History Explorers
Join the History Explorers summer programme at Atlas Summer Courses in 2027. Hosted at Harrow School, whose facilities we hire for the summer, the programme is designed for ambitious 9–10-year-olds who learn in classes of up to 15 students. Apply now to secure your place.
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Learning
Outline
At Atlas Summer Courses, History Explorers is designed for curious 9–10-year-olds who want to discover how the past has shaped the world we live in today. From ancient civilisations to major world events, students will explore key moments in history through interactive, hands-on activities. They’ll investigate historical mysteries, analyse primary sources, and uncover the stories behind some of the world’s most influential figures. What sets us apart is that we don’t follow a fixed curriculum—we tailor what we teach based on the group’s interests, making every course unique, engaging, and relevant. 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.
The 9–10 History Explorers programme is hosted by Atlas Summer Courses at Harrow School, one of the UK's most renowned boarding schools. With caring house parents and dedicated on-course staff, your child will be fully supported as they uncover stories of the past. Harrow's long tradition and historic setting provide an inspiring backdrop for young learners to build confidence, spark curiosity, and make friends while discovering how history has shaped the world around us.
Students stay in standard shared rooms at Harrow School, with caring house parents and on-course staff ensuring comfort, safety, and support throughout their stay.
Meals are provided on a full-board basis, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Students dine in the school’s dining hall or local facilities, with all dietary requirements catered for.
The Atlas Summer Courses Experience
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History Explorers invites young learners to step into the past and uncover the stories, people, and ideas that shaped the world. Through imaginative activities, role play, and creative projects, students discover that history isn’t just something you read — it’s something you can question, experience, and bring to life. Along the way, they build confidence in sharing ideas and asking big, curious questions about how the world came to be.
Each day includes two engaging morning lessons followed by guided project time where students turn learning into hands-on discovery — from crafting artefacts to recreating historical moments together. A mid-week excursion helps history leap off the page, while evenings feature house games, reflection time, and fun events like a themed disco, ending with a proud graduation celebration. With small class sizes (max 15) and full supervision throughout the day, students feel safe, supported, and excited to explore history in new ways.
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.
Step behind the scenes at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and discover how the world of Harry Potter was brought to life. Explore iconic sets including the Great Hall and Diagon Alley, see authentic costumes and props, and step aboard the original Hogwarts Express while uncovering the filmmaking techniques behind the beloved film series.
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.
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. Different package options may be available for students aged 9–10, with inclusions varying by course and location. Check the course page for the package options, accommodation and inclusions available for your chosen dates.
Our courses for ages 9–10 are taught by experienced educators and subject specialists, selected for their ability to engage and support younger learners. Tutors are confirmed closer to the summer, so profiles on our website are examples of educators who have previously taught with us.
Students aged 9–10 receive a certificate of completion, detailed feedback from their tutor and a personalised letter of recommendation, recognising their participation, progress and achievements during the course.
Students aged 9–10 are supported by on-site staff throughout their experience, with wellbeing and safeguarding central to the programme. The structure, activities and level of supervision are designed with younger students in mind.
Atlas Summer Courses combines small-group, interactive learning with a supportive residential experience for ages 9–10. Students can explore subjects they’re curious about, build confidence and enjoy new experiences alongside other young learners.
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.
