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Debate & Public Speaking Summer Course
Oxford Scholastica’s debating summer school combines speech practice, parliamentary debate and a Model UN challenge to help students develop persuasive arguments and confident delivery.
Last verified: 8 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
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Debate and Public Speaking at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Applications open
Eligibility
Motivated students; not yet at university
Age range / Year group
Ages 15-18
Location / Region
Oxford, United Kingdom
Cost
£7,495; £6,995
Duration
Two weeks
Format
In-person
DebatingPoliticsInternational RelationsBusiness & Economics
Class size: Maximum 15 students
Accommodation: Oxford University college rooms
Meals: Daily breakfast and dinner
Certificate / Outcome: Certificate; conditional tutor recommendation
Tutors / faculty: Academics from leading universities
Accreditation: British Accreditation Council
Academic schedule: 10 class days; 12 masterclass hours
Debate and Public Speaking summary
Oxford Scholastica combines public-speaking techniques with British Parliamentary and Schools’ Mace debating. Students practice persuasion, rebuttal and critical communication through discussion and debate.
The Model UN challenge asks students to research a nation’s position, negotiate with other delegates and build consensus. A professional speaker Q&A and skills masterclasses broaden the experience.
It suits students who want to speak more confidently and test arguments aloud, especially those interested in political debate or diplomatic negotiation.
What is Debate & Public Speaking Summer Course?
The Debate & Public Speaking Summer Course is Oxford Scholastica Academy’s residential course in persuasive speech, argument and communication. Students learn British Parliamentary and Schools’ Mace debate formats, alongside critical thinking, politics, international relations and business communication. Classes emphasize discussion and practical application.
The experience combines tutor-led learning with personal study, masterclasses and a simulated UN Security Council challenge. Students also join cultural trips and social activities while living in Oxford college accommodation. Oxford Scholastica is an independent provider with no formal connection to the University of Oxford.
Why Succeed highlights Debate and Public Speaking
Two distinct debate formats give students a useful basis for comparing how rules shape persuasive arguments.
The four-hour Model UN challenge links research, speaking and negotiation in one practical exercise.
The 15-student class cap supports an interactive course built around discussion.
A professional speaker Q&A connects classroom techniques with a speaker’s experience.
Round-the-clock residential support gives families concrete pastoral arrangements to evaluate.
Who is Debate and Public Speaking for?
Best for
Students who want repeated speaking practice and enjoy examining opposing viewpoints, political questions and negotiation.
Not ideal if
You prefer passive lectures or want a course focused entirely on competitive debate, without broader communication studies and cultural activities.
Is Debate and Public Speaking worth it?
This course offers a coherent way to practice speaking, rebuttal and negotiation rather than studying those skills only in theory. Its strongest feature is the connection between classroom debate formats and the collaborative Model UN challenge. Students willing to contribute actively are likely to get more from that structure.
The residential package is a substantial family purchase, and cultural activities form a meaningful part of the experience. Compare its learning value with a school debate club or a more narrowly focused speaking course. The certificate is provider-issued, and the tutor recommendation depends on meeting the provider’s criteria.
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Cost and what is included
£7,495; £6,995; includes 10 days of classroom learning and study materials, 12 hours of masterclass sessions, Industry Q&A Hero session, Four-hour Model United Nations Challenge, University accommodation with the residential fee, Breakfast and dinner every day, Safety protocols, supervision and qualified staff support, Oxford walking tour and museum trips, Windsor Castle and Blenheim Palace excursions, Punting, ceilidh dancing and cultural activities, International Boat Ball, talent show and social nights, Sports activities, Formal graduation ceremony, Certificate of Achievement after successful completion, Personalized tutor recommendation subject to criteria, Invitation to apply to the Ambassador Program.
Accommodation
Oxford University college rooms
Meals
Daily breakfast and dinner
Provider details
Review the Oxford Scholastica Academy provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
Two weeks; Oxford, United Kingdom.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Debate and Public Speaking need?
Effort level
Moderate to high, with active participation throughout.
Best started
Plan several months before your summer session; allow a few weeks for the application and longer for international travel.
Main challenge
Responding thoughtfully to opposing arguments while speaking clearly.
