It was time for the fortnight’s excitement, hard work, learning and adventures to come to an end yesterday, as students graduated from Oxford Royale Academy and readied themselves for departure home and into the next stage of their lives.

Programme Director Sarah kicked off the inspiring graduation ceremony in the LMH auditorium, with a speech that emphasised how far students had come from the beginning of two weeks, and how they had achieved this together. Each student was presented with a graduation scroll, and for those students who had shown exceptional effort or achieved particular academic heights, there were special awards. The student ambassador delivered a highly impressive speech, telling his own story of his time with ORA and all that he has taken from it; he is to be congratulated for showing such leadership and speaking so finely.

Thence it was off to the Randolph Hotel, where a Vintage Circus awaited to entertain and delight students with its coconut shy, hall of mirrors, King of the Hammer, and tasty big top staples in popcorn and candyfloss. A great time was had by all, as they danced, chatted and competed well into the evening; the mood was celebratory, as even students sad to leave ORA and their new friends behind them focused on future reunions and adventures to come. Congratulations, one and all!