A winter's day

Here are some photos of the beautiful frost we had at AC yesterday:

The view from top lawn looking towards the sea.

Looking through the trees at the castle.

A frosted leaf in the grass.

Looking towards the castle.

The way back to the houses.

The beginning of the end

8.30am- Well here it is, the last week of my first term at AC. I can't believe where the time has gone! I am able to write this as I do not have English this morning. I still got up to have breakfast however we did have a bit of a lie in. This weekend was great but quite tiring. It is strange that not doing much is so tiring! Saturday we went in to Llantwit, did some shopping and had tea in a tearoom. It was very relaxing and a great way to get ready for the Christmas party. Everyone looked  amazing at the party and it was a lot of fun. My date was great! PK's party was held in The Great Hall in the castle and so it was lovely and 'Christmasy'. I ended up taking my heels off around half way down and spent the rest of the night barefoot. We had a three course buffet meal, songs and lots of laughs. Check-in was 12am and so that made it even better.
    Sunday morning we all slept quite late before going down to brunch. After that we spent the rest of the day chatting and relaxing. Last night there was a candlelit carol service in the church, which I really enjoyed. After that we ate the PK Christmas cake. It was decorated by a couple of students and looked really good. It tasted good too! It is my houseparent's Birthday today and so we may have more cake later too.
    Well I am going to pop back to PK before assembly at 9am. It is Neil's last assembly and so will be very sad. Love to everyone and see you in 4 days!

Friday!

8.30am- Morning everyone! I have first code free today which makes Friday even better! I have just had breakfast so I popped up to the library before Econ starts at 9. We have under a week left at school until we go home. Everyone will finish exams today, so there will be a great atmosphere on campus. I had a really relaxing day yesterday.  After lessons a group of us from PK went in to Llantwit to do some shopping. When we got back we wrapped the presents for our Secret Santas, which made me very excited for Christmas. We then made Danish rye bread and ate Danish pastries for Open House. My Danish dormie said they were not real Danish pastries but they tasted good to me! I now love rye bread and see why all the Scans complain about ours so much!
         This weekend is going to be so good. Tonight we are having a PK girlie night in (around 6 of us). We are going to cook pasta with lots and lots of veg. We bought all the veg we miss from home! After that we are going to watch "Love Actually" (keeping to the Christmas theme). Tomorrow is then the Christmas party. Each house has a separate party. PK are in the Great Hall in the castle.We all dress up and find out who our "date" is. We then have a meal, go to sosh and basically have a great time. It is going to be so much fun. Before that a couple of us are going in to Cowbridge and will do a little window shopping as a final Christmas treat. When we get back we will help get everything ready (the hall and ourselves!). Check-in tomorrow is 12am. I won't say any more! Sunday will then be time for catching up on our sleep! 
      Yesterday my dormie left to go back to China for Christmas. It is sad that she left a week early and we will miss her. We won't see her for five weeks and that is a very long time when you are used to living with someone everyday. We have Codes until next Wednesday morning and then Thursday will be the big departure day. I don't really see myself writing much on here over the weekend but I think I have given you a good update. Lots of love to everyone and will probably see all of you sometime in the next month!

1st December!

1.20pm- Hello everyone. The snow is still on the ground here and it is freezing cold! It is a beautiful to see the castle in the snow however. I have a busy day today. It will be fun and all of my exams are done and so that is nice. Everyone is relaxing and getting into the Christmas spirit. I have a flute lesson followed by flute ensemble and then French tutorials tonight. In between that I will go for a walk in the snow and try not to freeze!  Yesterday I had service, and we went to visit the residential homes. I really enjoy talking to the elderly people although it tends to be a similar conversation every week! It was lovely when they said not to forget to come back and see them after Christmas. Hopefully it means that we do help them a little. Last night I went to the club for people with learning difficulties once again. I have now made it my 3rd official social service activity as I wanted to guarantee there would be a place on the bus for me every week. I will not have any service next week and so I will not see them all until January. Well must go but everything is great here. Christmas is coming and I am so excited! See you all soon.

Snow. snow, snow!

2.30pm- Yes it actually snowed here in November! People had been saying that it was going to snow and I said "No, it's November, it's too warm...etc." and then a couple of hours later it was snowing heavily! I have never ever seen people so happy for snow. It was amazing as there are people here who have never seen snow and I will remember their reactions forever. We had snowball fights and took photos of the castle in the snow. This morning everything had frozen and it was so beautiful as the sun came up. I had a Maths exam at 9am this morning and so now I am so pleased it is over. I don't think (well I know) it didn't go too well but at least it is done. It was the same with E Systems yesterday but we'll see. I am have done some work and then some of us are going to watch the rugby later. Tomorrow a Christmas craft fair is being held on campus and so that will be nice to have a look around. We only have just over a week until Christmas break. I am so excited! It is a busy time but everything is great. Hope everyone is well.

Busy, busy, busy!

12pm- Hello all! Just  a really quick hello before I dash off to early lunch. Life is very busy at the moment, which is great! I have been busy, working, talking, having fun and sometimes sleeping this week. Yesterday my dormie and I got back after codes, chatted for a while and then fell asleep for two hours. I woke up at 3.45pm, which was the time my flute lesson started. I jumped up and ran! On Tuesday the Prince of the Netherlands visited college, as he is a former student. He was around campus all day but we spoke to him when he came to PK. It was quite surreal to be eating my cereal in the dayroom whilst chatting to the Prince of Holland. Life can be strange and amazing sometimes!
   Well really could write so much more but have to go. At least you know I'm still alive! Love to all and will be home in two weeks.

Weekend!

1.50pm- Hello everyone! I know I have not been very good at keeping you all up to date lately but that is because I am very busy! This week we had the Critical Engagement Diploma Period, which I really enjoyed. It is a programme formulated by 8 former AC graduates to encourage discussion and critical thinking. We were split up into randomly selected groups of around 20, with one graduate leading the sessions. My leader was a lovely lady from Korea. Each morning we met in our groups and followed the session prepared for us. It was very interactive and included things like role play, debates and just informal group discussions. Each day had a different theme- Identity, Diversity and Global Justice. However by the end you realise how they are all connected and intertwined in the world we live in. In the afternoons we chose 4 Workshops to attend, again run by the graduates and relating to the career they had chosen/ causes supported since leaving AC. I attended workshops on International Development, Media Production, Social Enterprise and Urbanism. They were all very interesting but my favourite was Media. It really confirmed my interest in the media and the discussion we had about censorship/influence of the media is something I feel strongly about. I also learnt a lot about possible careers which combine the UWC ethos of helping the world with a more conventional "career". Urban development and businesses with a moral conscience, for example. In the evenings two different films were shown in the Tythe Barn (arts centre), relating to the themes of the days. Wednesday night was a documentary film about identity and followed the lives of Bosnians in the 1990s. It showed the complete disintegration of a community before our very eyes. Originally the village in the film was a happy, peaceful mix of Muslims and Catholics (and had been for generations). However the film showed how the quickly advancing war changed this. Amid suspicion, rumour and fear, friendships which had lasted for 40 years began to fall apart. Ultimately neighbours, who had once cared for each other as family, simply watched as the Muslim family fled and their house was destroyed. This was repeated throughout the community. A Catholic house untouched here, a Muslim house burned to the ground there. The documentary was a tragedy for so many reasons. The way in which the personal friendship faltered, the extent of the rascism that appeared but also the everyday suffering and pain of war. The knowledge that in the next village, the Muslim houses would remain untouched but the Catholic houses destroyed displays the unfairness, and to me, illogical effects of war. Terrible human suffering and despair was inflicted on innocent people because of their identity.
       On Thursday night we watched a film called "The Lost Boys of Sudan". Again, a documentary of real footage and true stories. It followed a group of  young Sudanese boys on their journey from a refugee camp in Africa to the "perfect land" of America. It was a story of dashed expectations and broken lives. However through the struggle, there always remained some laughter and affection. Despite being very moving and upsetting, the strength of humanbeings and people who have suffered unbelievably was uplifting in this film. However the problems encountered with diversity within a nation are very troubling.    In the nights after CE, everyone was very tired and sleepy by around 9pm (unbelievably early for AC). This meant none of us got our work done and so now the library and quiet rooms are full of people studying. I have some revision to do for Maths and E Systems and then homework for French and English. Last night over 130 students went to Cardiff to watch the new Harry Potter film together. I didn't go as I am not a HP fan and also we went out for a meal for my Buddy Dorm's Birthday. This morning I worked and then went down to lunch. I now am going to have to work a lot today and tomorrow. Normal codes start again on Monday. Had better go. Love to everyone.

