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Creative Writing Explorers
Join the Creative Writing Explorers summer school at the award-winning Oxford Summer Courses in 2026. Hosted in renowned boarding schools for ambitious 9–10-year-olds, each class is limited to just 15 places. Apply now to secure your place.
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Learning
Outline
Creative Writing Explorers is designed for imaginative 9–10-year-olds who want to learn how to tell great stories. From building characters and structuring plots to experimenting with comic strips, photos, and podcasts, students will explore different ways to bring their ideas to life. They’ll take inspiration from classic and modern storytellers while developing their own unique voice. We don’t follow a fixed curriculum—our tutors tailor what they teach to match the group’s interests, making the course fun, engaging, and personal. Each day also includes a reflection activity to help students absorb what they’ve learned.
Teaching methodology
Our teaching for 9-10-year-old students is focused on interactive and task-based learning. You will be taught by experienced primary teachers, who are there to inspire and engage you with the subjects they are passionate about. Our courses run over a week, and during this time you will develop your subject knowledge through multimedia presentations, group work, games, problem-solving, and project work with a meaningful real-life focus.
The 9–10 Creative Writing Explorers programme is hosted by Oxford Summer Courses at the prestigious Harrow School, one of the UK’s most renowned boarding schools. With caring house parents and supportive on-course staff, your child will be guided and encouraged as they discover the joy of storytelling and creative expression. Harrow’s inspiring setting, with its rich history and tradition of learning, provides the perfect environment for young writers to spark their imagination, build confidence, and form lasting friendships.
Students stay in standard shared rooms at Harrow School, with caring house parents and on-course staff ensuring comfort, safety, and support throughout their stay.
Meals are provided on a full-board basis, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Students dine in the school’s dining hall or local facilities, with all dietary requirements catered for.
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The Oxford Summer Courses Experience
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Creative Writing Explorers gives young storytellers the chance to let their imagination take the lead. Through playful prompts, character creation, and group storytelling, children discover the joy of expressing their ideas and bringing their own worlds to life. It’s a confidence-building introduction to writing where every voice is heard and celebrated.
Each weekday includes two engaging morning lessons, with plenty of time to write, share, and develop stories in small classes of up to 15 students. Afternoons feature supervised project time to refine their ideas, plus house activities, and a mid-week excursion that sparks fresh inspiration from the world around them. Evenings include reflection, outdoor fun, and themed social events — all leading to a proud graduation celebration on the final day. Fully supervised throughout, students feel supported as they grow in confidence, creativity, and communication.
Visiting Warwick Castle is an opportunity to explore the rich history of this magnificent medieval fortress. It dates back to the 11th century and has played a significant role in English history. Students can explore the castle's impressive collection of buildings and exhibitions, as well as witness jousting tournaments, falconry displays, and other live shows.
The Tower of London is a historic castle and fortress that has served as a royal palace, prison, and even a zoo over the centuries. Visitors can explore its impressive collection of buildings and exhibitions, including the iconic White Tower, the Crown Jewels, and the medieval palace. They can also learn about the infamous prisoners who were held in the tower over the centuries, including Anne Boleyn and Guy Fawkes.
The Harry Potter Studios Tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Harry Potter movies, with interactive exhibits and displays that showcase the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating the magical world of Hogwarts. Students can explore the Great Hall, see the actual sets used in the films, and even step inside the Hogwarts Express.
Oxford is a world-renowned university city with stunning architecture, idyllic cobblestone streets, and rich history. It is home to some of the most iconic university buildings in the world, such as the Bodleian Library and Christ Church College, which inspired the Hogwarts dining hall in the Harry Potter movies. Visiting Oxford is like taking a step back in time and discovering the quintessential beauty of England.
Typical outings
Timetable
Dates & Prices
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less).
- Meals: Not included.
- Accommodation: Not included.
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included.
- Airport Transfer: Not included.
- Insurance: Not included.
- Certificate: Paper certificate.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less).
- Meals: Not included.
- Accommodation: Not included.
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included.
- Airport Transfer: Not included.
- Insurance: Not included.
- Certificate: Paper certificate.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (8 students or less) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Not included.
- Accommodation: Not included.
- Certificate: Paper.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Airport Transfer: Not included.
- Insurance: Not included.
- Flexibility: Not included.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discounts: Not included.
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less).
- Meals: Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided).
- Accommodation: Standard (shared room).
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included.
- Airport Transfer: Included.
- Insurance: Travel and medical insurance included.
- Certificate: Paper certificate.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less).
- Meals: Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided).
- Accommodation: Standard (shared room).
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included.
- Airport Transfer: Included.
- Insurance: Travel and medical insurance included.
- Certificate: Paper certificate awarded at the graduation ceremony.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: 13-24: Tutorials (1-2 students per tutor), seminars, and workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13-15 are Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16-24 are Half-board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Single or twin room (confirmed by us at a later date).
- Certificate: Digital.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Airport Transfer: Not included.
- Insurance: Not included.
- Flexibility: Not included.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (8 students or less) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13-15 are Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16-24 are Half-board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Concierge helps select the best available option.
- Certificate: Framed, signed (wet signature).
- Customer Service: Enhanced (OxSC concierge).
- Airport Transfer: Included (Heathrow Airport only. No time restrictions.).
- Insurance: Platinum coverage (top-level protection on cancellation, medical, baggage).
- Flexibility: One-year free deferral.
- Future Coaching Session: Included (1 session).
- Friends & Family Discount: Discounted stay/meals for family in top Oxford/Cambridge hotels while on course.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (8 students or less) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13-15 are Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16-24 are Half-board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Guaranteed private room and bathroom.
- Certificate: Paper.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Airport Transfer: Included (Heathrow Airport only, available for flights arriving/departing between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. T&Cs apply.).
- Insurance: Enhanced coverage (higher limits on cancellation, medical, baggage).
- Flexibility: One-year free deferral.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discount: Discounted stay/meals for family in top Oxford/Cambridge hotels while on course.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (8 students or less) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13-15 are Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16-24 are Half-board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Select your preferred single or twin room (shared bathroom).
- Certificate: Paper.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Airport Transfer: Included (Heathrow Airport only, available for flights arriving/departing between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. T&Cs apply.).
- Insurance: Standard coverage (cancellation, medical, baggage).
- Flexibility: Not included.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discounts: Not included.
Related Courses
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Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the option you choose.
In our Plus (residential) programme, your child gets small-group lessons (max 15), accommodation, all meals, daily activities, supervised excursions, airport transfers (Heathrow 8 AM–3 PM), travel and medical insurance, and 24/7 pastoral care.
In the Non-Residential (day) option, they join the same lessons and daytime activities/trips but return home each evening. You can compare both on our Prices & Dates page.
Yes. You can choose between our Plus (residential) or Non-Residential (day) programme. Each offers different inclusions and levels of support — full details are listed on our Prices & Dates page.
Qualified and experienced primary educators teach this age group. They use games, stories, team challenges, and hands-on activities to build confidence, creativity, and early academic skills.
Every student receives a certificate of achievement and written tutor feedback outlining their progress, strengths, and next steps.
All students receive 24/7 supervision from safeguarding-trained staff. The campus is secure, routines are structured, and children are accompanied at all times during lessons, meals, and activities.
We’re an award-winning summer school welcoming students from 150+ countries each year. Families rate our courses highly for quality and care. Unlike many programmes, we don’t follow a fixed curriculum — teachers tailor lessons to each group’s interests for the best possible learning experience. Children learn, socialise, and grow in a safe, inspiring environment.
