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:

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 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.