Busy day

10.35am- Yes, today is going to be a very busy but very enjoyable day. Yesterday was also fun. After my social service visit my partner and I had tea in a tearoom in Llantwit, which was very nice. Then yesterday evening I did some preparation for my History essay today and then went to meditation. It was very relaxing as always. We had foot soaks and head massages. Plus some amazing food! After that I went back to PK, did some work and had a relatively early night. It is always good preparing for things with other people, particularly History. We have fun but we also get the work done.
     This morning I have had E systems and then the History code in which we did our essay. It was okay. I now have Economics, followed by French and Maths. Those are my last lessons for the week! I have service at 2pm today and then immediately when I get back from that I have a flute lesson. I have to run! Tonight I am hoping there will be room on the bus for me to go to the club for people with mental disabilities. Once we get back from that it will be the introduction to the next AC Diploma period, Critical Engagement. We will be doing that for the rest of the week and it should be fun. I will share what it is about when I know!
      As you can see life here is busy but great fun. I am living in a beautiful place with beautiful people! Hope everyone is okay. Love to all.

Lazy Weekend

2pm- Yes, I have had a lovely lazy weekend. Yesterday I relaxed, talked, ate and slept.  I went for a refreshing walk along the seafront and also ended up walking to Llantwit in the rain as the bus didn't come. I rang my grandmother in the afternoon and she reminded me that the rugby was on! I ran to get my fellow Welshie in PK and we ended up sitting outside, drinking tea and listening to the commentary on the radio. Wales still lost! Today however I now have to work. I do not have a scary amount to do and I have enough time to do it. This morning I got up at 11am and then had a nice brunch at around 12pm. I have been taking my time to do everything and feel generally very relaxed. I am in the library at the moment as I have to re-draft my English essay and also do some work for History. We have to do a timed essay in class on Tuesday and so I need to make sure I am prepared.
    Next week is another AC mission period for the first years, this time on Critical Engagement. At the moment I am not 100% sure what this entails but I know it is organised by former AC students and should be a lot of fun. This means I only have lessons tomorrow and Tuesday and the remainder of the week will be Critical Engagement. Sounds good to me! The second years are having a Sustainability Conference instead. Well had better go and get some work done. Lots of love to everyone.

A quick look at my world

9.45am-Hello all! I have finally had time to work out how to put photos on here. So, here we go:

 This is the inner courtyard of the castle on a sunny day a couple of weeks ago. My Econ class is the one with open windows.

 This is my house,Pentti Kouri, on a sunny Autumn day (not like today!). PK is the new environmentally friendly house on campus, complete with geothermal heating etc.

This was my little world last night! The corner of your dorm is the closest you'll get to home.

Well that gives you an idea of where I now live. It is a beautiful campus and I will try and get more photos on here sometime soon.

     I have a free code at the moment and I will have double Econ soon. However I have heard that my Econ teacher isn't here and so I may well find I have double free after this. Last night I helped cook American Pie for Open House (when we go into our houseparent's home). I've discovered that American pie is similar to British pie, just without the lid. I called it a tart but was told no way! It was very nice although very, very sweet. After that we had chilled music and chilling time in the dorm, which is the best way to unwind after a long day.  As it is Friday today we have codes all day. I don't finish until 4.45pm and that means it is dark! It will be okay as then I can relax for the rest of the night.

   Well had better go to Econ. I am really hoping I have a free!! Hope everyone is well.



Double free!

9.30pm- I am writing this from a computer in the library as I have a double free code now. I have just had Maths Studies, which was good. My plan for an early night last night failed miserably! At check-in I popped down to the day room for a quick glass of milk but stayed there until midnight! I got up at 7am as usual this morning and I actually feel okay. Last night I went with other people in social service to a club for people with learning difficulties. Although I am in Social Service it is not an official part of my service but for others it is. I really enjoyed it however and if there is room on the bus I will go every week. The club plays such an important role in the lives of those people who attend it. There are many different activities on offer within the hall, including darts, crafts,puzzles and dancing at the end. At time it can be challenging as you never know how people will respond to you (if at all). It was so much fun and the people there are all unique and amazing. I can learn so much from them and look forward to getting to know them better.
      My wonderful Turkish PK sister has asked me to mention that today is the Memorial Day in Turkey of Ataturk, the father of her nation. This is a very important day for Turks all around the world. Here at AC I have learnt so much about many countries' national festivals and significant days that I have never fully understood before. It is amazing to listen and see the emotion with which people talk about these occasions, something as a Brit I don't think I have really experienced before. AC- learning about foreign countries and cultures first hand!
    Well I do have some Math work to do so had better go and get it done. After break I have English, French and then E. Systems. I also have a flute lesson and flute ensemble this afternoon. I'm afraid I have not managed to do that much practice but it will be okay. I have to work on an E. Systems presentation this evening, would love to go to a talk on education and also go to French tutorials. I must also call my best friend as it has been too long since I last spoke to him. Hope everyone is doing well. The sun is shining and all is good here. Love to all.

I know, it's been a while!

6.45pm- Hello everyone! Sorry for not writing for a while but it can be difficult to find the time to do anything other that eat, work, play and sleep. Actually, the past couple of days I have failed to do just that (sleep was the one that suffered!). I had a lovely weekend. I went home for my beloved Grandmother's Birthday and it was so nice to see her. I must say that I was so happy when I got back on Sunday night and everyone gave me such a nice welcome. I had only been away for a night but it felt like ages. So much happens at AC every single day. I missed my dormies and luckily they missed me!
        Well I have been busy working quite a bit yesterday and today. I have been working hard on Maths and French. It was so frustrating- I can't do my Maths Studies homework!! I will get help tomorrow. I feel as though I am getting on better in French now. Every night before bed I read my French Grammar book and I hope something, somewhere will stick! I ask other people for general help but I do not get them to do my work or anything. I believe it is important that my teacher knows which level I am on and not the level of the computer etc. I went to service this afternoon- residential home visit. It is so good as I feel I am starting to get to know some of the people. They don't really remember you but they know we are from Atlantic College and the reaction on their faces lets us know that that is a good thing! Two people told me today that I made a difference to their lives. It is a very emotional thing when somebody tells you that. I now really enjoy my residential visits. First of all, and I know I wrote about it on here, I felt angry at the way elderly people are treated by society. I still feel that way but I also no longer feel powerless. I feel as though I am hopefully helping to improve that situation, albeit just for a handful of people for a couple of hours a week.
      I am going to another social service activity tonight- a club for disabled and disadvantaged people. My dormies both do it as an official service and really want me to go unofficially. I usually have lots of work to do on Tuesday nights but today I have some free time. Therefore I have to be gone by 7pm. I will just go and help my dormie follow her clues to her secret Santa gift. I helped arrange it with her Santa earlier. Will write more when I have eaten, worked, played and slept enough!! Love to all.
         
      

A sad day for Atlantic College

1pm- I feel very sad as I am writing this. Yesterday it was announced that Neil Richards, the great Principal of this college, is resigning at the end of term. There was an understandable feeling of shock in the hall as the Chair of Governors read out a statement from the Board of Governors. Some students started to cry and Neil was given a standing ovation as he left. I was (and still am) shocked and upset. Neil is the most inspirational person at college and I know I have written on this blog in the past about his great knowledge and understanding of life. Since arriving at college three years ago he has tried to introduce new rules and has many ideas about how to take this college forward. However he has constantly come up against opposition from various figures in the college and he is resigning following "a difference of opinion between the Principal of the College and its Board of Governors about the leadership and management of the College". Therefore I now feel the college faces an uncertain future, and I await the coming months with some considerable fear.
    All that remains to be said is that Neil Richards is a man who lives his life according to very honourable principles and values. His departure means that, in my opinion at least, Atlantic College has lost the one person who has truly dedicated his life to serving the world. I also feel that I personally will miss out on so much that I could have learnt about life from Neil. I am just so grateful that I have had the privilege to listen to him on various occasions for the short time I have been here at Atlantic College. I will always remember his talks and later today my dormies and I are going to go and tell Neil the effect he will have on the rest of our lives. If all the people here who feel the same way tell him that then hopefully it will help him feel better at this terribly sad time. Neil Richard's wise words will remain with me for life. I know Neil is taking this in his usual philosophical way but I genuinely feel a real sense of loss. It has made me really consider life, why I am here at AC and also sadly is AC everything it could be? On that somewhat sad note I will go to Llantwit and discuss it on the way with my dear friend Divya. Hope everyone is well.

