Oxford Summer Courses (9-12 years old)

Age: 9-12 years.

Dates, 2026:
5–11 July, 12–18 July, 19–25 July, 26 July–1 August, 2–8 August.

Oxford Summer Courses were founded in 2010 by two Oxford University graduates who understood the importance of education in developing critical thinking. The aim of the course is to help young people discover and develop their own ideas in inspiring settings, free from the pressures of exams and compulsory curricula.

The aim of the courses is to help children better understand where they want to go in the future and gain a greater sense of independence to begin that journey. Each course is divided into age groups to provide age-appropriate teaching, led by experienced teachers. Each course is carefully designed to inspire, engage and ignite a passion for learning.

Studying at Oxford Summer Courses is an exciting academic journey, specially designed for junior students aged 9-12. Junior courses develop critical thinking, independence and active participation in society.

The course takes place at the famous British school Harrow School. This is one of the most famous and oldest British boarding schools, located in the London borough of Harrow, 30 minutes from Heathrow Airport. Famous graduates include: 8 Prime Ministers of Great Britain, including Winston Churchill, several dozen politicians and members of parliament, writers, screenwriters, members of royal families, 19 holders of the highest military award Victoria Cross and many other famous people of their time.

Summer courses offer 8 exciting programs:

• Creative Writing
• Entrepreneurship
• History
• Law
• Mathematics
• Medicine
• Natural Sciences
• Programming and Robotics

Key factors

• The training is based on the teaching style of Oxford University, which is famous for its an unrivalled reputation for rapid student development.
• Small classes of 15 students, with individual attention.
• The programme includes 12 one-hour lessons per week.
• Learning in a truly international environment, with students from over 100 countries attending the summer courses.
• Students will experience the best of the UK, taking part in excursions, visiting iconic landmarks and immersing themselves in British culture.
• Teaching takes place in different age groups: 9-10 years and 11-12 years.
• Students develop their knowledge of their chosen subjects through multimedia presentations, group work, games, problem solving and project work, with a focus on real-life application.

Facilities

The school is set in 130 hectares of stunning surroundings and boasts excellent sporting facilities including a fully equipped modern sports hall with a range of exercise machines, a 25m swimming pool, 6 winter sports pitches, 4 badminton courts, sports pitches, cricket pitches, an athletics track, 12 all-season tennis courts, a climbing wall, a nine-hole golf course and a fishing lake.

The Art and Design department comprises six large studio spaces with specialist areas for painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, stone carving, photography, laser cutting, foundry, welding, engraving, woodworking and 3D printing. Apple Mac computers are available for working on digital projects.

Harrow School of Music has dedicated teaching and practice rooms, and a concert hall for chamber music. The school has two main organs (a three-manual Walker organ in the chapel and a four-manual Harrison organ in the performance room), several grand pianos (including a Steinway D, two Steinway As and a Fazioli) and a harpsichord. There are two recording studios, and for academic teaching, 25 computers and keyboards for music production.

The Curriculum

Interactive learning is at the heart of all the programmes. It is designed to engage pupils in practical activities and group projects. Teachers use games, creative exercises and practical demonstrations to help pupils understand new concepts and actively engage in their learning. This approach promotes creativity, problem solving, and teamwork, as well as building self-confidence in a supportive environment. Working in groups helps you learn to work effectively.o communicate, collaborate with others, and think critically.

For example, students can work together to build a model, conduct a science experiment, or create art related to their studies. This makes learning fun and engaging while reinforcing core academic skills like research, analysis, and presentation. By combining academic content with creative problem-solving, children gain a deeper understanding of their subject and the confidence to apply what they learn to new settings.

Creative Writing

Great stories don’t just happen. You need to know how to create a character, plot a plot, grab a reader’s attention, and hold their attention page after page. This course teaches children how to create characters. Children will create interactive adventures using comics, explore the role of photography and podcasts in contemporary storytelling and be inspired by their favourite British authors.

The course is a one-week course and introduces a range of creative writing forms including poetry, prose and non-fiction. Children will explore storytelling techniques such as perspective, tension and structure.

