Oxford English Horizons for ages 16-18

Course Overview

• Students aged 16 - 18
• Academic course for intermediate, upper intermediate and advanced English learners
• Residential in Balliol College, Oxford
• 2 or 4 week courses in July and August
• Students must be aged 16 or over before the 1st September 2012

About the Course

A particular advantage of the OEH programme is that students, while following a rigorous study of grammar and vocabulary, are able to cover wide-ranging topics such as globalisation, international affairs, climate change, fashion, politics, sport and the history and culture of Oxford and the UK. In the past, activities have included debates on current news stories, Science quizzes, and innovative product design. In addition, OEH students benefit from living in college accommodation alongside students who come from English-speaking countries (including Australia, the United States and Canada) so they have plenty of opportunities to continue practising their conversational English outside of lessons. This aspect ensures that the ORA learning experience is a truly immersive one, both linguistically and culturally. All of our teachers are native speakers and qualified according to British Council standards.

Course Details

The teaching programme consists of 21 taught hours per week (15 class hours and 6 taught workshop hours).

Oxford English Horizons (OEH) encourages students to learn English and develop their ability to communicate with people from different cultures and countries. ORA promotes a coherent multi-cultural approach to English language learning through the encouragement of sharing ideas and focus on the positive aspects of how students should feel about actively expanding their English abilities.

Areas covered:

• Grammar
• Vocabulary
• Pronunciation
• Speaking
• Listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Colloquial English

How ORA will improve students' English in and out of school:

• ORA has its own English programme developed by EFL experts;
• Oxford English Horizons maximises student learning in small class sizes;
• ORA's EFL teachers use dynamic, interactive and fun student-centred teaching methods;
• ORA's EFL courses are integrated with cultural activities and excursions outside of the classroom to provide context and practical application opportunities.

Language Requirements:

To take the course students need to be intermediate English users or above (Common European Framework level B1). Students’ level of English will be assessed using an online test prior to arrival in Oxford. If you are unsure what your level of English is please contact us for more information prior to booking.

Oxford Activities & Free Time

A full cultural and recreational programme is provided as a part of the course. Activities include museum tours, the botanic gardens, guest lectures and different summer sports (for example, the traditional English game of croquet). Students also have an opportunity to visit many of Oxford's most famous colleges and explore the fascinating museums and gardens.

For "shopaholics" Oxford offers a wealth of charming markets and department stores. In the evenings, the programme offers students international parties, quiz nights, debates and variety performances.

During the programme there are opportunities for students to take coach excursions where they will explore places of historic and cultural interest as well as enjoy London, Bicester Village shopping centre and evening social events at local country manors.

College Life

The course takes place on the campus of Balliol College, University Of Oxford. Single rooms on the campus are provided, which are modern, homely and well lit. The rooms are within walking distance of the teaching rooms, dining hall and computer room. Male and female students are separated by corridors and/or staircases. The course includes breakfast and dinner in college dining hall, with packed lunches available during coach excursions. Lunch is not included but Oxford is scattered with cheap and healthy locations to buy lunch.

Our Staff and Students

Our teachers come from a variety of different backgrounds. Some are teaching or have taught for the University of Oxford and some are well-established specialist tutors. Our experienced and friendly faculty offers our students a diverse range of teaching specialties and skills. Our alumni students have rated the teaching as one of the best aspects of their experiences in Oxford, many scoring their classes a perfect 10. For a full list of ORA 2011 teaching staff please see the PDF attached to the bottom of this page.

In the College itself students are overseen by the Programme Director, who implements the day-to-day running of the programme. The Director is assisted by a team of Counsellors who very often are current members of the University.

The Counsellors ensure that students are looked after pastorally, culturally and socially during their programme. Students are able to talk informally and frankly to the Counsellors in order to raise concerns or to discuss university applications.

In terms of the demographics of the attendance of the programme, students come to ORA from all over the world. Studying alongside students from diverse backgrounds and learning more about different experiences, ambitions and cultures is a central part of the ORA experience.

To see more detailed information about the nationalities of our students click here.

Dates, Fees and Location

Useful Information

• Note that arrival day is always a Sunday and departure day is always a Saturday.
• On arrival day, students will be able to check in to their rooms after 12 midday.
• There is a welcome reception for students, friends and family at 5pm in the College grounds.
• On the departure day students need to check out of their rooms after breakfast at around 10am.
• Please note that Oxford Royale Academy does offer an airport transfer option that you can book separately. Click here for details
• Useful Information

How to Apply

There are two ways to apply:

1. Apply Online
Click APPLY NOW

2. Send in a paper application by Post or Fax
Application Form: Click here to go to the application page or use the attachment below.
Address: Oxford Royale Academy, St. Catherine's College, Manor Road, Oxford, OX1 3UJ, UK
Fax Number: +44 (0) 845 280 01 22

Procedure

You may choose to pay either the full course fee upon booking, or pay a deposit of £495 upon booking and pay the remaining balance 60 days before arrival in Oxford. As soon as the application form has been received with payment, a confirmation will be sent out to you along with further welcome pack materials.