To be eligible, applicants should:

• Be between 13-15 years old.
• Have a sufficient understanding of English to participate in academic discussions and coursework.
• Have a keen interest in exploring their chosen subject(s).

If you meet these requirements, we’d love to see your application!

Applying is easy! Follow these steps:

1. Choose a Course: Select your subject, location, dates, and accommodation. You can add additional courses if you wish.
2. Provide Student Info: Fill in your name, contact details, and a short personal statement about why you'd be a great fit.
3. Enter School Info: Provide the name and address of your most recent school.
4. Review & Submit: Double-check your details and submit your application.

After submission, our admissions team will review your application, and you’ll hear back within 2-3 days. Apply now!

Yes, you can book more than one course! During the application process, you will have the option to add additional courses either before or after your main course. The total price, including any additional courses, will be displayed before you proceed.

After paying your deposit to secure your place, our admissions team will help you set up a bespoke payment plan. You can choose from options like monthly or bimonthly payments, and we will provide a detailed invoice outlining your instalment schedule. Learn more about payment plans.

Note: There are no additional fees for setting up a payment plan, and your place is secure once the deposit is paid.

The course is structured over two weeks, focusing on the immune system and how it can be leveraged to treat diseases like cancer.

Week 1: Understanding the Immune System (Example)

• Overview of the immune system.
• Exploring different lines of defense in the body.
• Functions of immune cells and how they combat diseases.

Week 2: Cancer and Immunotherapy (Example)

• Origins and hallmarks of cancer.
• Key treatments for cancer, including immunotherapy.
• Practical case studies on immunotherapy and its benefits over traditional treatments like chemotherapy.

Note: This is an example structure. The actual content may vary depending on the tutor’s expertise and student preferences. Students will have the opportunity to discuss their learning goals with admissions to tailor the course.

By the end of the course, students may:

• Gain an understanding of how the immune system works and its role in protecting the body from diseases.
• Learn about the origins of cancer and different treatment methods, focusing on the use of immunotherapy.
• Develop research and presentation skills by investigating different diseases and sharing findings with classmates.
• Build critical thinking skills through discussions and group work on scientific topics.

Note: Learning objectives may vary based on student interests, which will be discussed during the admissions process.

Students are encouraged to do pre-course preparation to maximise their learning. Suggested resources include:

Read:

• Understanding the Immune System: NIH Guide to Immunology
• Research an immune disorder or a type of vaccine on WebMD to get familiar with the concepts covered in class.

Optional Extension:

• Prepare a short presentation on a disease of your choice, focusing on how the immune system responds to it. For background research, you can explore disease information on Mayo Clinic.

Note: These are example resources. Specific materials may vary depending on tutor and student preferences. Students will be informed of the required materials in advance to allow enough time to prepare.

This course provides an excellent foundation for students interested in biology and medical sciences. It introduces key concepts in immunology and cancer treatment, preparing students for further exploration in these fields. The combination of practical work, research, and discussions will also help develop critical thinking and analytical skills.

You are expected to:

• Actively participate in seminars, group activities, and discussions.
• Complete independent research assignments, including preparing presentations on diseases and immune responses.
• Engage with the subject matter, asking questions and exploring new ideas with curiosity.

The course is designed to be interactive, combining mini-lectures, practical work, and group discussions to deepen your understanding of biology.

For students aged 13-15, Oxford Summer Courses takes safeguarding seriously. All staff are DBS-checked and trained in safeguarding policies. We offer 24/7 on-site security, with supervision and curfews to maintain a safe environment. Our safeguarding policies are designed to balance growing independence with necessary safety measures, ensuring students feel supported.