My Oxbridge Experience by Iwere Eyitene

My Oxbridge experience was a very unforgettable and eventful one. I never planned on going to Oxbridge but I found myself there due to circumstances beyond my control. I decided to enroll in the accelerated A level programme. This meant that I was compressing a two year programme into one year.

I found out that the teachers were really dedicated. Not only were they dedicated, they paid attention to each individual; acknowledging their strengths and weaknesses. It was more than the pay-check to them. They were greatly concerned about our progress both academically and otherwise. I want to use this medium to thank my teachers for imparting knowledge, most especially Mr.Adeleke and Mr. Oduniyi. Not only were they useful in the classroom, they also referred me to tons of online resources which were vital to my success. One advice I would give is 'make YouTube your best friend’. You will find many topics simplified for you. I know I did, especially in Economics. Another thing I discovered was that the teachers never gave up on their students, so there was no stereotyping. Oxbridge also taught me to be confident and independent, especially during tests and exams. I learnt how to pass on my own steam and not to rely on other students.

Oxbridge wasn't just about the academics. I had a very active social life. The students organized parties and we gave back to the society by helping the less privileged. We donated towards worthy causes like HIV and cancer. We also visited the HIV patients at the Ikeja General Hospital.

Oxbridge wasn't all rosy. Even roses, they say have thorns. I disliked the fact that students did not have direct access to the MD and we had to go through many people to get through to her (people who didn't know what we were going through or how best to solve our problems). It is a small college so I don’t think such protocols are necessary. This area needs to be improved upon.

All being said, Oxbridge is a wonderful place to be and it was my stepping stone to greater heights. People kept on discouraging me from completing my programme especially when it became really stressful. I knew what I wanted and I believed in myself. I kept on praying to God to make me smile when the results come out and he did. My grades weren't inferior to those who opted for the two year A levels. Right now, I'm not afraid of the future. I can't wait to start university. To all of you considering A levels, put in your very best and never tell yourself that you can't do anything. You can do anything if you put your mind to it. Best of luck in your studies and always put God first in all you do.

Eyitene just completed her Accelerated Advanced level programme from the college coming out with ABC in Sociology,Geography and Economics.

My Oxbridge Experience by Yetunde Amodu

As I just recently graduated from Oxbridge Tutorial College, I have come to realize the reason most parents decide to place their children in sixth form colleges, before sending them off to universities both at home and abroad. This reason being to psychologically and intellectually prepare the child for what is to come.

From the academic perspective, which is the main reason we are sent to school in the first place, Oxbridge is the best place to be. It is located in a serene environment, very conducive for learning, with friendly teachers who are always ready to help and with quality educational resources at one's fingertips. One would certainly enjoy learning at Oxbridge, as long as one is ready to work hard, remain focused and stay out of trouble!

Some of my favorite parts of the whole learning process were my Literature classes; after reading and discussing the literary texts at hand, we talked about issues affecting our nation, the world at large and even vent our frustrations and problems, to our teacher, Mr. Kunle who always encouraged us to voice our opinions and participate in class activities.

Please note that A levels/Foundation is not a joke, It is called Advanced Levels for a good reason. The fact that you now offer 3 or 4 subjects unlike 10 offered at high school, does not mean the workload is not twice as much. You have to work very hard from the beginning, if not, you’ll fail your monthly tests and examinations, and as a result may become frustrated. If your grades do not match your expectations or efforts, then don't give up, work harder!

Oxbridge also teaches its students that university life is not all about freedom, missing classes as you like, partying all week etc. In life, you need direction and a great deal of self discipline and control to stay on track, and this is why the school has effectively established mechanisms, rules and regulations enforced by teachers and staff, to ensure students are both academically and morally upright. This is something most students may frown at, believing they are being patronised, but big boys and girls that can do as they like, not realizing it is all for our own good.

Socially, Oxbridge does not dissapoint either. As a mixed school, socialization is encouraged as boys and girls interact freely. Also, thanks to the SRC (Students Representative Committee), parties and events are held every term. This always gives the students something to look forward to, outside schoolwork.

OTC basically serves as a medium through which children are transformed into young, independent and mature adults adequately prepared for the outside world and its challenges. I am definitely going to miss Oxbridge and all that it has taught me.

Yetunde just graduated from the Advanced Level programme of Oxbridge Tutorial College, coming out with A B C grades in Economics,English Literature and Business Management.