“The times they are a-changing….” | Oxford Royale Summer Schools

The sun still has heat, but the rowan berries are out, and some of the leaves around Yarnton Manor are starting to turn yellow at the edges…a little early for our liking.
What makes it even more poignant is the fact that all other ORA sites have now been returned to their rightful owners; the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and London; in preparation for Michaelmas term. The Yarnton students are our last charges for 2017.
Despite autumn creeping up beyond the horizon, Session 6 students arrived at Yarnton Manor anxious to begin work and grab every opportunity presented to them. They indulged in afternoon tea on the lawn with their parents, before diving into ice-breaker games to get the party started. Following which, the more jet-lagged among them dove straight into bed. Frankly, we don’t blame them.
A busy day followed, with a walking tour of Oxford, during which the students visited the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and Christ Church College; the inspirational setting for Hogwarts dining hall in the Harry Potter films. Much selfie-taking and “pottering about” ensued.
Following the trip, students returned to the Manor for an evening quiz. Can you guess which Counsellor has only one kidney? We can’t. But apparently the winning team Raven-Clue did! Congratulations to them.
The Business and Enterprise students worked on their smartphone app ideas, taste-testing them with unsuspecting passers by in Oxford’s leafy suburb of Summertown, to gauge reactions to their Dragon’s Den style-efforts. Medical Preparation students explored the Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum, where they examined the remains of flora and fauna throughout the ages, and some very outdated medical tools… which were originally used for some very uncomfortable medical procedures.
The Model UN Debate that followed provided some interesting food for thought. “The representation of women in politics” had all the students arguing their respective points so well, that no clear winner could be declared. All students had a good time trying, however.
The mid-session party is creeping up on our Yarnton students. What will it be? A foray into Neverland? Narnia? Hogwarts? Winterfell? We’re not telling. Watch this space for more news…
And if you’re thinking of joining us for 2018 (if you haven’t already this year), prices are frozen until September 30th! Have a look at what we offer, and plan your summer well in advance.

Images: ORA students; rowan berries