Day 13 Graduation Dinner

Today, we had our last lessons in Christ Church. In the morning, we continued our engineering challenges, all of the 5 groups presented their projects. The title of group D2 was 'Clinical Medical Trials', group D1 was 'GI Tech', group C 'Adaptive Virtual Reality System', group B 'Elevation Transportation System', and group A 'Smart Oasis 2.0'. We talked about how the project would be implemented, how many workers would be needed, how many years etc.. We voted for the best project and group D1 won.

After lunch, we had essay writing. We formulated a plan on 'the success of David Cameron as the Prime Minister'. After that, we changed into our uniform and received our certificates. Afterwards, we enjoyed some elderflower presse in the dean's garden, where Lewis Carroll was inspired to write the world famous 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'.. Then, we had a 4 course dinner in the dining hall which lasted for 2 hours. We took many photos with our teachers and friends and all of us had a wonderful time.

Day 12 Debate

In the morning, we continued with our engineering challenge. Ideas from different groups were presented by the professor, and we continued with our project. We worked on the 5 steps, initiating, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing. We defined different phases of the project, and set a budget and deadline for each task. Through this challenge, we had a greater understanding of what was a SMART project - specific, measurable, achievable, and time bound.

In the afternoon, we learnt some debating skills. We watched some clips from the Oxford Union, the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. The debaters' speeches were really inspiring, and all of us enjoyed their speeches. Afterwards, we had our own debate. We were divided into 2 groups of 20, where each group chose 3 speakers to debate with the motion: this house believes that university education should be free of charge to students. The whole team worked hard and a lot of support was given to the debaters. We only had an hour to prepare a less than 10 minute speech - it was extremely challenging but team spirit increased throughout the process. Team proposition won and it was a good experience for all of us.

Before dinner, all of us were given the choice to a) do some shopping, or b) go jogging/take a walk around Christ Church Meadows. At night, we stayed up late to make thank you cards for the teachers and ate fruits together. All in all, it was yet another amazing day and we will surely treasure the last 2 days in Oxford.

Day 11 Ashmolean Museum

Today we had programme managing lessons together. After lunch, we went to the Ashmolean Museum where we saw amazing sculptures, gorgeous paintings and some string instruments.

Day 10 Green Chemistry!

We teachers are having fun too!

After more than a week here in the beautiful Church Church at Oxford University and various trips to the Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace and London we are feeling truly inspired. Here are some of the wonderful moments we have had - from country villages to silly selfies on the London Eye, our time time has been rich and colourful.

Day 9 Challenges!

Science

Today we discussed about medical ethicality. Some of us agreed that it was a criminal offence for a doctor to assist the suicide of a patient based on the 4 pillars of medical ethics - autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice. Others thought that it was vital for a researcher to obtain consent from the family members of a patient that lacked mental capacity. In the afternoon, we learnt about project management. A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service or result. There are 5 steps in carrying out a project, which are initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing.

Humanities

In politics and international relations, we discussed about the countries that are currently still under colonial rule. Besides, the tutor distributed a number of terms for political science for us to define in groups, for example, 'confederalism' and 'fascism'. Then, we researched on the work of different world leaders and how they can be described with the previous terms, such as Hitler with 'dictatorship'and 'totalitarian'. After that, we did a group discussion on the hot topics of Hong Kong based on a news article from our assignment. We gave our opinions on whether Hong Kong should return to British colonial rule, linking with the concepts that we discussed before. In the afternoon lesson which was a Business challenge, Mr. Mittendorf created two cases for us to work in groups and find a solution to the problem. After each case, all of the groups gave a presentation describing the process of how they came to the solution. It was extremely fun and even more challenging under the pressure to finish the tasks on time. 

Day 8 London

British Museum - we were disappointed that the Chinese exhibits were closed for renovation.

In the afternoon, we explored the busy streets of London. We went on the London Eye and had a spectacular view of the city. We saw the Palace of Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square etc.. It was like Causeway Bay - it was full of people and there were many interesting shops and artifacts. Then, some of us headed to the National Gallery and Covent Garden. At night, we dined in a Chinese restaurant - Orient London - it was one of our favourite meals!

Day 7 Bourton-on-the-Water and Blenheim Palace

Today, we went to Bourton-on-the-water. It is famous for its honey colored houses and the picturesque setting was absolutely breathtaking. Walking along River Windrush with the adorable ducklings made the experience even more enjoyable. We enjoyed our packed lunch on the vintage benches beside the Windrush, treasuring the fresh air that is rare in the concrete jungle of Hong Kong.

Afterwards, we arrived at Blenheim Palace by coach. As we were about to get off the coach, a carriage pulled by two majestic white horses went by, leaving everyone awed and more eager to explore the rich historic heritage the Palace holds. We split into two large groups and followed two separate tour guides. We were surrounded by priceless oil paintings, tremendous tapestries and ageless artifacts, feeling as if we traveled back in time to the Victorian era. The deeply intertwined and inseparable relationship the Churchills share with the Blenheim Palace was undoubtedly fascinating. 

Day 6 Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

In the morning, we had our lessons as usual. The science students explored the causes and treatments of cancer. After lunch, we attended a lecture on the history of 'Alice in Wonderland' and stopped by Alice's Shop. Many of us got copies of the book - it was the 151st anniversary of the book a few days ago (4th July). It was an interesting shop and the souvenirs were precious.

For dinner, we had fish and chips at The Royal Oak, 15 minutes away from Christ Church. It was a satisfying dinner - we all enjoyed it very much.

We did not forget to burn off the calories - after the walk back to Christ Church, we jogged around the campus. It was a rewarding experience and a great way to end our day.

Day 5 A visit to the Natural HIstory Museum

For the science stream, we were taught about the functions of the lungs and the structure of the eye in the morning. It was extremely fascinating and we thoroughly enjoyed it. For the humanities stream, we learned about how money, credit and banks work. It was our last lesson with the tutor and we were very grateful for her dedication. 

After lunch, we separated into two groups. One of the groups went on a walk around Oxford to get some insight into the various colleges. The Gothic architectures contrasts subtly with the pastel houses, blending into the cultural atmosphere of Oxford. 

Then, we met up with the other group in front of the Natural History Museum. We were given free time to wander inside. The massive dinosaur skeletons and mineral samples broadened our mindsets. It was mind-blowing to imagine a time when the majestic creatures once roamed the Earth.