WHAT WERE YOUR EXPECTATIONS IN THE BUILD-UP TO THE ARRIVAL OF THE OSCAR GIRLS?
Ellie: It was scary at first because we felt we had a lot of responsibility to look after them as well as helping to plan the activities. We were not sure how much English they would be able to speak and what they were going to want to do. We tried to plan lots of different activities so that they would have the best possible experience they could at Bradfield.
As soon as they arrived everyone relaxed and just enjoyed the experience. They were all so nice and made it clear how much they all loved the activities they took part in. The OSCAR girls were really thankful for the opportunity which made the whole visit even more rewarding.
Alice: Honestly, because we only had a little bit of background information on the OSCAR girls, I did not expect them to be comfortable in this environment but they fitted in so well. When they arrived they were very natural, inquisitive about the different lifestyles and, although I did not think they would speak any English, I found that many of them were really accomplished at the language.
WHERE DID THEY STAY AND WHAT ACTIVITIES DID THEY DO DURING THE THREE DAYS?
Ellie: We split them up between Stevens, Armstrong and Palmer House and each House hosted between four and six girls. They slept in the Common Rooms that had been kitted out with mattresses and some sleeping bags, which does not sound like much; the OSCAR girls were, however, really grateful as many of them do not have beds at home.
The four of us International Leaders had a responsibility to make sure they got to the right place at the right time throughout their stay but Mrs Morris played a huge part in the organisation by making a full timetable for them.
Alice: On the day they arrived it was one of their birthdays so we all had cake in the Warden’s Room. It provided such a good ice breaker and a great opportunity to get to know them right from the start. After settling in they went and enjoyed lessons in Science and Art before taking on our CCF obstacle course and spending some time in the swimming pool.
The day after we all had a training session with QPR Women FC which they really enjoyed. Despite not being that into football myself, I found the training session inspiring and I was really glad that I took part in that and the match. You could tell the OSCAR girls had trained a lot for the tour; they were a very good team. Loads of people came to watch and there was such a great atmosphere.
