With no lessons yesterday and registration running for an hour longer, many students took the opportunity to have a well-earned lie-in after their busy first week. As always, there were some early birds who wanted to pack as much into the day as possible. They ventured out on a walk to the nearby village of Grantchester. The stunning meadows which lead the way from Cambridge to Grantchester are an attraction in their own right, but students also enjoyed the picturesque scenery of the village itself. Particularly popular were Grantchester’s medieval church and famous tea-rooms. All in all, it was the perfect escape to the country.

The afternoon was, of course, dedicated to the much-anticipated Great Debate between Catz and Eddie’s students, the subject of which was the merits or drawbacks of standardised testing. The two cohorts met at Clare College, the third ORA Cambridge Campus, and settled in to hear some fascinating insights on the subject from a wonderful guest speaker.

Then it was time for our students to take the podium themselves. Eddie’s students were arguing the disadvantages of standardised testing for students and teachers, while Catz took the opposite view.

While debating in front of a large crowd is never easy – particularly if you’re doing it in a second language – every one of our students rose to the challenge and spoke thoughtfully, passionately, and eloquently. The hours of preparation that had been put into the speeches was clear to see and all speakers received an enthusiastic round of applause, regardless of campus affiliation. It was a very proud moment for everyone involved.

All in all, our students had thoroughly earned the opportunity to sit down after dinner and make the most of a relaxed movie night. It was the perfect way to round off a hectic and fulfilling day.