As the final Session of the summer has reached an end, so too has the last Graduation events. With a ceremony, formal dinner and party ending the summer with a bang, it was certainly a night to remember.

Ceremony

Wearing beautiful dresses and smart suits, students poured into the ceremonial halls in order to receive their certificates. Seated and eagerly awaiting the ceremony to begin, students started chatting excitedly between themselves, sharing anecdotes from the past two weeks.

With everyone in place, the ceremony began. An introduction from the Programme Director started the proceedings, highlighting the fantastic achievements of the group during the Session. Some star pupils were announced, commending their fantastic performance, before the official handing out of certificates began.

Students were called up in batches to the front of the room, individually receiving praise for their hard work and being given a firm congratulatory handshake. The opportunity for each pupil to gain recognition for their efforts is something that ORA believes to be a crucial element of the Graduation ceremony, ensuring that everyone is rewarded for their impressive performance.

Cheers and raring applause surrounded each student as they smiled and received their certificates with pride. The strong bonds between the pupils were clear, with loud support erupting from the group as their friends had their moment in the spotlight. Both ceremonies were a wonderful celebration of the academic excellence the pupils have achieved with ORA and provided the perfect formal culmination of the course.

Dinner and Party

With certificates in hand, students were then quick to rush off to prepare for their formal dinners. The chance to enjoy delicious food with good friends made for an exceptionally entertaining evening for all the students involved.

Many students used the opportunity to reminisce about some of the amusing moments from the last two weeks, whilst others appreciated the chance to share their contact details with their friends. Promises of future visits flew around the room and it was clear that the strong friendships formed during the Session will be lifelong.

Full of yummy food and hilarious conversation, it was time for the final Graduation celebration: the party. A magical and mysterious theme floated down as students geared up ready to enter the spectacular Enchanted Forest. Glitter and mesmerising lights invited the pupils into the impressive party, encouraging everyone to get into the party spirit in their enchanting outfits.

Sparkling lights, blaring music and loud chatter set the atmosphere, whilst a tasty selection of snacks ensured everyone could party late into the night. A silent disco was a highlight for many students, who danced in the grounds wearing their flashing headphones without a care in the world, whilst others laughed and chatted the night away.

The final Session of the summer was a great success, with excursions galore and exciting classes and lessons to keep students entertained. The summer might be over, but we hope to see many pupils return next year for another unmissable ORA Summer School.