Students aged 13 - 16
Headington Oxford Summer School
General English
This engaging and challenging course develops the students’ knowledge of English and confidence in using it through creative lessons, which focus on collaborative activities, tasks and projects.
Mastering Everyday Communication
Welcome to General English, a comprehensive language programme tailored for students aged 13-16 who want to improve their English proficiency in a supportive and engaging environment. At Headington School, we understand that mastering English is key to unlocking future opportunities, whether for academic success or personal growth. Our course is designed to help you build confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while also immersing you in the cultural aspects of the language. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your English for school or everyday communication, this programme provides the tools you need to succeed.
General English
At a Glance
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Price
From £3,995
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Ages
13-16
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English Level
Beginner – Advanced (A1-C1)
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Duration
2 weeks
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Maximum Class Size
15
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Academic Content
15 Hours of Lessons per Week
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Starting Dates
14th July, 28th July and 4th August 2025
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Language Support
Included
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Location
Headington School, Oxford
Course Objectives
Over the course of this two-week programme, you will:
- Engage in collaborative learning by working with peers on group tasks and projects, enhancing team-building and negotiation skills.
- Participate in role-playing tasks to practice English in realistic situations, fostering adaptability and quick thinking.
- Gain confidence in expressing opinions and reaching consensus within a team setting.
- Develop global awareness through exposure to diverse cultural perspectives and exploration of international issues.
- Discuss and analyse pressing global concerns, cultivating an understanding of the significance of language in worldwide contexts.
- Sharpen critical thinking by questioning and reassessing concepts, promoting problem-solving and innovation.
Course Modules
Module 1: Enhancing Communication Skills
In this module, you’ll focus on improving your ability to communicate effectively in English. Through interactive conversations, role-playing, and listening exercises, you’ll practice everyday language use in a variety of contexts. You’ll learn to express yourself more clearly, understand spoken English with greater ease, and gain the confidence to participate in discussions and presentations.
Module 2: Presentation Skills
This module is designed to help you master the art of presenting in English. You’ll learn how to organise your ideas, use visual aids effectively, and engage your audience with clear and confident speech. Through practical exercises, you’ll practice delivering presentations on topics of interest, receive feedback on your performance, and refine your public speaking skills. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to present your ideas in English with confidence and clarity.
Module 3: Discussing Global Issues in English
- Insights into global topics to deepen your understanding of diverse cultures and the challenges they face.
- Techniques to improve a range of skills such as research, presentation, and creative thinking.
- Ways to articulate your thoughts and become more aware of pressing global issues.
- Master public speaking with effective strategies that build confidence and enhance audience engagement.
- Harness essential 21st-century skills, including critical thinking, collaboration, digital literacy, and adaptability.
- Strengthen your English proficiency through engaging lessons and real-world applications.
- Gain confidence in both everyday conversations and school presentations.
- Practice using English in challenging group tasks, preparing for university and future careers.
- Improve listening skills and cultural awareness by engaging with peers from diverse backgrounds.
Time to Shine Project
Develop your public speaking skills. Share your passion. Inspire your classmates.
Today, giving great presentations are a vital skill for achieving academic and professional success. Our programmes reflect this by having the ‘art of presenting’ at the heart of their content, and allow you to discover new confidence when using English in public situations.
It’s more than just a chance to enhance your public speaking skills, though; it’s an opportunity for you to develop your ability to communicate clearly in English, and share your passion and subject knowledge with your fellow classmates. Through your presentations, you will become sources of inspiration, and encourage others to delve deeper into your subject.
Global Communicators: Shaping the Future of Media
How can we use media to connect people and share important stories from around the world? In our Global Communicators project, you will explore the role of media in bringing people together and highlighting global issues. Working together, you will create media content that informs, inspires, and empowers others, all while developing your English skills.
Throughout the week, you will explore topics such as storytelling, the impact of social media, and the role of journalism in sharing diverse perspectives. You will collaborate on designing a media campaign, producing a news report, or creating educational content that connects with audiences globally. The week ends with a presentation where you will showcase your work, practising your English and public speaking skills. The Global Communicators project will give you the confidence and skills to use media to make a positive impact on the world.
Sample Timetable
Download the full academic overview and sample timetable.
Our Approach to Your Learning
At Headington School, our approach to learning in the General English programme is centered on creating an immersive and supportive environment where you can grow your language skills. We use a mix of engaging activities, multimedia resources, and real-life scenarios to help you practice and improve your English in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. Our experienced teachers are here to guide you every step of the way, offering personalised feedback and encouragement to help you reach your language goals. Whether you’re practicing your speaking skills in a group activity or writing an essay on a topic you love, our goal is to make learning English both effective and fun.
It is really easy to make friends
I have found the social side of SBC really amazing. It is really easy to make friends here from all over the world and I have plenty of new connections
Max, Headington Oxford, Student
General English
What's Included?
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15 Hours of Academic Content Per Week
Students receive 15 hours of subject-specific academic content per week with an experienced teacher, delivered through interactive and hands-on lessons.
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Time To Shine Projects
Opportunities to apply and share this knowledge through dynamic ‘Time To Shine’ group projects, culminating in an end-of-the-week ceremony in which you can present your innovative ideas to your peers.
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Develop English Language Skills
Numerous opportunities throughout your academic programme to develop your English language skills, whether that’s building vocabulary to talk about your subject, or developing your speaking skills to present your Time To Shine project.
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Social Programme
Students will immerse themselves in exciting multi-activities, including football, basketball, tennis, arts and crafts, and specialist activities like off-site bowling, talent shows, capture the flag and secret cinema, exploring their passions and building lasting friendships.
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Excursions
Embark on excursions designed to ignite adventure and curiosity. Showcasing the best of UK culture that will broaden their horizons and create lasting memories including; Thorpe Park, London and Oxford.
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End of Course Report and Certificate
General English
Dates & Prices
General English at Headington Oxford
What level of English do I need to join the course?
The General English course at Headington is suitable for all English Levels. From Beginner to Advanced.
Do I need to complete a placement test before the start of the course?
Before the summer, your Admissions Manager will send your child(ren) an online placement test to complete. This will help us to ensure that your child is placed into a class most suited to their level of English.
How challenging is the programme?
To motivate our students, we always aim to maintain a high but attainable level of challenge. Although the course is quite challenging, the teacher can adapt the level of difficulty based on the class’s confidence with English and capacity to soak up new information. At SBC all students are supported at all times to feel comfortable in the group.
Is there a certificate at the end of the programme?
When our students graduate at the end of the programme, each student will receive a certificate of completion.
Do students need to purchase a course book?
Students receive a wide variety of SBC handouts created by our in-house academic team.
What do students need to bring to class?
Notebooks and folders are given, but it’s advised that each student should bring something to write with.
Is there any thing that students need to study before classes start?
Although there is no pre-reading required to take the course, it would be beneficial for students to keep developing their English to feel even more prepared.
Speak with a member of our friendly admissions team
We’re happy to answer any questions you have and support you in finding the perfect experience.