student magazine summer 2011

CTC MagazineSummer 2011

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Sweet Dreams 3

A ‘Merchant of Venice’ to Remember! 4

Terrorism, Security and Fear 5

The Christian Fellowship 5

Geography Trip January 2011 6-7

Shylock: Villain or Victim 8-9

GCSE Students Present ‘An Inspector Calls’ 10-15

An Inspector Calls | Part 2 16

Innocent Eyes 17

Ask Al | How to Prepare for University Interviews 18-19

Why You Should Apply to Universities in the United States 20

How to Apply and Get Accepted to United States Universities 21

Leavers 2011 Photos 22-27

CTC Art 28

The Informal Concert 29

World Book Day 30

Valentine’s Day 31

Guess Who? | Teachers in Disguise 32-33

Lunar New Year: The Year of the Rabbit 34

Interview with Dr. Sherratt 35

Interview with Jane Ng 36

Interview with Mrs. Everett 37

Interview with Tara Pham Dampsey 37

Places to Eat & Hang Out 38-39

Movies You Shouldn’t Miss 40

International Evening 41-44

Cambridge Tutors College―Where the World Meets 45-47

Contents

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MANY OF US HAVE DREAMS BUT HOW MANY OF US ACTUALLY ACT UPON THEM? IT’S WORTH A TRY. I SUSPECT A MAN CALLED ROGER OSBORNE DID, BUT BEFORE I GO ANY FURTHER I OUGHT TO EXPLAIN, JUST IN CASE ANYBODY READING THIS ARTICLE DOESN’T KNOW, THAT ROGER OSBORNE WAS CTC‘S FIRST PRINCIPAL. He’s the serious-looking gentleman in that portrait which hangs in the library behind Mrs Carroll. He was the first of only four men to have been given the honour of leading and managing this fine college of ours, though when Roger started out, back in 1958, it wasn’t a college in Croydon that he created. In fact, it wasn’t a college at all, but a house, his own house, in a Surrey village called Warlingham, which he converted into teaching rooms. And that, you see, was Roger’s dream. Having graduated from Cambridge University, he bought a house in Warlingham, called it the Grange and started offering private tuition to young teenage boys who needed extra help to pass entrance exams for some of the region’s best schools such as Whitgift, Dulwich and Caterham. And that’s the thing about dreams. When you fulfil your own they can often lead to other people fulfilling theirs too. Many of those children taught by Roger and his fellow-Cambridge graduates, gained entry into top schools, proceeded on to a fine university and then embarked upon highly successful careers afterwards. In short, they might not have made it if Roger Osborne had not had his dream. Come to think of it, I wouldn’t be sitting here in the Principal’s office at CTC writing this article if he hadn’t and nor would anybody reading these reflections be here in the first place if he hadn’t. The moral of my story? Dreams are definitely worth chasing. How else will you become a doctor, a dentist, a businessman, an engineer or a politician (just some of the careers chosen by CTC graduates since 1958)? And look how far those dreams can spread. CTC is a vastly different place to that house in Warlingham where it all began 53 years ago. In 1967, the year Roger bought the college in which we now work and learn, for around £18,000, there were just 99 students here, only 23 of whom came from overseas. Compare that to today when over 85% of our 261 students come from countries outside the UK, making 26 countries in total. So what began as a private tuition centre for local English boys turned into an international centre of academic excellence, a point ably supported by the fact that later this year we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the arrival of CTC’s first Malaysian student with a special alumni event in Kuala Lumpur. It’s hard to believe that I will get to meet former CTC students at that event, some not much younger than me, who came to this remote college in this remote part of their world to begin the pursuit of a dream. And they are not alone. Over 80 countries have sent students to CTC since 1958…A truly global ripple effect. David Wilson took over as Principal from Roger Osborne in 1981 and was succeeded in 1996 by David Lowe. Both men took up the baton and chased the original dream which, if I try to put it into words, is fairly simple: to bring together and educate young people, to help them fulfil their potential and to prepare them for life wherever it may take them, from Croydon to China and anywhere in between. I’ll keep chasing the dream, Roger. Thanks for having it in the first place!

Sweet Dreams | by Mario Di Clemente, Principal

MANY OF US HAVE DREAMS BUT HOW MANY OF US ACTUALLY ACT UPON THEM? IT’S WORTH A TRY. I SUSPECT A MAN CALLED ROGER OSBORNE DID, BUT BEFORE I GO ANY FURTHER I OUGHT TO EXPLAIN, JUST IN CASE ANYBODY READING THIS ARTICLE DOESN’T KNOW, THAT ROGER OSBORNE WAS CTC‘S FIRST PRINCIPAL. He’s the serious-looking gentleman in that portrait which hangs in the library behind Mrs Carroll. He was the first of only four men to have been given the honour of leading and managing this fine college of ours, though when Roger started out, back in 1958, it wasn’t a college in Croydon that he created. In fact, it wasn’t a college at all, but a house, his own house, in a Surrey village called Warlingham, which he converted into teaching rooms. And that, you see, was Roger’s dream. Having graduated from Cambridge University, he bought a house in Warlingham, called it the Grange and started offering private tuition to young teenage boys who needed extra help to pass entrance exams for ffffsome of the region’s best schools such as Whitgift, Dulwich and Caterham. And that’s the thing about dreams. When you fulfil your own they can often lead to other people fulfilling theirs too. Many of those children taught by Roger and his fellow-ww Cambridge graduates, gained entry into top schools, proceeded on to a fine university and then embarked upon highly successful careers afterwards. In short,they might not have made it if Roger Osborne had not had his dream. Come to think of it, I wouldn’t be sitting here in the Principal’s office at CTC writing this article if he hadn’t and nor would anybody reading these reflections be here in the first place if he hadn’t. The moral of my story? Dreams are definitely worth chasing. How else will you become a doctor, a dentist, a businessman, an engineer or a politician (just some of the careers chosen by CTC graduates since 1958( )? And lookhow far those dreams can spread. CTC is a vastly different place to that house in Warlingham where it all began 53 ffffyears ago. In 1967, the year Roger bought the college in which we now work and learn, for around £18,000, there were just 99 students here, only 23 of whom came from overseas. Compare that to today when over 85% of our 261students come from countries outside the UK, making 26 countries in total. So what began as a private tuition centre for local English boys turned into an international centre of academic excellence, a point ably supported by the fact that later this year we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the arrival of CTC’s first Malaysian student with a special alumni event in Kuala Lumpur. It’s hard to believe that I will get to meet former CTC students at that event, somenot much younger than me, who came to this remote college in this remote part of their world to begin the pursuit of a dream. And they are not alone. Over 80 countries have sent students to CTC since 1958…A truly global rippleeffect.ffff David Wilson took over as Principal from Roger Osborne in 1981 and was succeeded in 1996 by David Lowe.Both men took up the baton and chased the original dream which, if I try to put it into words, is fairly simple: to bring together and educate young people, to help them fulfil their potential and to prepare them for life wherever itmay take them, from Croydon to China and anywhere in between. I’ll keep chasing the dream, Roger. Thanks for having it in the first place!

