Geography Summer School.
Explore Geography Beyond the Syllabus With Our 2024 Geography Summer School
Minds Underground's Geography Summer School offers Year 12 students an enriching opportunity to explore geography beyond the standard curriculum. Guided by Oxbridge-educated Geographers, our online course runs from July to August.
The Geography Summer School’s weekly 1.5hr engaging sessions encourage students to immerse themselves in the exploration, discussion, and critical analysis of captivating geographical questions that extend beyond traditional classroom material. Enrolling in our summer course not only broadens your understanding beyond the syllabus but also hones essential research skills, mastery of geographical principles, and the ability to participate in insightful discussions.
Especially advantageous for those preparing for top-tier UK university applications, such as Oxbridge, our tutors will assist you in articulating your reasoning and addressing questions verbally in anticipation of potential university interviews.
Location: Online
Student Age: 15 - 18
Duration: 8 Weeks
Hours: 12 hours (Weekly 1.5hr session)
Dates: July - August
Why Join the Minds Underground Geography Summer School for Top UK & Oxbridge Geography Applicants?
Guidance for Top UK and Oxbridge Geography Applications
Receive guidance from top Oxbridge Geography tutors who have successfully navigated the challenging application process. We typically have one Oxford geographer and one from Cambridge. The Summer School will provide students with cutting-edge content for their personal statement and interviews.
Exciting Taster of University-Level Material
Our Geography Summer School introduces you to exciting university-level topics, offering a taste of advanced material that goes beyond the standard curriculum. Immerse yourself in captivating topics that verge on 1st year university level material, igniting your passion for higher-level exploration in Geography.
Boost Problem Solving, Data and Statistical analysis Skills
Whether it's deciphering graphs or addressing complex research questions and problems, the Geography Summer School equips you with the critical thinking and problem solving abilities needed to excel in the dynamic field and to approach university applications.
Excel in Geography University Interviews
Prepare for success in Top UK University and Oxbridge interviews through our Geography Summer School’s interactive, Oxbridge seminar-style sessions. Develop effective communication skills, learn how to articulate your passion for Geography, and confidently respond to challenging questions.
Tailored Specifically For Year 12 Geographers
Designed primarily for Year 12 students (age 16-17), our Geography Summer Course offers a platform for high-performing, ambitious students to enhance their knowledge and skills for a successful application. We also welcome younger, ambitious students, looking to kickstart their Geography university application preparation.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Theoretical Discussions and Debates
Geography is a subject that merges the arts and sciences, spanning diverse fields such as Economics, History, Philosophy, Earth Science, Sustainability, and Politics. You'll participate in thought-provoking discussions, expand your understanding and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the theoretical and interdisciplinary underpinnings of the discipline.
A Taster of Geography Summer Course Topics
An Introduction to Neoliberalism for Geographers
This session will be a deep dive into the dominant geopolitical and economic philosophy of the West. Neoliberalism intersects with all areas of human geography and this session will provide a bite-size explanation of neoliberalism and will then interrogate some of the key areas of geography that it impacts, from cities to conservation.
Development: Practices and Players
This session will put development theories into practice, and analyse some of the good, and the bad, that development practices can lead to. We will begin by tracing the ever-changing theories of development and place them in a global context. We will focus on not just the development practices but also the development players, including NGOs, governments and inter-governmental organisations. The session will cast a critical and analytical lens on these practices and players to fully understand the good and the bad of development.
Globalisation: An Idea, a Process, a Theory
This session will explore what globalisation means as an idea, a process, and theory. We will discuss when globalisation began and the scepticism around whether globalisation truly exists. We will also talk about both the benefits and drawbacks of globalisation and a global economy, drawing on examples including the climate crisis and COVID-19.
