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Wild Science at Camp Headington

An outdoor science and engineering course in Oxford that develops English through enquiry, fieldwork and practical challenges.

Wild Science at Camp Headington

Course Summary

An outdoor science and engineering course in Oxford that develops English through enquiry, fieldwork and practical challenges.

Wild Science is the only course at Camp Headington, and it is built around getting students outside and asking them questions they have to investigate rather than look up. The subject material comes from science, engineering and the natural world, and each day is organised into four stages: Explore, Examine, Experiment and Summit, after a whole-camp start called Basecamp. Students start by observing, move to testing what they have observed, then design and run their own investigations before bringing the learning together at the end of the day. English develops through the work rather than beside it - describing what they can see, arguing about what it means, dividing up a task with a team and reporting back what they found. There are 15+ hours of teaching a week in classes of no more than 15, plus evening activities, excursions and adventure activities. Students finish with a progress report and a certificate.
Camp Headington

This course is part of the programme

Camp Headington

Headington Rye Prep School
An outdoor and science camp in Oxford that teaches English through enquiry and adventure. One course runs: Wild Science.
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Course Highlights

  • Science, engineering and the natural world, taught largely outdoors
  • Four daily stages: Explore, Examine, Experiment and Summit
  • Students design and run their own investigations
  • Evening activities, excursions and adventure activities included
  • 15+ hours a week in classes of 15 or fewer

Available Sessions

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Summer Boarding Courses
Summer Boarding Courses

Summer Boarding Courses

Summer Boarding Courses runs summer programmes for students aged 8 to 17 across eight UK campuses, including Oxford, Cambridge, London and Eton. Courses combine subject learning with English-language development.

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Headington Rye Prep School

Campus details for this programme.

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FAQ's

Where will I be staying?

Students stay in high-quality boarding school or university-style accommodation, usually in single or shared rooms. Facilities are modern and safe, with common areas for socializing. Boys and girls are accommodated separately, and staff are always nearby.

How many hours of tuition are provided?

SBC generally offers 15 to 20 hours of tuition per week, depending on the course, combining taught components and skills based group project work. At Oxford College and Dukes Cambridge 25 hours of tuition are offered weekly, combining lectures, seminars, tutorials, and industry experience sessions.

What level of English do I need?

SBC welcomes students of all English proficiency levels, from beginner to advanced. Placement tests are conducted in advance of student arrival to ensure students are placed in the appropriate class for their ability.

What supervision is provided?

SBC ensures a high level of supervision. There is a dedicated team of welfare staff to supervise students 24/7. Staff-to-student ratios are typically high to ensure students are supported both academically and pastorally.

Are airport transfers provided?

Earlscliffe fees include return transfers to/from London Heathrow and London Gatwick for flights/trains scheduled to arrive/depart between 9am-3pm on published arrival and departure days.

For other locations, students are provided with the option of using SBC's Shared Transfer Service from/to London Heathrow Airport and St. Pancras International.

When a student arrives, an SBC staff member wearing a bright yellow t-shirt will be waiting to greet her/him and accompany them to our Welcome Club. At Welcome Club, she/he will have the chance to meet other students arriving, have some light refreshments and relax. After a little rest, students will be accompanied by students and SBC staff to board the coach and be taken directly to the School in a private coach. The Shared Transfer Service can be used by students using the following flight times:

Flight landing time on arrival day: 06:00-17:00 Flight take-off time on departure day: 8:00-18:00 If you book a flight outside of these times or to/from another UK airport, we can look at sending a staff member in a taxi to collect or drop off your child, but it will cost more than the Shared Transfer Service. Quotations are available upon request.

Is course insurance provided?

Yes, course insurance is included in the cost of your course. This covers essential medical insurance, including emergency treatment and other related costs.

Will I get a certificate?

Yes, students receive a certificate of achievement at the end of the course, detailing their progress and any academic milestones they’ve reached. Students at Oxford College and Dukes Cambridge receive a Letter of Recommendation to support their university applications.

What visa do I need?

Students from countries outside the UK or Schengen Area may require a standard visitor visa. SBC provides supporting documentation, including confirmation letters, but students or their families are responsible for the visa application process. It’s recommended to apply for a visa well in advance. Please see the following website for more details: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

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