History Explorers

To be eligible, applicants should:

• Be between 11-12 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.

What is the structure of the course? The course is structured over one week, introducing students to various creative writing forms, including poetry, prose, and non-fiction, while exploring narrative techniques such as perspective, tension, and structure.

Example Topics Covered

• Poetry: What is poetry, its use, and analysis of emotive language.
• Non-fiction: Understanding the structure of non-fiction texts and writing effective speeches.
• Storytelling: Developing characters, understanding plot structure, and creating compelling narratives.

Teaching Format

The course includes 12 hours of lessons and 4 hours of supervised study time. Lessons are designed to be interactive and creative, focusing on developing each student’s writing skills and appreciation of different literary forms. Throughout the course, students will work towards an independent creative piece that will be presented at the end of the week.

Note: These are example topics. Actual content may vary depending on the expertise of the tutor.

By the end of the course, students may:

• Understand different literary forms and apply creative writing techniques in their own work.
• Learn how to develop story ideas, characters, and write engaging poetry and non-fiction.
• Improve their drafting and editing skills, learning that first drafts are never final.
• Gain confidence in sharing their writing and providing feedback to peers.

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:

• Young Writers website for creative writing prompts: Young Writers Prompts
• BBC Bitesize on creative writing tips: BBC Creative Writing

Optional Extension:

• Begin brainstorming ideas for characters and settings to use in your creative piece.

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 creative writing and storytelling. It introduces important writing techniques and encourages creativity. The interactive lessons will help students build confidence in their writing skills, preparing them for future academic and creative pursuits.

You are expected to:

• Actively participate in lessons, group discussions, and writing exercises.
• Complete homework assignments, such as creating story plans or poetry exercises.
• Engage with peers and tutors, contributing to a fun and collaborative learning environment.

The course is designed to encourage creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking in the realm of storytelling.

At Oxford Summer Courses, we prioritize the safeguarding and wellbeing of students aged 11-12 by implementing enhanced DBS checks for all staff, safeguarding training, and round-the-clock supervision. With 24/7 security on-site, carefully managed activities, and curfews, we provide a safe and nurturing environment where students can focus on learning and personal growth.

Since spaces are limited, once a course is full, we are unable to accept additional students. We recommend applying early to avoid disappointment.

We recommend applying as soon as possible. Spaces are in high demand, and many courses fill up well in advance. The earlier you apply, the better your chance of securing your preferred course dates.

Each course has only 15 spaces available, and they fill up quickly. With weekly courses running from 6 July to 9 August 2025, we recommend securing your spot now before they sell out.

The first course begins on 6 July 2025, with weekly courses running until 9 August 2025. Spaces are already filling up fast, so apply now to avoid missing out.