Training and Education Centre
Top University Preparation Programme
For Secondary Students
Programme Overview
This premium four-part programme is designed for secondary students (ages 13–18) who aspire to enter the world’s top universities — including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Stanford, Tsinghua, and HKU.
Students will gain an insider understanding of elite university admissions, develop Oxbridge-style critical thinking, learn to excel in interviews and application writing, and receive individual mentorship with a certified academic coach.
Format:
• 3 Recorded Masterclasses (self-paced, on-demand)
• 1 Live Mentorship Session (interactive, small group)
• Official Certificate of Completion from Oxford University SKOPE Centre
Steven Puttick
Programme Lead
Associate Professor of Teacher EducationUniversity of Oxford
Recorded Lessons
Recorded Lesson 1
Understanding Admissions: Top-Tier vs High-Quality Universities
Learning Objectives
• Distinguish between elite and high-quality universities
• Understand what admissions officers truly look for
• Identify personal academic strengths and target universities
Key Topics
1. The global university hierarchy and admission models
2. Five core evaluation pillars of top-tier universities
3. Case comparisons: Oxford, Harvard, Tsinghua, HKU
4. Personal academic positioning and goal setting
Learning Output
• Completion of a University Target Mapping Worksheet
Recorded Lesson 2
Critical and Dialectical Thinking: The Oxbridge Method
Learning Objectives
• Build analytical and reflective thinking habits
• Learn to structure and express academic arguments
• Experience the Oxbridge “tutorial” style of intellectual dialogue
Key Topics
1. What makes Oxbridge students think differently
2. Socratic questioning and dialectical debate
3. Argument structure: Thesis – Antithesis – Synthesis
4. Academic writing techniques and mini case analysis
Learning Output
• A Mini Academic Essay demonstrating critical reasoning
Recorded Lesson 3
Top University Interviews and Application Materials
Learning Objectives
• Understand academic interviews and how to impress interviewers
• Learn to craft Personal Statements and recommendation letters
• Build a coherent and credible academic portfolio
Key Topics
1. What top universities assess in interviews
2. Common Oxbridge interview formats and question strategies
3. PS and recommendation letter frameworks
4. Building your “Academic Story” through evidence and reflection
Learning Output
• Mock Interview Practice Plan
• Personal Statement Draft Framework
Live Sessions
Personal Academic Analysis & Mentorship Workshop
Learning Objectives
• Receive individualised feedback on academic readiness and thinking style
• Discuss recorded session learnings in a live group tutorial
• Create a personalised academic growth roadmap
Structure
1. Academic aptitude analysis and discussion
2. Live Q&A with Oxford-affiliated mentors
3. Feedback on essays, PS drafts, and interview performance
4. Development of a personal “Top University Growth Plan”
Outcome
• A Personalised Academic Growth Report
• Certificate of Completion issued by the Oxford University Scope Centre
Programme Format Summary
Component Mode Duration Instructor Type
Session 1 Recorded 60 mins Academic Instructor
Session 2 Recorded 60 mins Oxbridge-trained Tutor
Session 3 Recorded 60 mins Admissions Specialist
Session 4 Live (Online) 60 mins Oxford University Scope Centre Mentor
Language: English (Bilingual support available)
Platform: Zoom + Secure Learning Portal
Group Size: 10–15 students per cohort
Certification
Upon successful completion of all sessions and submission of learning outputs, participants will receive a
Certificate of Completion
issued under the Oxford University Scope Centre partnership, recognising:
“Achievement in Academic Thinking, University Preparation, and Research Readiness.”
Ideal for
• Students aged 13–18 preparing for global top university applications
• Learners aiming to enhance academic writing, critical thinking, and interview skills
• Students seeking to strengthen their academic portfolio for Oxbridge, Ivy League, or top Asian universities