Congratulations to Chia-Yu Yao (Laura) from Taiwan, who has been named one of the Degree Pathway Programme Maths & Data Students of the Year. Laura's dedication, academic excellence, and positive attitude have made her a standout student during her time at Kings. We spoke to her about her experience studying in the UK, her passion for Maths and Data, and her plans for the future.
A supportive and welcoming environment
Reflecting on her time at Kings, Laura describes her experience as overwhelmingly positive.
"Every member of the school staff is incredibly helpful, so you never have to worry about finding support, and all the students are very friendly."
The combination of dedicated staff and a welcoming student community helped Laura settle into life in the UK and make the most of her studies.
Building strong foundations in Maths and Data
As the recipient of the Maths & Data Student of the Year award, Laura credits both the course and her teachers for helping her achieve success.
"The course helped me build a solid foundation for university, and the teachers were always there to answer every single question."
Through expert teaching and personalised support, Laura was able to develop the knowledge and confidence needed to excel in her chosen subject areas and prepare for the next stage of her academic journey.
Preparing for university success
Laura is now looking ahead to university and appreciates the guidance she received throughout the application process.
"The teachers gave me a lot of guidance on my Personal Statement and helped me clarify how the UCAS system works, ensuring that everyone could successfully apply to university."
From understanding university applications to refining personal statements, Kings provided the support she needed to navigate the process with confidence.
Discovering life in Brighton and the UK
One of the highlights of Laura's experience has been living in the UK and experiencing its diverse culture.
"The UK is beautifully multicultural, which has made me much more open-minded."
She has particularly enjoyed life in Brighton, describing it as a vibrant city where students can balance academic life with relaxation.
"Brighton is such a lively city where you can walk to the beach at any moment and find plenty of great cafés and restaurants to study or relax."
Advice for future Degree Pathway students
For students considering a Degree Pathway Programme in the UK, Laura encourages them to embrace every opportunity.
"Be brave and speak English; everyone is welcoming."
She also advises students to seek support whenever they need it, particularly when adjusting to a new education system.
"If you are unsure about the grading system or exam weightings in Term 1, just ask the teachers so you can manage your time and maintain a good work-life balance."
A heartfelt thank you
Looking back on her first year in the UK, Laura is grateful for the people who made it such a memorable experience.
"I want to thank all the staff and students for making my first year in the UK such a happy, worry-free time. The school truly cares about our well-being and safety, and classmates from all over the world have been so nice."
Laura's achievement is a testament to her hard work, determination, and enthusiasm for learning. Everyone at Kings congratulates her on being named a DPP Maths & Data Student of the Year and wishes her every success in her future studies and career.