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Which universities do Dubai kids attend in UK?

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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 11:22
Yes they appeared to have set their own sail re KHDA and thier results speak for themselves, long may it continue.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 11:20
[What recent changes are you referring to, thanks? Leadership and KHDA. So far so good with the new leadership. Dc has a special relationship with Cambridge. In a recent survey Cambridge was rated the top university in the UK.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 11:12
Thanks again. Does anyone else know of universities attended in the UK (or elsewhere) by kids having completed IB or A Levels in Dubai? It's up to the individual schools to release results and where leavers go, very few appear to do that here. A few name the handful of students who gained good grades and imply all sorts without actually publishing purified statistics. Other schools like DC actually show results and where leavers go. Statistics however as regards exam results can be quite obtuse leading the reader to a conclusion that may not actually be accurate. This is quite a trick used in the UK as well. Very few schools in the UK have a high Oxbridge rate, those schools are known to have a good relationship with Oxbridge and their students will have an advantage. edited by Sticky Wicket on 18/03/2011 This used to be the case SW, but not any more - possible still stands for Eton, harrow Certain schools do still have relationships with Oxbridge and prepare students for entrance and still have high Oxbridge rates. Mind those schools do have a greater number of "brighter" students. Ie St Pauls, Westminster.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 11:10
By definition DC should have leavers going onto university more than any other school in the UAE especially from that crop of students. Will they be able to maintain their high academic results with the recent changes will be interesting to watch.[/color'> edited by Sticky Wicket on 18/03/2011[/quote What recent changes are you referring to, thanks? Leadership and KHDA.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 08:12
I didn't mean to be contradictory SM. Perhaps I should have said "even those" who get in find it's a whole different ballgame. This is also my point about what is the difference between A levels and indeed any degree at a good university. I did not say that you could get A's by simply regurgitating facts. I was just trying to answer simplasabc's question about what admissions were looking for. My issue with grade inflation is not that today's students don't work as hard - if the recent experiences of my nieces and nephews are anything to go by they work very hard and have to fight enormous competition for a good university place. My niece got 9A* and one A at GCSE and was bitterly disappointed!!! Totally agree re the upgrade of former colleges.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 07:53
I also have a degree from what is considered a "prestigious" UK University but I never seek to diminish the achievements of this new generation - in fact I am in awe of what they juggle now and the level to which they do work in comparison with my antiquated version ;) ( Of course this is not true for all youngsters here or in the UK but is for the many I have come into contact with!) They are dedicated, play hard, work hard and take on board much more than we did when we were sitting in academia spouting and having a drink down the pub at night! :D
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 07:43
Simpleasabc - to answer your earlier question... I can only speak for my own subject (history) at Oxford, but what tutors are looking for is a real commitment and enthusiasm for their chosen subject, demonstrated to a high intellectual level. This will probably involve extra reading or activity and most importantly the ability to use that knowledge in a convincing and intellectual way: to be able to muster and use information to support a point of view and not simply regurgitate facts. Nobody gets in to Oxford without interviews and it is these interviews - 1:1 with a formidably clever tutor, that sorts out the average A student from those with that something extra. There are so many straight A students now that you have to differentiate them somehow. As spongemonkey points out, today's "a" level students do still work extremely hard, but grade inflation kind of gives the impression that they are brilliant, because they have always got top marks, then they get to a place like Oxford and all of a sudden it's a whole different ball game. Your post is contradictory - in your first paragraph you talk about the interview process and how that separates the average A student from the rest.... whereas in the second, you say that "they then they get to a place like Oxford and all of a sudden it's a whole different ball game."..... I see you also seem to think that you can get an A or A* by simple regurgitation of fact - if only it were that easy! Everyone's children would have that string of A*s ... Contrary to the myth of Oxford and Cambridge ( especially held by certain nationalities here in Dubai) there are other Universities who teach in similar ways. In fact it is interesting to note now that certain very well established Universities actually cite the "restrictions" in the academic experience of students within the Oxford Cambridge system. Anyway...this is off topic really as the vast majority of Dubai children will not be applying within that system. The main factor that I think has weakened the image of University in the UK is the "upgrade" of former colleges etc to "University status" and that courses which were previously just that - a course - is now in fact a "degree". However that is also "off topic" ...:) <em>edited by spongemonkey on 19/03/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 March 2011 - 06:43
Simpleasabc - to answer your earlier question... I can only speak for my own subject (history) at Oxford, but what tutors are looking for is a real commitment and enthusiasm for their chosen subject, demonstrated to a high intellectual level. This will probably involve extra reading or activity and most importantly the ability to use that knowledge in a convincing and intellectual way: to be able to muster and use information to support a point of view and not simply regurgitate facts. Nobody gets in to Oxford without interviews and it is these interviews - 1:1 with a formidably clever tutor, that sorts out the average A student from those with that something extra. There are so many straight A students now that you have to differentiate them somehow. As spongemonkey points out, today's "a" level students do still work extremely hard, but grade inflation kind of gives the impression that they are brilliant, because they have always got top marks, then they get to a place like Oxford and all of a sudden it's a whole different ball game.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 23:55
Sababy, even when you've done the reading, it's not at all clear :( It depends on the university, the department and the subject and there doesn't seem to be any consistency, even within the same university..
