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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. 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.

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. Click to apply below.

Cohort 1:

Monday 29th June - Sunday 12th July

 

Cohort 2:

Monday 13th July - Sunday 26th July

  • Catalyst  Summer Programme
    Catalyst  Summer Programme
    Multiple Dates
    126 days to the event
    Mon, Jul 13
    Winchester College
    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
  • Catalyst  Summer Programme
    Catalyst  Summer Programme
    Multiple Dates
    112 days to the event
    Mon, Jun 29
    Winchester College
    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

Testimonials from students

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