Sweet Dreams | by Mario Di Clemente, Principal

EAAMSMS B BUUT HOW MANY OF US ACTUALLY ACT UUPOPONN T

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by Milly Doneva• • •

ALTHOUGH SHAKESPEARE PERHAPS MEANT ‘THE MERCHANT OF VENICE’ TO BE A ROMANTIC COMEDY, WHERE THE AUDIENCE COULD LAUGH AT AND SCORN SHYLOCK THE JEW AND SIGH WITH SYMPATHY AT THE LOVE STORY BETWEEN BASSANIO AND PORTIA, IN RECENT YEARS MANY OF THE PLAY’S MAIN THEMES AND IDEAS HAVE BEEN GIVEN A NEW EMPHASIS.

Though some of the comedy still remains, it has been much darkened. Most significantly, Shylock’s character seems to be a constant reminder of the Holocaust so turning him into a more sympathetic figure. The love story, now a love-triangle, sees Antonio’s character portrayed as a homosexual and in competition with Portia for Bassanio’s heart thus further altering the play in performance.

The hate between Antonio and Shylock, however, remains a constant which sees Shylock’s hunger for revenge against the Christians taken too far, leaving him a crushed and broken figure.

Trevor Nunn sets the play in the 1920s pre-war Venice where financial prosperity, sexual freedom and various addictions seem to obscure the subtle feeling that all is about to change. He clearly reflects the anti-Semitic feeling through his use of contrasting tones and colours; whereas Portia’s Belmont is flashy, glamorous and gold-tinted, Shylock’s house is dark, taunting and dull. It seems almost invisible, a direct reflection of most Jews in society at the time.

In a desolate, empty cabaret the play begins with David Bamber’s Antonio looking isolated and weary as he declares ‘In sooth I know not why I am so sad’. He sees Portia as a rival for his ‘friend’ Bassanio’s heart but is still willing to lend him money aware Bassanio will use it to win Portia.

Henry Goodman gives us a memorable performance as Shylock making his character conniving yet tragic and Nunn tries to explain Shylock’s crude actions not excuse them. Although we cannot call him a victim, we cannot label him a villain

either. Goodman brings out aspects of both in his performance when he appears to have little control over his deep seated anger and need for revenge. He erupts and hits Gabrielle Jourdan’s Jessica only to moments later hug her. Although he wants to murder Antonio, we see Goodman placing the character carefully by stopping with moments of doubt before he cuts his ‘pound of flesh’. Goodman manages to bring an honesty and sincerity that other actors on occasion have lacked.

Worlds away in the luxurious Belmont, Derbhle Crotty brings us an elegant yet bored Portia looking for a suitable lover. The actress’ pale complexion and dark eyes make her captivating, however her black hair hardly reflects the play’s ‘fair Portia’! With her figure hugging gowns, Crotty plays down

her character’s comic side and appears hurt by Bassanio giving her ring away rather than portraying Shakespeare’s supposedly comic intent making her an almost tragic character.

Nunn gives Jessica a much more significant role than Shakespeare may have initially intended. When she runs away with her Christian husband and converts from her religion she is overcome with grief for her culture and feels out of place in the ostentatious Belmont. The haunting Hebrew song which she first sings

with her father Shylock and with which the play ends takes the audience to a place filled with thoughts of the Holocaust. Jessica is seen mourning her religion and her father, and ends

the play on a note of bewilderment.

It must be said that Trevor Nunn has created one of the most memorable versions of ‘The Merchant of Venice’ which requires viewing. He captures beautifully the values of the times yet also manages to address the historical debates which now surround the play. Nunn turns it from the romantic comedy, which perhaps it was intended to be, to a serious and

haunting version with merely distant laughter.

A ‘Merchant of Venice’ to Remember!

It must be said that Trevor Nunn has created one of the most memorable versions of “The Merchant of Venice” which requires viewing.

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‘Terrorism, Security and Fear: Is the fear of terrorism greater than the threat itself?’

by Milly Doneva• • •

Although waking up at six was not exactly our idea of a good start, by the time we left everyone was looking forward to the day’s lectures concerning one of the most relevant topics right now, terrorism (and, of course, having a day off college whilst the inspectors were in!).

With a promised ‘Simulation Game’ for a start we were all expecting a terrorist/police role-play, which, however, turned out not to be the case. Instead, being a member of the Prime Minister’s Emergency Coordination Committee, we had 45 minutes to decide what action to take against a possible terrorist attack. Several surface-to-surface rockets on boats off the coast of the capital were considered a threat which could kill many and lead to an economic recession. With different statistics and success rates presented to us, we decided that trying to save all four boats would be our best option. Keeping in mind the media and the international effect it would have, we chose not to go down the George W Bush route of bombing all four.

After a short coffee break, we had our first lecture by Dr Brooke Rogers, who was by far the most interesting and enthusiastic lecturer and presented us with many relevant and up to date examples. After encouraging us to join in by threatening to use her ‘stare-back’ technique, she concluded that there is a breakdown in communication because of the public and government’s differing concerns. Both Ben Hayes and Tim Parsons then went on to present terrorism through the eyes of the Law and Police, respectively. Whilst Hayes was passionate that the ‘war against terrorism’ was simply taking away our civil liberties, Hayes concluded that he did not think the fear was bigger than the threat itself. ‘Just remember that the future relies on young people like yourselves, so be passionate about your beliefs, follow your ideas and want to make a difference was a very positive and encouraging end by the event’s organiser, who holds these lectures every year.

Taking the many notes, leaflets, magazines and newspapers we had been presented with, we all agreed that this was an extremely relevant lecture giving us many ideas and statistics we could use in our June exam. After that, we also agreed that it was time to go home and do what by then we needed so much- sleep!

The Christian Fellowship

by Nichola Wong

Christian Fellowship is held in room B12 (next to the canteen) every Friday at 1pm. The name “Christian Fellowship” is rather deceiving as people from all backgrounds and faiths are warmly welcome to join. Christian Fellowship will assist you in becoming closer to God and can also act as a medium to socialise and make new friends.

Our meetings usually consist of group discussions on various topics ranging from faith to social issues affecting everyday Christians and the world. We also have a tradition of being nicknamed “Christian food” due to the several shared lunches we have during the year which gives everyone an opportunity to socialise and learn about each other’s lives whilst also learning about God. As well as shared lunches, we have a Christmas dinner and a summer BBQ every year for those who enjoy food!

If you are looking for someone to talk to, or are having academic or family problems, Christian Fellowship is the place to be. Our meetings allow people to share any issues they may have and, as one big family, we endeavour to assist in helping you as much as possible.

If you wish to have further information on the activities in Christian Fellowship, do not hesitate to join us on Fridays at 1pm. If you would like to know any information before Friday you can speak to Dr Rodgers as well as student members such as Lawrence Bawo Okoroheye and Michael Akinwotu.

We look forward to seeing you soon!!

"That their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and

attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding,

resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ

Himself." [Colossians 2:2]

CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP IS HELD IN ROOM B12 (NEXT TO THE CANTEEN) EVERY FRIDAY AT 1 PM. PEOPLE FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS AND FAITHS ARE WARMLY WELCOME TO JOIN.

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by Jean Koh• • •

ON THE TWO HOUR BUS RIDE TO FLATFORD MILLS FIELD STUDY CENTRE SITUATED ON THE SUFFOLK AND ESSEX BORDER, WE DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO ANTICIPATE. UPON ARRIVAL, THERE WERE ENDLESS ROWS OF FIELDS, SHEEP, AND A FEW OLD-FASHIONED HOUSES, WHICH PROVIDED PICTURESQUE SCENERY.This beautiful Constable country was the birthplace of renowned artist John Constable. Flatford Mill is a National Trust property and attracts nature lovers and international sightseers. It is situated on the River Stour and is surrounded by beautiful water meadows which were flooded when we were there.