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 23:48
sababy, a British passport does NOT get you Home Status! You have to have a[b'> CONNECTION to the UK [/b'>ie that you have lived there, will probably live there again - eg a home is a good indicator although not always necessary! There is "no way around it" but each Uni does have their own rules within the rules. Having your children in boarding school there for 3 years will not guarantee it. Buying a house there alone will not guarantee it. They stopped some of this to stop non UK people take advantage of it. Read this: http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/fees_student_support.php edited by spongemonkey on 18/03/2011 thank you will do the reading :)
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 23:23
By definition DC should have leavers going onto university more than any other school in the UAE especially from that crop of students. Will they be able to maintain their high academic results with the recent changes will be interesting to watch.[/color'> edited by Sticky Wicket on 18/03/2011[/quote What recent changes are you referring to, thanks?
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 23:22
Sorry but I hate this dissing of student's performances - they work EXTREMELY hard to get these grades in the rigorous subjects! I agree. DD is in year 9 and already working very hard. I can't image what the work load will be in her final year:-(
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 22:07
sababy, a British passport does NOT get you Home Status! You have to have a[b'> CONNECTION to the UK [/b'>ie that you have lived there, will probably live there again - eg a home is a good indicator although not always necessary! There is "no way around it" but each Uni does have their own rules within the rules. Having your children in boarding school there for 3 years will not guarantee it. Buying a house there alone will not guarantee it. They stopped some of this to stop non UK people take advantage of it. Read this: http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/fees_student_support.php <em>edited by spongemonkey on 18/03/2011</em>
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 21:53
sorry for diverting the main question OP but what does it take to be considered a UK home student beside the british passport? anyone knows the rules? is there a way around it like register 3 years before admission or buy a house in the UK? any website for guidance? and do our kids have to apply in many countries to avoid the gap year (in case of total rejection ?)
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 21:44
Hillfoot country, Joyce! :) Very nice location! Been to Sterling Mills several times. Used to holiday in Glendevon :-P
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 21:41
Good for him, what is he studying? Is a nice university with lovely grounds. My DD studied nursing there so she was able to stay at home. The university is only 4 miles from where we are in Alva Oooh, ooh, I've heard of Alva, I'm sure my Grandma mentioned it :) She lived in Musselborough, but that's not the right area, is it? And whilst I'm here, so glad you've now got three job options, Joyce, good luck with whichever one you choose :)
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 20:55
I live close to Dollar Academy which is in Clackmannanshire near Stirling. It is a private boarding school and there are quite a number of kids whose parents are in the ME attending along with local kids from Qatar and Dubai. Stirling university which is about 10 minutes from us and St Andrews (about an hour away) is popular with young people from overseas including Emirati youngsters. edited by JoyceB on 18/03/2011 My DS is attending Stirling, He did his A levels at DBS edited by cat-trax on 18/03/2011 Good for him, what is he studying? Is a nice university with lovely grounds. My DD studied nursing there so she was able to stay at home. The university is only 4 miles from where we are in Alva
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 19:16
I spoke to a friend the other day she said that Oxford don’t even take grades into consideration (most people applying would have achieved top grades) anymore as its so easy to pass A levels the results are meaningless. They go on the interview, whether they play an instrument and extracurricular pursuits With respect, that isn't true. I did two degrees at Oxford, and admissions don't have the slightest interest in extracurricular stuff, unless it's directly relevant to showing your commitment to your degree subject, or in whether you play an instrument, unless you are actually applying for a choral or organ scholarship (or are applying as a music student, obviously). And it's not that A levels are meaningless, it's just that they get so many high-achievers applying now, they [i'>can[/i'> look beyond three starred As and require other things as well! Sorry, I don't understand. So what *are* admissions interested in, if not starred A levels and extracurricular stuff?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 18:33
