就读国际学校之前最容易忽视这六个真相
这篇文章基于上实剑桥剑桥教务长Tim Hawkins对新生家长的演讲稿整理而成，经过笔者整理翻译为十条至关重要却总会被一叶障目的箴言，希望能够让即将就读国际学校或出国留学的青少年、青年和家长们少走一些弯路。
我不敢说这些都是100%正确的，因为这也仅仅是Tim结合自己二十多年在大学与中学的教育教学经验总结出来的一些个人观点。
This is based on Tim's speech to prospective students' parents this year. Hermione translated and organized ten of these to remind teenagers, young adults and parents in choosing the right way. But we would never say these are universal golden rules. They are all Tim's thoughts (perhaps mixed with Hermione's interpretation) over the over two decades' educational practice in both UK and China.
1. US/UK Top universities' output
1. 美/英 顶尖大学的培养目标是什么
The output from top US universities is leaders. How many Presidents, CEO’s and famous Professors were educated here?
The output from UK universities is increased knowledge. Cambridge is firstly for research.
The students admitted as undergraduates to either US or UK universities are the material for those universities’ outputs. And they will select the best material they can get for their chosen outputs.
美国最顶尖的那些大学培养的是领袖人物。你不妨想想从那些学校里走出来了多少总统、总裁以及知名学者？
英国顶尖大学的培养目标则更侧重于探索知识的边界。比如剑桥大学首先是一个研究机构。
但不管是美国还是英国的顶尖大学，他们挑选录取本科生的过程就像企业生产挑选原材料一样，尽量在可选范围内找出各方面条件最优秀的申请者。
1.1 No need to decide at first
1.1 申请美/英大学不用决定太早
Some requirements are the same, for top US or top UK universities. An enquiring, independent mind and a good level of self confidence are strengths, whether you are to become a leader or a fundamental researcher.
And there is no need for our students to actually make a choice, except to the extent that they need to, in order to have enough time for their studies.
对于顶级的英美大学来说，他们的有些要求是一致的。不管你将来立志成为领袖人物还是研究学者，探究能力和独立自主的精神、以及适度的自信都是你的优势。
我们的学生无需在入学的时候就马上决定是申请美国还是英国的大学，除非他们意向非常明确或打算早做决定以获得更多的时间来准备。
1.2 Students to a bigger world
1.2 学生如何走向更广阔的世界
Some of our best applicants to Oxford and Cambridge have also applied to top US universities. A student can’t apply to both Oxford and Cambridge, and can only apply to 5 UK universities in total. But similar restrictions do not apply to top US universities and a student can apply to UK, US, Canada, Australia and Hong Kong.
我们学校一些非常优秀的学生在申请英国牛津、剑桥的同时也申请了美国的顶级大学。对于申请英国大学的同学，牛津大学和剑桥大学只能申请其中一所，而且只能同时申请5所英国高校，但是在申请美国大学时则不存在数量限制。这也就意味着学生也可以同时申请英国、美国、加拿大、澳大利亚以及香港的高校。
1.3 2017's offers
1.3 今年录取情况
And this year(2017) we have got offers from Oxford and Cambridge and have a typical number, four, two at each. And we have offers for many at other good UK universities, such as Imperial College.
历年来我们学校都有优秀学生收到来自牛津和剑桥的录取通知书，今年(2017)已有四位，牛津剑桥各两位。同时我们学生也收到很多英国顶尖大学的通知书，比如帝国理工。
图片来自网络
2 English matters
2 英语为什么重要
English language ability is critical. And that is not just because all admissions have a direct IELTS or TOEFL requirement. Though those requirements themselves are high for top universities. Whether you are expressing depth of subject understanding, for the UK, or whether you are selling yourself, for the US, your English is critical.
英语能力至关重要。当然这不仅仅是因为在申请录取时要求提供雅思或托福成绩。顶级大学对于英语成绩的要求是非常高的。无论你是在申请英国高校时需要展现你对学科的深刻理解，还是你在申请美国高校时最好地展现自我，英语都是至关重要的。
2.1 申请中你会遇到的问题
2.1 Questions in your way
The reason for low self confidence in Chinese students is often poor English. And, for top universities, the interview, written personal statement or essay and sometimes other questions that applicants get sent, like “How do you want to change the world?” (from University College London) need excellent English, in order for the student to properly express their independent thinking.
