HOLIDAY COURSES AND DAYS OUT
We offer a mix of online and in-person activities during the school holidays. We run modular
online courses, in-person critical thinking trips to some of London's museums and one-to-one and group tutoring in person and online.
HOLIDAY COURSES:
HOW TO THINK FOR YOURSELF
AND COMMUNICATE FLUENTLY
Our holiday courses offer a 'mix and match' combination of modules. Whether you would like to:
-
learn the basics of debate and then get some live practice
-
get your teeth into a complex ethical issue and understand it from different perspectives
-
feel more confident speaking in front of your class or in an interview setting
we have something for you.
Courses are:
-
for 11- to 18-year-olds anywhere in the world
-
taught in small groups (max10 students)
-
all taught live by Oxford or Cambridge graduates
We like to make our courses as bespoke as possible so, rather than offering set formats, we design each course to meet the needs of our students. Prices start from £20 per hour per student and vary according to class size and scope.
If you are interested in attending a course, please fill in our simple online form which asks for details of each student's age, level and interests. We will then do our best to match you with other students of your age and experience and put together a timetable that will work for you.
HOLIDAY modules
We offer the following two-hour modules throughout the summer holidays. Each module costs £40 per student; choose one or many!
-
COMMUNICATION SKILLS (INTRO OR REFRESHER)
Tips, advice, practice and feedback to help you come across better in person including practice in presenting -
INTERVIEW SKILLS - A great follow-up to module 1 and ideal prep for school, university or job interviews (including Oxford and Cambridge style interviews), including strategies for dealing with unexpected and open-ended questions
-
STORYTELLING - A module focussed on your creative skills in telling a riveting and engaging story - crucial in strengthening your presentation and debate skills.
-
BASICS OF DEBATES
For students who are new to debate, an introduction to how it works, why it matters and practising the skills you'll need to win
-
EXPLORING A DEBATE TOPIC
Learn how to tackle a knotty, ethical issue - many topics to chose from (see below) and you can attend this module multiple times​​ -
DEBATE COMPETITION
Compete in teams - an excellent follow-up to modules 4 and 5, or, for experienced debaters who want to practise thinking on their feet.
​
All our modules will also include plenty of fun activities designed to build verbal fluency, plus tools to help build confidence when expressing views in a group.
sample TOPICS
Our debating and presentation modules will each focus on one important but complex contemporary issue from a variety of perspectives.
​
Topics we've been covering in our 2021 sessions include:​
-
Freedom of speech
-
Rights of access to healthcare
-
Covid 19: balancing individual rights with global health
-
Fake news
-
How to respond to climate change
-
Dealing with plastic waste
-
Criminal justice in the 21st Century
-
Balancing environmental protection with feeding the world
CRITICAL THINKING DAYS OUT IN LONDON
Join us for a fun, interactive and stimulating day out visiting one of London's top museums.
​
Explore and debate ethical issues using real historical examples:
-
balancing medical progress with responsible regulation - from early amputation saws to the approval of Covid vaccines;
-
balancing cultural understanding and exchange with responsible and appropriate collection and display - from human remains to treasure;
-
balancing intervention and protection of the natural world with competing human interests - from hunting and fishing to breeding programmes.
Students will start the day with ice breakers and an introduction to the discussion topics of the day. After an initial group discussion, they'll embark on a series of tutor-led activities and museum-based discovery challenges. The afternoon will include group discussions and opportunities to form and present their thoughts and ideas. An active, engaging day of walking, talking, observing and reflecting with plenty of peer and tutor feedback throughout.
Museum trips
Dates and pricing
We are planning on delivering museum trips in the winter holidays. Please get in touch to register your interest.
Our critical thinking day trip options are:
​
-
Science Museum and Kensington Gardens
-
British Museum and Bloomsbury
-
Natural History Museum and Hyde Park
​
Day workshops cost £60 per student, and include an activity pack for use on the day and beyond, and a donation to the museum. Activities are designed for students aged 11-16.