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Science Explorers
Join the Science Explorers summer school at the award-winning Oxford Summer Courses in 2026. Hosted in renowned boarding schools for ambitious 11–12-year-olds, each class is limited to just 15 places. Apply now to secure your place.
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Learning
Outline
Science Explorers is designed for 11–12-year-olds who want to understand the world around them—from tiny atoms to the universe itself. Students will explore key ideas in biology, chemistry, and physics through hands-on experiments and engaging activities. They’ll investigate big scientific questions, build their problem-solving skills, and start thinking like real scientists. We don’t follow a fixed curriculum—our tutors tailor the course to the group’s interests, making every experience unique, exciting, and relevant. 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.
The 11–12 Science 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 supported and cared for as they explore the wonders of science across different fields. Harrow’s tradition of fostering curiosity and innovation makes it an inspiring setting for young learners to begin their scientific journey while building confidence and making new friends.
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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Science Explorers turns curiosity into confidence by helping students investigate the world through experiments, discovery, and big scientific questions. From chemistry reactions to physics challenges and biology investigations, learners build the excitement of figuring things out for themselves — developing analytical thinking while having fun with hands-on science.
Each weekday includes two extended morning lessons taught in small groups (max 12–15 students) where learners explore, test ideas, and share findings. Learning continues in the afternoons through supervised project time, collaborative house activities, and excursions that connect scientific ideas to the real world. With engaging evening socials and full-time support from our trained staff, students enjoy a structured and inspiring experience that strengthens problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a lifelong curiosity for how things work.
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, students get 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 in full on our Prices & Dates page.
Yes. Families can choose between our Plus (residential) or Non-Residential (day) programme. Each offers different inclusions and levels of support — full details are available on our Prices & Dates page.
Lessons are taught by experienced early-secondary teachers who use discussions, teamwork, creative tasks, and problem-solving activities to help students develop confidence and early analytical skills.
Every student receives a certificate of achievement and written tutor feedback highlighting their progress, strengths, and suggested next steps.
Students are supervised 24/7 by safeguarding-trained staff. The campus is secure, routines are structured, and students are supported and accompanied throughout lessons, meals, and activities.
We’re an award-winning summer school welcoming students from 150+ countries each year. Families consistently rate our courses highly. Unlike many programmes, we don’t follow a fixed curriculum — teachers tailor lessons to student interests, giving them a more personalised, engaging learning experience. It’s a safe, inspiring environment where students grow in confidence and independence.
