Experience Creative Writing Academy
(for ages 15 to 18)
Do you love creative writing? On this course, you’ll improve your writing skills and get an authentic university experience.
You’ll have the chance to develop your writing while studying in the beautiful city of Oxford, which has long inspired many of the greatest writers – from C.S. Lewis to J. R. R. Tolkien.
Key Facts
Location: University of Oxford campus
Ages: 15–18
Class size: Maximum 15 students
Fees: £6,995
Length: 2 weeks
Dates: 30th June-13th July, 14th-27th July, 28th July-10th August 2024
Awarded: Graduation Certificate & Letter of Recommendation
What You’ll Learn
Our courses combine university-style teaching with practical challenges and engaging debates. Small classes and expert tutors help you dive deep into the world of creative writing.
- Master key concepts such as how to write effective dialogue, create fictional worlds and develop a book series – all under the guidance of one of our expert tutors from leading universities such as Oxford and Cambridge
- Have the chance to quiz a successful young writer about how they built a flourishing career from writing, gaining key insights into the future study and career options should you wish to pursue writing beyond school
- Put your creativity and knowledge to the test in our Book Series Challenge, in which you will come up with ideas for an outline of a book series, including characters and storylines
- Develop skills in high demand by universities and employers, such as public speaking, critical thinking and teamwork, via our Masterclasses
- Build your global professional network by meeting students from all over the world and joining our alumni community
- Attend our Graduation Ceremony at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, and get a Graduation Certificate and personalised Letter of Recommendation from your tutor
“Oxford Scholastica gave me the opportunity to understand university life and gave me a taste of academic independence. It is because of my time at OSA that I now want to study writing!”
– Emily, USA, Experience Creative Writing Academy
Course Outline
In our Experience Creative Writing Academy, you’ll cover a range of challenging topics across nine classroom sessions.
Class 1: The Nature of Creative Writing
Explore the key characteristics of creative writing, discuss your favourite authors and what makes their writing so effective, and try out some writing exercises of your own.
Class 2: Storytelling
What are the ingredients that make a story work? Test out these techniques with a piece of your own writing.
Class 3: Explore Stories & Novels
Find out more about Christopher Booker’s thesis of seven basic plots in literature.
Class 4: Character Development
How do you develop a character your readers will believe in? We’ll examine different texts and you can have a go with a character of your own creation.
Class 5: Discover Genres
Explore different types of writing genre, and consider what makes each type of writing unique.
Class 6: World Building
How do you build a fictional world? Explore the techniques used by writers to “build a world” in their work, and in their readers’ minds.
Class 7: Constructing Dialogue
Review classic examples of dialogue from famous novels, plays and films to see common themes.
Class 8: That's a Wrap
Learn how to ensure writing becomes part of your daily routine, and discover techniques to help you start and finish a story. Review your peers’ work and receive feedback on your own.
Class X
Your final class is based on your tutor’s personal expertise in the field, focusing on the cutting-edge research that they’re passionate about.
Please note this course outline may be subject to change.
Meet Our Tutors
Oxford Scholastica tutors are the best of the best. They are highly qualified subject experts from Oxford, Cambridge, and other leading academic institutions, who are on the cutting edge of research in their fields. Our tutors often stay with us for several years and become part of the family! Meet a small selection of them below.
Tuscany Parkin
BA LLB (Rhodes), BCL (Oxon)
Tuscany graduated with the BCL Masters of Law from the University of Oxford, specialising in Jurisprudence, Competition Law and Comparative Contract Law. She is currently reading for the MPhil in Legal Philosophy (particularly the philosophy of contract law). Previously, she obtained her BA in English Literature and LLB Law with Honours from Rhodes University. She has extensive tutoring experience, and enjoys working with young people to discover their own areas of legal interest.
Benjamin White
MChem (Hons)
Ben is currently completing his DPhil in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, having studied for his integrated Masters in Chemistry at the University of Bath. Ben researches the use of nanotechnology in cancer treatment, in order to improve chemotherapy. Ben has many years of tutoring experience, covering all STEM subjects. He has also served as a peer mentor and tutor for undergraduate students at the University of Bath and St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford.
