History Explorers
Join the History 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.
.avif){kind=avatar}
Learning
Outline
History Explorers is designed for curious 9–10-year-olds who want to discover how the past has shaped the world we live in today. From ancient civilisations to major world events, students will explore key moments in history through interactive, hands-on activities. They’ll investigate historical mysteries, analyse primary sources, and uncover the stories behind some of the world’s most influential figures. What sets us apart is that we don’t follow a fixed curriculum—we tailor what we teach based on the group’s interests, making every course unique, engaging, and relevant. 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 History 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 dedicated on-course staff, your child will be fully supported as they uncover stories of the past. Harrow’s long tradition and historic setting provide an inspiring backdrop for young learners to build confidence, spark curiosity, and make friends while discovering how history has shaped the world around us.
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.
.webp)
The Oxford Summer Courses Experience
.webp)
.webp)
History Explorers invites young learners to step into the past and uncover the stories, people, and ideas that shaped the world. Through imaginative activities, role play, and creative projects, students discover that history isn’t just something you read — it’s something you can question, experience, and bring to life. Along the way, they build confidence in sharing ideas and asking big, curious questions about how the world came to be.
Each day includes two engaging morning lessons followed by guided project time where students turn learning into hands-on discovery — from crafting artefacts to recreating historical moments together. A mid-week excursion helps history leap off the page, while evenings feature house games, reflection time, and fun events like a themed disco, ending with a proud graduation celebration. With small class sizes (max 15) and full supervision throughout the day, students feel safe, supported, and excited to explore history in new ways.
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: 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
.webp)
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Your child enjoys a fully supported experience: interactive lessons (max 15 students), accommodation, all meals, daily activities, supervised excursions, airport transfers (Heathrow 8 AM–3 PM), travel and medical insurance, and 24/7 pastoral care. Every day balances learning, creativity, and fun — all within the beautiful grounds of Harrow School.
For ages 9–10, all students join our Plus package, offering the complete, all-inclusive experience designed specifically for younger learners.
Experienced primary educators lead sessions using storytelling, games, problem-solving and teamwork. Their focus is nurturing curiosity, confidence, and early academic skills in an engaging way.
Every student receives a personalised certificate and written tutor feedback, celebrating their progress, curiosity, and strengths.
Our teams are safeguarding-trained and provide round-the-clock supervision. Students stay on a secure campus, with structured routines that help younger learners feel supported and at ease.
It’s a joyful introduction to learning in a supportive environment. Children build confidence, make friends from around the world, and enjoy a week full of creativity — all in one of the UK’s most historic school settings.
