Catherine Wang arrived in the UK in January 1999. In order to develop and extend her English language skills, she spent the first few months at Sherborne International College. Then she joined Aldenham to take a two-year‘A’level course, which will enable her to enter a British university.

    Catherine found that the emphasis on maths and science in China had equipped her well for two of her“A” levels----maths and physics. To challenge① her imagination, she chose art as her third subject. She said it was quite rewarding② and challenging.
Although Catherine left a little, lonely at first, she said she was very grateful for the friendliness shown to her by the teachers at Aldenham.

    Catherine has found the international mix of cultures very refreshing③.As well as making friends, both boys and girls from a number of cultures, Catherine found it comforting to meet other Chinese pupils at the school.

    The house facilities④include a separate girls' sitting room and the use of a kitchen, though, she said the school food was good.

    She is a hard working pupil and values the opportunity to study in England. She hopes her results will enable her parents to be proud of her achievements. Catherine plans to study at a leading university in the UK before returning to China to work.

    Summing up her time at the school, Catherine said,“I have been very happy at Aldenham and I know I will never forget the experience. I have learnt a great deal from the English culture and my English has improved enormously⑤. The school has been good at recognizing the needs of foreign students. For example, we went out as a crowd last week to celebrate the Chinese New Year. It was great.”

词语解释
①challenge ['tM$lindN] v．鞭策；挑战
②rewarding [ri'w&:ding] a．有得益的；值得做的
③refreshing [ri'freMiR] a．使人耳目一新的
④facility [f 'sil ti] n．（复数）设备；方便
⑤enormously [i'n&:m sli] ad．大大地，巨大地