After a productive full morning of lessons, the students gathered in the marquee to welcome in the ORACLE speakers; Jonathan Bard and Scott Abrahams.

Professor Bard specialises in evolutionary biology and is college advisor to graduates in medical sciences at Balliol College, Oxford. As an evolutionary biologist, Jonathan’s thought provoking talk on “Creationism versus Evolution – What does the evidence say?” was weighted heavily in favour of evolution, encouraging students to see reason in the facts presented by science.

Scott Abrahams is the Senior Vice President of business development for Mastercard UK and Ireland. He provided an informative and inspiring talk on leadership and management in business. From his own personal experience, he advised students on career decision making and the importance doing a good job in all aspects of work, because hard work will never go unnoticed.

After an hour break for fresh air, the students regrouped once again in the marquee for the greatly anticipated ORA’s Got Talent. Staff were well aware of the abundant talent present at Yarnton Manor, as students have been audibly and visibly rehearsing throughout the past week in preparation for the show. An incredible rendition of Amy Winehouse’s ‘Back To Black’ was performed by Karolina, truly gripping the audience and gaining unanimous approval from all judges on the panel – even Marco, playing the villainous Simon Cowell role for the evening. Many other impromptu performances came forth as students confidence grew and people fancied their chance to shine on the stage; freestyle rap, hip-hop dance routine and a boy walking on his toes to name just a few. To round off a fantastic evening, the Councellors performed a full dance routine to ‘Tik Tok’ by Kesha, much to the amusement of all students. The winner will be announced later in the week, but a valiant effort by all.