ORA students at University College have jumped head first into their Summer School, with an Afternoon Tea on Arrivals Day. Students were offered a selection of food from cakes and scones to biscuits and sandwiches, ensuring a truly British start to their stay in Oxford.
After the tea had been drunk and biscuit crumbs cleaned, students were given welcome and induction talks to walk them through the next couple of weeks at University College. Icebreaker games were played in the evening to make everyone feel at ease with their new friends before pupils went to bed to preserve their energy for the first day of study.
Walking Tour
Monday lessons were exciting, particularly for our new students, who were shown the structure of the courses and how they would be taught.
After a few hours of learning and chatting with new friends, students embarked on a tour around Oxford, giving them the opportunity to become acquainted with their surroundings. Staff pointed out impressive buildings, such as the Radcliffe Camera and Pitt Rivers Museum, and showed students other Oxford University colleges to give them a sense of the history of the institution. Fascinated by their new home, many pupils stopped to take photos and ask questions, a sight that was pleasing to staff.
Quiz Night
The quiz night in the Old Law Library gave students their first taste of working in teams, an essential skill that ORA aims to instil in its students. The competition was strong and teams were head-to-head throughout the quiz, making the evening tense yet exciting.
Natural History Museum
A highlight so far from the first week at University College was the museum trip in Oxford. Students visited the Natural History Museum and saw everything from butterflies and beetles to fauna and fossils. It was an awe-inspiring excursion that left many students with a greater curiosity about the natural world. Traipsing through the city also provided students with a better feel for Oxford and many pupils recognised sights they were shown during their tour the day before.
Picnic in the Park
A picnic in University Park proved a popular activity for students, who feasted on snacks and fed the ducks nearby. The presence of a guitar encouraged pupils to showcase their musical ability, much to the approval of the group who appreciated the ambience it created. A game of football also gave pupils the opportunity to let loose and release some energy whilst having a good laugh with their friends.
Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts in the evening were thoroughly enjoyed by our creative students, who sprinkled glitter, flung paint and stuck feathers on masquerade masks. The end results were stunning and unique, showing the impressive skills of pupils. We hope they might wear their masks to the Venetian-themed party on Friday!
ORA students staying at University College have already had a very busy week exploring and learning, but there is so much more to come with ORA Olympics and a Games night this weekend. Check back soon to read about how they get on against the other Colleges.