With no time to lose, we went straight into the classroom to have an introductory session as we were working jointly with Alexandra Park School from North London. A typical day of study would be spent in the classroom over the river from 9-10am and out at the field study area from 10am-4pm and back in the classroom from 4pm-6pm and again from 7pm-8pm. Definitely an overload of Geographical knowledge being fed to us, but it was well worth it!

We managed to cover areas of study like Walton-On-The-Naze, Bathside Bay in Harwich, East Bergholt and Ipswich Wet Docks. These are all places that had been changed one way or another by coastal management or rebranding.

Our only bad weather day was when we were doing an investigation of coastal management at Walton-On-The-Naze. We learnt how to use a theodolite and to measure infiltration and were able to draw a beach profile later in the evening.

As the days progressed, the weather improved and we enjoyed ourselves more, along with the privilege of enriching ourselves with the geographical knowledge of certain areas and the skill to conduct fieldwork investigation and research, which is very vital in securing marks in our final exams.

It was not all work and no play. We had our fair share of fun-celebrating birthdays and a house party, along with free breaks in which ball games were free for all to play.

Throughout the course, we managed to cram one full unit of Geography into just five days! We certainly benefited from the trip as not only were we taught the basic syllabus, we were introduced to physical fieldwork investigations, in which we did a more hands-on, in-depth study of coasts and towns. The beautiful scenery of the places we visited was an added bonus.

We would definitely recommend the next batch of Geographers in CTC to attend the trip next year!

Geography Trip January 2011

Here we saw how the area had passed through the different periods of change, from being a busy dock area in the 1950's, to decline and dereliction in the 1970's to regeneration in the 1990's. Most recently the area has been rebranded to attract visitors and investment.

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SNAPSHOTS FROM THE GEOGRAPHY TRIP

Bathside Bay, Harwich

Orwell Bridge, River Orwell

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Shylock: Is he a villain or a victim?by Adil HussainA speech

• • •As you all know, I am here to talk about Shylock from Shakespeare’s ‘Merchant of Venice’. It might sound like a bore, but some harsh realities are revealed by this character about the prejudices of the time and the anti-Semitism. We can even see some of these prejudices in today’s society, even if they are not as prominent.

Shylock is a very complex character as throughout the play it is unclear to a modern audience whether he is a villain or a victim. You must realise the victimisation and persecution of Shylock now seems much harsher as opposed to an audience in Shakespeare’s time. This is because we are aware of the discrimination against the Jews throughout history, highlighted by the Holocaust. I believe this is the main reason that a modern audience would feel sympathy for Shylock whereas a 16th century audience would have treated him simply as a villain.

However even a modern audience could not argue that Shylock is just a victim as we see villainous characteristics in him. Firstly, the agreement he signs with Antonio gives us a hint of the immorality within him ‘…let the forfeit be nominated for an equal pound of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken in what part of your body pleaseth me.’ Even though Shylock and his people have been persecuted by Antonio does it justify such penalty? I think you would agree that it would not. This forfeit shows us the hatred

Shylock has toward Antonio and it is much harder to sympathise with a character filled with hate and malice. Don’t you think this suggests that Shylock is not actually very different from his oppressors?

Furthermore when Jessica elopes with Lorenzo, taking Shylock’s ducats and jewels, Shylock seems more worried about his money as opposed to his daughter. ‘I would my daughter were dead at my feet, and the jewels in her ear…’ ‘…and the ducats in her coffin!’ This one phrase said by Shylock is incredibly powerful as a father would almost never condemn his own daughter to death. This shows how malicious, spiteful, malevolent Shylock is, as although what Jessica did was reprehensible, it is no excuse for Shylock to say something so hateful.

I wonder how many of you will be surprised to hear of the sensitive side to Shylock. When Tubal informs him Jessica traded his turquoise ring for a

monkey. Shylock’s reaction shows him as a broken man ‘it was my turquoise; I had it of Leah when I was a bachelor.’ You should all try and see Trevor Nunn’s interpretation of the play in which, at this point, we see Shylock break down, which makes us sympathise with him as he would have had very little to remember his dead wife by and that ring would have had an incredibly sentimental value.

What’s more many people argue we see Shylock’s villainous side as he refused to grant Antonio mercy. However if any of us were in his situation would we not act in the same way? Shylock has lost everything, his money, his daughter and his pride. Some of you may believe as Shylock does not grant Antonio pardon, this makes him some kind of monster, I disagree. To me Shylock’s thirst for revenge may be villainous, but it is human nature to want to get even with his people’s

VILLAIN OR VICTIM?

“the victimisation and persecution of Shylock now seems much harsher”

“Shylock seems more worried about his money as opposed to his daughter”

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ancient enemies. Antonio and the other Christians wronged Shylock countless times in the past, they ‘…laughed at my [Shylock’s] losses, mocked at my gains, scorned my nation…’ and more, but when it was them receiving the treatment what did they do? They pleaded for mercy. Does this not show that Shylock is only as much of a villain as the Christians who made him this way through their harsh treatment?

Furthermore near the end of the play, in the courtroom scene, we see Shylock leave a broken man. Not only is he not able to have his revenge but he is stripped of ‘…one half of his goods…’ and when he dies he has to leave all he possesses to Lorenzo and Jessica. In addition to this he is forced to convert to Christianity. In Shakespeare’s time the fact that he was forced to convert would have been seen as mercy, as if Antonio is saving Shylock from damnation; however to us it seems a very oppressive demand. It shows that he does not have the right to practise his religion, but has to follow the faith of the majority.

In conclusion I believe that Shylock is more victim than villain. He has been mistreated and discriminated against by the Christians and when he tries to retaliate it is seen as villainous. Shylock lived in a society that made his life and the life of his people miserable. Is it not reasonable to want to get even? Would we not have done the same in his position? I would have.

What do you think? Is Shylock a victim or a villain?

Advertisement

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A single night in 1912, a prosperous middle-class family, the Birlings are celebrating their daughter Sheila’s engagement to Gerald Croft, son of one of Birling’s competitors, in their “heavily comfortable house” in Brumley, "an industrial city in the North Midlands.”

GSCE Students Present ‘An Inspector Calls’by Dee Doan

Mr. Birling: So here’s wishing the pair of you the very best that life can bring.

THIS TERM, CTC GCSE STUDENTS BRING US ‘AN INSPECTOR CALLS’, A PLAY WRITTEN BY J. B. PRIESTLEY. CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED, THE PLAY IS SEEN AS ONE OF PRIESTLEY’S GREATEST WORK.

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INSPECTOR: ”... what happened to her then may have determined what happened to her afterwards, and

what happened to her afterwards may have driven her to suicide. A chain of events.”

d

Mr. Birling: Look! There’s nothing mysterious or scandalous. I fired her nearly two years ago. Obviously I have nothing to do with her

suicide!

Surprisingly, not only Mr. Birling, but also his family was involved in the girl’s death...

Unexpectedly, an inspector, calling himself Goole, visits the family. He came to investigate the suicide of a young girl, Eva Smith, who died drinking disinfectant. After seeing a photograph of her, Mr. Birling admits that she used to be one of his employees: he discharged her when she became one of the ring-leaders of a strike asking for slightly higher wages.

