT, and ask them to explain the topic to you if you do not understand what is written in the book." Tests are conducted much more often than in schools in Ukraine, because this is the only way to determine your level of knowledge, based only on test scores, and each teacher chooses how often to do them, for example, I have 2-3 tests every week.

If you make a presentation or go to the board and solve a math task, no one will give you a grade for it, only tests. Basically, I study all my subjects after the school day in my room (I take notes, and read books and additional materials), when I can sit down and calmly figure things out.

How difficult is it to study at A-level? Are there any subjects that require extra effort?

I study mathematics, computer science, and business. Mathematics and computer science require additional effort, they are quite complex, so they take the most time compared to business, in which it is enough to read a presentation and make an outline.

What resources and support does the college provide for academic success? Does the school help prepare for university entrance?

Of course, if you don't understand something, you can easily arrange with the teacher for additional consultation during the school day to help you understand, and this is probably the only support that the college provides for successful studies.

The school helps with admission to universities, and various consultations and preparation for EILES are constantly held.

What results do you expect from your A-level program and how do you plan to achieve your goals?

If I finish my A-levels with good results, it's already a success, for now. This is the first goal, and the second is to enter the university.

Where do you want to go after your A-levels? What universities or majors are you considering?

I decided to go to Dubai (for me it's a really comfortable climate there), namely to the following universities: Heriot-Watt University and University of Birmingham Dubai, majoring in Cybersecurity.

How did living in London affect your adaptation to studies and your personal development?

I am a person very dependent on the sun and heat, so life in London does not affect me very well, I have health problems (so better take your first aid kit).

As for education, in principle, everything is not so bad here. Only the first 3 months were difficult, because the curriculum and teaching style are radically different from the Ukrainian one. My personal development was probably influenced only by the fact that now I can speak English fluently, I am not afraid to ask 100 times what I was told. On the positive side, there is also the fact that after living in London, you will easily understand Indians, Arabs, Asians who speak English, because each of them has a special accent. Here you will definitely learn to solve all your questions, because if you have problems with the bank or other administrative institutions, then to solve them you will have to go through a long and difficult path.

What advice would you give to students who are planning to study in schools in Great Britain, but have not yet decided on their choice?

If you have lived in big cities all your life, then a school within the city is more suitable for you. Be prepared for cold weather and frequent rain and wind.

Is there anything special you would like to share about the college that will help other students make their decision?

Believe me, compared to where I studied before, here is simply paradise. I recommend choosing this college. 👍