Education Studies Semester Programme

A programme of study designed for US undergraduate education or licensure students.

An excellent blend of practice and theory, the St. Clare’s Oxford Education Studies Programme enables Education majors, licensure students and trainee teachers to experience working in an English school setting. In addition, this programme will enhance your understanding of key issues in educational theory and practice, both in the UK and internationally. You will explore and experience how we learn, how we are taught, and how educational theory informs policy and is applied in practice. Courses are taught by DPhil and post-doctoral candidates from the Department of Education, University of Oxford. Students enrolled on this course will have access to the Faculty of Education library and resources. Students following the Oxford Education Studies Programme can earn 15 or 18 units of credit as follows:

  • A monitored internship (3 credits)
  • A weekly internship in a learning assistant role at a local school for up to one full day per week: you would be assigned your internship on the basis of the age-range you plan to teach. You would keep a journal to track your learning and experience which, along with the School or Department Head’s assessment, would contribute to the final grade.
  • Select from a menu of Education courses (3 credits) Courses available include: Comparative Education; Multicultural and Philosophical Foundations of Education; Psychological Foundations of Education in a Diverse Society; Philosophy of Education. These courses will explore theoretical issues in a multidisciplinary manner, and draw on the practical experience gained as a result of your internship.
  • Academic Courses (3 credits each) You can choose two or three Liberal Arts core courses (including a language tutorial)
  • St Clare’s Seminar Series (3 credits) Each semester we invite renowned academics and specialists and to present papers linked by a common theme. Themes addressed in previous semesters have included: violence and human conflict; death and love; villains; women of power and influence and revolutions. Students taking the series for credit must conduct some independent research which they must submit as well as present.

To apply for this programme please contact Manuela Williams, Programme Administrator:

Manuela will send you an application form and explain what necessary paperwork we would require.

Profiles of schools where internships are available

Primary Schools

  • West Kidlington School West Kidlington centres its approach to learning on Values Led Learning. The school's Values Education is recognised as outstanding. The school is the subject of a book, The Quiet Revolution by Frances Farrer. The school makes considerable use of technology and integrated learning; and has developed close links and teacher exchanges with schools in Uganda and Europe. Please visit the school's website for reports and further information: www.west-kidlington.oxon.sch.uk
  • Pegasus Primary School A strong developmental approach to learning and providing social services distinguishes this school. It is situated in one of the most deprived areas of Oxford, and notable for a number of innovative community and educational partnership schemes to support families. The student body is ethnically and economically diverse, and over 60% have high needs. All staff are trained in cooperative disciplinary techniques. Please visit the school’s website for reports and further information: www.pegasus-pri.oxon.sch.uk
  • St Nicholas Primary School This is a popular community school located just outside of Oxford city centre in Old Marston. Almost 40% of the approximately 400 pupils (aged between 3-11 years) are from ethnic minority groups and nearly one in three speak a language other than English. The school also has an Autism Resource Base, which is an important part of this inclusive school. Cultural and social diversity is of critical importance to the goal of creating a school where every child is special and able to learn in an environment that is rich and creative. Please visit the school’s website for inspection reports and further information: www.stnicholasprimaryschool.org.uk

Secondary Schools

  • Gosford Hill School A secondary school with a large and diverse student body (1,121 pupils). In 2003 it became a Specialist College in Maths and Technology. The Headmaster is willing to lead an educational tutorial on current educational topics related to special needs students, secondary education, student support and school leadership. Please visit the school’s website for reports and further information: www.gosford-hill.oxon.sch.uk
  • Oxford Community School A rapidly improving and effective Comprehensive Secondary school serving a population of diverse students. It offers strong support services to special needs, refugee and English as a Second Language students. The school enjoys strong links with Oxford University and Oxford Brookes University to provide teacher training, mentoring for young students and events to promote greater awareness of diversity education. Please visit the school’s website for reports and further information: www.oxford.oxon.sch.uk
  • Cheney School This secondary school’s success is built on traditional values, as well as progressive thinking. One of the unique features of the Cheney School is the international ethos which is promoted through its specialist language college status. Students at Cheney are well prepared for the challenges which await them in an increasingly demanding global work place. The ethos of the school is built on the key principle of providing an exciting learning environment where enthusiastic and skilled teachers engage students. Please visit the school’s website for reports and further information: Back to Top