Scholar's corner

Urban Scholars selected for Yale Summer School

"Elizabeta and I have fantastic news! We have been selected to be part of a residential summer school at Yale University. There were thousands of applicants and we were shortlisted to the last 175, and then attended a four-day residential course at London School of Economics where they narrowed it down to 150. It was during the application process, and particularly the residential, that our experience as Urban Scholars came into play. The Urban Scholars programme has made us both very confident in group work and working with strangers. The film making sessions that we did at Brunel turned out to be extremely useful as we had to make a YouTube video as part of our application. Also, the sessions that we spent with Moody's at Canary Wharf where we did interview practice and CV writing both contributed enormously to our success. Thank you for your support and encouragement throughout the whole programme! Finally, please say our thanks to the people at Brunel and Moody's."

Successful Inspire Session at the Brunel University London

Scholars have topped the international league table with their performance in a forensic problem-based learning challenge run by Aspire More Able. Matt who ran the sessions wrote 'the workshop we delivered is one of the most challenging we offer - with multiple high-level thinking skills and team communication required. However, as mentioned a number of your teams not only excelled but set new records, beating the previous scores achieved in the UK, Singapore and Australia.'

Congratulations to Milton Keynes Urban Scholars

Since joining the programme, Milton Keynes Academy have their first ever students gaining places at Oxford and the London School of Economics.

Impact of the Urban Scholars Programme

Amy-Louise 
"I joined Brunel Urban Scholars in 2004, and graduated in 2008. I was dubious about going at first, because at that time I wasn't very confident in making new friends. I almost didn't go on that first Saturday, but I am so glad I did.

The Urban Scholars programme not only encouraged me to think about the future, but gave me the tools and information I needed to decide how I was going to achieve my goals, and successfully follow my ambitions. With such a wide variety of sessions led by professionals in every field imaginable, the other scholars and I were so lucky to be given an insight into a whole world of opportunities. The most valuable thing the programme taught me though was that you can never aim too high.

I have just graduated from St Mary's University College with a First Class degree in English and Media Arts, of which I am extremely proud. Alongside my degree course I have been working as an English and Maths tutor for 4 to 15-year-olds, in order to gain as much teaching experience as possible. In September, I plan to embark on a PGCE Primary course, in order to fulfil my life-long ambition of becoming a teacher, so that I can instil a passion for learning in my own students, just as Urban Scholars did for me.

I feel extremely grateful to the Brunel Urban Scholars programme, and all of the staff involved, for helping me to develop the courage to step out of my comfort zone, in order to reach higher than I ever have before. Since graduating from the programme I have had the opportunity, as an ambassador, to return and meet the next cohort of students. I was happy to see that the programme lives on, and I have no doubt that it will continue to inspire young people and encourage them to explore a world of possibilities."

Kiran
"Just a few thoughts on how joining Brunel Urban Scholars has helped me out so far. As an intelligent but quiet Year 9 student, joining Brunel Urban Scholars gave me the confidence and motivation to deliver presentations to audiences of around 20, to the occasional 50, viewers.

As I began my way into sixth form, I applied to be part of the sixth form student council as Deputy Head. The presentation I had to deliver was a chance to sell and prove my skills to everyone to gain this position with pride. To an audience of 50, I ensured I maintained eye contact, positive posture and a loud, clear voice. It was quite nerve-wrecking, although after settling into the talk I did very well. Two weeks later, I found out I had gained this position. Delivering presentations were my weakness prior to BUS as I never had the confidence. The programme helped me in a big way.

In the same way, it also allowed me to gain a full-time permanent job at Hilton Terminal 4, working in food and beverage, where I spoke in front of many assistant managers and 15 other candidates. The task was to introduce myself, say why I want the job and an interesting fact. Revising the company was a great advantage as I was the only candidate that stated figures (for example 540 Hiltons in the world, in 78 different locations). The interviewees were shocked.

Also, there were a few group exercises which made us think and show what creative minds we have, in order to provide the guest with the best dining experience. Communication skills were key here, so we could hear each other's ideas and whether to counteract it or not. The Brunel Urban Scholars majorly improved my presentation skills, communication skills, teamwork skills and revision strategies.

Thanks to the BUS team!"

Joe
"I feel that the Urban Scholars programme has helped impact me by allowing me to see education in a broader manner, seeing how looking outside the box can be helpful. Additionally, Urban Scholars has given me help in creating new diverse friendships with those I might not otherwise be friends with."

James
"The Urban Scholars programme has benefited me in a number of ways. Seeing the Brunel campus gave me an insight into university life, and the academic sessions required more independence, creativity and critical thinking than at school and served as an introduction to the style seen at university.

In particular, the English sessions broadened my approach to analysing texts. Other sessions enhanced my presentation skills and I had several opportunities to put them into practice. I also had the chance to meet scholars from other schools and work with them. The visiting speakers often helped me to gain a sense of perspective and reflect on both my achievements and future ambitions. I certainly feel more confident in myself as a result of attending the programme, through inspiration from visiting speakers, skills developed in the sessions and working with the other scholars."

Sara
"I was a student who was picked to attend the Brunel Scholars Programme for four years. At first I was double minded as to why I was picked and why I was there, but my thoughts started to change as I continued to attend the programme. I have just left college and I am currently seeking an apprenticeship in the creative studies field.

I would say that the biggest impact this programme had on me was to become more confident as a person, and to be able to express myself more. The part I dreaded was to present in front of others and speak out but to my surprise, this became something I was good at. Not only did I enjoy the Saturdays, I also learnt so much from subject areas that I thought I wasn’t good at, such as science. The programme also made me aware of the fact that university wasn’t the only way, and that there were alternative paths to take after A-levels.

