Pathetic fallacy was in the air yesterday. After a wonderful two weeks of sunshine, the clouds settled over Yarnton Manor as we wave goodbye to another successful session with a small tear in our eye. Throughout their programmes, all of these students have shown dedication, sensitivity and energy as their key attributes. It is thanks to their brilliant energy that the atmosphere over the last two weeks has been so warm.
Being one of our largest cohorts to date, this group will be remembered for their dynamism which has never failed to brighten the days of all of our campus staff. It is so important to give our thanks both to our students, but also to our brilliant staff, all of whom have worked together as passionate teams in order to support and encourage one another throughout the endeavours of the programme.
A particular mention goes out to our counsellors, who have formed close bonds which the students and always offered an ear to listen. For students so far away from home, it can be difficult, however everyone has fully immersed themselves in this programme and grown their confidence throughout their stay. Academically, this cohort has impressed – striving always to break the boundaries of their learning and explore their subjects in more depth and detail. A large portion of our students have expressed how excellent this programme has been not only for broadening their knowledge, but also for giving them a deeper and closer insight in their studies which will afford them well in whatever future they choose to seek out.
Our committed academics have noted the achievements of this group in particular and hope to see these leaders of the future go far in life. We express our gratitude to the inspiring individuals who have shared their passion with our students here. Not only have our teachers stationed here imparted their expert knowledge to these students, but this group have also enjoyed Masterclasses from some fantastic speakers, on subjects such as Creativity (Dr Pragya Agarwal), Global Governance (Deborah Vorhies) and the prospect of putting humans on Mars (Colin Jack).
Outside of the classroom, this exuberbant bunch have used their free time to form enduring international friendships. It was heartening to witness these relationships blossom and grow. Although this is goodbye for now, it is not goodbye forever, as the students exchange numbers and addresses in order to keep in touch in the future.
Everyone has also enjoyed an array of interesting excursions including; a visit to the historic Stonehenge as well as an informative tour of Oxford castle. As a whole, the group have embraced the Oxford experience with open arms as the good weather has encouraged frequent trips into the city centre for sightseeing, shopping and eating.
The final day of this session was celebrated on the lawn at Yarnton, with a relaxed graduation ceremony in the sunshine. All of our students were awarded their scrolls and a few students who exceeded the expectations of their classes were offered prizes. Everyone was in their formal attire to enjoy a final celebratory meal. Thank you students of our Second Session who have made this stay so special!