Getting to know the dedicated team of pastoral staff is an essential part of understanding the support structure during your Oxford Summer Courses experience. Here's an introduction to the individuals who are committed to ensuring your well-being and enhancing your academic journey.

Who’s Eligible to Apply to Oxford Summer Courses?

Eligibility for standard courses across all age groups (ages 9-24) requires applicants to be proficient in English and possess a keen interest in exploring the subjects they are applying for. For advanced courses in Cambridge for ages 18-24, students must have completed at least the second year of an undergraduate qualification (or equivalent) in the same area as the subject they wish to study. Apply now to check your eligibility and apply for our courses.

What’s Included in an Oxford Summer Course?

Our tailored summer courses for ages 9-24 include:

• All teaching and academic content
• Accommodation
• Meals (including Friday night formal dinners)
• A prize-giving ceremony
• All-day trips and activities
• Airport transfers
• Access to Oxford Summer Courses Foundations
• Travel and medical insurance
• A welcome pack

These inclusions ensure that your primary needs are taken care of, allowing you to focus on your studies and enjoy your time in Oxford or Cambridge. Apply now to secure your spot in one of our comprehensive summer courses.

Your Guides and Guardians

• Q: Who are the on-course (pastoral) staff?
• A: This is our fantastic team of people, drawn from all over Oxford, Cambridge, London, and further, who are dedicated to looking after you and your well-being during your Oxford Summer Courses summer school and making sure that you get the most out of your course. There is someone in charge of the whole site, and they have a team of leaders and helpers who will look after groups of students attending the summer school. They are all trained in working with young people. Not only are the pastoral teams around whenever you aren’t in an academic session, but some of them are subject specialists in their own right and will bring their expertise to subject-specific workshops to expand your academic experience during your summer school.

At Oxford Summer Courses, we understand the importance of having a strong support system in place. Our pastoral staff play a crucial role in ensuring your well-being and overall experience. They come from diverse backgrounds and are passionate about making your summer school journey enriching and memorable.

Your Dedicated Guides

The pastoral staff is carefully selected from various renowned institutions and locations. They are here to provide guidance, and support, and ensure that you have a positive and fulfilling experience at Oxford Summer Courses. Here are some key roles and responsibilities of our pastoral staff:

• Site Supervisors: They oversee the entire site, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. They are the primary point of contact for any issues or concerns.
• Group Leaders: These individuals are responsible for smaller groups of students, ensuring personalized attention and care. They facilitate activities, help with academic queries, and provide emotional support.
• Helpers: Assisting group leaders, helpers are often younger staff members who bring energy and enthusiasm to the team. They are always available to lend a hand and make the experience enjoyable for all students.

Subject-Specific Expertise

In addition to their roles as guardians, some members of the pastoral teams are experts in specific subjects. They bring their knowledge and passion to subject-specific workshops, offering you a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding and explore new academic horizons.

Next Step: Managing Your Finances

Curious about how much spending money you'll need during a two-week course? Our next FAQ addresses this question: How much of my own money will I need during a two-week course?

The Importance of Pastoral Care

Pastoral care is an essential element of the student experience at Oxford Summer Courses. It ensures that students are supported not only academically but also emotionally and socially. Here are some of the key benefits of pastoral care:

• Emotional Support: Students are often away from home for the first time, and our pastoral staff are there to provide a comforting presence and support them through any homesickness or emotional challenges.
• Social Integration: Our staff help students integrate socially, ensuring they make friends and feel part of the community. This is crucial for a positive and enriching experience.
• Academic Guidance: With their subject-specific expertise, our pastoral staff can offer additional academic support, helping students with their studies and encouraging a deeper engagement with the material.
• Safety and Well-being: Ensuring the safety and well-being of students is our top priority. Our staff are trained to handle emergencies and provide a secure environment for all attendees.

Training and Qualifications

All our pastoral staff undergo rigorous training to ensure they are well-equipped to handle the various responsibilities of their roles. This includes: Safeguarding Training: To ensure the safety and well-being of all students.

• First Aid Certification: To provide immediate assistance in case of medical emergencies.
• Mental Health Awareness: To support students' emotional and mental well-being.
• Academic Training: For those involved in subject-specific workshops, ensuring they can provide valuable insights and support.

Conclusion

We hope this introduction to our pastoral staff provides you with a glimpse of the dedicated individuals who are here to support you throughout your Oxford Summer Courses experience. Their expertise, care, and subject-specific insights are integral to creating a fulfilling and enriching academic journey. Join us, and let's embark on a summer filled with learning, exploration, and personal growth together. For more information on managing your finances, please refer to our FAQs. We look forward to welcoming you to our academic community!

Ready to Join Oxford Summer Courses?

After submitting your application, we'll be in touch very soon to inform you of the outcome. Apply now to begin your journey with Oxford Summer Courses!

About the author

Rhys Mackenzie is the Website Marketing Manager at Oxford Summer Courses. With extensive experience in SEO and digital content management, they are passionate about showcasing the best that Oxford has to offer. Their previous role at Experience Oxfordshire gave them a deep appreciation for the city's unique cultural and academic offerings. Learn more about Rhys here.