Advanced English plus Academic subjects

If you are a 'gap year' student waiting to go to university, a 'pre-masters' student preparing for futher study, or you just want to develop your English skills - this is the best choice for you.

We offer this course during

This stimulating alternative to the traditional English Language course plays to the strengths of St. Clare's. Our experienced language teachers combine with academic subject specialists to create a flexible and challenging programme. The components are:

The English Language component

You follow a rigorous, intellectually-engaging programme in preparation for an externally-validated English examination:
  • CAE - Certificate in Advanced English
  • CPE - Certificate of Proficiency in English
  • IELTS - International English Language Testing System

  • See below for more detailed information.

The Academic Subject component

You select three subjects, each for two or three lessons per week, to suit your interests and needs for the future. See below for more detailed information about the subjects we offer.

Study skills practice

You develop listening and note-taking skills by attending the St. Clare's Seminar Series at Blackfriars Hall, part of the University of Oxford, during the Autumn and Spring semesters (past themes include Creation & Inspiration and Diversity & Culture).

Careers guidance

You plan your future with the help of our Careers & Higher Education Adviser.

Entry requirements

You need to be age 17+
You need to have a level of English equivalent to Upper Intermediate (IELTS 5.5, FCE or CEF B2).
Before you are admitted to the course, the Director of Studies will check your level of English with a written test and a short telephone interview.

The English Language component

This programme consists of 10 lessons per week in small groups (maximum 12). Classes explore contemporary topics such as Youth Cuture, Travel & Tourism, City Life or Country Living, Fairtrade & Charities, Crime & Punishment through the medium of English.

Teachers use a variety of teaching methods and stimuli (television documentaries study visits, newspaper articles, internet searches as appropriate) and focus on the more advanced skills of register, collocation and idiomatic usage. Every opportunity is taken to develop the academic study skills you require for study at university.

You are assessed internally and externally:
  • external examinations (CAE / CPE / IELTS) provide a focus for the end of the course.
  • internal assessments include formal and informal writing activities, an extended essay based on your own research and an oral presentation;

The Academic Subjects component

These subjects are taught at university level together with English native-speakers, usually students from the USA on study abroad programmes. Tuition is provided by subject specialists who bring the benefits of the latest research in their own areas of expertise. Students select six subjects, numbered in order of preference 1-6; we make every effort to give students their first three choices when possible. In addition, private tuition in Italian, Spanish, French, German and other languages can be arranged for students at all levels for a supplementary fee.

Subject area Course
Art History Art in England Survey 1066-1600
Business / Economics International Business in the News
English Literature Oxford and Fantasy Literature
  European Crime Writing
Languages Chinese (Beginners)
  Russian (Beginners)
Mathematics College Algebra
Philosophy and Religion Introduction to Philosophy
  Comparative Religion
  Ethics
Social Sciences Introduction to British History
  Introduction to Politics
  International Relations
  Introduction to Psychology
  Introduction to Sociology
Studio Art Fundamentals of Drawing
  Painting
  Photography
Communications Cross Cultural Communication

The programme requires background reading and research and is assessed through course work, extended essay and examination.

Sample timetable
Lesson 1 Language development
Video 'The true costs of cheap food'
English teacher
Lesson 2 Discussion and debate
Lunch Take lunch and meet with friends
in the college dining room
Lesson 3 Academic subject choice
Philosophy 'The Scientific Method'
Subject teacher
Self-study Consolidation activities
Activities Join in the programme of regular events

Accredited by the British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education     Accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English    Accredited by the British Council and member of English UK  

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