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It is hard to believe November is already coming to an end, and the Winter break is just around the corner. This is a good reminder even though school days can feel long, the weeks pass by very quickly.
This month, I have had the privilege of visiting several of our home offices to connect with team members and, most enjoyably, many of you. These trips are always a highlight for me, offering the chance to engage with parents and families preparing to join us in the next academic year and to meet prospective students. I deeply value the feedback from our current parents and treasure the shared excitement of families just starting their journey at EF Academy Oxford, as we envision the bright future ahead for our Class of 2027 graduates.
As always, November has been an action-packed month at school, filled with memorable moments. Two highlights stand out for me. First, our Cultural Fair at the start of the month was, without doubt, the best we have ever hosted. The dedication and creativity students brought to their presentations, performances, and national dishes were nothing short of inspiring. Each three-minute presentation was a window into what students cherished most about their home countries, and their performances were truly remarkable. For me, though, the standout was the food! The sheer variety of dishes prepared, cooked, and shared was incredible. It was a privilege to witness such a heartfelt celebration of culture and community.
Our weekend and academic trips also continue to set us apart. This month included visits to the Harry Potter Studio Tour, a street art tour in Bristol, and my personal favourite, Year 1’s excursion to Bletchley Park. Looking ahead, the agenda includes a visit to the Christmas market in Bath. Another November highlight has been the Model United Nations conferences. Our Model United Nations team participated in events at our sister campus in New York and the University of Oxford, showcasing the incredible opportunities available to our students.
As the term draws to a close, next month will bring important moments for reflection and planning. For Year 1 students, it is a time to look back on their first term, while Year 2 students will focus on setting clear goals for their final teaching term before examinations. The upcoming teacher and parent consultation day will be a valuable milestone in this process.
After you have spoken with your child’s teachers, pathway managers, or Dona, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly at [email protected] if you would like to discuss anything further. As always, I deeply value our partnership and am here to support in any way I can.
EF Academy Oxford Students Shine at New York MUN Conference
Six students from our Oxford campus had the incredible opportunity to participate in a Model United Nations (MUN) conference hosted by EF Academy New York.
After a late flight and a warm welcome to campus, exhausted but excited, we quickly settled in for the night, ready for the days ahead. The following morning, after a hearty breakfast, we were given a tour of the campus by a Year 1 IB student. After the tour, we turned our attention to the main event—the MUN conference, which opened with a formal ceremony to set the tone for the proceedings.
The conference itself was the highlight of our trip. It provided an intellectually stimulating environment where students from diverse backgrounds engaged in debates and discussions on pressing global issues.
Each delegate brought a unique perspective to their committee, contributing to productive debates and the drafting of comprehensive resolutions. The rigorous process of negotiation, coalition-building, and public speaking challenged us to think critically and collaboratively. Notably, all three committees successfully passed resolutions, marking a proud moment for everyone involved. Beyond committee sessions, the conference also included workshops and keynote addresses by experts in international relations and diplomacy. These sessions broadened our understanding of real-world applications of the skills we were honing, such as negotiation, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication.
On the final day of our trip, we had the opportunity to explore Manhattan, taking in its iconic landmarks and bustling streets. This brief excursion was both a cultural highlight and a chance to relax after the intensity of the conference. Later that evening, we boarded our return flight from Newark Airport, arriving at Heathrow the next morning.
Reflecting on the conference, we all agreed it was a transformative experience. For many of us, it was our first MUN conference, and we gained invaluable skills in diplomacy, public speaking, and critical thinking. Beyond the formalities of the conference, we also forged connections with peers from around the world, enriching our understanding of different cultures and perspectives.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Debbie, Alyona, and EF Academy for organizing this unforgettable experience. Their support and guidance throughout the trip were instrumental in its success, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent EF Academy Oxford on this global stage.
Anna-Clara
IB Year 1 Student
A Festive and Fun-Filled Month In Boarding
It has been a lively and action-packed month in boarding, with students embracing the spirit of celebration, creativity, and community!
We kicked off the midterm break by lighting up Cotuit Hall with beautiful Diwali decorations, spreading the joy of the festival of lights. Shortly after, the Student Lounge transformed into a spook-tacular Halloween hub, featuring Witches Brew Pumpkin Soup and Witches Fingers Sausage Rolls—deliciously eerie treats that added a touch of magic to the festivities.
Our Karaoke Night stole the spotlight, with over 30 students belting out their favourite tunes and enjoying a fantastic singalong session. The boarding team pulled out all the stops with a mouthwatering buffet to keep the energy alive. This was followed by a delightful twist on our much-loved Student Lounge Brunches—students were treated to homemade sourdough loaves topped with smashed avocado, creamy scrambled eggs, and a variety of refreshing iced coffees. The rave reviews from our students have ensured both events will make a comeback!
Of course, our ever-popular snack nights continued to surprise and delight. One of the latest hits? A DIY Kebab Night that had students rolling up their sleeves and getting creative with their favourite fillings and flavours.
As we head into the festive season, the excitement is building for the Christmas celebrations. The boarding team is hard at work planning a magical finale to the term, filled with holiday cheer and special moments to enjoy before our students head home for the break.
Extracurricular Highlights with Sam
The second half of this term began with a bang as our students headed to South Park to enjoy the fireworks display commemorating Guy Fawkes' failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. They enjoyed the fireworks and the enormous bonfire, while also enjoying the thrill of fair rides and sampling delicious offerings from craft food vans. Over 20,000 people joined the celebrations in South Park this year, making it a truly memorable event.
Students also took part in our most magical trip of the term that saw students visiting the Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter. They explored iconic sets from the Harry Potter films and immersed themselves in the enchanting world of magic. From intricate props to legendary locations across the saga, students thoroughly enjoyed this spellbinding experience.
House Events
The House Volleyball Competition, held on November 19th, was a fiercely competitive and thrilling event. All three houses — Osney, Magdalen, and Folly — faced off in a round-robin format, with each team playing twice. Ultimately, Magdalen stormed to victory, securing the House title. Osney claimed a well-fought second place, while Folly finished with a commendable third. Every match was played to a high standard, with close scores reflecting the skill and determination of all participants.
With very best wishes,
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Mark Fletcher-Single
Head of School, EF Academy Oxford
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