Debate Chamber Summer Schools

The uniquely human ability to create and use explanatory knowledge has provided us with the power to transform the natural world. What we do with this power will ultimately determine the fate of our planet. To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle and to solve them, requires creative imagination. In a rapidly changing world, scientific literacy is more important than ever if one hopes to understand and solve the complex challenges facing our species.

Debate Chamber Science and Mathematics courses are for 15-18-year-old students who want to push back the boundaries of their knowledge, or who are curious about the ways in which that knowledge can be applied to the real world to help shape the future. Our hope is that students will leave our Summer Schools feeling inspired to pursue their passions, empowered to make well-informed decisions, and optimistic about the meaningful contribution they can make to this world.

Led by a team of expert tutors, most of whom have completed postgraduate research in science and mathematics, our courses focus on developing intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and the desire to explore academic material independently. Classes will be discussion-based, creating a comfortable environment for students to share ideas amongst their peers and to progress from their existing knowledge toward more challenging material.

Physics Summer Schools

The Physics Summer School is an opportunity for like-minded students to explore some of the most exciting and challenging ideas in contemporary physics. Topics will include: black hole physics, gravitational red-shift, time travel, supernovas, quantum mechanics, stellar physics, thermodynamics, cosmology, string theory, relativity and the search for exo-planets. The Summer School is split into two parts: Part 1 focuses on classical mechanics and astrophysics and is open to GCSE and A-level students. Part 2 focuses on Quantum Mechanics and Relativity and is open to students who will have completed AS mathematics by the time the course begins.

This was by far the most informative, productive and enjoyable week of my summer holiday. It was an incredibly well balanced and finely tuned course, which not only expanded my knowledge of physics, but my skills in applying it to unfamiliar problems. Chilled atmosphere, tutors approachable and engaging; couldn’t recommend this course more for aspiring physicists.

Mathematics Summer School

Guided only by their feelings for symmetry and simplicity, creative mathematicians are inspired by the art of mathematics rather than by any prospect of its ultimate usefulness. And yet, we live in a world in which mathematical ideas find application in almost every branch of human knowledge. The Mathematics Summer School is an opportunity for aspirational students to spend five days exploring some of the most exciting topics in contemporary mathematics. Topics will include: set theory; infinites; multi-variable calculus; applications of differential equations to population growth and financial markets; proof by induction and contradiction; algorithms; cryptography; code-breaking and Turing machines. As a general structure, students will develop their theoretical understanding of mathematics in the morning session, before exploring the practical applications in the afternoon.

‘Attending the Maths Summer School allowed me to explore a variety of mathematical concepts not covered at school. I was given an opportunity to learn about multivariable calculus and differential equations from a physics graduate, predicate logic and Gödel’s Incompleteness Theorem from a philosophy graduate, and linear algebra from a mathematics graduate. All of my tutors were very eloquent and clear, and I’ve learnt new branches of mathematics to give myself a slight head-start going into university.’

Medicine Summer School

The Medicine Summer School offers a valuable insight into the reality of studying medicine at university. The Summer School is split into five 2-day programmes, each covering a different area of medical practice. Students will be given the opportunity to work alongside practising medical students to develop the theoretical and applied skills necessary to become a doctor.

‘I completely recommend this course! Whether you are totally convinced Medicine is for you, or if you just want a taster to see if it’s right, this course is perfect. The tutors are passionate and highly knowledgeable, and teach a great course covering a wide range of topics. Absolutely ten out of ten on all aspects – go and do it!’

Bursaries

Debate Chamber is committed to ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent any student from attending our events. Students are able to apply for bursaries covering up to 100% of the course fee through our website.

How can my students attend?

All the Summer School events will be held at University of London venues in Bloomsbury, Central London, and will take place in July and August 2017. Please note that these courses are not residential, and accommodation must be arranged independently if required.

You can find full details of schedules, dates, costs, student reviews and tutors at http://www.debatechamber.com/summerschools/. There is a limited amount of bursary funding available for students who would otherwise have financial difficulty in attending – please see our website for details.

To book a place please visit www.debatechamber.com/summerschools/, call us on 0845 519 4827, or email info@debatechamber.com. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.