通常中国学生之所以不自信是因为他们的英语不好。如果你想申请顶级大学，无论是面试、写个人陈述还是回答论文，或是申请者收到的其他问题，诸如“你想怎样改变世界?”（伦敦大学学院要求申请者回答），都需要申请者具有出色的英语水平来恰如其分地表达他们的独立思考的思维能力。
2.2 Speak for yourself
2.2 始终确保我口说我心
We can help with submitted material, but they are on their own in the interview. And, although they may mention their parents, they must not answer questions about what their ideas are, with “my mother says..” or “my father wants me to…” So we do emphasise English.
在学生递交的书面材料时，我们作为老师可以尽可能提供帮助，但到面试现场时学生全部只能靠自己。另外，在面试时，孩子们可以提到父母，但他们却不能在表达自己的观点时以“我妈妈说…” 亦或是“我爸爸想让我…”的方式来回答考官提问。
2.3 90% English at least
2.3 浸润式的语言学习环境
This is an English immersion environment, and our teachers are only permitted to use Chinese for 10% of what they say, in order to explain difficult concepts. Use more Chinese, and their contracts have a habit of not being renewed.
We have a lot of English lessons in the first two years. And we encourage participation in extra curricula activities such as debating and Model United Nations.
因此我们很重视英语。我们给孩子们提供英文的教学环境，我们的双语教师只被允许用百分之十的中文来解释非常难的概念。如果老师用过多的中文授课，其合约很可能会被终止。
前两年学校会提供很多的英语课程。同时我们还会鼓励学生们参与诸如辩论社、模联社等锻炼英语的课外活动。
2.4 A gift from Oxford
2.4 来自牛津大学的礼物
And, for a student that has been with us for three years, Oxford University has, accepted my statement that our instruction is in English, as the basis for exempting our applicants entirely from their demanding IELTS level requirement (7.5). We cannot rely on this for the future, they often change their rules, but I do mention it as evidence of how seriously we take the English environment
今年其实还有一件很值得高兴的事情，牛津大学已经认可了我校卓有成效的英语教育及效果。牛津大学免除了上实剑桥被录取同学的英语雅思语言考试要求（原本牛津大学需要雅思四科单项7.0或者7.5分的要求）。当然，未来牛津大学也有可能改变政策，但起码今年的情况是一个很好的证据，足以证明国外顶尖大学对上实剑桥英语教学水平及学校整体教育质量的认可。
3 UK Education
3 英国大学看什么
Let me be specific about the UK. As I said, it is about depth of subject understanding.
They like traditional subjects. They have a list of 14 such, called the Russell group subjects. It even includes Latin, but doesn’t include Economics and certainly not Business Studies.
If you want to study Finance, Management or Economics at a British university the subject they want you to grasp is Maths. And they actually want Physics more than Economics as a second subject.
我们先谈谈关于英国高校。就如同我刚刚所说的，英国大学注重对学科理解的深度。
英国比较注重传统学科，罗素大学联盟有14个传统学科的列表。这14门学科中甚至包括拉丁文，但却不包括经济学以及商学。
如果你想在英国大学学习金融、管理学或者是经济学，大学希望你高中需要掌握的科目是数学，其次或许是物理，而经济学要排在物理之后。
https://successatschool.org/advicedetails/204/What-is-a-Facilitating-Subject
（这个网站还有许多关于为什么是这些科目的论述）
3.1 为什么这么“传统”？
3.1 Why this "tradition"?
They argue that the academic rigour in the traditional subjects provides a good test of the student’s ability to deal with the analytical initiative needed to get the best out of the university courses. Economics at Cambridge does not require previous study of Economics, but the ability to grasp the subject deeply during the university course is considered evidenced by Maths and other academic subjects.
