£2/N500/GH3

A-Levels versus International Baccalaureate (IB)

MELBA MWANJEEdwin Broni-Mensah Young Exec

In The Beginning By Tolu Ogunlesi

Loughborough College Feature School

Femi Oke Career Interview

ON LIFE, EDUCATION, CHARITY,DANCE AND HER AFRICAN HERITAGE

October 2010CONTENTSFEATURES

08

10

16

17

21

City: Swansea

School: Loughborough College

Career Profile: In the Beginning

Topic: Apply Now

University: Essex

INTERVIEWS12

19

30

Role Model: Richard O. Okojevoh

Career: Femi Oke

Cover: Melba Mwanje

REGULARS04

05

06

07

14

23

24

26

28

29

35

37

Editor’s Note

Mailbox

Overseas Education

GEF

Promotion

News

Event Review:

AISEC/TIEC UK Boarding School Fair

Where Are They Now?

Reviews

Extras

Fun Zone

Classifieds

Lagos Office57 Oladipo Bateye Street GRAIkeja Lagos, NigeriaTel: +234 (0) 1 7655704, +234 (0) 1 7656039Mobile: +234 (0) 8061396406

Abuja Office10, Owenna CloseOff Yedseram Street, Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria. Tel: +234 (0) 1 7655704, +234 (0) 1 7656039Mobile: +234 (0) 8061396406, +234 (0) 8036673419

UK OfficeSt John’s Innovation Centre, Cowley Road,

Cambridge, CB4 0WS, United Kingdom.Tel: +44 (0) 1223 422256Fax: +44 (0) 1223 420844

Email: info@tiec.co.ukwww.tiec.co.uk

October 2010CONTENTSFEATURES

08

10

16

17

21

February 2011

City: Swansea

School: Loughborough College

Career Profile: In the Beginning

Topic: Apply Now

University: Essex

INTERVIEWS12

19

30

Role Model: Richard O. Okojevoh

Career: Femi Oke

Cover: Melba Mwanje COLUMNS18

27

32

34

36

38

Visa Advice

Young Exec: Edwin Broni-Mensah

Away From Home: Queens of Taunton

Travel: Photo Competition

Q & A

Your Space

REGULARS04

05

06

07

14

23

24

26

28

29

35

37

Editor’s Note

Mailbox

Overseas Education

GEF

Promotion

News

Event Review:

AISEC/TIEC UK Boarding School Fair

Where Are They Now?

Reviews

Extras

Fun Zone

Classifieds

p. 27

p. 30

UK OfficeSt John’s Innovation Centre, Cowley Road,

Cambridge, CB4 0WS, United Kingdom.Tel: +44 (0) 1223 422256Fax: +44 (0) 1223 420844

Email: info@tiec.co.ukwww.tiec.co.uk

www.theaspiremagazine.com www.theaspiremagazine.com04 | February 2011

Happy 2011! That might sound strange coming in February but this would be my first time speaking to you through the

pages of Aspire. I sincerely hope that this New Year and indeed new decade will be one where we will all have success stories to tell each day. Whether it is gaining a place in a prestigious learning institution or developing a fitness regime, the key is to celebrate our victories no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.

One way to do that is to take out time every now and again and reflect on the journey so far. Where have we got it right? And where have we got it wrong? What areas can we improve on? And what areas just need the icing on the cake? By asking questions like these, you are more likely to use the past with its good bits and not so good bits as a catalyst for the changes you so desire.

Last year in Aspire was a time of new beginnings and looking back it is amazing how far we have come yet there are so many dreams the team has that are yet to be achieved. One thing stands out; we could not have done it without you, our dear readers. From the letters we read and the comments you leave on our website, you inspire us to keep raising the bar and we hope this new edition does that and more.

If there is one thing I have learnt from the articles and interviews in this edition is that nothing good comes easy but with hard work and a lot of determination, no dream is impossible. Plus a worthwhile dream is one that will directly or indirectly impact people’s lives positively. And to be a good writer whether as a career or as part of your academics, you need to be a better reader. So tuck in today and have yourself a fabulous read of Aspire.

