Dear Fellow Students,

I am sure many of you like the idea of having a special connection with your teachers. By impressing them, you gain extra opportunities in learning and in outshining your peers. At boarding school, it is important to cherish your teachers as they act as your parents.

By impressing your teachers, however, I do not mean buying your teachers expensive gifts. Instead, it is about respect and admiration for your teachers, and how you communicate with them and present yourself with academic curiosity.

Unlike the education system in China, where teachers have full authority over students and their behavior, in the United Kingdom, teachers treat each student as an individual. At private schools, where tuition fees are high, teachers are trained to perform to the best standard and quality to the expectations of the Board of Trustee.

Unlike in China, teachers do not have the authority to personally punish students. They are tolerant of even mischievous students. As a student, I am sure sometimes you have experienced a class clown. It is important that you do not become a typical class clown by misbehaving in class.

On the other hand, if you can help stop the class clown from disturbing others, you will certainly gain the teacher's appreciation.

Most of the time, teachers are more than willing to help, even outside their regular schedule.

My economics teacher has greatly boosted my economics general knowledge by agreeing to give me an extra class or two outside class hours. So, do not hesitate to approach your teacher whenever you need help.

Susan M B Chen, a high school student at Downe House School in Britain, shares with readers her life at the all-girl public school and offers useful information and advice for her peers who intend to study in Britain

In class, one is often encouraged to participate in discussions and to ask questions if they do not understand. You should not be shy, and you should seek every opportunity to participate in class discussions.

Of course, by this I do not mean excessively raising your hand to answer every question, as you must also remember your peers deserve an opportunity to participate.

You can continue the discussion out of class, especially when that presents an opportunity for you to show your teacher your academic curiosity.

There are many opportunities in which your teachers' help benefits you. For example, you can ask for recommended reading material; you can discuss topics extending from regular teaching or, you can even ask for guidance on personal issues when you encounter difficulty in finding solutions. When you approach them for help, you not only benefit from their help, but also allow them to better understand you as a person.

When they understand you better as a person, they are better equipped to value your strengths. By frequent communication with your teachers, especially in Years 12 and 13, they learn a lot more about your personality. Your teachers will be better prepared and willing to write a good letter of reference to support your college application.

In the United Kingdom, one can attend many lectures. These are set up by outside organizations, and often include speeches by prominent people.

Last weekend I heard Alistair Darling, former Chancellor of the Exchequer of England, at the Cheltenham Literary Festival. In February, I attended "A Conversation with Joseph Stiglitz," a lecture by a Nobel Prize winner hosted by the BBC's Evan Davis.

Once your teachers get to know you better as a person, they can judge which sort of lectures suit your interests and then invite you to attend relevant conferences or speeches. From the many lectures I have attended, I have gained extremely valuable experience as well as extra out-of-class knowledge.

Occasionally you can send your teachers cards or presents to show your appreciation for their work. Sending cards of appreciation is very popular in the United Kingdom, even for the smallest of occasions. You can send presents for their birthdays or for Christmas. It is not necessary to buy expensive designer brand presents, just something they would appreciate for your kind thoughts.

Yours fondly,

Susan M. B. Chen

A Year 13 Student, Downe House School