Kings Oxford: A Level Leavers

15 Nov 2022

Kings Oxford recently held a graduation for our second year A-Level leavers! We caught up with a handful of students to hear about their Kings journeys.

Basak Akalin


(Basak, second from the left)

What do you think has been the most valuable thing you’ve learnt at Kings Oxford?

The most valuable thing that I learn in Kings is to be able to communicate with people confidently.

What A-Levels did you take and what are you plans for the future?

I studied biology, chemistry and maths as A levels. My plan for the future is to study medicine. At the moment I am waiting for an offer from some of the universities for medicine and got an offer from Kings College London for pharmacology.

How would you describe day to day Kings life here in Oxford?

For us international students getting used to living in Oxford can be challenging at first but when you get use to day to day life in Kings you start to enjoy your time. Spending time with friends is the most memorable part of the Kings life for me.

Is there any advice you could give to someone thinking about potentially coming to Kings Oxford?

The advice that I could give is to choose the friends wisely because you would spend most of your time with your friends.

Aurora Hafidza

What do you think has been the most important thing you’ve learnt and will take away with you from you time at Kings?

As straightforward as it is, independence was a major value I take from living away from home. I learn to prioritise my activities, manage my time and my finances. I also learn to take care of myself and the people around me, as well as to embrace who I am and the values I was brought up with.

What A-Levels did you take and what are you plans for the future?

I took Economics, Mathematics and Geography for A levels. Next, I’m hoping to continue my education at Kings College London to read Economics. I chose London because of its proximity to finance and international diplomacy, which is well in line with my future aspirations.

Is there anyone in particular who you feel has helped you along the way?

Throughout my academic journey, Paul has been an incredible support. He gave me guidance in the process of applying for uni and taking my exams. He was also my teacher for Geography in the second year and brought my friends and I to Dorset Coast for a study trip!

What has been your favourite social event / activity from this year?

My friends and I organised a charity hike against childhood cancer in our second year, which was particularly fun and memorable! The fundraising link managed to raise about £1100 for the Children with Cancer charity and we’re joined by other students from the foundation as well as the A level course.

William – Nay Thura Htun

What do you think has been the most valuable thing you’ve learnt at Kings Oxford?

Most valuable thing that I’ve learnt at Kings is sorting your priorities, you can still have fun and focus on your study.

What do you think has been the most important thing you’ve learnt and will take away with you from you time at Kings?

And another thing that I’d take away with me and important thing is being kind and helpful to each other and that I want all of you guys to take and me, myself, will take it throughout my entire life.

What A-Levels did you take and what are you plans for the future?

Well, I took double maths and Physics. I’m planning to study films study and acting in University.

How would you describe day to day Kings life here in Oxford?

Day to day in Kings Oxford is as excited as you visiting to fun places. It’s great to see your friends, friendly staffs and teachers. Even in examination days you will still have fun and stress free periods.

Is there anyone in particular who you feel has helped you along the way?

Teachers and the staff are really helpful, in particular Latoya, Simon, Cordie, Elsbeth, Paul, Xi and Melrose helped me the most with my studies, outdoor skills, Photography skills, Universities choices and so much more and I’m really thankful and lucky to have them along with me throughout the year.

Is there any advice you could give to someone thinking about potentially coming to Kings Oxford?

At Kings you can push everything further than your potential and everyone is there for you to help you until you achieve it.

Derek – Min Thein Paing

What do you think has been the most valuable thing you’ve learnt at Kings Oxford?

I’ve learnt lots since I moved to the UK and started studying at Kings Oxford, but probably one of the most important is learning the balance between working hard and then relaxing and doing social things too.

What do you think has been the most important thing you’ve learnt and will take away with you from you time at Kings?

The most important thing I think I will take away with me are the friends I’ve made here; we are all grateful to have gone through the same experienced together. These are friends I hope to stay in contact with long after I’ve left Oxford.

What A-Levels did you take and what are you plans for the future?

I studied Physics, Maths and Further Maths, and my plan at the moment is to go through clearing after receiving my A-Level results are and then decide what I would really like to do next in life.

Is there anyone in particular who you feel has helped you along the way?

The overall support of the teachers and wider staff community have helped me greatly, the atmosphere and environment they create for us is beneficial to our learning and hopefully our success too!