CATALYST

An interdisciplinary academic course designed for ambitious and curious students.

About CATALYST

CATALYST is an academically rigorous, interactive, and discussion-led summer programme taught by Winchester College teachers. Over two weeks, students immerse themselves in subjects from science and philosophy to artificial intelligence and ethics. Alongside these modules, they work on a Capstone project that develops creativity, problem-solving, and the confidence to communicate ideas with purpose.

Student engaging in debate on CATALYST course at Winchester

How It Works

The course follows a structured arc. Each day blends interactive workshops, Socratic discussion, and collaborative challenges, encouraging students to question, debate, and apply their ideas in real-world contexts. The journey culminates in a capstone project presentation, where students showcase their thinking, teamwork, and communication

Students in Socratic classroom at Winchester College Summer Programme

The Academic Experience

Taught in small groups, every session is designed to spark curiosity and develop confidence. Lessons are interactive and exploratory, moving far beyond lecture-style delivery. Students learn to test ideas, refine arguments, and approach complex problems from multiple perspectives.

teacher with two children

Programme Structure

  • Boy writing at desk at Winchester College summer school

    Week 1: Ideas and Inquiry

    Technology & Ethics: Explore the promises and risks of emerging technologies, from AI to biotechnology. Draft and negotiate your own Ethical Charter on AI Governance.

    Language & AI: Discover how humans and machines use language, and where the limits lie. Take part in a live Turing Test, including a bespoke Beat the Machine challenge.

    Philosophy of Self: Debate questions of identity, personhood, and what it means to be human. Explore competing definitions of selfhood across psychology, culture, and law.

    Critical Challenges: Take part in structured debates, conundrums, and reflective exercises designed to stretch reasoning and imagination. Practise position-taking, defending arguments, and testing your ideas against others.

  • Summer school student speaking to teacher in CATALYST class

    Week 2: Application and Impact

    Science & Patterns: Investigate illusions, cognitive biases, and natural laws, learning how to separate truth from perception. Trace the evolution of scientific thought, from Aristotle to modern physics.

    Economics & Prosperity: Analyse global indicators, questioning what prosperity really means for societies. Explore the contrasts between wealth, wellbeing, and inequality through interactive games and data challenges.

    Heritage & Culture: Consider how cultural legacies shape value and identity in a changing world. Explore the tension between protecting tangible heritage and negotiating the place of intangible traditions.

    Creative Problem-Solving: Develop and test bold solutions to real-world issues, preparing to present them persuasively. Practise persuasive communication, public speaking, and team presentation.

Capstone Project

The Capstone is the heart of the Winchester College Summer Programme: a chance for each student to step beyond the classroom and take on a challenge that matters to them. Over two weeks, they investigate a real-world issue, analyse it from multiple perspectives, and design an imaginative, workable solution. Guided by Winchester teachers, students learn to think critically, act creatively, and communicate persuasively. The programme culminates in a final presentation, where each student showcases not only their project but also the intellectual curiosity, independence, and leadership they have developed, a genuine opportunity to shape ideas that could effect change far beyond the course.

Girl presenting on Capstone project on CATALYST programme

Testimonials

“CATALYST took his education to the next level. It helped him develop the skills he needs for senior school and beyond.”
— Sonya (Parent)
“I gained skills in many different areas: teamwork, how to think at speed and form a solid argument, and how to be pushed out of your comfort zone.”
— Maya (Student)

Book your Spot

£5,600

For a two-week residential course

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The CATALYST Programme is ideal for ambitious and intellectually curious students aged 12-17 who are eager to explore big ideas across disciplines. It’s particularly suited to those who enjoy discussion, debate, and creative problem-solving, and who want to experience an academic environment that challenges them to think deeply and independently.

  • Over two weeks, students explore a range of interconnected disciplines including science, philosophy, artificial intelligence, ethics, economics, and cultural studies. Each theme is approached through interactive workshops, debates, and collaborative challenges - culminating in a capstone project that encourages students to apply their learning to real-world issues.

  • Every session is interactive and discussion-led, with an emphasis on inquiry and exploration rather than memorisation. Students engage in Socratic dialogue, collaborative problem-solving, and reflective exercises designed to challenge assumptions and encourage original thought. The small group setting ensures personalised feedback and meaningful participation.

  • The Capstone Project is the centrepiece of the CATALYST experience. It allows each student to investigate a topic that inspires them, develop an evidence-based solution, and present their findings at the end of the course. This process strengthens critical thinking, research skills, creativity, and confidence - qualities that are invaluable for future academic and professional success.

  • By the end of the two weeks, students will have expanded their intellectual horizons, strengthened their communication and leadership skills, and built lasting friendships with peers from around the world. They’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how to approach complex issues, express their ideas with confidence, and make a genuine impact in whatever path they pursue.

  • CATALYST gives students a taste of university-level study - encouraging independent thought, interdisciplinary learning, and academic curiosity. Through the Capstone Project and daily seminars, students develop the skills top universities and employers value most: critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and confident communication. This experience not only strengthens their personal statements and interview readiness but also helps them articulate their interests and ambitions with clarity and purpose.