Back into the routine

11.30am- It is only my second day back after the mid-term break but it already feels as though the break was a long time ago. Lessons continue as normal and the work is mounting up. Last night we received our first progress grades and I was relatively happy with mine. A Level 7 and effort grade A in History was my favourite! I know I need to keep working hard on my grammar in French but my tutor said it was a good start. 
    I had E. Systems first thing this morning and then we held an exciting debate in History. It was good fun. I am currently on the computer in Economics as I have re-drafted my coursework and have 10 minutes before the next code, French. I can't say French is my favourite subject at the moment! After that I have Maths. Hopefully I will receive my grade as I did not get it last night. Following that my day is a bit of a rush. I have Service at 2pm and then a flute lesson the moment I return from that at 3.45pm. Straight after my flute lesson I think I have flute ensemble, which should be good. This evening then I will work on French for a while and do some other general bits of revision. Had better go as I need to get from Econ here in the castle to the languages block for French.
  Love to everyone.

Back to school!

10.30am- Okay, so I have just managed to delete the blog post that I had been writing for the past 10 minutes! Oh well, I'll start again.....   Last night I returned to college from mid-term break. I had the best week at home, relaxing and seeing family and friends. Work was a very distant thought!   I must admit that I was happy to be coming back but then on the way I started to get excited. I realise how close I am to all of my housemates, classmates etc. Being back with my dormies was amazing- they really are my sisters. We have only been apart for a week and everyone is acting hysterically. I can't imagine what it will be like after the month off for Christmas! We are a very close community and do live as brothers and sisters.
        Well I was up bright and early this morning at 7am and managed to be in the dining hall for breakfast by 7.20am. I am taking less and less time to get ready in the mornings!! I had English first code and then assembly. Neil (principal) spoke about why we are here and how it is important to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. I have Economics now and we are working on our coursework. I have already done it and so I get to check my mail etc. I have History after break and then Approaches to Learning. I get early lunch today, which is always nice. I do not have my Monday service session this week and so I will probably take the time to go for a lovely walk. It is a beautiful Autumn day here and the campus looks gorgeous.
    Well am going to go and take a quick look at the Guardian before History. Love to everyone.

Mid-term break!

10am- Here it is, the day everyone has been waiting for! I will be going home tonight after last code and I am so excited. I had free code this morning and now I have double Econ. However I have already done my coursework and so I am in the library at the moment. Yesterday everyone was packing and it was very weird. It was as though I was packing my life back into a suitcase once again, but I felt that the life I am taking home is different to the one I brought. I cannot believe that two months have passed since I first arrived here. On the one hand it all feels so different and exciting yet on the other it is hard to remember exactly how life was before AC. I now feel as though I am a full AC student and member of the UWC community and that will stay with me for life. I now understand what students told me before I came about how it is to live in this community and I am excited to pass on that feeling to the next generation of ACers. The British open day for possible applicants is being held here during the break. I would have liked to have shown people around as I know how great it was on my open day but we aren't here.
          I have break at 10.25 and then I have English. However my English teacher isn't here and so I have yet another free. After that I have E. Systems and then lunch. After lunch I have French, History and then Maths Studies to finish off the day. I am sure Maths will feel like the longest lesson of my life!
      I am really going to miss my PK sisters this week but I am going to meet some of them in Cardiff one day if we can. It will be great to go home and see all my family and friends but I know that I will be happy when I come back too. Well that is it. The first half term of AC is over and done. All the new things have been discovered and so many great friends have been found.  Soon it will be Christmas and a month off for that!! Love to everyone and will be back after mid-term break.

P.S. Must also say thanks for following me on this journey!

One more day!

1.15pm- Mid term break is almost here! I am so excited to be going home it's unbelievable. It isn't that I am unhappy here, in fact I know I will be very pleased to come back next week. It will just be good to see all of my wonderful family and friends. No matter how great it is here I still miss everyone back home.
         Today has been a strange day as I only had one lesson! That was History first thing this morning. I got 16/20 in my essay, which is one mark off a Level 7. My teacher was pleased and so I am happy with it. After that I was supposed to have double English but my teacher isn't here and so I had double free. I used the time to work on my English essay and that is now done. After break I had Econ. but that was free to work on our coursework, which I've already done. After that I had a scheduled double free! I am so glad that my plan has worked- I have no work to do over the holiday at all. I am going to leave all of my books here and then there is no way I can even think about work!  We are having to tidy everything up in our dorms as the house is going to be cleaned thoroughly. I started to pack in my frees and it is crazy how much I am taking. I have plenty of laundry and then things like my cycle helmet, wellies and flute take up space. I have just had early lunch and most people have had to go back to Code 6. Therefore I came to the library to write this and then read for while. I have my flute in my bag and I may even go and practise a little later!   Last night I went to watch the movie "Precious" in the coffee lounge. It was very moving and had most of us in tears at some point or other. It has a very important message about domestic violence and education, and it is good that a film was made to raise awareness of this issue.    Yesterday afternoon we had a school wide photo and it is truly the most amazing school photo I've ever seen! Many people dressed in their national costumes and others the carried flags of their countries. I stood in the middle of the courtyard clutching my huge Welsh flag with all the Welshies and truly admired the cultural diversity around me. In which other school would the school photo include girls dresses in Kimonos, boys dressed in Lederhosens and people waving the flags of Spain, Israel, Iraq and the US? I realised that I had began to take for granted how amazing this place is! It is possible after a while to get completely accustomed to hearing three different languages at the dining table! The photo was a great show of colour and vibrancy, and a celebration of difference and identity. I will try and put it on here when I get a copy.
     This afternoon I am going to chill and finish off packing. We have PSHE in the Bradenstoke at 5pm followed by supper at 5.30pm. 8-10pm in PK is packing and cleaning time in preparation for mid term break. Some people have already left and others are leaving tomorrow afternoon. Mum and Dad are picking me up at 5pm so I will have half an hour after codes. Some people are leaving early Saturday morning and everyone must be out of the houses by 10am. For those who are staying on campus they will be staying in the main castle and there are various activities planned. Houseparents are having the week off and so that is why everyone preferably had to leave campus. It is surprising how many Europeans are going home and even some Asians are travelling for hours to get home. I am so lucky that I will be home by the time most people have even left!
         Well am going to go and read Private Eye and then the Guardian. Love to everyone and hopefully will see most of you next week!!!!

Happy days

6.35pm- Last week of codes before Mid-term break! I can't wait until Friday! I am really happy here however.Yesterday and today I have had very good days. Last night after codes and service I went to my Meditation session. It was very relaxing as usual. Afterwards we had a lovely chat and I ended up running back for check-in. Today I had E Systems, double History, Econ. and French.  History was great as always. This afternoon I did some work and then went to a lecture on stereotypes given by a former AC student who is now a professor in the US. Well really must go. I have and E. Systems test tomorrow and I also have to do Econ. coursework and French homework. I still also have that English essay to do!  Love to all.

Chilled Saturday

12.20pm- Well as the title suggests I am having a nice relaxing day today. I got up at 9am and had a lovely warm shower which woke me up wonderfully! I had a quiet night last night. A couple of us walked to Llantwit and bought vegetables and cooked some pasta. A couple of us from PK just stayed in and talked, read and relaxed. It was a very nice evening and we had a relatively early night. This morning I have done some French work, and am reading up on my grammar! I do really like French and I just feel I need to get the basics clear and I'll be okay. I have a History essay to write and so I am going to go to the library for that after lunch. I need to do a bit of reading, which I find very interesting. I also have an English essay to write over mid-term break for English but I want to do it before hand so that I can enjoy the break. There are schools from deprived areas of the UK staying here this weekend and so I am going to go and help out with them this evening. The last student to arrive in our house will arrive tonight! She is travelling from Nigeria. It is going to be very difficult for her to settle in but we will all make her welcome.Well lunch is starting in a couple of minutes so I will go now. Lots of love to you all.

Quick hello

10.35pm- Just have a couple of minutes free so popped up to the library. I have just had an Econ test which wasn't really a test! We had our notes to refer to as it was more about understanding rather than remembering. I think it went okay. I am still getting used to the way IB questions are formulated but I don't think it was a disaster. I have break now so I am just using the computer quickly.. After that I have English and then E.Systems. I have early lunch today, which is great. Today is a full day of codes and so it is really strange to go back to lessons after lunch. We finish at 4.30pm, which makes it feel like a very long day. It is Friday however and so the weekend is here at last. One week left until mid-term break! I can't wait but I have plenty of work to keep me busy until then. Tonight we are going to do some group reading for History and then watch a film. There are students from schools from deprived areas of the UK visiting this weekend and so I am going to do some work with them as well when I have time. I wanted to take part in Amnesty Street Theatre in Cardiff tomorrow but I can't do everything! The students are publicising the plight of detainees in Guantanamo Bay and I would have loved to have gone. As part of the gender and sexuality focus week the school was supposed to dress in rainbow colours today. PK house colour is red so I am wearing a red scarf all day! It is actually good as the weather is cold and it is keeping me nice and warm. Well had better go now. Hope everyone is well.

