Laila Alazaiza Ikhlas

For students considering a future in law, politics, international relations or public policy, choosing what to study at university can be difficult without first experiencing what these subjects actually involve. A law programme for high school students offers an opportunity to explore legal thinking, public policy and global affairs before making future academic decisions. Students can examine real-world issues, develop structured arguments, consider different perspectives and strengthen the communication and analytical skills used across these fields. For students aged 12–18 who are curious about law and international affairs, exploring these subjects together can provide a clearer understanding of potential university pathways and future areas of study. Why Explore Law Before University? Being interested in becoming a lawyer and understanding what studying law actually involves are two different things. Legal study requires students to analyse information carefully, identify relevant evidence, question assumptions and construct arguments that can be supported logically. Exploring these skills before university can help students understand whether they genuinely enjoy the way legal subjects are studied. It can also be valuable for students deciding between related pathways such as law, politics, international relations, public policy or other humanities and social sciences. The objective is not to make a final career decision at an early age. Instead, it is an opportunity to explore different interests and make future academic choices with greater understanding. What Can Students Learn in a Pre-University Law Programme? A strong pre-university law programme goes beyond learning legal terminology. It introduces students to the relationship between law, government, society and international affairs. A World Academy's International Law, Policy & Global Affairs programme explores eight key academic areas. Legal Thinking & Reasoning Legal reasoning encourages students to examine information carefully and distinguish evidence from assumption. Students explore how arguments are constructed, how different interpretations can emerge and how conclusions can be supported through logical reasoning. These analytical skills are useful not only for future law students but across many academic disciplines. Public Policy & Governance Law and public policy are closely connected. Public policy examines how governments and institutions respond to social, economic and political challenges. Students can explore why particular policies are introduced, how decisions are made and how different approaches may affect individuals and communities. This introduces students to an important distinction: understanding what the law currently says and considering what governments or institutions should do. Global Affairs & International Perspectives Many of today's major challenges extend beyond national borders. Global affairs encourages students to consider different international perspectives and understand how political, legal and policy decisions can have consequences across countries and communities. For students considering international law, international relations, politics or related university degrees, this provides valuable context for understanding how these disciplines connect. Argumentation & Persuasion Building a strong argument requires more than expressing an opinion. Students learn to organise ideas, consider evidence, understand opposing viewpoints and communicate their reasoning clearly. Developing these skills can support future academic study, particularly in subjects that require essays, presentations, discussions and critical analysis. Law, Ethics & Society Some legal questions do not have simple answers. Laws and policies can involve competing rights, ethical considerations and different social perspectives. Exploring these questions helps students understand why legal and policy decisions often require careful reasoning rather than a single straightforward answer. Policy Analysis & Decision-Making Policy decisions can affect individuals, communities and entire societies. Students can explore how problems are identified, how different solutions are considered and how the potential consequences of a decision can be evaluated. This helps connect academic learning with the kinds of decisions governments and institutions face in the real world. Debate & Public Speaking Clear communication is an important skill for students interested in law, policy and international affairs. Debates and structured discussions give students opportunities to present ideas, respond to different perspectives and communicate arguments with greater confidence. The purpose is not simply to win an argument. Effective debate also requires listening carefully, understanding opposing viewpoints and being willing to reconsider a position when presented with stronger evidence. University & Future Pathways Exploring a subject before university can help students make more informed decisions about what they may want to study later. A student who begins with an interest in law may discover a stronger interest in public policy or international relations. Another student may find that legal reasoning and advocacy are the areas they enjoy most. Exposure to several connected disciplines can help students better understand the differences between possible university pathways. How Are Law, Public Policy and Global Affairs Connected? Law does not operate in isolation. Issues involving human rights, international relations, technology, migration, trade, conflict and government policy often involve a combination of legal principles, political decisions and international considerations. Studying law alongside public policy and global affairs allows students to see these connections. Instead