After two incredible weeks, it’s finally time to wave off our second cohort of students on our 19 + programmes, and what a time we’ve had here in Oxford. This group will be remembered in particular for their independence, especially in exploring the city of Oxford and in their pursuit of knowledge.
As usual, the campus has been abuzz as everyone had always shown their eagerness to expand their understanding in their chosen subject area. The group have shown true dedication to their work, always determined to complete the tasks and challenges set by our inspiring faculty of academics here at both Univ and Merton.
Those on our International Medical Research and Practice course have had the chance to develop their theory inside the classroom, as well as gaining professional expertise during their trip to the hospital where they tried their hand at a range of medical tasks! Students on our Public Speaking for the Modern World and Workplace have developed their confidence in speaking in front of large groups, as well as learning essential skills about posture and body language during their workshop. Overall, classes have been dynamic and interactive and the cohort have benefitted from a collaborative and encouraging ethos of learning throughout their stay.
Outside of college, students have ventured further afield, experiencing what this cultural area has to offer. They have enjoyed shopping and eating at Bicester Village, an historical and informative trip to Blenheim Palace as well as a Ghost Tour of the City of Oxford. In their classes, the group have also benefitted from academic excursions with most of the students heading into London, to visit either Lloyds Bank, the Royal Court of Justice or the Freud Museum. These trips all aimed to broaden their educational horizons.
The whole group have also enjoyed a full range of activities. These students have been exceptionally studious, preferring to do their homework at the Bodleian library where they were sworn in on the first day of their stay here. Many of their evenings have been spent enjoying the silence of study here, whilst a large portion of our students have taken to exploring the sights and shops of Oxford. Everyone has really loved getting a feel for the atmosphere at the local pubs and bars, as they chat over drinks and get to know one another. Thanks to these sorts of activities, the whole group has really bonded and we are sure that everyone will be returning with a new international set of friends.
Graduation day was a great way to celebrate the achievements of this group, and all of our students were overjoyed to receive their scrolls as a reward for all of their hard work over the past two weeks. The evening ended with dinner and drinks at Univ – an incredibly fitting way to close the proceedings for all of our students. It was a leisurely evening, as everyone exchanged numbers and addresses before they said their final goodbyes.
A huge thanks goes out to both our students, but also our campus staff who have made these two weeks so wonderful. It is sad to say goodbye to such an enthusiastic bunch and we wish everyone the very best in their future endeavours.