Experience Debate & Public Speaking Academy
(for ages 15 to 18)
Are you keen to develop your debating skills, or considering a future in the fields of Law or Politics?
On this course, you’ll sharpen your speaking skills and deepen your knowledge of current affairs alongside ambitious students from all over the world.
Key Facts
Location: University of Oxford campus
Ages: 15–18
Class size: Maximum 15 students
Fees: £6,995 £6,495 if booked by 31st Dec using code FESTIVE500Length: 2 weeks
Dates: 6th-19th July, 20th July-2nd August, 3rd-16th August 2025
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 debating.
- Master a range of topics related to public speaking including different debating styles, analysis and rebuttal and learning how these techniques are used in real-world case studies
- Meet a successful professional who uses the art of effective public speaking in their working life and learn their lessons of success
- Work in a team in our Model United Nations Challenge, where you’ll find yourself in the role of a diplomat in a simulation UN Security Council
- 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 manages to combine academic rigour with wonderful socials to create an awesome overall experience! They’re single-handedly responsible for the best summer of my life!”
– Sahil, India, Experience Debate & Public Speaking Academy
Course Outline
In our Experience Debate & Public Speaking Academy, you’ll cover a range of challenging topics across nine classroom sessions.
Class 1: Introduction to Debate & Public Speaking
What speaking techniques are most effective? On the first day, you’ll explore techniques used by renowned public speakers to captivate their audience.
Class 2: Critical Thinking
Explore key features of critical thinking by looking through a range of real-life speech excerpts to help you logically defend your argument.
Class 3: British Parliamentary Debating
What is British Parliamentary (BP) Debating? We’ll discuss the rules, styles and strategies of this format of debate and you’ll be able to give it a go yourself.
Class 4: Rebuttal
What makes an effective rebuttal? Explore examples of rebuttal used in a range of real-life speeches and master how to effectively deconstruct opposing arguments.
Class 5: Politics & International Relations
What’s the role of the United Nations (UN) in international crises? Discover how the political system of democracy works and explore the roles of international bodies in relation to conflicts.
Class 6: Schools Mace Debating
What’s the difference between BP and Schools Mace debating? We’ll outline the difference in rules and styles between the two, and you’ll give Schools Mace debating a try.
Class 7: Debate Human Rights
Debate the ethics of international human rights legislation and consider the impact it has had on governments around the world.
Class 8: Balloon Debating
Can you persuade others not to throw you out of the sinking hot air balloon? Pit your wits against your classmates as you take on the role of famous historical figures and justify your worth.
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 Your Future Self
Our tutors and mentors, many of whom are Oxford University graduates, are actively engaged in the field they teach. Their fascinating lectures and masterclasses are rooted in real world experience and subject matter enthusiasm. In an increasingly detached and digital world, you’ll experience the joy of learning from the living embodiment of the person you want to become.
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. 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 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 professional and:
- Learn more about what a day in their life looks like
- Understand the cutting edge aspects of the sector that they work in, and hear their top career tips
- Ask them any questions you have about how to forge your own career in the world of debate
Challenge
You’ll put the skills you’ve learned on the course to the test in our Model United Nations Challenge.
- Develop your critical thinking, communication and teamwork skills
- Work with the International Relations, Politics & Leadership students in a simulation UN Security Council
- Present and debate critical worldwide issues with other diplomats who have conflicting interests
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
Why parents love
Oxford Scholastica
Check out our video to see why other parents chose Oxford Scholastica, and how they found the summer school experience.
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 Debate & Public Speaking Academy
Dates & Price
| Length | Start Date | End Date | Price From | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two Weeks | 6th July 2025 | 19th July 2025 |
£6,995 |
Reserve |
| Two Weeks | 20th July 2025 | 2nd August 2025 |
£6,995 |
Reserve |
| Two Weeks | 3rd August 2025 | 16th August 2025 |
£6,995 |
Reserve |
| Four Weeks | 6th July 2025 | 2nd August 2025 |
£13,690 |
Reserve |
| Four Weeks | 20th July 2025 | 16th August 2025 |
£13,690 |
Reserve |
Reserve Your Spot Today
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.