I was encouraged and motivated to go for what I aspire to be and not to let anything hold me back. I remember meeting motivational speakers who were always uplifting, and who always created a positive atmosphere and a can-do attitude. Overall they taught me to never settle for less, and to always keep trying which is definitely something I continue to do in both an education and work field.

Looking back, I am glad that I attended the Brunel Scholars Programme. It is something I am proud of now and something that will stick with me throughout my career. You even get your own graduation at the very end!"

Iris Isok
"Starting the Brunel University Urban Scholars programme in Year 8 and having the support right throughout secondary really helped me, not only educationally but it made me think ahead about my aspirations. I felt it was important because it makes you believe you have a future to work for and therefore this motivates you.

I think the more interactive and active sessions helped build on our teamwork skills and encouraged us out of our comfort zone, while the more lesson-style sessions taught us revision skills and I gained an understanding of what type of learner I was. In terms of career choice it definitely made me feel university was an option, during the programme and also the information we were given during college made me feel more confident about applying for university."

Gudria Ali-Choudhrey
"The Urban Scholars programme was a great experience for me as I learned a lot. Through critical thinking sessions I learned to look at things differently, and it helped with my studies. The programme provided a lot of skills to take home which I would use throughout my life. One of the best things was the motivational speakers, which made me think to follow your dreams and never give up!"

Anton Stevens
"Joining the Urban Scholars during secondary school may be one of the best decision I've made. I learnt a wide range of invaluable skills and received great support towards my study. It was here started to think about my future more and more. Through the programme, I received a Scholarship to study maths at Brunel, which has been a tremendous help. 

Also, having the chance to be a Student Ambassador for the programme has been a great experience, being able to give back and help and encourage younger students with their educational goals." 

Andrew McCarthy
"I attended the Urban Scholars programme for four years during my GCSEs and A-levels, and now study Social Anthropology at Goldsmiths, University of London. 

I feel the programme has helped me in a multitude of ways, both academically and more broadly in life. The workshops arranged at Brunel helped me with revision for exams, structuring essays effectively and time management skills (which believe me, when you're studying at university without a parent screaming at you to revise, you'll be grateful for).

More importantly, Urban Scholars has given me transferable skills. The presentation skills learnt at Brunel have particularly helped me since leaving school. Over the summer before starting university, I spent three months teaching children in Thailand, and I really don't know how I would have coped had it not been for the confidence to present to a group of people I had never met before. I am now more grateful than ever for Brunel Urban Scholars programme, because without it, I would have missed out on life-changing opportunities. 

I'm now studying a subject I'm really passionate about, and participate in various extra-curricular programmes including mentoring first year students and organising an exhibition in both London and Mali. I can only thank the programme for giving me the confidence to do that."

Feedback on the Urban Scholars Careers Day, March 2013

Iris
"I really enjoyed my time at Moody's Foundation. I liked the structure of the schedule: presentation, question and answer session and then the job shadowing. What I found the most interesting was the shadowing because it was first-hand experience of what a job on that floor would be like. All my questions were answered."

Shanice
"The day was very beneficial. Canary Wharf is such a sophisticated fast-paced working environment and I immediately felt wrapped up in it. We got to see the duties of different workers, giving me insight into a potential job role, inspiring talks from people involved at the top and the opportunity to network. As my dissertation was due, I was a bit reluctant to go at first but so glad I went and I came away with something of benefit to me."

Guramrit
"The Moody's foundation careers day was a great experience which was topped off with the amazing views of London from the Canary Wharf. We were given an insight into what Moody's do and how the staff in the Moody's Foundation work on a daily basis. The only improvement I can think of is making the day last longer."

Anton
"My experience at the Moody's workshop was great! I learnt a great deal right from the introduction, about the company, what they do and how they do it. The staff there we very friendly and informative. I found the job shadowing very beneficial as I got an understanding and a feel of what it is like to be a Financial Data Analyst. The snacks were great too!

Ashlee
"The Careers Day at Moody’s was my first time in Canary Wharf, apart from going there the week before because I mixed up my date. At first I was quite intimidated by the extremely high ceiling and the fact that I can see my reflection in everything! The first speaker told us about Moody’s and what they do. I personally think that it could have been improved if it had been a little shorter and if there was a change in his tone of voice. I did learn something at the time, but right now I would not be able to recall anything.

After the introduction, we got into small groups with a Data Analyst. This for me was the one best parts of the day, as we were able to find out how they got to where they are and ask questions. Our Data Analyst also asked us all what we are all doing now and want to do, then gave us the best advice he could, which I found really helped.

Job-shadowing was the next activity we did, and I was shadowing a lady called Maria. She was extremely friendly and really easy to talk to, which was slightly surprising because as we walked through the offices everybody was silent and 100% focused on their screens. She also got to know us and what we do, and then she showed us exactly what she does. A lot of it I didn't understand at first because I don't study finance or accounting, but Maria broke it down for me to understand. One thing she told us was that we need to make sure to learn a language. At Moody’s they are in constant contact with people all over the world, so they require everyone to have another language. I enjoy languages and I'm currently learning Spanish outside of college. She then gave us a quick tour, and showed us the view of a corner office. I definitely do like the idea of a corner office.

Lastly was a conclusion from the director. He was memorable because he was relaxed in his speech and easy to relate to. He also had a sense of humour which helped to keep us all engaged.

Overall, Finance and Data Analysing are not exactly what I want to get into, but I chose to go because I had nothing to lose just knowledge to gain. I enjoyed learning how they got to where they are at Moody’s, and the advice I was given about what I want to do."