ORA at Balliol College, Session 1

It was great to see such a happy bunch of people at the closing night party. The party was carnival themed, and had themed games such as a coconut shy and giant skittles. Everyone here is very sad to see you go- we wish you safe travels and good luck with the future!

Everyone had a great time at the graduation celebrations on Friday. It was lovely to see everyone celebrating their academic successes together, and to hear the good experiences they had at ORA. We hope to see you next year!

A few photos from the ceremony. Along with scrolls, there also awards given out to students who performed particularly well in their classes.

Carlos gets everyone dancing in a fantastic finale to graduation.

Oliva Wells just made a wonderful goodbye speech to her fellow ORA students.

All the students looking lovely for graduation in the grounds of Balliol.

We are eating a gradation dinner in the hall. All the students have dressed up for the occasion, and are enjoying eating a last meal with new friends.

Today is graduation day. The ceremony starts at 7, and immediately after we are holding a British Carnival Party as a farewell to all our students.

Fancy a bit of a work out after all the ice cream earlier? Zumba is taking place in the JCR right now!

Despite the heat, we had a great day in University Parks with an afternoon of sport with the other campuses. Balliol narrowly secured victory against Lady Margaret Hall after the game went down to penalties.

Balliol wins! But great play from runners up Lady Margaret Hall and St. Catherine’s this afternoon.

Kick off! Balliol take on Lady Margret Hall in the football finals. Come on Balliol!

Balliol is limbering up for a win at the tri-campus tournament. There will be football, ultimate frisbee and rounders.

There are lots of activities going on today. Students can choose to go punting, play real tennis or take part in a tri-campus tournament (go Balliol!) In the evening there is Zumba or a murder mystery activity.

There was some awesome talent tonight on campus. We had a hugely varied and impressive evening, with everything from rapping to Greek dancing and a rendition of “Skyfall.” A special mention goes to Carlos, who ended the night on a high by getting everyone on their feet and dancing as shown in the last photo. Well done everyone!

Talent show has started! Join us in the JCR for singing, piano and even a special staff act.