English Language Courses 2016

Academic English Course

Factsheet

General information
• £3,695 for 2 weeks, £6,995 for 4 weeks
• 2016 start dates: June 26th, July 10th, July 24th
• Course focus:
»» Preparing international students for study in English by focusing on English Language fluency within
a chosen academic subject
»» Tutorial teaching within the chosen subject from Oxford academics
• Included in the price is: accommodation in Oxford, tutorial teaching, English language skills classes,
academic English classes, day trips, breakfast and evening meals
• Internationally diverse student body and integration with native English speakers
• Suitable for students preparing for study in English aged: 16-17 and 18-24

Teaching methods
• 24 classes per week
• Tutorial teaching on a one-to-one basis and small classes (maximum 6 students) covering English
language skills and Academic English
• Taught by Oxford academics and experienced English language teachers
• Additional one-to-one classes available (£50 / class)
• Academic subject chosen prior to arrival in Oxford – students complete a written personal statement to
identify needs and set learning goals

Cultural & social activities

• Academic English classes including: university life in England, structuring essays/scientific papers,
writing and making academic presentations, academic style, language and vocabulary, exam technique
• Cultural activities including tours of the Ashmoleon Museum and Bodleian Library
• Day trip to Blenheim Palace with a guided tours
• Half day trips to Windsor Castle and Blenheim Palace

Accommodation
• High quality Oxford college accommodation (used by undergraduates during term time) with students
divided by age and gender – single rooms with shared bathrooms
• Breakfast in Oxford college hall with other students and staff
• Evening meals at local restaurants to get the best of English cultural experiences

Pastoral care
• Dedicated team of Residential Deans to ensure student welfare
• Accredited by the British Accreditation Council

Apply now: www.oxfordsummercourses.com/apply-efl

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Academic English Course

General Information

About us
At Oxford Summer Courses, we believe in the best. The best teachers, the best setting and the best
experiences. If you want summer 2016 to stick in your mind – while stretching and strengthening it –
you’ve come to the right place. We’re a group of Oxford alumni and English teachers. We set up a summer
school for young international students to develop their English skills in Oxford because we’re passionate
about teaching English in Oxford – and we’re determined to share it with the world.

We’re not part of the University, but Oxford is at the heart of everything we do. It shapes what we teach,
how we go about it, and where. You’ll be taught by Oxford’s experienced and qualified English language
teachers as well as having tutorials with Oxford academics. You’ll live in Oxford college accommodation.
And you’ll experience the world renowned city and its rich cultural treasures.

Our English Language Courses

We’ve designed 3 English language courses that provide different areas of focus for students whatever their
level and ability.

foundation intensive Academic

More information on our other
English language courses is
available on our website:
oxfordsummercourses.com/efl
More information on our other
English language courses is
available on our website:
oxfordsummercourses.com/efl
Our Academic English course
mixes English language classroom
study with applied academic
English language specific to UK
University preparation.

Our Academic English course is designed to help prepare non-native English speakers for study at
school, undergraduate or graduate level in English. The course hones English skills that are necessary in
an academic context by testing these skills through the demanding tutorial method of teaching. Don’t be
overawed – tutorials are based around your ability and whilst we aim to stretch and challenge you we have
also laid on a committed team of student helpers (current or former Oxford languages students) who’ll help
you practice and prepare your work.

Our history
Oxford Summer Courses has welcomed over 1,000 students to Oxford since 2010 and we offer a variety of
academic courses alongside English language. Our courses attract a wide variety of students from different
nationalities but we keep group sizes small to maximise progress over our short courses. Our English
language students mix with native speakers and those on our academic courses which bring together
different perspectives on the world and life in Oxford. This is also a great chance to practice speaking skills
informally with other students.

We founded Oxford Summer Courses because we love Oxford and the social and academic adventure it
brings. We want to share it with you – so join us, and make summer 2016 unforgettable.

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Academic English Course

teaching methods

Our Academic English course combines tutorial teaching in your chosen subject from Oxford academics
with English language skills classes from experienced English teachers. We mix small classes with experienced
tutors and lots of class time to ensure you improve your ability to read, write and speak English in your chosen
academic discipline.

24 classes per week

Our Academic English course features 24 classes per week covering both language and applied academic
topics which includes two one-to-one tutorials. Our individual courses are tailored to meet your needs and
you’ll be able to choose how much time you want to spend learning English and how you time you spend
immersing yourself in the history and culture of the city of Oxford.

Maximum 6 students per class

Our classes are kept as small as possible so that you get more attention from your teacher. None of our
classes has more than 6 students meaning our teachers will closely attend to your needs and tailor their
teaching to your level. Smaller classes will help to guide and inspire you. Giving us more opportunity to
hear what you think and why – and help bring out the very best in you.