MrrMr BiBiB rlrlining: LLook!k! TTThherre’’s’ nn tothihiinng mmystteriri



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Sheila admits that it was her fault that Eva was sacked: when Sheila had gone in to try on a dress that didn't suit her, she had caught Eva smirking to another shop assistant. In her anger, Sheila had told the manager that if Eva wasn't fired, Mrs Birling would close their account.

Sheila: I was absolutely furious. If she’d been some miserable plain

creature, I don’t suppose I’d have done it…



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Gerald, Sheila’s fiancé, also admits that he too had known Eva Smith. He had met her at the local Variety Theatre - known to be the haunt of prostitutes - and had 'rescued' her from the unwelcome attentions of Alderman Meggarty, a local dignitary. When he found out that Eva was almost penniless, Gerald let her stay in the flat of a friend of his and Eva stayed there as Gerald’s mistress...until Gerald made Sheila his fiancé.



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Eric – Mr. Birling’s son had also met Eva Smith in the same theatre bar as Gerald, he was drunk and had accompanied her back to her lodgings…Eric wanted to take responsibility for her. He even stole money from his parents for her, but she turned him down and sought help from the Brumley Women’s Charity. Mrs. Birling was the chairperson of the charity, and she persuaded the committee to turn down the girl’s appeal on the grounds that she had the impudence to call herself Mrs. Birling.

41414

Mrs. Birling: She told me tons of ridiculous lies. Unlike the others, I

feel no shame turning that girl down!


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But Eva Smith was pregnant. So, who was the father of the child? Was it Gerald, or was it Eric? And who caused the girl’s death?

The family then gradually realises that perhaps the Inspector has conned them. He could have showed each person a different photograph of a dead girl’s body. When they telephoned the infirmary, they realised that there hadn’t been a suicide case for months.Then the telephone rang... Mr Birling answered it, and after hanging up he told the family that it was the police on the line: an inspector was on his way to ask questions about the suicide of a young girl...

Who was Inspector Goole? Would the family

be accused?

ttpgib

INSPECTOR: ”... what happened to her then may have determined what happened to her afterwards, and

what happened to her afterwards may have driven her to suicide. A chain of events.”


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In February I had the great pleasure to sit in on an English Literature GCSE lesson taught by Mrs Das Gupta. The lesson’s aim was to clarify the structure and action of the play ‘An Inspector Calls’ through the dramatic construction of tableaux (or pictures) of the main scenes with the outcome being photographed for both the college magazine and the students’ individual coursework folders. I enjoyed the lesson immensely and could tell that the students were really engaging with both the play and with the task they were being asked to perform. In short, it was a case of enjoying oneself when the inspector calls

No sooner had one inspector departed than another arrived, or as I like to think of it: An Inspector Calls (Part 2). Of course this time, no cameras were needed to capture the event, which was just as well because Chief Inspector Dillon of the Independent Schools Inspectorate (the ISI, for short) arrived at 7.30am one fine late winter morning with a team of colleagues and with one purpose in mind above all else – to find out if CTC is doing a good job for its students, staff and parents.

Well, after 2 visits, carried out by a total of 4 inspectors over 5 days in February and March, it’s official. After a detailed series of investigations, interviews and interrogations, this particular Chief Inspector produced his findings a few weeks later and I’m delighted to report that nobody needed to be arrested or taken down to the nearest police station and there was definitely no need to plead with him to change his mind or to accuse him of getting it wrong. For here is what he found:

“The college is helping its students achieve outstanding levels of performance, fulfilling its aims to promote high academic standards, to foster international understanding, and to prepare students for their future lives. Students make excellent progress. Most achieve very high standards in relation to their abilities. Results at GCSE are above the national average and at A level they are far above. Students benefit from the curriculum that is specially designed to meet their needs. Students achieve good standards in extra-curricular activities, with some, especially in the Olympiads, performing outstandingly. The overall quality of teaching is good and it is often excellent; it contributes strongly to students’ progress, achievements and personal development. An excellent assessment system provides first-rate information on students’ progress week by week. The detailed marking of tests is extremely helpful to students. Overall, students’ personal development is outstanding. The broad ethnic base of the college community helps students towards a respect for the beliefs and actions of those from different cultures. A positive feature of the college is the high level of care, health, welfare and safety for students. The ethos among staff and students is outstanding. The management provides excellent leadership at all levels and the commitment of all the staff to the college’s vision is outstanding. The college is well resourced… parents are supportive of what the college does for their children and in discussion with inspectors students were extremely positive about what the college does for them.”

Thank you to the whole college for ensuring that we did so well when an inspector really did call!

Mario Di Clemente

Principal

An Inspector Calls | Part 2

In February I had the great pleasure to sit in on an English Literature GCSE lesson taught by Mrs Das Gupta. The lesson’s aim was to clarify the structure and action of the play ‘An Inspector Calls’ through the dramatic constructionof tableaux (or pictures) of the main scenes with the outcome being photographed for both the college magazine andthe students’ individual coursework folders. I enjoyed the lesson immensely and could tell that the students werereally engaging with both the play and with the task they were being asked to perform. In short, it was a case of enjoying oneself when the inspector calls

No sooner had one inspector departed than another arrived, or as I like to thInspector Calls (Part 2). Of course this time, no cameras were needed to captwhich was just as well because Chief Inspector Dillon of the Independent ScInspectorate (the ISI, for short) arrived at 7.30am one fine late winter morninteam of colleagues and with one purpose in mind above all else – to find out –CTC is doing a good job for its students, staff and parents.ff

Well, after 2 visits, carried out by a total of 4 inspectors over 5 days in Februaand March, it’s official. After a detailed series of investigations, interviews aninterrogations, this particular Chief Inspector produced his findings a few welater and I’m delighted to report that nobody needed to be arrested or takenthe nearest police station and there was definitely no need to plead with himmind or to accuse him of getting it wrong. For here is what he found:

“The college is helping its students achieve outstanding levels of performance, fulfilling its aims to promote high academic standards, to foster international understanding, and to prepare students for their future lives. Students make excellent progress. Most achieve very high standards in relation to their abilities. Results at GCSE are above the national average and at A level they are far above. Students benefit from the curriculum that is specially designed to meet their needs. Students achieve good standards in extra-curricular activities, with some, especially in the Olympiads, performing outstandingly. The overall quality of teaching is good and it is often excellent; it contributes strongly to students’ progress, achievements and personal development. An excellent assessment system provides first-rate information on students’ progress week by week. The detailed marking of tests is extremely helpful tostudents. Overall, students’ personal development is outstanding. The broad ethnic base of the college community helps students towards a respect for the beliefs and actions of those from different cultures. A positive feature of the ffffcollege is the high level of care, health, welfare and safety for students. The ethos among staff and students isffoutstanding. The management provides excellent leadership at all levels and the commitment of all the staff to the ffcollege’s vision is outstanding. The college is well resourced… parents are supportive of what the college does for their children and in discussion with inspectors students were extremely positive about what the college does for them.”

Thank you to the whole college for ensuring that we did so well when an inspector really did call!

Mario Di Clemente

Principal

An Inspector Calls | Part 2

hink of it: Antuchngif

arndee

n dm t

nk of it: Anure the event, hools g with a f

y d eksdown to to change his

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by Khushboo Baba• • •

Innocent eyes can scarcely predict, or want to predict, what a loved one can evolve into; beauty to beast, love to hate, pleasure to pain, right to wrong. Her tears were painfully personified to an extent that it was clear no sympathies could heal the damage nor lessen the wounds inflicted upon this once... ‘clean’ paper. However hard one tries to erase the marks pen carves upon paper, they will always be present, lurking beneath the surface. Some may even desperately attempt to write over the original, replace what was there before, but what was first etched will not, and cannot, be erased. Its innocence has been destroyed thereafter.

