Unfortunately, the summer has drawn to a close for St Mary’s Ascot and therefore we have to say goodbye to our last group of ORA students from Session 5. The students have been simply fantastic, our staff were continually impressed every single day. Every parent should be extremely proud to have raised such talented, intelligent and hard-working children.  All students have adapted to the English way of life very rapidly and fully immersed themselves in the culture at every possible opportunity. Today the students will be rewarded for all their hard work as they attend their graduation ceremony.

The St Mary’s Rose Theatre provided the perfect location for the students, parents and staff to graduate, welcomed by Programme Director, Wendy Missions. Wendy gave a warm welcome speech entailing recaps and highlights from busy week’s endeavours. Each student was individually invited to the stage to receive their graduation scrolls, to signify the completion of their time with us here at ORA. Students also received their Programme Review including a written message from Wendy and highlights from Session 5. The students were also reminded and encouraged to return next summer for another amazing experience, perhaps at one of our other campuses in Oxford, Cambridge or London.

To round off their week, the students had one final opportunity to spend time together at their ‘Safari’ themed graduation party. The students danced late into the evening, sang their favourite songs on the karaoke machine and attempted to balance and cling on to the bucking bronco for as long as possible. Students wanted to grasp every last minute with each other having got so close, so they were granted permission to stay up past their usual bedtime. We hope to see everyone again next year!