Dancing Dinosaurs and Cultural Nights

It’s been a vibrant and fulfilling start to the week here at Headington, with two days that have blended artistic expression, physical activity, academic enrichment and a strong sense of international community. The weather has been just right for enjoying our outdoor spaces, and the positive atmosphere across campus has truly reflected that.

Earlier in the week, the focus was on creativity and teamwork. Students channelled their imaginations into origami projects, folding intricate dinosaur designs which they proudly presented to staff. The paper creatures were not only charming but a lovely symbol of the care and effort the students put into their work. Alongside origami, the zen-doodle session offered a more meditative creative outlet, with students absorbed in detailed patterns and flowing designs.

The good weather allowed for plenty of activity outdoors too. Ultimate frisbee took centre stage on the field, with students giving their all in fast-paced matches that encouraged both strategy and sportsmanship. There was also football for those looking for something a little more familiar, and both sports kept the energy high throughout the day.

In the classrooms, students in the medicine class had the chance to take part in a heart dissection. Led by teacher Maddie, the lesson was hands-on and deeply engaging. Students asked thoughtful questions and showed real curiosity about human anatomy—an experience many said they would remember for a long time.

The evening ended on a lively note with ‘Challenge Carrie’, a friendly competition where students went head-to-head with our Manager Carrie to earn points for their houses. What started with Davenport in the lead ended with Hillstow taking the top spot—for now, at least. The energy in the room was infectious, with students fully embracing the light-hearted rivalry.

He next day kept the momentum going with another packed day of activities. Clay making proved especially popular, giving students a chance to express themselves through tactile creativity. There was a wonderful buzz in the room as sculptures took shape, and students shared ideas and techniques with one another.

Sports again featured strongly, with badminton and bench ball encouraging fast thinking and coordination. For students looking for something quieter, board games provided the perfect balance—offering both fun and a bit of strategic thinking. Meanwhile, the dance sessions brought the house down, quite literally, with students moving to the beat and cheering each other on. It’s been lovely to see how students have supported each other across all these different activities, whether through sharing clay tools or applauding dance moves.

Teachers have also been busy writing student reports, and it’s been a rewarding process reflecting on the effort and progress each student has made. There’s been so much positive feedback, and it’s clear that the students’ dedication is shining through in every subject area.

The evening offered something truly special, starting with a guest talk from Andrew, who led a thoughtful and funny session on culture and interpretation. His ability to connect with students was clear from the laughter and questions that followed, and many students came away with new perspectives on how we understand and relate to each other across cultures.

This set the tone perfectly for our International Night. The hall came alive with music, dancing, and a delicious spread of food and drinks from around the world. Students took pride in sharing snacks from their home countries, and it was heart-warming to see so many trying new flavours and learning about each other’s backgrounds. The Just Dance session drew a massive crowd, with over half the students joining in. It was one of those joyful, slightly chaotic moments that captured the spirit of SBC—being a little silly, a lot inclusive, and entirely full of fun. For those wanting a quieter close to the evening, the garden space offered a lovely chance to relax and chat under the warm evening sky.

Over these two days, the sense of community at Headington has grown even stronger. Whether in a classroom, on a field, or sharing snacks from home, students have shown kindness, curiosity, and enthusiasm in equal measure. It’s been a joy to watch friendships deepen and confidence grow, and we’re looking forward to what the rest of the week will bring.