Finding time!

2.55pm- Hello all! I have finally got around to writing something on my blog. Things are getting quite busy here, lots of activities and work. I have a couple of essays to write. I have to do a research essay for History by Monday and then an English essay too. My last English essay wasn't that great and so I really need to work very hard on this one. The IB marking criteria is very tough! I am still hanging on in French. I have written a petition for tomorrow but I need to re-draft it as I know it isn't too good at the moment! Lessons have been quite good. Today I had History (always great), double English and then Economics. I have an Econ test tomorrow but I think it should be okay. Having never done Econ before I sometimes feel slightly slower than my classmates. I do find it quite interesting learning about all the terms that I have heard countless times but never quite known what they mean. Tonight I have a Model UN debate on EU monetary policy and I am representing Austria. Therefore I now know a bit about the Austrian economy, but I am not sure what use that is to me! I am going to leave MUN early as PK have an indoor BBQ with Whitaker house in our dayroom. It should be fun.   After that I am going to try and get an early night. I say that every night but I never get to bed before 11pm at the earliest. Am going to go for a nice walk down to the seafront and then do some flute practice.It is a very cold Autumnal day here today so I'm sure the sea air will be amazing! Love to everyone.

Work, work, WORK!!

3.10pm- As you can see I have to work today! I have a History test tomorrow, an Economics test on Friday, French work (which is SO hard!) and I have to write a History research essay. This means that I have to read and research before I can write it. All of this is time consuming and I want to do so many other things! Today is 10-10-10 and is significant as it is a global day of action on climate change. This morning we had a photo on top lawn where we were all arranged to form the numbers on the grass. There are activities which I would like to attend but I can't as I must get the work done. I fear I may sound really stressed but I am not. I am just slightly frustrated that I have to work but it is okay!
    Last night was the 10% Ball. According to statistics 10% of the world's population is either gay,lesbian or bisexual and so the ball was held in order to promote tolerance and understanding of this. It meant that you had to go with a same-sex partner. We ended up going as 5 girls, which was great fun! It was held in the Bradenstoke Hall and was great fun. We then had a buddy dorm chat with cookies in our dorm! I didn't get to bed until 3am and then I got up at around 10am. I went to brunch, which was so good. As part of the 10-10 day the canteen is having a cold food day. Therefore brunch was so much better than usual! I had a croissant, danish pastry and yogurt. I hope supper will be good too. Well as you can tell I am doing this instead of working! Must go!!

Very quick!

12pm- Just a quick word to say hello! I am busy working at the moment and so can't be long. I  like Thursday as I have History first, followed by double English, Econ. and then double free. I will work now for around half an hour and then I will go for an early lunch. I have to write a poem followed by a justification for English and so it may take a while. I have time to work a little later but it is going to be quite busy tonight. We have PSHE at 5pm in the Bradenstoke and then Amnesty head shaving. Some very brave people are shaving their hair to raise money for Amnesty International and we go along to support them. After that I have Model UN and then open house. We go into our houseparent's house and get nice food and it's relaxing to be in a normal home. Well must go. Love to everyone.

Hello again

10.45am- Hello everyone. It is break time at the moment and so I am in the library. I have decided that I must stop drinking so much coffee! I haven't written for a couple of days but everything is okay. I had a normal day of lessons yesterday and then I had service as usual in the afternoon. After that I had lots of work to do and then I had meditation activity in the evening. I find it very relaxing. This morning I had E. Systems first lesson and then double History. I really enjoy History but I sometimes find double codes a bit too long! I have Economics next and then French. I wasn't able to do all of my French homework so I need some help with that. I have a Maths test afterwards but I revised last night so it should be okay. I have service at 2pm and then tonight I need to do some English work and also practise my flute. I have a lesson tomorrow so I need to practise!   Must rush now. Love to all.

Weekend!

3pm- The weekend at AC is such a chilled out time, it's amazing! I will run through mine so far- Friday night we had the Welsh-Scot bonding thing where us first years were blindfolded and taken on a tour of the castle. It was good fun. After that I just chilled in PK and had quite an early night. Mum and Dad then came to take me to visit my family yesterday morning. I got up at 9am and had to be ready by 9.30 but I did it. It was lovely to see them all and it was great having Nanny's apple pie!!  Last nigh I relaxed and then watched a couple of movies with some PK people. We all love Dirty Dancing! I didn't get to bed until around 2am so then I slept until 10. I was the last person up in my dorm for the first time ever! I then went to church with Haf, my Welsh neighbour in PK. St.Donat's church is actually on campus and so it is a short walk to the bottom of the valley. The church is so beautiful and the people were wonderfully warm and welcoming. I really enjoyed it and am going to try and go every week. The congregation is a mixture of students and the local community. The atmosphere was lovely and the vicar spoke very well.
    I am in the library computer lab at the moment, taking a break from working. I do not have that much work but I need to get it done. I have a Maths test on Tuesday and so I am revising for that. I also have French work to do that will take me a little longer. I am finding French challenging and am going to start having tutorials with my teacher this week. It is such a big step up from anything I've done before. My teacher is very approachable and so I am going to make sure that I work hard to keep up.
     I had better get back to working now. I will work for a while and then head back to PK. We have supper at 5.30pm and then the US-Canadian National Evening at 7.30pm in the Tythe Barn (Arts Centre). After that we have a house meeting at 9pm in PK. There are house meetings every Sunday and it is here that announcements regarding the house are made and the House Reps report back to the Student Council every week. Had better go now. My break from work has been too long! I am going to check the latest on the Ryder Cup first however! Love to all.

Quick hello

10.15am- The Geography of Thought conference finished yesterday and so today there are various other compulsory activities for first years. Depending on your Service you are either walking in the Brecon Beacons, visiting St.Fagan's or doing a First Aid course. My service is doing first aid training today and tomorrow. We have a break at the moment and so I thought I would write quickly on my blog. We are learning the basics of first aid- CPR etc., which is really good as I have never done it properly before. It is a really nice day here today. The sun is out and the campus looks beautiful in the autumn sunshine. Well must go back to the first aid training now. Talk soon.

Life is fascinating

5pm- Today was another day of lectures as part of the Geography of Thought Conference that is being held in college this week. First thing this morning we had a talk from a psychologist from El Salvador/ America on cultural genealogy. She spoke for a while but then we broke out into selected groups and had to discuss various topics relating to her talk. We talked about the influence our ancestors and the history of our families has on our lives, even if we do not realise it. We had to share these thoughts with others and it was so interesting to hear everyone's stories. After that we met again in the hall and a couple of people shared with everyone the story of someone who had inspired them. I found it very moving. After break I had originally planned to go to a talk on realism but realised that the Principal, Neil, was holding a workshop and so I went to that instead. To be honest I was not sure exactly what it was on but I know that whenever he speaks he does so brilliantly. And it was brilliant! He combined group work and him speaking to build up a picture of how cultures and then societies begin and continue to develop. He went right back to Stone Age times to the hunter gatherers and their view of the world and then demonstrated how their understanding of the world influenced their lives and the lives of those that followed.  In our groups we built up a belief system of how we viewed the world as a result of certain things we believed to be true. Every group had a different view despite us all having the same original starting point. Neil then used this to demonstrate how today we must understand that a belief is never wrong. There are reasons that we all believe what we do, and sometimes not even we know fully why we believe it. We can never tell someone that our belief is better than ours, that their religion is completely wrong or that they live their life the wrong way. It was funny, interesting but most of all right! Everything he said I believe in.   It was the same with the lecture this afternoon. A man called John Abbot spoke about education and learning. He and then we discussed the most important learning experience of our lives. It was noticable he said that nobody chose a situation of reciting facts in a classroom! The talk lasted for a couple of hours. The first half consisted of background information and various quotes. The second half I found most interesting. He discussed educational systems and how, globally, they should be changed. He used many different quotes to illustrate this and there are so many I would love to share with you on here but I can't remember them!! One that I do remember is this: A famous physicist said to his pupil- " Stop being logical and start thinking". It was full of quotes like that which I wanted more time to debate and discuss! He then moved on the what we can do, as citizens of the world, and what we must do if we want the world to survive.  He spoke about climate change and politics and I was captivated. He was a wise elderly man with so much experience and knowledge. At the end he was given a standing ovation and the boy next to me turned and said he could listen to him for many more hours. I felt exactly the same. He has written a book on education called "Overschooled but Undereducated". He is donating copies to the school library and I am definitely going to read it. He has so much to say that is worth listening to.
    Well I once again I have had a great day and so will go now. It is impossible to convey on a blog how amazing some of the speakers at the conference have been but I gave it a go! Love to all.

