OXFORD GAP YEAR PROGRAMME

Study abroad in the city of dreaming spires WELCOME 4 WELCOME TO TO OXFORD OXFORD 5 WHY JOIN THE OXFORD GAP YEAR PROGRAMME? 6 BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR GAP YEAR PROGRAMME

OXFORD 8 THE PROGRAMME GAP YEAR 10 PATHWAYS PROGRAMME 12 CRITICAL THINKING AND WRITING 14 UNIVERSITY-STYLE TEACHING 16 HIGHLY QUALIFIED TUTORS

STUDENT LIFE 18 STUDENT LIFE 20 RESIDENTIAL The Gap Year Programme is an ACCOMMODATION opportunity for international 23 PASTORAL CARE students to experience tutorial style, small group instruction as favoured by Oxford and Cambridge that YOUR 24 APPLICATION enable students to pursue their APPLICATION & ENROLMENT academic interests through CONTACT US being taught in small groups. 26 & LOCATION 4 5 Oxford Gap Year Programme Welcome to Oxford WELCOME WHY JOIN TO OXFORD THE OXFORD GAP YEAR STUDY IN ONE OF THE WORLD’S LEADING PROGRAMME? UNIVERSITY CITIES – AND GAIN AN INVALUABLE EXPERIENCE OF COLLEGE LIFE. OXFORD’S REPUTATION AS A CENTRE FOR EDUCATION AND OUR ACADEMIC LOCATION The College itself is housed in a row of CULTURE HAS GROWN OVER handsome Victorian houses just a few MANY CENTURIES. yards from Oxford High Street. The centre of Oxford is small enough to explore on Teaching is recorded in the city as far back as 1096, foot and within easy walking distance of which makes Oxford the first university in the English- the bus and rail stations. You can enjoy its speaking world. bookshops, galleries and museums at your leisure – and even hire a punt or rowing Oxford Sixth Form College is located in the heart of the boat on the river that flows through the city. ancient university, just a few steps from the Bodleian Library and historic colleges such as Brasenose, Oriel, Corpus Oxford provides rich opportunities for Christi and All Souls. joining student clubs and societies, and the academic life of the College is enhanced by a varied range of extra-curricular activities, including cultural visits and as an Oxford Gap Year Programme student, you will receive free membership of the world-renowned Oxford Union Society, bringing exclusive insight into life at one of the world’s top universities. Brasenose College “OxSFC is a very central college in Oxford People often wonder about the origin of the name ‘Brasenose’ with many supportive teachers and staff. and how to pronounce it. It’s pronounced just as it’s spelled – Brase Nose. The college, which dates from the 16th century, They’ll help you out in any stage of your gets its name from the unusual bronze door knocker, shaped educational process. The friends you’ll like an animal’s snout, which now hangs above the high table make along the way will make it even in the dining hall. The original door knocker dates back to the more fun. Overall a great experience.” 11th century, but was stolen by students who took it to found a school in Lincolnshire in 1334. It was only returned to Brasenose JAKOB, 18, FROM GERMANY in 1890 when the college bought the whole of the Lincolnshire STUDIED: GLOBAL PATHWAY FOLLOWED BY BTEC BUSINESS school – to reacquire the door knocker. 6 7 Oxford Gap Year Programme BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR OXFORD GAP YEAR PROGRAMME

ACADEMIC LOCATION COMPREHENSIVE ACADEMIC You will have the opportunity to REPORTS AND FEEDBACK study in one of the world’s leading You can request a transcript at the end of the university cities and enjoy privileges course, to be forwarded to schools or colleges. usually only available to full-time Detailed course descriptions are available for each Oxford University students – such as subject, and we can liaise as necessary with your membership of the Oxford Union. school to ensure that the course material and delivery fit in with specific curriculum requirements.

FLEXIBLE ENTRY DATES UNIVERSITY STYLE TEACHING EXCELLENT PASTORAL CARE AN ACADEMIC EDGE AND HELP There are 3 possible entry points in the FROM HIGHLY QUALIFIED TUTORS & SOCIAL PROGRAMME WITH UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS academic year: September, January Our course tutors are highly experienced, You will have access to a rich activity programme Our academic team has many years’ experience and April. with many having studied at Oxford or of cultural visits, music and sports, shared with assisting students when making their applications Cambridge. They also understand the our full-time British and international students to universities in the US and UK. This will give you Students can join for one, two or three terms needs of European, American and other studying year-round. Your physical and emotional an academic edge when applying to competitive and then progress onto our International international students. You will be taught in wellbeing are of paramount importance to us, we institutions. The work you undertake in the Oxford Foundation Course, which gives them a the same format as Oxford undergraduates will provide you with a senior tutor who will guide Gap Year Programme will demonstrate your ability guaranteed route to an English University. – in small classes of up to 6 students. and support you throughout your time at college. to thrive in a challenging academic environment.

