Beyond the Classroom

In order to complement academic work, a student’s stay in Oxford should also provide access to a stimulating cultural, sporting and social environment. A healthy balance is created if some time each week is set aside for sports, hobbies, social events or visits. Within Oxford Tutorial College, a number of activities are organised according to demand, including visits to the theatre or art galleries in Oxford, London and Stratford, talks by visiting speakers, debates, chess, music, drama, art and film clubs. Students are also encouraged to take part in the rich cultural life of Oxford and we are happy to assist those who wish to join the various clubs and societies which are open to them.

As using English in a natural way is essential for progression, students on the Academic Preparation Programme are required to take part in the “English Outside the Classroom” programme, which is held during term-time once a week. In the programme, students have the opportunity to use their English in a variety of real-life contexts: learning about and watching sports events such as boat races and cricket; going on walks around Oxford, learning about local history and visiting Oxford University colleges; and day trips to cities near Oxford, such as London and Bath. There are usually two longer study trips for students each year, one to a location inside the UK, and an end-of-year trip to mainland Europe, where students learn about Britain’s history in a European context.

Students on a trip visiting UK universities

The college also holds several social functions each year. At the beginning of Michaelmas Term there is an informal welcome party, enabling students and staff to meet socially. A Christmas party is held at the end of term, which gives the more musical students a chance to perform and show off their talents! A garden party and a boating trip are held at the end of Trinity Term, a gentle finale to the academic year. Throughout the year other social events take place, such as quiz evenings, pool competitions and ten-pin bowling.

Students playing table tennis

In conjunction with other colleges, team sports and events are organised. Matches are played either at weekends or in the evenings. Basketball and soccer are amongst the most popular and cricket is played during the summer term. A sports hall is booked each week for basketball, badminton or volleyball and a floodlit pitch is available for five-a-side soccer. Tennis courts are booked during the summer months and visits may be organised to a local golf driving range. Squash courts are also available locally, as is a fitness gym. Those who so wish may take up rowing. Tennis courts are plentiful in Oxford and there are two excellent swimming pools. Students wishing to play rugby, hockey, lacrosse or any other team sport on a serious basis are normally introduced to city or university clubs.

Student playing soccer It is expected that students will join at least one or two after-school or weekend activities of their choice each week to help to improve their day-to-day English and to start to provide them with activities to add to their university applications. There are a great many activities in the centre of Oxford including volunteer opportunities, choirs and orchestras, dance classes, art classes and so on. Students will be advised of these after-school activities at the beginning of the year, and will, in most cases, be helped to attend the first few sessions.

Library

English language learners have access to their own mini-library, where they can access important English language learning resources as well as level-appropriate books. Oxford Tutorial College library with students studying Students on the APP receive their course books at the appropriate points in the year, so will not be required to purchase books for the course; book fees are included in the cost of tuition. There is a larger main library for students to use once they graduate to the A-level programme, and students will be taught to use both this library and the Oxford public library as part of their course so they are fully prepared for A-level study.

Computer access

Students have access to computing facilities both in Alfred Street and in the main building. However, as students will be completing their assignments primarily at home, all students must have an English-language based computer with Microsoft Office installed on it. Of course, students may not have an English-language laptop when they arrive in Oxford; in this case, students will be helped to purchase an appropriate laptop during their induction week.