El Mini Oxford Club: lectura, escritura y filosofía para niños superdotados y talentosos

This ongoing weekly enrichment programme will stretch and engage your academic learner, as they flex their critical thinking muscles and develop their cultural and political awareness. We will explore Shakespeare, consider philosophical issues, and build on our writing and debating skills.

I have a Masters and a PGCE (a professional teaching qualification) from the University of Oxford. I am also an experienced debater. These classes are loosely styled around an Oxford tutorial, and aim to challenge high-level thinkers and gifted and talented students.

Week beginning 13th Feb - Week 1: Why is Shakespeare still so influential?
I will create opportunity for critical thinking: analysing language, discussing themes, considering the role of theatre in Elizabethan times and now. 

Week beginning 20th Feb - Week 2: How can we debate according to the Oxford Union debating rules?
I will explain each of the different stages of a debate according to the Oxford Union rules. We will discuss the motion set before 'the House', prepare speeches, and hold a mock debate.

Week beginning 27th Feb - Week 3: What is democracy?
We will consider the Greek origins of the word: ‘demos’ and ‘kratos’ and explore what this should mean in principle.
Who should the decision-makers be? What should the procedures be?

Week beginning 5th March - Week 4: Writing - writing from different perspectives. Students will be be encouraged (with prompts) to write a short passage in 1st person, and then revise it into 3rd person. Or even 2nd person. They will be asked to consider what impact this change has. Then we will discuss the importance of editing our work.  

Week beginning 12th March - Week 5: The Great Fire of London. In this class, we will look at the history of what happened in London in 1666, and consider how it changed the society for ever. We will discuss the social, cultural and economic consequences and consider how London was rebuilt. 

Week beginning 19th March - Week 6: What is a university? We will look at the etymology of the word 'university', consider the importance of third-level education, and learn about the history of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

Week beginning 26th March - Week 7: Words are power! We will learn new words, discuss the importance of etymology and play word games. 

Week beginning 2nd April - Week 8: How do we debate controversial topics?
In this lesson we will host two mini debates so that learners can practise their Oxford Union style debating techniques. (I will give instruction on this!) The topics will be chosen based on learner interest/age etc.


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I have experience teaching in mainstream and specialist British schools, and have worked with children of all different ages and abilities. 
I have also worked with a number of students who are academically gifted, with students on the autistic spectrum, with and with students who have been suffering from severe anxiety. 
I am patient and kind, whilst offering a very academic approach and encourage your learner to reach their potential.
I would love to talk about how I can support your learner - please get in touch!