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The Gap Year Programme at Oxford Sixth Form College is an opportunity to expand your horizons. Students experience living in a world-renowned university city and enjoy a structured study programme which will allow them to develop a deep understanding of their chosen pathway.

Established in 1988, the prestigious Oxford Gap Year at Oxford Sixth Form College presents a unique opportunity for International high school students and graduates wishing to refine their academic skills, before starting college or as a ‘term abroad’ during their college course.

Highly regarded for the quality of teaching and THE PROGRAMME student-centred approach, the programme provides inspiring study pathways, which foster confidence and motivation, enabling both academic and social success in college. The experience provides an invaluable foretaste of college life. STUDY ABROAD IN THE CITY OF DREAMING SPIRES. For non-native speakers of English, the course also The Oxford Gap Year Programme (OGYP) is a tailored course for international provides an opportunity to improve language skills students aged 16+ who would like to spend an enriching term in Oxford while through the study of academic subjects. kick-starting their university careers. COURSES The aim of the programme is to help students achieve their potential and progress Students enrol for two or three terms, selecting one to top universities worldwide. of the ‘pathway’ options per term or alternatively they can join one of our A-level groups. For over 25 years, the Oxford Gap Year Programme has allowed young people from all over the world to study in Oxford and enjoy a world-class university experience Our courses are primarily intended for: living in the historic city of Oxford. • High School graduates taking a gap year. • Students taking a term (or longer) to study in Our students have also progressed to some of the top universities in the UK, such Oxford, pursuing courses of particular interest. as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London (UCL) and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

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Oxford Gap Year Programme Year Programme Oxford Gap Year Programme pathways give you the opportunity to study an exciting subject area that you might not have thought about before.

Perhaps you plan to study a medical field at university but have always been fascinated by literature, or you plan to major in Business but have always wanted to learn more about the way criminals think. This is your chance to step out of your comfort zone and undertake a new learning experience.

CRIME SCIENCE • PSYCHOLOGY • PSYCHOLOGY • INTRODUCTION TO LAW • MEDICAL BIOLOGY • CRIMINOLOGY • MATHEMATICS PATHWAYS

CHOOSE FROM ONE OF THE FOUR PATHWAYS CRIME, GLOBAL, SCIENCE OR LITERATURE. LITERATURE GLOBAL • THE MODERN NOVEL • THE DENIAL OF DEMOCRACY THEN STUDY THREE MODULES WITHIN • OXFORD CLASSICS • INTRODUCTION TO ECONOMICS YOUR CHOSEN PATHWAY EACH TERM. • ACADEMIC WRITING • INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS “I have enjoyed exploring Oxford and experiencing different cultures, our teachers adapt to our learning 12 13 styles. I enjoy what we do in classes.” Quote

Oxford Gap Year Programme CRITICAL Oxford Gap Year Programme OLIVIA, GAP YEAR STUDENT, USA THINKING AND WRITING

AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE PROGRAMME IS A SPECIAL COURSE, OPEN TO ALL OXFORD GAP YEAR PROGRAMME STUDENTS, ON CRITICAL THINKING AND WRITING.

In weekly discussions and set work, students develop their skills at analysing a wide range of material, including printed and broadcast news items, political speeches, journalism on current issues, academic essays, and social media. A regular feature of the course is the practicing of tests in Critical Thinking set by Oxford and Cambridge universities.

In addition to analysing meaning and intention, students also develop skills in creating their own material clearly and accurately, with written work discussed and defended in the Oxford tutorial style.

Towards the end of term students take part in a debate on a current issue of their choosing, attended by other students and tutors of the College. Previous debates have been given to the whole College at the world- renowned Oxford Union.

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Oxford Gap Year programme UNIVERSITY Oxford Gap Year Programme STYLE TEACHING

AT OXFORD SIXTH FORM COLLEGE, YOU WILL BE TAUGHT IN THE SAME FORMAT AS OXFORD UNIVERSITY STUDENTS – IN SMALL CLASSES OF UP TO 6 STUDENTS, WITH WEEKLY ONE- TO-ONE TUTORIALS.

