FULL FOCUS: UCSI University student Ruel Abarrow in the midst of studying for the A-level examination.

FULL FOCUS: UCSI University student Ruel Abarrow in the midst of studying for the A-level examination.

Ruel Abarrow is one who enjoys fantasy-themed novels and silly cartoons in his free time. But underneath that easygoing nature is a no-nonsense, intelligent young man who knows what he wants and how to get it. 

Apart from the fact that this musically-talented individual plays the piano, drums and guitar, he was also the first student under UCSI University's A-Level Academy to attempt and successfully score 5As - namely, two A*s for Mathematics and Chemistry, and three As for Biology, Physics and Further Mathematics - in the A-level examination. 

It is worthy to note that the Academy brings out the best in precocious students like Ruel and his other coursemates. 

Take for example the trio - Ling Chen Jiet, Lee Chia Choon and Yong Sue Wen - who clinched Top 10 Achiever Awards and outscored outstanding students from around the world in the GCE A-level June 2012 examinations, and child genius Jeshaiah Khor - then a 12-year-old - who scored 1 A* and 3As in the same A-level examination. 

These students are but a small fragment of the Academy's many untold stories of high achievers - all of whom are walking testimonies of the Academy's commitment to educational excellence. 

Now having left his own mark in the history of the University, Ruel credits his lecturers for his achievement. 

"The A-Level Academy has a team of dedicated and friendly lecturers who give their all in class and are very willing to offer individual help when necessary," says Ruel. 

"Personally, I have benefited from one-to-one discussions with them and I could really feel their care and concern for us." 

Although giving classes his full focus did not completely eliminate the necessity of studying at home, Ruel explains that he was able to complete much of his studying in the classroom simply by understanding the many important principles taught in class; in short, that was the secret to scoring in the exams. 

Despite having taken on two additional subjects - more than the average student - that saw most of his mornings and afternoons spent in lecture classes, Ruel has never regretted a day at the Academy. 

"A-levels taught me to think in a scientific manner, to have better time management and to function optimally under stress - all of which are induced qualities that will greatly support me in the workplace," says the UCSI University Trust scholarship recipient. 

Apart from nurturing academic excellence among its students, the Academy encourages them to be well-rounded individuals through active involvement in extracurricular activities. 

For Ruel, he has worked in myriad roles; from promotional efforts at the University's education fairs and open days - during which he learned to organise a booth and to effectively communicate with the public - to being part of the A-level Sports Carnival organising committee. 

Uniquely structured programme 

Over the years, the Academy has established a strong reputation for all-rounders with a high percentage of As like Ruel, who effusively praises the course. 

"The A-level programme is a good course for all Malaysian students to experience as it is constructively challenging, hones your analytical and critical thinking abilities, and adequately prepares students for the university world," he says, adding that many case studies and real life occurrences are incorporated into the syllabus. 

In subjects like Biology, students are exposed to two generic methods of learning - applying learned theory to real-life situations and exposure to case studies before even learning the theories behind them - while topic-related incidences are introduced in Physics to help students relate theory to real-life situations. 

And despite this difference in teaching methodologies as compared to his secondary school days, Ruel opines that it is important for Malaysian students to experience both learning styles. 

"In a globalised world, I think it is crucial for students to realise that sometimes, marks should be sacrificed for learning and that learning should never be sacrificed for marks," he says. 

"The knowledge and understanding that we carry with us at the end of the day is what will make us effective people in the working world." 

"Altogether, it was a fantastic experience doing my A-levels at UCSI University and there are many memories (and people) from this experience that I would treasure for the rest of my life," adds Ruel, who is currently reading the four-year BPharm (Hons) Pharmacy degree programme at the University, and has concrete plans to join a community pharmacy as a pharmacist and then run his own pharmacy at a later stage. 

To find out more about the A-Level Academy or other courses under the Centre for Pre-U Studies, visit us any day from Monday to Saturday (9am - 5pm) for course counselling. You may also contact our Enrolment Call Centre at 03-9101 8882 or email us at www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my/onlineenquiry. 

One may also visit the Centre's website at http://www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my/pre-u/