New Perspectives for ages 13-15

Course Overview

• Students aged 13 - 15
• Academic course for fluent English speakers
• Residential in St. Peter's College, University of Oxford
• 2 or 4 week courses in July and August
• Students must be aged 13 or over before the 1st September 2012

About the Course

The New Perspectives programme provides international students with an exciting schedule of thought-provoking classes, guest lectures, workshops and cultural visits. The general teaching programme is highly structured, however, a comprehensive selection of non-academic cultural activities keeps students engaged for the duration of the course.

New Perspectives attracts international students from all around the world each summer and focuses on three key elements:

• Subject Coaching - offering group teaching in subjects of the student's choice in a variety of areas
• Independence and Responsibility - enabling young people to become more independent and to develop a sense of responsibility for themselves and for others
• A New Approach - offering young people different approaches to studying techniques and subjects, through a scholastic environment and energetic teachers

The programme not only offers students the opportunity to spend their summer studying in the environment of a world-leading university, but also provides students with the chance to study subjects which may not be available on the school curriculum, thereby giving a flavour of subjects which may eventually be studied at a higher level. 

The programme consists of several special features:

• A range of academic options
• Afternoon skills-based workshops
• Cultural visits (e.g. University tours, museum tours)
• Studying with students from all over the world
• Living on campus at the University of Oxford
• Scheduled sightseeing tours
• Exciting social events on campus and in the Oxford area
  
  

Course Details

Students on the New Perspectives programme can choose from a variety of subject areas and benefit from new areas of study, excellent resources and leadership from our motivating team of teachers.

• For the morning "core" classes, students need to choose one combination of academic subjects per two-week period.
• For the afternoon workshops, students need to choose one workshop per two-week period.

Students receive 21 taught hours per week in their elected fields.

Students are provided with an assessment at the end of the programme along with a graduation certificate if successfully completed. 

Click on the subject name to see course synopses and prerequisites.

Language Requirements

This course requires the students to be fluent, near-native or native English users (Common European Framework level C2). Upon arrival, if a student is found to have an insufficient level of English to access the course, they may be moved to an English as a foreign language course which would be more suitable for their learning needs. 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 part of the course. Activities include museum tours, the botanic gardens, guest lectures and different summer sports, including 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 places such as London, Bicester Village shopping centre and a selection of English castles. 

College Life

The course takes place on the campuses of St. Peter's College and Jowett Walk (Balliol College), University Of Oxford. Single or twin rooms on the campus are provided, which are modern, homely and well lit. The rooms are within short walking distance of the teaching rooms, dining hall and computer room. There is a common room with a TV and comfy chairs for relaxing in the evenings. Male and female students are separated by corridors and/or staircases. The course includes breakfast, lunch and dinner in college dining hall, with packed lunches available during coach excursions. 

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 of Oxford.

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 future career plans or 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 and Fees

See also:

• Film Academy

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.