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, covering fundamental physics concepts, historical scientific breakthroughs, and hands-on problem-solving activities.

Week 1: Introduction to Nuclear Physics (Example)

• Discovering the atom: subatomic particles, plum pudding model, and Rutherford's experiments.
• Splitting the atom: nuclear fission and fusion.
• Types of radiation and half-life.
• Applications and dangers of radioactivity.

Week 2: Newtonian Mechanics and the Scientific Revolution (Example)

• Introduction to vectors and scalars.
• Newton’s Laws of Motion and SUVAT equations.
• Exploring historical challenges in science and a visit to the History of Science Museum.
• Introduction to Einstein and relativity.

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 concepts in nuclear physics and Newtonian mechanics.
• Develop problem-solving skills through challenging physics exercises and real-world applications.
• Gain a historical perspective on the development of physics, from atomic theory to the scientific revolution.
• Build critical thinking and teamwork skills by collaborating with peers on physics experiments and 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:

Watch:

• The Sagan Series (Videos 1-9): The Sagan Series
• Cosmos by Carl Sagan or Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Read:

• "Atomic Models" overview: CompoundChem
• History of Atomic Theory: ThoughtCo

Optional Extension:

• Write a 250-word essay on nuclear energy generators, specifying a power plant or historical event.

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 physics, mathematics, and science in general. It introduces key scientific principles and challenges students to think critically and solve problems. The interactive nature of the course will help develop practical skills in physics and inspire curiosity in the natural world.

You are expected to:

• Actively participate in seminars, group discussions, and problem-solving activities.
• Complete independent study assignments, including reading and physics worksheets.
• Engage with peers in discussions, contributing to group work and collaborative learning.

The course is designed to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning in the field of physics.

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.