A word from one of our Gifted and Talented Students
Jacob Diggle, Year 10, Knowles Hill School – NTDL Law Student

I would firstly like to say that the term 'Gifted Students' is pretty ambiguous, every student is gifted in some way or another, but I believe that academic students, like my self greatly benefit from this form of learning.

Not only doesit enable me to learn among older students who will no doubt push me and provide healthy competition, but it also provides subjects that would otherwise be unavailable to me.

The way that classes are structured, in small groups, provides countless opportunities for me to develop my confidence and help me improve my expositional skills as I would be in a class where it isn’t ‘uncool' to think.I also think that because the course is structured mainly around self motivated learning away from the classroom I am be able to improve my self motivation, time management and research skills.

Distance Learning has enabled me to study a subject which I love. I never thought that such possibilities would be open to me. It is a brilliant way to encourage other academically able students to further their knowledge and push themselves to achieve their full potential. I would recommend it to anyone who has a burning desire for knowledge and is prepared to work hard. It's not easy...but it's worth it.

I have my sights set on going to Cambridge to study Law and then go on to become a barrister. My ultimate goal is to become a judge in one of the higher courts.

We wanted to personally award Claire Wright for being our NTDL Student of the Year 2006 and receiving the grand prize of £1000 towards her University Tuition fees.

Our Distance Learning Manager, Clare Anderson and her tutor Mike Zollo went along to a Sixth Form presentation evening at Knutsford High in December. With Claire already settled at Canterbury Christ church University this was the ideal opportunity to award her with the achievement. Presented with flowers and a certificate, NTDL were pleased to say a final farewell to her.

We have since received this lovely email from Claire;

Thanks to Nelson Thornes distance learning I achieved the grades I needed and I’m now happily settled in at Canterbury Christ church university. University life is a world away from sixth form but the format of distance learning has helped enormously in preparing me for the level of independence that is needed to succeed at university. I’m having the time of my life at Canterbury but I couldn’t have got there or have settled into the work style anywhere near as easily if it wasn’t for my experiences with Nelson Thornes, so once again I’d like to say a big thank you!

Claire Wright