Upon returning from their London excursion around Covent Garden and a trip to the West End to see ‘Mama Mia’, it soon dawned upon the students that they were nearing the end of their time with us here at ORA. As they finished their final afternoon workshop of Session 3, the students began organizing themselves for their graduation ceremony.

The students gathered in the beautiful main Oxford University Examination Hall, where they were thanked and acknowledged by a very reassuring Ron Wilder. Ron made sure he reminded students that they were always welcome to return next year should they choose to. After receiving their individual Programme Reviews, highlighting their time with us here and expresses gratitude for complying with the schedule and representing ORA brilliantly throughout. Ron also echoed the review that students must stay in touch, as we are always interested in the activities of our old alumni.

After a heart-warming speech from Ron, the students scurried off to their dorms to get ready for the ‘Carnival’ themed graduation party at St Catherine’s College. As the students spend so much time together over their fortnight with us, the graduation parties are always emotional. Students leapt at the opportunity to take as many photos with each other as possible. Students always feel they’ve known their peers much longer than just the two weeks, having lived, studied and played together for the entire duration.

Students were lead back to Queen’s and University College’s where they were allowed to stay up past their usual bed time as it was their last night together.