22 July 2026
Written by Activity Manager, Kat
21st July 2026
This week has been packed with exciting trips, fun activities and plenty of unforgettable moments. From exploring a Victorian prison to watching the World Cup final together, there’s certainly never been a dull moment!
Locked Up in Oxford
Our week started with a trip to Oxford Castle & Prison, where students stepped back in time to discover over 1,000 years of history. They climbed the Saxon Tower for incredible views across Oxford, explored the underground crypt and even wandered through the prison cells, which were still in use until 1996. The costumed guides really brought the stories to life, and there were lots of questions (and a few shocked faces!) as students learned about daring escapes and infamous prisoners.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Our full-day excursion took us to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where students explored Britain’s fascinating naval history. They had the chance to see some of the country’s most famous ships and learn about life at sea through the years. After a busy morning, everyone enjoyed some free time around Gunwharf Quays, where there was plenty of shopping, snacks and souvenirs. Unsurprisingly, a few students returned with far more bags than they had started the day with!
Museums and Royal History in London
Our London excursion took us to Kensington, beginning with the Natural History Museum. The giant blue whale, dinosaur gallery and earthquake simulator were all huge hits, and there was something to capture everyone’s interest.
Afterwards, we headed across Kensington Gardens to Kensington Palace, where students explored the history of the royal family and learned more about Queen Victoria, who was born there. It was a fantastic opportunity to experience both world-class museums and royal history all in one day.
Bridge Building Challenge
Back on campus, students put their engineering skills to the test in our Bridge Building Challenge. Working in teams, they had to design and build a bridge before testing how much weight it could hold. There were some incredibly creative designs, lots of teamwork and plenty of excitement as each bridge was put to the test. Some lasted far longer than expected, while others…
World Cup Final
Football fever continued this week as students gathered together on Sunday evening to watch the World Cup final. With Spain taking on Argentina, the atmosphere was fantastic, with cheers, celebrations and friendly rivalries filling the room. It was a brilliant way for everyone to come together, regardless of which team they were supporting.
Away from the bigger events, students have also been enjoying some quieter activities. Bracelet making and arts and crafts continue to be incredibly popular, giving everyone a chance to relax, chat and be creative. There are now friendship bracelets being exchanged between students from all over the world, a lovely reminder of the friendships they’ve made during their time at St Hilda’s.
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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