OXFORD, CITY OF 'DREAMING SPIRES'
Oxford's history dates back over a thousand years, being originally a place for taking cattle across the river Thames, hence the name - Ox(en) Ford. Monastic ‘halls' were established from the twelfth century, becoming the basis of the university.
Colleges were founded from the thirteenth century and over a period of years the university was established, growing in status and academic renown. It continues to attract the brightest students and most eminent teachers, with the ‘old' university co-existing with more-recently established colleges and educational institutions; all benefit from the academic environment and wealth of scholarship which predominate in this enchanting city.
The ‘dreaming spires' of Oxford were immortalised by Matthew Arnold in the nineteenth century, although much of its majestic architecture dates from well before then. It is still recognisable as a medieval city and many original buildings remain, with breathtaking examples of Gothic and Classical styles. Cobbled streets lead around the splendour of colleges and other academic buildings. Galleries, museums, bookshops, libraries, cafés and snack bars abound, offering inspiring places to study, or just relax. The languid beauty of the meadows and gardens, with the rivers Isis and Cherwell winding through, completes the idyllic backdrop, an unrivalled setting for a summer study program.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
| "The program allowed me to have a good time while at the same time studying what I was actually interested in. I made a great group of friends, and the grades and recommendations I received gave my application that extra boost that helped me to be accepted into NYU." |
| Arthur Greene |
Oxford and Cambridge universities established their reputations for academic excellence largely due to the tutorial method of instruction, whereby tutors hold weekly individual meetings with students, discuss current study topics and offer guidance with research and written work. Our academic courses adopt a similar approach and one-on-one tutorials are the cornerstone of our teaching method. Tutorials are combined with small group seminars in each subject, allowing for lively discussion and interaction. Students become involved with the learning process on a profound level, through close discussion, careful preparation and well-focused written assignments, overseen by the tutor.
A varied range of carefully-designed courses is offered in the Arts, Humanities, Social and Natural Sciences, from which students make a selection to suit their interests and requirements. All courses receive equal weighting, and are taught in an engaging and interactive way by expert British university graduates, all specialists in their chosen field. The Oxford Advanced Studies Program is thus a particularly rewarding learning experience and an excellent preparation for the more self-initiated study approach required at a higher level.
VISITS & ACTIVITIES
A full itinerary of visits and activities is an integral part of the summer school, including visits to places of historical interest such as Blenheim Palace and Warwick Castle and trips to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford and one of the West End theatres in London. Oxford has many attractions and guided tours of some of its magnificent colleges, gardens, galleries and museums take place.
There are plenty of options for the sportsminded, including tennis, soccer, basketball, ice skating and weights training. Coaching in cricket, the well-loved English summer sport, is offered and leisurely afternoons are spent enjoying the popular and traditional pastime of ‘punting' on the rivers Isis and Cherwell.
Student learning and activity outside of the classroom is encouraged, and there are twice-weekly debating and drama workshops, preparing students for formal debate and short drama presentations. Film and Music workshops are offered each week, leading to short film productions and a musical performance. Film evenings are held, followed by lively discussion. There is a weekly general knowledge quiz. The ‘extra-curricular' part of the course thus offers a range of activity and, although optional, is an extremely popular and significant component of the overall program.
RESIDENTIAL & ACADEMIC SETTING
The course is hosted by Brasenose College, one of the constituent colleges of Oxford University. There has been an educational hall on the site of the college since the thirteenth century, though Brasenose itself dates from 1509, when it was founded by Sir Richard Sutton, a lawyer, and William Smith, Bishop of Lincoln. 
With a spectacular situation on Radcliffe Square, at the heart of the university precinct, it is certainly one of the most attractive colleges of the university. Meals are taken in college and students are housed in single study bedrooms in the Frewin Court annexe, nearby in St Michael's Street.
Teaching takes place within the residential campus and there are additional study, IT and library facilities for independent research at the Oxford Tutorial College premises in King Edward Street, a few yards from the famous Oxford High Street and within 200 yards of Radcliffe Square . There is a common room on site for stuent relaxation and social activity. Wireless internet access is available at both sites.