Experienced teachers
All of our teachers have a wealth of teaching experience, are degree educated native English speakers and
meet British Accreditation Council Standards. We are highly selective when it comes to recruitment and
choose teachers who are not only highly qualified but passionate, supportive, patient and dedicated to
bringing out the best in your English language ability.

Additional one-to-one classes available

If you want to spend more time with a dedicated one-to-one tutor then there is the option of adding
additional classes (at a cost of £50 per class). Our small size and flexibility allow us to tailor classes if you
have a specific interest (e.g. academic English for a particular subject, business English or simply to improve
your Intensive English level). This flexibility means you can make your experience highly immersive to
accelerate the development of your English language skills.

Academic English classes

This course focuses on preparing students for study in English and combines learning language skills
with the finesse and style needed to succeed in an academic context. Academic English classes are taught
by subject stream where appropriate and cover topics such as how to write an essay in English or how to
write a scientific paper. Sessions on university life in England will give you an overview of what studying in
England would be like and answers questions about the Oxford teaching model (and the particular idioms
of this most traditional of English university towns).

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Academic English Course

accommodation

Our courses take place in one of the 38 colleges that make up the University of Oxford. In 2015 our courses
ran in Christchurch College, Somerville College and Lady Margaret Hall. You will live alongside our staff whilst
your tutors will visit the college to teach you. Despite having everything on site you will also be in the centre
of Oxford and have shops, restaurants and the city itself on your doorstep – and plenty of time to explore
them. The rooms are home to undergraduates and graduates during term time and have high-speed internet,
desks for working and views over the college grounds.

Breakfast is served in the dining hall and there are large lawns that are perfect for reading, working, playing
frisbee or taking afternoon tea. Most of the rooms share bathrooms (as is standard across Oxford) and we
separate genders and age groups in different blocks. There is at least one staff member in each block who will
make sure all course rules are obeyed. Our pastoral staff and group leaders will be nearby to make sure you’re
safe, comfortable and happy – and can help with anything from finding a teaching room to helping you do
your laundry. Colleges provide a daily room clean, weekly sheet and towel change and there is a laundry room
(or local dry cleaners).

Students receive an orientation on the first day to help the settle in and work out the basics of life in Oxford.

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Academic English Course

pastoral care

Outside of the classroom we will give you a taste of the Oxford experience. We will explore Oxford’s rich
cultural heritage including museums, the Bodleian Library and punting on the Cherwell River. These activities
are a welcome break from studying and are designed to immerse you in English culture. Living in the historic
city of Oxford will help you to develop your language skills while surrounded by this beautiful city.

We provide pastoral care which is appropriate to the age group. We recruit both experienced teachers and
Oxford alumni as pastoral staff to guarantee world-class teaching and an authentic Oxford experience.

At Oxford Summer Courses we want to open our experiences to as many students from across the world as
possible. We are able to make reasonable adjustments to the course or timetable to accommodate people with
physical or mental disabilities. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this in more detail
(info@oxfordsummercourses.com).

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Academic English Course
Sample timetable
Morning Afternoon Evening
8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Induction from Course Bill’s
Sunday Arrivals and walking tours of Oxford
Director (British)
Ice-cream icebreaker

English language skills classes - Academic English

Tour of Homework & Academic Al-Shami
Monday max. 6 students set by ability (AE) class - university life
Pitt Rivers Museum conversation practice (Lebanese)
Shakespeare Play
and subject of interest in England
Free time to
AE class - how to structure Branca
Tuesday English language skills classes
essays / scientific papers
Tutorial preparation explore Oxford /
(Pizza)
TED-style talks
optional sports activities
AE class - writing and Tour of Homework & Academic Al Andalus
Wednesday Half Day Trip - Windsor making academic
Bodleian Library conversation practice
(Spanish Film Night
presentations Tapas)
AE class - reading Free time to
Byron
Thursday English language skills classes academic papers with Tutorial preparation explore Oxford /
Burger
Board games
worked examples optional sports activities

AE class - academic style, Tutorials on Free time to Formal Hall

Friday English language skills classes
language and vocabulary chosen subject explore Oxford - Somerville
Live comedy show
Lunch

Day trip - South Kensington, Picnic in

Saturday
Breakfast

Day trip - South Kensington, Science Museum / Victoria & Albert Museum Games in Hyde Park / return to Oxford
Natural History Museum Hyde Park

Optional activities - football / cricket / Mission

Sunday croquet / quidditch
Business Challenge: App Design Burrito English Film Appreciation Night
(Mexican)
AE class - research and Tour of Homework & Academic Pierre
Monday English language skills classes study skills - using sources
Ashmoleon Museum conversation practice
Victoire Debating Night
effectively (French)
AE class - developing Free time to Chutney’s
Tuesday English language skills classes arguments / scientific Tutorial preparation explore Oxford /
(Indian)
Quiz
methods optional sports activities

