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Summer Courses 2026

Each summer, in association with the academies by harvard student agencies we offer summer programmes, allowing high school students to earn prestigious certificates.

Summer Courses 2026 at Owl Academy — Earn a Prestigious Certificate This Summer.

Each summer, Owl Academy International School in Antwerp offers high school students an exceptional opportunity: the chance to engage in intensive, university-style academic programmes and earn prestigious certificates — in association with Academies by Harvard Student Agencies.
These are not holiday workshops. They are rigorous, intellectually demanding programmes designed for ambitious students who want to spend their summer doing something that genuinely counts — something that builds real knowledge, develops real skills, and produces a credential that stands out on a university application.
Across four tracks — Pre-Medicine, Government and Law, Coding, and Business — students explore subjects at a depth that most high school curricula simply do not reach. They work through real case studies, tackle complex problems, and complete final projects that demonstrate applied knowledge rather than memorised content.

Programme year: Summer 2026
Eligible students: High school students aged 14–18 years
Partner: Academies by Harvard Student Agencies
Tracks available: Pre-Medicine, Government and Law, Coding, Business
Number of courses: 8 intensive programmes
Award: Prestigious certificate upon completion
Location: Owl Academy International School, Antwerp, Belgium or the US.

MORE THAN A SUMMER ACTIVITY — A GENUINE ACADEMIC ADVANTAGE

Why Join? What These Summer Programmes Give Your Child That Others Cannot.

Summer learning programmes have proliferated in recent years — but not all of them are equal. What distinguishes Owl Academy's summer courses from the typical holiday academic club is the standard of content, the credential at the end, and the partnership behind the programmes.

University-Level Content While Still in High School

depth — and the kind of intellectual challenge — that they will encounter in their first year of university. A student who has worked through organic chemistry, interpreted CT scans, argued a simulated legal case, or built a functional website from scratch has not just filled their summer productively. They have developed a genuine foundation in a subject area that informs their academic choices, strengthens their personal statement, and prepares them more effectively for the rigour of university study.

CHOOSE YOUR TRACK — EIGHT INTENSIVE SUMMER PROGRAMMES

Summer 2026 Courses — What You Will Study.

with practical application and a final project or assessment. Students leave with a certificate, a deepened understanding of their chosen subject, and — most importantly — the confidence that comes from having done something genuinely demanding.

Pre-Med

Biology And Chemistry

This programme takes students into the molecular and cellular foundations of medicine — covering the genetic, biochemical, and ethical dimensions of human biology that form the basis of pre-medical study. Students who complete this course will have engaged with the kind of biological and chemical content that university-level medicine and biomedical science begin with.

Genetics, immunology, and organic chemistry — including compound structures and naming conventions
The ethical dimensions of CRISPR technology and genetic engineering
Genetic and biochemical mechanisms underlying conditions such as Down Syndrome and Sickle Cell Anaemia
Inherited diseases and the chemistry of hydrocarbons and alkanes
Inherited diseases and the chemistry of hydrocarbons and alkanes

Pre-Med

Human Anatomy And Physiology

Human Anatomy and Physiology gives students a structured introduction to how the body works — system by system, organ by organ — and how medical professionals use diagnostic tools to understand what happens when it does not. This programme is ideal for students considering medicine, nursing, biomedical science, or any health-related career path.

Cardiology, pulmonology, and neurology — the core body systems and their clinical significance
Interpreting diagnostic imaging: X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs
Understanding blood test results and their role in diagnosis and patient monitoring
A simulated emergency room scenario — applying clinical knowledge under realistic conditions
Critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving through medical case studies

Government

International Politics

International Politics introduces students to the forces, institutions, and conflicts that shape the global order — from the structure of international organisations to the role of diplomacy, foreign policy, and geopolitical competition. Students develop the analytical frameworks used by political scientists, diplomats, and international affairs professionals to understand and interpret world events.

The structure and function of international organisations including the United Nations and regional bodies
Key theories of international relations: realism, liberalism, and constructivism
Contemporary geopolitical conflicts and the role of diplomacy in resolving them
Analysis of foreign policy decision-making in major global powers
A simulated international summit or debate exercise — applying political analysis in practice

Government

Pre Law

Pre-Law gives students a rigorous and practical introduction to how legal systems are structured, how laws are made and applied, and how lawyers think. Through the study of real legal precedents and a culminating simulated trial, students develop the analytical precision, argumentation skills, and procedural understanding that undergraduate law degrees build upon.

Corporate, real estate, and constitutional law — principles and real-world application
Analysis of landmark legal cases and the precedents they established
The structure of federal and state court systems — how cases move through the legal process
Legal document analysis and case dissection — reading the law as a lawyer does
A simulated trial — taking on the roles of lawyer, witness, or judge

Coding

Introduction To Python

Python is the most widely used programming language in data science, artificial intelligence, automation, and academic research. This course gives students a practical, working knowledge of Python from the ground up — building the programming confidence and problem-solving habits that are foundational to any technology-related degree or career path.

Python fundamentals — syntax, variables, data types, and programme structure
Core data manipulation using integers, floats, strings, and lists
Control flow — using loops and conditional statements to manage logic and decision-making
Functions — building modular, reusable code for more complex programmes
Industry-standard practices: designing, coding, testing, and debugging Python programmes effectively

Coding

Introduction To Web Development

Web development is one of the most immediately practical and visible coding disciplines — and this course gives students the skills to build functional, well-designed websites from scratch. By the end of the programme, every student will have created and published a final website project using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript — a tangible, portfolio-ready output that demonstrates real technical capability.

