What Is an Academic Summer School for Teenagers?

There are lots of different types of summer programmes, from language immersion courses to adventure camps. We’re diving into academic summer schools in this article, covering what they are, how they’re structured, what the benefits are, and more!

What Is an Academic Summer School for Teenagers?

An academic summer school for teenagers is a great way to continue to learn over the summer holidays. With guidance from teachers and support from other like-minded students, they provide a unique opportunity to delve deeper into a subject beyond the school curriculum.

During a summer school, students have the option to study core subjects like Maths, English and Science, as well as subjects that aren’t typically taught in secondary schools, such as Architecture, Finance or Philosophy.

What Are the Benefits of a Summer School?

Summer schools have many academic benefits for teenagers. Students can improve their subject-specific knowledge and develop critical thinking skills, while also learning how to collaborate with other students on projects and discussions.

Academic summer schools offer a unique chance to engage with experienced tutors in a small group setting. Schools are often organised in larger classes, but a summer school is an opportunity to receive personalised attention from academic experts. The small class sizes ensure that everyone has the opportunity to speak, helping to boost confidence and communication skills! 

It’s also a chance to explore new subjects that might be otherwise unavailable to students. The summer offers a good chunk of time to dedicate to learning new skills and delving into an unfamiliar subject. This can help foster well-rounded students who are better equipped to decide on a future career path.

How Is a Summer School Structured?

Classes in a summer school take place in a formal setting guided by a structured curriculum. Class groups are usually quite small, but high academic standards are upheld to ensure that each student gets the most out of their summer. 

Academic summer schools frequently integrate interactive and hands-on learning experiences into the curriculum in order to encourage intellectual curiosity and real-world application of knowledge. Academic summer schools seek to help students grow as individuals, promoting independent thinking and problem-solving.

What’s the Teaching Like?

Academic summer schools are led by teams of passionate and committed instructors. Our tutors at the Oxford Scholastica Academy are experts in their fields, and possess extensive experience mentoring and tutoring.

It’s rare to get the opportunity to receive such guidance. Summer school tutors are enthusiastic and excited about their subjects, and will ensure that every student in the course has the chance to learn and understand. 

What Else Does a Summer School Offer?

Alongside academics, summer schools offer lots of extracurricular activities to get involved in, fostering personal growth, and allowing students to gain new interests and skills for life.

Team-building exercises, leadership workshops and cultural excursions are all opportunities offered by summer schools that help students to grow into well-rounded young adults.

How Will a Summer School Help My Future?

Attending a summer school for teenagers is a great way to prepare for university life and future academic endeavours. By developing independence, confidence and key academic skills, university-life will seem much less daunting!

Summer schools also help to prepare students for exams, teaching essential study skills, time management techniques and effective learning strategies. Teenagers often leave their courses feeling well-equipped for university applications, with new knowledge and relevant experiences to enhance their personal statements.

Are Summer Schools Worth It?

A summer school is best seen as an investment in your future. Small group teaching conducted by experts, exciting cultural excursions and events, unique projects and activities, and the chance to live and learn in a student community, equips students with transformative life skills and unforgettable memories that will stay with them for many years to come!

For an academic summer school experience based in the beautiful city of Oxford, check out our residential summer courses for teenagers!