Story Explorers
The Story Explorers summer school at Oxford Summer Courses taking place in Juniors is designed for 9-10 years old students, and is priced from £2395.
Learning
Outline
Story Explorers juniors summer school at Oxford Summer Courses for ages 09-10 years. Study Story Explorers with Oxford Summer Courses. Great stories don’t just happen by chance. You need to know how to create a character, structure a plot, and grab the reader’s attention, then keep it page after page. Learn how to do all that on our engaging Story Explorers course. We’ll teach you how to immerse an audience and craft characters. You might create interactive adventures with comic strips, look at the role of photos and podcasts in modern narration, or take inspiration from Britain's best-loved authors. Ready for chapter one? Once upon a time, you joined us for an unforgettable adventure. You got to learn all about how the world tells stories, and how to tell your own. The end. (Or is it?). Participate in curriculum enrichment activities, including a reflection session facilitated by our staff members, allowing time to reflect on the day's lessons and activities.
Teaching methodology
Our teaching for 9-10-year-old students is focused on interactive and task-based learning. You will be taught by experienced primary teachers, who are there to inspire and engage you with the subjects they are passionate about. Our courses run over a week, and during this time you will develop your subject knowledge through multimedia presentations, group work, games, problem-solving, and project work with a meaningful real-life focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
To be eligible, applicants should:
- Be between 9-10 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:
- Choose a Course: Select your subject, location, dates, and accommodation. You can add additional courses if you wish.
- Provide Student Info: Fill in your name, contact details, and a short personal statement about why you'd be a great fit.
- Enter School Info: Provide the name and address of your most recent school.
- 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 one week, introducing students to various creative writing forms, including poetry, prose, and non-fiction. Students will also explore narrative techniques such as perspective, tension, and structure.
Example Topics Covered
- Descriptive and narrative writing (focus on genres like gothic and adventure).
- Types of narrative and narrators.
- Ingredients for a great story: hooks, vocabulary development, and sentence crafting.
- Understanding 'show, don’t tell' and creating tension.
Teaching Format
The course includes 12 hours of lessons and 4 hours of supervised study time. Lessons are designed to be fun and interactive, with students working towards an independent creative piece that will be part of an anthology. There may be an opportunity for students to perform readings of their work.
Note: These are example topics. Actual content may vary depending on the expertise of the tutor.
By the end of the course, students may:
- Develop a deeper understanding of various written forms and how to apply creative techniques in their own writing.
- Learn how to develop story ideas, create compelling characters, and write engaging narratives.
- Improve their drafting and editing skills, learning that the first draft is never the final one.
- Gain confidence in sharing their work 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 you might want 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 and working on your creative piece.
- 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, the safeguarding and wellbeing of our younger students aged 9-10 is our highest priority. All staff are fully trained in safeguarding policies and procedures, including enhanced DBS checks. We maintain a safe and secure environment through 24/7 on-site security, strict supervision, curfews, and age-appropriate care. Our staff ensure that students feel supported both physically and emotionally throughout their time with us.
The Oxford Summer Courses experience
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For ages 9-12: Immerse your child in the transformative Juniors Summer Courses experience — a perfect blend of academic excellence, enrichment activities, and a vibrant community. Benefit from a focused academic experience with 12 one-hour lessons per week, a small class size of 15 students for personalised attention, and supervised homework time. Engage in curriculum enrichment with daily reflection time and participate in various social and cultural activities, including on-site or local events, chats and bedtime with house parents and friends, off-site excursions, a formal graduation ceremony, and a disco to conclude the course with new friends. Discover more about our teaching methodologies.
Visiting Warwick Castle is an opportunity to explore the rich history of this magnificent medieval fortress. It dates back to the 11th century and has played a significant role in English history. Students can explore the castle's impressive collection of buildings and exhibitions, as well as witness jousting tournaments, falconry displays, and other live shows.
The Tower of London is a historic castle and fortress that has served as a royal palace, prison, and even a zoo over the centuries. Visitors can explore its impressive collection of buildings and exhibitions, including the iconic White Tower, the Crown Jewels, and the medieval palace. They can also learn about the infamous prisoners who were held in the tower over the centuries, including Anne Boleyn and Guy Fawkes.
