Students settled down to work in Yarnton Manor’s wood-panelled rooms as lessons began on Monday. Lively discussions were had as our dynamic team of teachers challenged students to develop their ideas and share their thinking with their classmates.

Students made the most of the fantastic weather and the Manor’s boundless grounds during breaks from their lessons. International differences on the appropriate appellation for the beautiful game (football or soccer?) were laid to rest as soon as the all-important ball appeared, and students had a friendly kickabout on the back lawn.

When lessons had wrapped up for the day, students ventured into Oxford for a guided tour of the city known to C.S. Lewis as “the spirit’s stronghold”. Indeed, students stood in awe before such sights as the Bridge of Sighs, the Bodleian Library, and the venerated All Souls College, home to eighty Fellows of worldwide distinction.

With brains buzzing and spirits stirred, students returned to our own hallowed halls primed for the ultimate challenge: the ORA Quiz. On topics ranging from British culture (a nebulous concept indeed) to science and classical music, all students demonstrated depth and breadth of knowledge, with Los Latinos securing a convincing victory when all was said and done. Students then enjoyed each other’s company and cultures before bedtime, taking turns to exhibit classical ballet splits, Bollywood Thumka and Bhangra, and that dance of truly international appeal, the Macarena. Is there no end to their talents?