More students have arrived at Ascot! Week 2 of session 4 at St Mary’s Ascot is now underway, welcoming a further 50 students to the group. Parents and students were welcomed by Junior Deans, Counsellors, and typical English weather. Afternoon tea provided an opportunity for parents to meet the staff responsible for the students in the coming week, whilst also checking out the stunning campus grounds for themselves before leaving to allow the students to settle in.

Programme Director, Wendy Missions, gave a welcoming and informative introductory speech reassuring some of the more apprehensive students that they were in safe hands, but also guiding students through upcoming highlights to build their excitement. Students were encouraged to “fully immerse themselves in the experience” and absorb as much information as possible in their short time with us here at ORA.

After students had been shown to their rooms made themselves at home, the Counsellors and Junior Deans wasted no time to break the ice with numerous social exercises, new students were encouraged to meet existing ones, by playing a number of icebreakers and social activities. The students all appear to be getting on incredibly well already, with many of the existing students proving to be extremely welcoming to the new ones.

After many long flights and a busy afternoon, there were some very weary faces. Students were keen to rest up in anticipation for a full day of lessons followed by quiz night. The sun is meant to come out tomorrow, tune in again find out how they got on.