A Week of Discovery and Debate at Oxford College

The second week at SBC Oxford College brought with it sunshine, blue skies, and a clear sense of growing confidence among the students. With temperatures reaching 32 degrees, there’s been a true feeling of summer across campus. The warmth hasn’t slowed the energy one bit—students have been making the most of the weather with outdoor activities, creative projects, and plenty of time spent enjoying the city’s surroundings.

At the heart of the week was preparation for, and the delivery of, the students’ Time to Shine presentations. In the days leading up to Friday, students worked together in their academic classes to prepare a short presentation that would both educate and spark discussion among their peers. Each group was encouraged to pick a topic relevant to their subject and vote on who would represent their class. This not only encouraged teamwork and critical thinking but gave students the chance to develop their public speaking and presentation skills.

Friday’s Time to Shine itself proved to be a genuine highlight. The Medicine students led with a thoughtful presentation on ALS, looking at how patients and families can be best supported through palliative care. They walked the audience through the responsibilities of healthcare professionals and emphasised the human element of managing such a diagnosis. In Global Leadership, the group cleverly opened with a question—“Superman or Batman?”—to draw students into a wider discussion comparing national responsibilities: should countries help others or prioritise their own citizens? The Law students took a more provocative approach, covering real criminal cases. One group dissected the case of the Yorkshire Ripper, carefully balancing arguments around mental illness and justice. Another explored the murder of Sarah Scazzi in Italy, using it as a way to open up conversations about media ethics and family dynamics. The Business class offered something different with a campaign around the Too Good To Go app, focusing on food waste and the cost-of-living crisis. Their message was clear and engaging—supported by self-produced adverts—and opened up discussion around access to healthy food.

The Time to Shine presentations brought out some excellent work and personal growth. Students were confident, engaged, and supportive of each other’s ideas, making for a rewarding and thoughtful afternoon.

Socially, the week continued to build a strong community spirit. On Thursday evening, students had the chance to unwind in the fresh air with kwik cricket, football, and other outdoor games in a local park. For those feeling more creative, a sketching session focused on Oxford’s landmarks gave students a chance to slow down and take in the beautiful surroundings. The results of their artistic efforts will be shared in the upcoming photo gallery. It’s always lovely to see students engaging with their environment in such thoughtful ways.

Friday evening brought one of the students’ favourite events so far—a silent disco in the garden at Wycliffe Hall. With three music channels to choose from—Classic Rock, Pop, and Afrobeats—everyone found something they enjoyed. Students dressed up for the occasion, and the evening felt like a proper celebration after a busy week of learning and presenting.

Saturday saw the much-anticipated excursion to London, which was blessed with clear skies and warm weather—ideal for exploring the capital. Students had the freedom to choose how they wanted to spend the day: some opted for a walking tour, taking in iconic sights from Leicester Square to Big Ben and across the Southbank. Others visited major cultural institutions like the British Museum, the National Gallery, and Tate Modern. All groups started their day with a visit to Seven Dials Market, where they could try food from all over the world before heading off to their chosen activity. The day ended with a group visit to the London Eye, which offered panoramic views of the city skyline. It was a great way to reflect on the day, and the quiet coach ride home—with pizza waiting on arrival—wrapped up the trip on a high note.

Across the week, what’s stood out most is the growing confidence and sense of belonging among the students. They’re asking more questions in class, forming strong friendships, and making the most of every opportunity offered to them. Whether presenting on healthcare ethics, sketching cathedral spires, or dancing under the stars, students are embracing everything the programme has to offer.