As lessons commenced this morning, it was clear that our students were already beginning to feel at home. Everyone was very sociable, happily opening up to each other during group discussions and contributing thoughtfully during feedback.

Lunch was a similarly chatty affair, and then it was time for the students to venture out on a walking tour of Oxford’s historical sites. They visited lots of popular tourist spots including the Bodleian Library and Merton College. The students were particularly fascinated by the history of Christ Church as a filming site – both for the Harry Potter series and for Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights. 

They were also very intrigued by the tradition for Oxford students to wear a special uniform called a ‘sub fusc’ while taking their exams. It was quite a bizarre concept for most of our students and it provided some very amusing conversation on the walk back to St. Peter’s!

After a tasty dinner, it was time for a quiz in the marquee. There were a wide range of rounds, from music to general knowledge, but the most popular round was the Oxford History one. Students were eager to pit themselves against each other to prove how much they’d learned during their tour.

Then there was time for a couple of quick rounds of table tennis, including a particularly energetic game between Ziquin and one of the councillors, Stefan. By the time curfew arrived, everyone was tired out from a long day and looking forward to getting some shut-eye before another packed day tomorrow.