What a fabulous start to the Summer it has been at St Mary’s, Ascot – and ORA’s summer school for ages 8-12 – with a wonderful group of staff and children alike! The students have had a magical week, learning many new things in classes and workshops while being entertained during free time by their counsellors and junior deans.

They have so far enjoyed trips to Legoland and Windsor Castle – emptying the gift shops at each – as well as sports, from football to frisbee, in the gorgeous grounds of St Mary’s school. England’s result in the football was disappointing for some (though not others!), and despite the disappointing result for England everyone enjoyed the match – interrupted at half time with a lovely Great British Tea Party. Lessons have been fun and creatively delivered while the presentations that students have delivered have been at an exceptional standard.

The biggest achievement has been the gradual move away from spending free time on mobile phones to enjoying newly purchased books, bedtime stories and top-trump card games. The children are also enjoying learning to play ‘old-school’ games like sleeping lions, thumbs up and splat that their counsellors would have played when they were at school.

‘Room Rewards’ have been well received, and this week a girl’s room are celebrating their win with a pamper party – with face masks, nail varnish and hair styling!

All in all it has been a great week and all of the staff at St Mary’s are looking forward to all weeks still to come, as are those students staying on. The photos below show just a few of the activities students have enjoyed so far… stay tuned for more from St Mary’s over the coming weeks!