To be eligible, applicants should:

• Be between 13-15 years old.
• Have a sufficient understanding of English to participate in academic discussions and coursework.
• Have a keen interest in exploring their chosen subject(s).

If you meet these requirements, we’d love to see your application!

Applying is easy! Follow these steps:

1. Choose a Course: Select your subject, location, dates, and accommodation. You can add additional courses if you wish.
2. Provide Student Info: Fill in your name, contact details, and a short personal statement about why you'd be a great fit.
3. Enter School Info: Provide the name and address of your most recent school.
4. Review & Submit: Double-check your details and submit your application.

After submission, our admissions team will review your application, and you’ll hear back within 2-3 days. Apply now!

Yes, you can book more than one course! During the application process, you will have the option to add additional courses either before or after your main course. The total price, including any additional courses, will be displayed before you proceed.

After paying your deposit to secure your place, our admissions team will help you set up a bespoke payment plan. You can choose from options like monthly or bimonthly payments, and we will provide a detailed invoice outlining your instalment schedule. Learn more about payment plans.

Note: There are no additional fees for setting up a payment plan, and your place is secure once the deposit is paid.

The course is structured over two weeks, exploring fundamental chemistry concepts through a mix of theory, practical exercises, and real-life applications.

Week 1: Chemistry in Nature and the Environment (Example)

• Greenhouse effect, acid rain, and the ozone layer.
• Fossil fuels and plastics.
• Biological chemicals and the human body.

Week 2: Chemistry in the Modern World (Example)

• Metals and the periodic table.
• Batteries and electricity.
• Chemical industry and chemistry in space.

Note: This is an example structure. The actual content may vary depending on the tutor’s expertise and student preferences. Students will have the opportunity to discuss their learning goals with admissions to tailor the course.

By the end of the course, students may:

• Understand key chemistry concepts, such as the greenhouse effect, chemical pollutants, and the periodic table.
• Explore the role of chemistry in both nature and modern technological advancements.
• Develop scientific thinking and problem-solving skills by engaging in experiments and practical applications.
• Build presentation and research skills through group work and class discussions.

Note: Learning objectives may vary based on student interests, which will be discussed during the admissions process.

Students are encouraged to do pre-course preparation to maximise their learning. Suggested resources include:

Read:

• Chemistry in Context: Royal Society of Chemistry Resource
• Learn about the greenhouse effect and CFCs: NASA Ozone Watch

Optional Extension:

• Prepare a list of daily activities and their environmental impact, such as contributions to greenhouse gases, and suggest alternative actions to reduce the effects.

Note: These are example resources. Specific materials may vary depending on tutor and student preferences. Students will be informed of the required materials in advance to allow enough time to prepare.

This course provides an excellent foundation for students interested in chemistry and environmental science. It introduces key scientific concepts while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The hands-on nature of the course will help students develop practical skills and an understanding of how chemistry impacts the modern world.

You are expected to:

• Actively participate in seminars, group activities, and practical experiments.
• Complete independent research assignments and homework.
• Engage in group discussions on chemistry topics, applying your knowledge to real-life scenarios.

The course is designed to be interactive and accessible, combining theory and practical work to help students build a strong foundation in chemistry.

For students aged 13-15, Oxford Summer Courses takes safeguarding seriously. All staff are DBS-checked and trained in safeguarding policies. We offer 24/7 on-site security, with supervision and curfews to maintain a safe environment. Our safeguarding policies are designed to balance growing independence with necessary safety measures, ensuring students feel supported.