Typical preparation
Draft a personal statement explaining why debate and public speaking interest you.
Read the provider’s optional suggested reading before arrival.
Practice a short speech and prepare a reasoned response to an opposing view.
Arrange insurance and any UK entry documents, and complete the Student Information Form at least 30 days before arrival.
Useful if
You want to strengthen classroom discussion, presentations or debate-club participation.
What do students do on Debate and Public Speaking?
You move from speech techniques and structured debate formats to negotiation and collaborative problem-solving. The Model UN challenge brings these skills together as you represent a country in a simulated Security Council.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Analyze effective public-speaking techniques and apply them in a balloon debate.
- 2
Practice British Parliamentary debate rules and strategies.
- 3
Develop critical arguments and evaluate rebuttals.
- 4
Explore political institutions, international relations and human rights.
- 5
Practice Schools’ Mace debating and critical communication.
- 6
Study business communication and approaches to digital communication.
- 7
Research your allocated nation’s position, then debate, negotiate and seek consensus in the Model UN challenge.
- 8
Complete a final class shaped by the tutor’s expertise and participate in graduation after meeting the course requirements.
Debate and Public Speaking dates and deadlines
Date not confirmed
Two-week July session 1
4-17 July 2027
Arrival Sunday; departure Saturday.
Two-week July session 2
18-31 July 2027
Arrival Sunday; departure Saturday.
Two-week August session
1-14 August 2027
Arrival Sunday; departure Saturday.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Applications | Rolling admissions | Local | Date not confirmed | |
Two-week July session 1 | 4-17 July 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Two-week July session 2 | 18-31 July 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Two-week August session | 1-14 August 2027 | Local | Upcoming |
Eligibility and requirements
Normally aged 15-18 at the course start.
Mature 14-year-olds may be considered by exception.
Must show motivation to study the subject.
Must speak, read and understand English well.
Course FAQ specifies C1 English, equivalent to IELTS 6.5.
No academic prerequisites or formal English test.
Must not have started university.
Applications are welcome from the United Kingdom and other countries.
How much does Debate and Public Speaking cost?
Residential course fee
£7,495 — Two-week package with accommodation, breakfast and dinner.
Funding or discounts
- Non-residential course fee: £6,995 — Two weeks with accommodation arranged independently.
- Deposit: £995 — Initial course payment; refunded if the application is unsuccessful.
- Optional Heathrow transfer: £150 — Provider transfer from Heathrow to campus, booked in advance.
What's included
10 days of classroom learning and study materials, 12 hours of masterclass sessions, Industry Q&A Hero session, Four-hour Model United Nations Challenge, University accommodation with the residential fee, Breakfast and dinner every day, Safety protocols, supervision and qualified staff support, Oxford walking tour and museum trips, Windsor Castle and Blenheim Palace excursions, Punting, ceilidh dancing and cultural activities, International Boat Ball, talent show and social nights, Sports activities, Formal graduation ceremony, Certificate of Achievement after successful completion, Personalized tutor recommendation subject to criteria, Invitation to apply to the Ambassador Program
How to apply to Debate and Public Speaking
- 1
Start the official application at https://www.oxfordscholastica.com/apply/.
- 2
Select the relevant age group, Oxford study option, debate course and session.
- 3
Write a personal statement explaining your motivation and subject curiosity.
- 4
Submit the application and pay the £995 deposit for admissions-panel review.
- 5
After acceptance, complete the Student Information Form at least 30 days before arrival.
- 6
For non-residential attendance, reply to the provider’s email to request the accommodation-free option.
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What does Debate and Public Speaking cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Public speaking and argument
Analyze speech techniques, construct persuasive arguments and practice rebuttal.
Parliamentary and Mace debate
Compare British Parliamentary and Schools’ Mace rules through practice debates.
Politics and international relations
Explore democracy, political institutions, emerging powers and human rights legislation.
Critical and business communication
Practice listening, empathy and negotiation while examining economics and business communication.
Digital communication and Model UN
Explore digital communication strategies and apply diplomatic research in a simulated Security Council.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Debate and Public Speaking?
A typical day during the program.
Week one
Sample classes and study run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, with Windsor on Thursday and a Saturday leadership masterclass.
