In Medical Biology on Thursday, students learned about an exciting new technique being used to treat Type 1 diabetes: it’s called bioplotting, and involves 3D printing the crucial insulin-producing beta cells for transplant into patients’ bodies. Students found this innovative use of technology especially fascinating.

In the sunny Oxford afternoon, counsellors took students into town for a wander around the Botanic Gardens, which was founded in 1621 with the express purpose of ‘glorifying nature’. And boy does it live up to its mission! Students loved learning about different plants and their habitats ―they sweated it out among the cactus and succulents in the Arid House, and then took refuge from the heat behind the lofty leaves of the Gunnera manicata in the Bog Garden.

Finally, they took to the river, managing to get themselves into and out of tricky situations and awkward angles as they learned how to punt for the first time. They quickly got the ‘hang’ of it, with some of them leaping from the boats to swing from a bridge or two along the River Cherwell ―all under the careful supervision of our counsellors, of course.