Students aged 12 - 16
Headington Oxford Summer School
Future Scientists (STEM)
Future Scientists is designed for students aged 13–16 who want to challenge their understanding of the natural world and take their curiosity further. Across biology, chemistry and physics, you’ll carry out experiments, test ideas, and develop the skills that make science meaningful: observation, analysis, and clear communication. The programme goes beyond classroom learning. You’ll investigate real-world questions, work with your peers on group projects, and practise presenting your results as scientists do. By combining theory with hands-on enquiry, Future Scientists equips you with both subject knowledge and the ability to think critically about how science shapes our lives.
Igniting a Passion for Discovery
Future Scientists at Headington is a two-week programme for students who want to explore science in greater depth and understand how it applies to the world around them. You’ll study biology, chemistry and physics through practical experiments, guided research and clear explanation, building confidence in how to design, test and present investigations.
The course strengthens your ability to work like a scientist. You’ll learn how to plan experiments with care, record data accurately, and evaluate results critically. Alongside this, you’ll examine current developments in science and consider the ethical and social questions that arise from them, encouraging you to think about the wider impact of discovery and innovation.
Collaboration is central. You’ll take part in group challenges that require shared problem-solving and discussion, reflecting how scientific progress relies on teamwork as much as individual insight. Working closely with tutors who bring both subject expertise and teaching experience, you’ll be supported to stretch your understanding and approach science with curiosity and precision.
By the end of the programme, you’ll have gained a stronger grasp of scientific principles and practical skills, along with the confidence to explore them further at school, university, and beyond.
Future Scientists
At a Glance
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Price
£4,595
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Ages
12-16
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English Level
B1+
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Duration
2 weeks
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Maximum Class Size
15
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Academic Content
15 Hours of Lessons per Week
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Starting Dates
6th July & 20th July 2026
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Language Support
Included
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Location
Headington School, Oxford
Future Scientist
What's Included?
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15 Hours of Academic Content Per Week
15 hours of subject-specific academic content per week with an experienced subject tutor, delivered through interactive and hands-on lessons
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Time To Shine Projects
Opportunities to apply and share this knowledge through dynamic ‘Time To Shine’ group projects, culminating in an end-of-the-week ceremony in which you can present your innovative ideas to your peers.
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Excursions
Embark on excursions designed to ignite adventure and curiosity. Showcasing the best of UK culture that will broaden their horizons and create lasting memories including; Thorpe Park, London and Oxford.
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Social Programme
Students will immerse themselves in exciting multi-activities, including football, basketball, tennis, arts and crafts, and specialist activities like off-site bowling, talent shows, capture the flag and secret cinema, exploring their passions and building lasting friendships.
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Develop English Language Skills
Numerous opportunities throughout your academic programme to develop your English language skills, whether that’s building vocabulary to talk about your subject, or developing your speaking skills to present your Time To Shine project
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End of Course Report and Certificate
At the end of every Summer Boarding Courses programme, each student receives a personalised end-of-course report alongside a certificate of achievement. These documents mark more than attendance — they reflect the progress you’ve made, the skills you’ve developed, and the contributions you’ve brought to your classes and projects. The report provides thoughtful feedback from your tutors, highlighting both your strengths and areas to keep building on, while the certificate stands as a formal recognition of your commitment and success. Together, they serve as lasting evidence of your growth and as valuable additions to future academic applications.
Course Objectives and Modules
Welcome to Future Scientists, an inspiring and hands-on science programme designed for inquisitive students aged 13-16. At Headington School, we are passionate about nurturing the next generation of scientists by making science both accessible and exciting. This course allows you to explore a variety of scientific disciplines, from biology and chemistry to physics and environmental science. Whether you’re a budding biologist or a future physicist, Future Scientists will ignite your curiosity and help you discover the wonders of the scientific world.
Module 1: Life and Living Systems
Explore the complexity of biology, from the structure of cells to the interactions within ecosystems. You’ll investigate processes such as respiration, growth and adaptation, while also looking at how human activity affects the natural world. Practical lab work will give you experience in observation, data collection and analysis.
Module 2: Matter, Reactions and Energy
Delve into the principles of chemistry and physics by examining what matter is made of and how it behaves. You’ll test chemical reactions, study the properties of materials, and explore how energy is transferred and transformed. Each activity links abstract concepts to experiments you can see, measure and explain.
