Course Description: Exceptional Summer Pre-College Creative Writing Program for High Schoolers at Oxford University Campus

✍️ Creative Writing Summer Program | Oxford & Cambridge University | Ages 13–18

📖 Course Overview

Step into the world of storytelling at Oxford or Cambridge, where some of history’s greatest literary minds — from John Milton to William Thackeray — once walked.

This immersive creative writing course is designed for ambitious young authors eager to:

• 🌟 Refine their writing techniques

• 🌟 Push the limits of imagination

• 🌟 Develop compelling characters and stories

• 🌟 Explore different forms and narrative styles

Guided by skilled university professors, you’ll enhance your craft through workshops, group discussions, and one-to-one feedback — all while drawing inspiration from the rich cultural environment of Oxford and Cambridge.

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🎓 Campus Experience

🌍 Join small, international groups of like-minded peers.

👩‍🏫 Learn from tutors with teaching experience at Oxford, Cambridge & Harvard.

👨‍👩‍👦 Average class size: 7 students (max: 12).

✨ Tutors are carefully selected for being engaging, supportive, and inspiring.

This program offers a once-in-a-lifetime academic opportunity to live and learn like a true Oxbridge student.

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📚 Sample Modules

• An Introduction to Creative Writing

  Challenge conventional approaches to 21st-century writing. Discuss writing methods, routines, and strategies to defeat writer’s block.

• The Importance of Character

  From Sherlock Holmes to Jay Gatsby — explore how iconic characters drive stories. Learn how clichés, tropes, and character choices shift tone and shape plotlines.

• Learning the Industry: The Basics

  Understand the publishing world — from competitions and magazines to traditional publishing, e-books, self-publication, and even screenwriting.

• Written Portfolio

  Produce a portfolio of creative works or a novella during the program. Receive detailed written and verbal feedback to guide your future as a writer.

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🛠️ Academic Skills Workshops

Alongside subject modules, you’ll gain key transferable skills for university and beyond:

• Productivity Tips

• 21st-Century Technology Skills

• Academic Writing, Interview Skills & Public Speaking

These sessions prepare you for future academic success while unlocking your potential as a writer.

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📌 Key Facts

• Average class size: 7 students

• Maximum class size: 12 students

• ✔️ 1:1 tutorials & mentoring

• ✔️ Certificate of completion

• ✔️ Personal tutor’s report & feedback

• ✔️ Create and present a personal project/portfolio

• ✔️ Experience authentic Oxbridge student life

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🎉 Social Activities

Your experience extends beyond the classroom with a busy social calendar:

• 🚤 Punting on the River Cam

• ⚽ Zorb football

• 🎭 Murder mystery night

• 🎬 Movie & quiz nights

• 🎤 Talent show

All activities are guided by friendly mentors to ensure fun and bonding with peers from around the world.

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🏛️ Excursions

• Full-day trip exploring Oxford and its historic colleges

• Optional London trip 🏙️ to see famous landmarks and enjoy shopping

• Afternoon tea in Oxford for those staying behind

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🍴 Food & Formal Hall

• Daily breakfast & dinner provided in college dining halls.

• 🍽️ Twice during your stay: dress up for Formal Hall, a candlelit dinner in a grand Oxford or Cambridge hall — a once-in-a-lifetime tradition.

• All dietary, religious & medical requirements are catered for.

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🏠 Accommodation

• Assigned to a central Oxford or Cambridge college a few weeks before arrival.

• 🛏️ Single bedrooms with shared bathrooms (1 per 4).

• Limited ensuite rooms (priority for additional needs).

• Gender-separated corridors (mixed only for ensuite).

• Historic, study-focused college buildings (some 500+ years old, no AC).

• Wi-Fi throughout; secure rooms with locks; housekeeping included.

• Requests to room with friends/siblings considered when possible.

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🛬 Arrival & Transfers

• Arrival Day: Sunday, 2 pm – 5 pm (rooms ready by 3 pm).

• Shared Airport Transfers: London Heathrow (Terminal 3).

• Departures: 11:00, 14:00, 17:00 (arrival Sunday)

• Returns: 07:00 & 12:00 (final Saturday)

• Pastoral team escorts from any Heathrow terminal to Terminal 3.

• Fee: £150 each way

Alternative arrival options provided in your Welcome Pack.

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💷 Pocket Money Advice

Bring £80 per week for lunch, shopping, and souvenirs.

💳 Visa & Mastercard widely accepted; ATMs across Oxford & Cambridge.

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🎓 What’s Included

✔️ 13 nights accommodation in an Oxford or Cambridge college

✔️ Breakfast & dinner daily

✔️ 30 hours of academic sessions with Oxford/Cambridge tutors

✔️ Carefully prepared study materials

✔️ Mentor program & support access

✔️ Academic skills workshops

✔️ 1:1 tutorials & full tutor’s report

✔️ Social & cultural activities

✔️ Excursions (Oxford + optional London)

✔️ 2 Formal Hall dinners

✔️ Summer school insurance

✔️ Graduation ceremony & certificate

✔️ Notebook & pen

✔️ Mentor family photo