29 July 2026
Written by Activity Manager, Tom
27th July 2026
As our final week of the Pre-University Course at St Hildas College comes to an end, students have enjoyed one last exciting mix of academic enrichment, cultural experiences, and memorable social activities before saying goodbye.
Lazy Tuesday
The week began with our ever-popular Lazy Tuesday, giving students a well-earned lie-in before they headed into Oxford for some free time and shopping. The afternoon featured an engaging masterclass on public speaking, helping students develop confidence and communication skills, followed by an insightful lecture. In the evening, everyone came together for a lively quiz night. One of the biggest highlights was trying to identify members of staff from their baby photos before tackling a range of general knowledge, history, and geography questions in a fun but competitive atmosphere.
Experiencing Oxford’s History
Wednesday started with lessons before students visited the historic Oxford Castle and Prison, where they discovered centuries of fascinating local history. The evening’s Lights, Camera, Action! activity brought plenty of energy and laughter as teams acted out a variety of entertaining scenes, showcasing their creativity and confidence.
Thursday was another academically focused day, with lessons throughout the day, followed by a thought-provoking masterclass on decision making. In the evening, students attended a university talk offering valuable advice on applying to top universities and making the most of future academic opportunities.
Windsor Trip and a Royal Tour of London
On Friday, we travelled to the historic town of Windsor. After a guided walking tour introducing students to the town’s rich history, there was time to explore the local shops before visiting the magnificent Windsor Castle, one of the oldest and largest occupied castles in the world.
Saturday continued the academic momentum with lessons throughout the day. In the afternoon, students heard from an Oxford medicine graduate, who shared their experiences of studying at one of the world’s leading universities. The evening was dedicated to essay preparation, allowing students to consolidate everything they had learned during the course.
Our final excursion took us to London on Sunday. Students enjoyed a guided Politics and Royals walking tour before visiting the spectacular State Rooms at Buckingham Palace. The day concluded with free time on Oxford Street, giving everyone the opportunity to pick up a few last souvenirs before returning to Oxford.
Graduation and Celebrations
Monday marked the final day of the programme, with morning lessons followed by sport on the astro pitch and some last-minute shopping in the city. In the evening, students celebrated their achievements at the graduation ceremony before enjoying a formal dinner together. The night ended with a disco and karaoke, providing the perfect opportunity to celebrate new friendships and an incredible summer.
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.
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