A radical A/L experience using methods of learning from Oxford and Cambridge Universities at Brightly College
View(s):The final two years of school before university are probably the most crucial in laying the foundation of a young person’s future career – let alone the direction his/her academics will take. Especially now, having experienced first-hand the disruption a crippling pandemic can cause to global economies, there is an even greater need for students to be prepared for a fast-changing workforce.
Andrew Fowler-Watt, Founding Principal of Brightly College
Additionally, the workplace of the future will be one that values highly adaptable workers; those who are highly resilient to change, can easily pivot to new opportunities, and are open to learning new skills- all while contributing high value through initiative, problem-solving abilities, and persistence. It goes without saying then, that to produce self-assured young individuals ready to face the challenges of a global future that is constantly reshaping itself anew, it is paramount that higher education institutions in Sri Lanka are able to apply teaching methodologies that are both informed and reliable.
Brightly College, inaugurated in March this year, was launched with the aim to transform the education landscape in Sri Lanka; to better prepare high school students for a future that is constantly in flux. As an affiliate institution of the globally established Cambridge International Examinations body, students at Brightly College will not just be learning course content from an internationally recognised curriculum, but will also get the privileged opportunity to learn through Oxford and Cambridge university pedagogical methodologies directly from Oxbridge academicians.
With both Oxford and Cambridge scholars at the helm, it comes as no surprise then that Brightly’s approach to teaching is a tried-and-tested one; reflecting also the unparalleled depth of their experience in both national and international education systems.
Founder of Brightly College, Andrew Fowler-Watt, won scholarships to both Eton College and Cambridge University, and was awarded a BA (Hons) in English Literature in 1982, followed by an MA in 1985. Following a year’s stint in the USA (having been awarded an English Speaking Union Scholarship), Andrew then launched his multidisciplinary 25-year teaching career at leading private schools in the UK where he served as English teacher, Sports Coach, Director of Drama, Housemaster, and Headmaster. He then moved to Sri Lanka in 2007 for the role of Principal of Colombo International School and then The British School, before moving to Brunei as Principal of Jerudong International School. Andrew returned to Sri Lanka in 2016 to serve as Principal of Trinity College Kandy, and retired from the post after 4 successful years.
Tom Cassidy, Director of Innovation & Learning of Brightly College
Tom Cassidy is the Director of Innovation & Learning at Brightly, and is an education visionary with a Physics degree from Oxford and deep understanding of both pedagogic practice and leadership. In addition to over 15 years of teaching experience across a wide range of subjects in the UK, Spain, Hong Kong, China & Qatar, Tom also has significant experience as Vice-Principal and Principal across schools and academic groups. An ardent proponent of accelerated and collaborative learning, he has developed several teacher training frameworks which have been incorporated by around 20,000 teachers worldwide, and recognised by the Guardian in 2014.In addition to being an entrepreneur creating systems for learning, innovation, and implementation, Tom is also an internationally published author of several creative problem-solving books; all of which have been translated into 6 languages.
The future of learning is in teaching students ‘how to learn,’ and what truly differentiates Brightly College from other Sri Lankan high schools and A Level institutions is its ‘radical’ approach to pedagogy, based on the progressive models employed by both Oxford and Cambridge universities. Here, rote learning techniques are ousted in favour of a more effective study model which prioritizes meaningful learning and an exchange of ideas.
Lectures alone don’t facilitate new world readiness, so here, the curricula includes continuing with long-standing teaching methods but also 21st century skills development (the 4 C’s – communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity). Brightly College incorporates valuable modules such as Productivity Boosters, Memory Palaces, Smart Note Taking, Thinking Outside the Box, Acing your Exams which encourage deeper levels of thinking, agility, better decision-making, and self-discipline; alongside regular A Level subject content. Additionally, students will be challenged with engaging open-ended assignments instead of solely traditional assessments which require basic recollection of course content – ensuring that all graduates of Brightly College will be future-proof individuals ready to make their mark in the world.
Brightly College offers a well-rounded mix of both traditional A Level subjects and those more relevant to the times. These include: Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Marine Science, English Literature, as well as Drama, Art/Textiles Design, and Digital Media & Design.
The school looks forward to welcoming its inaugural batch of ambitious A Level students for its first intake in September 2022, but applications are also still open for its one-week Summer Advanced Learning Programme which commences July 4th.
Brightly College invites students who have completed their O Levels (and their parents) to learn more about the uniquely enriching learning experience the school has to offer, and the world of opportunity that awaits. For more information contact Brightly College on +94 76 538 2000 or email admin@brightlycollege.com or walk in between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday – Colombo Innovation Tower, No 477, R A De Mel mawatha, Colombo 4 www.aod.lk
HitAd.lk is the best and biggest mobile phone market in Sri Lanka, and we guarantee you will find what you need here from our extensive listing of mobile phones for sale in Sri Lanka. Whether it’s a budget-priced smartphone for communication, or higher end features with advanced connectivity, there are many different options from which to choose from on our site!