All good things must come to an end and so, over the weekend, we said farewell to our wonderful ORA students from Session 5.

Graduation Ceremonies

As the pinnacle of every Session, Graduation is an exciting event designed to celebrate the fantastic achievements of every student throughout their stay with ORA.

Across all ORA campuses, pupils gathered excitedly in ornate halls and impressive auditoriums to receive their certificates and celebrate their achievements. Dressed in their finest clothes, the formal events began with an introduction from the programme directors, who reminisced about the fun academic experience that the students have participated in. Complete with funny anecdotes about excursions and a recognition of star pupils, these introductory talks provide a great moment to reflect on the past two weeks.

With formal introductions finished, the main event begins. Each student is announced and called to the front of the room, ensuring that everyone receives individual commendation. With a strong handshake, pupils are handed their certificates to the tuneful sound of loud applause and cheers from their friends, who eagerly await their moment in the spotlight.

The ceremonies are renowned for being enjoyable and positive events full of laughter, applause and beaming smiles. When everyone has received their certificate, students ensure they have enough time to pose for photographs before they run off to get ready for the evening of dinners and parties ahead.

Dinner and Parties

A formal dinner provides the perfect place for students to loudly laugh about their two weeks with ORA, remembering hilarious workshops and interesting excursions. Many cling tightly to their certificate tubes, keen to showcase their success to their peers. Others chat loudly and swap contact details, painfully aware that in the morning their good friends will return home.

Full of good food and company, pupils return to their rooms to change and prepare themselves to dance the night away at the Graduation parties. To read more about these eccentric and extravagant affairs, click here.

We may have said goodbye to our lovely Session 5 students but we are sure they have made lifelong friendships during their stay. We hope to see many of them return next year for another amazing summer with ORA and wish them every success for the future.