It’s time to wave away our students at St Peter’s College, Oxford and it will be sad to see this cohort of energetic, talented and driven individuals go. It really has been two weeks to remember and we hope that all of our students will look back on their stay with fondness and pride.
Classes at St Peter’s have been full of activity as all our students showed their enthusiasm for their programmes continually. Those on New Perspectives enjoyed a very broad range of subjects from Business Challenge to Acting and Performance Skills or Human Biology, there were choices to cater for every student. Here at ORA, we want to make sure that everyone has an incredibly wide learning experience and those who had handpicked their programmes on New Perspectives were certainly not disappointed. Our Oxford Summer English Programme was, as usual, very popular as students from all over the world chose ORA to improve their knowledge of the English language in both spoken and written forms. Their learning experience here has been maximised by small class sizes, which means more one on one time with our fantastic academics, as well as a better environment in which to make friends! We hope that everyone returns home inspired by everything they have been a part of here in Oxford.
This group also got up to a lot of activities outside of the classroom. During their stay, they have experienced some of the hottest days recorded in the UK, so fortunately they were able to spend lots of time outdoors. Students enjoyed a range of sports such as mini golf and football, and all of our sporty individuals were able to flex their muscles. There was even a chance for some egg-tossing, although this was rather a messy ‘sport.’ On a more creative plain, everyone enjoyed making their own tie dye t-shirts, as well as mug painting and bracelet making. As a whole group, St Peter’s also enjoyed a talent show and quiz and winners were always rewarded with delicious edible prizes.
To complement their programmes, students also had the chance to have a go at some fun ORA Masterclasses. They fashioned their own fan-powered cars and got to race them at the end of the day. They also benefitted from the expertise offered by two guest speakers, Alex Staniforth and Ben Ambridge. Alex overcame a stutter and bullying to pursue a bright career as an adventurer, whilst Ben gave the students an insight into how psychology infiltrates our everyday lives.
Students travelled near and far on their academic excursions, with their trip to Sea City taking them all the way to Southampton during their first week here. Everyone particularly enjoyed the Titanic exhibit which offered interesting and unexpected information about this famous disaster. There was also a chance to see this city from their own point of view, and everyone had free time to explore, eat out and shop. Closer to home, students chose from days out to Blenheim Palace, Oxford Castle or Christ Church Cathedral.
Graduation Friday was an excellent way to celebrate the accomplishments of staff and students alike, and as everyone went to receive their scrolls, the pride was clear on everyone’s faces. A big party with our other colleges was an apt reward for the last two weeks, and it was fantastic to see students dancing their cares away together.
Well done to this cohort at St Peter’s, you have all shown real resilience and determination and we hope to see everyone back for another memorable ORA summer next year!