IB Extended Essay Programme in St Andrews

Course Description: IB Extended Essay Programme in St Andrews

This fully immersive 3-week residential summer programme is designed for students aged 13–18 who are currently completing the IB Diploma and want focused support with their Extended Essay.

Set in Scotland’s most historic university town, the programme combines:

• Structured academic support

• Independent research development

• Personal academic coaching

• Cultural exploration

• A highly international student community

Students benefit from dedicated time, expert guidance, and access to world-class academic resources, allowing them to make significant progress on one of the most important components of the IB Diploma.

Location & Campus Experience

Students live and study at St Salvator’s Halls of Residence, University of St Andrews, within a secure and self-contained residential environment.

• Just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre

• Easy access to cafés, shops, and restaurants

• Located on a quiet street with private gardens and coastal views

The programme hosts students from over 100 nationalities, with no more than 10% from any one country, creating a diverse and international learning environment.

English Language Requirement

This programme is designed for students with a minimum English level of B2 (Upper-Intermediate) or above.

Students are expected to:

• Engage with academic content delivered in English

• Conduct independent research

• Participate in discussions and workshops

• Write clearly and accurately in an academic style

Students will complete a British Council English Language Test before arrival to ensure appropriate placement.

Academic Structure & Learning

Students follow a balanced academic structure by selecting:

• IB Extended Essay (core subject)

• One elective course

Academic Delivery:

• 3 hours of classes each weekday morning

• Skills workshops and supervised research sessions

• Independent work supported by expert teachers

Students should arrive with an approved essay topic and be prepared to work on their Extended Essay in English.

What Students Will Learn

Over the three weeks, students will develop the skills and structure needed to make meaningful progress on their Extended Essay.

Academic Development:

• Formulating and refining a strong research question

• Essay planning, structuring, and organisation

• Developing clear and well-supported arguments

• Academic writing style and clarity

Research Skills:

• Accessing and evaluating reliable sources

• Conducting research using the University of St Andrews Main Library

• Integrating evidence and quotations effectively

Academic Integrity:

• Referencing and citation techniques

• Avoiding plagiarism

• Understanding academic standards

Practical Progress:

• Supervised research sessions to apply learning

• Individual guidance from experienced teachers

• Development of a clear essay plan or a strong first/second draft

By the end of the programme, students will leave with either a clear structure for completing their Extended Essay or a well-developed draft to continue refining at home (depending on progress prior to arrival).

University-Level Experience

Students benefit from access to the University of St Andrews’ Main Library, one of the UK’s leading academic research facilities.

This provides a realistic introduction to independent university-level study and research expectations.

Daily Routine

Each day is structured to balance academic focus with activities and social interaction.

Typical Weekday Schedule:

• 07:30 – Wake-up

• 08:00 – Breakfast

• 09:00 – 12:00 – Academic Classes / Research Sessions

• 12:00 – Lunch

• 13:00 – 16:00 – Electives or Activities

• 16:00 – Free Time / Optional Activities

• 18:00 – Evening Meal

• 19:30 – 21:30 – Evening Programme

• 22:30 – Check-in

• 23:00 – Lights Out

Weekends:

• Saturday: Full-day excursions

• Sunday: Workshops and relaxed activities

Accommodation & Campus Living

Students stay at St Salvator’s Halls of Residence, with full supervision from experienced residential staff.

• Safe and secure environment

• 24/7 staff support

• Designed to encourage independence and community living

Bedrooms:

• Single or shared rooms

• Shared rooms are arranged by gender, age, and mixed nationality

Classrooms & Facilities

• Academic sessions take place within walking distance on campus

• Access to University of St Andrews Main Library

• Students are required to bring a laptop

• Full Wi-Fi access available

Meals

All meals are included:

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily

• Variety of options available

• Dietary requirements accommodated

Activities & Evening Programme

Students take part in a wide range of organised activities designed to build friendships and provide balance to academic work.

Activities include:

• Sports and recreational activities

• Creative workshops

• Team competitions

• Social events and themed evenings

Students also take part in larger cultural events, including the ISSOS Highland Games.

Weekend Workshops

On Sundays, students can choose from a variety of workshops, including:

• Sports sessions

• Creative activities

• Skill-based workshops

These provide a more relaxed and engaging complement to the academic programme.

Cultural Trips & Excursions

Students take part in a varied programme of excursions throughout the three weeks.

Full-Day Trips:

• Edinburgh – Guided walking tour and free time

• Glasgow – Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery or the University of Glasgow, followed by city exploration

Half-Day Trips (choice-based):

• Glamis Castle

• Paddleboarding and sea kayaking (strong swimmers required)

• St Andrews town tour (cathedral, castle, coastal paths)

• Wild Shores Aqua Park (strong swimmers required)

Final Group Activity:

• Ten-pin bowling with all students and staff

All trips are fully organised and supervised.

Elective Programme

Students choose one elective, which takes place four afternoons per week, allowing them to explore new skills alongside their academic focus.

Options include:

• Tennis

• Film

• Theatre

• Golf

• Art

Electives are designed to:

• Encourage creativity and exploration

• Build confidence and independence

• Provide balance to academic study

Transportation

All programme transport is included and managed by the ISSOS team.

Airport Transfers:

• Airport: Edinburgh (EDI)

2026 Dates:

• Session 1: Arrival: 28 June | Departure: 19 July

• Session 2: Arrival: 22 July | Departure: 12 August

Recommended Departure Window:

• 06:00 – 17:00 (BST)

Safety & Supervision

• Full residential supervision

• Staff available at all times

• Structured daily schedule

• Fully supervised activities and excursions

What’s Included

The programme is fully inclusive and covers:

• Academic tuition (IB Extended Essay + elective)

• Accommodation with full board (all meals)

• Course materials and equipment

• Access to university research facilities

• All excursions and trips

• Evening activity programme

• Sunday workshops

• Comprehensive insurance

• Academic report and certificate

• Programme materials

• Airport transfers (within scheduled times)

Overall Experience

This programme provides a focused and supportive environment for IB students to make meaningful progress on their Extended Essay while experiencing life at a leading university.

Students leave with:

• A clear plan or developed draft of their Extended Essay

• Stronger research and academic writing skills

• Greater confidence in independent study

• A deeper understanding of university-level expectations