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 Natalie Jackson the grand prize of £1000 towards her University Tuition fees, for being our NTDL Student of the Year 2008. Our Director, Emma Bourne met Natalie at Bristol University, where she is studying Deaf Studies (with Law). This was the ideal opportunity to award her for her achievement.

Natalie, a former pupil of All Saints R.C. School, York has suffered from M.E.for 8 years. She studied Law through NTDL. In her winning entry she says:

‘The course allows me to study independently, so that I can work when I am feeling my best, producing better quality work. The independent learning that the course involves prepares you for university by encouraging self-study, yet at the same time the tutor is always there to contact and help guide you through the course. My tutor Andy, has given me more support with my health than any other teachers at school, which has motivated me to work harder and ensure that I get the highest grade possible. …the course material is there, so if I have to miss a lesson I am able to catch up easily. If All Saints’ School didn’t have the distance learning course available, we students wouldn’t have the option to study a new subject area. Without the opportunity to study these specialist subjects people go to university without an idea of the subject. The latest figures show that almost 1 in 4 students are dropping out before completing their studies, as they haven’t had the opportunity to learn what their course entails.