Owen’s Journey: Thriving at Greene’s College Oxford
Finding the perfect learning environment can unlock a student’s true potential – just ask Owen, whose journey at Greene’s College Oxford has been nothing short of remarkable.
Before coming to Greene’s, Owen faced challenges in traditional classroom settings, where the slow pace and structure often left him feeling disconnected. The large groups and one-size-fits-all teaching methods made it difficult for him to fully engage with his studies or to feel comfortable socially.
Greene’s offered something different: an environment where every student’s unique strengths and needs are considered. The tutorial method of learning, built around one-to-one teaching and a personalised approach, has allowed Owen to feel seen, supported, and understood.
“I didn’t have a good time at my old school, as with my autism I just didn’t fit,” Owen explains.
“When I came to Greene’s, it was literally the perfect place for me. The staff and students are so kind, and everyone feels not only welcome but part of the community and cared about.”
One of the most remarkable aspects of Owen’s time at Greene’s has been the way it has enabled him to further explore his academic interests.
He mastered the skills to be an independent learner, something he struggled with before. The personalised, tutorial-based structure allowed him to delve deeper into the content of his studies, particularly in mathematics, while benefiting from the guidance and expertise of his tutors.
“My maths tutor helped me explore concepts in greater depth,” Owen shares. “Now, I can explore problems on my own and use tutorials to dive deeper into the subject. I still value having someone to discuss ideas with, it’s part of what makes learning enjoyable”.
This collaborative environment has enabled Owen to unlock new levels of understanding, particularly in his favourite subject.
His achievements have been extraordinary, including a perfect score in the Senior Maths Challenge and distinctions in multiple Maths Olympiads.
In other subjects like Physics, Owen has found a similar balance – using independent study to master foundational material and relying on tutorials to tackle more advanced or challenging concepts.
“Numbers just make sense to me,” Owen reflects. “Maths is logical, and solving problems is something I really enjoy.”
Reflecting on his own experiences, Owen continues: “My autism definitely makes me good at a few things, like memorising numbers and understanding maths. I also have a musical brain. I can play songs on the piano just by knowing how they sound.” These strengths have shaped Owen’s learning journey and contributed to his growing confidence, although he acknowledges that every individual’s experience with AS is unique.
Initially hesitant about online tutorials, Owen now speaks highly of their impact and highlights how Greene’s made the transition seamless. “I wasn’t sure about online tutorials at first, but I can assure you: you get used to it quickly.
In a traditional classroom, if the teacher goes too fast, some kids can’t follow, and if they go too slow, others get bored. At Greene’s, the focus is on what works best for you as an individual.”
Greene’s innovative and supportive approach to online tutorials has been a perfect fit for Owen. “The sessions are clear, and organised, and I always feel like I can ask questions. It’s easy to adapt to this way of learning, and it works really well for me.”
Beyond academic success, Owen has found a place where he feels truly at home. The supportive and friendly atmosphere, combined with a focus on academic excellence, has created the perfect environment for him to grow.
“The campus feels like the perfect mix of home and school,” Owen says. “It’s relaxed and welcoming, but also such a great place to focus on work. I actually look forward to going to school – it’s that enjoyable.”
Owen is also generous in sharing his passion, often helping peers navigate tricky concepts and encouraging them in their learning journeys. His dream of one day returning to Greene’s as a maths tutor is a testament to his dedication and desire to give back.
Now applying to university, Owen’s hard work is paying off as he has received offers from prestigious institutions, including Bath, Exeter, Warwick, and his top choice, Trinity College, Cambridge. These offers reflect his exceptional academic achievements and his determination to succeed in mathematics at the highest level.
For students like Owen, Greene’s College Oxford isn’t just a place to learn, it’s a place where potential is nurtured, learning is personalised, and every student has the opportunity to thrive.
