There were joyous scenes in the St Hugh’s yesterday as students marked their graduation from ORA with a formal ceremony attended by their parents and loved ones. Programme Director Costa praised the students’ efforts and achievements these past weeks, and remarked that it was clear for everyone to see that the experience had not only been educational, but a highly enjoyable and memorable one. An upbeat photo slideshow (accompanied by Hall and Oates’ ‘You Make My Dreams Come True’) showed parents just what students had been getting up to, and was met with proud smiles and thorough enjoyment.

Then it was off to the British Seaside at the Cherwell Boathouse, where bunting and boaters abounded, and students partook in sticky seaside treats such as candy floss and ice cream. Striped deck chairs and rubber rings laid ready for students’ use and need, and the boathouse was prettily strung with delicate fairy lights that offered the event a dreamy summertime feel.

After a sit-down dinner, students rose up and onto the dancefloor, where they remained very happily for much of the rest of the evening. When it was time to return to St Hugh’s, students did so contentedly, with confidence in the experience that had just come to an end and the friendships that had only really just begun. Congratulations, all!