Teacher Testimonials

We have always publicised the lovely comments we receive each year from our students. Of course, this is only half the story. So, we have compiled a few quotes from our teachers to hear the rest!

Dan Richardson, IB Economics & Assistant Examiner

“I would also like to thank you and OSC - it is getting to feel a bit like family after all these years. Of course the kids are always great but it is the year to year relationships with a fantastic group of educators that makes it special for me.”

George Reuter, IB Maths Teacher

“The opportunity to network with some of the best in the business, the chance to teach some amazing young people, and the network of support OSC puts in place to help their teachers are all major reasons I love what I do, and I am always grateful that you allow me to contribute in a small way to the work in Boston. Thank you again for everything you do in service to young people.”

Dr. Peter Orange, IB English Teacher & Examiner

"OSC students have a gift for asking the right questions about where their learning might be. The interaction with their teachers makes the journey of learning a memorable and positive experience. When you live and work in the same 'school space', learning never stops. Teachers and students share their learning and grow exponentially because of it. Thanks OSC for creating the 'perfect storm of learning'."

Julia Kostrubina, IB Maths Teacher & Assistant Examiner

"I originally thought that getting through a 2-year-syllabus in 2.5 days is crazy. But the learning environment at OSC is so focused and the students are so motivated that this has proven to be much easier than I ever envisioned. Having a chance to work with students from so many different countries, focus on their difficulties in Mathematics – whether it's the Graphics Calculator, Vectors or just the overall revision and having them walk away not just with more knowledge but with exam strategies and more confidence is a really rewarding experience for me every time!

Gary Snapper, IB English Teacher & Workshop Leader

IB Mid Summer School

"OSC study courses are extremely rewarding to teach, Concentrated teaching over a few days with small groups of students provides students with the chance to get to grips with the subject in a way which is not always possible in the hurly-burly of normal school life. The conditions in which we teach mean that teachers and students quickly form a bond which makes lessons both good-natured and productive. It is always exciting to see how much progress students can make in their understanding of the subject in just two and a half days."

John Ward, IB Physics Teacher & Examiner

"To be able to work with these young people with their positive attitude and personalities as well as positive work ethic is a pleasure. Notwithstanding this I am proud to be part of the service that OSC provides to encourage and help to develop these students to be open-minded and capable citizens of the world."

Margarita Mechkova, IB Chemistry Teacher & Examiner

"My memorable experiences with OCS started when I was offered to teach Mid IB Chemistry courses for OSC in Boston, USA. Since then I have always enjoyed the great company of all students and colleagues who I have met at the OSC courses. I always look forward to new great OSC experiences."

Dr. Dimitrina Trendafilova-Guerchev, IB Chemistry Teacher and Assistant Examiner

I have worked in international environment for the last 15 years and I find this experience very enriching. The OSC course adds something more - it is very dynamic, intense and allows for building strong bonds between teacher and students. It gives an opportunity to the students to share their own experience with others and at the same time gives a good base for comparison. After this week spent in Cambridge the students have a clear idea of what they know and where to put their effort in the future. I look forward to the next session!

Julian Barnett, IB History Teacher

"I have found teaching at OSC Oxford a most wonderful experience. As well as meeting international students, with all the typical style, sophistication and academic rigour that this normally implies, it has also been a memorably idyllic experience to work with them within the surroundings of a city as glorious and historically vibrant as Oxford ".

Christopher Wieland, IB Maths Teacher

“OSC is an exciting place to be. The energy level created by the students and the teachers makes an environment very conducive to learning. I enjoy seeing what other students have done with their preparation and always look for new and better ways to present the material. What makes OSC work so well is that the student has the opportunity to see the same syllabus presented with a different teaching style and a different point of view. They return to their school with a renewed sense of excitement and carry this energy through their final revision and through their very last IB examination."

David Smith, IB Science Teacher

"Before I joined the team and started offering the Easter Revision courses in Oxford, I used to think it would be impossible to cover the course in two and a half days, now I wouldn't dream of sending my final year students in to the exam without doing all of the presentations I use in Oxford!"

John McMurty, IB Biology Teacher, Workshop Leader & Examiner

“Working with OSC students is a real pleasure! Even though I might be tired just before Spring Break, OSC Easter Revision courses give me a real spark as the students are so charged up to learn and work towards bettering their exam performances. It is a joy for a teacher to see so many students really wanting to learn. The challenge to cover the entire HL syllabus in the 17.5 hours drives me to focus on what students need the most but without losing sight of the basic foundation learning that must be present in the students’ minds for excellent exam results.”

David Martin, IB Maths Teacher, Workshop Leader & Examiner

"Having students work on one subject in such an intensive manner means that I can provide a comprehensive review of the entire course with an emphasis on those areas which students have identified as weaknesses. My aim is to achieve a balance between reinforcing basic ideas, building confidence in weaker areas and providing challenging problems in each area of the course. Looking at concepts from different perspectives can build student understanding considerably."

Roger Magor, IB Chemistry Teacher & IB Diploma Coordinator

"Without doubt, the OSC Spring courses put the "cream on the cake" for students who are approaching the final examinations. To study so intensively with other motivated students under the guidance of skilled and encouraging teachers is an experience which clearly gives OSC participants a huge advantage in improving their IB grade. There is no way that any student would revise with so much focus on their own!"

Trevor Jennings, IB Maths Teacher & Examiner

"This is a most delightful experience of working with students (and other tutors) from many different countries. The course brings new insights, for all concerned (both students and tutors), of how one's subject can be approached."

Martin Bluemel, IB Chemistry Teacher & Examiner & IB Diploma Coordinator

“Teaching with OSC is always a very rewarding experience. Each group of students is different, but they are always keen to get the most out of the course and this creates a very purposeful atmosphere. I try to give an overview of the subject and make connections that they have not been able to see before. I hope that they can return to their schools feeling more confident and determined to make the most of the remaining time before the exams. Students also appreciate the chance to meet and work with like-minded students from a range of IB schools, and they find it reassuring to discover that they are not alone in facing the challenge of the IB Diploma."

John Charters, IB Physics Teacher & Examiner

"I really enjoy working with such dedicated and motivated students. Regardless of their level of achievement when they arrive, they are all determined to improve. With such a positive attitude in the group it is no surprise that they generally all do."

Charles Duckworth, IB Physics Teacher & Examiner

"Students from many countries attend OSC courses and their approach to the work has often been different. This can be very stimulating as the questions they ask show different insights into the subject which others can learn from and broaden their understanding."

Clive Frank, IB Geography Teacher

"In the two and a half days intensive review, it is possible to look at the syllabus in detail and to give valuable advice concerning examination technique. Indeed, a thorough understanding of examination technique, for example how long to spend on particular questions and how to decide which questions to answer, may result in higher grades, just as much as knowledge and understanding of the syllabus."

Kim Freimann, IB Physics Teacher & Assistant Examiner

"I really enjoy the atmosphere of intense learning at the Oxford Study Courses. Helping my students through the tough stages of the revision process, helping them to take steps towards succeeding at their exams is always a very satisfying experience."

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