The Future Orator

Octorial^™

Academic Experience

Key Points

Small class sizes ensure that each student receives individual attention from their tutors, providing a learning experience which is unique to their needs. This close proximity between students and teachers fosters close relationships and a supportive environment, which builds confidence amongst the young learners and encourages them to succeed.

Teachers challenge students to achieve to the maximum of their potential, and set milestones and goals for each student, with constant evaluation. This sets the pace for each learner to surpass their academic expectations and achieve more than they thought possible.

In tandem with the development of oratory skills, the course piques the intellectual curiosity of the learners by exposing them to a range of authentic sources and current topics, which in turn develops their critical thinking skills as they analyse and debate these contemporary issues.

The mix of nationalities in the classroom and the wide range of materials covered creates an international outlook amongst students, broadening their horizons and exposing them to new ideas, cultures and ways of thinking.

Objectives of the study

Objectives of the stay

To develop eloquence and skill in public speaking.

The Future Orator

For learners aged 15 - 17 years with a B2 level or higher.

This course puts talk at the centre of the curriculum. Students study the oracy skills necessary to speak more eloquently, articulate ideas and thoughts, influence others through talk, collaborate with peers and have the confidence to express their views. Often, universities and employers argue that students are ill- equipped with these oral skills and this course directly addresses those concerns to help students find their influential voice in their future learning, careers and life in general.

The course is assessed using the University of Cambridge Oracy Skills Framework.

• Discussion Points
Developing discussion skills (Speaking skills & active listening). Students discuss current issues after stimulus from online media, video, news stories, etc. The tutor helps the students extend and clarify their ideas, encouraging others to challenge and question appropriately.

• Presentations and Public Speaking
Here students will prepare for different presentation scenarios (Powerpoint presentations, Pecha Kucha, Documentary, video blog, etc.) using unscripted and scripted, planned and impromptu delivery styles.

• Drama
The use of drama allows students the opportunity to practise and experiment with the physical aspects of communication such as body language and voice projection using scenarios from real life such as settling a dispute, making a pitch, conveying an emotion, etc.

• Debating contemporary issues
Students learn how a debate is structured and contest an issue or policy. Students think about aspects and perspectives that they may not have previously considered-sometimes having to argue against their own personal view, it encourages them to speak strategically and to create a persuasive argument.

• An educational field trip
Students will research a place to visit and, after doing so, they will present their findings and contrast them with their own culture.

Expectations

Outcomes

Students find and develop their influential voice to further their future academic and professional careers.

Accommodation

In the school residence

Secure, fully-supervised residential accommodation. All meals included.

Arrival and departure

Transfer

On arrival days, a shuttle is scheduled to leave for the school at the following times:

- Gatwick airport: 18.00

- Heathrow airport: 18.00

- St. Pancras: 18.00

Students should choose a flight/ train that lands / arrives 90 minutes before the shuttle departure. They should also be aware that the earlier they arrive the longer their wait at the airport/station. A representative will be at the airport or station 5 hours before the departure of the shuttle to welcome the students and provide assistance.

On departure days, a shuttle will drop the students at the following time:

- Gatwick: 11.30

- Heathrow: 11.30

- St. Pancras: 11.30

Students should choose a flight or train that departs at least 2 hours after the above drop off times. They should also be aware that the later the flight the longer the wait.

A representative will stay at the airport or the station 5 hours after the arrival of the shuttle to provide assistance while waiting to go through the departures gate.

Culture