Programmes
Academic courses designed to inspire the next generation of original thinkers.
About Our Courses
Our summer programmes reflect the ethos upon which Winchester College was founded: encouraging students to think deeply, discuss widely, and engage critically with the world around them.
Students on our summer programme can choose between three courses: CATALYST Foundations (ages 10-13), CATALYST Horizons (ages 14-17) and English Language Coaching. While each programme has a distinct focus and different objectives, all are underpinned by the guiding principles of Winchester College. Throughout their studies, students will be challenged not just to learn, but to think deeply - exploring the pressing questions and defining challenges of their generation.
Catalyst Foundations
(Ages 10-13)
Discover how to think, question and create.
An exciting interdisciplinary summer programme for curious thinks aged 10-13.
CATALYST Foundations is a two-week residential summer programme that helps younger students discover the joy of thinking differently. Through hands-on challenges, discussion, experiments and creative projects, students explore big ideas across science, technology, culture and the world around them. There are no easy answers - instead, students are encouraged to ask better questions, test their ideas, listen to different perspectives and have the confidence to say, "What if?"
CATALYST HORIZONS
(Ages 14-17)
Challenge your thinking. Explore complex ideas. Shape your own perspective.
An academically rigorous, interactive and discussion-led summer programme for ambitious young thinkers aged 14–17.
CATALYST Horizons helps students build the skills they need to thrive at university - thinking critically, communicating effectively and engaging with complex ideas.
Over two weeks, students explore subjects from science and philosophy to AI, ethics, economics and culture through discussions, workshops, debates and collaborative challenges — questioning assumptions and developing their own ideas.
Alongside this, students take on a Capstone Project, combining creativity and critical thinking to solve a real-world challenge and present it with confidence.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE COACHING
Suited to learners of all levels, our English Language Coaching programme builds fluency, confidence and communication skills through engaging, purposeful and project-based learning.
Students are placed in classes according to their age and level, where experienced teachers create an active and supportive environment for developing speaking, listening, reading and writing. Through stimulating topics, lively discussion, creative challenges and collaborative projects, students use English to explore ideas, share perspectives and communicate with others from around the world.
The aim is not simply to improve English, but to give students the confidence to use it - in the classroom, across the College and throughout their summer experience.