Isabella E.C. Akinseye

Editor’sNote

Publisher: Olugbenga Ogunbode | Editor: Isabella E.C. Akinseye | Contributing Editor: Ekwy Nnene

Design & Layout: Ziyadah Communications | Editorials: Quill & Scroll Creatives

Photographer: Michael Derringer | Publishing Consultant: Blumarks Media

Contributors: Abiola Ososanya, Chukwukaelo Ajuluchukwu, Oyindamola Olofinlua, Rayo, Tolu Ogunlesi

Marketing Director: Craig Knight | Email: editor@theaspiremagazine.com

Write to us @ TIECLagos: 57 Oladipo Bateye Street GRA, Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria. Tel: +234 (0) 1 7655704, +234 (0) 1 7656039

Mobile: +234 (0) 8061396406 | Abuja: 10, Owenna Close, Off Yedseram Street, Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria.

Tel: +234 (0) 1 7655704, +234 (0) 1 7656039 Mobile: +234 (0) 8061396406, +234 (0) 8036673419

UK: St John’s Innovation Centre, Cowley Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WS, United Kingdom.

Tel: +44 (0) 1223 422256 Fax: +44 (0) 1223 420844

International Student Centre, 46a Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 1LA, United Kingdom. Tel: 01223 422256

Aspire is a termly publication of TIEC.The articles, adverts and opinions expressed in Aspire magazine do not necessarily represent the view(s) of TIEC.

ASPIRE TEAM

Star Letter

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Dear Editor,When I first read the magazine, I was impressed that young people could come up with such calibre of work. The content was excellent and the layout, very easy to read. What you want in a magazine is content that is beautifully illustrated. You don’t want anything too complicated or that is too hard on the eye. The pictures and graphics worked very well without taking away from the information. I also liked the size because it is not too big and those that are very busy, like myself can still have a good read in little or no time. My only wish is that Aspire can target the parents and students in Southern Africa. Kudos to the whole Aspire team; young people doing great things.Sela Motshwane, Cambridge

www.theaspiremagazine.com www.theaspiremagazine.com February 2011 | 05

If there is one thing I have learnt from the articles and interviews in this edition is that nothing good comes easy but with hard work and a lot of determination, no dream is impossible. Plus a worthwhile dream is one that will directly or indirectly impact people’s lives positively. And to be a good writer whether as a career or as part of your academics, you need to be a better reader. So tuck in today and have yourself a fabulous read of Aspire.

Isabella E.C. Akinseye

Publisher: Olugbenga Ogunbode | Editor: Isabella E.C. Akinseye | Contributing Editor: Ekwy Nnene

Design & Layout: Ziyadah Communications | Editorials: Quill & Scroll Creatives

Photographer: Michael Derringer | Publishing Consultant: Blumarks Media

Contributors: Abiola Ososanya, Chukwukaelo Ajuluchukwu, Oyindamola Olofinlua, Rayo, Tolu Ogunlesi

Marketing Director: Craig Knight | Email: editor@theaspiremagazine.com

Write to us @ TIECLagos: 57 Oladipo Bateye Street GRA, Ikeja Lagos, Nigeria. Tel: +234 (0) 1 7655704, +234 (0) 1 7656039

Mobile: +234 (0) 8061396406 | Abuja: 10, Owenna Close, Off Yedseram Street, Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria.

Tel: +234 (0) 1 7655704, +234 (0) 1 7656039 Mobile: +234 (0) 8061396406, +234 (0) 8036673419

UK: St John’s Innovation Centre, Cowley Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WS, United Kingdom.

Tel: +44 (0) 1223 422256 Fax: +44 (0) 1223 420844

International Student Centre, 46a Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 1LA, United Kingdom. Tel: 01223 422256

Aspire is a termly publication of TIEC.The articles, adverts and opinions expressed in Aspire magazine do not necessarily represent the view(s) of TIEC.

Star Letter

WRITE & WIN

mailbox

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Share your thoughts comments and feedback on Aspire magazine for a chance to grab a prize. Email: editor@theaspiremagazine.com Please include your full name, address and phone number. We only print the name and city. We reserve the right to edit the letters for clarity and coherence. This edition’s star letter receives an autographed copy of Why The Poor Remain Poor by Richard O. Okojevoh.

Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!Social Workers Great site. A lot of useful information here. I’m sending it to some friends!Nurse Practitioner

Hi there Awesome blog, great write up, thank you!Jamie Iomo

My partner and I really enjoyed reading this blog post, I was just itching to know do you trade featured posts? I am always trying to find someone to make trades with and merely thought I would ask.OpthamologistsEd: Thank you. Do send an email to editor@theaspiremagazine.com.