AE class - Tour of Homework & Academic Brasserie

Wednesday Half Day trip - Blenheim Palace
pronunication skills Christchurch College conversation practice
Blanc Punting
(French)

AE class - Free time to Chiang Mai

Thursday English language skills classes
exam technique
Tutorial preparation explore Oxford /
(Thai)
Bill Spectre’s Ghost Tour
optional sports activities

Free time to Formal Hall

Tutorials on
Friday English language skills classes
chosen subject
explore Oxford / Group Photographs - Wadham Graduation Ceremony
optional sports activities College

Saturday Departures
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Sample timetable continued

Academic English classes

Classes to help you understand the cultural dimension of academic language in English – the subtleties and
nuances of commanding language to effectively communicate in academic settings:
• University life in England – covers the practicalities of studying in England including finances, different
universities and teaching options and next steps for those interested in making applications
• How to structure essays or scientific papers – students are set by subject streams and abilities and focus
on the methods for structuring academic output typical in English schools and universities
• Writing and making academic presentations – practical class in which students learn the techniques
and make a prepared presentation on their favourite topic
• Reading academic papers with worked examples – study skills session for critiquing academic papers
covering the necessity to read between the lines and identify schools of thought
• Academic style, language and vocabulary – subject-specific classes on typical academic language and
vocabulary used in particular disciplines
• Research and study skills – using resources effectively such as libraries, the internet, media, peers
• Developing arguments / scientific methods – building on structuring arguments session to walk
students through essay plans they have produced as a class and working together to help each other
improve the quality of work
• Pronunciation class – class focusing on speaking skills
• Exam technique – covers typical exam formats in English academic environments and methods for
maximising exam scores

English language development activities

Activities designed to cover the 4 key skills of: reading, writing, speaking and listening through practical
activities in small groups:
• Business Challenge: App Design – students will work in small teams with an app designer to run
through the “hackathon” process of rapid product design finishing with a final presentation of their
app idea to the wider group.
• Debating night – students will have the chance to debate world issues and develop their ability to
structure thought and argument in English – students will work in small teams guided by a teacher.
• English film appreciation night – tutors in Film Studies will guide students through the process of film
critique in a practical session with groups reviewing a film relevant to their ability

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Sample timetable continued

Day Trips
• South Kensington hosts London’s Natural History Museum with some of the world’s finest specimens, the
Science Museum with hands-on experiments and scientific insight and the Victoria and Albert Museum of
Design set in s stunning Victorian building. We will visit for a guided tour on Saturday’s rest day
• Blenheim Palace – a stately home in Oxfordshire where English wartime Prime Minister Winston
Churchill was born. Our staff will enrich your experience with their own knowledge and interests
• Windsor Castle – a visit to the queen’s residence and a guided tour of the state apartments including
the dining rooms and picture gallery

English cultural activities

We group students by ability and the below activities are pitched at the appropriate level for each group:
• English and Oxford heritage Quiz – a team quiz that tests knowledge of English culture and Oxford’s history
• Guided tours of Oxford’s Pitt Rivers and Ashmolean Museums
• Christchurch College tour visiting Oxford’s most famous college and site of Harry Potter film sets
• Bodleian Library tour visiting Oxford University’s impressive library for a historical tour
• Bill Spectre’s Ghost Trail – a whimsical walking tour of Oxford’s gruesome past
• Debating on world issues giving students the chance to develop their speaking skills as well as their ability to
structure thought and argument in English – students will work in small teams and be guided by a teacher
• An open-air Shakespeare in one of Oxford’s fine gardens

Social activities
• Punting on the river Thames – drifting down the river on a long wooden boat propelled by a wooden
pole (which is as unusual as it sounds)
• A live comedy show from comedians who are used to doing shows with international students
• An Oxford “bop” (also known as a disco) which is a traditional undergraduate experience

Optional sports
• Sports activities with the wider Oxford Summer Courses student body including football, rounders,
croquet and cricket
We love that so many students who join us in the summer make friends in Oxford which last beyond
the summer, and even across continents. We keep group sizes small but come together for many of the
activities and formal dining – this ensures you get to know your group really well but have the chance to
mix with the whole student body at OSC, including native English speakers.

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Academic English Course

prices and dates

2 week courses - £3,695

• Sunday 26th June 2016 to Saturday 9th July 2016
• Sunday 10th July 2016 to Saturday 23rd July 2016
• Sunday 24th July 2016 to Saturday 6th August 2016

4 week courses - £6,995

• Sunday 26th June 2016 to Saturday 23th July 2016
• Sunday 10th July 2016 to Saturday 6th August 2016

Apply Now
www.oxfordsummercourses.com/apply-efl

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Oxford Summer Courses Limited Oxford Summer Courses is Accredited by the British
Accreditation Council for Independent Further and
Company Number: 8011543 Higher Education as a Short Course Provider in the UK.