Learning Format: The course includes 12 hours of classroom lessons and 4 hours of supervised study. Lessons are designed to be fun and interactive. Students will work on an independent piece of creative writing throughout the course. At the end of the course, they will be able to give a reading of their work.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Develop a deeper understanding of different writing forms and learn to apply creative techniques to their work.
• Learn to develop plot ideas, create compelling characters, and write engaging narratives, poetry, or non-fiction.
• Improve their writing and editing skills by learning that the first draft is never final.
• Gain confidence in talking about their work and giving feedback to peers.

Sample topics for ages 9–11:

• Descriptive and narrative writing (with a focus on genres such as Gothic and adventure).
• Narrative types and narrators.
• The ingredients for a great story: hooks, vocabulary development and sentence construction.
• Understanding the principle of 'showing, not telling' and creating tension.

Sample topics for 11-12 years:

• Poetry. What poetry is, how to use it and analysing emotional language.
• Non-fiction. Understanding the structure of non-fiction texts and writing effective speeches.
• Narrative. Developing characters, understanding plot structure and creating compelling narratives.

Entrepreneurship

The course develops key entrepreneurial skills. Children will learn the basics of entrepreneurship, how a supply chain works, how to trade effectively and what allows a brand to stand out in a crowded market. Students will create and present their own products and services and discover the secrets to future growth and success. They will learn how a good business works and experience the boardroom for the first time.

The course is designed to last one week and gives students a fun and interactive introduction to entrepreneurship, problem solving and financial literacy.

Learning Format: The course includes 12 hours of classroom instruction and 4 hours of supervised tutoring. The lessons are interactive and designed to engage children in the learning process, including group discussions and practical problem solving. Lessons will be structured to encourage collaboration and creative thinking.

Sample topics for 9-10 years:

• What is an entrepreneur?
• How to solve problems.
• How to give an effective presentation.
• Why are budgets important?
• Introduce different business roles.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand what entrepreneurship is and how it can be applied to real-world problems.
• Learn the basics of financial literacy and the importance of budgeting.
• Develop presentation skills by preparing and delivering a business presentation.
• Gain confidence in working in a team to solve problems creatively.

Sample topics for 11-12 years:

• What makes products unique?
• Conducting primary and secondary research.
• Understanding branding and effective marketing strategies.
• How product pricing is determined.
• Distribution channels and how products reach the market.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the key principles of businessentrepreneurship, including how products are made unique and marketed effectively.
• Develop research skills by conducting primary and secondary research into product markets.
• Learn to work in a team to create a unique product and present it to the class.
• Gain confidence in public speaking and presenting ideas.

History

Children will learn how key figures shaped the world, delve into the history of ancient civilizations, explore how societies evolve over time, and examine the impact of revolutionary events. They will investigate historical mysteries, analyze primary sources, and discover the stories that shaped the world as we know it.

This one-week course introduces students to different periods of history. Children will learn about a range of topics - from political, cultural and social shifts in past societies to key events, periods and legacies that have helped shape the way our world looks and functions today. From world wars to natural disasters, revolutions and great feats of humanity and technology.

Law (11-12 years only)

Students will explore the law and the justice system and debate whether they agree or disagree with its practices. Explore the complex ways in which laws are made using a combination of interactive study groups and independent research. As they progress through the course, children will discover what it's like to be a lawyer and what really happens in a courtroom. Can you tell the right from the wrong? And can you argue your case?

This one-week course enables students to understand key legal concepts and principles through interactive, project-based learning.

Sample Topics:

• Why Rules Are Important.
• Basic Legal Concepts.
• Understanding Right and Wrong and the Principle of Fairness.
• How a Courtroom Works.
• Participating in a Legal Mock Trial.

Learning Format: The course includes 12 hours of lessons and 4 hours of supervised tutoring. Each day consists of three lessons with breaks, beginning with an introduction to key concepts and vocabulary. Sessions two and three involve learning where children work independently or in groups to explore legal topics in greater depth.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand key legal concepts and terminology.
• Develop critical thinking and communication skills to apply legal concepts to real-world situations.
• Learn to work collaboratively and take responsibility for their own learning.
• Gain confidence in discussing legal principles and participating in group projects such as the Legal Play.

Mathematics

Children will learn to analyse patterns, solve numerical problems and explore how mathematical problems manifest themselves in everyday life. Delve into the fundamentals of pure and applied mathematics, developing knowledge in areas ranging from geometric mathematics to algebra and statistics. Students will find puzzles that will leave them speechless (but so happy when you find out the answer), brain teasers, and codes that will help them understand this multidimensional subject!

