After a long week of studying and exploring Oxford, there were some bleary eyes at breakfast yesterday. It was nothing a full-english breakfast or a quick cup of coffee couldn’t solve though and soon everyone was looking lively again and ready to set off for their final lessons of the week.

For our Introduction to Medicine students, the end of the week also brought a change to the usual lesson structure as the class took part in a heart dissection. After a week spent learning theories, it was a great chance for the students to find out if they were steady enough with a scalpel and to see some of the things they’ve been studying in the flesh. Though it was a little gory, none of our students flinched away from taking part, proving themselves to be true doctors in training!

As it was Friday and the students had been working so hard all week, the staff had decided to set up something special for the evening – a meal out on the lawn and a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party! 

Lewis Carroll’s famous novel Alice in Wonderland has a close connection to Oxford, with many of the scenes said to have been inspired by Carroll’s time at Christ Church. It was a great way to weave a cultural experience together with having some fun and the students spent the evening in Yarnton’s own miniature wonderland.

Between some delicious paella, traditional British tea, lemonade, and tasty scones with jam and cream, everyone’s appetites were happily satisfied.  A couple of party games, badminton, croquet, and a quick-fire water pistol war made sure everyone spent the evening laughing and having fun with their friends.