Thank you, I have recently been searching for information about this topic for ages and yours is the best I have discovered so far.Radiology Technician

Dear Editor,When I first read the magazine, I was impressed that young people could come up with such calibre of work. The content was excellent and the layout, very easy to read. What you want in a magazine is content that is beautifully illustrated. You don’t want anything too complicated or that is too hard on the eye. The pictures and graphics worked very well without taking away from the information. I also liked the size because it is not too big and those that are very busy, like myself can still have a good read in little or no time. My only wish is that Aspire can target the parents and students in Southern Africa. Kudos to the whole Aspire team; young people doing great things.Sela Motshwane, Cambridge

www.theaspiremagazine.com06 | February 2011

Overseas Education

A-Levels vs IB Diploma A -levels and the IB Diploma are two different

philosophical approaches to education. The A-level approach is a philosophy of

playing to one’s strengths and traditionally focusing narrowly on an area of study. The IB approach is one of promoting general education across a broad range of subjects and trying to develop as a more rounded person. The approaches are not mutually exclusive. An A-level student can achieve the same type of outcomes as an IB student by doing 5 or 6 A-levels and by engaging in a well thought programme of activities and enrichment opportunities, but A-levels were not designed to be done in this way and in attempting to turn A-levels into a Baccalaureate equivalent to the IB there is a significant risk for a student of attempting to do too much and then not succeeding properly and achieving a good set of results.

As the A-level and IB philosophies are quite different it is not generally wise to try and achieve the breadth of an IB outcome with A-levels. Some universities expect a degree of specialisation and focus in A-levels and so opting for a very broad range of A-level subjects may, in certain circumstances, run the risk of undermining applications. Employers like students to continue with Maths and English for as long as they can. The IB automatically includes this as a core element of its programme and A-level students are generally encouraged to consider including both subjects amongst their choices.

The important point to bear in mind is that A-levels and the IB are different approaches to education and one must choose one approach or the other.

Some students make their choice between A-levels and IB based on whether they want to begin to specialise at the age of 16 by doing A-levels, or whether they want to keep their career options open by studying a wider range of subjects in the IB. In the modern world there is a strong argument to avoid specialising too early as many people will have a variety of careers during their lifetime.

Some students make their choice of A-levels and IB on the basis of the different types of assessment involved. A-levels are modular and the IB is a linear assessment course. With A-levels students sit formal assessments twice a year (January and June modular exams) all the way through their course.

This can be helpful for students worried about having to remember a lot of material, but one of its disadvantages is that a lot of school time is spent in revising, testing and re-sitting tests, rather than in broader intellectual development. The majority of IB assessment is done at the end of the course during a 3 week exam period in May. This works well for some students as it means that they can allow everything they have learned over two years to interact in their minds, thus enabling them to do their final exams when they feel more intellectually mature at the end of the course.

Ultimately the question of whether a student should do A-levels or IB is a very individual and personal issue which students are going to have to decide for themselves. This is an important decision and if students and parents would like to meet with the Director of the Sixth Form and talk about it before submitting an application we are very happy to arrange this. a

B E P A R T O F S O M E T H I N G

S P E C I A LKing’s College [ages 13 –18], South Road, Taunton TA1 3LA

telephone: 01823 328204 > admissions@kings-taunton.co.uk

www.kings-taunton.co.uk

www.theaspiremagazine.com www.theaspiremagazine.com February 2011 | 07

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2010-2011

For all pre-application enquiries E aspiremag@sussex.ac.uk

www.sussex.ac.uk/international

Sussex International colour advert - 92x128mm.indd 1 16/12/2010 14:49

GEF

Global Education Foundation (GEF)

a

A tribute to Mr Wole Fasanya

TIEC was founded in 2004 with one of its fundamental aims as giving to society that which we have been privileged to receive.

Global Education Foundation (GEF) is a charity we set up from our proceeds to support causes we are very passionate about.

In December 2010 TIEC suffered a personal loss with the death of the father of two of our very special students, Tobi and Tomi Fasanya. Mr Fasanya was not only a parent to them but he

was also a special friend to TIEC. Words cannot describe what he meant to us. He was the ‘Role Model Parent’.

In response to this personal loss to the TIEC family, we have launched the TIEC- Wole Fasanya Fund.

It is a fund that will gain from our proceeds each year to help support the education aspirations and plans of a student(s) who have lost a parent or a bread winner in the family.

Tobi and Tomi Fasanya will be the first beneficiaries of this fund from September 2011.

IB Diploma vs A Levels Some students make their choice between A

levels and IB based on whether they want to begin to specialise at the age of 16 by doing A levels, or whether they want to keep their career options open by studying a wider range of subjects in the IB. In the modern world there is a strong argument to avoid specialising too early as many people will have a variety of careers during their lifetime.

