Yesterday was yet another highly academic day here at Queen’s and University College. After their morning lessons, students broke down into afternoon workshops led by industry experts.

Matteo Grasso, philosopher and conference speaker guided the debate students through the step by step process of standing in front of an audience. He told the students “rehearse, rehearse and rehearse!” and walked them through numerous breathing exercises to help calm any nerves. After learning the theory to becoming a better public speaker, the students had to write a three-minute speech on ‘my country: One thing I would change’, and then present to the rest of the class. One member of the class will be taking part in and representing Queen’s in The Great ORA Debate next Wednesday, to be held in the Sheldonian Theatre and hosted by Tom Fletcher.

Acting and Performance Skills was taught by Mary Scott, providing an oversight that will give the students a ‘taster’ into fundamental skills and techniques used in both stage and screen. Students explored essential body, voice and acting skills through the medium of skill based improvisation.

Students from the Global Leadership Programme took part in the Model UN activity yesterday afternoon, assuming the role of a national ambassador or state representative to debate and seek to solve global issues. Each team had to research their countries position and prepare a two-minute speech on the topic ‘With ongoing developments in technology, what help can be given by developed countries to developing ones in increasing access to the internet? What level of access should be given? And who should be responsible for policing?’ Winners of the Model UN also get the chance to represent Queen’s College at The Great ORA Debate next Wednesday.

Tomorrow the students are dispersing around Oxford once again to further explore the city, stay tuned to find out more.