Science Explorers
The Science Explorers summer school at ǶƵ, held at Harrow School and St John’s Beaumont, is designed for 9-10-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
Science Explorers is designed for curious 9–10-year-olds who want to understand how the world works—from the tiniest cells to the vastness of space. Through hands-on experiments and activities, students will explore the wonders of biology, chemistry, and physics. They’ll investigate big questions, spark their curiosity, and start thinking like real scientists. We don’t follow a fixed curriculum—our teaching is tailored to the group’s interests, making every course engaging, relevant, and unique. Each day also includes a reflection activity to help students absorb what they’ve learned.
Teaching methodology
Our teaching for 9-10-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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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:
- 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 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:
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 ǶƵ, 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.
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
Get ready for curious minds and messy hands. On our Science Explorers course for ages 9–10, your child will discover how the world works through hands-on experiments, fun challenges, and real-world questions — all designed to nurture a love for scientific discovery.
With 12 one-hour sessions per week and small class sizes capped at 15, they'll receive individual support as they explore exciting topics like the natural world, simple chemistry, basic physics, and the scientific method. Whether building, testing, or observing, each day is an opportunity to learn through doing.
Outside the classroom, the learning continues with daily reflection time, games, group adventures, and activities like bedtime chats, off-site excursions, and themed social events. With a final graduation ceremony and disco to end the course in style, it’s a summer packed with discovery, creativity, and new friendships.
Typical outings
Reviews
We know how important it is for young scientists to feel safe, settled, and inspired — and our Junior summer school is designed with that in mind.
While they explore science this summer as part of our 9–10s programme, your child will stay at one of the prestigious boarding schools where we host our courses, including Harrow School and St John’s Beaumont. With dedicated house parents, shared spaces, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect environment to relax, connect, and thrive outside the classroom.
Whether they’re winding down after experiments or enjoying time with new friends, it’s all part of the experience. Learn more about our junior summer school for ages 9-12.
For Juniors (ages 9-10) 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.