Supreme Summer Future Scientist (STEM) Program for Teenagers at Headington School Campus in Oxford

Course Description: Supreme Summer Future Scientist (STEM) Program for Teenagers at Headington School Campus in Oxford

The Future Scientist Programme is a hands-on, academically enriching science course designed for curious students aged 12–16 who want to explore how the natural world works and how scientific thinking shapes modern life. Spanning biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science, the programme moves beyond classroom learning to help students think, investigate, and communicate like real scientists.

Through experiments, collaborative challenges, and guided research, students deepen their understanding of core scientific principles while developing essential skills such as observation, analysis, data handling, and clear explanation. The programme encourages curiosity, precision, and creativity, giving students the confidence to explore science further at school and beyond.

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Academic Approach & Learning Style

Teaching follows an interactive, enquiry-led academic model, combining short seminars with practical laboratory work, group problem-solving, and presentation tasks. Students are encouraged to:

• Design and carry out experiments

• Test hypotheses using models and data

• Reflect critically on results and limitations

• Communicate findings clearly to others

Collaboration is central, reflecting how scientific discovery relies on teamwork as well as individual insight.

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Core Academic Content

Life and Living Systems

Students explore fundamental biological concepts, including:

• Cell structure and function

• Respiration, growth, and adaptation

• Interactions within ecosystems

• The impact of human activity on the natural world

Practical laboratory work develops skills in observation, data collection, and biological analysis.

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Matter, Reactions, and Energy

This module introduces key ideas from chemistry and physics, focusing on:

• The structure and properties of matter

• Chemical reactions and material change

• Energy transfer and transformation

• Linking abstract scientific concepts to visible experiments

Students test reactions, measure outcomes, and explain results using scientific reasoning.

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Earth, Space, and Scientific Frontiers

Students broaden their perspective beyond the laboratory by exploring:

• Geological processes shaping the Earth

• Planetary motion and space science

• Current scientific discoveries and emerging research

• How scientific frontiers influence our understanding of the universe

This module highlights science as a constantly evolving field.

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Subject Theme: The Big Solutions Challenge

A central feature of the programme, The Big Solutions Challenge invites students to confront major global issues such as:

• Climate change

• Global health

• Clean energy

• Resource sustainability

Working in teams, students identify a challenge, propose a hypothesis, build a model or experiment, and refine their ideas through testing. Projects are developed for a final showcase where students demonstrate both how their solution works and why it matters.

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Time to Shine: Science in Action

Week One – Clean Energy Innovation

Students design and demonstrate a model that generates or stores clean energy, such as:

• Solar-powered systems

• Wind or water turbines

• Innovative energy storage solutions

They explain how energy is produced, used, and how their design could reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

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Week Two – Food and Water Solutions

Students create experiments addressing food or water scarcity, for example:

• Hydroponic growing systems

• Water filtration and purification designs

• Resource recycling models

The focus is on making science visible, practical, and scalable for real-world impact.

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Fieldwork Research

Learning regularly extends beyond the classroom. Students may:

• Record wind direction and weather conditions

• Test materials outdoors

• Map spaces suitable for food production

By refining models based on real-world data, students experience how scientists test, adapt, and improve their work in practical contexts.

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Scientific Skills & Key Learning Outcomes

By completing the programme, students will:

• Develop a strong understanding of core scientific principles

• Gain hands-on experience designing and evaluating experiments

• Strengthen critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning

• Build confidence communicating scientific ideas through speech, writing, and presentation

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Academic Difficulty & Support

No specialist scientific knowledge is required. Tasks are challenging but carefully scaffolded, with students guided step by step from forming a question to presenting a convincing scientific explanation. The emphasis is on clarity of thinking rather than prior expertise.

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Who This Programme Is For

This programme is ideal for students who:

• Are curious about science and how the world works

• Enjoy hands-on learning and experimentation

• Want to build confidence in scientific thinking and communication

• Are considering future study in science or STEM-related subjects

A minimum English level of B1+ is recommended to support discussion and presentations.

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Key Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

• A broader and deeper understanding of science across disciplines

• Practical experience working like a scientist

• Improved teamwork, presentation, and analytical skills

• Greater confidence engaging with scientific ideas and challenges

Excursions 🇬�*

During the two-week course, students take part in three exciting full-day excursions to some of the United Kingdom’s most iconic cities and attractions. These trips are designed to enrich the academic experience, introduce students to British culture, and create unforgettable memories beyond the classroom.

