Summer Education Studies Programme

• 4-week compact course

• for Education majors

• placement in Oxford schools

• gain 4 units of credit

A compact Education Studies Programme

This is an outstanding choice option for Education majors, licensure students and Teaching Fellows to gain practical experience of the English school system, earn 4 units of credit while immersing themselves in English life and culture. This programme will enable you to be a more informed and effective educator. Moreover, it will enhance your profile and allow you to distinguish yourself to future employers.

Students have a unique opportunity to compare, theoretically and practically, the British and American educational systems. Our Comparative Education course (three units of transferable credit) will contrast and differentiate the goals and practices of primary and secondary education in the UK and the USA. Moreover, students are assigned a placement as a classroom assistant at a local primary or secondary school for one day a week for 4 weeks.

Course details

All students are assigned a placement as a classroom assistant one day a week in a primary school. Students may also choose a placement in the Autism Centre located in one of the primary schools.
All students take the Comparative Education course. (3 units of credit) This course will critically analyse educational systems, processes and outcomes in the USA and the UK. Students will also consider the nature and value of international comparisons for education. The aim of the course is to ensure familiarity of the UK and USA educational systems and to develop the ability to make basic and meaningful comparisons of educational systems across both countries. Moreover, students will be encouraged to reflect upon, explore, and refer to the practical experience gained as a result of their placement. (Syllabus available upon request).
The Comparative Education Course is taught by a member of the Department of Education, University of Oxford. Moreover, students will have access to the well resourced library at Department of Education located a block away from our main teaching site.

For a full syllabus, contact manuela.williams@stclares.ac.uk.

Paul Sinclair, Director of Liberal Arts Programme, can give you more detailed information about the programme, what the requirements are and what to expect from this intensive programme.

Please note:

In order to take up a placement in a school, students must secure a full student visa and submit proof of a clean criminal record (for example police certificate or FBI clearance). Students are responsible for all costs associated with securing a full student visa.

Find out more

Profile of schools for placement

West Kidlington Primary and Nursery Schools

Founded in 1956 and currently enrols approximately 450 pupils ranging from three to 11 years old. “West Kidlington School believes a positive value-led ethos is an essential part of learning.”

The values-led approach, introduced in 1993 is well established and the school is recognised nationally for its commitment to values-led education. The school is the subject of book entitled A Quiet Revolution by Francis Farrer. The school has developed close links and teacher exchanges with schools in Uganda and Europe. Visit the school’s website for inspection reports and further information: www.west-kidlington.oxon.sch.uk

Pegasus Primary School

Currently enrols 488 pupils ranging from three to 11 years old. “The school touches the lives of pupils, their parents and carers, and the local community in an extremely positive way.” Ofsted Feb 2010

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. A high proportion of the pupils are eligible for free school meals and many pupils have moderate learning difficulties. Inspirational leadership from the head teacher and supportive staff has “developed Pegasus into school where pupils flourish and develop a belief that anything is possible if you work hard”.

Visit the school’s website for reports and further information: www.pegasusprimary.com/

St Nicholas Primary School

Currently enrolling 440 pupils ranging from three to 11 years old. Almost 40% of the pupils are from ethnic minority groups and nearly one in three speak a language other than English. The school also has an Autism Resource Base (ARB); many of the pupils who attend the ARB join main school classes for part of the time. Cultural and social diversity is of particularly important and the school is committed to creating a rich and creative learning environment where every child is special and able to learn.

Visit the school’s website for inspection reports and further information: www.stnicholasprimaryschool.org.uk

Cheney Secondary School

Currently enrolling 1470 students ranging from 11 to 18. Cheney School has been part of the life and education of Oxford since 1797. A larger than average comprehensive secondary school with a Sixth Form College, one in four students has a home language other than English (twice the national average).

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 Languages College and International School status. Thus, there is a greater focus on internationalism across the curriculum and a wider range of languages taught, including French, Spanish, German, Urdu and Latin. The school has established links or visits with schools in Ethiopia, Spain, France and Germany. The ethos of the school is built on the key principle of providing an exciting learning environment where enthusiastic and skilled teachers engage students.

Visit the school’s website for inspection reports and further information: www.cheney.oxon.sch.uk

Reviews

Ali – Colorado
I’ve really enjoyed being at St. Clare’s. I’ve had the opportunity to be in a classroom at the Cherwell School, which is just a ten-minute walk away. It’s been a great opportunity to see how the school system in the UK works.

Ben – Elon University
I think St Clare’s does a great job of making great, well-rounded world citizens because there’s such an emphasis on diversity

Erin – North Carolina, Chapel Hill
I’ve become more independent, confident, and I’ve gained skills I’ll use when I become a teacher. I’ve made great friends here. It’s given me the amazing experience of being immersed in a new, exciting environment.

Dates and Fees

A full list of term dates and prices for the International College up until the Easter term 2020 can be found here:

International College Term Dates

If you have any questions please contact us at ic.enquiries@stclares.ac.uk

Fees include:

tuition and course materials
placement in a local primary (K-year 6) school; one day a week for four weeks
earn three units of academic credit for Comparative Education course (40 lessons of tuition over four weeks) note: 1 lesson = 55 minutes
cost of credit transfer, if required.
airport transfer from and to Heathrow Airport coordinated around the majority of arrivals and departures
full orientation, including walking tour of St Clare’s facilities and Oxford city
welcome and departure dinner
accompanied trips to London and Bath
theatre ticket (plus transportation) to either Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford Upon Avon or The Globe Theatre in London
ticket to Oxford Coffee Concert at the Holywell Music Room (the oldest custom-built concert hall in Europe)
access to full range of activities programme (excursions; leisure and cultural events) open to all St Clare’s students either free or at a subsidised cost
free internet access (all St. Clare’s buildings are wireless)
access to St Clare’s library and Department of Education Library, University of Oxford
accommodation in St Clare’s residence: twin superior rooms with private shower and toilet. All college houses have a fully equipped kitchen facilities; laundry facilities; bed linen and towels are provided. College residences are located within 15 minute walk or a short bus ride away

Alternatively,homestay accommodation can be arranged with one of are carefully selected homestay families. Living in a private home is a wonderful and enriching opportunity to experience the British way of life and culture and seeing a different side to life in Oxford than students living in residential accommodation.

Take this opportunity to become a better teacher

Come to Oxford this summer