She did not cry. She howled. Howled for him not to leave, begged him to stay wishing that he would delicately touch her gaze in the exact manner he had faithfully done for so many years. But for what reason? Because now his gaze only pierced uneven jabs through all her tarnished memories. So she looked away in order to preserve the pathetic pieces of her memories from his infectious glare. For a while she remained in denial, forcing her logical mind to believe the

emotional one, so that she would not have to face up to what he had become, and subsequently what she had become, or rather what she had been reduced to.

A dirty shield had been thrust between her eyes and the miracles of the world around her. Her faulty vision turned everything black. As the time passed by, the interior pain became overwhelming whilst being aware that the end was just hiding around the corner, waiting to destroy her completely, but had not yet arrived. As if it was taking pleasure out of keeping her soul trapped in this unrequited love. She refused to admit her own folly in over-estimating this individual.

The day her father left was the day her care-free childhood was snatched away from her. Also the day that she decided it was time to ‘plant her own garden and decorate her own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring flowers to her’.

Such events always lead to complications of one’s character, a story behind those deep eyes you cannot quite grasp however hard you peer into them. It just lingers in the air as you speak; exchange fake smiles and formal words. Can you feel it?

Innocent Eyes

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Ask Al | How to Prepare for University Interviewsby Aldiyar Nurakhmet

What questions could be asked in the interview?

Why do you want to study this subject?

Why have you applied to this faculty or department?

Why have you chosen this university or college?

What can you give to the university?

Would you rather save the rainforest or the coral reefs?

What else can I expect from the interview?

You may say, ‘Actually, I would expect nothing extraordinary.’ Firstly, tutors are seeking able students with academic potential within their chosen subject area. Plus, they definitely will be asking questions on your Personal Statement to ensure its authenticity. In essence, questions are not designed to catch you out or embarrass you. However, your depth of knowledge in the subject that you are applying for is perhaps the most important attribute that tutors will be looking for in students. Therefore, it is advisable to know as much as possible about what you are going to study at university. On the other hand, it should be relatively easy, because you have already have been studying these subjects for two years in this college. In theory, if you have been studying these sets of subjects diligently, the interview should be plain sailing, even if the interviewer is a Nobel prizewinner.

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Ask Al | How to Prepare for University Interviewsby Aldiyar Nurakhmet

Are there right and wrong answers for the Oxbridge Interview?

Actually, the answer is YES and NO. Yes, to the extent that there are clearly very inappropriate ways of responding to questions. But no, in that Oxbridge interviews are not testing a particular body of knowledge. What is really far more important is the way you are going to develop your thoughts and construct your response. It is not quite enough to respond with bare facts and figures.

How should I dress for an Oxbridge Interview?

I think it is also quite an important issue, since it will represent your interest in fashion and your attitude to yourself. Firstly, you should dress informally, but stylishly. You need to feel relaxed and be yourself, whilst showing at least a modicum of respect in the process.

What do they want to see in me?

As I said before, they are seeking able students with academic potential. To be more precise, there is a list of demands:

Intellectual ability: can you cope with the academic demands of the subject and course?

Motivation: are you aware, purposeful and realistic about yourself, with clear reasons for applying?

Students who will make a contribution: will you get involved in the life of the higher education institution and contribute in lectures, practicals and tutorials?

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by Rajesh Bhusal• • •

So, you’re nearly finishing your GCSEs or AS this year (sorry A2 students, this article does not apply to you), and because you will be going to university soon, you must have a clear cut idea of which subject you want to apply for, must have a decision on which career you should go into for the rest of your life, right?

Right?

Wrong.

As a 16 or 17-year-old student, you may have no idea what you want to study in university, and which career to devote the rest of your life to. And that is all right. Most of us really have no clue now what motivates us, and what would maximize our potential. Some of you may want to study medicine, accounting, or mathematics in university just because your parents have persuaded you into joining that particular field, but personally may not have that burning and innate desire to study the subject. American universities would let you explore many different courses to find the one (or two) subject(s) that you really love. You do not need to know what you would major in when you go to the first day of classes. You do not even need to know which degree to graduate with until the second year of study. And that, I believe, is one of the main reasons why you should consider

applying to the United States universities when the time comes.

Most American universities, from the lesser known to the Ivy League institutions, have a liberal arts education system. This type of education lets the students explore a wide variety of educational knowledge, whether it may be the social sciences, the humanities, biological and physical science, or media studies. What is fascinating about this educational system is it places its emphasis on the breadth of knowledge and creativity, and lets you explore even the subjects completely different from the ones that you may want to major in.

What do I mean? Here’s an example. Samson, an imaginary student, really wants to (or his parents really want him to) study dentistry at university, but he is somewhat unsure whether that subject is really right for him. When in an American university, Samson does not need to worry about having made the wrong subject or career choice, because he will be taking a whole range of subjects in the first two years of university where he’ll be able to explore what subject interest him, and quickly change his major to a subject which he loves and is naturally passionate about. American universities are very flexible and can meet the needs of the students.

However, you may ask, what if I already know what subject I want to study, and what I really want to do with my life, why should I choose to go to university in the USA? American universities have a few other vital advantages over UK universities than their flexibility. One of them is the quality of education. According to QS 2010 university rankings, 13 of the world’s top 20 universities are from the United States. The other is that American universities provide financial aid (scholarship packages) to students who have difficulty meeting the full fees or to students who show outstanding academic performance. Going to American universities could be significantly cheaper than going to UK universities.

Why You Should Apply to Universities in the United States

World’s Best Universities

Harvard 2

Yale 3

MIT 5

University of Chicago 8

Caltech 9

Princeton 10

6 out of 10 World’s Best Universities are from the USA.

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There are many things that you have to do this summer to prepare yourself for the application process. It starts by first knowing more about the Common Application (www.commonapp.org). It is a similar online form to the UCAS, and you can use it to send your application to the majority of the universities in the US. Though, some of the universities, such as the University of California, do not accept the Common Application, it is still the easiest and fastest way to apply. The most important part of the Common Application is the essay section. You have to write on one of the six topics provided, and may have to write further essays as specified on your universities’ supplemental forms. Essays show the university admissions office more about your character, and you should take it as an opportunity to show your true self, and show how different you are and how you stand out from the huge applicant pool universities receive every year. The new Common Application will be available in September, and you should create an account as soon as possible when you get back to CTC.

To complete your Common Application, you will first need to take the College Board tests. There are two different tests: the SAT test, and the SAT Subject Tests. Almost all the universities require the SAT test. It is made up of three sections,

Critical Reading, Writing, and Mathematics, 800 points for each section. Some universities will also require you to take 2 or 3 SAT Subject tests. You can get more information about the SAT and SAT Subject Tests on www.collegeboard.com.

Apart from the SAT tests, you would also need to provide an English proficiency tests. IELTS, which most of you will have, can be used to fulfill this criterion. The score requirement for universities in the USA is similar to those in the UK; however, specific requirements could be found on the universities’ websites. Some universities do not accept IELTS, and require you to take the TOEFL. TOEFL is as difficult as the IELTS, and if you scored well on the IELTS test, you should have no problems acing the TOEFL exam.