Geography of Thought....

6.45pm- Hello everyone! Well I haven't written for a while but I have had a lovely couple of days. I saw my family for lunch on Sunday, which was so good. I had a really nice relaxing weekend and now this week we have a special conference. This is an AC Diploma period and the Conference this week is Geography of Thought. There are lectures being held on various topics, but generally revolving around different cultural relations. Last night there were two lectures on Learning and Knowledge and then this morning we had a lecture by a Danish neuro scientist, which was extremely interesting. We were then split into groups and given questions to discuss. The idea was to discuss serious topics with people we do not know well. It was good. That was compulsory but then afterwards we had to sign up for various other lectures, as there is limited space. I went to a lecture on the definition of culture, by an English teacher from AC. It was not so much a lecture as there were only around 20 students and it was very interactive. I really enjoyed it! There are so many visitors at the college this week, and they are all amazingly interesting people.  I went to a lecture this afternoon on the nuclear scientist Robert Oppenheimer, by a professor who has just written a biography about him. Oppenheimer was the main force behind the Manhattan Project and he is known as the "father of the nuclear bomb". I wanted to go as it said that the lecturer would discuss Oppenheimers' Hindu beliefs and I was intrigued at how this related to his work. It actually seemed to focus more on the science aspect of his life but it was still very interesting.  At supper I sat next to a Canadian lecturer who is speaking here this week. I am really enjoying this conference and it is for events like this that I came to AC.
     Well tonight I have meditation as usual. There is a discussion group on the conference in the castle but I have found today quite tiring and so I am going to go to meditation instead. Had better go now. Love to everyone!

Another day...

12.20pm- Today has just been another normal, enjoyable day. I actually went down for breakfast in the dining hall and had Pain au Chocolat! I had History first thing this morning, then double English. After that I had Economics and now I have double free. I have just been doing work in the library and will use my second free for an early lunch. I am definitely going to have flute lessons, the music teacher is sorting out the times. I have some work to do this afternoon and then I have Model UN tonight. It's the first one and so I'm excited. After that I have Open House. That means we go into our houseparent's house and have some food and relax. Next week we do not have normal lessons. Instead we have AC Diploma period, "Geography of Thought Conference". There are various teachers and guest speakers giving lectures throughout the week. There are certain compulsory activities and then we have to sign down for others. There was confusion over when to sign down and so by the time I went this morning some of the guest speakers were already full. I have only signed down for one so far, a talk on World Religions by the Religion teacher at AC. I wanted to go to a talk on Bipolar Disorder and also Islamic Studies but they were full. I'm sure it is still going to be very interesting however. Well am off to have lunch now. I get so hungry here!!

Free time

9.45am- Morning everyone! I have had one lesson this morning, which was Maths. We are doing algebra and I am finding it enjoyable! My teacher is really good and this morning she helped me with a method I was unfamiliar with but I now understand.  I now have double free, until 10.25am Coffee Break. Last night we all broke the fast together in the dining hall at 8pm. We made cakes in PK and then took them down to share with everyone. We had some great soup, pizza and bread as well. I actually found the fast fine and wasn't really that hungry when it finally came to eating.
     Yesterday I mentioned the ATL lesson I had with Principal Neil and so I have my notes and I will share some of the things that struck me most from his talk. He spoke a little about the science of the brain- how, for instance, we have more neurons in one human brain than all the leaves on all the trees in the world! He also spoke about the development of the brain as you grow and the importance of experiences. He said that we should just wait until we become parents and we will understand so much more!  The thing that really made an impression on me was the "4 Worlds" inside the brain. It is a diagram/theory about emotions and the various parts of the brain :
   World No.1 is the INNER SELF.
              No.2 is DIRECT EXPERIENCE
              No.3 is INDIRECT EXPERIENCE
              No.4 is DESIRES (where you want to be).
You gain a good, positve and happy innerself if you have direct experience of happiness, love, etc. Indirect experience is conceptual, learning at school etc. In order to be where you want to be you need a combination of the other three. He said that many intellectuals have the conseptual thinking but they do not have a positive innerself where they are happy with themselves. Therefore they are not where they want to be and this is why some incredibly bright people commit suicide. If you don't feel good, you feel you will not reach where you want to be and therefore turn to sensations- alcohol etc. He said that in order to teach people you need to reach their inner world, and make it a happy place to be. He also said you must never write someone off, never give up on anyone.    I found this all so true and the manner in which he speaks and engages the audience is brilliant. I admire Neil the Principal so much.
    Well that was my thought for the day and so I am going to go and read for a bit now. I am in the library and so I will try and grab the Guardian. I have English after break, then French and E.Systems. I do not have service this afternoon or an official activity but I am planning on going to the Action on Climate and Environment debating group this evening. Hope everyone is keeping well. Love to all.

Quick word

10.35pm- Just a quick word to say that I am going to have flute lessons! Thought some of you might find that interesting! I went to the practice rooms earlier today in the music department and just played some scales and a few pieces. I was just about to finish when there was a knock at the door and the flute teahcer came in and basically told me I had to have lessons! I said I hadn't played for ages and she said it didn't sound like it and that she wants to teach me. She also knows my old teacher Catherine. I have to talk to the music teacher and see what happens. I'm still not sure if I really want lessons but she has my name and so there seems to be no escape! I don't mind, it'll be fun. Well must go now, I just thought that might be a point of interest to some of you, especially Dad!! Lots of love and night night.

Hello again!

5.20pm- Well I have finally got around to writing on here! I have had a lovely, but very busy, couple of days. I had a great weekend. I went to see Nanny, Mum and Dad on Saturday and then I didn't really do much on Sunday. I worked all day and then chilled in the night. Yesterday I had normal codes, but I had Neil the Principal for Approaches to Learning. It was fascinating.  I usually find ATL interesting just slightly long-winded but Neil is amazing. He talked about the evolution and development of the brain and emotions and how we use it. He said that the first 5 yrs are the most vital for gaining knowledge. Not academic knowledge but emotional. He said how children who never experience love in those years will not be able to love themselves. It is such a shame that I am paraphrasing so much but I have to be brief.  I can't remember it all properly now and so I will read my notes and share it later. I had my service home visit in the afternoon. We went to visit our lady and did a bit of shopping for her. Last night I had my meditation, which I really enjoy. I am still yet to feel the "energy" but I love the relaxing atmosphere and the genuine people. I actually meditated- well I had a time when I was thoughtless (until I thought I was thoughtless that is!). Also afterwards we were given a wonderful pastry thing and ice-cream, which was divine!  It was just as well I ate plenty as I am fasting today for Medicin Sans Frontiers AC in Solidarity. A large proportion of the student body has signed down and so we aren't eating from 8am - 8pm. I had a large breakfast- muesli, banana and peach. I have drunk water yet some people haven't even done that. We all get a feast at 8pm in the dining hall to break our fast. It hasn't been too bad but now my stomach is rumbling as I write this!   I had lessons this morning, and my favourite was double History. We had the marks of our test we did yesterday and I got a Level 7. I was pleased as I knew it wasn't all correct straight afterwards. My Econ. test wasn't too bad. It is all so new and so it is taking me a while to get used to how the questions are formulated etc. I find it interesting however and I didn't do terribly!
    Well I don't actually have any homework to do, just print things off. I had a problem printing my English essay from my USB in the library and so I need to sort that out. I have until Thursday so it's okay. I may also help out with the baking for the feast, which should be fun. I am also actually going to play my flute!!! My dormie Rina is about to practise her violin and we have a pact that I will go too. In the same way I am apparently going to go running with Natascha and Rina next time they go! I said that I find walking very enjoyble but they don't seem to understand!  Had better go and dust off my flute. Love to all and will write when I get some time.

Hello!

2pm- Hello everyone! Today has been a strange day. I had History first lesson, which was interesting as usual. After that I was supposed to have double English. All the second years have gone to the Globe Theatre and so has my English teacher. If your teacher is absent here you do not get a lesson. You have free time to do whatever you want. Some people work, others go back to sleep! This morning I went to the library and actually did my English homework in the allocated lesson time. I really enjoy working in the library. I then had my mocha for break and then Econ. was my second and last lesson of the day. After that I had my normal, scheduled double free. I did some revision for Econ. and History and then had an early lunch. The spinach layered pancake was very nice!  I am now just relaxing in the quiet room and will have to do some more work later.
   My dormie Natascha is going back to Denmark today for a couple of days and so I have to say goodbye to her. It will be so strange not seeing her for just a few days as we have been together every day for a month. But as Rina and I lose one dormie, we are gaining another. My fourth dormie from China arrived at Heathrow last night and she will arrive here this afternoon. It will be so good to meet her and we will do everything to make sure she feels welcome. It will be very tough to arrive now, after everyone has settled in but I'm sure she will be okay.
   This evening there is also a screening in the hall of the film "The Age of Stupid", which is apparently similar to Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth". Everyone says it is a must see and so all of us first years are going along.
   I had better go now and say bye to Natascha.  Love to everyone.

