Empowering tomorrow’s leaders

At SBC this summer, why not join us on a thought-provoking journey into the world of politics at Oxford Summer School? Immerse yourself in advanced concepts of political theory, engage in insightful discussions about the ever-evolving landscape of globalisation and uncover the root causes of political conflict and instability, examining both local and global implications.

It’s not all theory, however! Dive into the world of practical politics with our Time To Shine project, where you will participate in an election campaign with your classmates and apply your knowledge to real world scenarios. You will participate in workshops where you will debate, discuss and design mock policies, learning the intricacies of governance and advocacy. And you will gain insights into decision-making and policy formulation through simulated exercises and scenario-based learning.

You will also participate in illuminating sessions with guest speakers, gaining firsthand insights into the world of politics and economics. Led by experts in politics, our programme will introduce you to the intricacies of global affairs, and equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complex world of politics.

At a Glance

  • Price: £5,995
  • For Ages: 16-17
  • Course Length: 2 Weeks
  • English Level: B1+ (Intermediate and above)
  • Maximum Class Size: 15
  • Academic Content: 25 Hours Per Week
  • Language Support: Included
  • Starting Dates: 30th June, 14th July & 28th July 2024
  • Location: Oxford University

What’s Included

✔ 25 hours of subject-specific academic content per week with an experienced subject tutor, delivered through interactive seminars and hands-on practical workshops

✔ Opportunities to apply and share this knowledge with your peers through dynamic group projects, culminating in the end-of-the-week Time to Shine Ceremony

✔ An action-packed programme of guest speakers and industry experiences each week designed to give you first-hand insight into your chosen field

✔ Dedicated academic coaching sessions designed to support you in applying for a UK university, whether that’s writing a personal statement or preparing for a presentation

✔ Numerous opportunities throughout your academic program to develop your English language skills, whether that’s building vocabulary to talk about your subject, or developing your speaking skills to present your Time To Shine project

 

2024 Summer School

Our approach to your learning

Subject + skills + language = success

At the core of our student-centered academic approach is a commitment to nurturing not just your subject knowledge, but also your communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills through interactive lectures, dynamic seminars, and hands-on practical workshops.

We also emphasise the development of your public speaking and teamwork through group work and our Time to Shine projects. And finally, our programme of engaging guest speakers and industry experiences brings real-world relevance to your learning. This immersive learning journey will empower you with the skills you need for success in the 21st century.

Course Objectives

Over the course of this two-week programme, you will:

  • Explore advanced concepts in political theory, including types of governance and elections
  • Discuss trends in globalisation and the issues faced by global integration
  • Investigate the causes of political conflict and instability, both locally and globally
  • Take part in our Time to Shine project, in which you will participate in an election campaign
  • Develop and apply core 21st-century skills through fun and engaging lessons, including critical thinking, communication, creativity and collaboration

Academic Sample

DOWNLOAD THE FULL ACADEMIC OVERVIEW AND SAMPLE TIMETABLE

Time to Shine - Summer Boarding Courses (1)

The Time to Shine Project

Over the two-week programme, you will participate in two Time To Shine Projects.

Week One: Model Parliament Simulation

In the first week’s “Time to Shine” project, students will immerse themselves in a Model Parliament Simulation. They will take on the roles of legislators, advisors, and policymakers, mirroring the functions of a parliamentary system. Students will be divided into political parties, each with its own policy platform. They will research and draft bills, engage in lively debates, and vote on proposed legislation. Through this immersive experience, students will gain a deep understanding of the workings of parliamentary democracy, parliamentary procedures, and the art of compromise in politics. This project fosters critical thinking, negotiation, teamwork, and an appreciation for the complexities of the legislative process.

Week Two: Political Campaign and Debate

In the second week’s “Time to Shine” project, students will step into the roles of political campaigners and candidates. They will form political parties, develop campaign strategies, and create persuasive speeches and promotional materials. Students will organise a mock election campaign, complete with campaign rallies and debates, where they will articulate their party’s platform and engage in spirited debates with their opponents. This project encourages students to apply their knowledge of political systems and ideologies in a practical context, fostering critical thinking, public speaking, and political engagement skills. It also emphasizes the importance of informed and active citizenship in the political arena.

Time to Shine

Develop your public speaking skills. Share your passion. Inspire your classmates.

Today, giving great presentations are a vital skill for achieving academic and professional success. Our programmes reflect this by having the ‘art of presenting’ at the heart of their content, and allow you to discover new confidence when using English in public situations.

It’s more than just a chance to enhance your public speaking skills, though; it’s an opportunity for you to share your passion and subject knowledge with your fellow classmates. Through your presentations, you will become sources of inspiration, and encourage others to delve deeper into your subject.

 

 

Industry Experience

Industry Experience

Dive deeper into your field beyond the classroom

Enhance your academic foundation with our comprehensive Industry Experience sessions. These sessions are both on-site, in which you will participate in workshops that are led by an industry professional and blend practical engagement with immersive learning, and off-site, in which students engage in excursions that complement your course content and will broaden your horizons.

During the programme, students participate in workshops where they debate, discuss, and design mock policies, learning the ropes of governance and advocacy. They gain insights into decision-making and policy formulation through simulated exercises and scenario-based learning, understanding how economies adapt, evolve, and respond to global challenges.

In previous Industry Experiences, students visited Blenheim Palace and participated in a workshop with a member of the Financial Times.

Guest Speakers

Guest Speakers

Leaders of today inspiring the Leaders of tomorrow

Every Wednesday morning, students can interact with leading professionals and academics. These sessions offer insightful discussions, expert views, and Q&A sessions that promote intellectual growth.

On the Politics programme, students are introduced to the intricacies of global affairs and economic trends. With lectures from experts in public policy and politics, they delve into the machinery of governance, diplomacy, and global affairs

Academic Coaching

Academic Coaching

Stand out and shine

Whether you’re looking to apply to a UK university or just keen to make sure your university application is as strong as possible, our academic coaching sessions aim to ensure you stand apart from your peers. These workshops will not just focus on writing personal statements and preparing for university, but also help you to develop your public speaking skills, an integral skill for university courses.

Dates & Prices

 

Politics & Economics at Oxford College FAQs

 

“After a summer with SBC I feel a lot different. When I came here I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do with my future…by experiencing all of these subjects I’ve got a better picture of what I want to do now. I have learnt a lot and I am ready for my future”

Jaspar, Oxford College

Apply Today

Enhance your knowledge of politics and economics in the city where more than twenty former British prime ministers once studied.

Complete the form below and our friendly admissions team will take care of the rest.