Top 12 Summer School Questions Answered

TOP 12 SUMMER SCHOOL QUESTIONS ANSWERED Are you looking forward to joining a summer school programme this coming summer break? You have perhaps heard about summer schools, but you are unsure if they are really worth a try. We have rounded up an ultimate guide for high school students who are aspiring to attend a summer school.

What is a summer school?

An academic summer school is a short-term residential educational course that completely immerses students into a specific subject of their preference. The intensive curriculum imparts knowledge and comprehensive university-level academic skills by combining classroom study with extracurricular activities. The summer courses take place during summer break within university grounds or facilities.

Is there any difference between summer school and summer camp?

The difference between summer schools and summer camps is important. The vital one is the programme of study. Summer schools typically combine academic programmes with excursions, educational and fun extracurricular activities while summer camps focus more on fun activities.

What are the common summer school courses for high school students?

Summer courses for high school students are designed to assist them to excel in their academics by attending these courses during summer break. Summer courses are usually attended before final secondary school exams, so it can help students underline their knowledge they have received on the programme and also be utilised as revision sessions. Furthermore, certain summer courses for high school students provide students a taste of university life.

What are the advantages of attending a summer school?

There are many advantages to attending a summer course. From befriending people from different countries with different cultural backgrounds and getting an insight into university life to evolving as a better performer, there are plenty of reasons as to why one must be attending a summer course.

What is the Oxford Summer programme?

By providing intensive and short courses for high school students aged 16-18, Oxford and Cambridge summer programmes have been helping thousands and thousands of students from all over the world prepare for their overall academic as well as professional journey. Renowned summer programmes usually cater to 1000-2,500 students per session with the help of university-educated tutors. Cambridge and Oxford are both globally acclaimed university cities.

How to choose a summer school?

Finding and choosing the right summer school could be overwhelming. You wish to ensure that you have chosen the right one and the location suits you, as well as that provides the best education possible.

Cambridge and Oxford accredited summer schools offer an excellent level of education with their tutors hailing from some of the world’s top universities. In addition, they are also one of the certain summer programmes that offer prestigious Oxford-style tutorials that have proven to improve a student’s critical thinking skills.

How long does a summer school session last a day?

Students’ time spent in educational sessions varies based on one’s type of programme. At some summer schools, students receive 40 hours of tutorials during a typical two-week stay, excluding academic workshops and independent study.

What is the motive behind a summer school?

A summer course combines exciting extracurricular activities with extensive and intensive academic teaching to help high school students excel themselves on their academic journey, whilst offering them excursions and extracurricular activities required to have a wonderful summer. Courses are designed for students who aspire to beyond and above their regular academics. Attending the course will push you to further what you have learned so far, whilst extending an array of soft skills that will benefit you as you proceed further on your academic as well as professional journey.

University accredited summer schools allow students to have a look into the university lifestyle and have them decide for themselves whether it would be the right path for them.

Can I fail a summer school?

This is something that differs one summer school provider to another.

At Cambridge and Oxford summer schools, as long as students complete their assignments with high standard maintained and demonstrate an outstanding level of engagement in their tests and classes, there is no reason for them to fail. Many Oxford and Cambridge summer school programmes are designed to encourage students to push their boundaries and progress in a manner which they might not have done before. The grading system has always limited a student’s work in one way or another, as opposed to promoting full creativity. There are, however, a few summer schools that might provide a grades-based system - these tend to limit the experiential learning.

Why are summer programmes more expensive than in regular schools?

This might, although, seem expensive, the price you pay for summer school is inclusive of many other expenses, including day trips, cost of tutors, meals, pastoral team and accommodation. Moreover, there is an effort that goes into ensuring that every student has a once in a lifetime experience.

Are summer schools really worth it?

In short, yes!

If you wish to do well in your academic life, evolve as a confident and a skilled communicator, whilst making friends, enjoying activities and learning from them, summer schools are definitely worth it.