SEMINARS Seminar classes are typically held 4 times a week. These are not passive sessions where students sit and take notes; they are informal, interactive meetings to discuss ideas. The format encourages active involvement, and provides a natural forum for a free and lively debate. Under the tutor’s guidance, course topics are presented, explained and discussed, while further reading and written work provides the basis for the individual discussions and thematic tangents that open up in tutorials.

TUTORIALS “The classes are quite small, so the teacher We follow the teaching style of the top UK universities such as Oxford and Cambridge, during your tutorials, has the opportunity to focus on just you. issues that have arisen during the seminars are This is really helpful to bring you up to the discussed in detail, essays are critiqued, and topics are next level in a short space of time. It also set for the next meeting. Under the tutor’s guidance, encourages you to think outside the box.” you may explore topics and themes of particular SARAH, 18, FROM GERMANY interest to you, working at your own pace. STUDIED: MEDICAL BIOLOGY, PRACTICAL ART & FILM STUDIES

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Oxford Gap Year Programme HIGHLY QUALIFIED Oxford Gap Year Programme TUTORS

OUR COURSE TUTORS ARE ALL BRITISH UNIVERSITY GRADUATES – WITH MANY HAVING ATTENDED OXFORD OR CAMBRIDGE.

Our tutors are chosen for their CRITICAL THINKING communication skills and constructive AND WRITING SKILLS approach to difficulties encountered In addition to an academic overview by their students. Each is experienced provided by their Senior Tutor, in the tutorial teaching method, with students will receive a weekly seminar its emphasis on student involvement, in thinking and writing skills. The while their wide subject knowledge objectives of the seminar are to and academic background allow them enable students to express their ideas to develop each student’s individual in a clear and effective manner, and to abilities. They are also familiar with the develop both creative and analytical needs of international students and thinking skills. The skills acquired will non-native English speakers, and take enhance performance in almost any these into account in all their teaching. subject being studied.

SENIOR TUTORS COMPREHENSIVE ACADEMIC As our approach places a great deal REPORTS AND FEEDBACK of emphasis on students’ personal Tutors write an assessment of study and self-motivation, we progress each half-term, offering ensure that academic support and practical suggestions on how to counselling is available by assigning consolidate the work covered. each student to a Senior Tutor. This Where requested, students receive a helps ensure a healthy work-life transcript at the end of the course to balance and a positive environment be forwarded to schools or colleges. of organised personal study. Meetings Detailed course descriptions are are held every week to review available for each subject, and we subject progress, discuss individual liaise as necessary with a student’s study needs, and assess whether the school or college to ensure that the student is meeting their wider goals. course material and delivery fit in with Future educational plans are also specific curriculum requirements of covered in these meetings. the home institution.

oxfordgapyearprogramme.com “The most rewarding thing about

18 the course was having an Oxford 19 Union membership and meeting

Oxford Gap Year programme STUDENT LIFE people from all over the world.” Student Life

GLORIA, 18, FROM UNITED STATES STUDIED: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND RUSSIAN THE COLLEGE OFFERS A LIVELY PROGRAMME OF VISITS AND ACTIVITIES THAT COMPLEMENT THE ACADEMIC CURRICULUM – GIVING OUR GAP YEAR STUDENTS A GREAT CULTURAL EXPERIENCE AND MEMORIES OF OXFORD THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME.

VISITS & ACTIVITIES The colleges of Oxford University date from as early as the thirteenth century, and each has its own kind of architectural beauty, art treasures, peaceful ambience and delightful gardens. To help our students embrace their Oxford experience, we organise guided tours of the most picturesque and impressive colleges.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR CULTURAL EXPERIENCES We also arrange visits to Oxford’s many gardens, galleries and museums, including the Ashmolean, the Pitt Rivers, the University Museums and the Museum of Modern Art. Theatres and cinemas are both plentiful in the city, and visits are organised at least once each term. Destinations outside the city can include Blenheim Palace, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick Castle, Bath, Stonehenge and, of course, London.

THE OXFORD UNION Located just 500 yards from the College, the Union is steeped in history and tradition, and has served as a training ground for many politicians. In addition to weekly student debates, there are regular guest speakers from the world of politics, entertainment, business and sport. The Union is more than just a debating club: it also serves as an informal gathering place for student recreation and its buildings house a fine lending library, alongside a reading room, snooker room and a lively café and bar. All students enrolled are automatically given membership of this world-renowned Society and offered the opportunity to take part in their own debate. Students in 2020 debated the issue of climate change.

oxfordgapyearprogramme.com “ It’s a fantastic place to study. Definitely set a focus and a lot more

20 motivated. It has really helped me 21 believe it isn’t too late to achieve Oxford Gap Year Programme RESIDENTIAL my grades as well. Most memorable Student Life would be the friends I have made.”