Double break!

10.40am- I have double break now, which is a brilliant time of the week! I had Maths this mornins, which I enjoyed. Maths Studies is no longer so much of a laughing point as people have started dropping from Standard. The jokes didn't bother me as I was happy with what I was doing. I just admire those doing Higher Math and look incredulously at those doing Further!  We are doing some algebra, and it's fun! I can't believe I just wrote that but there we go!   I got up at 7am this morning and had some of my own cereal in the day room. I prefer to take my time and make sure I have everything ready for class at 8am. I also eat healthier when I don't go to the canteen as I don't have the milky porridge and croissants! Muesli and a banana is far better.

 I have already done my maths work and so right now I don't have any homework. I am sure that will change soon however! I have been busy these past few days and so I will try and give a brief update of what I've been up to. On Monday afternoon I had my Social home visit. When we arrived our lady was just about to go into hospital. Therefore we went into Llantwit and did some shopping. I only bought the usual fruit, milk and maybe a small bar of dark fairtrade chocolate (which was on offer so make it two!). I had a group tutorial with Julian in the evening. The four of us are from PK and so we have a nice relaxed chat with him about everything. Monday night I then had my Yoga and Meditation. It really is just meditation from what I can see but it is called Sahaji Yoga. I am slightly unsure of the beliefs behind it as there is a focus on "energy" and "mother earth" but that is also followed by biblical quotes. The teacher said it is suitable for all religions but I am definitely interested in reading more on the background. I found it somewhat eccentric at first but it was very relaxing. I am definitely going to go every week, although I can't see myself ever "feeling the energy" or really believing in that side of it. It was great to just reflect and relax in good company however, regardless of the beliefs behind it. We were also given a great Samosa and ginger tea with honey! There were four of us PK girls there and we all felt refreshed and "floaty" afterwards!
     Yesterday morning I had lessons as usual. Double History is great. We had a debate on the Austria- Hungarian Empire. I also had maths, e. systems and French. In the afternoon I had my Social residential home visit. I am the only first year out of the seven students, all of us are girls.  I really found it so rewarding and I have found a cause that I will follow for life!
     After I got back from service I did some more work and then we had supper. After that I just chilled in the house. I had an early night as I need the sleep. My cold is okay, nothing serious. I just get a slight sore throat and runny nose. Most people seem to be doing far worse at the moment and so I'm grateful!  Well I haven't gone to break as I don't want coffee. I have water in my bag so I had better get on my way to English. I then have French and E Systems. This evening is open house and a Norwegian boy is making waffles. On that happy note I will go! Lots of love to everyone.

Happy days

1.50pm- Hello everyone! I can't be long as I am writing this in the time between lunch and my service. I have had a great couple of days. Yesterday I had a lovely lazy day, combined with a bit of work. I also finally did some laundry! The state of the laundry really does not encourage you to wash your clothes often! I must not make it sound worse than it is but it is not really appealing. Last night was the British National Evening. We split into Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland. The Second Years did all the preparation and a couple of us First Years took part in the show. I had not really been keen on performing in front of the whole college but I ended up doing a sketch with another Welsh first year Carys. We were given a Powerpoint presentation on famous Welsh people but then it was up to us to present it in our own way. Carys spoke in Welsh and then I translated into English. There was some mocking and it was great because not only the Brits laughed! Beforehand we were both so scared as it was just the two of us but in the event I really enjoyed it. It was a good night and everyone said that all the other nationalities have a lot to follow!
      This morning I had some good lessons. I had English, which was okay as we are reading a play. Then we had assembly and I honestly cannot say how amazing it is! There are the usual school announcements but then you have the students who make their own announcements too. These vary from various activites to lost/found etc. If there is something of importance happening in a particularcountry then students from that country will go on stage. Every week we hear a different national anthem because of a special day in that country. Today I was deeply moved by a reading from the Qu'ran about Ramadan and Eid. Two Muslims gave a short speech on the importance of fasting in their religion and then the traditional reciting was incredible. I had only ever seen it on tv before and I found it incredible to think that this is happening in my school. That is what AC is really about.
   Well really must rush. Am going to visit the elderly lady in Llantwit for social service, which I love. Then have tutorial this evening followed by yoga. There is also something called work!

Had a good day!

6.30pm- Hello everyone! I have had a great day today. I went to Cardiff to meet Joe and we had a lovely time. It was so good to see him as it felt as though I hadn't seen him for so long. We went to Starbucks and had a great time chatting for a couple of hours. I had a terrible journey getting to Cardiff however this morning. I left AC at 10.30 and didn't get to Cardiff until 1pm! The trains from Llantwit wern't running and so I caught the service bus to Cardiff. This meant that I had to go on a scenic tour of Barry, Penarth and eventully got too Cardiff over an hour late. It was awful as I was so excited to be seeing Joe and he was waiting for me all that time! It was worth it when I finally arrived. It was fine coming back as I caught the train to Barry and then the replacement bus to Llantwit. I got back at 5, just in time for supper!
       Well I will go now as people want to use the computers in the quiet room. Will write some more tomorrow. Night all.
     

Last day of the week

8.20am- I have first code free and so I am on the computer in the library. We are not allowed to return to the house during the first code. Luckily my cold has not worsened and I only have a sore throat. Plenty of hot drinks and fruit and veg and I'm doing fine. I have just had breakfast down in the dining hall and then I have double Economics at 9.55am. Last night was ultimate frisbe day of Sports week. I went along to support PK but ended up playing every game as there must be 2 girls on the team. At first I had no idea what I was doing! By the end I had mastered a bit of blocking but not much else. I thoroughly enjoyed running around bare-footed on the grass, probably looking a little lost! We were doing really well first of all but then we lost one match and so ended up in the 3rd place play-off, which we won. It was great fun and a lovely thing to do on top lawn overloooking the sea. After that the first years had PSHE with Carol in her house. Every week the houseparent has to talk to us regarding various aspects of health and wellbeing. At check-in we were then given donoughts and hot chocolate. Thursday is supposed to be Open House and so that was it for this week. I know it was late for a donought but they looked so good!
    As a result of Sports Week my Model UN activity was cancelled and will now not begin for another fortnight. I am disappointed but it does give me some extra free time for a couple of weeks. As it is Friday we have codes all day today. It is a strange feeling going back to class after lunch, but I know I prefer it to evening codes, as was the case before.  Tonight the Friday lecture is being given by a former UWC student. I was going to go but I think PK may be going on a house trip together and so I'm not sure if I can go now. After that it is Sosh but I have decided not to go tonight. I don't think I will be a regular at Sosh every week!
     I am now going to go and read yesterday's Guardian. I don't think today's papers have arrived yet. Lots of love and best wishes to all.

It caught up with me in the end!!

3.20pm - I really did speak too soon when I said yesterday that I had managed to avoid the AC cough and cold. I was fine last night and then as soon as I woke up this morning I had a horrible sore throat. I have made sure I that I eat healthily and have also taken some homeopathic medicine. It means I am a bit less talkative, which is a hard thing at AC! I drank two Mochas at break as it made my throat feel better! I don't drink much coffee but it is nice at break sometimes.
      Today I realised what a beautiful place this is! I had lunch early as I had no Code 6. When I was walking back there was such peace and quiet because most people were still in lessons. The birds were singing, the sun was shining and the sea was a beautiful blue colour. It registered that this is my school, I really am studying in this amazing place!
     I have had good lessons today. First thing was History and we have started the course. We are studying Europe before the outbreak of WWI, and I find it fascinating learning the actual events behind the creation of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and equally the fall of the Ottoman Empire. I now have an understanding of events and names which were familiar but I didn't actually know the whole story behind them. After History I had double English, and we watched the film of the play we are reading. It was a rare occasion when the film actually succeeded in capturing the essence of the text! I do find double codes rather long however.  Luckily for me after break I had Economics. I seem to be learning a lot in Economics and again I now understand some of the terms that I didn't fully understand before. After that I had a double free! It was great. I did some work in the library and then we went down for an early lunch. I finished before code 6 had finished and so I popped back to PK for a shower. I am now in the quiet room and should do some more work in a minute. I only have some English, so it will be fine. I do not really have anything planned then until this evening. We were supposed to have a BBQ with Whitaker but for some reason  it hasn't worked out. We will do it some other time. At 8pm I have my first meeting of Model UN. I am so excited! It is basically a debating forum where you represent the beliefs of different countries. Funnily enough, it is just like the UN! It is the introduction tonight and so I will find out more then.
     Had better get that work done then I will be free later. It is Ultimate Frisbe day of sports week today and I will go and watch that. I am not going to play as it is all so serious and competitive! PK now has 2 points and is no longer last thanks to basketball yesterday!  Lots of love to everyone and once again I must thank you all for the lovely correspondance. I realise I am so lucky to receive all the warm wishes and it does mean a lot. I'd love to reply to everyone but I just can't! I value every one so much however and so a big thank you!!
      

