kzu students: fantastic impact on our 6th form & school community

We have been delighted this term to host 3 students from KZU in Zurich, who have spent the time studying in Sixth Form with the rest of our Year 12 cohort, while living with host families in Urmston and Worsley.

Alissa, Veronika, and Sophie are pictured above on their last day at UGS, and below delivering an Assembly in which they presented on the highlights of their time here in our Sixth Form.

They made lots of friends amongst Year 12, and have really appreciated the opportunity to study subjects that are not currently available in Switzerland, such as Psychology and Sociology; and all said that they enjoyed the experience of studying 3 subjects in depth at this level; a different experience to the Swiss Matura, that involves 9 subjects. 

Sophie found Sociology particularly fascinating, and really enjoyed the teaching; and all 3 shared that they appreciated the opportunity to build relationships with the teaching staff, as well as Year 12 peers.

Another highlight for all were the Independent Study sessions that are incorporated into the Sixth Form timetable, a great opportunity for students to compound their learning and progress, and to hone evaluative and research skills that are essential to undergraduate academic study.

Outside of study and time in school, all enjoyed making new friends, and made the most of the social opportunities, the Sixth Form Halloween Party having been a particular favourite.

During half-term, they found it great to meet up with students on placements at other Manchester schools, and travelled around the UK, taking in both London and Scotland, having especially loved Edinburgh and Inverness.

All found Manchester to be an amazing place, but far busier than Zurich; and they shared that they liked the weekend retail opportunities, as shops do not open on a Sunday in Switzerland! 

Staff as well as students really enjoyed welcoming the students into UGS:

Mrs Wall:

Our KZU students were delightful, and we were so pleased that they were part of the UGS community. Their presence at our school helps to strengthen our links with KZU, Bulach and Switzerland.

Mr Neale (Head of Year 12):

It has been an absolute delight to host Alissa, Veronika and Sophie in Year 12 from September. They have made a fantastic impact on our Sixth Form Community; joining right at the start of the year, at the same time as all the other Y12 students.

It is a pretty incredible thing to leave your family aged 16/17; to travel to a different country, stay with a host family, and then join a new school! They have coped with this exceptionally well. They made lots of friendships, and immersed themselves in subjects, alongside a very busy timetable that they had to fulfil from their school in Switzerland.

I wish them every success in the rest of their studies & I'm sure they will stay in touch with us! 

Maths teacher & Head of Student Development Miss Murray:

The KZU students brought incredible enthusiasm and dedication to my classes. Their positive impact on our learning community was truly inspiring. Wishing them continued success, and fulfilment in their future endeavours!

Head of Sociology/Careers Mrs Kinder:

It has been a pleasure to have Sophie in our Sociology class and to introduce her to this subject. She has been a delight to teach and a great addition to the class, who will all miss her. We wish her all the best for her future.