There are two admission cycles to apply to the universities. One is Early Admission, of which there are two further segments: Early Action and Early Decision. Early Action lets you apply early to schools you want to go to, but the decision is non-binding, which means if you get accepted to the university you applied Early Action, you are not forced to go there. However, Early Decision applications are binding. If you get accepted to the university you applied Early Decision, you have to go to that college, and would have to withdraw all other applications you have sent out. The deadline for Early

Action and Decision for most universities is on November 1st, but it can vary between different universities. As the name suggests, you would get the decision from universities around December or January if you apply for Early Admission. The other admission cycle is the Regular Decision. The deadline for Regular Decision is usually January 1st for most universities. You would receive the decision from universities on April 1st.

Last but certainly not the least, you would need more than very good grades to gain admission to top universities in the USA. One of the criteria which could not be stressed enough is your interests and performance outside of the classroom. Extracurricular activities weigh significantly more in the US admission application than the UK UCAS application. Some of the things you could do is playing your favorite sports, joining the Duke of Edinburgh awards, joining the Young Enterprise scheme, and/or joining the Student Committee. This will show the universities that you are a well-rounded student who will fit perfectly into their university.

Good luck!

How to Apply and Get Accepted to United States Universities

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Leavers 2011 Photos | Photos by Nico Tung

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CTC ArtCTC Art

Top Left: Sichang Jia (winner of the Rector’s Prize)

Bottom Left: Anzela Shrabaka

Middle Right: Aneeka Shah

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by Sher Ee Tan• • •

This term’s Informal Concert was held on the 16th of February and was based on a Valentine’s theme. This concert saw many of CTC’s very own talented singers and musicians putting up amazing performances.

Overall, the Informal Concert was very entertaining and without a doubt a great way to end the first half of the Spring term.

The concert started off with a piano duet performance ‘Flying Patels’ by Klinkeson and Dung. (bottom)

Then, Long Vu (right) amazed the crowd with his powerful voice in ‘Nessun dorma’, a song sung by the famous operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti.

Mr Cook, Eddy and Artjoms brought us back to the 1960s with ‘Eight Days a Week’ by The Beatles.

Reuben and Michele performed next, with their rendition of the song ‘Lucky’ by Jason Mraz, accompanied by guitarist Leon.

Linh Pham entertained the audience with the song ‘My Immortal’ by American rock band Evanescence. This was followed by yet another song by Eddy and Artjoms (bottom left), who performed ‘Hotel California’ by the Eagles. Reuben (bottom middle) also performed another song entitled ‘For you I will’ by Teddy Geiger.

Finally, Alex Trang Trieu (bottom right) ended the concert with her stunning performance in ‘A Moment Like This’ by Leona Lewis, garnering a standing ovation from the audience.

The Informal Concert

TdK

Tc‘fP

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by Rajesh Bhusal• • •

The tradition of World Book Day originated in Catalonia, a region in Spain. On St. George’s Day, April 23rd, people gave gifts of books and roses to each other. 80 years on, this tradition has transformed and is recognized as World Book Day. Interestingly, World Book Day is not held on the same day in every country. In the UK and Republic of Ireland, the occasion is held on the first Thursday of March, which fell on March 3rd this year.

World Book Day 2011 was held in the CTC Library. Students and staff donated many books, the genres of which ranged from classic fiction to educational books. Many students came, and some already determined to get their hands on the IELTS reading books, university guides, or the literary novels, all for £1 each.

When asked what they thought about the event, many of the students gave very positive comments. Wan, who bought three books, said the event was very charitable, and she was pleased to find good content in the array of books. Other students echoed Wan’s comment saying they were delighted to get their hands on many books, and very cheap at that.

There is no doubt this year’s World Book Day was a success. Altogether, the event helped raise £76.00, which was donated to Book Aid International, an international charity organization helping purchase books for children in developing countries. The World Book Day is surely a joyful celebration for the knowledge books provide, the bonds between friends and colleagues it helps create, and a reminder that there is more to books than just papers and words.

World Book Day

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It is said that this cherished festival of joy and love originated in memory of St.Valentine who was executed on February 14th 270 AD for marrying couples without the emperor’s consent. Well, no matter what the origin, Valentine’s Day has evolved to become a festival where it is almost compulsory for couples to take part! In fact, 53% of women in America would dump their boyfriends if they did not get them anything for the 14th of February!

With 180 million cards exchanged annually, Valentine’s Day has become one of the most celebrated festivals worldwide despite the fact that it is technically a Christian festival. Personally, I believe this is because everyone respects the idea of celebrating love that is incorporated in the festival no matter what the religion is.

Valentine’s Day is when gifts like candy, chocolate, flowers, jewellery, perfume and cards are exchanged and this is how couples have been expressing their love for centuries. When I say centuries, I don’t just mean one or two, but in fact, the first Valentine’s Day card written and still in existence was written in 1415.

February 14th has become quite important commercially as well with $14.4 billion worth of chocolate & cocoa products shipments, $403 billion worth in wholesale value of flowers and $2.2 billion worth of jewellery sold in the US alone. Well, it is pleasant to see that the main concept of love has not been lost in all this business.

(PS. My birthday is on Valentine’s Day, so I found this article interesting to write.)

Valentine’s Dayby Vikas Kumar

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Guess Who? | Teachers in Disguise

1 2

3

4

5

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Guess Who? | Teachers in Disguise

6 7

8

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1. Mrs. Hanzal 2. Mrs. Pillai 3. Mrs. Hayes 4. Mrs Roberts 5. Mrs Lau 6. Mr. J. Smith 7. Mrs. Sandhu 8. Mr. Torres 9. Mrs. WoodAnswers:

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Lunar New Year: The Year of the Rabbitby Michele Tan and Sher Ee Tan

• • •This year, the Malaysian and Singaporean students at CTC welcomed the Year of the Rabbit in a simple celebration. On New Year’s Eve, the AS and A2 students gathered for a reunion dinner at Beijing Cottage, a Chinese restaurant in South Croydon. On New Year’s Day, the A2 students had a steamboat party. There were about 14 people in total (including two Burmese and one Lao!). All in all, it was a simple yet joyous occasion and we truly enjoyed ourselves despite being away from home.

“GONG XI FA CAI”

Ingredients for preparing SteamBoat!

Malaysian and Singaporean students welcome the year of the rabbit

New Year’s Eve: Family members gather together for an annual reunion dinner.

Day 1: Families visit the most senior members of their extended family, usually their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.

Day 2: Married daughters visit their birth parents.

Day 3: This day is known as chì kǒu (赤口), directly

translated as "red mouth". No visits are carried out today as it believed to be an inauspicious day to visit relatives and friends. Day 5: Today is the birthday of the

Chinese God of Wealth. In northern China, people eat dumplings in the morning.

Day 7: This is traditionally known as renri 人日, (people’s birthday), the day when everyone grows one year older. It is the day when tossed raw fish salad, yusheng, is eaten.

Day 8: Another family dinner is held to celebrate the eve of the birth of the Jade Emperor.

Day 9,10: This day is especially important to Hokkiens as it is the birthday of the Jade Emperor of heaven. Hokkiens will offer thanksgiving prayers to the Emperor of Heaven.

Day 11, 12: Family and friends are invited for dinners.

Day 15: Known as Chap Goh Mei. Rice dumplings tangyuan (a sweet glutinous rice ball brewed in a soup), are eaten. Candles are lit outside houses as a way to guide wayward spirits home.

