With the impressive and informative St Catherine’s whiteboard up and running it can only mean one thing – Session 4 is well and truly underway!

Chemistry, Creative Writing and Debating

Things got off to a bubbling start with the Chemistry Workshop, where students were taught all about roaring reactions and colourful concoctions. For our creative students, an Essay Writing Workshop got them away from the scientific world of Chemistry and instead learning about how to formulate a successful writing piece with lessons on grammar and structure.

The renowned ORA Debate later in the week brought everyone together to learn how to create a convincing argument and how to best persuade others to agree with their viewpoint. The results were of an exceptional standard, with many of the discussions rallying back and forth with interesting and innovative points.

Animation Nation Masterclass

The Masterclasses this week also saw pupils become immersed in their activities and produce exceptional results. The Animation Nation class taught students about ‘Stop Start Animation’, a technique that became increasingly popular after the success of programmes like Wallace and Gromit. This challenging class proved popular, with students having a go at creating their own stop start animations using clay models and creative backgrounds.

Stock Market Challenge

The Stock Market Challenge was an exciting affair this week, teaching students all about stocks and shares and how the trade market functions.

For many, it was the first time learning about the stock market and they were intrigued to learn about the complex system. The Challenge simulates 5 days in the stock market, with a fluctuating board at the front of the room revealing the changing prices of the shares. The aim of the activity is to encourage the pupils to interact with the simulation, trading their shares and trying to earn the most money. It is an exhilarating class, requiring forward-thinking and a calm head and many students found the activity to be a thrilling simulation.

Soap Science Masterclass

The final Masterclass this week for ORA students at St Catherine’s was the Soap Science Class, where pupils created their own vibrant and unique bars of soap. Learning first about the methodology and theory behind soap science, the class quickly became practical and gave students the chance to come up with their own colours and shapes, mixing their soapy potions and watching the reactions take place.

The class was a lot of fun and the students certainly left smelling cleaner than before!

Acting Performance Lesson

ORA pupils staying at St Catherine’s also had the opportunity to take part in an Acting and Performance lesson, providing them with a range of tricks to adapt into any character and speak with clarity and confidence in public. The students were clearly entertained by the chance to transform into imaginary characters, with lots of laughter filling the room.

Ultimate Frisbee

As well as exciting lessons and classes, pupils tested their athletic skills with a game of Ultimate Frisbee. This exciting and fast-paced game tested precision and power as students ran around the park throwing the frisbee between them. It was a hilarious evening outdoors and a great way to end the day.

Punting

A trip punting down the river was also enjoyed by students this week, who tried their hand at this famous English tradition. The boats filled the river as pupils noticed landmarks and places they’d visited earlier in the week, showing their impressive knowledge of the city. It was a marvellous excursion and many felt they had experienced a true part of Oxford and English culture.

There is lots more to come for ORA students at St Catherine’s so stay tuned to hear about what they get up to.