The Harry Potter Studios Tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Harry Potter movies, with interactive exhibits and displays that showcase the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating the magical world of Hogwarts. Students can explore the Great Hall, see the actual sets used in the films, and even step inside the Hogwarts Express.
Oxford is a world-renowned university city with stunning architecture, idyllic cobblestone streets, and rich history. It is home to some of the most iconic university buildings in the world, such as the Bodleian Library and Christ Church College, which inspired the Hogwarts dining hall in the Harry Potter movies. Visiting Oxford is like taking a step back in time and discovering the quintessential beauty of England.
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For ages 9-12: Experience an enriching stay meticulously designed for learners aged 9-12. Choose between the privacy and comfort of a private room (single room) or the camaraderie of shared living in a standard (shared room) to foster friendships. Our accommodations, including Harrow School and St John's Beaumont, offer shared facilities, fostering a dynamic and supportive environment that enhances the social and learning experience. Rest assured, our commitment to safety includes regular room checks, aligning with government policies to ensure students' comfort, safety, and well-being throughout our summer courses. Learn more about our junior summer school for ages 9-12.
Juniors will reside at prestigious boarding schools such as Harrow School and St John's Beaumont. Accommodation will be assigned based on room availability, with the option of staying in either a private room (single room) or a shared room to foster friendships. Regular room checks and a focus on safety ensure that students are comfortable and well-supported throughout their stay.
Full-board accommodation with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.
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Timetable
Dates & Prices
- Teaching: Academic tuition.
- Meals: Full board includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Sunday to Thursday. Friday includes breakfast only, and Saturday no meals are provided.
- Accommodation: Housing in Resa Vallehermoso.
- Extracurricular Activities & Excursions: Included activities and excursions are available every afternoon, evening, and throughout the weekend.
- Transportation: Transportation for included activities.
- Use of Athletic and Recreation Facilities: Access to athletic and recreation facilities during the program.
- Safety & Supervision: Safety and supervision are provided for students throughout the course.
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less)
- Meals: Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided)
- Accommodation: Standard (shared room)
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included
- Airport Transfer: Included
- Insurance: Travel and medical insurance included
- Merch: Backpack, notepad, and water bottle
- Certificate: Paper certificate awarded at the graduation ceremony
- Customer Service: Standard
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less)
- Meals: Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided)
- Accommodation: Standard (shared room)
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included
- Airport Transfer: Included
- Insurance: Travel and medical insurance included
- Merch: Backpack, notepad, and water bottle
- Certificate: Paper certificate awarded at the graduation ceremony
- Customer Service: Standard
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included
- Teaching: 18-24: Tutorials (1-2 students per tutor), seminars, and workshops
- Meals: Half-board (breakfast and dinner included).
- Accommodation: Single or twin room (confirmed by us at a later date, based on student preference at booking).
- Certificate: Digital
- Customer Service: Standard
- Merch: Notepad, pen
- Airport Transfer: Not included
- Insurance: Not included
- Flexibility: Not included
- Future Coaching Session: Not included
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (8 students or less) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Full board includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with meals served at either the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Concierge helps select the best available option.
- Certificate: Framed, signed (wet signature).
- Customer Service: Enhanced (OxSC concierge).
- Merch: Bottle, notepad, pen, backpack (premium merch).
- Airport Transfer: Out-of-hours executive transfer included.
- Insurance: Platinum coverage (top-level protection on cancellation, medical, baggage).
- Flexibility: One-year free deferral.
- Future Coaching Session: Included (1 session)
- Friends & Family Discount: Discounted stay/meals for family in top Oxford/Cambridge hotels while on course.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (8 students or less) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Full board includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with meals served at either the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Guaranteed ensuite room.
- Certificate: Paper.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Merch: Bottle, notepad, pen (enhanced merch).
- Airport Transfer: Included (standard hours).
- Insurance: Enhanced coverage (higher limits on cancellation, medical, baggage).
- Flexibility: One-year free deferral.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discount: Discounted stay/meals for family in top Oxford/Cambridge hotels while on course.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (8 students or less) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Full board includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with meals served at either the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Select your preferred single or twin room.
- Certificate: Digital.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Merch: Notepad, pen.
- Airport Transfer: Included (standard hours).
- Insurance: Standard coverage (cancellation, medical, baggage).
- Flexibility: Not included.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discounts: Not included.
