Our final St Catherine’s session of the summer has begun, with students arriving in Oxford and getting straight into the action! A warm welcome preceded some fun and games and plenty of chat, as everyone made themselves at home on campus.

After their arduous journeys, the students and any parents who had come along were relieved to reach Oxford. Their arrivals were made all the sweeter by some delicious summery refreshments, which were taken gratefully and enjoyed.

Once the students had recovered some energy, they made their way out of the marquee and onto the lawn to start socialising with their peers. Ahead of two weeks spent learning and sightseeing together, they were keen to make new friends as quickly as possible, and there was a lot of laughter and swapping of travel stories.

There were also games out on the lawn, frisbee and table tennis proving the most popular. There were lots of smiles here too, with the students eagerly battling through despite a collapsing table and a frisbee which seemed to be magnetically drawn to the marquee roof!

After the games, everyone gathered in a circle and played some party games to break the ice and get to know each other. The counsellors were glad to see everyone gelling already, and the signs are certainly encouraging for the rest of the session. Lessons begin on Monday, and the students will also have the chance to go out and see some of Oxford’s sights, as they seek to familiarise themselves with their home for the next fortnight.