10 Reasons Geomorphology is Important
This session will entail an exploration of what geomorphology is and what its contemporary uses, debates, and frontiers are. From explaining paleo-climatic events, to natural disasters, geomorphology represents a geographical sector of contemporary importance. Key figures of historical and current geomorphological research will be examined and their concepts debated. Geomorphology often forms the basis of many interview questions due to the visual and process-driven nature of the sub-discipline. As such we will take this opportunity to begin unravelling how to answer a image-based interview question through general discussion and group practice.
Complexity Theory: A New Perspective on Natural Systems
The traditional way to understand natural systems is through reductionist approaches, where the system is decomposed into constituent processes, actors, and structures. However, contemporary scholars believe that this lens may be missing essential information about system functions and underlying principles. This session will ask students to apply what is likely to be a novel concept to many examples from the previous sessions. With diverse examples from across physical geography, such as desert geomorphology to ant and forest ecology, complexity theory provides a new way of thinking about physical geography.
Tackling Key Geographical Questions
This will be a highly interactive session tackling a range of key questions in Geography, particularly useful for those with prospective Oxbridge interviews. The session will cover examples of commonly asked interview questions (and answers!), and strategies for answering difficult questions across a variety of formats. e.g. graph interpretation questions, theoretical/ abstract questions, scientific problem solving…
Learn From Inspiring Geography Tutors From Oxford and Cambridge
Example Oxford Geography Tutor: Alfie
Alfie graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in Geography. The diversity and contemporary relevance of the discipline has fuelled a unfaltering interest in Geography. Of particular interest is the sustainable management of physical systems. This is reflected in Alfie choosing to focus on Data Science, Complexity theory, and Environmental Geography in particular. Having tutored for over 5 years and across all levels from KS2 to Oxbridge admissions, Alfie has a great breath of tutoring experience. He has helped multiple students successfully complete Geography Oxbridge admissions and is an experienced mock interviewer.
Example Cambridge Geography Tutor: Kirsty
Kirsty graduated from the University of Cambridge with a high 2.1 (1 mark from a 1st!) in Geography and a fourth additional Master's year in Management. Geography has always been her passion, and she remains passionate about the environment and sustainability in particular. At Cambridge, she covered a range of human and physical modules, from Development and Globalisation to Glaciers and Volcanoes. Kirsty is an experienced university application tutor, with a great track record of success in supporting students to successful Oxbridge entry in particular.
Booking the Geography Summer School
Book now to ensure your spot in the Summer School. Our booking page includes 2024 dates and pricing. We limit class sizes to facilitate group discussion, tailored support and individual feedback.
Are You Looking For Further Support For Your Geography University Application?
-
The Summer School is designed to provide exciting talking points for your Geography personal statement. If you are looking for some one-to-one tuition tailored to your specific application, contact us to arrange sessions with an Oxbridge Geography tutor!
-
We offer specialised preparation for Geography admissions tests, including the Oxford GAT, Cambridge pre-interview Geography test and other relevant assessments. Visit our Admissions Test page on the U2 Tuition website to learn more.
-
Are you preparing for future Geography interviews at Oxford, Cambridge or other top UK universities? Our Oxbridge Geography tutors prepare students for all formats of interview question, hosting preparatory sessions and mock interviews. Learn more here.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ - Geography Summer School
-
The Minds Underground Geography Summer School is an online educational programme designed for aspiring Geography university applicants aged 15 to 18. It offers a comprehensive nine-week curriculum aimed at providing in-depth insights into the field of Geography through weekly 1.5-hour sessions. Participants will engage in stimulating discussions, skill development, and explore various aspects of Geography beyond the curriculum, all within a virtual classroom environment.
-
Minds Underground’s Geography Summer School is tailored to offer aspiring applicants a unique and enriching experience. Through interactive sessions, participants can deepen their understanding of Geography, enhance critical thinking and problem solving abilities, and develop communication skills. Additionally, exposure to theoretical discussions and real-world applications of concepts learnt at school can better prepare students for academic pursuits in Geography.
-
Yes, absolutely. Minds Underground Geography Summer School is ideal for students contemplating Geography at university. The online summer course provides a structured and educational environment to explore the field of Geography, aiding in informed decision-making regarding future academic and career paths. It's an excellent opportunity for students to validate their interest in Geography and gain a competitive edge in university applications.
