Summer Courses at Oxford International College Brighton: Seaside English Camp

The programmes offer 20 to 22.5 hours of English lessons and specialist workshops per week, delivered in small classes with a maximum of 15 students to ensure individual attention and active participation. Teaching follows a communicative and interactive methodology that focuses on collaboration through creative projects and review sessions, using English in real-world contexts. Lessons build all core language skills – speaking, listening, reading, and writing – with a strong emphasis on communication, fluency, and confidence. No minimum language level is required for the standard Bucksmore English course, while the English Plus programmes require a minimum level of A1 (Beginner).

The curriculum is designed to build strong interpersonal skills through project-based learning and mentorship. Student progress is tracked and assessed at the end of each course by the Bucksmore Assessment, an evaluation tool developed in alignment with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) scale. This provides realistic determination of English ability and motivates learners with appropriate language content. The programmes are modelled on American summer camps, with 'Counsellors' who live with students, teach lessons, and lead excursions and activities, providing a higher level of pastoral care, guidance, and friendship that goes far beyond traditional roles.

The programme is all-inclusive, with fees covering subject tuition, full boarding, all meals (three meals a day and packed lunch on excursion days), academic materials, activity fees, entrance costs to excursions, insurance, and complimentary airport transfers from London Heathrow and London Gatwick (conditions apply). Flights and visa costs are not included. A key deposit is required for students staying at OIC Brighton, collected on arrival in cash and returned on departure. Students are recommended to bring £50 per week for pocket money to cover optional souvenirs, food, and personal shopping. All money, passports, and travel documents are kept in the Centre safe for security reasons.

Students stay in modern, fully supervised residential accommodation with comfortable dormitory-style rooms. The boarding houses are warm, welcoming spaces that offer both personal privacy and a strong feeling of community. Rooms are twin occupancy dorm rooms, separated by gender on each floor, equipped with an ensuite or shared bathroom, a single bed, desk, storage space, lockable safe, and wardrobe. Bedding is provided, with regular housekeeping services. All students need to bring their own towels and toiletries. Laundry facilities are available once per week, with all costs paid for by Bucksmore, though students are expected to use the machines themselves (assisted and supervised by staff). The accommodation is monitored by a 24-hour security team to ensure a safe and secure environment.

Full board is provided, with three meals per day – breakfast, lunch, and dinner – included in the programme. Breakfast includes fruit, cereal, toast, and a cooked option, while lunch and dinner include multiple choices of main course, dessert, and a salad bar. On excursion days, a packed lunch is provided. The menus reflect the diversity of students, with vegetarian and vegan options available at all meals. The venue can cater for allergies or dietary requirements if notified in advance, including Halal diets. In addition to set meals, students have opportunities during the week to buy snacks and other items off-site if they wish. Microwaves and kettles are available in the accommodation common areas.

A full and varied activity programme is included, designed to make the most of the campus location and its proximity to Brighton and other UK destinations. Students participate in on-site activities including sports, team challenges, creative workshops, and evening social events such as discos, talent shows, and games nights. Excursions are a key part of the programme, with 2 full-day and 1 half-day excursion per week to fun and varied attractions. Destinations include Brighton Pier, the i360, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Canterbury Cathedral, a Thames River boat cruise with visits to Royal Museums Greenwich, Thorpe Park theme park, and London with Buckingham Palace and Politics walking tours. These excursions provide opportunities for cultural immersion, fun, and practical language practice outside the classroom.

The OIC Brighton campus offers modern teaching facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories and newly furnished boarding houses. The campus is surrounded by more than 23 acres of woodland, rolling fields, and open green spaces, with sports fields, recreation areas, and social spaces where students can unwind. Facilities include outdoor fields, sports halls, student lounges, a cafeteria, and common rooms with microwaves and kettles. Wi-Fi is available on-site throughout the campus. Laundry facilities are available once per week. The campus is located in a safe and secure countryside setting, just a 10-minute coach ride from Brighton city centre, with easy access to the beach, Brighton Pier, and the i360 observation tower.

Bucksmore Education is a well-established organisation with over 30 years of experience in providing high-quality English language programmes for young learners. The programmes are delivered by qualified and experienced teachers who are selected to replicate the premium educational experiences of top UK universities and boarding schools. Student welfare is the top priority, with a high staff-to-student ratio to ensure all students are known and their physical and mental well-being is catered for throughout their stay. All staff have completed compulsory safeguarding training and background checks, with a minimum of two first-aid trained staff on site. A 24-hour security team and on-site management team are available at all times, with a dedicated 24-hour emergency phone number for students, parents, and agents. The 'Counsellor' model, where staff live with students, teach lessons, and lead excursions and activities, provides a higher level of pastoral care, guidance, and friendship. Student progress is carefully tracked through the Bucksmore Assessment, and students receive a personalised report card and Bucksmore certification at the end of their course. Students consistently report that the programmes help them improve their English, build confidence, and form lasting friendships with peers from around the world.