Friday was upon students on our 19 + programmes yesterday, and with Friday comes Graduation Day! There was definitely a good atmosphere in the air as students woke early to get their final full day started in Oxford.

Breakfast was chattier than usual, as everyone made the most of their last day to have a good conversation with their peers. It has been so great to see so many international friendships blossom over the past two weeks and we really hope that these students remain in contact with one another, as the connections that they make during the ORA programmes will be useful to them in the future.

Then it was time for students to head off to their final lessons of their stay, it was a little sad for the students and staff alike as they shared their final learning experience together. However, it was really brilliant to note the rapport that has been built between students and staff here, it is a testament to the teaching programme at ORA that everyone was slightly sad for this to be over. Although everyone felt a little morose, teachers congratulated students on their efforts in the programme and the mood quickly changed.

Once lessons were complete, it was time for the party preparations to begin. Students headed back to their rooms to get changed and pack up their belongings. When everyone was ready to go, they headed down together, with students from Merton going over to Univ for the formal ceremony and events.

Following the ceremony where everyone had received their scrolls, and a few received special awards, students were treated to a formal dinner. The evening closed with drinks in college, as everyone reflected on the events of the last two weeks, intent on keeping in touch.