Hear from our Students: Weekends That Shape You
Inside the St Clare’s Pre-IB Journey
At St Clare’s, Oxford, the Pre-IB programme isn’t just about getting ready for exam, it’s about experiencing life in a completely new way. For many students, it’s their first time living abroad, adapting to a different culture, and building independence far from home. In this environment, learning goes beyond the classroom, and some of the most meaningful moments happen outside of it. The school’s trips throughout the year play a huge role in that journey, turning ordinary weekends into experiences that feel exciting, new, and sometimes even life-changing.
As part of the Pre-IB programme, the school regularly organises weekend day trips across the UK. These trips are designed not only to introduce students to British culture and history, but also to help them relax, socialise, and build stronger connections with each other. They offer a balance between academic life and personal development, giving students the chance to explore new places while growing more independent and confident in a supportive environment.
Ege, a student from Turkey, still talks about his visit to the Harry Potter Studio Tour as one of his favourite days of the year. Walking through the original sets, from the Great Hall to Diagon Alley, felt almost unreal, like stepping into the world he had only seen on screen before. Seeing the costumes and props up close made everything feel more real, and he found himself noticing small details he had never paid attention to before. But what made the experience truly special wasn’t just the place. It was sharing it with friends, laughing, taking pictures, and enjoying the excitement together. For Ege, it was one of the first moments where he truly felt connected to the people around him and part of the international community at the school.
For Dima, who came from Ukraine, the visit to Windsor Castle left a deep and lasting impression. Standing inside one of the most iconic royal residences in the world, he felt a strong sense of history surrounding him. Walking through the grand rooms and detailed interiors, Dima found himself imagining the centuries of stories that had taken place there. At the same time, the experience felt personal, it gave him a chance to reflect on how far he had come, studying in a new country and adapting to a different lifestyle. The trip helped him understand British culture in a more meaningful and emotional way.
Antonio, from Brazil, found one of his favourite experiences in a completely different kind of activity: a laser gaming trip organised by the school. At first, it seemed like just a fun break from academic life, but it quickly turned into something more. Running through the arena, working as a team, and laughing with classmates created a sense of connection that was hard to build in the classroom alone. For Antonio, it was a moment where friendships grew naturally, without pressure, and where he felt fully part of the group. It also helped him come out of his shell, becoming more confident and comfortable around others in a new environment.
What all these experiences have in common is how natural and meaningful they feel for students. These are not just organised school trips, they are opportunities to grow, to build friendships and to discover new sides of themselves. Whether it’s navigating a new place, learning to communicate with people from different cultures, or simply enjoying small moments together, students begin to feel more comfortable and confident in their new environment. These shared experiences often become the stories they tell again and again.
By the end of the year, students don’t just remember what they studied, they remember how they felt and who they became along the way. At St Clare’s, those shared experiences become part of each student’s personal journey. They leave not only better prepared for the IB programme, but also more open-minded, independent, and ready to explore the world beyond the classroom.
Written by Leonardo (Pre-IB 26)