Today was full of excitement and sadness, as the final day of Programme 2 of Reach Cambridge has arrived. Today was all about celebrating everything our incredible students have achieved, reflecting on the amazing memories we’ve made, and looking forward to the bright futures ahead. It was a day filled with fond goodbyes, good fun and a fantastic final celebration!
This morning our students attended their final classes, where they got to summarise everything they had learnt over the course of these two weeks and say goodbye to their teachers and classmates. Our students each received a certificate in recognition of their hard work and commitment. The afternoon was left free to allow the students a final few hours to walk around Cambridge and grab some lunch with their friends. Most importantly, this time was needed for packing, given that many of our students were leaving early in the next day for their trips back home. The task of packing up was bittersweet, given that many of our students had made wonderful memories in their rooms, and for some it was their first time staying alone away from home!
As evening approached, it was time to celebrate all the amazing experiences our students had enjoyed over the course of the program. It was time for our spectacular farewell party, and the theme was a perfect fit: Reach for the Stars!
We kicked things off with a delicious BBQ, with a choice of chicken or halloumi on offer, followed by a pavlova for dessert. After dinner, it was time for the final round of evening notices before the party really began. The students were able to say their thank you’s to every person involved in the running of the programme, from the directors and supervisors to the housekeeping staff, whose hard work had made the experience so special. It was also the chance for the conclusion of the Fire and Ice competition, which had been neck and neck over the course of the program; with Team ICE emerging victorious over all! Finally, as a way of wrapping up, the students got to watch a compilation video of all the wonderful moments they had had here at Reach, with their own submissions mixed in for good measure. There was a lot of laughter as the students recognised themselves and their friends on screen!
Finally, it was time for the Departure Party! The party atmosphere truly came alive, with a playlist of everyone’s favourite songs filling the air. There were several activities available for everyone to try out, including a very popular poker game, tarot card readings, and board games. The outside space was also available for anyone to get some fresh air, with people laughing and chatting into the evening. Our supervisors became bartenders for the night, serving their space themed mocktails, including the Starry Night and Sunrise! The final dance was the concluding moment for the programme, bringing everyone together one last time. With dancing, laughter, and some tearful goodbyes, our students returned to their colleges for the night one last time.
These past two weeks all of our students have worked incredibly hard, expanded their horizons, and forged new friendships. As we say our goodbyes, we wish them all the very best on their future journeys. We can’t wait to see what incredible things they go on to achieve!
Goodbye to Programme 2 at Reach Cambridge 2025!
