Maths Explorers
The Maths 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
Maths Explorers is designed for 11–12-year-olds who enjoy problem-solving and want to see how maths applies to real life. From algebra and geometry to statistics and patterns, students will build their understanding of both pure and applied maths through puzzles, games, and hands-on challenges. They'll develop logical thinking, confidence with numbers, and creative approaches to tricky problems. We don’t follow a fixed curriculum—our tutors adapt the course to suit the group’s interests, keeping it engaging, relevant, and fun. 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.
The course is structured over one week, focusing on investigations and exploring mathematical concepts through interactive, inquiry-based learning.
Example Topics Covered
- Working systematically to find all possibilities.
- Exploring patterns and relationships in numbers.
- Developing algebraic formulas from investigations.
- Conjectures and generalisations in mathematics.
Teaching Format
Students will participate in 12 hours of lessons and 4 hours of supervised study time. Lessons will involve a combination of group activities, paired work, and individual tasks. Mathematical resources will be used to help students visualise problems, and there will be a strong focus on reasoning and explaining thoughts. Students will be encouraged to make conjectures and explore different lines of inquiry.
Note: These are example topics. Actual content may vary depending on the expertise of the tutor.
By the end of the course, students may:
- Develop skills in working systematically to solve mathematical problems.
- Recognise patterns in numbers and learn how to create algebraic formulas.
- Build resilience and perseverance by tackling challenging investigations.
- Gain confidence in explaining their mathematical thinking and conjectures.
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:
Explore:
- BBC Bitesize: Introduction to problem-solving:
- NRICH Maths: Patterns and sequences:
Optional Extension:
- Investigate how numbers behave in different patterns or create your own number problems to solve.
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 mathematics, problem-solving, and inquiry-based learning. It introduces key mathematical concepts and encourages students to explore patterns and relationships in numbers. The focus on reasoning and explaining will help students build strong problem-solving skills, preparing them for future academic success.
You are expected to:
- Actively participate in lessons, group activities, and problem-solving exercises.
- Complete homework assignments, such as creating conjectures and exploring number patterns.
- Engage with peers and tutors, contributing to a fun and collaborative learning environment.
The course is designed to encourage critical thinking, resilience, and hands-on learning in mathematics.
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
Curious minds, meet mathematical challenge. On our Maths Explorers course for ages 11–12, your child will take a deep dive into numbers, puzzles, and patterns — unlocking problem-solving skills and building confidence with every equation.
With 12 one-hour lessons per week in small classes of no more than 15 students, they’ll enjoy personalised guidance as they explore topics like logic, algebra, geometry, and number theory. It’s all about learning through doing — applying knowledge to real-world problems in a fun and interactive way.
Beyond lessons, their experience is enriched with games, team challenges, excursions, and themed evening activities — including a final graduation celebration and disco. Expect smiles, new friendships, and plenty of lightbulb moments along the way.
Typical outings
Reviews
We know how important it is for future mathmeticians to feel safe, settled, and supported — and our Junior summer school is designed with that in mind. While they explore medicine this summer as part of our 11–12s programme, your child will stay at one of our exceptional UK boarding schools, such as Harrow School or St John’s Beaumont.
With dedicated house parents, shared spaces, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s the ideal setting to relax, build friendships, and recharge outside the classroom.
Whether they’re winding down after practical sessions or enjoying time with new friends, it’s all part of the experience.
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.