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History Explorers
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Join the History Explorers Summer School
At Oxford Summer Courses, our History Explorers summer school is designed for students aged 9–12 who are curious about the past and the stories that shaped the world we live in today. This History Explorers summer school introduces exciting events, people, and ideas from history, while helping students build confidence and curiosity.
Students learn in small groups through fun, interactive sessions led by experienced tutors who specialise in working with younger learners. Through storytelling, discussions, and activities, students explore how people lived in the past and how history connects to the present. If you’re ready to explore history, you can apply now to be considered for a place.
About History
History is the study of the past — from important events and famous people to everyday life in different time periods. It helps us understand how the world has changed and why things are the way they are today.
Students interested in history often also explore Creative Writing Explorers, where they develop storytelling skills, and Law Explorers, where they learn how rules and societies have developed. At our History Explorers summer school, students discover how these ideas connect.
Learning and Thinking Like a History Explorer
Learning history is about asking questions and exploring stories from the past. On our History Explorers summer school, students are encouraged to think about what happened, why it happened, and how people experienced it.
Students build confidence by discussing ideas, exploring different viewpoints, and sharing their thoughts. This helps support learning in subjects such as Creative Writing Explorers and Law Explorers.
How You’ll Learn
Our History Explorers summer school is built around small-group teaching, helping students feel supported and confident as they learn. Lessons are designed to be fun, engaging, and easy to follow.
Academic time is structured around small group classes, with students taking part in 12 hours of lessons over one week. Teaching focuses on interactive presentations, storytelling, group discussions, and Q&A sessions, ensuring every student is involved.
There is no fixed curriculum. Tutors adapt lessons based on the interests of the group, allowing students to explore topics that spark their curiosity.
Learn from Supportive Tutors
Our History Explorers tutors are experienced in working with younger students and creating a welcoming, encouraging environment. They help students feel confident exploring ideas and sharing their thoughts.
Many of our tutors enjoy teaching history because it allows students to discover fascinating stories and understand how the past shapes the present. To learn more, explore our tutor profiles page.
What You’ll Explore
Topics explored on our History Explorers summer school vary depending on the tutor and the group, but are designed to introduce history in a fun and accessible way. Students may explore different time periods, important events, and interesting people from the past.
As the course develops, students may take part in discussions and activities that help bring history to life, encouraging them to think about different perspectives and experiences.
Skills, Confidence, and Is This the Right Course for You?
Taking part in our History Explorers summer school helps students develop skills such as curiosity, communication, critical thinking, and confidence. It also encourages an interest in learning about the world and how it has changed over time.
This course is ideal for students who enjoy stories, asking questions, and exploring how people lived in the past. Exploring history at an early stage helps students build confidence and discover new interests — you can apply now to take the next step.
Don’t see the course you’re looking for?
Explore our full range of courses by subject, age, and location using our course finder. With over 40 subjects available across top locations, there’s something for everyone.
FAQs about Our Summer Courses
No, Oxford Summer Courses is a private education company. While we host our programmes at prestigious venues such as Oxford and Cambridge colleges, Harrow School, and international locations, we are not affiliated with or endorsed by any university or institution.
Our teaching style is tailored by age group. Students aged 9–12 benefit from interactive, hands-on learning. For ages 13–15, we offer seminars and small group discussions. For students aged 16–24, we use a tutorial-style approach, where participants engage deeply with subjects alongside expert tutors.
Accommodation varies by location and age group. Students may stay in university college residences, prestigious boarding schools, or high-quality residential venues. All options are fully supervised and include meals, comfortable rooms, and access to common areas and facilities.
We recommend applying early to secure your place. Our courses tend to fill up quickly — particularly in popular locations and subjects — and early applicants are more likely to secure their preferred dates and accommodation.
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Summer Courses
Choose from over 40 subjects taught through flexible, age-appropriate programmes. Our tutors adapt their teaching methodologies to different age groups and shape course content around students’ interests, rather than following a fixed curriculum.
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