For ORA students at Yarnton, the week has started with a bang as some students headed off to London, others to Cadbury World and a few to Guy’s Hospital.

London

ORA pupils on the Global Leadership course enjoyed an excursion to London this week. Exploring around the Houses of Parliament proved a highlight of the trip, as students posed for pictures outside the wrought iron gates.

A ride on the iconic London Eye came next, as the pupils piled into their pod to experience skyscraping views across the city. From a birdseye view of Parliament to the world-famous Shard, the opportunity to have a unique perspective of London was definitely something these students won’t quickly forget.

Cadburys World

Those on the Business and Enterprise course enjoyed a slightly different trip this week, as they ventured to the famous Cadbury World. This renowned attraction introduced students to the inner working of a chocolatier and how the business functions, as they learnt all about the production and history of the delicious food before testing out their own skills.

From refining their chocolate handwriting to learning how to work with melted chocolate, the activity proved amusing, delicious and entertaining for the students involved.

Medical Trip to Guy’s Hospital, London

Our budding nurses and doctors took to Guy’s Hospital to gain some practical skills in treating wounds. They were also taught how to safely take blood, measure blood pressure, use a stethoscope, wash their hands properly and even about basic life support machinery.

Provided with medical equipment and training supplies, the students then proceeded to learn how to close wounds using suturing. A suture is a medical tool used to keep body tissues held together after an injury and the procedure often uses a needle and thread. This common technique is important in modern day medicine and pupils were fascinated to hear about its application in the industry.

Having heard all about suturing and seen a demonstration, it was time for students to have a go themselves. Using the equipment provided, pupils got stuck in with carefully stitching up wounds using real surgical equipment (though the patient wasn’t so real!). The next exciting practical came in the form of learning how to use and safely apply a nasogastric tube (a tool used to insert medicine directly into the stomach through a nostril tube) on a plastic model.

The session gave the medical students a crucial insight into the practical skills necessary for a career or future study in the sector, providing a valuable learning experience.

Model UN

Roleplaying as delegates debating on behalf of their allocated countries, the students later gathered in the age-old Long Gallery to discuss Nuclear Disarmament.

Some committees argued that, unless everyone disarmed, removing nuclear weapons would make their country defenceless in a worldwide war. Others suggested that nuclear warfare was a crime against humanity and, as such, weapons should be disarmed solely because of the catastrophic impact they have on human life. The debate was thought-provoking and the arguments well-structured, making the activity was a great success.

The week has already begun with a bang and we can’t wait to see what else the students will get up to, both in their lessons and in extracurricular activities.