Cotham Grammar School, Bristol

I had the opportunity to live in Bristol, UK because of my mum. She was sent there by the Malaysian Government to persue her degree. Her family was also allowed to tag along. My dad however managed to get a 2 year no-paid leave so that he can join us there in United Kingdom. This was in the years of 1997-1998. I will talk more about our experience there on a latter blog, but right now I would want to write about my experience in Cotham Grammar School, which was where I did my O’Levels.

My dad followed us to that School on our first day, along with my sister after finding out from some friend that that would be the best school to sign in to. We didn’t have any transport at that point, so we had to walk from the place we Generic Cialis Super Active Online Pharmacy were staying, up a hill called the Marlborough Hill. After that there’s about another 20 minutes walk through houses, a few more hills etc. It’s quite an interesting walk because you get a great view of the gardens.

Upon reaching Cotham Grammar School, we were greeted by the administation people. I still remember being introduced to Mr Warlock, which happens to be my Resistant Material subject lecturer. With him was the headmaster. They requested that we sit for an IQ Test, which all student who goes into this school must sit for. We had to answer 140 questions, and in a very short time of 30 minutes. The question consisted Mathematical of nature. Most of it wanted us to guess what’s the next combination based on the previous. I still remember filling my name in the form as Thristhan A/L Subramaniam and was questioned what A/L was. They started laughing after I explained. Since then I fill my name as Thristhan Subramaniam until today. But bloody Malaysian still have some problem with that, especially when I requested the A/L not to be displayed on my Identity Card.

While sitting for the IQ Test, I managed to finish the entire 140 questions 5 minutes before the time limit. I then went throught the answers, which was all objective questions. And somehow had a feeling that I had made 3 mistake. This is an Instinct that I always get when I’m alone. After glancing through the answers, I managed to find the 3 mistake which I did and changed the answers. We had to wait for another 20 minutes for the Test to be marked. My sister asthonishingly managed to score 127 marks, which was already very good. Any score above 100 will allow entry to the school, if not you’ll have to sit for the IQ Test again. Mr Warlock then stared at me, and this is what he said “In The History Of Cotham Grammar, No One Has Scored A Mark That Is Close To You Thristhan”, I was shocked by that remark. I thought for sure I did better than my sister, but what’s my score. He then Continued, “You Scored 140″. I got a perfect score, I got all answers correct, Including the 3 question that I sensed for a last minute change. I guess when you Believe in yourself, and be one with the power within, you can be capable of any remarkable feat.

I was guaranteed entry to the school, obviously .

There was an incident in one of my Geography classes. There was this boy named Andrew who was a genius, he used to score the highest score in classes, I was very close behind him. He and the group I was in suddenly asked about this Entry IQ Test. They were bragging that they managed to score, 135. And then asked what did Andrew score, he said he scored 138, which was the highest before I came into the picture. One of them sarcastically asked me, “So Thristhan, what did you score”, followed with a cheeky smile, thinking that I did bad. I just said “140″ and there were utter silence. Packed my bag and left for the next class.

I believe everyone has a great time some point of their life, this was one of the milestone of mine. I was getting used to a new country, learning new things, and achieving results. I did not do great, but I did good enough. For me it’s more of the journey than the destination.

One thing I miss is getting the contact details of my fellow school mates. I wasn’t computer savvy then, so there were no emails etc. I’m still trying to find a few of them online through facebook etc. But it’s not easy. Cotham Grammar School is also known as Cotham School in Bristol. Alot have changed since 1997. They have a website which can be accessed at www.cotham.bristol.sch.uk. Who knows, one day maybe we’ll have a reunion and gather to catch up about what we’ve gone through.

Cotham Grammar School

Just to add more details about this school, it had a Computer Lab which I used to spend My break time at. The library was also huge with a great collection of books. I Was here always during the 1 hour Lunch break. They also had a huge Field where we played sports, with a soft mat track. The canteen always had great food, western mostly. There are more that I can remember, and should probably save it or another blog.