15 July 2026
Written by Activity Manager, Tom
13th July 2026
As another exciting week at St Hildas on the Pre University Course draws to a close, our students have enjoyed academic challenge, cultural exploration, and unforgettable memories.
Masterclasses and Walking Tours
The week began with a well deserved lazy Tuesday, giving everyone a chance to recharge before diving back into their studies. Students attended engaging masterclasses and an insightful lecture from Justin Reay, which explored the rich history and culture of Oxford. The evening brought plenty of laughter during our Improv Troupe activity, where students worked together through quick-fire games and spontaneous performances, building confidence and teamwork along the way.
On Wednesday, students discovered the historic streets of Oxford on a guided walking tour before enjoying some free time to explore the city’s shops and cafés. That evening’s Taskmaster challenge brought out everyone’s competitive side, with teams taking on a series of creative tasks, from building spaghetti and marshmallow towers to transforming water bottles into convincing staff lookalikes.
Thursday was packed with academic opportunities, featuring lessons throughout the day, an afternoon masterclass, and an inspiring university talk in the evening, encouraging students to think about their future study options and university life.
A Trip to Bath
Friday saw us travel to the beautiful city of Bath. Students explored its stunning Georgian architecture on a guided walking tour before visiting the world famous Roman Baths, learning about the city’s fascinating history. The trip finished with some free time to enjoy Bath’s charming streets and shops.
Saturday provided another productive day of lessons, with students also dedicating time to essays and project work as they prepared for the final stage of the course.
Exploring London and Rounding Off the Week
Our final excursion took place on Sunday with a visit to London. Students explored the vibrant atmosphere of Covent Garden, enjoyed a scenic river cruise from Westminster to Greenwich, and took part in a walking tour featuring landmarks such as the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory. A visit to the National Maritime Museum rounded off a fantastic day in the capital.
The week concluded on Monday with sports on the astro, free time in Oxford, and our much-anticipated graduation ceremony. A formal dinner and celebratory party provided the perfect ending to an incredible summer school experience. From academic achievements to lasting friendships, it has been a week to remember, and we wish all of our student’s safe travels as they head home with memories that will stay with them for years to come.
Not sure who to contact?
Our contact form is a good starting point, and we have also provided a full Summer Contact Information document for you to refer to over the summer.
If you’re wondering what to expect from a Bucksmore Summer, we get it! Our team answer your Frequently Asked Questions over on our Youtube channel.
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