Exceptional Summer Pre-College Creative Writing Program for Teenagers at Oxford University Campus

Outside of lessons, we are proud to offer a busy and diverse social programme to help you get the most out of your time in Oxford. This includes activities such as punting on the River Cam, zorb football and a murder mystery night in the college. There are also two excursions during the programme, one day trip to visit Oxford and its constituent colleges, as well as an optional day out in London, seeing the city’s most famous landmarks as well as some free time for shopping. Those who choose not to travel to London are invited to afternoon tea in Oxford. Activities and excursions are run by our team of friendly mentors – whose main job is to maximise your enjoyment.

Outside of lessons, we are proud to offer a busy and diverse social programme to help you get the most out of your time in Oxford. This includes activities such as punting on the River Cam, zorb football and a murder mystery night in the college. There are also two excursions during the programme, one day trip to visit Oxford and its constituent colleges, as well as an optional day out in London, seeing the city’s most famous landmarks as well as some free time for shopping. Those who choose not to travel to London are invited to afternoon tea in Oxford. Activities and excursions are run by our team of friendly mentors – whose main job is to maximise your enjoyment.

Participants should arrive between 2 pm and 5 pm on the first Sunday of the programme. Our team will be ready and waiting to welcome you, register you, and show you to your accommodation. Please note that your accommodation may not be ready until 3pm. 

If you are arriving at London Heathrow Airport, we are able to offer a shared airport transfer service. This is a chaperoned service departing from London Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 and travelling directly to the colleges in Cambridge/Oxford. Do not worry if you will be arriving to any other Heathrow terminal - our dedicated pastoral team will be there to meet you and escort to Terminal 3 for departure to your college

The transfers depart at 11:00, 14:00 and 17:00 on the Sunday of arrivals. On the final Saturday of the programme, the transfers to London Heathrow Airport depart at 07:00 and 12:00. This will be available to book for a fee per journey after enrolment.

Specific details, such as contact numbers, are shared with participants nearer the time of the programme.

If you are arriving at another airport, or by alternative means, further details about arrivals and departures are shared in your Welcome Pack, sent with your confirmation of enrolment.

To book the shared airport transfer service, which will cost £90.00 each way,

For centuries, the halls of Oxford University colleges have produced some of the world’s most renowned professional writers, including Oscar Wilde, J.R.R Tolkien and Agatha Christie. On Creative Writing summer courses, you will hone your creative skills within the very same surroundings, in our creative writing program. You will get your creative juices flowing, while our expert tutors lead small classes to ensure you get the attention needed to perfect your craft. The Creative Writing Summer School for 13-15-year-olds in Oxford will reveal the secrets to becoming a great writer. The curriculum will introduce you to all phases of the writing process, including idea generation, writing and editing, revising drafts, and more.

Learn directly from expert academics from world-class universities

You will explore novel concepts and share ideas in small groups of like-minded and ambitious peers from around the world. In small class sizes averaging 7 students, you will be guided by expert tutors who have honed their expertise through teaching undergraduate students at world-class universities, including the universities of Cambridge, Oxford, and Harvard. Our rigorous vetting process guarantees that all participants are taught by engaging and supportive educators who are, most of all, enthusiastic about sharing their expertise to ensure our summer school teaching is of the highest quality. It is an unrivalled academic experience.

Boost your confidence and develop key attributes in academic skills workshops

Our workshops are geared towards unlocking participants’ potential, giving them the tools to prepare for the next steps of their education and future goals. Build upon existing study skills to support future university-level learning. These workshops explore a diverse and enriching range of topics – past examples have ranged from ‘Productivity tips’ to ’21st Century Technology Skills’. We’re sure that you’ll learn something completely new. Unlike traditional schools, it allows you to learn beyond the traditional curriculum.

This programme is designed for students with at least an upper-intermediate level of English (B2).

Example Modules

**The Blank Page: **Beginning a creative project can often be daunting, even for experienced writers. During this module, you will look at various techniques for overcoming the fear of the blank page, including a range of warm-up exercises and quick-fire short assignments, as well as gaining inspiration from the work of other writers.

**Character Creation: **Creating a character who lives beyond the page is one of the biggest challenges for an author. In this module, you will discover a variety of techniques for building a memorable character. From creating CVs and family trees to 'mapping' relationship networks in order to identify potential sources of conflict in their lives.

Plot Mapping: With a fresh understanding of how to build character, dialogue and much more, you will turn your attention to the plot. In this module, you'll address the importance of moulding ‘tension points’ and ‘turning points’ in our stories, as well as the creative possibilities of ‘plot twists’.

Written Portfolio: The Creative Writing programme concludes with a workshop devoted to the portfolios-in-progress. By this point you will have completed a short written piece. You will have the opportunity to present your work to the class and receive constructive feedback from your tutor and peers.

Key Facts

• Average class size is 7
• Maximum class size of 10 students
• 1:1 Career Coaching
• Personal support and guidance for success
• Professional development workshops
• Building essential skills for success
• World-class experience

-Shared airport transfer service, which will cost £90.00 each way,