Sustainability & the Environment (Oxford Royale Academy)

Ages: 12-18.

Dates, 2026:
5–18 July, 19 July–1 August.

In the course "Sustainability and the Environment", students will work to preserve life on planet Earth. Students will learn how to combine climate science, policy, and leadership to overcome environmental catastrophe.

In small groups, they will explore solutions to humanity's most complex problems and, at the end of their work, publish a list of ideas and innovations for solving these problems. They will be supported and inspired by outstanding teachers who are working to combat climate change, water scarcity, food insecurity, and wildlife conservation.

At the core of the program is tackling climate change, as humanity and its environment face unprecedented risks. This unique interdisciplinary course brings together global politics, leadership and sustainable development, offering responsible young people the opportunity to think together about how humanity can win the race against extinction.

The course is taught by tutors who are experts in global sustainability and leadership. Students will benefit from their many years of experience, learning in an interactive environment that includes workshops, seminars and debates.

Responding to the need for environmental awareness in politics, this programme prepares the next generation of leaders for responsible governance. Students will focus on climate change issues, and learn to design and evaluate the success of sustainable development campaigns.

An emphasis on dialogue and debate is key to preparing young people to approach global leadership issues fairly and diplomatically.

Oxford – a city that combines stunningly beautiful architecture with a bustling modern centre, with excellent shops, restaurants and cafes. The city is steeped in history and imbued with an academic spirit. After all, it is home to many of the colleges of Oxford University, some of which are almost 800 years old!

Students on the Oxford Royale summer courses have the unique opportunity to live and study in this stunning city, explore all its famous sights and unravel its secrets. With superbly organised trips and a packed evening programme of activities, students will experience the best of Oxford.

Students will stroll cobbled streets, admire spires and stone buildings, and walk in the footsteps of some of the most influential figures in history, including prime ministers, presidents, scientists, Nobel laureates and writers.

Key factors

• Maximum 15 students per class.
• The school is proud to be the most international summer school in the world: since its foundation in 2005, Oxford Royale Academy has welcomed students from over 175 countries.
• Attending the course will give students an educational experience they can talk about when applying to university, demonstrating to admissions officers their self-motivation and enthusiasm for learning.
• In addition to the specific practical skills that students will gain on the course, they will also acquire skills that will be useful at school, university and beyond. These include: teamwork, effective communication and spatial thinking.
• One of the most important and enriching aspects of the summer programme at Oxford Royale is the opportunity to interact with like-minded people from all over the world, network and build friendships. The multicultural perspectives that students gain is what makes the course so special, whether they are voicing their opinions in class, engaging in debates on global issues or simply sharing their experiences with new friends.
• A highlight of the summer school is the lectures given by renowned experts. This is an opportunity to gain valuable insight into the global debates shaping our world today and to be inspired by industry leaders.
• At the end of the course, students will enjoy a grand certificate presentation ceremony, followed by a formal dinner and closing party. Making new friends from all over the world is the perfect way to end an unforgettable summer.

• There are study support sessions in the evenings and at weekends, and for 16-18 year olds, the Shaping Your Future workshop will help them learn more about the world they will soon be entering. Here, students will find advice on applying to university, careers workshops, and dedicated Q&A time with Academy staff.

Program

During over 20 hours of intensive study per week, students will tackle a wide range of issues at the intersection of climate change and international governance. Students on the course will aim to pursue careers in a wide range of industries.

What is the studentWhat students will do on the course:

• Critically analyse the aims and methods of various climate change policies and campaigns, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Confront popular myths about climate change and address global issues through diplomatic debate and dialogue.
• Learn to use research and monitoring methods, including qualitative data, to prepare a report or proposal for climate action.
• Identify different political theories and ideologies in terms of climate action.
• Explore areas that have a major impact on the environment, such as climate science, law, government, diplomacy or sustainable entrepreneurship.
• Learn about the role of the business sector in the fight against climate change by writing a sustainable business development project.
• Participate in a mock UN Climate Change Summit and develop their own charter of the “Oxford agreements" – a list of ideas and innovations to address climate change on a global scale.

Sample lesson topics:

• Climate Change Innovation
• Transportation and Business
• Responsible Consumption and Production
• Reversing Climate Change by 2050
• Agriculture and Sustainable Development Practices
• The Earth's Water by 2030
• Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• The Future of Wildlife: Forecast
• Ethical Fair Trade
• Affordable Clean Energy
• The Circular Economy

A global leader, whether a politician or diplomat, a conservationist or a conscientious manager, requires not only knowledge in their field, but and exceptional interpersonal or 'soft' skills. Students will have opportunities both inside and outside the classroom to hone their leadership skills. They will:

• Develop their public speaking skills through regular debate, both in academic classes and as part of an extra-curricular debating community.
• Practice negotiation and compromise by collaborating with students and professionals from around the world.
• Meet visiting experts who will lecture on topical issues, each of whom has achieved high results as a leader in their field.
• Develop time and project management skills by working independently or as part of a team to deadlines.