Some students make their choice of A levels and IB on the basis of the different types of assessment involved. A levels are modular and the IB is a linear assessment course. With A levels students sit formal assessments twice a year (January and June modular exams) all the way through their course. This can be helpful for students worried about having to remember a lot of material, but one of its disadvantages is that a lot of school time is spent in revising, testing and re-sitting tests, rather than in broader intellectual development. The majority of IB assessment is done at the end of the course during a 3 week exam period in May. This works well for some students as it means that they can allow everything they have learned over two years to interact in their minds, thus enabling them to do their final exams when they feel more intellectually mature at the end of the course.

Ultimately the question of whether a student should do A levels or IB is a very individual and personal issue which students are going to have to decide for themselves. This is an important decision and if students and parents would like to meet with the Director of the Sixth Form and talk about it before submitting an application we are very happy to arrange this.

www.theaspiremagazine.com08 | February 2011

By Rayo

Feature City

Swansea

a

Birthed in the Viking era as a trading post and nurtured by its people over centuries to become the beautiful

city it is, Swansea is today the second most populous city in Wales. The city, used as location in several episodes of the series ‘Doctor Who’, is also hometown to the Oscar award winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones and the famous deceased poet, Dylan Thomas who once described it as the most romantic city he knows. Its people are known as Swansea Jacks or just Jacks and the two languages widely spoken in Swansea are English and Welsh.

SCENERYWithin the city centre stands the ruins of the Swansea castle which dates back to the 13th century. Swansea enjoys a very mild climate and is home to several parklands, cliffs and beaches. The City is bordered on the south by Swansea Bay, which offers vast coastline, beaches, nature reserves, a leisure pool, marina and museums amongst several attractions. Langland bay, Caswell bay, and Llangennith entice with quality waves which are perfect for surfing and soft sands. Other bays in Swansea are Oxwich Bay which is often referred to as the most beautiful beach in England and Rhossili bay being famous for its amazing cliffs. Singleton Park also offers wonderful golfing and a boating lake. For wet days, Swansea has LC, the indoor water park officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in the year 2008. The bays combine to make Swansea one of the best spots in Britain for surfing, water skiing, sailing, cycling and even walking.

ART AND HISTORYSwansea showcases her history in her museums; the Swansea Museum and the National Waterfront Museum. Boasting a vibrant art scene, Swansea has over a century old Victorian theatre called Grand Theatre, where one is assured of drama, opera and ballet to the heart’s content. There’s also the Dylan Thomas Theatre, named after the famous poet. For poets who might want to get a feel of Dylan’s life, his childhood home is preserved at 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, Uplands and is open as a self catering guest

house. In the summer, Oystermouth castle features outdoor Shakespeare performances and every autumn, Brangwyn Hall plays hosts to a Festival of Music and the Arts, which features international orchestras and soloists.

For film lovers, Swansea plays host to the yearly International BeyondTV film festival which showcases the very best of film makers. The major higher institutions in Swansea are Swansea Metropolitan University and Swansea College and Swansea University which has a campus in Singleton park.

SPORTSSports buffs are not left out as the City is home to 2 very active football teams Swansea City A.F.C and Cardiff. Rugby fans will also love making trips to Swansea stadiums and watching some of their favourite teams play.

TRANQUILITYFor quiet, visit Mumbles; a quaint seaside village, which boasts a Victorian pier that offers a most breathtaking view of Swansea Bay but also the modern touch of cafes, boutiques and shops. Catherine Zeta-Jones still keeps a house in this village.

Eat Salt Marsh lamb cooked from sheep raised in the salt marshes of the Loughor Estuary, walk along the coastlines, watch the opera, scream your support at a football match, whatever you do in Swansea, just have fun!

For more information please call Charlotte Phillips on 01453 820412.

Wycliffe, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, GL10 2JQ

Developing a life-longlove of learning

www.wycliffe.co.uk

Wycliffe Senior School and Sixth Form

Co-educational day and boarding school from 2-18 years.

29 A level subjects and BTEC National Diploma in Sport and Hospitality.

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www.theaspiremagazine.com

house. In the summer, Oystermouth castle features outdoor Shakespeare performances and every autumn, Brangwyn Hall plays hosts to a Festival of Music and the Arts, which features international orchestras and soloists.

