30 July 2024
Oxford International College, Week Four
Inspired by the work of British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, students were invited to customise a t-shirt that would then serve as a memento from their time at Bucksmore. Equipped with both fabric markers and transfer paper, students had full creative control over their designs and were also able to send in an image of their choice to be featured on their t-shirt! As the cafeteria transformed itself into a fashion studio, staff were moved by the intercultural bonding the activity led to, such as students signing each other’s shirts in their home language!
To break up the restful, student orientated Lazy Tuesdays’ schedule, the Activity Team made sure to schedule some physical exercise in order to make the most of the pleasant weather! Equipped with water bottles and good music, students headed down to Boteley Park to enjoy a couple matches of dodgeball. After splitting off into smaller groups, students partook in various games of basketball, football, frisbee and card games to make the most of the facilities available at the West Oxford Community Association.
After lunch, students strolled down to the Magdalen Boat House to embark on traditionally hand-crafted punts, a type of boat that has historically featured along the river in Oxford. Having become a staple of the local culture, students attending the University of Oxford can often be spotted punting in between classes. As such, it was essential for the OIC Oxford students to not only experience one of the many highlights that come with attending such a highly academic setting but also for them to appreciate the city from a unique perspective!
Staff and students alike were invited to share their current summer reads and any thoughts they had about the author’s writing style and choice of subject matter. With the books serving as prompts, the conversation sound turned towards discussing philosophical subjects such as the definition of love and the age old “nature vs nurture” debate.
French Plastican Bernard Pras is most well-known for his recreation of celebrity and artist portraits using recycled materials. In this evening activity, students were divided into groups, then led to a classroom where they would have just under 2 hours to create an artwork inspired by his portfolio. As they had been given the freedom to choose who they would like to represent, multiple Trumps, Yoda, Ice Spice, Mr Bean and even Edward Munch’s Scream soon featured in the cafeteria’s makeshift gallery for all students to admire once the activity had ended. Prizes were awarded to the 3 winning teams for best teamwork, best creativity, and most accurate representation.
After coming across the Changing of the Guard on Thames Street, students were led up to the historic site of Windsor Castle. Built by William the Conqueror during the Norman Conquest, they were able to explore the castle in its entirety and marvel upon the architectural feat of St George’s Chapel. After a brief walk to Eton College, the students were led back across the bridge for some afternoon shopping before heading back to Oxford for a movie night!
After a tour around some of London’s most iconic British sights that took students from the London School of Economics all the way to Westminster Abbey, they stopped for lunch in St James Park. The afternoon was then spent shopping in Harrods before heading back to Buckingham Palace but not without first walking through the elegant streets of Belgravia!
To celebrate their completion of the Advanced University Preparation Programme, students were invited to attend a “Great Gatsby” inspired dinner hosted by Pembroke College. With everyone dressed in their best formal wear, the historic architecture served as the ideal backdrop to the multitude of pictures that were taken throughout the evening – fond memories to be looked back on by students in the years to come! The staff wishes all students who attended the OIC Oxford center in this second session of the summer nothing more than happiness & success in all their prospects.
- A Week of Excellence and Discovery: Our Final HIPPO Summer Programme
- Inside the World of Baby Hippo: A Week of Academic Rigor and Vibrant Activities at OIC Brighton
- Games, Graduation and Goodbyes: Week 4 at d’Overbroeck’s
- Memorable Farewells for the Final Week at St. Hilda’s College, Oxford
- Laughter, Lessons, and Learning: Week 3 at d’Overbroeck’s