British School of Bucharest - Alumni 2019

Welcome to the First Alumni Event June 2019

This event will be our first opportunity for alumni of BSB to renew old acquaintances, build new friendships, reminisce, share stories and get an update on our school’s progress.

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Dear Alumni, It is a tremendous privilege to welcome you home to the BSB campus. We have been very happy to see several of you return on different occasions over the past years and we hope that you will all continue to keep in touch with us and with one another. This is the first time that we have called the alumni together in this manner. Many of our leavers go to study or live in diverse parts of the world and so inevitably there will be many friends or acquaintances from the past that cannot make it in person back to BSB. However, we are delighted that you are here to see the current campus, learn of plans for next year and meet up again with fellow students and hopefully one or two teachers that you remember.

I hope that you have many happy memories of your school days at BSB and that in some small or significant way our school has helped to shape you and your future.

Welcome Back!

Mr Walters

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Become a member of the Alumni Association As a former BSB student we’re sure that you have a unique story to tell about your experiences at school and beyond – the career path which we hope BSB helped you to find. Remember the volume of academic information you amassed, the passions you discovered during your time at school, your favourite teachers who were your mentors and became friends during your years with us. Other former BSB students, just like you, have already joined us and shared their stories. Now we invite you to share your own story with us and let us document your ‘Road from BSB’. All you have to do is express your interest in an email to alumni@britishschool.ro, and you will be sent a few questions. When you answer, we’ll ask you also to provide a photo of yourself from where you are located now.

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The Road from BSB Muhammad’s Journey to Economics at UCL Muhammad joined BSB with his sisters in August 2008. He started in Year 6 and progressed all the way through to graduating in Year 13 in June 2016. He proved himself a wonderful member of the BSB community contributing and excelling in many areas. He was our Head Boy in his final year with us, performing his duties to a very high standard. His final A Level results of A*A*A*A are a testament to his drive, his ability and the support from his teachers and family. He has gone from strength to strength since leaving us and we are exceptionally proud to have played a part in his development and success.

Philip Walters, Headmaster “I decided to study Economics at university as I was always good at mathematics and wanted a course which could be applied within the real world, which is exactly what Economics at UCL provides. It has been a challenging course with many complex models and has also been very rewarding, particularly studying current economic issues that the world faces. The support and guidance provided by the BSB family, especially Mrs. Hooper and Mr. Walters, was essential in my preparations for and my journey to university.

I believe one of the key aspects which BSB provided that was really important to me was the co-curricular activities. It showed me that school life was more than just studying, also involving helping the community and acquiring new skills. This theme was very apparent in university too. Universities in the UK have wide ranging societies, from the Economics and Finance Society to the Chocolate Society. They are there for students to do what they enjoy doing as part of a group. I would encourage all future graduates to take full advantage of any opportunities provided to gain new experiences and enrich your learning.�

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Noor’s journey to studying Business Administration at University What made you choose your course?

“Choosing Business Administration as a degree has exposed me to all types of business concepts, provided a broad understanding of business basics and enabled me to keep my career path flexible.”

How was university – what have you been enjoying and what were the challenges? How did BSB help you achieve your goals?

“I completed my Bachelor’s degree in July 2018 and then started work as an associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers. During my university course, my ‘near-future’ goal was to be employed at one of the Big Four professional services networks. I am glad I was able to make that happen and believe a lot of the credit goes to my parents and to BSB, both of whom helped shape me into a confident, independent, and strong individual. BSB provided a plethora of opportunities that helped me diversify my experience at school.”

Anything else you’d like to share about your journey?

“One of the best experiences during my university years is when I was accepted onto an exchange program in Portugal. I loved every minute there. This program allowed me to experience a whole new culture and exposed me to a completely different educational system. Of course, I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to travel. I would highly recommend everyone who gets the chance to participate in an exchange program.”

Any achievements or contributions that you are really proud of?

“Becoming Head Girl in 2014 and receiving the COBIS award are the achievements I’m most proud of from my high school years.”

Any tips you would give to current students, relating to academics or life at BSB in general?

“It is fine to be unsure about what your next step in life is as long as you don’t give up and you keep trying new things. Cherish the final years at school because adulthood really isn’t always as much fun as school days!”

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Mary’s journey to University of the Arts London Mary, now a student at the University of the Arts London (UAL), graduated from BSB in 2017-2018.

“BSB was a platform for me, giving me a wider viewpoint of many international ideas, beliefs and people and more chances to know about contemporary art and develop my interest in it. If I hadn’t come to BSB I would have faced a lot more restrictions, but at BSB I was given appropriate independence and freedom. I think the teachers at BSB respected my choices, so if I wanted to do more art I was able to and I could organise my homework for other subjects myself. I became braver and now have the self-belief to focus on my art. My teachers always helped me to release stress by talking with me, which also really helped.”

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Gruia’s journey to Paramedic Science at the University of East Anglia Gruia, reading Paramedic Science at the University of East Anglia, graduated from BSB in 2014-2015.

“The opportunities offered at BSB not only to study to very high academic standards, but also to be involved in meetings and debates that shape the student experience were invaluable.

During my time at the University of East Anglia, I put these skills to use when I became a Student Representative and a Faculty Representative for the School of Health Sciences. These roles have helped me carry forward the leadership and determination for change which I began whilst at BSB. Having been in meetings with Heads of School, Deans and other senior figures within the University and the community, I have learned to carry myself as a person and be present amongst other people, invaluable lessons that BSB taught me.”

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Radu’s journey to Architecture at the University of Liverpool Radu, reading Architecture at the University of Liverpool, graduated from BSB in 2014-2015.

“I believe that BSB offers a better alternative to the ‘classic’ education that most of us would receive in the public system. The student to teacher ratio is low compared to other schools, this being a key factor in making sure that all the students understand the course. The wide variety of extra-curricular activities make you develop on a personal level, not just on an academic one, allowing you to hone social skills that will prove vital in the future, starting with your years in university. So, I believe that it is a great place to apply if you want to grow as a person, but also are set to study abroad.

The school makes the transition towards studying outside of Romania seamless, which is great since many students feel anxious about studying in a different country and leaving everything behind. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter if you know what you want to do in life or you are just figuring it out along the way. If you are willing to work hard and be present in the moment you will have a great time at BSB. “When opportunity comes, it is too late to prepare” – don’t forget this advice!”

If you would be interested in sharing your own stories for ‘The Road from BSB’, please do not hesitate to contact us at alumni@britishschool.ro.

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Where are you now?