Science Explorers
Join the Science 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 11–12-year-olds who learn in classes of up to 15 students. Apply now to secure your place.
.avif){kind=avatar}
Learning
Outline
At Atlas Summer Courses, Science Explorers is designed for 11–12-year-olds who want to understand the world around them—from tiny atoms to the universe itself. Students will explore key ideas in biology, chemistry, and physics through hands-on experiments and engaging activities. They’ll investigate big scientific questions, build their problem-solving skills, and start thinking like real scientists. We don’t follow a fixed curriculum—our tutors tailor the course to the group’s interests, making every experience unique, exciting, and relevant. Each day also includes a reflection activity to help students absorb what they’ve learned.
Teaching methodology
Our teaching for 11-12-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. This teaching style has an increased focus on age-appropriate content and offers more opportunities for independent group work than our 9-10 courses.
The 11–12 Science Explorers programme is hosted by Atlas Summer Courses at Harrow School, a leading UK independent boarding school. With caring house parents and dedicated on-course staff, students will be supported as they explore the wonders of science across different fields. Harrow's tradition of fostering curiosity and innovation makes it an inspiring setting for young learners to begin their scientific journey, build confidence, and make new friends.
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
.webp)
Science Explorers turns curiosity into confidence by helping students investigate the world through experiments, discovery, and big scientific questions. From chemistry reactions to physics challenges and biology investigations, learners build the excitement of figuring things out for themselves — developing analytical thinking while having fun with hands-on science.
Each weekday includes two extended morning lessons taught in small groups (max 12–15 students) where learners explore, test ideas, and share findings. Learning continues in the afternoons through supervised project time, collaborative house activities, and excursions that connect scientific ideas to the real world. With engaging evening socials and full-time support from our trained staff, students enjoy a structured and inspiring experience that strengthens problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a lifelong curiosity for how things work.
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.
Related Courses
.webp)
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Different package options may be available for students aged 11–12, 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 11–12 are taught by experienced educators and subject specialists who adapt their teaching to the age and needs of their students. Tutors are confirmed closer to the summer, so profiles on our website are examples of educators who have previously taught with us.
Students aged 11–12 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 11–12 are supported by on-site staff throughout their stay, with clear structures in place around wellbeing and safeguarding. Supervision and activities are designed to provide an age-appropriate balance of support, confidence and growing independence.
Atlas Summer Courses gives students aged 11–12 the opportunity to explore their interests through engaging small-group learning. Students can build confidence, develop greater independence 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.
