To be eligible, applicants should:

• Be between 9-10 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 one week, focusing on ecology and making science interactive and fun. Students will engage in hands-on experiments and outdoor learning.

Example Topics Covered

• Investigating the impact of light on plant distribution using a quadrat.
• Comparing the speeds of different animals through practical measurements.
• Learning how plants and animals adapt to their environments.
• Exploring different energy resources and understanding the importance of recycling.

Teaching Format

The course will involve small group classes with 12 hours of lessons and 4 hours of supervised study time. The emphasis is on practical work and interactive learning. Students will engage in outdoor activities, such as using quadrats to study plant life, and will use microscopes to observe leaves and cells.

Note: These are example topics. Actual content may vary depending on the expertise of the tutor.

By the end of the course, students may:

• Understand basic ecological concepts and how organisms adapt to their environments.
• Gain practical experience in measuring speeds, using scientific tools like quadrats and microscopes.
• Learn to work both independently and in groups, developing critical thinking and research skills.
• Build confidence in communicating scientific findings through group work and presentations.

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 science podcast: Science Podcast for Kids

Optional Extension:

• Research an organism of your choice and create a poster on how it adapts to its environment. Be prepared to present your findings in class.

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 science, nature, and ecology. It introduces students to hands-on scientific methods, encouraging critical thinking and creativity. The practical approach will help students develop a strong interest in scientific exploration, setting a solid foundation for future academic pursuits.

You are expected to:

• Actively participate in lessons, outdoor activities, and group work.
• Complete homework assignments, such as creating posters and conducting research.
• Engage with peers and tutors, contributing to a fun and respectful learning environment.

The course is designed to encourage curiosity, scientific thinking, and hands-on learning in the field of science and ecology.

At Oxford Summer Courses, the safeguarding and wellbeing of our younger students aged 9-10 is our highest priority. All staff are fully trained in safeguarding policies and procedures, including enhanced DBS checks. We maintain a safe and secure environment through 24/7 on-site security, strict supervision, curfews, and age-appropriate care. Our staff ensure that students feel supported both physically and emotionally throughout their time with us.