Science Explorers
The Science Explorers summer school at Oxford Summer Courses taking place in Juniors is designed for 11-12 years old students, and is priced from £2395.
Learning
Outline
Science Explorers juniors Summer School at Oxford Summer Courses for ages 11-12 years. Study Science Explorers with Oxford Summer Courses. Everything that we are and all that surrounds us is made up of cells, genes, atoms, and molecules. Learn the universal language of science, and you can apply it to anything! From the origin of life to exploring outer space, we’ll spark your curiosity on our Science Explorers course. Grab your goggles and your lab coat and join us for a thrilling journey into the recipe of life! Newton, Darwin, Einstein, and you. Join us for an electrifying (and hands-on) journey to the coolest corners of biology, chemistry, and physics. Participate in curriculum enrichment activities, including a reflection session facilitated by our staff members, allowing time to reflect on the day's lessons and activities.
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!
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.
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.
The course is structured over one week, introducing students to essential scientific concepts through interactive lessons and practical experiments.
Example Topics Covered
- Cells: the basic unit of life.
- Genetics and DNA.
- The cardiovascular system and respiration.
Teaching Format
Students will participate in 12 hours of lessons and 4 hours of supervised study time. Lessons will be interactive, with an emphasis on hands-on activities. Students will use microscopes to study cells, participate in experiments using quadrats to count living organisms, and engage in group discussions and scientific inquiries. The syllabus can be adapted to student interests, making learning fun and engaging.
Note: These are example topics. Actual content may vary depending on the expertise of the tutor.
By the end of the course, students may:
- Gain a basic understanding of cell biology, genetics, and the cardiovascular system.
- Develop skills in using microscopes and conducting biological experiments.
- Learn to work in teams and communicate scientific findings effectively.
- Build confidence in exploring scientific questions and developing critical thinking.
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:
Listen:
- Tumble: A family-friendly podcast fostering a love of science in children: Science Podcast for Kids
Optional Extension:
- Create a poster on the cell structure and functions to present to the class during the course.
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 biology, genetics, and environmental science. It introduces key scientific concepts and encourages critical thinking and hands-on experimentation. The interactive approach will help students develop practical skills and a love of science, preparing them for future academic success.
You are expected to:
- Actively participate in lessons, group experiments, and discussions.
- Complete homework assignments, such as creating a poster on cell structure or working on worksheets.
- Engage with peers and tutors, contributing to a collaborative and respectful learning environment.
The course is designed to encourage curiosity, scientific inquiry, and hands-on learning in the field of biology and life sciences.
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.
The Oxford Summer Courses experience
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For ages 9-12: Immerse your child in the transformative Juniors Summer Courses experience — a perfect blend of academic excellence, enrichment activities, and a vibrant community. Benefit from a focused academic experience with 12 one-hour lessons per week, a small class size of 15 students for personalised attention, and supervised homework time. Engage in curriculum enrichment with daily reflection time and participate in various social and cultural activities, including on-site or local events, chats and bedtime with house parents and friends, off-site excursions, a formal graduation ceremony, and a disco to conclude the course with new friends. Discover more about our teaching methodologies.
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.
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For ages 9-12: Experience an enriching stay meticulously designed for learners aged 9-12. Choose between the privacy and comfort of a private room (single room) or the camaraderie of shared living in a standard (shared room) to foster friendships. Our accommodations, including Harrow School and St John's Beaumont, offer shared facilities, fostering a dynamic and supportive environment that enhances the social and learning experience. Rest assured, our commitment to safety includes regular room checks, aligning with government policies to ensure students' comfort, safety, and well-being throughout our summer courses. Learn more about our junior summer school for ages 9-12.
Juniors will reside at prestigious boarding schools such as Harrow School and St John's Beaumont. Accommodation will be assigned based on room availability, with the option of staying in either a private room (single room) or a shared room to foster friendships. Regular room checks and a focus on safety ensure that students are comfortable and well-supported throughout their stay.
Full-board accommodation with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.
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Timetable
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: 18-24: Tutorials (1-2 students per tutor), seminars, and workshops
- Meals: Half-board (breakfast and dinner included).
- Accommodation: Single or twin room (confirmed by us at a later date, based on student preference at booking).
- 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: Full board includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with meals served at either 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: Out-of-hours executive transfer included.
- 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: Full board includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with meals served at either the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Guaranteed ensuite room.
- Certificate: Paper.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Merch: Bottle, notepad, pen (enhanced merch).
- Airport Transfer: Included (standard hours).
- 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: Full board includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with meals served at either the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Select your preferred single or twin room.
- Certificate: Digital.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Merch: Notepad, pen.
- Airport Transfer: Included (standard hours).
- Insurance: Standard coverage (cancellation, medical, baggage).
- Flexibility: Not included.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discounts: Not included.
