History Scholars
.avif){kind=avatar}
Join the History Scholars Summer School
At Oxford Summer Courses, our History Scholars summer school is designed for students aged 12–14 who are curious about the past and how it shapes the present. This History Scholars summer school introduces key ideas such as historical events, people, and societies, while helping students develop critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills.
Students learn in small groups through interactive sessions led by experienced tutors who specialise in working with younger learners. Through discussion, storytelling, and exploration of historical sources, students are encouraged to ask questions and think about different perspectives. By engaging with real-world events and historical case studies, students begin to understand how history influences the world today. If you’re ready to explore history, you can apply now to be considered for a place.
About History
History is the study of past events, people, and societies, helping us understand how the world has changed over time. It involves exploring evidence, interpreting sources, and building explanations about what happened and why.
Students interested in history often also explore Law Scholars, where they see how legal systems have developed, and Creative Writing Scholars, where they build storytelling and communication skills. At our History Scholars summer school, students are introduced to how these subjects connect.
Learning and Thinking Like a Historian
Preparation for history is about asking questions, analysing evidence, and understanding different viewpoints. Rather than memorising dates, students on our History Scholars summer school are encouraged to explore why events happened and how they are interpreted.
Students learn to examine sources, compare perspectives, and build their own explanations. This approach helps develop critical thinking and communication skills, while building a strong foundation for subjects such as Law Scholars and Creative Writing Scholars.
How You’ll Learn
Our History Scholars summer school is built around small-group teaching, allowing students to actively participate and explore ideas through discussion, storytelling, and collaborative activities. Tutors guide students through historical topics while encouraging them to share ideas and consider different viewpoints.
Academic time is structured around small group classes, with students receiving 12 hours of lessons over one week. Lessons are designed to be engaging and interactive, helping students develop curiosity and confidence. Teaching is based around interactive presentations, group discussions, source analysis activities, and Q&A sessions, ensuring that every student is involved.
There is no fixed curriculum. Tutors adapt sessions based on their expertise and the interests of the group, meaning that each course is tailored to the students taking part.
Learn from Supportive Tutors
Our History Scholars tutors are experienced educators who specialise in teaching younger students. They create a supportive and engaging environment where students feel confident exploring ideas, asking questions, and sharing their thoughts.
Many of our tutors enjoy teaching history because it allows them to bring the past to life and encourage students to think critically about the world. This creates an inspiring learning environment where students benefit from both academic insight and creative exploration. To learn more, explore our tutor profiles page.
What You’ll Explore
Topics explored on our History Scholars summer school vary depending on the tutor and the interests of the group, but are designed to introduce key historical themes in an accessible way. Students may explore different time periods, important events, and influential people.
As the course develops, students may analyse sources, take part in discussions, and explore how historical events are interpreted in different ways. These activities help students understand how history is studied and why it remains relevant today.
Skills, Confidence, and Is This the Right Course for You?
Taking part in our History Scholars summer school helps students develop valuable skills such as critical thinking, analysis, communication, and the ability to understand different perspectives. It also builds confidence in expressing ideas and forming arguments.
This course is particularly suited to students who enjoy stories, discussion, and exploring how the past connects to the present. Exploring history through a History Scholars summer school allows students to develop key skills 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.
Explore Our
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.
View all courses