Module 3: Earth, Space and Scientific Frontiers
Look beyond the laboratory to the systems that shape our planet and universe. From geological forces to the movements of planets and stars, you’ll explore how science helps us understand both Earth and space. The module also introduces some of the latest discoveries in science, giving you a glimpse of where research is heading.
Download The Academic Overview
Get a detailed insight into our Future Scientists (STEM)Â programme, designed to inspire and challenge students in a dynamic learning environment.
Download now to explore how Future Scientists (STEM)Â equips students with the knowledge and experience to excel.
Our Approach to Your Learning
At Headington School, our approach to learning in the Future Scientists programme is designed to inspire and empower young learners. We believe that science is best learned through exploration and experimentation, so our lessons are packed with interactive activities that encourage you to ask questions, test your ideas, and think critically. Our supportive teachers are dedicated to making science fun and engaging, ensuring that you build confidence in your scientific abilities while fostering a lifelong love of learning. Whether you’re working in the lab or exploring the natural world, we aim to make every moment of your scientific journey both exciting and educational.
In-Person Programme Benefits
Understanding Core Scientific Principles
Develop a strong grasp of the key concepts in biology, chemistry and physics, while also seeing how these subjects connect to explain the natural world. You’ll build knowledge that forms the foundation for more advanced study and gives you confidence in tackling new scientific ideas.
Developing Practical Skills
Gain hands-on experience in designing and carrying out experiments, collecting data carefully and interpreting results with accuracy. These practical skills will help you approach problems methodically and understand how scientific knowledge is created in real settings.
Thinking Critically About Science
Strengthen your ability to analyse evidence, weigh up competing arguments and reflect on the wider consequences of scientific discoveries. You’ll learn to approach information with a questioning mindset, considering both the possibilities and the responsibilities that come with progress.
Communicating Scientific Ideas
Practise explaining complex ideas in clear and engaging ways, whether through discussion, written work or visual presentation. By learning how to share your thinking effectively, you’ll gain confidence in contributing to scientific conversations and working collaboratively with others.
Master Public Speaking & Presenting Time to Shine
Time to Shine is your platform each week to step forward and show what you can do. It’s where ideas turn into performances, experiments or displays, and where you learn to speak with clarity and confidence. Every showcase is a chance to practise presenting like a scientist, entrepreneur, or artist of the future, while celebrating how far you’ve come in just a few days.
Through Time to Shine, you’ll practise speaking clearly and confidently in front of an audience. Presenting your project helps you structure ideas, explain them in your own words and build the confidence to share them with others. These are the first steps in mastering public speaking, a skill that will support you far beyond the classroom.
Take on the world’s toughest problems. Health, climate, peace, technology. Work with your team to imagine bold answers, then present them in a showcase of campaigns, inventions and performances.
The Breakthrough Model
Reveal a scientific model that could help solve one of the planet’s greatest challenges. Show the experiment, explain the science behind it, and demonstrate how innovation can make the impossible possible.
Enter the Expo. Stands are built, pitches are prepared, and the stage is set. Become the innovator who presents their work to an international crowd.
The Live Demo
Step into the Expo lab. Run a live science demonstration that captures attention and shows how your experiment works. Present it with energy, and invite the audience to see the breakthrough in action.
It was an unforgettable experience
I wanted to say thank you for these wonderful days that my daughter Martina had. It was an unforgettable experience. Every night she called me to tell me about all her activities and her classes. As a parent, I am very satisfied because the learning she received will be very useful in her future life at the university. Thanks to all your team members for everything
Esperanza, Ecuador - Parent
Future Scientists
Dates & Prices
Future Scientists FAQs
Do I need a strong background in science to join the programme?
No, the course is designed for students with a range of experience. An interest in science and curiosity to learn are the most important requirements.
What resources or equipment will I need?
All essential materials, including lab equipment and safety gear, are provided. You may wish to bring a notebook and stationery for your own notes.
Will there be practical laboratory work?
Yes, hands-on experimentation is a central part of the programme. You’ll spend time in supervised lab sessions alongside other activities such as demonstrations and group projects.
How will my progress be supported during the course?
Tutors provide guidance throughout, with feedback during experiments, discussions and presentations. Small class sizes also mean there’s plenty of individual support.
Book a Free Consultation with Our Admissions Team
We’re here to help you choose the ideal summer experience. Schedule a no-obligation call with a member of our friendly team to explore your options, ask questions, and receive expert guidance tailored to your child’s interests and goals.