Day 13: This day is dedicated to the General Guan Yu, also known as the Chinese God of War. People also eat pure vegetarian food on the 13th day due to consuming too much food over the past two weeks.

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Interview with Dr. Sherrattby Michele Tan

PROFILEName: Doris Sherratt

Birthday: I’m a Libran

Nationality: British

Subject Taught: Biology

Religion: None

Years Teaching: Too many, you never ask a lady her age

Years at CTC: A little less than too many

Pets: None, very fond of cats but I am allergic to them and most other animals. Bit odd considering I am a biologist.

Hobbies: Gardening, DIY, sewing, anything practical and travelling of course, the weakness of many staff at CTC. We probably get too long a summer holiday, (but don’t tell the admin staff).

Favourite Colour: Blue

What was the funniest incident in your years of teaching at CTC?

I have seen some funny things on Biology field trips e.g. rushing to screams coming from the first floor girl’s dormitory to find the face looking in at the window was that of a grey seal in the canal that ran alongside the field centre. We were in Norfolk where the land can often fall below sea level.There’s also the reaction of the students when they see the feet and underneath of the birds bathing in the roof light in B42.**Note : Unfortunately, this is a thing of the past as blinds have been placed across the roof light in B42.

What has changed about CTC since you first started teaching here?Everything, the size, the buildings, the staff, the students, the technology (no computers when I started but we did have whiteboards instead of chalk).

What about the students?

The student composition has changed. We used to get more home students, but we now have more overseas students.

Do you have any bad habits and what are they?Chocolate, the darker the better unless it is Cadbury Dairy Milk.

Which ancient civilisation would you like to visit? Why?

Egyptian, to find out how they built those pyramids and what they knew about medicine and mummification.

What subjects did you take at A-levels and which university did you go to?

Biology, Chemistry and Maths. Newcastle for my degree and Kings London for my PhD.

How would you react if you were transformed into a fish?

I don’t suppose I would mind; I believe they only remember things for a few seconds (I think it was 15 seconds for a goldfish), so I would forget being a human, very soon. What was the question?

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Interview with Jane Ngby Michele Tan

Where and what are you studying (or working) right now? I am a professional violinist and pianist, having graduated with the Masters of Music Degree and Artist Diploma from the Royal College of Music, London. I give solo recitals and concerts in the UK, and also perform regularly at the Savoy Hotel in London, the Junior Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London, and the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.

What or who do you miss at CTC? My experience of living with my host families, Mrs Pamela Cunniffe and Mrs Esther Baron. In fact, I am still in touch with them until today! I also miss all the dedicated tutors at CTC (I had Dr Wood, Mr Oakes, and Mr Harrison) as they always took the effort to go the extra mile in delivering all their classes, and to ensure that learning was a two-way process between the students and them. They definitely made learning a much more enjoyable and interesting process!

Did you enjoy the two (or three) years at CTC? What is your best memory of CTC? Yes, tremendously. The Cultural Evenings was my most memorable experience, as they are a proof that CTC is a melting pot of international cultures that allowed students from all walks of life to interact closely and to ultimately come together as a large family in CTC.

If you need to use 3 words to describe your life at CTC, what would you think? Happy, meaningful, and unique.

What did you like doing in Croydon when you had free time? Hardly ever had free time, as I used to go to the Junior Department of the Royal College of Music, London on Saturdays for music lessons. It would last all day till 5pm! But when I did have time, I used to go to Whitgift Shopping Centre, meet some friends, and also Mrs Chantal Lau as I used to give violin lessons to her daughter, Julie Lau.

What do you think about these years studying in the UK? It has given me a more cosmopolitan start in life and the chance to meet and interact with people from different countries. It has been an eye-opener and studying abroad has also exposed me to various life experiences and given me the opportunity to be independent and learn to think out of the box. The comprehensive experience not only provided me with a qualification but was definitely a wholesome learning experience as it allowed me to grow intellectually and as an individual overall.

Study at CTC

What was your favourite subject then? Why?

Chemistry. Great and fun teacher, Mr Stephen Oakes! I still remember his colourful hand-outs and all my misadventures in the lab!

What subjects did you take while you were at CTC?

Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics.

To find out more about Jane Ng and her activities as a musician, please visit her website www.janengviolin.wordpress.com

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Interview with Mrs. Everettby Nichola Wong

What do you enjoy most about your job at CTC?

Watching a remarkable group of young people as they mature, particularly when teenagers receive such a bad press.

What was your dream when you were young? To live in a nice house, with a wonderful husband and lovely children – fortunately I have realised my dream, and I have a great job as well.

What was the funniest incident you had at CTC?Listening to Mrs Brown’s stories about trips to Disneyland – some of them have made me cry with laughter.

What has changed the most since you came here?Me – I was very young and very slim (a size 8) – not everything changes for the better!

What subjects did you take at A-levels and at university?A-level: Economics, Law, and EnglishDegree: English LiteraturePost Graduate: Chartered Accountant

Interview with Tara Pham Dampseyby Nichola Wong

PROFILEName: Janice Everett

Birthday: 21st of June

Nationality: British

Subject Taught: None. I would be a terrible teacher, unlike my colleagues.

Years in Education: 24

Years at CTC: 24

Hobbies: Theatre, literature, and travel

Favourite Food: Italian

When (which years) did you study at CTC?I was at CTC from 1996-1998.

What subjects did you take while you were at CTC?I took Economics, Mathematics, and Accounting at CTC.

What degree did you study for and where after CTC?I was at Nottingham University studying Industrial Economics with Accounting.

What was your favourite subject then? Why?Mathematics was my favourite subject as I was always good with numbers and, at the time, my English was not so good and Maths did not require fluent English as much.

What or who do you miss at CTC?I miss the weekly exams!

Did you enjoy the two years at CTC? What is your best memory?Yes, very much. I certainly remember the very hard work.

If you were to use 3 words to describe your life at CTC, what would they be?

Study, grades, university!

What do you think about those years at CTC?It was a great time, learning so much about myself and being independent.

Which country’s food do you like best? Vietnamese--my home food.

What did you like doing in Croydon when you had free time?I enjoyed meeting up with friends and window-shopping.

How do you tackle stress?I always stay on top of things and try to be organised and efficient.

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Places to Eat & Hang Outby Michael Tung, Rai Aung Zaw, & Cindy Khouw

Best Restaurants in Croydon

Cosmo:Spacious and variety of food such as Japanese, Chinese, Indian, European and Western. Easily accessible and everything at one place such as arcade, cinema and gymsExcellent service and reasonable price everything’s perfect except you need to book in

advance.After your lunch or dinner, you can go bowling or play English pool. They are just next to

Cosmo, on the left.

Where?Croydon Valley Leisure Retail (closest tram stop: Ampere Way)

Nando’s:Very good serviceSpicy chicken is like no otherExtra hot sauce and bottomless drinks are just what you would need after a tiring day at

schoolHowever, a bit pricey, and crowded during peak times

Where?Croydon High Street

Man Fu (take away):One of the best Chinese take awaysAccessible location―just right of South Croydon StationReasonable prices, and you get real value for your money!

