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

🩺 Medicine Summer School | Oxford & Cambridge | Ages 13–15

📖 Course Overview

Although medicine isn’t taught in most schools, becoming a doctor is one of the most exciting and rewarding career paths. This two-week Medicine Summer School introduces ambitious students to the core principles of medicine, blending theory and practical application.

The curriculum is designed to:

• Expand on the science students already know.

• Show how this knowledge connects to real-world medicine.

• Inspire future study at university level.

• Provide insight into emerging trends in medicine and healthcare.

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🏛️ Campus & Teaching Style

• Study in small groups of like-minded peers from around the world.

• Average class size: 7 students (maximum: 12 students).

• Taught by tutors with experience from Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard.

• Carefully screened, supportive, and engaging instructors.

• A once-in-a-lifetime chance to live and learn like an Oxbridge student.

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📚 Sample Modules

• Medical Research: “From Bench to Bedside” 🔬

  Explore Nobel Prize-winning breakthroughs that transformed healthcare. Revisit the scientific method, stages of medical research, and the growing importance of interdisciplinary teamwork.

• Cardiovascular & Respiratory Physiology: “Rhythm of Life” ❤️💨

  Discover how the heart and lungs keep us alive. Learn about CPR and AED use in emergencies, explore treatments for cardiovascular diseases, and tackle fascinating questions like:

  Why do some people get mountain sickness?

  Is snoring dangerous?

  What does an asthma inhaler actually do?

• Neuroscience & Neuropsychology: “I Think, Therefore I Am” 🧠

  Study the microanatomy and physiology of neurons, how electrical signals (action potentials) are produced, and how trillions of cells communicate. Explore the placebo effect and test your brain with optical, auditory, and sensory illusions.

• Science Conference 🎤

  Present a mini-research project, critically engage with peers’ work, ask questions, and debate ideas — just like real medical scientists.

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🎓 Academic Skills Workshops

Workshops prepare students for their future academic journey:

• Interview techniques 🎤

• Academic writing & public speaking ✍️

• 21st Century Technology Skills 💻

• Productivity tips & study strategies 📘

• Critical thinking and confidence building

Students also create a personal project or portfolio to present at the end of the program.

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🎉 Social & Cultural Activities

Outside class, enjoy a busy and diverse social program led by friendly mentors:

• Punting on the River Cam 🚣

• Zorb football ⚽

• Murder mystery night 🕵️‍♀️

• Games night, quiz night, movie night & talent show 🎬

Excursions include:

• A full-day trip to explore Oxford and its colleges 🏛️

• An optional day trip to London to see famous landmarks & shopping 🏙️

• If you skip London, enjoy afternoon tea in Oxford ☕🍰

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🍽️ Food & Formal Hall

• Daily breakfast & dinner in college dining halls.

• Two Formal Hall dinners 🍷 — dine by candlelight in traditional Oxford or Cambridge college halls.

• Dietary needs and religious observances fully catered for.

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🛏️ Accommodation

• 13 nights in a central Oxford or Cambridge University college.

• Single bedrooms (shared bathrooms 1:4; limited ensuite for extra needs).

• Separate male & female corridors (mixed-gender only for ensuite).

• Wi-Fi available throughout.

• Historic study-focused buildings (many over 500 years old, no A/C).

• Secure rooms with locks; housekeeping available.

• Requests for siblings/friends considered.

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✈️ Transfers & Arrival

• Arrival: Sunday 2–5 pm (rooms ready from 3 pm).

• Heathrow Transfers (£150 each way):

• Arrivals: 11:00, 14:00, 17:00

• Returns: 07:00 & 12:00 on the final Saturday

• Pastoral team meets students at Heathrow (all terminals).

• Alternative arrival options included in Welcome Pack.

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💼 What’s Included

✔️ 13 nights’ accommodation in Oxford/Cambridge

✔️ Breakfast & dinner daily

✔️ 30 hours of medical sessions with Oxbridge tutors

✔️ Study resources & mentorship program

✔️ Academic Skills Workshops

✔️ 1:1 tutorials & personal counseling

✔️ Social & cultural activities

✔️ Two excursions (Oxford + London/Tea in Oxford)

✔️ Formal Hall dinners (2 nights)

✔️ Graduation ceremony & certificate

✔️ Personal tutor evaluation & report

✔️ Notebook & pen

✔️ Mentor family photograph

✔️ Summer school insurance

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💷 Pocket Money

Recommended: £80 per week for lunches, souvenirs, and personal spending.

ATMs and card payments (Visa/Mastercard) widely available.

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🔑 Key Facts

• Average class size: 7 students

• Maximum: 12 students

• Taught by Oxford & Cambridge academics

• 1:1 tutorials and personalized reports

• Certificate & graduation ceremony

• Academic + social balance

• Two Formal Hall dinners

• Pastoral care & supervision throughout

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👉 The Medicine Summer School is the perfect opportunity for curious teens who want to explore the science of the human body, experience university-style learning, and live the Oxbridge student lifestyle in a safe, inspiring environment.