Accommodation

Students live on the University of Oxford campus. Accommodation is in single and double rooms. Boys and girls are accommodated separately. Bathrooms are generally shared between students of the same sex, although in some cases there are private bathrooms. The accommodation is standard university accommodation, so course participants will be able to experience the life of a real student at a famous university.

Recreation

Effective learning is only possible with a harmonious combination of work and leisure. The Academy does its utmost to provide students with an enjoyable program of extra-curricular activities, so that they have plenty of time for wonderful memories with new friends. Pupils will have the opportunity to:

• Enjoy fun activities including karaoke, quizzes, films, talent shows and team building games such as treasure hunts.

• Participate in a range of sports suitable for everyone from young athletes to complete beginners.
• Enjoy cultural excursions around campus and the university town including museum visits and walking tours.
• Enjoy an exciting trip to London.

Excursions

• Visit museums within walking distance of campus: Oxford University Museum of Natural History and Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology.
• Trip to London. The chance to discover the UK’s most exciting city! From Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace to the Natural History Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, there are endless ways to enjoy yourself. With luxury shopping and hundreds of restaurants, London is a must-see.
• City Tours. One of the best ways to see Oxford is on a walking tour. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the sights and history of the city and the university. As well as the colleges where students will live, they will also be able to visit other beautiful historic colleges and admire their stunning architectureand history.
• River Rafting. This is a chance to feel like a real university student and try your hand at punting - a type of rowing that uses a metal pole to push a boat forward! Students will relax in the sun and admire the stunning natural scenery of Oxford from the water.

Sample Daily Timetable

8:00 - Breakfast
9:00 - Lessons
14:00 - Lessons
15:30 - Activities/City Tour/Workshops/Visiting Teachers
18:00 - Lunch
19:00 - Learning Support Sessions
20:00 – Debate and Public Speaking/Shaping Your Future Workshop Series
21:00 – Evening Activities
22:30 – Lights out

Cost, 2026

£6,995 for 2 weeks.

Included in the price

• Tuition
• Accommodation and meals
• All sports, entertainment activities and excursions

Additionally paid

• Flight
• Visa
• Insurance
• Transfers from and to the airport
• Educational company services

Why Oxford Royale Academy?

Oxford Royale Academy is a market leader in delivering high-quality summer programmes in Oxford. And these are not just words: the Academy’s many awards demonstrate its commitment to high standards of education, service and safety.

Awards

• The Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2024. This is the most prestigious award for businesses in the UK. This is the fourth time the Academy has received this award, having previously received it in 2012, 2016, 2019. The Academy was honoured to accept the award from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Winning the International Trade category – the result of an ever-increasing number of international students studying at the Academy.
• The Academy is accredited by the British Council for the Teaching of English. This accreditation is only given to organisations that deliver high-quality courses.
• The 2024 RoSPA Silver Award is an award for health and safety in the UK. For nearly 100 years, RoSPA has played a vital role in changing the law around the prevention of accidents at work, on the roads and at home. This award recognises the Academy’s ongoing work to ensure that all pupils, teachers and staff have a safe time at school. The Academy previously received a Bronze Award in 2019.
• The British Educational Travel Association (BETA) awarded the Academy the Best Educational Youth Travel Project Award. in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015. And in 2017, the Academy won the main award - "Best Educational Project". The award is given to successful companies related to young people, students and educational travel. The victory is a clear indicator of the Academy's commitment to providing young people with an unforgettable educational experience.
• Gold Award-2019 for Best Customer Service at the BETA British Youth Travel Awards.

Seven reasons to choose Oxford Royale Academy

1. Full immersion in college life. Pupils of Oxford Royale Academy study, eat and sleep on the college campus of famous universities - just like ordinary students. This gives an exceptional opportunity to experience the fascinating student life at the College.
2. Pupils have the exclusive opportunity to live and study in magnificent historic manor houses or superbly equipped schools with the best accommodation. 
3. The highest award for British entrepreneurs 2024. This is the highest award that can be given to a company in the UK – proof of the uncompromising excellence of teaching at the Academy. 
4. Highly professional teaching staff. Pupils at Oxford Royale Academy are taught by teachers of the highest calibre, many of whom have studied at Oxford and Cambridge or are currently working there. The teachers are deeply committed to developing students’ visions of new perspectives and helping them realize their educational potential.
5. The Academy has students from all over the world. Since its inception, 175 countries have attended the Academy. Summer School is an exceptional opportunity to make friends from all over the world.
6. A delightful cultural and recreationalprogram as a supplement to education. Summer educational courses are complemented by a carefully selected schedule of various activities. Their goal is to give you the opportunity to have fun and get the most out of your training.
7. Visiting attractions. All programs include excursions to impressive attractions. 

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT FROM OTHER COMPANIES

• We have been working since 1996
• We select camps with a minimum number of Russian speakers
• We only place children in good conditions
• We have personally inspected almost all the schools we offer
• We do not work with the mass market, only camps for discerning clients
• The 24/7 phone is always working
• Why our clients value us

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