Academic Families works closely with over 450 top UK boarding schools, many of which offer an extensive and exciting range of summer short courses. These courses let students explore new subjects, build a variety of skills, and have the opportunity to experience British boarding school life.
In part one of this series, we discussed why summer courses at UK boarding schools are beneficial for children of all ages, providing a guide on selecting the right programme according to your child’s age. To help you choose the best experience for your child from the wide variety of academic options, we’ve spotlighted ten key subject areas for short courses. In this blog, we take a deep dive into the first five.
Short courses are an excellent opportunity for children to grow academically, socially, and personally. Whether your child is preparing for full enrolment at a UK boarding school or simply wants an exciting summer, short courses offer many benefits such as:
For more detailed information on the benefits of short courses, read part one of this series.
Every little child daydreams about what they want to be when they grow up. Some might choose early on and never waver, while others pick a new path each week. Either way, with so many academic subjects to explore and a never ending plethora of courses at universities around the world, determining what you want to study is no easy feat. Therefore, the sooner a child can “try a career path on for size”, the better!
Although you can search the web for UK short courses offering hundreds of academic subjects, we’ve taken the time to hand pick 10 of the most popular ones that lead to successful university course applications and ultimately, satisfying careers. The short course providers we work with in the UK have all been thoroughly vetted by our Admissions Team to ensure they offer quality, safety and fun.
Below are 5 of our 10 categories which offer a diverse range of subjects to suit your child's interests, whether academic, technical, or creative.
If your child wants to pursue a career as a doctor or biologist, medicine short courses offer an exciting and immersive introduction to the medical profession. Your child will participate in realistic simulations, learn from medical practitioners, and have exclusive access to hospitals and labs.
These courses also help students prepare for university applications, with personal statement guidance, interview training, and University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) preparation. Beyond the classroom, cultural excursions allow students to experience life in the UK while developing their English and broadening their understanding of options within healthcare professions.
If your child is passionate about problem solving and innovation, an engineering themed short course will provide an in-depth exploration of key fields such as civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering. Through practical workshops, they’ll apply mathematical and physics concepts to fun engineering challenges.
Alongside lessons, students will develop soft skills like leadership, teamwork, and public speaking - preparing them for both university applications and their future careers. Students will also visit top engineering companies to witness industry standard technology and the daily life of an engineer, providing invaluable exposure to career opportunities.
For students interested in the fast paced world of technology, computer science, robotics, and AI courses offer a fascinating experience into the fields shaping our future.
Through a mix of projects and expert led lessons, your child will learn essential skills such as coding, Arduino, and designing robots from scratch. The courses cover a broad spectrum of topics including AI, machine learning, and wireless communication, making for a summer both challenging and rewarding.
By participating in practical workshops, students will also develop their critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills. Through exclusive industry visits, your child will gain a deeper understanding of what they’re learning, setting them up for success in university applications and their career.
How do you equip students with the skills and mindset needed to succeed in business? Start early! By enrolling them in a British business or entrepreneurship course, your child will learn the fundamentals of commercial enterprise, from developing innovative ideas and business plans to managing budgets and understanding corporate responsibility.
Throughout these courses, students gain practical experience through workshops and group projects, refining their leadership and presentation skills. Exciting trips to leading British and international companies will deepen your child’s understanding of business operations, marketing, and strategies.
If your child has an artistic flair or gift, a structured short course in the UK will give them a precious opportunity to experiment with different artistic techniques and forms, allowing them to explore their creativity and refine their style.
Art and design short courses offer your child the chance to immerse themselves in a creative environment, developing artistic skills across various subjects including illustration, painting, typography, and colour theory.
Courses include visits to renowned British art galleries, where students will gain inspiration and learn about art history and its impact today. A key focus will be on building a professional portfolio, which is essential for applying to creative courses and higher education institutions or colleges. These courses will help your child take the next step towards their creative career in art and design.
We’re thrilled to be spotlighting these incredible courses in medicine, engineering, computer science, business, and art. These summer programmes will deepen your child’s knowledge, build essential skills, and give them invaluable experience in their chosen field. Whether your child is passionate about helping others through medicine or eager to explore their creativity, attending one of these brilliant summer courses will help set them up for future success.
If you would like to learn more about a specific programme or discuss choosing a course with our Admissions Team, contact us using the form below. In the third part of our series, we will highlight the next five subjects, helping you decide which one is best for your child. Coming soon!
This article appears in the following categories Courses & Exams, School Admissions
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