Oonagh Ekereoboghene Stewart
BA (Oxon)
Oonagh holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Medical Sciences from the University of Oxford. Her specialist interests include understanding the genetic basis of sleep regulation; last year she conducted research at the Oxford Sleep and Circadian Institute and has since written a dissertation on her findings, presenting at a conference in Oxford. She is a keen tutor with a lot of experience, and enjoys sharing her passion for clinical medicine.
Beyond the Classroom
You’ll meet our inspirational Heroes, take part in a subject-related Challenge, engage in skills-building Masterclasses and graduate in style.
Heroes
What better way to learn about a career than to talk to someone who’s living it? Our Heroes programme invites you to meet an inspiring writing professional and:
- Learn more about what a day in their life looks like
- Hear their top career tips, and understand the different careers open to you in the world of writing
- Ask them any questions you have about how to forge your own writing career
Challenge
You’ll put the skills you’ve learned on the course to the test in our Book Series Challenge.
- Puzzle through the challenges that writers face when writing a book series
- Work collaboratively with your peers in a “writers’ room” to come up with elements for an ongoing book series
- Feel the buzz of working to a strict editorial deadline as you cooperate in a team with different responsibilities
Masterclasses
Masterclasses are skills-based sessions, during which you’ll develop the skills and mindset you need for success, no matter which field you’re interested in going into.
- Hone your debating and public speaking skills at the world-famous Oxford Union
- Develop crucial leadership and communications skills
- Enhance your chances of getting into your dream university and career in our University & Careers Masterclass
Graduation
At the end of your programme, you’ll receive a Graduation Certificate and Letter of Recommendation at Oxford University’s Said Business School or St Anne’s College.
- Celebrate your achievements at our Graduation Ceremony
- Parents and family members are warmly welcome to attend
- Your Graduation Certificate and your tutor’s Letter of Recommendation are an excellent way to showcase your passion for the subject to university admissions officers
Hear from parents
Entrusting your child to study abroad at a residential summer school can be a big decision.
Hear from parents about why they chose Oxford Scholastica, and how they found the experience.
If you'd like to find out more about how we'll look after your child please click below to arrange a call.
What Happens Next
Our friendly team are on hand to help you through the process and to make it as simple as possible for you and your family.
(1) Application
Apply for your place here - we look for enthusiastic students who are keen to make the most of the opportunity.
(2) Deposit
In order to secure your spot there is a £995 deposit.
(3) Welcome Call
We'd love to speak with you - we're keen to get to know you in order to give you the most memorable summer!
(4) Pay the Balance
The balance of fees is due nearer the start of the programme. If you need a visa invitation letter, we can send this.
(5) Meet Fellow Students
Meet your fellow coursemates using our online community so you can make friends before starting.
(6) Optional Reading
Our tutors have curated a suggested reading list for you, including articles and videos and podcasts.
(7) Final Preparation
We'll ask you to fill in an important form including things like your dietary and health requirements.
(8) Travel Plans
If you're flying into the UK, we'll let you know how to book our airport transfers.
(9) Arrival!
You can arrive any time on the Sunday between 12pm and 5pm. There will be icebreaker games and a BBQ dinner.
Further Information
Want to know more about attending Oxford Scholastica? Click below to discover:
Experience Creative Writing Academy Dates & Price
| Length | Start Date | End Date | Price From | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two Weeks | 30th June 2024 | 13th July 2024 |
£6,995 |
Reserve |
| Two Weeks | 14th July 2024 | 27th July 2024 |
£6,995 |
Reserve |
| Two Weeks | 28th July 2024 | 10th August 2024 |
£6,995 |
Reserve |
| Four Weeks | 30th June 2024 | 27th July 2024 |
£13,690 |
Reserve |
| Four Weeks | 14th July 2024 | 10th August 2024 |
£13,690 |
Reserve |
Reserve Your Spot
Ready for a life-changing educational experience? Apply in minutes and reserve a spot for Oxford's #1 rated summer school or our online programmes.