The course is designed for one week and introduces students to mathematics through hands-on learning and the study of patterns, shapes, and problem-solving strategies.

Learning Format: The course includes 12 hours of lessons and 4 hours of supervised classes. Lessons include a combination of group lessons, paired work, and individual assignments. Lessons are designed to be accessible to all levels. Students will be encouraged to make predictions and explore different avenues of inquiry.

Sample topics for ages 9-10:

• Patterns, transformations and mathematics in everyday life.
• Numbers, properties and patterns.
• Geometry and symmetry.
• Applications of mathematics in the real world.
• Approach to problem solving.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Develop an understanding of how to approach and solve mathematical problems creatively.
• Recognize patterns in numbers and shapes and use them to solve problems.
• Gain confidence in applying mathematical knowledge to real-world situations.
• Learn to work collaboratively and persist in solving complex tasks.

Sample topics for 11-12 years old:

• Systematic work to find all the possibilities.
• Studying patterns and relationships in numbers.
• Developing algebraic formulas based on research.
• Guesses and generalizations in mathematics.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Develop skills for systematically working on solving mathematical problems.
• Recognize patterns in numbers and learn to create algebraic formulas.
• Develop resilience and persistence by solving complex problems.
• Gain confidence in explaining your mathematical thoughts and guesses.

Medicine (for children 11-12 years old only)

Children will take a magical journey through the mysterious human body and find out if they have the ability to become a doctor. The course covers a range of fascinating and educational topics: from how the body heals to what it is like to work and live as a doctor. Through immersive, interactive study groups and independent research, students will learn how to treat and communicate with patients, as well as the advances in science that are pushing the boundaries of modern medicine.

This one-week course focuses on practical life-saving skills such as CPR, first aid, and emergency procedures.

Sample Topics:

• Recognizing and responding effectively to an emergency.
• CPR and choking rescue.
• Learning how to treat minor injuries including burns, bleeding, fractures, and dehydration.
• Understanding public health messages and how to communicate them.

Learning Format: The course includes 12 hours of class time and 4 hours of supervised instruction. Lessons are interactive and hands-on, including role-play, group discussions and practical demonstrations. Students will work in teams to solve a variety of medical scenarios, enhancing learning through the application of knowledge to real-world situations.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Learn to recognise and respond to medical emergencies.
• Understand how to provide basic first aid, including CPR and minor trauma care.
• Develop confidence in working independently and as part of a team.
• Develop the skills to effectively communicate public health information.

Science Course

Everything we are and everything around us is made up of cells, genes, atoms and molecules. In this course, kids will learn the universal language of science and apply it to everything from the origins of life to the study of space. It's an exciting (and hands-on) journey into the coolest corners of biology, chemistry, and physics.

The course is a one-week course that introduces students to key scientific concepts through interactive lessons and hands-on experiments.

Learning Format: The course includes 12 hours of lessons and 4 hours of supervised instruction. There's a strong focus on hands-on work and interactive learning. Children will use microscopes to study cells, participate in quadrant experiments to study plant life, and engage in group discussions and scientific investigations.

Sample topics for 9-10 years:

• Explore the effects of light on plant distribution using a quadrant.
• Compare the speeds of different animals using hands-on measurements.
• Explore how plants and animals adapt to their environment.
• Explore different energy sources and understand the importance of recycling.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand key ecological concepts and how organisms adapt to their environment.
• Gain hands-on experience measuring speed using scientific tools such as quadrants and microscopes.
• Learn to work independently and in groups, developing critical thinking and research skills.
• Confidently communicate scientific findings in group work and presentations.

Sample topics for 11-12 years old:

• Cells: the basic unit of life.
• Genetics and DNA.
• The cardiovascular system and respiration.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Gain a basic understanding of cell biology, genetics and the cardiovascular system.
• Develop skills in using microscopes and conducting biological experiments.
• Learn to work in a team and communicate scientific results effectively.
• Gain confidence in researching scientific questions and developing critical thinking thinking.

Technology: Programming and Robotics

The course covers the basics of programming and electronics, design or modeling, and more. Children discuss engineering issues and consider many ways to solve problems. Featuresь course - not dry theory, but immersion in the process and learning everything in practice.