因为他们认为传统学科（像数学和物理）的学术严谨性能很好地测试学生是否具有在面临大学课程时所需的主动分析能力。剑桥大学经济系不要求学生之前就学过经济学，他们认为如果有优秀的数学和其他传统学科的表现，则可以证明该学生能够深刻理解经济学。
3.2 个人陈述到底需要有写什么
3.2 What to be included in PS?
The personal statement must be specific to the course applied for. If a student is applying for a subject studied at A level, then that subject is most of the personal statement. If applying for say Finance, the personal statement has to tell a story linking the desire to study that university course with a good depth of A level subject knowledge.
学生申请英国大学时写的个人陈述必须详细提到自己想要申请的专业。如果一个学生想申请他在A-Level阶段所学习的科目，那么对于这个科目的陈述应该占据个人陈述的大比例篇幅。例如申请金融学，个人陈述中就必须阐述学习金融学科的愿望以及对A-Level课程中金融学相关知识的深度理解。
3.3 LSE 需要你的特殊对待
3.3 LSE needs special care
For one excellent British university, the London School of Economics, the personal statement is enourmously important. And must show specific preparation for the chosen course at that university, maybe disadvantaging a student’s other four applications. Moreover, it must show independence and initiative. LSE is a popular choice among Chinese students. And this year we have three students starting there, but it does require special care, or I advise against.
对于某些英国的顶尖大学而言，如伦敦政治经济学院（LSE），个人陈述中所写的内容就特别关键。学生必须要明确自己为将在这所大学所学专业的课程做了充足的准备，但这可能会对其他几所大学的申请带来一些劣势。更重要的是，学生在个人陈述中要注重展现自己具备独立思考的能力和非此不可的进取心。LSE确实是很多中国学生的选择。今年我们已经有三位学生在LSE就读，但我个人还是建议你考虑申请LSE时要多多注意措辞。
3.4 Interview's objective
3.4 英国大学面试的目的
And the interview for a top university will be similar, with the content depending on the sort of course being applied for. And the objective of the interview for the university is to determine whether the student will be easy to teach and good at learning. Some discussion about leadership, character, sports and extra curricula activity will take place, but it is less important than for the US.
顶级大学的面试内容其实都比较类似，面试内容大多与申请专业的类别相关。英国大学面试的目的在于判断学生是否值得教、善于学习，面试中当然也会了解学生的领导能力、性格、运动以及课外活动，但不像美国高校那么看重。
图片来自网络
4 US Education
4 美国大学看什么
Turning to the US, the basic requirement, in addition to the TOEFL English test is the Scholastic Aptitude Test, SAT. The alternative ACT test also works but is now less popular in the US, though we have two students taking that route this year.
SAT consists of an easy Maths test and a two part English test. One part is supposed to involve reasoning, but is really mostly an advanced vocabulary test. Students who might wish to go to the US must practice the SAT English, or if they take the ACT alternative slightly different English.
接着我们来谈谈美国。对于美国高校来说，基本的要求除了托福成绩之外，就是学习能力倾向测试（即SAT考试）。
SAT考试由一部分较为简单的数学测试和两部分英语测试组成。SAT英语测试的其中一个部分涉及到推理，但实际是对高级词汇的考察。想要申请美国学校的学生必须训练SAT英语。
4.1 A Level works in US
4.1 英美课程并行不悖
We offer SAT and ACT courses, in addition to IELTS and TOEFL courses in the first year of our two year A level programmes, for that purpose. Taking SAT lessons does not commit a student to choose the US, though the student probably should not take it unless there is some chance of a US application.
Otherwise, a US application for a top university is well supported by A levels. Cambridge actively sells A levels to non-British universities and a good proportion of US universities now recognise them.
为此，我们把SAT英语课程安排进了我们丰富的英语课程体系之中，那些想要申请美国的同学必须要有针对性地学习这方面的课程。
而另一方面，通过A-level的课程也可以申请到美国顶尖的大学。剑桥大学有效地将A-level的课程推广到了全世界，美国大学不仅认可A-level课程体系，还可以用A-level成绩换取大学学分，从而提前毕业。
4.2 The inner coherence
4.2 课程之间的融会贯通
The subject material for academic subjects is very similar whatever education system is involved. The syllabuses for Physics for the Chinese Gow Kow and A level are identical, for example. US universities, because they do not focus on subject grades in the same way as British universities, do require to see a report of the grades achieved by a student by subject over all of his time with at High School. So internal exam grades are reported with a US application, and summarised into a grade average, a GPA.