anymore as its so easy to pass A levels the results are meaningless Sorry but this is nonsense ! So easy to pass A levels and get A* ???? Are you aware of how little marks there are to lose to obtain an A*? Sorry but I can only take it that you have not had a youngster go through this process? If you had, you would know the amount of regular and consistent work involved. edited by spongemonkey on 18/03/2011 In my earlier post I was relaying what a friend had told me as I don’t have children A level age. Im sure the children work exceptionally hard to gain good results Im not denying that, but there does seem to be a lot reported in the media about grade inflation maybe thats what my friend was refering to.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 18:15
I live close to Dollar Academy which is in Clackmannanshire near Stirling. It is a private boarding school and there are quite a number of kids whose parents are in the ME attending along with local kids from Qatar and Dubai. Stirling university which is about 10 minutes from us and St Andrews (about an hour away) is popular with young people from overseas including Emirati youngsters. edited by JoyceB on 18/03/2011 My DS is attending Stirling, He did his A levels at DBS <em>edited by cat-trax on 18/03/2011</em>
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 18:09
This is the reality of what happened last year, fido - so many applied to Universities in the UK last year. eg People trying to get a jump ahead on the coming fee increase, mature students with no jobs, less gap years etc etc. Unis sat back and did the Maths and weighed up home and foreign students as well. There were many students who were left with one or two offers or less -some decided to not go, some decided it was not worth it to take a year out and reapply to the ones they really wanted as it sill only get worse. I am not talking people with Bs and Cs.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 18:01
I know 2 straight A students in the UK this year who went to the right prep school where they were pushed ahead (as seems so important to some). Scolarships to premier senior schools and who have been, not only been rejected by Oxbridge, but their 4 other UCAS choices too enforcing a gap year and big rethink.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 17:59
Even the smart ones!
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 17:59
Sorry but I hate this dissing of student's performances - they work EXTREMELY hard to get these grades in the rigorous subjects!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 17:57
Are all UK schools so transparent? More so Taking a random selection of 3 (Askes, Repton uk, Hampton) Only Hampton lists leavers destinations on its website.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 17:56
anymore as its so easy to pass A levels the results are meaningless Sorry but this is nonsense ! So easy to pass A levels and get A* ???? Are you aware of how little marks there are to lose to obtain an A*? Sorry but I can only take it that you have not had a youngster go through this process? If you had, you would know the amount of regular and consistent work involved. <em>edited by spongemonkey on 18/03/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 17:53
Thanks for that I was just about to ask how the selection process worked.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 17:44
Like Custard Apple I am an Oxford graduate. Almost all candidates who apply to Oxbridge are A grade students, so just because a student has 100% A's does not mean they will get a place. After abolishing the entrance exam years ago, tests for popular subjects are now having to be introduced to identify the best candidates. The result of meaningless A level grade inflation. Oxford is looking for candidates who look beyond the syllabus, who have read widely around their subject and who can THINK - not something A level teaching always produces. The Oxford entrance classes I took at school were a totally different experience to the norm. Extra curricular activities may be taken into account when considering who will contribute most to college life - but not at the expense of academic ability. <em>edited by moscow on 18/03/2011</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 17:22
Of course, DC is a fantastic school. The school is proud of its results hence the transparency. Its a shame all schools in Dubai don’t do the same. Are all UK schools so transparent? More so
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 March 2011 - 17:03
I spoke to a friend the other day she said that Oxford don’t even take grades into consideration (most people applying would have achieved top grades) anymore as its so easy to pass A levels the results are meaningless. They go on the interview, whether they play an instrument and extracurricular pursuits With respect, that isn't true. I did two degrees at Oxford, and admissions don't have the slightest interest in extracurricular stuff, unless it's directly relevant to showing your commitment to your degree subject, or in whether you play an instrument, unless you are actually applying for a choral or organ scholarship (or are applying as a music student, obviously). And it's not that A levels are meaningless, it's just that they get so many high-achievers applying now, they [i'>can[/i'> look beyond three starred As and require other things as well!
 
 

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