Pippa's Camp Diaries
Dear Parents and Guardians...
Welcome to our Pippa’s Camps blog!
It is a real pleasure to share a glimpse of daily life here at camp with you. Whether your child has joined us for our Study Programme, Holiday Programme or Work Experience course, each day is thoughtfully designed to balance academic focus, creativity, friendship and fun.
Throughout the camp, this blog will give you a window into your child’s experience. from morning lessons and workshops to afternoon activities, evening socials, and special excursions. We know how important it is for families to feel connected while their children are away, and we hope the photos and updates shared here will help you feel part of their journey.
Our team of dedicated tutors, matrons and camp leaders work hard to ensure students feel safe, supported and inspired. Our aim is not only for students to make academic progress, but also to grow in confidence, independence and resilience. Whether they are revising for exams, trying a new sport, exploring Oxford, or simply laughing with new friends in the common room, each moment plays a part in their personal development.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s care. We are proud to support them during their time here and look forward to sharing many highlights with you over the coming days.
Warmest wishes,
Jodie Godliman
Camp Director
Friday
Our students arrived from their respective boarding schools and quickly settled into what will be their home for the next 10 days. With single ensuite bedrooms, each student has a comfortable, private space to relax and unwind over half term, or to focus quietly on preparation for upcoming exams.
The boarding house itself offers a warm and welcoming environment, with spacious common room areas where students can socialise and feel at home. There is a pool table, table tennis table, and even two pianos, which are already proving popular! These shared spaces give students the opportunity to relax together, practise music, enjoy a friendly game, or simply chat with new friends after a busy day.
Saturday
One of the things students often tell us they miss most during term time at boarding school is the simple pleasure of a lie-in. At camp, we make sure to build this into the weekend schedule, giving them the chance on Saturday or Sunday to enjoy a slower start to the day and some well-earned rest.
In the afternoon, we headed into Oxford city centre for sightseeing and a little shopping. It was a lovely opportunity for students to explore the historic streets, pick up a few treats, and enjoy time together outside the campus environment.
In the evening, we embraced a Valentine’s Day theme for our social programme. Students had great fun making their own chocolate covered strawberries and marshmallows before settling down to watch a romantic comedy movie.
Sunday
Once again, some students made the most of a well-earned lie-in, while those feeling more energetic headed to the gym for a workout, a great way to start the day on a positive note.
In the afternoon, students had the choice of a trip to the cinema or spending time in our supervised study centre, which remained open for anyone wishing to focus on schoolwork or practice music. This balance allows students to relax and enjoy themselves while also staying on top of their academic goals.
In the evening, everyone came together in the sports hall for some friendly competition, with students choosing between basketball and badminton.
Monday
Monday was a fantastic start to the week, with each of our three programmes (Work Experience, Study and Holiday) in full swing from the very beginning of the day.
Work Experience Programme
Our Work Experience students set off on their very first placements, full of anticipation and enthusiasm. We are delighted to be able to offer such a diverse range of opportunities this week. Placements included a media agency, a local museum, a care home, a five-star restaurant and a car factory.
It was wonderful to see students stepping into professional environments with confidence, asking questions, observing carefully, and already beginning to develop valuable workplace skills. We look forward to hearing more about their experiences as the week progresses.
Study Programme
Our Study students enjoyed a focused and productive day. Many worked independently on assignments and revision tasks set by their schools, making excellent use of the calm and structured environment. Others chose to book 1:1 sessions with our camp tutors, benefiting from personalised support in areas where they wanted extra guidance or clarification.
The atmosphere in the study centre was purposeful and positive, with students demonstrating impressive self-discipline and motivation.
Holiday Programme
Meanwhile, our Holiday Programme students had an energetic and creative day. The morning included tennis and art, giving students the chance to balance physical activity with creativity. In the afternoon, the pace continued with football and badminton, with plenty of friendly competition and teamwork on display.
Evening – Chinese New Year Celebrations
In the evening, we came together as a whole camp to celebrate with a Chinese New Year themed supper.
After supper, the boarding house smelled amazing as students baked red bean paste pastries.
A busy, varied and thoroughly enjoyable Monday for all.
Tuesday
Work Experience Programme
Our Work Experience Programme students have been gaining invaluable real-world insight through placements across a diverse range of industries, including a finance company, a physiotherapy clinic, an art gallery, a medical research company, a restaurant, and with an employment consultant. It’s been wonderful to see their confidence, independence, and aspirations grow through these varied and meaningful experiences.
Study Programme
In our Study Programme, students benefited from personalised 1:1 tutoring sessions, giving them focused academic support tailored to their individual goals. They also attended an engaging seminar on choosing the right university course, where they explored how to match their interests and strengths with future career pathways.
Holiday Programme
Those in our Holiday Programme celebrated Chinese New Year by spending the morning baking traditional pineapple buns, developing their kitchen skills and teamwork and enjoying their delicious creations.
In the afternoon we headed into Oxford to a virtual cricket centre. Students took turns in the batting cages, for many it was their first time trying cricket and it was great fun!
Evening
In the evening students went to the sports hall, requesting more badminton and basketball. We also had activities within the boarding house to celebrate pancake day.
Wednesday
Study Programme
Students made excellent use of the study centre, working independently on school projects, revising for upcoming exams, and benefiting from focused 1:1 tutoring sessions with our dedicated onsite camp tutors.
Work Experience Programme
Those enrolled in the Work Experience Programme began their mornings with engaging workshops on leadership and public speaking, building confidence and communication skills before heading off to their placements. Students gained valuable real-world insight working alongside professionals at an engineering company, a business consultant’s office, a restaurant, and a museum.
Holiday Programme
Students embraced their creativity with a relaxing morning of pottery painting, followed by energetic games of badminton. In the afternoon, everyone enjoyed a lively round of mini golf, rounding off a day filled with friendly competition.
Thursday
Work Experience Programme
Students headed out in the morning to continue their placements, gaining further hands-on insight and building valuable workplace skills. In the afternoon, they regrouped for a guided tour of the beautiful and historic University of Oxford, where they explored the iconic colleges, learned about student life, and discovered what makes Oxford one of the world’s leading academic institutions.
Study Programme
The morning included focused tuition sessions and supervised self-study in the study centre, with many making fantastic progress on coursework and revision goals. In the afternoon, they had the opportunity to join the inspiring tour of the University of Oxford, adding an exciting and aspirational dimension to their academic efforts.
Holiday Programme
We adapted the programme due to some unexpected rainy weather in the morning. We swapped our planned outdoor activity for a cosy indoor watercolour painting session, complete with hot chocolate to keep everyone warm and cheerful. Spirits remained high, and the creativity on display was wonderful to see! By the afternoon, the rain had cleared, allowing us to head out and enjoy our own guided tour of the University of Oxford, a fantastic way to round off the day with exploration, learning, and plenty of photos.