Week two
The sample shows Monday–Friday classes and study, Sunday college brunch and Saturday departure.
Across both weeks
The sample includes tours, punting, masterclasses, an academic challenge, Hero sessions, Blenheim Palace and graduation.
Across both weeks
Social activities include a play, film and quiz nights, an International Ball and a week-two Monday debating final, with rooms by 10:30 p.m. and lights out at 11 p.m.
Who teaches on Debate and Public Speaking?
The course names Abhishek Ranjan Datta, an Oxford DPhil candidate in International Relations with degrees in English Literature and Modern South Asian Studies. Oxford Scholastica selects and trains subject experts from leading universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.
Tutors may change; classes are capped at 15 students.
Where do students stay on Debate and Public Speaking?
Residential plan
- College rooms: Students stay in Oxford college accommodation with standard or en-suite room options and common social spaces.
- Breakfast and dinner: Continental breakfast is served at the accommodation, with group dinners in college or local restaurants.
- Pastoral support: Heads of House, Activities Coordinators and Matrons support students around the clock in secure buildings.
- Facilities and activities: Wireless internet, free laundry facilities, common rooms, excursions and social activities support daily life.
Non-residential plan
- Own accommodation: Students arranging their own housing receive full access to the rest of the program at the non-residential fee.
Standard bathrooms are typically shared by two to three students; some standard rooms are twins.
What happens after Debate and Public Speaking?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Receive a Certificate of Achievement after successful completion.
Earn a personalized tutor recommendation if you meet the criteria.
Apply to the one-year Ambassador Program with monthly virtual meetings.
Develop speaking, rebuttal and negotiation skills for further academic participation.
The certificate is issued by Oxford Scholastica; the tutor recommendation and Ambassador Program participation are conditional.
Where does Debate and Public Speaking take place?
Students study in Oxford and stay in centrally located college buildings with access to the city’s shops, cafes and cultural sites. Oxford has train and coach connections, and the provider offers a separately booked Heathrow-to-campus transfer.
Use the assigned campus address for arrival; 8 South Parade is the provider’s office.
Debate and Public Speaking FAQs
There are no academic prerequisites. Admissions focuses on motivation, curiosity and willingness to engage with the subject.
You represent an allocated nation in a four-hour simulated UN Security Council exercise. After researching your position, you debate an international peace and security crisis, negotiate solutions and build consensus.
No. Oxford Scholastica is an independent provider that uses university facilities and accommodation without a formal connection to the University of Oxford.
Yes. Students arranging their own housing can attend the rest of the program at the published non-residential fee.
Breakfast and dinner are included; students buy their own lunch. The provider accommodates most dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-intolerance and religious requirements, and asks families to disclose allergies when booking.
Heads of House, Activities Coordinators and Matrons provide residential support, with staff on site around the clock. Students and families also have access to a 24-hour emergency phone line.
Successful completion earns an Oxford Scholastica Academy Certificate of Achievement. A personalized tutor recommendation is awarded to students who meet the provider’s criteria.
Bring stationery, a laptop or tablet, and a mobile phone to contact staff. The provider supplies suggested prereading, which is optional.
Alternatives to Debate and Public Speaking
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Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Ben Stacy
Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader
Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.
Sources & verification
Source types reviewed
- Booking Form
- Pastoral Care | Oxford Scholastica Academy
- Oxford Scholastica Academy Schedule
- Summer School Accommodation | Oxford Scholastica
- Terms & Conditions | Oxford Scholastica Academy
- Oxford Summer School Dates & Fees | Oxford Scholastica
- Contact Us | Oxford Scholastica Academy
- Online Summer School Dates & Fees | Oxford Scholastica
- Arrange a Call | Oxford Scholastica Academy
- Booking Form
- Oxford Scholastica Academy FAQs
- Booking Form
- Speech & Debate Summer Course (Ages 15-18) | Oxford Scholastica
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 8 Oct 2026)
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Session dates checked
Rolling admissions verified
Eligibility requirements reviewed
Residential fees compared
Meal inclusions checked
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How Succeed uses this information
We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.
Debate & Public Speaking Summer Course
by Oxford Scholastica Academy
Applications open
May qualify for the £300 Succeed Programme Award.
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