Blog

Festivities for National Eisteddfod of Wales 2016

The annual National Eisteddfod of Wales will be held on 29th July to 6th August this year. This celebration is called Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru in Welch language. It is the culmination of the Welsh cultural calendar. The festival travels to different venues every year.

Teaching Young Pupils About University Yields Good Results

The University and College Admissions Service (UCAS) advises schools to teach young pupils about the importance of attending university. As it turns out, kids who have been informed about their uni options are inclined to apply to higher education.

Exam Resit Preparations and Dissertation Writing During Summer

It is such a relief when the Summer Term ends because it means that uni students will get their much-needed rest. This might not be true to some as they would still be busy with exam resits or dissertations.

University Decisions on 30th June UCAS Applications Submissions

If you have submitted your UCAS applications on or before 30th June, you should have received offers by now. Not hearing back from the institution after 14th July means that UCAS shall decline your application for you. Getting into this situation can be tough and may stir up negative emotions. However, not all hope is gone. Many A-level students are going through this exact application hiccup. What should be your next step to get a uni place?

The Twelfth: Commemorating the Battle of the Boyne

12th July is a bank holiday in Northern Ireland to commemorate the Battle of the Boyne, known as the Twelfth. It was a battle in 1690 between Protestant King William of Orange and Catholic King James II. King William’s victory at the River Boyne, began the Protestant Ascendancy in Ireland.

UK’s Historic Success at Wimbledon 2016

Andy Murray’s 2nd men’s singles Wimbledon trophy is the icing on the cake to Britain’s successful run at the Wimbledon 2016. The UK’s representatives also won at the mixed doubles, men’s wheelchair singles, men’s wheelchair doubles, and women’s wheelchair doubles.

Celebrating Eid al-Fitr in the United Kingdom

The first sighting of a new moon signifies the Eid al-Fitr, which is the official end of Ramadan and the first day of the month of Shawwal. Muslims around the world celebrate this conclusion of the holy month of fasting and the start of a feast that will last up to three days. It is also known as the Feast of Fast-Breaking and the Lesser Feast. It is one of the two major Islam Festivals, with Eid al-Adha or Sacrifice Feast being the holier one.

Results Day for International Baccalaureate Applicants

Are you an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma holder applying for a university course? Today, 5th July is the release of IB application results.

Last Day to Apply to UCAS Extra, Clearing Opens

For UCAS applicants who still do not hold any offers, please take note that today, 4th July is the last day to apply using UCAS Extra. The Extra option allows you to apply for other courses with vacancies, which can be done one course at a time.

Taking Advantage of UCAS Clearing

Are you an A-level student who still has not submitted your UCAS applications? Today, 30th June is the second deadline for UCAS applications for academic term 2016-2017, and submissions sent after 6 pm today would not be sent to colleges and universities anymore. Rather, they will automatically be entered to Clearing.

Who will Win the Championships, Wimbledon 2016?

Tennis fans are all eyes on the ongoing Championships, Wimbledon 2016, which has officially opened on June 27 and will cap off on July 10. Will Andy Murray steal the trophy and stop Novak Djokovic from winning his third straight Wimbledon for men’s singles? Will Serena Williams win back-to-back Wimbledon titles?

Impact of Brexit on UK Education

The British have voted and the majority, 52% to 48%, chose to exit the European Union (EU) in the recently held Brexit referendum. This was the highest voting turnout, with 30 million people voting since the 1992 general election. What exactly would its impact be on UK education?

Summer Graduation and Honouraries 2016

It is summer graduation season in the UK once again. Students, from teenagers in secondary school, young adults taking up a bachelor’s degree, to grownups finishing up graduate school, could not wait to walk solemnly toward the stage to receive their hard-earned diplomas.

Summer Solstice 2016 Coincides with Strawberry Moon

For the first time since 1948, the Summer Solstice or the longest day of the year has coincided with the June full moon called the Strawberry Moon. The 17 long hours of sunlight will yield bright moonlit skies and such extraordinary astrological event will be witnessed around the world.

Honouring Dads and Father Figures on Father’s Day

Though mothers usually get more credit in raising kids, dads play an equally important role in shaping the lives of children. Society has usually perceived the role of fathers to be providers at home; however, in a large number of households, their role goes beyond that. In fact, dads deserve to be credited for their involvement in promoting their kids’ development and making sure they receive the proper education they deserve. A great day to show appreciation to our dads and all the father figures in our lives is here again. UK celebrates Father’s Day together with the US, Canada, Scotland, and other countries on the third Sunday of June.

Being Academically Productive during Summer Break

Summer Term has ended in the UK for some universities, much to the delight of students who are excited to go on holiday. While some choose to rest and relax during this time, there are those who actually take this break as an opportunity to continue or increase their educational productivity.

Three-Day Festivities Held for Queen’s 90th Birthday

The heavens have blessed the Queen’s 90th Birthday with rain showers, but the heavy downpour did not stop spectators from capping off the three-day event. To show their love for Queen Elizabeth II, thousands of people braved the rain to join the street party right outside Buckingham Palace in England, London today.

UK Celebrates with Chinese Communities in Duanwu Festival 2016

Duanwu Festival, also referred as the Dragon Boat Festival, is one of the most significant celebrations in China and Chinese communities all over the world. This event is commemorated on the 5th day of the 5th month in the lunar calendar, which falls on June 9 this year.

Fasting and Studying During Ramadan

June 6 marks the start of Ramadan this year and almost three million Muslims in the UK will be facing a tough holy month. Experts say that Muslims in the northern hemisphere will be having the most challenging one in 30 years. This is due to the extremely long summer days that would provide very short windows to break daily fasts. Since the Islamic holy month spans the summer equinox, there will be early dawns and late sunsets. This would mean up to 20 hours of fasting for some people.

UK Celebrations of the Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi is observed in the United Kingdom by Christians, especially those who are Roman Catholics. This tradition is done in honour of the Holy Eucharist. Other names for it are the Feast of the Most Holy Body of Christ and Day of Wreaths. This year, it falls on Thursday 26 May.