Review of National Mathematics and Science College (NMSC)

Jose and Zlata – parents of Kirill, student National Mathematics and Science College (NMSC)

1.Accommodation:

• It was a huge surprise for us to learn that Kirill will live in a new hostel in the center of Coventry, and even in a separate room. Kirill is very happy and, probably, even proud that at any time he can take a walk on his own, go to a store, a cafe, etc.
• It’s a big plus that Coventry’s main attractions are within walking distance.
• Kirill’s daily routine suits him quite well. At least we never heard any complaints from him about restrictions and inconveniences inside the hostel.
• We, as parents, are very glad that he independently plans the day of washing personal belongings, bed linen, as well as ironing shirts.
• On Skype, Kirill showed us the equipment in the kitchen. In our student years, we never dreamed of such a “cosmic interior”...
• The conditions for independent work and doing homework in the hostel, according to Kirill’s stories, are simply wonderful!

2. Studying in college:

• Regarding the learning process, we can only trust the stories of Kirill, who is very pleased with the large amount of practical knowledge in each subject. It feels like all the teachers have fairly high qualifications and experience working with children! Kirill became interested in chemistry, which he did not particularly like and did not understand at the Lyceum. Each teacher has a friendly and trusting attitude towards all (as we understand) students and this greatly helps in his studies, stimulates and motivates our Kirill.

It seems to us that he finally saw a certain purpose and meaning in his studies, which was not the case here in Moscow.

Greatly impressed Kirill stayed from participating in the Space Technology Olympiad held in Oxford. A recent excursion to the British Parliament also left an indelible impression.

Over these few months, we felt how Kirill had relaxed in terms of communication. He began to tell us more actively about everything that was happening. Here, at the Lyceum, he was a taciturn, silent and shy young man.

3. Meals:

• Let's be extremely laconic at this point: on every visit home, Kirill does not pounce on food!!! This suggests that meals in college are nutritious and regular.

4. General organizational issues:

• In addition to trips home for the holidays, Kirill also makes additional trips to Moscow to take the Unified State Exam in Russian. One trip was at the beginning of December, the second is coming at the beginning of June.
• We are very pleased to receive reports on Kirill’s progress for each semester with clear and objective comments from teachers.

5. Negative points:

• After much discussion, we could not find anything about this.