Medicine Explorers
The Medicine Explorers summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, held at Harrow School and St John’s Beaumont, is designed for 11-12-year-old students and is priced from £2,395. The first course begins on 6 July 2025, with courses running throughout July and August. Each course has only 15 spaces available, and they are filling up quickly. Many students have already secured their place—apply now to avoid missing out.
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Learning
Outline
Medicine Explorers is designed for 11–12-year-olds who are curious about the human body and what it takes to become a doctor. Students will explore how the body heals, how doctors diagnose and treat illness, and how medical science continues to evolve. Through hands-on activities, discussions, and problem-solving tasks, they’ll also learn how doctors communicate with patients and work as a team. We don’t follow a fixed curriculum—our tutors adapt the course to suit the group’s interests, making learning more engaging, relevant, and fun. Each day also includes a reflection activity to help students absorb what they’ve learned.
Teaching methodology
Our teaching for 11-12-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. This teaching style has an increased focus on age-appropriate content and offers more opportunities for independent group work than our 9-10 courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
To be eligible, applicants should:
- Be between 11-12 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:
- Choose a Course: Select your subject, location, dates, and accommodation. You can add additional courses if you wish.
- Provide Student Info: Fill in your name, contact details, and a short personal statement about why you'd be a great fit.
- Enter School Info: Provide the name and address of your most recent school.
- 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 one week, with a focus on practical life-saving skills, such as CPR, first aid, and how to handle medical emergencies.
Example Topics Covered
- Recognising an emergency and responding effectively.
- CPR and how to treat a choking person.
- Learning how to treat minor injuries, including burns, bleeding, fractures, and dehydration.
- Understanding public health messages and how to communicate them.
Teaching Format
Students will participate in 12 hours of lessons and 4 hours of supervised study time. The lessons are interactive and focus on hands-on learning, including role play, group discussions, and practical demonstrations. Students will work together in teams to handle various medical scenarios, enhancing their learning through real-world applications.
Note: These are example topics. Actual content may vary depending on the expertise of the tutor.
By the end of the course, students may:
- Learn how to recognise and respond to medical emergencies.
- Understand how to perform basic first aid, including CPR and treating minor injuries.
- Develop confidence in working both independently and as part of a team.
- Gain skills in communicating public health messages effectively.
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:
Learn:
- British Red Cross: First Aid for Children: British Red Cross First Aid
- NHS CPR guide: NHS CPR
Optional Extension:
- Create a first aid leaflet or a 1-minute TV advert explaining how to respond to a common medical emergency.
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 medicine, healthcare, and emergency response. It introduces life-saving skills and encourages students to think critically and act quickly in medical emergencies. The hands-on approach will help students develop practical skills and confidence, preparing them for future academic and personal pursuits in healthcare and first aid.
You are expected to:
- Actively participate in lessons, group discussions, and practical first aid demonstrations.
- Complete homework assignments, such as designing first aid materials for the public.
- Engage with peers and tutors, contributing to a collaborative and respectful learning environment.
The course is designed to encourage practical thinking, teamwork, and hands-on learning in the field of medicine and first aid.
At Oxford Summer Courses, we prioritize the safeguarding and wellbeing of students aged 11-12 by implementing enhanced DBS checks for all staff, safeguarding training, and round-the-clock supervision. With 24/7 security on-site, carefully managed activities, and curfews, we provide a safe and nurturing environment where students can focus on learning and personal growth.
Since spaces are limited, once a course is full, we are unable to accept additional students. We recommend applying early to avoid disappointment.
We recommend applying as soon as possible. Spaces are in high demand, and many courses fill up well in advance. The earlier you apply, the better your chance of securing your preferred course dates.
Each course has only 15 spaces available, and they fill up quickly. With weekly courses running from 6 July to 9 August 2025, we recommend securing your spot now before they sell out.
The first course begins on 6 July 2025, with weekly courses running until 9 August 2025. Spaces are already filling up fast, so apply now to avoid missing out.
The Oxford Summer Courses experience
Get ready for curious minds and steady hands. On our Medicine Explorers course for ages 11–12, your child will explore the world of health and healing through hands-on simulations, engaging challenges, and real-life scenarios — all designed to spark a passion for medical science.
With 12 one-hour sessions per week and class sizes capped at 15, they'll enjoy individual attention as they dive into topics like anatomy, the human body, basic medical techniques, and patient care. Whether diagnosing symptoms, practising first aid, or exploring the science behind the body, each day is a chance to learn by doing.
Beyond the classroom, the learning continues with daily reflection time, games, group challenges, and fun activities like bedtime chats, themed socials, and off-site excursions. With a graduation ceremony and end-of-course disco, it’s a summer filled with discovery, excitement, and lasting friendships.
Typical outings
Reviews
We know how important it is for future medics to feel safe, settled, and supported — and our Junior summer school is designed with that in mind. While they explore medicine this summer as part of our 11–12s programme, your child will stay at one of our exceptional UK boarding schools, such as Harrow School or St John’s Beaumont.
With dedicated house parents, shared spaces, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s the ideal setting to relax, build friendships, and recharge outside the classroom.
Whether they’re winding down after practical sessions or enjoying time with new friends, it’s all part of the experience.
For Juniors (ages 11-12) in the Classic Tier, students will stay in a Standard shared room at the accommodation.
Meals are provided on a full-board basis, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All meals are served at the accommodation.
Dates & Prices
- Teaching: Academic tuition.
- Meals: Full board includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Sunday to Thursday. Friday includes breakfast only, and Saturday no meals are provided.
- Accommodation: Housing in Resa Vallehermoso.
- Extracurricular Activities & Excursions: Included activities and excursions are available every afternoon, evening, and throughout the weekend.
- Transportation: Transportation for included activities.
- Use of Athletic and Recreation Facilities: Access to athletic and recreation facilities during the program.
- Safety & Supervision: Safety and supervision are provided for students throughout the course.
- 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.
- Merch: Backpack, notepad, and water bottle.
- Certificate: Paper certificate awarded at the graduation ceremony.
- 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.
- Merch: Backpack, notepad, and water bottle.
- 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.
- Merch: Notepad, pen.
- 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).
- Merch: Bottle, notepad, pen, backpack (premium merch).
- 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 ensuite room.
- Certificate: Paper.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Merch: Bottle, notepad, pen (enhanced merch).
- 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.
- Certificate: Paper.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Merch: Notepad, pen.
- 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.