I'm back!

10.15am - I have double free now, so I'm in the library. I had Maths just now and so I have done my homework already! I think I am doing pretty well at getting all my work done in the day and then I can see everyone at night and do not have to work We had health checks in the Health Centre yesterday and so I had two jabs. The one that was supposed to hurt didn't at all but now I have a dull ache in my right arm. It's nothing serious, just I know it's there. It's great having a Health Centre on campus, and also one of the houseparents is a nurse. There are lots of people with coughs and colds at the moment. They say everyone becomes ill during the first couple of weeks at AC. I am trying to eat loads of fruit and veg and so far I seem ok. My voice is slightly hoarse from all the talking however!  
        After the health check I walked into Llantwit with some people from PK. We felt really good for not taking the bus but then coming back we realised we would miss dinner if we didn't catch it for the return journey. I only bought some milk, bananas, pears and goats cheese. I was looking forward to cheese on toast but then nobody had collected the house supplies so there was no bread! Every night after supper someone is supposed to collect the supplies for each house. We get two loaves of bread and two pints of milk. Everybody keeps their own private purchases in the fridge but you have to be sure to label it and also tie it in a bag. "No name, fair game" is the saying!  I have my own muesli for breakfast in the mornings now. It is easier and also healthier. I do use the canteen some mornings however, depending on what I want and what lesson I have first. I eat in the canteen at every other mealtime, and I find that there is always something to eat. I often have the hot dish with salad or veg. People are ordering in and buying their own food but I don't feel the need at the moment.
     I have break at 10.25 and then I have English. We are reading a play by Spanish writer Lorca called "The House of Bernarda Alba". I haven't quite got into it yet but it is okay. I then have French. I love my teacher but I do feel somewhat out of my depth in class. My classmates seem to have very good knowledge of both grammatical and converstional skills. When I sit down and take my time, I am fine. I still love class!  I also have E. Systems, and I find this very interesting. I am taught by Nick Lush, the Vice Principal, and he is a brilliant teacher. He explains everything in an engaging manner but also can have laugh with the class. We are learning about various environmental systems at the moment, and also what exactly is a system. Some people seem to have prior knowledge but others don't. I find this in all classes. Such is the variety of nationalities here, various education systems teach different things. Sitting in class and talking to people is an education in itself!
     This afternoon I have an introductory talk from a representative from Age Concern as part of my social service. I am so pleased that I chose social service. I have a deep love for my service already. After that I am thinking I may try and find a practice room in the music department and play my flute! I did not sign up for lessons as I realise it would have been too much of a commitment. There is a flute choir however and also there are three other flautists in my house. Apparently the accoustics in the practice rooms are really good and so I think I will go and take a look later. It is AC sports week this week and tonight is the basketball competition. After reaching the final in rugby, PK were knocked out first in volleyball last night. We have confidence in our basketball team however! 
     Well, I am going to go now as I want to read the paper before break. Hope everyone is doing well.

Life is good

Hello all!
Well, it has really started getting busy here now. Most lessons we get homework, although nothing too long or serious yet. Yesterday I had my first social service, a home visit to en elderly lady in Llantwit. I accompany a Second Year who has already been visiting her for a year. We arrive and get a shopping list and then walk to do some shopping. Then we go back to her house and make some tea and have a chat. She is not very well and may be going into hospital next week for and operation. I really enjoyed the session however and already feel as though we have a relationship. She wanted to make sure we were going to visit next week, as she enjoyed seeing us.  Last night I was supposed to have yoga and meditation but all activities were cancelled as it is AC sports week. Therefore I spent my evening in the pouring rain watching rugby on the sports field. You could say it was fun! 
    I had lessons this morning. Environmental Systems, double History, French and Maths. I really enjoyed all my lessons and still can't believe that I study in a castle! Have to go now as a Second Year has to work. Talk soon.

Still feeling invigorated!!

7.50pm- I am now going to write the time whenever I write a post as I have realised that the time shown here is wrong and I don't know how to change it!  I am in the library and have just finished off my English homework. We had to write a detailed observation of something and so I did my pen. It was frustratingly difficult and I have no great confidence that what I have done is right. I know that everyone in my class is thinking the same thing and we are all also having problems printing. The teacher asked for it to be done on the computer but the printers in the library haven't been working all day. Not to worry, at least I've done it.
   Tonight was supposed to be the Brit National Evening but it was cancelled earlier today. I assumed that this also meant the Welsh lunch had been cancelled but it went ahead as planned. It was actually really nice to get out to Llantwit and we had a pub lunch outside on wet benches! Only 12 Welshies went but we were glad we did. A couple of us then decided we would do a bit of shopping and walk back. I bought some milk and cereal as it is easier to eat in the house in the mornings. Six of us started to walk back but 3 got picked up in Llantwit and then the remaining three were given a lift by a college worker. It was good to walk 3/4 of the way to Llantiwit and back however!
    I then took a nice hot shower and did some more work. I like taking showers during the day as it is nice and quiet. Whilst on the subject of showers, the other First Years have concluded that we at PK are missing out on the communal aspect!! I can see what they mean but my housemates think I'm crazy! I do like the privacy.   I have had such a strange day, meal wise today. I had Brunch this morning and then I had a baguette for lunch and now I've just had supper. We had roast pork and apple sauce, which I really enjoyed. It was good to have some nice meat.
     It has been fine here for most of the day but now the clouds have gathered and the wind is picking up. I think this is the castle at it's most haunted best! I do have to pinch myself when I look up from the computer and see that I am actually in a castle and can see the sea!  
      As my title for the posts today suggest I have discovered my love for college once again. Yesterday most people went to Cardiff. I planned to stay here and work but then in the morning I rang Mum and Dad and asked if I could see them. Mum was so shocked and actually tried to put me off as she knows the rule about not visiting for a month. I had seen other parents visit and thought that it would really help me to see them. I was right!  Mum and Dad picked me up and then we drove back to see Nanny. I got all emotional when I saw them because I realised just how much I missed them. Before coming here I think I had decided that everything would be amazing, so much so, I had not seriously prepared myself for the huge change that has happened in my life. It was great to talk to people who know you so well and whom you know will always love and support you. Don't get me wrong, there are so many great people here and we all get along as we are all in it together. However, we have only known each other for two weeks and there is no way that it is the same as a relationship of a lifetime. I just enjoyed being at Nanny's, talking and also eating wholemeal bread! It was amazing!   When I came back I felt far more positive and it had done me the world of good to see them all. It also made me remember why I wanted to come here so much and what an incredible place this is. I think when you are immersed in it for a period of time it is possible to feel slightly disorientated as it is so different. I think I have now rediscoverd my spirit!
      Last night was the First Year show, in the Bradenstoke Hall. The Second Years performed in house groups for the First Years. Basically it was making fun of the First Years in every house, with the help of photos of first Sosh etc. Some of it was actually a bit too harsh, I think. Luckily PK's was the best and our Second Years did a little sketch laughing at a couple of the boys but then they sang a song for us. It was very sweet and not at all cruel. I couldn't hear it all and apparently, if you read the lyrics, there are some secrets in there that we're not sure how they knew!  We then went on to second Sosh. I wasn't going to go but then went down and came straight back. It was almost empty. We then went back with some Second Years at the very end and had a bit of a dance. It was nothing like first Sosh on Friday! I can't see myself frequenting Sosh every week, on both nights however!
   I am so excited for tomorrow. I have my codes all morning but then I have my first day of service in the afternoon! I am going to visit a lady in her home with a Second Year. I do not know anything about her but I am so excited to meet her and hope I can add a little to her life.  I have a house meeting at 9pm but before that I have arranged to ring Joe. It will be so good to talk to him and I just hope he realises how much I have talked about my best friend!  Talk to you all soon.

Feeling invigorated!