For film lovers, Swansea plays host to the yearly International BeyondTV film festival which showcases the very best of film makers. The major higher institutions in Swansea are Swansea Metropolitan University and Swansea College and Swansea University which has a campus in Singleton park.

SPORTSSports buffs are not left out as the City is home to 2 very active football teams Swansea City A.F.C and Cardiff. Rugby fans will also love making trips to Swansea stadiums and watching some of their favourite teams play.

TRANQUILITYFor quiet, visit Mumbles; a quaint seaside village, which boasts a Victorian pier that offers a most breathtaking view of Swansea Bay but also the modern touch of cafes, boutiques and shops. Catherine Zeta-Jones still keeps a house in this village.

Eat Salt Marsh lamb cooked from sheep raised in the salt marshes of the Loughor Estuary, walk along the coastlines, watch the opera, scream your support at a football match, whatever you do in Swansea, just have fun!

For more information please call Charlotte Phillips on 01453 820412.

Wycliffe, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, GL10 2JQ

Developing a life-longlove of learning

www.wycliffe.co.uk

Wycliffe Senior School and Sixth Form

Co-educational day and boarding school from 2-18 years.

29 A level subjects and BTEC National Diploma in Sport and Hospitality.

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10 | February 2011 www.theaspiremagazine.com

Feature School

a

Loughborough College

Esther Olanipekun heard about Loughborough College when she attended a presentation by TIEC at her secondary school, Bells, in Ota, Nigeria. Esther was preparing to take her WASSC examinations in May 2010. She says, “The advice she received helped her and her family make an informed decision about her chosen path to university in the UK.”

Although she was a little late arriving at college, Esther was encouraged when she received extra lessons which enabled her to catch up with the other A-Levels students. Esther met

her Progress Tutor on her very first day at the college and has found her support invaluable. After lessons, Esther also attends the Homework club for more guidance and is also able to access the Learning Resources Centre for more sources of information.

She enjoys living in the halls of residence next to the college and has fun with her friends after lessons and when all her homework is done. Each student has their own room and share kitchen facilities with 6/7 other students. They also enjoy eating out in the local area or cooking together in the evenings. Yams are Esther’s favourite African food and she is happy she is able to buy these

at the weekly market.Describing her first term at

Loughborough College, Esther says, “It’s like a family, I never feel lonely because there is always someone to talk to and I can always find my tutor and ask her advice.”

Student view

Staff view

I was pleased to be able to support Esther; she is confident, hard working, punctual and has an excellent attendance record. Esther has chosen 4 AS level subjects, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology and to further develop her English

writing skills she also attends free English lessons as well as her chosen AS subjects.

I always encourage my tutor group to ask for help if they are unsure, this way they can build on their subject knowledge with confidence. Esther is focussing on her first term topics and practising `mock’ exam papers. Esther’s Progress Tutor is also an experienced Science teacher

and this has helped Esther enormously.

Esther is studying A levels with students from all over the world as well as local students.

Ms Val Simmonds, Esther’s Progress Tutor added, “All A level students are offered additional tutorials to provide comprehensive information about how to choose the right degree programme, the most appropriate university environment and complete their online applications.”

Esther wishes to enter Loughborough University to study Engineering and with the college’s close links to the university, (we share the same campus) Esther will have the opportunity to meet university lecturers during her second year.

A first class, traditional British Boarding School.

We welcome students from Nigeria and all over the world.

‘OUSTANDING’ OFSTED BOARDING INSPECTION, FANTASTIC ISI INSPECTION

£

For more information please call +441472 503260 or email

enquiries@saintjamesschool.co.uk www.saintjamesschool.co.uk

www.standrewscambridge.co.ukT +44 (0)1223 358073 F +44 (0)1223 467150 email: registra�ons@standrewscambridge.co.uk

GCSE A-level University Founda�on Pre-MBA

St. Andrew’sCambridge

St. Andrew’s was founded in 1976 as Cambridge’s first, independent A-level college.

St. Andrew’s A-Level students can apply to any university in the UK, including Oxford, Cambridge, LSE and Imperial College.

Our Founda�on courses in Business and Science and Art & Design are accepted by Universi�es across the UK, and top students can aspire to places in universi�es ranked in the top 10.

Small Classes: Maximum 12 students per class

Excellent residen�al accommoda�on

Gain entrance to the UK’s top universi�es

Play Football in the Cambridge University

League

Aminu Musa Mohammed from Nigeria studied A-Levels at St. Andrew’s.He achieved AAB in Maths, Chemistry and Physics and has earned a place to study at University College, London

University College London

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