College Activity Day brings staff together for end of year celebration

To celebrate the end of the academic year, staff from across Abingdon & Witney College came together last week for the annual College Activity Day. Held at the Common Leys Farm campus, the day provided an opportunity for colleagues to step away from their usual roles and enjoy a wide variety of activities, bringing together teams from across all departments in a relaxed and informal setting.

A celebration of collaboration and creativity

College Activity Day is designed to give staff the chance to meet colleagues from across the organisation and take part in activities outside their usual day-to-day responsibilities. The annual event aims to promote wellbeing, creativity, teamwork and community spirit. College staff were invited to run sessions on the day, giving colleagues the opportunity to share their interests, skills and passions.

Attendees enjoyed a wide range of activities, reflecting the diverse talents and interests of our staff. The programme included Latin and Greek dancing, padel, cycling, crazy golf, garden games and wellbeing walks, alongside creative workshops such as book folding, seed bomb making, sun printing, tote bag making and LEGO challenges. Staff also took part in mindfulness sessions, social debating, music quizzes, board games, College Traitors and House of Games.

Nature lovers explored the Cotswold Wildlife Park, visited the College's Horticulture Unit, took part in allotment clear-up projects and watched sheep shearing demonstrations, while others got involved in community initiatives including Project Linus quilt making and volunteering activities.

The programme offered something for everyone, encouraging colleagues to try new experiences, connect with one another and support good causes while taking time to recharge. In addition to activities, the day included a street food-style lunch providing a time for staff to relax and enjoy time together.

Recognising achievement and service

The day concluded with a celebratory Staff Awards event, recognising outstanding contributions across the College. This included the presentation of awards to colleagues as well as recognition for long service, providing a fitting end to the academic year and an opportunity to celebrate individual and team achievements.

A highlight of the College year

For many staff, College Activity Day is a highlight of the year, an opportunity to reflect on a busy academic cycle while looking ahead with renewed energy. By bringing together colleagues from across campuses and departments, the event plays an important role in strengthening relationships, supporting wellbeing, and reinforcing a shared sense of community within the College.