All excursions are fully supervised by trained staff, with a carefully planned itinerary for each day to ensure students gain the most from every visit.

Sample Excursions Include:

London Explore the UK’s capital city and experience its world-famous landmarks, museums, and cultural attractions. Students enjoy sightseeing, shopping, photography opportunities, and the vibrant energy that makes London one of the world’s most exciting cities.

Oxford Discover the historic city of Oxford, home to one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Students wander through centuries-old streets, admire iconic architecture, and gain insight into the city’s rich academic heritage.

Thorpe Park Experience the thrills of one of the UK’s top theme parks, packed with exhilarating rides and high-energy attractions. A favourite excursion that combines fun, teamwork, and excitement.

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What’s Included in the Programme Fee ✔️

• Comfortable accommodation and three meals per day

• 15 hours of lessons per week

• Progress report and end-of-course certificate

• Three full-day excursions per two-week course (transport and entry fees included)

• Full activity and social programme

• Laundry service

• Programme T-shirt

• UK SIM card

• Comprehensive travel insurance

Airport transfers are available at an additional cost.

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Discover Headington Oxford 🌿�*

Embark on a 2, 3, or 4-week summer journey that blends learning, fun, and adventure in one of the UK’s most inspiring academic cities. At Headington Oxford Summer School, students take part in engaging project-based lessons, alongside a rich programme of sports and creative activities designed to build confidence, independence, and essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

Set within the beautiful and historic city of Oxford, this programme offers students the chance to explore new academic interests, make international friendships, and gain valuable experiences that support future study and personal growth.

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Accommodation �*

Students are accommodated at Headington Rye School, a welcoming and well-equipped campus that provides a safe, comfortable environment for both study and relaxation. The residential setting encourages a strong sense of community while offering excellent facilities to support daily life on campus.

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Facilities & Campus Life ⭐

Students benefit from a wide range of modern facilities, including:

• 🎨 Art Studio

• 💃 Dance Studio

• 🏊 Swimming Pool

• 🎭 Theatre

• 🏀 Sports Hall

• 🎾 Tennis Courts

• 📖 Lecture Hall

• 🍽️ Modern Dining Hall

• 🛋️ Student Common Room

• 🧺 Laundry Service

• 📶 Wi-Fi throughout campus

Accommodation Options

• 🛏️ Single Bedrooms

• 🛏️ Twin Rooms

• 🛌 Small Dorm Rooms

• 🚿 Shared Bathrooms

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Excursions & Trips �*

In addition to weekly full-day excursions, students take part in evening and weekend trips, such as:

• Bowling, laser tag, or cinema visits

• Trips to Canterbury, including its world-famous cathedral

• River boat tours

• Shopping trips to Bluewater

• Theme parks and seaside towns such as Margate and Dreamland

Students also travel by high-speed train to London, accompanied by staff. Past visits have included:

• London Eye

• Tower of London

• British Museum

• Natural History Museum

• London Dungeons

During excursions, students may be allowed limited, remotely supervised free time in small groups, supporting independence while maintaining safety.

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Optional Extras �*

Students may choose to enhance their summer experience by adding optional activities to their programme. These experiences are designed for students who enjoy challenge, teamwork, and outdoor adventure.

Adventure Sports Experience (Two-Day Option)

This popular optional extra combines water-based and land-based activities across two days:

• Paddleboarding and inflatable aqua park activities, building confidence and balance

• A structured paintballing experience focused on teamwork, communication, and strategy

Ages: 12–16 Duration: Two sessions (Wednesday & Thursday, 3 hours each) Price: £295

Spaces are limited and can be added during the booking process.

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Accommodation & Meals at Headington Summer School �*

Students are accommodated across five boarding houses, with separate houses for boys and girls.

Accommodation features:

• Single and twin rooms, with some small dormitory-style rooms

• Shared bathrooms, cleaned daily

• Common rooms for relaxation and socialising

• Desks and wardrobe space in each room

The boarding environment is designed to be safe, comfortable, and supportive, allowing students to feel at home throughout their stay.

Meals are served in the dining hall, offering a varied menu of British and international cuisine. Dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, halal, allergies, etc.) can be accommodated when requested in advance.