The course is designed for one week and is devoted to the basics of programming and electronics using microdevices to teach programming and robotics.

Training format: the course includes 12 hours of lessons and 4 hours of classes under the supervision of a mentor. Lessons are held interactively, combining short introductory lessons with practical exercises in programming and electronics. The course focuses on teamwork, problem solving and critical thinking. Children will actively participate in group discussions, practical exercises and joint projects.

Students will be engaged in programming microcircuits and creating robots, working both independently and in groups to develop their skills. The focus is on hands-on learning with regular checks to support understanding.

Sample topics for 9-10 years:

• What is programming? Understanding algorithms and debugging.
• Create simple games using platforms like Hour of Code.
• Learn about loops, sequences, choices, and repetition in programming.
• Understand how computers execute instructions and how we can use code to solve problems.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of programming, including how to write algorithms and debug programs.
• Learn how to create simple games and solve problems using code.
• Gain confidence in working independently and in groups to solve coding challenges.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on programming activities.

Sample Topics for 11-12 years:

• Introduction to micro:bits: writing programs with emoji.
• Learn about loops, variables, and functions through fun projects.
• Create a Pac-Man game: use the accelerometer and advanced game features.
• Create circuits and control robots.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the basics of coding using micro:bits and electronic kits.
• Develop skills in creating circuits and building functional robots.
• Gain experience writing programs such as games and animations using variables, loops, and functions.
• Gain confidence in working independently and collaboratively on technology projects.

Accommodation and ition

Accommodation is provided in the on-site residence. Students live in shared rooms, which helps to foster friendships. Boys and girls live separately. Regular room checks and a heightened focus on safety ensure that students are comfortable and supported during their stay.

Meals are served three times a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner in the school canteen. Packed lunches are provided during excursions.

Extracurricular Activities

In addition to classroom activities, courses include creative projects, teamwork and cultural excursions. This combination of academic focus and activities helps children develop self-confidence and a love of learning.

In the evening, children take part in activities organised by the school team. These include: sports, games, art.

Excursions

The program includes 2 excursions per week. Examples:

• Warwick Castle.
  An opportunity to learn about the rich history of this magnificent medieval fortress. It was built in the 11th century and played an important role in the history of England. Children will explore the castle's impressive collection of buildings and exhibitions, as well as witness jousting tournaments, falconry and other live performances.
• Tower of London.
  A historic castle and fortress that has served as a royal palace, prison and even a zoo over the centuries. Children will explore an impressive collection of buildings and exhibitions, including the iconic White Tower, the Crown Jewels and a medieval palace. They will also learn about the infamous prisoners who have been held in the tower over the centuries, including Anne Boleyn and Guy Fawkes.
• Harry Potter Studio Tour.
  Go behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films. Interactive exhibits and displays showcase the craftsmanship that went into creating the wizarding world of Hogwarts. Children will explore the Great Hall, see the real sets used in the films, and even step inside the Hogwarts Express.
• Oxford.
  A world-famous university city with stunning architecture, idyllic cobbled streets, and a rich history. It is home to some of the world’s mostsome of the world's most famous university buildings, such as the Bodleian Library and Christ Church College, which served as the inspiration for the Hogwarts dining hall in the Harry Potter films. Visiting Oxford is like stepping back in time and discovering the quintessential beauty of England.

Sample Daily Schedule

08:00 - Breakfast, check-in, room check
09:00 - Lessons (with breaks)
13:00 - Lunch
14:00 - Homework (supervised)
15:00 - Activities
17:00 - Dinner
19:00 - Evening entertainment
20:00 – Socializing and lights out

Excursions are held on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Cost, 2026

£2,595 per week with accommodation.
£1,995 per week without accommodation.

Course booking is free.

Included in the price

• Training
• Accommodation and meals
• All sports, entertainment activities and excursions
• Medical insurance
• Transfers from and to the airport

Additional payment

• Flight
• Visa
• Supervision during child's stay abroad (optional)

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT FROM OTHER COMPANIES

• We have been working since 1996
• We choose camps with a minimum number of Russian speakers
• We only place children in good conditions
• We conducted a personal inspection of almost all the schools we offer
• We do not work with the mass segment, only camps for discerning clients
• 24/7 phone always works 
• Why our clients appreciate us

How to choose summer courses