In this presentation a few facts as well as a few personal ideas are presented . Let’s start with the basic knowledge about Oxford...

Oxford is situated in central southern England. It has a population of about 150,000 people. What is interesting is that this town was called “the city of dreaming spires”, this term refers to harmonious architecture of Oxford’s university buildings.

Oxford Impressions

This is a map of the city centre.

Oxford Impressions

The official story of the town name is that this place initially was called “Oxenaforda” –meaning - the ford (or bridge) of the oxen, so these animals could go through the river. That is why when you are there you can see a herd of oxen in the meadow near Christ Church College, which is basically in the centre of the town.

Oxford Impressions

The city is home of the University in Oxford, the oldest university in the country and in the English-speaking world. It was mentioned in 12th century records. The earliest colleges were University College (1249), Balliol (1263) and Merton (1264). Right now there are 39 colleges. Each of them is situated in a separate building, where students live, learn (they have their tutorials there) and have their meals.

Oxford Impressions

Christ Church College is one of the oldest and most aristocratic colleges; this place is connected with two well-known characters, the first is Alice in the Wonderland, and the second Harry Potter.The beautiful staircase was an inspiration for the creators of the movie about Harry Potter.

Oxford Impressions

As far as Alice is concerned you can see the remainders of this character in different places in the building. The whole story is quite interesting because Alice was a little girl who lived with her family in the college in the 19 th century. One of the tutors, her father’s friend, Charles Dodgson, created amusing stories, inspired by the place and people who lived there. They were published in 1865 under a pseudonym Lewis Carroll and are known as the book – “Alice’s Adventures in the Wonderland”.

Oxford Impressions

One of the most important buildings in the college is Christ Church Cathedral which is a college chapel and a cathedral in one foundation. Thanks to this Oxford is a city not a town (the difference between a city and town in Britain is not connected with the size of the place or its population but with the existence of the cathedral).

Oxford Impressions

Three more buildings worth mentioning is the Bodleian Library, which is one of the oldest libraries in Europe (and the main building is one of the oldest in Oxford). It is called by Oxford scholars “Bodley” or “Bod”. This library has an amazing collection because of a tradition of sending there a copy of every book printed in Britain. Another building close by is the Radcliff Camera which serves as the reading room (and it is a building which can be seen on almost every postcard from Oxford). The last, but not least, is the Sheldonian Theatre, designed by Christopher Wren on the 17th century and it was his second work.

Oxford Impressions

You can see a picture presenting the Radcliff Camera (along with cute ducks reminding people that it is the exam time), and also the place close to the Sheldonian.

Oxford Impressions

Oxford offers much more than just college buildings, what you can also admire is the atmosphere of an English town. You can see extraordinary shop displays, which make you want to go inside, look at the items and perhaps buy something. That is why you would be able to see some of them in this presentation.

Oxford Impressions

Oxford Impressions

Obviously you can’t miss the shops selling wide variety of gifts, where you can purchase almost every possible object with an inscription „University of Oxford” or with the British flag. Some of these shops are more sophisticated but still refer to the atmosphere of the place.

Oxford Impressions

If we talk about shopping The Covered Market must be mentioned, it is a place with a number of stalls selling unusual items (also sandwich bars and coffee shops); the shop selling cupcakes is the one that can be noticed immediately. Every situation is good to give someone a delicious cupcake...

Oxford Impressions

Places which are connected with the typical English daily life are pubs, which are really varied, and famous for different reasons. One of them The Eagle and the Child is known as a place for writers, its history involves names such as C.S. Lewis or J.R.R. Tolkien, who met and created some of their stories there.

Oxford Impressions

Another British element, the image of the Queen, can appear in unusual places, even in a shop selling kitchen items.

Oxford Impressions

Oxford can be also called a city of bikes, which are everywhere, and in different forms.

Oxford Impressions

Oxford Impressions

Another great thing about Oxford is that you can stroll there along the canals, admiring nature, small architecture with bridges, or go punting (punts – the boats used there).

Oxford Impressions

Oxford Impressions

In June Oxford students have their final exams, that is why you can witness various strange situations. You can see students wearing traditional gowns (black clothes with white shirt). Those who are lucky to pass their exams wear funny hats or wigs, they are accompanied by a group of friends, they carry a bottle of champagne, and usually sit in the park and celebrate, but sometimes they could be thrown into the canals (which hopefully are quite shallow).

Oxford Impressions

In conclusion – Oxford is a place where you can explore the richness of British history, admire one of the oldest universities in Europe, get in touch with modern art, go to the biggest bookshops in Britain, feel the atmosphere of a typical English town, spend a great time with your friends and have a chance to meet new people.

Oxford Impressions

The authors of this presentation are Lidia Chęcińska and Dagmara Kubala. The photos were taken by Lidia Chęcińska in June 2013.We had a chance to visit Oxford thanks to Fundacja Rozwoju Edukacji – Program Comenius “Uczenie się przez całe życie”; we participated in a course Creative Teaching In the Secondary Classroom, Practical and Creative Methodology for Overseas English Language Teachers organized by Lake School in Oxford (in June and July 2013).

Oxford Impressions