Landmarks, Laughter and a Little Bit of Crazy Golf

As we reach the end of another eventful week at Headington, the energy on campus continues to be warm and enthusiastic. The sun has stayed with us, making outdoor activities even more enjoyable and keeping spirits high. Students have settled beautifully into the rhythm of summer school, and there’s a real buzz across campus as they prepare for the upcoming talent show presentations this weekend.

In the classrooms, the focus has been on Oxford – both as a place and as inspiration. Lessons were designed to help students uncover the history, landmarks, and stories of the city, giving them deeper insight ahead of their excursion and feeding directly into their ongoing project work. The academic sessions this week were creative, hands-on, and full of personality. In Alicia’s class, students designed mood boards reflecting their backgrounds and what inspires them, offering a lovely window into their cultures and personal stories. It was a great way to celebrate diversity while developing presentation skills and building community.

Bea’s class took a more theatrical route, preparing props using camping equipment to support their public speaking. The emphasis was on confidence-building and performance — skills that will come in handy on Sunday. Meanwhile, Maddie’s group took on a biology challenge, diving into the anatomy of the eye and diagnosing a pulmonary infection. The session struck a balance between science and storytelling, keeping the students engaged and curious. Jade brought her trademark energy to class with mini games that had everyone laughing, moving, and working together.

Beyond the classroom, students took part in cricket and volleyball, taking full advantage of the lovely weather and open space. The matches brought out plenty of teamwork and healthy competition. For those inclined towards creativity, filmmaking and stained-glass drawing offered quieter but equally engaging alternatives. Each student was able to find something that suited their mood and interests — a core part of the SBC experience.

Thursday evening’s highlight was the Big Quiz, which lived up to expectations with rounds covering everything from famous landmarks to baby photos of staff. Napier House claimed the top prize, but every team brought fantastic spirit, and the atmosphere in the room was full of laughter, clapping, and good-hearted competition.

Friday’s excursions took things up a notch. The students spent a packed day experiencing the best of Oxford’s culture and charm. At the Ashmolean Museum, they explored a world-class collection of fine art and antiquities, sparking plenty of thoughtful conversations and sketchbook moments. Later in the day, punting along the river offered a slower, scenic way to appreciate the beauty of Oxford, with plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the water.

The trip to Junkyard Golf Club brought a completely different sort of energy. The vibrant, quirky course gave students a chance to unwind and have fun while navigating themed holes with light-hearted challenges. It was lovely to see the students encouraging one another and enjoying the silliness of it all after a more reflective morning.

Back on campus, the evening took a calmer turn. With the talent show just around the corner, students began preparing their acts — some rehearsing dances and music, others planning sketches or creative performances. As the day came to a close, the main hall became a cosy cinema, giving everyone a moment to relax and enjoy a film together. It was a lovely way to round off such a full day.

These past two days have been a great example of what makes the summer at Headington so special. Students have been learning about the world around them, expressing their creativity, stepping out of their comfort zones, and most importantly, doing it all together. With the talent show on the horizon, there’s a real sense of excitement and pride building among the students, and we can’t wait to see what they’ll share with us next.