of approaching a problem from only one perspective, students can consider questions such as: What does the law say? What policy options are available? Who could be affected by the decision? What ethical considerations are involved? How might the issue be viewed internationally? This interdisciplinary approach can provide students with a broader introduction to the subjects they may later encounter at university. Why Study Law and Global Affairs in Oxford? Oxford offers a distinctive environment for students interested in academic exploration and future university study. For international students, participating in a residential programme in Oxford can also provide an opportunity to experience studying and living away from home while meeting students with different backgrounds and perspectives. It is important, however, to distinguish between attending an independent educational programme in Oxford and being enrolled as a student of the University of Oxford. A World Academy is an independent education provider. Its International Law, Policy & Global Affairs Winter Academy takes place in Oxford, with residential accommodation at St Hilda's College, University of Oxford. The programme combines academic study with a wider residential and cultural experience in the city. What Does the International Law, Policy & Global Affairs Programme Include? A World Academy's International Law, Policy & Global Affairs programme is a one-week residential Winter Academy designed for students aged 12–18. The programme takes place in Oxford from 14–20 December 2026. During the week, students explore legal reasoning, governance, international perspectives, ethics, policy analysis, argumentation and public speaking through academic sessions and collaborative activities. The experience also includes projects and presentations, allowing students to apply what they have explored and communicate their ideas. Outside academic sessions, the programme includes cultural and social activities that form part of the wider residential experience. A Residential Learning Experience For many students, attending a residential academic programme is also an opportunity to experience greater independence before university. The International Law, Policy & Global Affairs programme includes residential accommodation at St Hilda's College, University of Oxford. The programme package includes accommodation, three meals per day with dietary support, scheduled academic materials and activities, airport coach transfer on arrival and departure, and pastoral and welfare care throughout the programme. Students also receive a Certificate of Achievement after completing the programme. Tuition starts from £2,950. Who Is the Programme For? The programme may be particularly relevant for students interested in exploring future study in areas such as: * Law * International Relations * Politics * Public Policy * Government * Global Affairs * Humanities and Social Sciences Students do not need to have already decided on a specific university degree or career. For students who are still comparing different academic pathways, experiencing these subjects together can help them better understand where their interests lie. What Should Parents Consider When Choosing a Law Programme for Teenagers? Parents comparing law programmes for high school students should look beyond the programme title or destination. The academic content should be one of the first considerations. Families should understand what students will actually study and whether the programme provides opportunities to analyse, discuss and apply ideas rather than simply attend lectures. The student's age and academic interests should also be considered. A programme should provide an appropriate environment for students to explore a subject without requiring them to have already made a final career decision. For residential programmes, parents should also review practical considerations such as accommodation, meals, supervision, welfare arrangements, transportation and scheduled activities. Most importantly, the experience should help students gain a more realistic understanding of the subjects they are considering for their future. Explore International Law, Policy & Global Affairs in Oxford If you are interested in law, politics, international relations or public policy and want to experience these subjects before university, A World Academy's International Law, Policy & Global Affairs – Oxford programme provides an opportunity to explore them through a one-week residential academic experience. The Winter Academy is open to students aged 12–18 and takes place in Oxford from 14–20 December 2026. Learn more about the programme, curriculum, accommodation and residential experience, and take the next step towards joining A World Academy. REGISTER NOW: https://aworldacademy.com/programs/international-law-policy-and-global-affairs Certificate of Achievement Students who successfully complete an A World Academy programme receive a Certificate of Achievement, recognising their participation and successful completion of the programme. This certificate provides students with a formal record of their educational experience, alongside the practical work, projects, presentations and skills developed during the programme. It is important to note that the Certificate of Achievement is awarded by A World Academy and is not a university degree or academic qualification issued by the host university. The programme gives students the opportunity to learn in a university environment while building meaningful academic, practical and personal experience that can complement their future university applications and student portfolios.

Law Programmes for High School Students: Explore Law, Policy & Global Affairs Before University

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