How to find summer courses for mid GCSE level with keen interest in science, politics and debating

[Tellingitlikeitisnt]

DS aged 15 has asked if I can find some study days or away day type things maybe held at universities where he could expand his knowledge a bit and have some interesting debates.

He’s really bright and reads extensively but just would like something a bit different I think? Do oxford run anything? We are near there and I know unis are keen to engage younger students.

Any info would be great thanks

(Other kids just wanted to do football camp or hang out in costa and were much simpler )

The Debate Chamber courses?

If he'd like a combination of activities (physical and mental) he might enjoy Camp Quest - my DD loved it.

camp-quest.org.uk

Thanks both ill look Into these

Google the Small piece trust and Headstart charities. They do lots of courses, some free and some that you have to pay for (usually £300 ish), my DC have loved them.

Yes, DD enjoyed those too, though Smallpeice is focussed more on engineering so may or may not be quite what the OPs DS is after.

Oxbridge outreach :

Oxford and Cambridge Universities host an Outreach Network (www.oxfordandcambridgeoutreach.co.uk), where you can find events and essay competitions from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. The website allows you to filter by region, subject, event type or key stage.

There's a debating summet camp run by a charity called the English Speaking Union (the charity who run England's nationak debating squad). It's a five day residential camp, held at Oakham Boarding School in Leceistershire. While it costs in the region of £450, there are scholarships available for low-income families. My daughter has attended every year since the age of fourteen and has gained a tremendous amount of confidence. It also have her the opportunity to meet likeminded people, some of whom she's friends with to this day. I honestly couldn't recommend it enough - it's the one extracurricular thing she's done that's helped her grow most as a person.

www.esu.org/programmes/debate-academy/

Hang on, having just looked at the webpage I've attached, the price seems to have increased by £100 or so since my daughter last attended and the location has changed, but I'm sure the experience will be largely similar.

The Royal Institution summer school programme is good for all ages. They're usually half day day workshops and they also do evening lectures.

Also look at Imperial College outreach if you're close enough.