A Day in the Life at Headington Summer School (Residential)🌿�*

Here’s what a typical weekday looks like for students at Headington Summer School, based directly on the official sample timetable. While exact activities may vary, the structure and rhythm of each day remain consistent, creating a balanced mix of learning, activity, and rest.

Headington-Campus_Timetable (1)

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*� Morning: Wake-Up & Community Start (07:15–09:00)

07:15 – Wake Up ⏰Students start the day in their boarding houses, getting ready for a full and active schedule.

08:00–08:20 – House Meeting 🏡A short morning check-in with House Parents and residential staff to share announcements, set goals for the day, and ensure everyone feels supported.

08:20–09:00 – Breakfast 🍳A nutritious breakfast in the dining hall gives students time to socialise and fuel up for lessons.

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*� Morning Lessons: Academic Focus (09:00–12:30)

09:00–10:30 – Lesson One ✏️Interactive academic lessons or English Plus sessions focused on communication, collaboration, and real-world learning.

10:30–11:00 – Morning Break ☕Time to relax, chat with friends, or get some fresh air.

11:00–12:30 – Lesson Two / Time to Shine 🌟A second academic block or presentation-style session where students build confidence, creativity, and teamwork skills.

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*�️ Midday: Lunch & Reset (12:30–13:30)

12:30–13:00 – Lunch 🥗A shared meal in the dining hall with a variety of options.

13:00–13:30 – Break 🌤️Students unwind before the afternoon programme begins.

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*� Afternoon Activities: Explore & Create (13:30–17:00)

13:30–15:00 – Activity One / English Plus 🎭⚽Students rotate through sports, creative workshops, games, or additional English enrichment.

15:00–15:30 – Afternoon Break 🍎A short rest and refresh.

15:30–17:00 – Activity Two / English Plus 🎨🏀More structured activities designed to encourage teamwork, confidence, and fun.

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*� Late Afternoon: House Time (17:00–18:30)

17:00–18:30 – House Time 🛋️Students return to their boarding houses to relax, shower, call home, or spend time with friends under staff supervision.

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*� Evening: Dinner & Events (18:30–21:00)

18:30–19:30 – Dinner 🍽️A sit-down evening meal enjoyed together as a community.

19:30–21:00 – Whole School Event / Evening Wellbeing 🎉Evenings feature themed events, games nights, talent shows, quizzes, or wellbeing activities designed to help students unwind and connect.

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*� Night Routine: Wind Down & Rest (21:00–22:00)

21:00–22:00 – House Time 📖Quiet time to prepare for bed, reflect on the day, and relax.

22:00 – Lights Out 😴A consistent bedtime ensures students are well-rested and ready for the next day.

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*� What About Excursion Days?

On selected days (including weekends), the usual lesson schedule is replaced with full-day excursions to destinations such as London, Oxford, or theme parks. These days are fully supervised and combine sightseeing, cultural learning, and fun—returning to campus in time for dinner and evening activities.

A Day in the Life of a Day Student (Headington) 🌞�*

Day students at Headington are fully involved in the academic and activity programme, with the flexibility to return home each evening. Parents can choose either an early or later collection time, depending on whether their child stays for dinner and evening activities.

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*� Morning Arrival & Breakfast (08:15–09:00)

08:15 – Arrival on Campus Day students arrive on campus and check in with staff.

08:15–09:00 – Breakfast 🍳 Day students may join boarding students for breakfast in the dining hall, providing a relaxed and social start to the day.

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*� Morning Lessons: Academic Sessions (09:00–12:30)

09:00–10:30 – Lesson One ✏️

10:30–11:00 – Morning Break ☕

11:00–12:30 – Lesson Two / Project Work 🌟

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*�️ Lunch & Midday Break (12:30–13:30)

12:30–13:00 – Lunch 🥗

13:00–13:30 – Free Time 🌤️

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*� Afternoon Activities & Workshops (13:30–17:00)

13:30–15:00 – Activities & Enrichment 🎭⚽

15:00–15:30 – Afternoon Break 🍎

15:30–17:00 – Sports, Creative Sessions & Team Activities 🎨🏀

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*� Supervised Free Time (17:00–18:30)

Following afternoon activities, students enjoy supervised downtime on campus. This free time allows students to relax, socialise, read, or unwind before the evening programme, while remaining under staff supervision at all times.