     Well, I am writing this from the college library on a wonderfully Welsh rainy day. I have already done some homework this morning and only have to do some French and re-draft English. I have to write six sentences for French and English homework was to write an observation of an object. I chose a pen!  I was supposed to be going out for lunch with the Welshies today but National Evening has been cancelled due to double booking or something. I am actually quite glad as it gives me more time to just chill. I have just had Brunch, which is only available on a Sunday. Between 10.30am and 1pm you can go to the dinner hall and have Brunch. For many people it is great but I am not a huge fan! You are allowed six items, some hot, some cold. For example, there are various eggs, fried cooked breakfast things, cheese, potatoes and then croissants, toast and fruit. I had a wholemeal roll (so good!), a croissant and yoghurt. Overall I think it is a pretty mixed up meal!  Just been told the Welsh meal is going ahead so have to rush. Talk to you soon!!

Quick word

   Just a quick word while I have some spare time. I am in the quiet room in my house and so it is great to go on the internet. I have had a good day today, and have just been baking muffins in Carol's  (houseparent) kitchen. We have a PSHE meeting in her house tonight. A couple of us had some free time and made chocolate and banana muffins for the meeting. They look really good!
    We had a lecture today from Nick Lush, the Vice Principal, on the code of conduct in the college. Basically, the college is trying to tighten up on alcohol and drugs and so this year there are quite real threats of suspension. I am sure this isn't going to deter people on first Sosh tomorrow however!
      We also had to choose which activities we will do for the AC Diploma. We only do 2 officially but we had to put down 4. For the Diploma we have to cover numerous aspects, including Global Awareness, Environmental Awareness, Physical and Personal Care, and Creativity. Therefore, I have chosen, in order, Yoga and Meditation, Model UN, Climate Change awareness and Ethical Felt and Fashion. The interesting thing is that the tutor for the ethical fashion is Claire Cawte, a textile artist I studied for GCSE. I am not sure if I will get that activity this term but I can always do it at some point in the 2 years.
    Well, I am going to go now to the day room and chill before the meeting in Carol's house at 9.
   Talk soon.
    
    
 

Getting Started

Hello all!
   Now I feel as though school really has started- I have homework! I have to do some research for a presentation in Economics and also write an observation of an item for English. It has to be completed by Monday so I have the weekend to do it. This weekend is going to be a really busy weekend. Tomorrow night is First Sosh. Every weekend there is a disco in the Social Centre run by the students. On Saturday everyone seems to be going to the Gay Pride parade in Cardiff. Saturday night is the first year show and then Sunday lunchtime I have a Brit lunch in preparation for the British National Evening on Sunday night. The Second Years are arranging a meal in Llantwit for some "nationalistic bonding!". Each country of the UK will be doing it's own presentation during the show. It should be fun but I am not yet sure exactly how it will work!   There is also something called work and sleep!
    Today I have had History, double English and then Economics. We have started receiving tasks and, as I said earlier, it now feels like school. It can be a strange feeling, the studying in school and then the social and other aspects of living on campus. I think it will take a while to get used to, but I am getting there and I know I am not alone in feeling that way. In a minute I have to go back to PK and choose which activities I will do as part of the AC Diploma. I think my physical aspect will be yoga and then I would love to work with Save the Children but I fear I have already covered that aspect with my Social Service. I am not sure exactly what I will choose but I will discuss it with Julian.
   Had better go. Love to everyone and I must also say a huge thank you for all the cards. It is so generous of you all and it really does help with the homesickness. Talk soon.

A new routine

I am writing this during my free period in the library. I have done my Maths homework. Now I am just relaxing. I have a double free which is amazing! Yesterday was really good. I had Environmental Systems with Nick Lush, the Vice-Principal and found it fascinating. I am really looking forward to studying more of E. Systems. I then had a double lesson of History, which I adored! My teacher is from Hungary and so when she is discussing the reliability of evidence she can speak of her experiences of life behind the Iron Curtain. I also really enjoy Economics and basically love both lessons I have in the classrooms in the castle! It is such a great place to study and learn. The other classrooms are divided into blocks for Science, Languages, Maths and Music. Yesterday we were told which service we had been selected for and I was given Social. I am SO pleased with this. Performing Arts was my first choice but, after thinking about it, I really love and am passionate about the activities in Social Service too. For my choices within the service I have decided I want to work with elderly people. Therefore, my choices were, in order of priority, home visits, residential home visits, IT skills class and, finally, a club for Autistic adults and people with mental illnesses. There is also a possibility that I may get school visits but I will find out which one I have this afternoon. I really hope I get home visits as I would love to build up a relationship with an elderly person/couple and hopefully make a great difference to their lives. It could involve doing some basic shopping or just chatting and keeping them company.
        Yesterday was fun as we went to Llantwit on the bus. It was as though the whole first year had decamped to Llantwit! The bus was full, so some people walked. In the village itself around every corner and in every shop there were AC students. We were distinguishable by the amount of food shopping bags we had!  It was also great to see normal people! I only bought milk and fruit but some people spent loads on all sorts of meals and treats. When we arrived back on campus the second years found it hilarious!  I do not find the canteen food too bad, therefore I am not going to spend money on food all the time. I need my fruit and that is about it!   After we got back a couple of us from PK went house-hopping (visiting the day rooms of other houses). It was great fun and we ended up having a lovely really girly chat in Tice, with some boys included!! As long as you're back in your house for check-in, there is no problem.
         This morning I have had Maths Studies, and am now in double free. My Maths teacher is called Sally and she is really good. There are only 6 of us in the class, which is the smallest class I have ever been in. Even the maximum here is around 18 in a class. There are students from Madagascar and Israel who find the English hard and so we have to make sure that they understand all the terms. This also applies to me coming from Welsh speaking school, but then I do find it easier when the term is explained. We had to go back to basics and I know this is much to the amusement of other students. It doesn't bother me as I have no plans to become a Mathematician! I have also been given a ridiculously expensive calculator, and discovered that this year every one is pink! And I do mean bright pink! 
    I have 15 mins until break and I want to read the newspaper to discover what's actually happening in the world! I love the way I can come to the library and read my beloved Guardian, as well as some international papers.   Hope everyone is fine. I'm really happy here now.

Wow!!

Well, today is the first day of lessons and I have finished academic subjects for today. I got up at 7am, had some breakfast in the dining hall and then first code started at 8am. They call lessons codes as on the timetable you do not have names, just codes for each subject. It is very confusing! First code today was English A1 Higher level. This meant that the majority of the students were British, American or Canadian. We had a brief introduction and read a poem. After assembly (which is for the whole school every Monday) I had Economics. Julian, my personal tutor, is my teacher and so it is really good. I already have a gigantic text book which I will keep for the whole two years. After that we had a coffee break and prep for the British National Evening next Sunday. All the Brits gather together to introduce something about our country.  Following break I had History in a classroom which has to be the best classroom in the castle! My Hungarian teacher is wonderful and has taught here for 13 years. I am so excited for the History course. The course is very tough and the examinations are challenging, but the periods of European history we will study are fascinating. We then had Approaches to Learning with Tristian, the Vice Principal. This was interesting and explores various ways in which to learn and gain knowledge. I am in the library at the moment and will be going to a Service meeting back at PK in a minute. We will discuss with our tutors which service to take and then it will be arranged who can do what. I am trying to get to Llantwit sometime today as I need fruit and a paper hole punch! I am eating some fruit but I want some in my dorm to eat whenever I want. The food is great on a Monday- meat free Monday. Well, I had better go but I have really enjoyed my first day of lessons and it has actually been the best day so far. I finally feel that I am at school and not a summer camp! The sun is shining and the whole campus looks beautiful. Bye for now!

Back from Camp

Last night we returned to AC from the Camp in Pembrokeshire. It was fun but also very tiring. Amongst the activities we did were coastearing, archery, games, surfing and a five hour walk from the camp to St. David's along the coastal path. It was beautiful and my group completed it in record time! When we got back to PK there was literally a race for the showers! I am so glad to be back! 
   Today is a rest day with very limited activities. We have some introductions to 'lounges' and then we have a meeting with our tutour to discuss our timetable. Lessons start tomorrow. I really want to get into a routine and meet my classmates and also to find out which service I will be doing. I am having lots of fun here but last night a couple of us got very homesick (I think it was the feeling of being wet and dirty for four days!). We all feel so much better today and I think it was the exhaustion that made us emotional. I also missed Dad's Birthday and for a time I just wanted to be back home with people I know and love. It is really good because however you're feeling you can usually find someone who is feeling exactly the same. Well, as it is Sunday we have brunch in the dining hall. The second years have already left their dorms as brunch is the food highlight of their week!  Am going to go and find out for myself!