MCS Community and Enrichment Day

Pupils from across the Senior School threw themselves into this year’s Community and Enrichment Day – and with every year group enjoying the freedom of being off timetable, it was a fantastic opportunity to try something new and invest in the community within and beyond school.

Focus for the Second Form was wellbeing, providing a welcome moment to draw breath after their first busy weeks at MCS. A carousel of mindfulness and yoga sessions also included a visit to enjoy the tranquillity of the Botanic Garden – with pupils coming away with some valuable techniques for supporting their happiness and welfare.

Third Form pupils enjoyed a hands-on geo-engineering challenge, using their knowledge and enthusiasm to build model earthquake-proof buildings – which they later put to increasingly dramatic tests!

For the Lower Fourth, the annual newspaper challenge was a great opportunity to hone their creative writing skills. Their day started with an inspiring talk from Oliver Holt, Sports Editor of the Daily Mail, parent to Joe (OW 2026), who entertained them with stories from the back pages. Armed with Oliver’s advice and guidance, our budding journalists set off in search of an MCS scoop, producing a range of imaginative stories, features and interviews along the way.

Upper Fourth, meanwhile, made the most of the balmy autumn day to take part in guerrila gardening. Working with local community groups, their day of clearing, planting and litter picking has helped improve the parks and gardens at Headington Hill, Boundary Brooks Nature Reserve, East Ward allotments and St Francis Primary School.

The Fifth Form had fun on a treasure hunt at Blenheim Palace, working in teams to complete a series of puzzles and navigate their way around the palace’s extensive grounds, combining problem-solving, collaboration and a healthy sense of competition.

For pupils in the Sixth Form, the emphasis was on supporting resilience and balance as they chart their next exciting steps.  Sessions focused on maintaining both physical and mental wellbeing through the coming busy months. Upper Sixth had the opportunity to invest time in UCAS applications, interview practice and mock assessments, to help prepare them for this important stage in their school career.

Overall, it was a fantastic opportunity for pupils to develop new skills, explore new interests and strengthen their sense of community.