by Mark Cousins | Jun 15, 2015 | Oxpress
Insight Education has been busy finding top class Oxford graduates to bring a flavour of the university’s exciting approach to top level study at Oxbridge Tutorial College’s Oxbridge Summer School. Director Joyce Connell went with Mark Cousins (Account Manager) and Nelson Lo (Athena Tuition) to interview Oxford University graduates at the stunning Worcester College – where Joyce graduated in History (http://www.worc.ox.ac.uk/). There were 19 applicants competing for 4 teaching OSS teaching positions to bring to life the Natural Sciences; English Literature & History; Mathematics & Physics; and PPE (Philosophy, Politics & Economics). Each interview candidate brought their ideas for stimulating, interactive and fun Masterclasses. All candidates were very impressive, but we settled on four outstanding candidates who we thought could bring a fun and challenging taste of Oxford and Cambridge study to Nigerian students. The graduates are planning to help students explore the structure of molecules, how to organise society, how to see the role of English literature in history and how both subjects are good foundations for law studies, and what to do if you are cast away on an island…with no grown-ups to help. The masterclasses are not simply teachers telling students a bunch of facts – but interactive workshops where students bounce around ideas, explore challenges and role play activities. The tutors will be getting the students to learn WITH each other and through discussion, debate and experimentation with expert university graduates – in the way they would do at university. For updates, follow this weekly blog on the Oxbridge Summer School. Please also visit OTC’s webpage for further background on the Oxbridge Summer School and to sign up...
by Mark Cousins | Jun 6, 2015 | Oxpress
The Oxbridge Summer School (a collaboration between Oxbridge Tutorial College and Insight Education) is packed with exciting and dynamic masterclasses and insights into how to succeed at the top UK universities, but it will also feature some fun activities that students can choose in their lunchtimes. Young Enterprise will get students to think up ideas for an enterprise to help address issues in their local Nigerian community or fundraise to help the less privileged sections of society and facilitate social improvement. The aim is to encourage students to be socially aware, responsible and caring individuals. Participation in this activity will culminate in students pitching their idea to a Dragons Den style panel of judges who will select the winning idea. Sports Academy will run a series of sports competitions throughout the week. Mixed teams will compete in games such as tennis, volleyball, and others. A heathy balance between academic studies and exercise and learning how to cope in a competitive world are also important characteristics and experiences that will be fostered. 3d Graphic Design. This will be a chance for students to show off their creative skills to design something interesting which is also useful. At the end of the week, a panel of judges will announce the best idea. Thinking creatively and in three dimensions is a great way of nurturing creative talent. For updates, follow this weekly blog on the Oxbridge Summer School. Please also visit OTC’s webpage for further background on the Oxbridge Summer School and to register your child. Spaces are limited so register your child ASAP to secure a place. If you have any questions,...
by Mark Cousins | Jun 1, 2015 | Oxpress
Nigerian high schools do a great job in teaching students and helping them pass exams, but university students need to critically think – on their feet – and for themselves. They need to develop informed opinions through wider reading and apply logic and mathematical principles taught at school to creatively solve problems and complex issues. To this end, the Oxbridge Summer School will include classes to bridge the gap between teacher-led IGCSE and A level studies and the skills needed for independent study. In addition to masterclasses and other Summer School activities, students will rotate each day round five study skill classes. Critical thinking class will show students how to question what hear and read, and develop their own opinions and an awareness of their feelings. Speed Reading classes will show students how to cope with quickly identifying information needed for university coursework from a seemingly endless reading list. The Researching classes will cover how to access information and assess the quality and credibility of them. Note-taking classes will provide tips and practice on capturing important information by writing the minimum and practicing the use of mind-mapping. Presentation and Public Speaking classes will cover framing and arguing a case through reasoned, confident and clear spoken language for life as at university and beyond. The Summer School will introduce in a lively and informative way all five skills, which will have the added value of helping students with their A-Level studies. All UK universities want students who can think for themselves. Insight Education – through Oxbridge Tutorial College – will bring the undergraduate learning experience to Lagos. For updates, follow this weekly...
by Mark Cousins | May 26, 2015 | Oxpress
From our last blog, you’ll know that our Oxbridge Summer School (OSS) will offer students an insight into accessing and studying at the UK’s best universities. But, as part of the long-term goal of producing Nigeria’s future leaders, Oxbridge Tutorial College and Insight Education want to use the Summer School to raise aspirations among Nigerian students and increase their chances of going to the Ivy-League of British universities (known as the Russell Group). The Summer School is best placed to show how this is done as its teachers will be graduates from Oxford and Cambridge universities. The aims of the OSS is to academically stretch students beyond IGCSE and A level, introducing them to a wider range of reading around their chosen masterclass subjects and developing their critical, logical and lateral thinking skills. Students will be encouraged to explore their motivations for studying their chosen university subject to ensure they choose a course that’s right for them. They will also be encouraged to develop their own informed opinions about current affairs so they become “rounded students” who care about the world beyond their classrooms. Equally important, the OSS will bridge the gap between teacher-led studying at school and the more rigorous independent study skills needed for success at top UK universities. The Oxbridge Summer School is available to all pupils who live in Lagos State as it will be non-residential in its pilot year. Bright final year IGCSE students and those studying A levels (15 to 17 year olds) are encouraged to attend this week of inspirational learning in a fun environment by young Oxford and Cambridge graduates passionate about transferring their knowledge to keen young students....
by Mark Cousins | May 22, 2015 | Oxpress
We have described, in our last blog, how our Oxbridge Summer School subject masterclasses will stretch students and give them a flavour of university level studies in a fun and stimulating environment. These will run as two one and a half hour classes each morning and afternoon. Alongside these, students (in their subject groupings) will rotate round five study skills classes across the five days of Summer School. These classes will cover critical thinking; speed-reading; researching; lecture note-taking; public speaking/presentation skills; and debating. The aim is to bridge the gap between A-level and university studies. At the end of the day, Insight Education will run a taster programme of the Oxbridge Mentoring scheme, which is our tried and tested programme of preparation for entry into the top UK universities. These sessions will include presentations to introduce the Russell Group and Oxford & Cambridge universities; UCAS brainstorming; role plays to improve interview technique; and understanding how to make strategic university choices. Friday will end with peer group interviews and submission of UCAS statements for Insight Education to review over the summer. The Summer School will end on Saturday with a “Showcase Event” involving parents and other guests to present outcome of students’ work from their week at Summer School. There will be Young Enterprise presentations judged by panel of professionals, and an exhibition to judge computer generated art work. For updates, follow this weekly blog on the Oxbridge Summer School. Please also visit OTC’s webpage for further background on the Oxbridge Summer School and to register your child. Spaces are limited so register your child ASAP to secure a place. If you...
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