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*� Early Collection Option (17:30)

Parents may choose to collect their child at 17:30 during the supervised free-time period.

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*�️ Dinner & Evening Programme (18:30–20:30)

18:30–19:30 – Dinner (Optional for Day Students) 🍽️ Day students may choose to stay on campus for dinner with boarding students.

19:30–20:30 – Evening Social Activities 🎉 Evening events include games, themed activities, group challenges, or creative sessions.

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*� Late Collection Option (20:30)

Students who remain for dinner and evening activities are collected by parents at 20:30 and sign out with a member of staff.

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English Language Requirements �*

Students must have a minimum English level of B1+ (Intermediate) or above. Specific course requirements may vary.

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Transfers & Arrival Information ✈️

Supervised transfer services are available from Heathrow Airport and St Pancras International Station.

Arrival & Departure Windows:

• Arrival (Flights): 6:00 am – 5:00 pm

• Departure (Flights): 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

• Arrival (Train): 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

• Departure (Train): 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Students are transported using:

• Staffed private coach

• Staffed minibus

• Staffed taxi

The transport method is determined by group size and arrival times.

Upon arrival, a staff member will greet students, provide refreshments, and escort them to the school.

Transfer booking deadline: 28 days before the course start date.

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Teaching & Academic Staff 👩‍🏫👨‍�*

Teachers are carefully selected for their qualifications, experience, and ability to work with international students.

• English teachers are fully qualified EFL specialists

• Subject tutors include experienced teachers, university lecturers, postgraduate specialists, and expert tutors

• Recent graduates and postgraduates contribute up-to-date academic insight and advice on university applications

Many staff return year after year, reflecting high teaching standards and programme quality. The programme has received British Council recognition for strengths in teaching, course design, safeguarding, and student care.

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Support & Student Welfare 🛡️

Student safety and wellbeing are our highest priorities. All staff, volunteers, and visitors follow strict Safeguarding and Child Protection policies, and every team member receives comprehensive training before the programme begins.

Students live in secure boarding houses, each overseen by:

• A dedicated House Parent

• A team of residential staff available 24/7

This structure ensures students feel supported, respected, and cared for at all times, giving families complete peace of mind.

Free Time & Supervision ⏰

To encourage independence while maintaining safety, limited supervised free time is included in the programme.

• Students aged 12 and over may be granted designated free time during certain off-site activities

• Free time is allowed only in groups of at least three students

• Parental or guardian consent is required in advance

All students are issued a Gold Card, which must be carried during off-site activities. The card includes emergency contact details to be used if a student becomes separated from their group.

Do You Need a Visa to Attend?

Checking whether you need a visa to attend one of our summer courses is quick and straightforward. We recommend using the UK Government’s official visa checker to confirm the requirements for your nationality.

From 2025, most visitors travelling to the UK for short-term study will need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

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Standard Visitor Visa

If you do require a visa, the appropriate option for attending our courses is the Standard Visitor Visa.

This visa allows students to take part in short-term educational programmes in the UK.

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EU, EEA & Swiss Nationals

Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland can continue to travel to the UK for holidays or short visits without applying for a visa. This policy remains unchanged following Brexit.

However, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) may still be required (see below).

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Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

If you do not need a visa for a short stay in the UK, you may be required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) instead.

Key ETA Dates

• From 8 January 2025 Eligible non-European visitors will need an ETA to enter the UK.

• From 5 March 2025 Eligible European nationals will be able to apply for an ETA.

• From 2 April 2025 Eligible Europeans will need an ETA to travel to the UK.

• From April 2025 All visitors who do not need a visa and do not already hold UK immigration status will require an ETA.

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ETA Cost & Processing Time

• Cost: £10 (expected to rise to £16 in the coming months)

• Processing time: Typically up to 3 days, though some applications may take longer

We strongly recommend applying well in advance of travel.

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Digital eVisa

Some travellers may be eligible for a digital eVisa instead of a physical visa. Eligibility and application details can be checked on the UK Government website.

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Where to Apply & Get More Information

• Check if you need a visa or ETA using the UK Government visa checker

• Learn more about ETAs and eligibility on the UK Government website

• Apply for an ETA via the official UK Government application page