University of Oxford – Sustainability & the Environment Summer School

Course Description: University of Oxford – Sustainability & the Environment Summer School

Programme Overview:

Hosted at the prestigious University of Oxford, this immersive 2-week summer school allows students to dive into one of the most pressing global challenges today—how to preserve life on Earth. The programme empowers students aged 16–18 to explore climate science, sustainability, political leadership, and innovation through dynamic academic workshops, expert-led seminars, collaborative case studies, and hands-on learning.

Throughout the programme, participants will engage in stakeholder mapping, policy debates, and sustainability campaign design. They will explore critical global issues such as biodiversity loss, food security, water scarcity, and climate justice, while collaborating with like-minded peers from across the globe. The programme culminates in a UN-style Mock Summit, where students will present their original Climate Innovation Charter.

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*� Location:

The programme is delivered at Jowett Walk College, part of the University of Oxford. Located in the heart of Oxford, this campus provides a secure, modern, and inspiring environment, with easy access to Oxford's iconic colleges, museums, and libraries.

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What’s Included:

✔️ 2-week full-board residential stay in Oxford ✔️ 24/7 on-campus student care and supervision ✔️ Daily academic workshops, lectures, and project labs ✔️ Graduation ceremony and end-of-program celebration ✔️ Guest speakers, leadership mentoring, and cultural programming ✔️ Full-day excursion to London or Bath ✔️ Course materials, progress report & certificate ✔️ All meals and accommodation included ✔️ International student cohort with 170+ nationalities

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*� Academic Experience:

• Deep-dive into Climate Systems: Study environmental crises and global frameworks.

• Analyse the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Explore political ideologies and stakeholder interests in climate negotiations.

• Campaign Design: Learn to design, evaluate, and present sustainability campaigns.

• Mock Summit Participation: Present proposals at a UN-style Mock Summit.

• Climate Innovation Charter: Create a Climate Innovation Charter as a capstone achievement.

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*� Sample Guest Speakers:

• Sir Ranulph Fiennes – World-renowned explorer and environmental advocate

• Andy Pag – Eco-adventurer and sustainable travel pioneer

• Oxford-based climate scientists and environmental leaders

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*� Activities & Cultural Programme:

Each day is balanced with fun, culture, and friendship. Social events and recreational activities help students unwind, bond, and explore the magic of Oxford:

Sample Activities

• Guided walking tour of Oxford’s historic colleges

• Ashmolean and Natural History museum visits

• Improv theatre, quiz nights, and arts & crafts

• Sports: football, yoga, table tennis, basketball

• Full-day trip to London or Bath

• Graduation dinner & celebration in a historic Oxford venue 🎓

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*�️ Sample Daily Schedule – Week 1:

Sunday 🕒 Arrival Day – Campus Check-In, Welcome Talk & Orientation

Monday 🕗 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Core Seminar: Climate Science Foundations 🕐 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Workshop: Food Security & Global Policy 🕖 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Team-Building Games & Welcome Social 🎉

Tuesday 🕗 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Seminar: Biodiversity & Ecosystems 🕐 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Group Lab: SDG Stakeholder Mapping 🕖 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Movie Night 🎬

Wednesday 🕗 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Research Lab & Charter Planning 🕐 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Expert Masterclass: Policy in Action 🕖 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Table Tennis Tournament or Yoga 🧘

Thursday 🕗 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Project Work: Debates & Negotiation Prep 🕐 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Mentor Check-in & Lab Time 🕖 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Casino Night 🎲

Friday 🕗 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: UN Mock Summit Drafts 🕐 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Group Collaboration & Presentations 🕖 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Drama Night 🎭

Saturday 🕗 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Full-day Excursion to London or Bath 🕖 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Return to Campus & Chill Night

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✈️ Airport Transfers

Available for an additional fee: London Heathrow – £215 one-way (includes: meet & greet, flight tracking, hotline, full supervision, unaccompanied minor service if required)

Flight windows:

• Arrivals: Between 06:00–18:00 BST

• Departures: Between 08:00–22:00 BST

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*� Graduation & Certificate:

Students receive a certificate of completion and a formal academic report from their course leader during the graduation ceremony. Presentations and Innovation Charters are shared with fellow students, families, and staff during a final celebration in a prestigious Oxford venue.