OUR TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.
Brad Henry
At the Oxford Summer Camp we strive to cultivate curiosity, imagination and self-confidence in all our students. We believe in providing students with a holistic learning experience which nurtures their passions within and beyond the classroom. These experiences encourage our students to think critically, broaden their perspectives, cultivate new interests, challenge assumptions, and build a sense of ownership over their own intellectual journeys. We believe the best learning experiences are those which engage the curiosity of students and empower them to pursue their ideas independently.
We are the only summer programme in Oxford which places Oxford University’s unique teaching method - the tutorial system - at the heart of our teaching approach. All courses are taught in tutorials - students are assigned in groups of 1 to 3 to have intensive daily sessions with their tutors, who are leading scholars and researchers at Oxford University.
Our tutorial method creates intimate and personalised learning environments which promote maximal individual attention between students and tutors. This allows tutors to hone each student’s specific talents and empower them with the tools they need to continue their learning independently. Having a direct relationship with tutors also makes the learning fun and engaging. Tutorials remain the most popular component of our Programme.
In addition, special lectures are organised in which acclaimed Oxford professors and researchers introduce our students to the latest research methods, techniques and topics. Recent lectures touched upon subjects such as Optogenetics, Technology and the Self, and Conflicts in Moral Philosophy. Developing leadership and communication skills in young adults is another key component of the programme. At the end of the course, students are trained in conducting independent research on a topic of interest, on which they write a research essay and deliver an oral presentation. These critical thinking, writing and communication skills are essential as students prepare to take on university life.The Debating module is compulsory for everyone, through which students are trained in public speaking and British Parliamentary style debate. This training is typically delivered by ex-Oxford Union Presidents or Oxford Union members. Our debate trainers are the world’s top class debaters and members of the world’s most prestigious debating society: the Oxford Union. We also provide university admissions counselling and career development workshops to help students take charge of their academic and career goals. The programme intends to instill a sense of independence and responsibility.