因为A-level的学科内容与其它的教育体系都非常相似。 拿物理科目来说，该科目的教学大纲不仅与美国是一致的，与中国高考也是一致的。 美国大学对于成绩的要求与英国大学相对更关注A Level考试成绩不一样的地方是，申请美国的大学需要提交学生的高中各阶段成绩。因此美国大学的申请需要学生提交学校内部的考试成绩，并将考试成绩换算成平均分，也就是GPA。
4.3 US's focus on leadership
4.3 美国大学更为关注领导力
For the US as I have mentioned, our recommendation letter and reference assessments, the student’s own essay or personal statement and interview must demonstrate leadership potential and self confidence – to a greater extent than is necessary for the UK universities.
正如我刚才已经讲过的，美国大学比英国大学在学生的领导潜质和自信上有更高的要求，因此学生需要在推荐信、老师评价、个人陈述、面试等各个环节中表现出较强的领导力和自信心。
4.4 Flexible in AP and A Level
4.4 双A课程同步开启的优势
We consider our flexibility on destinations a strength. As I said earlier, our top students often apply to both the US and UK. We leverage the similarities between the syllabuses and our courses for the American AP exams are top-ups to the A level courses, where possible.
You may consider this a competitive edge – we do. Some other good schools in Shanghai currently specialise in UK, US or Canadian programs, at different campuses. I know one well respected school is thinking about how to be flexible, we already do it.
我们认为这种灵活性是一种优势。如前所述，我们最好的学生既申请美国大学也申请英国大学。我们在安排教学大纲和课程时会尽量平衡AP考试和A Level课程。
你或许也认为这是一个非常有竞争力的做法，上海其他的中学有的是专攻英国，或只培养学生留学美国或加拿大。其中有学校已经准备效仿我们的做法。
图片来自网络
5 学习之余做什么
5 Life is more
In addition to English, Extra curricula activities including sports are a good way for students to develop their self confidence, leadership and team-work skills. As long as they do not compromise their studies, we encourage participation. And they should not leave it late.
除了英语外, 我们也应当重视包括体育运动在内的各种课外活动，因为它们能够帮助提高学生的自信，领导力和团队合作能力。在不影响学习的前提下，我们鼓励学生尽可能的多并且及早的参加课外活动。
5.1 将兴趣爱好落地成自己的经历
5.1 from interest to experiences
Students need to have their interests, abilities other than academic, and examples of projects, clubs, students’ union organising work, developed over two or three years by the time they apply for university early in the final year. As I have said, particularly for any US application – and also for Management courses in the UK – evidence of leadership potential is valuable.
在申请大学的前两到三年中，学生需要在学习之外拥有自己的兴趣爱好，培养各种能力，拥有丰富的实践经历，如实践项目经历，社团工作，学生会工作经历等。 正如我前面提到过的，尤其是如果学生要申请美国大学，或者申请英国的管理类专业，具体的能证明学生领导力的证据是很有价值的。
5.2 西式教育对大学申请更有帮助
5.2 Western education fits in
Making the transition to a Western Education style is important. I am not saying that Western culture is right or wrong, better or worse than a traditional Chinese approach to education. I am saying that the Western universities – British and American - are looking for evidence that Chinese applicants will fit their culture. Understanding subjects in depth is part of it, independent thought and initiative another part.
我们学校的教育风格其实有向西方教育模式转变，这种教育方式的转型很重要。在此，我不是在说西方文化是对的还是错的，相对于中国传统教育方式是更好还是更差。我想强调的是，西方的大学，英国和美国的大学，寻找的是能证明自己可以适应西方文化的中国申请者。对学科的深度理解是一部分，独立思维和主动性是另一部分。
5.3 Educate for what?
5.3 我们教是为了什么？
As teachers, we need to set the right role model, as part of both the transition to Western education and the development of students’ self confidence and initiative. Teamwork and collaborative openness are vital.
