As the pinnacle of each Session at ORA, Graduation is always a highlight for students. Giving them the chance to celebrate their achievements whilst also enjoying their final night together is undoubtedly the best way to end a fun-filled 2 weeks.
Friday night saw Graduation ceremonies take place across all ORA campuses. Students wore their finest suits and dresses for the occasion and everyone looked splendid as they received their certificate.
In order to be recognised for their hard work, pupils receive their certificate individually, each getting a handshake and words of congratulations as they do so. The moment in the spotlight is a memorable experience for our students and we try to capture as many photos as possible of the events.
Across all of the ceremonies, the levels of support were outstanding. Each and every student received a warm, loud and roaring round of applause as they were called to receive their certificate and the atmosphere was extraordinarily positive.
During the ceremony, some colleges invite students to give talks to their peers. Imperial saw the Paradox of Value explored by the Economics prize winner and the Trolley Problem used in ethics described by the Psychology winner. ORA’s Jaime and Khushi at St Hugh’s also gave speeches to their peers, which were received with attentive gazes and intrigued approval.
As the ceremony ends, the evening begins. Students hurry off to get ready for their first evening event: a formal dinner. Some are held in hotels, others in marquees and a few in college halls but regardless, the excitement and delicious food is a common theme throughout all venues.
Many bring their certificates with them to dinner, revelling in their achievements and showing them around. Protective certificate tubes ensure that the certificates can be looked after and kept from harm as the over-excitement takes hold.
The chatter and laughter at the dinners is always loud and roaring. For some, these dinners are the best opportunity to say their official goodbyes and make lasting promises of future international visits. For others, the meal provides much-needed sustenance for the long night of dancing ahead. All in all, the dinner is undeniably a great part of the Graduation process and brings everyone together for one last time before the loud and chaotic parties that follow. Find out what everyone got up to at their parties here.
Overall, we cannot commend our Session 4 students enough for their exceptional work over these past 2 weeks. From Masterclasses and workshops to field trips and Sports Days, our pupils have had the chance to take all kinds of amazing opportunities which they have engaged with fully and given 110%. We wish them every success for the future and hope to welcome some back next year for another Summer with ORA.
