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CATALYST by Winchester College

An interdisciplinary academic course designed for ambitious and curious students.

CATALYST is an academically rigorous, interactive, and discussion-led summer programme taught by Winchester College teachers.

During the courses, students will gain practical experience and hone 4 skills

  1. THINK:Learn how to ask better questions, make stronger arguments, and think critically.

  2. EXPLORE: Explore the topics shaping today's world including technology, innovation, and AI.

  3. COLLABORATE: Work with students from around the world from different backgrounds and cultures to build teamwork and leadership skills.

  4. APPLY: Students apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world problem they're curious about via a Capstone Project.

Click below to select the course most appropriate for your child

Foundations
Ages 10-13

Taught by Winchester Dons, Foundations challenges students to think critically, debate big ideas, and build the intellectual confidence needed for secondary school. 

 

HOW IT WORKS

Foundations covers two of a possible four modules, plus a Capstone Project Students present their projects during a live exhibition on the final day. Courses are delivered on our interactive platform, welcoming global cohorts from all over the world.

PLEASE NOTE: The student will have to go through an interview after submitting the application. Should the application not be successful post the interview, you will receive a full refund. 

 

Week long courses (9am-2pm, Mon-Fri)

Taught Online

Ages 10-13

Horizons
Ages 14-17

Taught by Winchester Dons, Foundations challenges students to think critically, debate big ideas, and build the intellectual confidence needed for secondary school. 

 

HOW IT WORKS

Horizons covers two modules, plus a Capstone Project. Students present their projects during a live exhibition on the final day. Courses are delivered on our interactive platform, welcoming global cohorts from all over the world.

PLEASE NOTE: The student will have to go through an interview after submitting the application. Should the application not be successful post the interview, you will receive a full refund. 

Week long course (9am-2pm, Mon-Fri)

Taught Online

Ages 14-17

  • Horizons - AI & Philosophy
    Horizons - AI & Philosophy
    Aug 03, 2026, 9:00 AM GMT+1 – Aug 07, 2026, 2:00 PM GMT+1
    Online Program
    Aug 03, 2026, 9:00 AM GMT+1 – Aug 07, 2026, 2:00 PM GMT+1
    Online Program
    August 3rd ~ August 7th 9am to 2pm Ages 14-17
  • Catalyst Summer Program
    On Campus & In Person

    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

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    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.

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    The Program Schedule

    Week 1:

    Ideas & 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.

    When & Where

    Catalyst is a 2 week residential program held at Winchester College, Hampshire.

     

    Cohort 1:

    Monday 29th June - Sunday 12th July

     

    Cohort 2:

    Monday 13th July - Sunday 26th July

     

    Click to APPLY below. The total fee is £5600 + per week.

    Please note that you will be charged £1000 as a deposit towards your application only, and Team Catalyst will conduct an interview of the student before formal acceptance. This amount shall be refunded should your application not be successful.

    Team Catalyst will contact you after you submit your inquiry.

    • Catalyst  Summer Programme
      Catalyst  Summer Programme
      Multiple Dates
      73 days to the event
      Jun 29, 2026, 9:00 AM GMT+1 – Jul 12, 2026, 5:00 PM GMT+1
      Winchester College, College St, Winchester SO23 9NA, UK
      Jun 29, 2026, 9:00 AM GMT+1 – Jul 12, 2026, 5:00 PM GMT+1
      Winchester College, College St, Winchester SO23 9NA, UK
      An interdisciplinary academic course designed for ambitious and curious students
    • Catalyst  Summer Programme
      Catalyst  Summer Programme
      Multiple Dates
      87 days to the event
      Jul 13, 2026, 9:00 AM GMT+1 – Jul 26, 2026, 5:00 PM GMT+1
      Winchester College, College St, Winchester SO23 9NA, UK
      Jul 13, 2026, 9:00 AM GMT+1 – Jul 26, 2026, 5:00 PM GMT+1
      Winchester College, College St, Winchester SO23 9NA, UK
      An interdisciplinary academic course designed for ambitious and curious students

    Testimonials from students

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