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 how writers explore the self and use personal experiences as a foundation for creative writing.

Week 1: Beginnings (Example)

• How (and why) do we write the self?
• Writing exercises based on diaries, prose, and poetry.
• Creating personal reflections and life writing.

Week 2: Complications (Example)

• Case study of Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes.
• Literary theory: Poststructuralism.
• Writing the self in the 21st century.
• Recap and group feedback on creative writing pieces.

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:

• Develop an understanding of life writing and how personal experience influences literary creation.
• Gain skills in writing and critiquing poetry, prose, and creative nonfiction.
• Explore literary theory and how it applies to understanding self-expression in writing.
• Build confidence in sharing and receiving feedback on creative work.

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:

• Jeannette Winterson, Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit: Google Books
• Jay Parini, Life Writing in The Cambridge Companion to Prose (2021).
• Explore Writers Toolbox with tips from Neil Gaiman: Writers Toolbox

Optional Extension:

• Begin brainstorming your own life writing piece, reflecting on a personal experience or memory that resonates with you.

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 English literature, creative writing, and self-expression through writing. It helps build analytical skills in interpreting literature, as well as practical experience in writing prose and poetry. The feedback-based approach will also develop confidence in sharing and critiquing written work.

You are expected to:

• Actively participate in seminars, writing workshops, and group discussions.
• Complete independent reading and writing assignments, including diary entries and life writing exercises.
• Engage with peer feedback and contribute to group critiques in a respectful and constructive manner.

The course is designed to encourage creativity, self-expression, and collaboration, helping students refine their writing skills and deepen their understanding of literary techniques.

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.