With heavy hearts ORA has waved goodbye to the summer’s first cohort of students from our Imperial campus. Our group of 16-18s bid us farewell on Saturday, but the sadness was tempered by the fantastic memories of the past two weeks, which have been filled with exciting excursions and amazing academic sessions.
From day one the students have worked hard and socialised well, and have impressed all of the ORA staff. During their stay, the students have enjoyed a wide range of lessons on the Broadening Horizons Programme, from Experimental Psychology and Creative Writing as they enjoyed some excellent teaching across all of the programmes. Other fascinating sessions have looked at Politics, Business Finance and Economics, offering a diverse and detailed look at some important issues. This work has culminated in some great presentations and work projects, covering the various topics in their programmes.
There has also been additional input from some enriching masterclasses and guest speakers. One such speaker was Colin Jack from the Future of Humanity Institute at the University of Oxford, who offered expert insight into space travel and the possibility of life on Mars! In the masterclasses, students have looked at various things including a UCAS workshop providing guidance on how to tackle tricky personal statements. These masterclasses and speakers have added some fantastic and detailed knowledge, helping to bring the information to life. This is something which the students found very engaging.
The lessons have been accompanied by a generous amount of free time, during which the students have been able to make some firm friendships. The free time has been used for various purposes, from chatting to cinema trips, allowing everyone to relax and socialise. As well as relaxing, they have also enjoyed rugby and football matches and even a delightful picnic in Hyde Park. There was also a quiz night, and other fun parties and games which kept things fun and fresh.
This has been enhanced by the brilliant excursions that the students have been on, making the most of London’s unique blend of history and modern-day attractions. This included a trip to the iconic West End, where there was a chance to watch the world-famous Lion King show at the Lyceum Theatre. The students also toured the Royal Albert Hall, and one of the largest shopping centres in the UK in Stratford, as well as a number of other trips. These excursions have allowed them to sample some of the culture in one of the most incredible cities in the world, and they have enjoyed every second.
The session was rounded off with a brilliant graduation ceremony, with the students dressed up and received their awards in front of their peers and the ORA team. Everyone passed with flying colours and then went to a restaurant in Chelsea for a meal and celebration with the counsellors.
Graduation Photos – thanks to @alicethecamera
This first session of Summer 2019 has been fantastic, with the students showing exemplary attitudes towards their work and their fellows. The effort level and harmonious atmosphere has really stood out and though the students will all be leaving London, they will be taking with them fond memories and some great experience. So thank you Imperial, it’s been a blast!