History Explorers
The History Explorers summer school at ǶƵ, held at Harrow School and St John’s Beaumont, is designed for 11-12-year-old students and is priced from £2,395. The first course begins on 6 July 2025, with courses running throughout July and August. Each course has only 15 spaces available, and they are filling up quickly. Many students have already secured their place—apply now to avoid missing out.
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Learning
Outline
History Explorers is designed for curious 11–12-year-olds who want to understand how past events have shaped the world today. From political revolutions and world wars to cultural shifts and technological breakthroughs, students will explore key moments and movements through interactive, discussion-based learning. They'll examine causes, consequences, and legacies, building skills in analysis and critical thinking. We don’t follow a fixed curriculum—our tutors adapt the course to match the group’s interests, making every experience unique and engaging. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
To be eligible, applicants should:
- Be between 11-12 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:
- Choose a Course: Select your subject, location, dates, and accommodation. You can add additional courses if you wish.
- Provide Student Info: Fill in your name, contact details, and a short personal statement about why you'd be a great fit.
- Enter School Info: Provide the name and address of your most recent school.
- 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.
What is the structure of the course? The course is structured over one week, introducing students to various creative writing forms, including poetry, prose, and non-fiction, while exploring narrative techniques such as perspective, tension, and structure.
Example Topics Covered
- Poetry: What is poetry, its use, and analysis of emotive language.
- Non-fiction: Understanding the structure of non-fiction texts and writing effective speeches.
- Storytelling: Developing characters, understanding plot structure, and creating compelling narratives.
Teaching Format
The course includes 12 hours of lessons and 4 hours of supervised study time. Lessons are designed to be interactive and creative, focusing on developing each student’s writing skills and appreciation of different literary forms. Throughout the course, students will work towards an independent creative piece that will be presented at the end of the week.
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 different literary forms and apply creative writing techniques in their own work.
- Learn how to develop story ideas, characters, and write engaging poetry and non-fiction.
- Improve their drafting and editing skills, learning that first drafts are never final.
- Gain confidence in sharing their writing and providing feedback to peers.
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:
Read:
- Young Writers website for creative writing prompts:
- BBC Bitesize on creative writing tips:
Optional Extension:
- Begin brainstorming ideas for characters and settings to use in your creative piece.
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 creative writing and storytelling. It introduces important writing techniques and encourages creativity. The interactive lessons will help students build confidence in their writing skills, preparing them for future academic and creative pursuits.
You are expected to:
- Actively participate in lessons, group discussions, and writing exercises.
- Complete homework assignments, such as creating story plans or poetry exercises.
- Engage with peers and tutors, contributing to a fun and collaborative learning environment.
The course is designed to encourage creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking in the realm of storytelling.
At ǶƵ, we prioritize the safeguarding and wellbeing of students aged 11-12 by implementing enhanced DBS checks for all staff, safeguarding training, and round-the-clock supervision. With 24/7 security on-site, carefully managed activities, and curfews, we provide a safe and nurturing environment where students can focus on learning and personal growth.
Since spaces are limited, once a course is full, we are unable to accept additional students. We recommend applying early to avoid disappointment.
We recommend applying as soon as possible. Spaces are in high demand, and many courses fill up well in advance. The earlier you apply, the better your chance of securing your preferred course dates.
Each course has only 15 spaces available, and they fill up quickly. With weekly courses running from 6 July to 9 August 2025, we recommend securing your spot now before they sell out.
The first course begins on 6 July 2025, with weekly courses running until 9 August 2025. Spaces are already filling up fast, so apply now to avoid missing out.
The ǶƵ experience
Step into the past and uncover the people, events, and ideas that shaped our world. On our History Explorers course for ages 11–12, your child will dive into fascinating stories and big historical questions — from ancient civilisations to modern movements — while developing skills in analysis, debate, and critical thinking.
With 12 one-hour lessons per week and class sizes capped at 15, they’ll get plenty of personal support as they explore topics like revolutions, empires, and famous historical figures.
Whether they’re investigating artefacts or imagining life in different time periods, every day brings something new to discover. Beyond the classroom, their journey continues with group games, social activities, reflection sessions, off-site excursions, and a final celebration with a graduation ceremony and disco. It’s a summer of learning, laughter, and unforgettable historical adventures.
Typical outings
Reviews
We know how important it is for young historians to feel supported, inspired, and at ease — and our Junior summer school offers the perfect space to thrive.
While they explore the past through our 11–12s History Explorers course, your child will stay at one of the outstanding UK boarding schools where we host our programmes, including Harrow School and St John’s Beaumont.
With kind and caring house parents, shared rooms, and a fun, inclusive community, they’ll feel at home — ready to reflect, grow, and make new friends. From exciting lessons to evening chats, everything is designed to make their stay just as memorable as the learning itself.
For Juniors (ages 11-12) in the Classic Tier, students will stay in a Standard shared room at the accommodation.
Meals are provided on a full-board basis, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All meals are served at the accommodation.
Dates & Prices
- Teaching: Academic tuition.
- Meals: Full board includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Sunday to Thursday. Friday includes breakfast only, and Saturday no meals are provided.
- Accommodation: Housing in Resa Vallehermoso.
- Extracurricular Activities & Excursions: Included activities and excursions are available every afternoon, evening, and throughout the weekend.
- Transportation: Transportation for included activities.
- Use of Athletic and Recreation Facilities: Access to athletic and recreation facilities during the program.
- Safety & Supervision: Safety and supervision are provided for students throughout the course.
- 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.
- Merch: Backpack, notepad, and water bottle.
- Certificate: Paper certificate awarded at the graduation ceremony.
- 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.
- Merch: Backpack, notepad, and water bottle.
- 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.
- Merch: Notepad, pen.
- 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).
- Merch: Bottle, notepad, pen, backpack (premium merch).
- 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 ensuite room.
- Certificate: Paper.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Merch: Bottle, notepad, pen (enhanced merch).
- 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.
- Certificate: Paper.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Merch: Notepad, pen.
- 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.