Where?Near South Croydon Station

Takeaway Information: 02086671499

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Places to Eat & Hang Outby Michael Tung, Rai Aung Zaw, & Cindy Khouw

Places To Hang Out

Gym: Check Out “Virgin Active Health Club”

Lloyds Park: Biggest park in Croydon where you can play football and tennis (courts need to be booked)

Vue Cinema: Go with your friends to check out the latest movies

Rileys Club: The best place to play snooker and pool in Croydon

Noteworthy Restaurants in London

天府布衣 (tiān fǔ bù yī)

Cuisine: Chinese Food (Sichuan)

Where?: Back of Westfield Shopping Centre

Xinjiang RestaurantCuisine: Chinese Food (Sichuan)

Where?: 49 Camberwell Church St,

London, SE5 8TR

Assa RestaurantCuisine: Korean

Where?: 53 St. Giles High Street,

London, WC2H 8LH

StradaCuisine: Italian

Where?: 100 Baker Street, London,

W1U 6TW

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Movies You Shouldn’t Miss!by Rajesh Bhusal

Fast FiveFast Five is the latest instalment of the Fast and Furious franchise. Movie fans and race-car enthusiasts deem this movie the best Fast and Furious movie by far.

Personally, I loved to watch Dwayne Johnson on screen. His acting was fantastic, and the rivalry his character has with Vin Diesel’s character makes the movie even more interesting.

The movie was released on April 22nd. Go and watch it as soon as you can!

Source CodeThe movie Source Code is in my opinion the best movie released in 2011 so far. The movie has comedy, romance, science-fiction you name it.

The story revolves around Captain Colter Stevens. He is sent onto a Chicago commuter train into someone else’s body using a complex machine called the Source Code to find the train’s bomber. The catch is that he only has 8 minutes to do so. From the first few minutes of the movie, it is an emotional and exhilarating ride. This movie is certainly not one to miss.

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International Evening 2011 | Photos by Michael Tung

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by Dee Doan• • •

Did you know that our college has students from more than 20 different countries? This multiculturalism provides us with greater knowledge about the world, and helps us become global citizens. Have a glance and spot interesting similarities or differences between your culture and other cultures in the world!

Cambridge Tutors College―Where the World Meets

Saying Hello/How Are you?” in 8 languagesBurmese: | Mingalarbar

Russian: привет, как дела | Privet, Kak Dela

Mandarin: 你好 | Nǐ hǎo

Japanese: こんにちは、お元気ですか | Kon'nichiwa, o genkidesu ka

Korean: , ? | annyeonghaseyo, jal jinae?

Latvian: Sveiks! (for a man), Sveika! (for a woman)

Thai: สวัสดีค่ะ | Sawasdee Kha (female) สวัสดีครับ | Sawasdee Khrab

Vietnamese: Xin chào, bạn khỏe không?

Favourite FestivalsVietnam: Apart from the Lunar New Year and the Full Moon Festival, we celebrate

King Hung anniversary on 10th of March (Lunar Calendar). He is our ancestor, who established the first country on our land. Students really love this day because we can have a day off, and in high schools those named after the King usually hold concerts with famous celebrities in the country.

Korea: A favourite festival in Korea is children’s day. This is when all the children take a day off and call a children’s parade where they can have small parties and just have fun. It is usually in the summer so you can get wet with the water or just run around asking your parents to buy you lots of ice cream. One interesting custom is that when you turn 16, 18 or 21 or when you get married you must always bow to your parents 3 times and these bows consists of 1) thanking them 2) showing gratitude 3) asking to continue this support.

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Favourite FestivalsLatvia: The National Sing and Dance celebration (every four years) is the most important festival, because Latvia is a singing and dancing nation and we overcame many historical events while singing and doing everything together hand in hand. The Midsummer's Night - we stay awake all night from 23rd to 24th June because we have a belief - anyone who sleeps the Midsummer's night will sleep all Summer. November 18th is also an important day - the Latvian Independence day.

Thailand: Water Festival (Songkran day) which is also Thai New Year. Besides the throwing of water, people celebrating Songkran may also go to a wat (Buddhist monastery) to pray and give food to monks. They may also cleanse Buddha images from household shrines as well as Buddha images at monasteries by gently pouring water mixed with a Thai fragrance (Thai: นํ้าอบไทย) over them. It is believed that doing this will bring good luck and prosperity for the New Year. This festival is also celebrated in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.

Food, Food, and FoodKorean Daeji BulgogiSpicy Marinated Pork

Thin sliced pork loin is marinated in a specially blended red chilli pepper paste with various assortments of vegetables. The meat is marinated with a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, sugar, ginger roots, rice wine and kochujang which is the base sauce for this dish. Daeji bulgogi can be

grilled or pan-cooked and it is usually served with a side of lettuce, spinach, or other leafy vegetables, which is used to wrap a slice of cooked meat.

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Food, Food, and Food

Thai Tom Yam Goong Spicy Shrimp Soup

ต้มยํากุ้ง

No other dishes can defeat this renowned Tom Yam Goong as the optimal representative of Thai gourmet. Tom Yam Goong is truly one of a kind with its fierce spiciness and sourness and a blatant use of fragrant herbs including galangal, lemon

grass, kaffir lime leaves, shallot, tamarind and chili pepper. Tom Yam is very versatile and can be made with prawns, chicken, fish and mix of seafood, and mushroom.

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Cultural TaboosLatvia: In Latvia, if you have just left your house/flat and you have forgotten something

and you have to go back into the house/flat, you have to look at yourself in the mirror (from head to toe) before you leave again. Also, Latvians spit three times over their right shoulder and knock on a wood three times if somebody mentions a bad possible outcome of a situation (e.g. before driving you wish "don't drive into a tree" and straight after that you spit three times over the right shoulder and knock three times on wood).

Nigeria: Nigerians believe that holding an umbrella when it is not raining will bring

you bad luck.

Vietnamese: A variation of the Nigerian belief: If you open an umbrella indoors,

ghosts will gather under your umbrella!

Thai: If you hear the lizard's sound before you go out, you should not leave the house.

Korea: If you eat a dog, you will get 50 years of bad luck.

48

CAMBRIDGE TUTORS COLLEGEWater Tower HillCroydon CR0 5SXEnglandUnited Kindgom

CONTACTTelephone: +44 (0)20 8688 5284Email: [email protected]: www.ctc.ac.uk

CTC COLLEGE MAGAZINEIssue no. 2

Summer 2011

Thank you, and The CTC Magazine Team Wishes You A Great Summer

1. Mrs. Carroll

2. Mrs. Das Gupta

3. Mrs. Gollop

4. Dr. Drew

5. Aldiyar Nurakhmet

6. Cindy Khouw

7. Dee Doan

8. Michael Tung

9. Michele Tan

10. Rajesh Bhusal

11. Rai Aung Zaw

12. Sher Ee Tan

13. Vikas Kumar

14. Nichola Wong

FROM THE CTC MAGAZINE TEAMYou are now holding in your hand the second issue of the CTC Magazine for the year 2010/2011. We have tried to build upon our first issue of the year, and tried to fill this one with richer content, and exciting articles for all of you to enjoy.

We, the members of the CTC Magazine Team have tried our best to bring you one of the best college magazines CTC has ever produced.

We would like to especially acknowledge the editorial team (list on the right) who wrote the articles for the magazine; Mrs. Das Gupta and Mrs. Carroll for chairing meetings, and proofreading the articles; Rajesh Bhusal and Mrs. Gollop for work on getting articles onto the digital layout; and additional contributors, Mr. Di Clemente, Milly Doneva, Khushboo Baba, Jean Koh, Nico Tung, and Adil Hussain. We hope you enjoyed reading it.Have a great summer!

student magazine summer 2011

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