ACCOMMODATION ALEXANDRA, GCSE SCIENCE

PLACES ARE OFFERED ON A RESIDENTIAL OR NON-RESIDENTIAL BASIS. THE COURSE TAKES PLACE AT OXFORD SIXTH FORM COLLEGE IN KING EDWARD STREET, CENTRAL OXFORD.

Residential accommodation is provided in the college’s own boarding houses, in or near to the city centre and only a short walk from the college. Students stay on a half-board basis in single study bedrooms with en suite bathroom facilities. Breakfast and dinner are served within the residences and arrangements can be made for those with special dietary requirements.

Our residences are safe, comfortable and conducive to getting the most out of their Gap Year Experience. They are allocated according to the student’s age and managed by a team of house parents who ensure that students use their study time sensibly, and get the most out of their revision week.

For more information about our accommodation options, visit our website at oxfordsixthformcollege.com

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Oxford Gap Year Programme PASTORAL Student Life CARE

YOUR PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLBEING IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE AT OXFORD TUTORIAL COLLEGE.

Each Gap Year student will be assigned a senior tutor for the duration of their stay who will be available to help with any difficulties encountered and to listen to any problems students may have.

Oxford has one of the best-equipped medical teaching centres in the country and any student requiring medical treatment can be assured of excellent care and facilities. Appointments with a local doctor can easily be arranged for more routine treatment. Independent professional counselling is also available to deal with emotional problems.

Please note that it is essential to take out Medical Insurance before leaving home to cover hospitalisation or return home in the event of accident or illness. This can normally be done by extending an existing policy.

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Oxford Gap Year Programme APPLICATION Your Application PROGRAMME OVERVIEW ACCEPTANCE Enrolment is confirmed on receipt & ENROLMENT Entry Dates of all application documents, and • 2 or 3 term courses starting students who have been accepted in September or January are issued with a Certificate of Acceptance of Study with which to Entry Requirements obtain immigration clearance. • Students aged 16+ years old Please note that students are • Level of English: B2 or above solely responsible for ensuring • Minimum of 10 years education that their visas to enter the UK are • Good academic reports valid. If in doubt, please contact the nearest British Consulate. The Enrolment at the college is easy. Student Officer will make contact Once the proposed course of study to assist with accommodation is determined, an enrolment form arrangements, where requested. is completed with personal and Joining instructions are sent before educational details. the start of each course.

APPLICATION TERM DATES & FEES Those who wish to apply A list of term dates and fees can should complete an enquiry be obtained by contacting us or by form on our website visiting our website: (oxfordgapyearprogramme.com/ oxfordgapyearprogramme.com admissions). Our Admissions team will be in touch to complete FURTHER INFORMATION your enrolment. More detailed course information is available on request and we are happy to answer any questions you may have. If a tailor-made course is required, please contact us to discuss this. A Level course information is available separately.

“The programme has been an amazing experience for me. The college has helped me immensely with my essay-writing skills. Oxford Gap Year Programme is different as it allows you to live and study in such a unique and international environment which isn’t available elsewhere.”

REMY, 17, FROM UNITED STATES

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Oxford Gap Year Programme CONTACT US

We understand that the decision 12 King Edward Street, to study abroad is very important. Oxford, OX1 4HT, UK Oxford Sixth Form College is always here to help you and we are more Telephone: +44 1865 793333 than happy to answer any questions Email: [email protected] you may have about course details Facebook: /oxfordsixthformcollege or any other matters. oxfordgapyearprogramme.com

SCOTLAND

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OXFORD SIXTH FORM COLLEGE OTHER COURSES AVAILABLE AT OXFORD SIXTH FORM COLLEGE:

• A-Level Courses Oxford Sixth Form College is owned by the Oxford International Education Group. Oxford International • GCSE Courses in an accredited private educator that runs colleges, • BTEC Business Programme schools, study centres and educational tours across the UK, Canada and the USA. Or courses create life • Academic Preparation Programme enhancing learning experiences for over 25,000 • International Foundation Year students every year, world wide. oxfordinternational.com

The Oxford Gap Year Programme is organised in the UK 12 King Edward Street. Oxford, OX1 4HT, UK by Oxford Sixth Form College which is a member of the Independent Schools Association (ISA), Boarding Schools +44 (0)1865 793333 Association (BSA) and Council for Independent Further Education (CIFE). [email protected] oxfordgapyearprogramme.com oxfordsixthformcollege.com