For students staying at St Catherine’s, Session 4 is already over one week in. They’ve competed in the ORA Olympics and ORA’s Got Talent, and they’ve experienced punting and had a taste of Venice in their end-of-week party.

Sports

Session 4 has encouraged ORA students at St Catherine’s to get involved with the sports options available. With football matches keeping our budding Beckham’s amused and the ORA Olympics getting everyone competing against other Colleges, students at St Catherine’s have certainly been active in Session 4.

Some pupils enjoyed learning how to play Badminton last week, as staff erected a net outside. It was a learning curve as shuttlecocks went flying left, right and centre and students began to get the hang of the fast and swift game.

Punting

Experiencing Oxford isn’t complete without a jaunt down the river in a punt. To get week 2 off to a good start, students thus boarded their vessels and spent the afternoon floating down the river and gawking at age-old Oxford Colleges and landmarks as they went.

This world-famous activity was enjoyed by ORA pupils, who took it in turns to push the punts using a pole, just as tradition dictates. Dodging bridges, ducks and other boaters, the students expertly navigated the calm Oxford waters and raced each other down the river. Fortunately, with the sun shining down and chuckles sounding down the river, everyone had a jolly outing and appreciated having the chance to participate in this British tradition.

ORA’s Got Talent

With everyone seated and eagerly awaiting the first act, ORA’s Got Talent had a roaring start last week.

The confidence and variety of performances were exciting and innovative, providing an evening of great entertainment for everybody involved. Some groups performed musical numbers (and even a ukulele appeared!) whilst others created comical acting scenes, solos and dances.

One of the highlights of the evening was witnessing how comfortable the group were around each other, daring to reveal their hidden tricks and talents in front of an audience. It’s always a wonderful sight for staff, who watch everyone bonding throughout the Session.

Venetian Party

The exciting end-of-week party for St Catherine’s was Venetian themed, with masks, gondolas and extravagant fountains emerging from the woodwork to set the scene. Click here to read all about it.

With less than a week left, we look forward to hearing what ORA students at St Catherine’s will get up to. Check back soon to find out!