Ms Mabel Tan, head of UCSI University A-Level Academy, stands with students Siti Nur Aelina Abu Bakar (left) and Hafizah Razy after the students were selected to win a free trip to England to study at the University of Bath International Science Summer Sc

UCSI University A-Level Academy students Siti Nur Aelina Abu Bakar (left) and Hafizah Razy hold up their winning posters after being selected to win a free trip to England to attend the University of Bath International Science Summer School.

Students from UCSI University A-Level Academy hold up their certificates after participating in the University of Bath International Science Summer School Competition.

Kuala Lumpur, 28 February, 2011 - Students from UCSI University A-Level Academy are showing again their strengths in mathematics and science. Students Siti Nur Aelina Abu Bakar and Hafizah Razy beat out national competitors to win two out of the four Malaysian spots available for an all-expense paid trip to the United Kingdom to attend the University of Bath International Science Summer School in July. The selective programme is taught by University of Bath lecturers to provide students a university experience while teaching them advanced courses in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, computer science, mathematical sciences, pharmacy, pharmacology and physics.

“I was so excited when I got the email with the results,” Ms Mabel Tan, head of UCSI University A-Level Academy said. “I think this is a great opportunity for our students to be exposed to a different culture, and I think when they come back they’ll be a lot more enthusiastic about science in general.” 

The students were selected after taking part in a University of Bath science competition that took place earlier this year at A-Levels programmes throughout Malaysia including ones at UCSI University, KYUEM, INTEC and Garden International School. Students first participated in a laboratory experiment on creating biofuel before being asked to submit a poster presentation with the theme “How can chemistry help fix climate change?” Both of the winning posters addressed issues with greenhouse gases and climate change and explained how biofuel can be used to help alleviate the problem. 

Both of the winning students said they want to study pharmacy and would like to eventually attend university in the United Kingdom. 

“I really feel this is a good opportunity for me,” Siti said. “This visit is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’m very fortunate.”

Hafizah said she was excited to go to the United Kingdom for the first time, both to visit and to study. 

“The University of Bath is a very high-quality university,” she said. “Hopefully I can learn a lot and share it with my friends at home. It will be a very treasured experience for me.”

The winning trip to the University of Bath is just one example of the academic strength of the UCSI University A-Level Academy. Last July, 96 percent of students passed their A-Levels examinations, with 78 percent achieving an A or B. Additionally, 10 students received A*, the highest mark possible, in all four subjects during their exams and seven received perfect scores in at least one category. 

Ms Tan said entering the competition was just one of the many extras the UCSI University A-Level Academy provides it students to help them achieve their goals.

“There are a lot of additional things we do to raise the bar and push their limits,” she said. “We want them to reach their potential.”