HTML fundamentals — building the structure and content of websites from scratch
CSS — applying design, layout, and visual styling to web pages
JavaScript — adding interactivity, buttons, and dynamic user engagement features
A complete final website project integrating HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Web architecture principles and awareness of current trends in front-end development

Business

Entrepreneurship

Owl Academy's Entrepreneurship summer programme puts students in the position of a startup founder — and challenges them to think, plan, and pitch like one. From identifying a market opportunity to building a business plan and presenting to an audience of potential investors, students develop the commercial thinking, financial awareness, and persuasive communication skills that entrepreneurship requires.

Developing and refining a startup concept aligned with current market demands
Financial management fundamentals for early-stage businesses
Building a detailed business plan incorporating market research and competitive analysis
SWOT analysis and product-market fit evaluation
Crafting and delivering a compelling elevator pitch to attract investor interest

Business

Management And Strategy

Management and Strategy introduces students to how large organisations make decisions, solve problems, and compete effectively — through the analytical lens of a business consultant. Working through real-world case studies from Academies by Harvard Student Agencies, students develop the strategic thinking, financial literacy, and operational awareness that business degrees at competitive universities demand.

Identifying and resolving complex corporate challenges using strategic frameworks
Business optimisation and structured problem-solving methodologies
Product launch strategy and market entry tactics
Reading and interpreting income statements, balance sheets, and key financial documents
Harvard Student Agencies case studies in logistics, operations, and business strategy

Begin Your Summer Courses Journey

Frequently Asked Questions — Summer Courses 2026 at Owl Academy

Answers to the questions parents and students ask most about Owl Academy's Summer Courses 2026.

What are Owl Academy's Summer Courses 2026?

Owl Academy’s Summer Courses 2026 are intensive academic programmes for high school students, offered in association with Academies by Harvard Student Agencies. Students can choose from eight courses across four tracks — Pre-Medicine, Government and Law, Coding, and Business. Each programme combines structured teaching with practical projects and culminates in a prestigious certificate. The courses are designed for ambitious students who want to spend their summer engaged in a serious academic challenge that advances their knowledge and strengthens their university application.

Who are the Summer Courses designed for?

The Summer Courses 2026 are designed for high school students aged 14 to 18 who want to explore an academic subject at greater depth than their standard school curriculum provides. They are particularly valuable for students who are building a university application and want to demonstrate independent academic initiative — and for students who are considering a career in medicine, law, technology, or business and want a structured introduction to that field before committing to a degree programme.

What certificate do students receive?

Students who successfully complete an Owl Academy summer programme receive a prestigious certificate issued in association with Academies by Harvard Student Agencies. This certificate recognises the student’s successful completion of a rigorous academic programme and is a meaningful addition to a UCAS personal statement, US college application, or any university application that includes an extracurricular or academic achievement section. Please contact Owl Academy’s admissions team for specific details about the format and issuing body of the certificate.

What tracks and courses are available in Summer 2026?

Eight courses are available across four tracks. The Pre-Medicine track includes Biology and Chemistry, and Human Anatomy and Physiology. The Government and Law track includes International Politics and Pre-Law. The Coding track includes Introduction to Python and Introduction to Web Development. The Business track includes Entrepreneurship and Management and Strategy. Students may apply for one course or, where scheduling allows, more than one. Contact the admissions team for details on scheduling and availability.

Do students need any prior knowledge to join a summer course?

Prior knowledge requirements vary by course. Some programmes — such as AP Biology-aligned content — have recommended prerequisites, while others such as Government: Pre-Law and Business: Entrepreneurship are open to students with no specific prior knowledge. The course listings indicate any prerequisite subject knowledge. If you are unsure whether your child has the right background for a particular course, please contact Owl Academy’s admissions team, who will advise based on your child’s academic level and experience.

How do the Summer Courses help with university applications?

Completing a summer academic programme demonstrates intellectual curiosity, independent initiative, and a genuine commitment to a subject area beyond the standard school curriculum. For UK university applicants, experiences like these provide specific, substantial material for the UCAS personal statement. For US applicants, the Common App includes a dedicated section for academic programmes and certificates. A Harvard associated certificate in a relevant subject — Pre-Law for a future law applicant, or Pre-Med Biology and Chemistry for a medicine applicant — is a concrete, credible addition to any competitive application.

Where do the Summer Courses take place?

Owl Academy’s Summer Courses 2026 take place at Owl Academy International School, located in Mortsel, near Antwerp, Belgium or in the US. Antwerp is easily accessible by rail and road from across Belgium and from neighbouring countries including the Netherlands, Germany, and France. For families travelling from further afield, the city has excellent transport connections to major European airports. Please contact our admissions team for specific information about course dates, times, and any accommodation guidance for students travelling from outside
Belgium.

How do I register for a Summer Course at Owl Academy?

To register for a Summer Course 2026, please contact Owl Academy’s admissions team through the website or by telephone on +32 3 369 3512. Our team will provide full details on course dates, available places, fees, and the enrolment process. We recommend registering early, as places on individual courses are limited. Families outside Belgium are welcome to enquire — our admissions team can advise on logistics for international students attending the summer programme.

What is the difference between the summer courses and Owl Academy's regular academic programme?

The Summer Courses are standalone intensive programmes open to high school students regardless of whether they are enrolled in Owl Academy’s regular academic programme. They are delivered over a concentrated period during the summer holidays and are designed to be self-contained learning experiences — not prerequisites for enrolment at Owl Academy. Students already enrolled at Owl Academy are of course welcome to join, as are students from other schools in Belgium and internationally.

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