Biology
Join the Biology summer programme at Atlas Summer Courses in 2027. Hosted at colleges of the University of Oxford, whose facilities we hire for the summer, the programme is designed for ambitious 13–15-year-olds who learn in classes of up to 10 students. Apply now to secure your place.
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Learning
Outline
At Atlas Summer Courses, Biology is designed for 13–15-year-olds who are curious about living organisms and how they function, grow, and evolve. Students will explore topics such as cell biology, anatomy, ecology, plant science, and zoology—depending on their tutor’s specialism. They’ll examine how organisms interact with each other and their environments, building a strong foundation in biological science through discussion, investigation, and practical examples. We don’t follow a fixed curriculum—our tutors tailor the course to the group’s interests, making learning personal, relevant, and engaging. The course also includes a masterclass on teamwork and collaboration, along with a reflection session to help students track their goals and progress.
Teaching methodology
Learning in small groups (typically around 8–10 students) means you get quality time with your teacher and can ask as many questions as you like. Through interactive learning, our teachers will guide you through new concepts and set practice tasks to help build your knowledge and skills. You’ll also have opportunities for group work, independent research, and homework assignments that are discussed in class. Small class sizes mean everyone has the chance to contribute, and students learn from debating with one another as well as from their tutor.
The city of Oxford, with nearly 1,000 years of academic history, has been associated with groundbreaking biological research, from early studies in genetics to advances in medicine and conservation. As part of the 13–15 Biology programme, your child will live in a city shaped by discovery and scientific curiosity. The city of Oxford provides an inspiring backdrop for learning, with its historic colleges, renowned museums, and the Oxford Botanic Garden adding to its long tradition of exploration and discovery.
Accommodation is available in single or twin rooms, depending on the tier chosen. Plus students can choose single or twin, Superior guarantees an ensuite, and Premier provides concierge-selected rooms. All options include shared spaces and on-course staff for support.
Meals are provided on a full-board basis, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Students eat in the college dining hall or at local restaurants. All dietary requirements are catered for.
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The Atlas Summer Courses Experience
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Biology reveals the science of life — how organisms grow, adapt, and survive in a constantly changing world. In this course, students explore everything from ecosystems and evolution to human anatomy and disease. Through hands-on investigations, lively discussions, and real scientific questions, learners begin to understand the complexity of living systems and the role biology plays in solving global challenges. It’s a course that sparks curiosity and builds a deeper connection to the natural world.
With seminar-style classes capped at 10 students, tutors provide personalised guidance while encouraging independent thought and open debate. Afternoons feature practical challenges, microscope work or field observations, and collaborative research tasks that connect theory to real-life biology across Oxford’s scientific landmarks. Combined with structured social activities and supportive supervision, students leave more confident in their scientific thinking — equipped with stronger problem-solving skills and a growing passion for exploring life at every scale.
Discover the British Museum, one of the world's leading museums of history, art and culture. Explore extraordinary collections spanning more than two million years of human history, including the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies and ancient Greek sculptures, while uncovering the stories of civilisations from around the world.
Step inside Warwick Castle, one of England's best-preserved medieval fortresses, and discover more than 1,000 years of history. Explore its magnificent Great Hall and towers, experience spectacular live jousting and falconry displays, and uncover the stories of medieval life in one of the UK's most iconic castles.
Explore the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with nearly 1,000 years of royal history. Discover the magnificent Crown Jewels, step inside the iconic White Tower, and uncover the stories of kings, queens and famous prisoners, including Anne Boleyn and Guy Fawkes, while exploring one of London's most historic landmarks.
Explore the historic heart of London with a visit to Westminster, home to some of the UK's most iconic landmarks. Discover the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace while learning about Britain's royal heritage, political history and centuries of architectural excellence.
Step back in time with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath, famous for its remarkably preserved Roman Baths and elegant Georgian architecture. Explore iconic landmarks including the Royal Crescent and the Jane Austen Centre while discovering the history, culture and literary heritage that make Bath one of England's most celebrated cities.
Discover the grandeur of Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Explore its magnificent State Rooms, stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens, and enjoy attractions including the Marlborough Maze, Butterfly House, miniature railway and historic grounds.
Explore the Ashmolean Museum, the the Ashmolean Museum — the University of Oxford's museum of art and archaeology, open to the public. Discover remarkable collections spanning ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome to contemporary art, rare manuscripts and archaeological treasures, while exploring one of the world's oldest public museums.
Discover the historic city of Oxford, home to the world-renowned University of Oxford and centuries of academic excellence. Wander through its iconic colleges and cobbled streets, visit landmarks including the Bodleian Library and Christ Church, and explore the city's rich literary, architectural and cultural heritage. Fans of Harry Potter can also see the Great Hall that inspired Hogwarts' famous dining hall.
Explore Portsmouth's rich maritime heritage with a visit to the Historic Dockyard, home to some of Britain's most famous naval landmarks. Discover the story of Henry VIII's flagship at the Mary Rose Museum, learn about the Royal Navy at the National Museum of the Royal Navy, and explore the city's centuries-old connection to Britain's seafaring history.
Discover the creativity and innovation of Bristol, one of the UK's most vibrant cities. Step aboard Brunel's iconic SS Great Britain, enjoy interactive science exhibits at We The Curious, and experience the Planetarium while exploring Bristol's rich maritime heritage, engineering achievements and thriving cultural scene.
Typical Outings
Timetable
Dates & Prices
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less).
- Meals: Lunch and dinner included.
- Accommodation: Not included.
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included.
- Airport Transfer: Not included.
- Insurance: Not included.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less).
- Meals: Lunch and dinner included.
- Lunch and dinner included.
- Accommodation: Not included.
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included.
- Airport Transfer: Not included.
- Insurance: Not included.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (8 students or less) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: For ages 13–15, lunch and dinner are included, and for ages 16–24, dinner is included.
- Accommodation: Not included.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Airport Transfer: Not included.
- Insurance: Not included.
- Flexibility: Not included.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discounts: 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.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- 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.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- 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 on a full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16–24 are on a half board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or at local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Single or twin room (confirmed by us at a later date).
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- 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 (up to 10) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13–15 are on a full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16–24 are on a half board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or at local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Concierge helps select the best available option.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Enhanced (OxSC concierge).
- 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 (up to 10) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13–15 are on full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16–24 are on half board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Guaranteed private room and bathroom.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- 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 (up to 10) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13–15 are on full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16–24 are on half board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Select your preferred single or twin room (shared bathroom).
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- 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.
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Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — there are four options: Non-Residential, Plus, Superior, and Premier.
Each tier includes the same academic experience but different levels of accommodation, meal plans, and support. Full comparisons are available on our Prices & Dates page.
Our courses for ages 13–15 are taught by experienced educators and subject specialists with relevant subject expertise. Tutors are confirmed closer to the summer, so profiles on our website are examples of educators who have previously taught with us.
Students aged 13–15 receive a certificate of completion, detailed feedback from their tutor and a personalised letter of recommendation, reflecting their participation, academic progress and achievements during the course.
Atlas Summer Courses combines small-group academic teaching with a supportive residential experience for ages 13–15. Students can explore their chosen subject in greater depth, develop independent thinking and build confidence alongside students from around the world.
Students aged 13–15 are supported by on-site staff throughout their stay, with wellbeing and safeguarding embedded across the residential experience. The programme provides age-appropriate supervision while giving students opportunities to develop greater independence.
There are no formal entry requirements. Students should have a genuine interest in their chosen subject, and teaching is tailored to each student’s interests and abilities so everyone can learn at the right level. All lessons are taught in English, so students should have a good working understanding of spoken and written English.