The students, of course are quite aware of the school’s management style and the working relationships in the school. We are student-centred, not a factory. We treat each student as an individual and aim to maximise their potential.
作为教师，我们应做一个好的示范，这是向西式教育过渡和建立学生自信心和进取心的一部分。团队的无私协作是关键。
因为学生对于学校的管理风格及运作方式是非常清楚的。我们学校以学生为中心，而不是一个流水线工厂。我们把每个学生视为鲜活的个体，我们的目标是帮助他们发挥最大的潜能。
图片来自网络，表示英国和美国
【学过地理的你能够找出其中的错误吗？（至少两处）】
6 Students' own business
6 学生为什么得为自己做主
Above all, students must develop their own overview of where they are, what they are trying to do. It has to be flexible, they need to learn that, on the one hand they can’t force the future to be what they want, and might not succeed with everything.
But on the other hand, they must focus, prioirise, push on with confidence and know the value to them of the different achievements they could aspire to.
总而言之，学生一定要知道自己目前在哪里，努力要做的是什么。学生计划的制定应该是灵活的，一方面，学生需要学会明白他们对于未来的设想不一定成真，也难以在所有方面都取得成功。
另一方面，他们需要学会集中精力，分出轻重先后，增强自信，并认识到他们渴求的各类成就也存在着不同的价值。
6.1 self-discipline
6.1 培养自律意识
We will help them develop that approach. They need to depend less on “who said..” and “I didn’t have a choice…” and more on the real reasons why. A high degree of self-discipline is needed. And increasing their self-discipline is worthwhile for most of our students. They cannot choose subjects just because they enjoy them, and equally drop subjects just because they find them difficult.
我们会帮助学生来发展这些能力。学生需要减少依赖于像“他说…”和“我没有选择…”此类的话语，而要更多地说出真实的原因。高度的自律意识是很重要的。对于大多数学生来说，培养自律意识是可以受益终身的。学生不能仅因为喜欢就选一门课，或者选了它之后发现难就放弃。
6.2 Willing to communicate
6.2 乐于与不同国家的人交流
All universities in the US and the UK are concerned about the increase in the number of Chinese students. They don’t want students to only stick together with other Chinese, for a number of obvious reasons.
This is another reason why they are looking for evidence of self confidence – and again a use of a student’s English ability. Students should assume that they will actively mix with local and other nationalities – and certainly must give the universities the impression that they will, when applying.
所有的西方大学（包括美国和英国）对于中国留学生数量的增多有所担忧。他们不希望这些中国留学生们只和本国学生待在一起（而这正是许多中国留学生认为“舒适”的习惯）。
与他国同学交流，一是要用到学生的英语能力，另外也是为什么大学要求申请者有自信的原因之一。因此学生申请大学时也要反映出愿意积极主动与他国学生交流的意愿。
6.3 成为主动学习者
6.3 Active learner
The second problem they will have – in either the UK or the US – is to find the initiative needed to get the best out of the subject courses. The general understanding of the point is the same, as I have already mentioned about Western education style.
Whatever subject courses they are taking at university they will need to develop a depth of understanding which means they can make an intellectual leap themselves. The US universities will give emphasis to leadership on recruitment, but when students are there, they will need the same subject approach as in the UK.
我们的留学生要面临的第二个难题就是要主动积极地去获取各学科的精华。这一点与我前面提到的西方的教育风格是一致的。
无论将来他们在大学学的是什么专业，他们需要对这些科目做深度地学习理解，这样他们才能在智力上有一个飞跃。虽然美国大学在录取学生过程中非常强调学生的领导力，但是当学生一旦就读这些大学时，美国和英国大学一样都希望学生能够主动地学习、探索。
图片来自网络
以上就是Tim的六条箴言，以下是我的一句话总结：
去英国留学要考雅思，学A Level，英国大学更看重勤思善学、懂得表达自己想法的学生，去美国留学要考托福和SAT，学A Level和AP都可以，美国大学更看重理性推理、善于与人沟通交流的学生。
Tim所在学校的官方微信：
上实剑桥浦东校区
Tim所在学校的官方网站：
http://www.sescie.com/found/
另外，苹果用户想赞赏的话，可以扫描 ⬇️