-
The Minds Underground Geography Summer School is conducted entirely online, making it accessible to students from across the globe. Our online platform facilitates seamless engagement through weekly 1.5-hour sessions spread over a period of nine weeks. The virtual format offers a dynamic and interactive learning experience, ensuring students can actively participate, collaborate, and learn from accomplished Oxbridge Geography tutors.
-
While the Summer School is tailored to students interested in pursuing a degree in Geography, it is open to any Year 12 student looking to explore this field. We also welcome younger ambitious learners in Year 10 and 11.
-
The Geography Summer School sessions take place weekly, with each session lasting 1.5 hours. The course runs from July to September, providing a flexible and comprehensive learning experience.
-
Participants who successfully complete the programme are able to request a certificate of participation, which can be a valuable addition to your academic achievements and university applications.
-
Absolutely. Our Summer School is designed to provide personal guidance and support. We keep class sizes small to ensure lots of interaction and individual attention. You'll have the opportunity to interact with our team of experts, ask questions, and receive assistance with your academic and university preparation needs.
-
Yes, we understand that scheduling conflicts can arise. We offer an offline program option where students unable to attend live sessions can receive full session recordings and materials. This allows you to engage with the content at your own pace and convenience.
How does the offline program work, and what materials will I receive?
Students opting for the offline programme will receive access to recorded sessions, lecture materials, assignments, and resources related to each session. You can review the content at your own convenience, ensuring you don't miss out on any valuable information.
Can I still interact with instructors and ask questions if I choose the offline option?
While the offline Summer School doesn't provide real-time interaction with instructors, we encourage participants to reach out with questions through email. Our team is committed to providing support and addressing queries to enhance your learning experience.
Are there specific deadlines or timelines to follow for the offline programme?
The offline programme is designed to be flexible, allowing you to set your own pace within the programme's overall duration. However, we recommend staying on track with the programme schedule to ensure you have ample time for completion and any potential follow-up questions.
How do I enrol in the offline programme, and is there a separate registration process?
A16: To enrol in the offline programme, simply follow the same registration process as for the live sessions on our website. During registration, you can indicate your preference for the offline option. You will receive access to the programme materials upon completion of each session.
Is there a difference in the cost between the live and offline programme options?
The cost for both the live and offline programme options remains the same. We aim to provide a flexible learning experience that accommodates different needs and schedules without additional cost considerations.
Can I switch from the live programme to the offline programme (or vice versa) if my circumstances change?
Yes, you can switch between the live and offline programme options based on your circumstances. Please contact our team to discuss any changes or transitions in your programme participation.
How do I access the recorded sessions and materials for the offline programme?
After registering for the offline programme, you will receive instructions on how to access the recorded sessions and materials through our online platform. This information will be provided to you before the start of the programme.
-
The Minds Underground Geography Summer School serves as an excellent platform for aspiring Biology degree students by offering the following benefits:
Enhanced Understanding: Gain a comprehensive understanding of Geography beyond the standard school curriculum, providing a solid foundation for future studies.
Expert Guidance: Receive expert guidance from a team of experienced Oxbridge graduates, helping students navigate the intricacies of the field and Geography university admissions.
Personal Statement and Interview Preparation: Learn how to create compelling content for personal statements and university interviews, setting students apart in the competitive admission process.
Alignment with University Requirements: The programme's objectives are meticulously designed to align with the specific requirements of future Geography university admissions, enhancing students' chances of securing a place at a top tier university.
-
Registration details and enrolment information can be found on the Summer School booking page. Complete the registration process and we will send you logistical details a month or so before the course commences.
-
If you have any questions or require additional information, please feel free to contact us through the contact form on our website or send an email to enquiries@mindsunderground.com, quoting your contact number in case your email ends up in our Spam folder! Our team will be happy to assist you with any queries.