Gonville _ caius college (5)

About the provider: "Exceptional" - Founded 2012, global leader in pre-college experiences with 7000+ alumni from 125+ countries, 97% recommended, 4.6 stars on TrustPilot

age icon 16-18 years old

time icon 2 weeks

book icon Weekly hours: 20

See Dates

Gain insights into university-level philosophy, covering historical contexts and areas of discussion.

  • Learn from the theories of famous philosophers and enhance your essay writing and argumentative skills.
  • Our small class sizes, averaging just seven students, ensure personalized attention from expert university tutors with extensive experience from renowned institutions like Cambridge, Oxford, and Harvard.
  • You'll participate in one-on-one tutorials and group discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject.

This program is not run by the campus partners. Universities and their affiliated departments are not responsible for this program in any way.


& More

We have so much more, activities, excursion etc. If you want to explore more get more details here it.

Location

Experience Cambridge's academic excellence and historic beauty while living in authentic student accommodation at University of Cambridge colleges during your time at our school. On campus at:

  • Magdalene College

  • Queens' College

  • Christ's College

  • St. Catharine's College

  • Sidney Sussex College

What's Included

  • 13 nights accommodation in a central college of the University of Cambridge or Oxford

  • Breakfast and dinner included on campus (lunch included for students aged 13-15)

  • Accommodation in an individual bedroom

  • 40 hours of academic sessions from Oxford University and Cambridge University tutors

  • Carefully designed study and lecture materials

  • Mentor program and access to support material

  • All excursions- including formal dinner at Cambridge/Oxford colleges, punting, croquet

  • Comprehensive summer school insurance

  • 2 coach excursions including a trip to London

  • Graduation ceremony and certificate

  • Detailed evaluation written by tutor

  • Notebook and pen

  • Mentor family photograph

  • Free premium membership to UniPrepare's 'Nurture' plan

Activities

  • Outside of lessons, enjoy a busy and diverse social program including punting on the River Cam, zorb football, games night, movie night, quiz night, talent show and a murder mystery night at the college.
  • All activities and excursions are led by our team of friendly mentors, dedicated to maximizing your enjoyment.

Accommodations

  • College allocation based on dates and subject choice, assigned a few weeks before arrival.

  • All colleges are central, historical, with unique culture and character.

  • Accommodations designed for study, not luxury; many buildings over 500 years old, no air conditioning.

  • Accommodation requests for friends/siblings considered where possible.

  • Separate male and female accommodations in each college; wi-fi available throughout.

  • Single occupancy rooms with shared bathrooms (one per four participants); some ensuite facilities available, prioritized for additional needs.

  • Mixed-gender corridors for ensuite facilities; gender-separated corridors for shared bathrooms.

  • Welcome Pack includes possible college details for program dates.

  • Rooms secured with locks, housekeeping access for maintenance.

  • Breakfast and dinner included on campus

  • Host venues accommodate all dietary requirements, special attention to religious observances and medical needs (Please let us know if you need to follow any particular religious observances or have any medical requirements that we need to know about.)

  • As a student, you will experience formal dinner three times during your stay: once per week in Cambridge and at an Oxford University college on the excursion day, making formal hall a memorable occasion, so remember to bring some smart clothes!

Excursions

  • Two excursions offered: a day trip to visit Oxford and its colleges, and an optional day out in London to see famous landmarks and enjoy shopping.
  • If you opt out of the London trip, you're invited to afternoon tea in Cambridge.

Transportation

  • Arrival Time: Participants should arrive between 2 pm and 5 pm on the first Sunday of the program, with registration and accommodation showings upon arrival (accommodation ready by 3 pm).

  • London Heathrow Airport Transfers: Shared airport transfer service available from Heathrow Terminal 3 directly to Cambridge/Oxford colleges. Pastoral team to meet participants at any Heathrow terminal and escort to Terminal 3.

  • Transfer departures at 11:00, 14:00, and 17:00 on arrival Sunday; return transfers to London Heathrow Airport depart at 07:00 and 12:00 on the final Saturday.

  • Transfer Fee: Available for booking post-enrollment at £180 each way.

  • Detailed information is provided closer to the program date, including contact numbers.

  • Alternative Arrivals: For those arriving at different airports or by other means, details are in the Welcome Pack sent after enrolment confirmation.

Lesson Plan

  • 40 hours of academic sessions from Oxford University and Cambridge University tutors
  • Carefully designed study and lecture materials
  • Mentor program and access to support material

Academic Skills Workshops:

  • Unlock participants’ potential, giving them the tools to prepare for the next steps of their education and future goals.
  • Focus on enhancing study skills
  • Support for university-level learning
  • Diverse and enriching range of topics – past examples have ranged from ‘Productivity tips’ to ’21st Century Technology Skills’.
  • Unique learning experience outside traditional schools

Sample Modules:

Module 1: Origins The Presocratics

  • Explore Presocratics, foundational Greek philosophers
  • Study their focus on elements - water, air, fire, earth - to explain existence

Module 2: Beyond Truth and Morality Nietzsche

  • Examine Friedrich Nietzsche's concept of 'Will to Power'
  • Discuss Nietzsche’s influence and misinterpretation by Nazi propaganda

Module 3: The Unconscious Freud

  • Explore Sigmund Freud's theories on the unconscious mind
  • Study dream analysis, verbal slips, and the mind's structure: id, ego, superego

Module 4: Personal Project

  • Present and discuss a chosen philosophical topic
  • Engage in peer discussions, receive tutor feedback

Sample timetable Academic insights 2024

Sample Tutors

Cathy M:

  • Lecturer in Philosophy at Wadham College, Oxford.

  • Teaches Ethics, Practical Ethics, Aesthetics and Political Philosophy.

  • Works primarily within virtue ethics and is particularly interested in Iris Murdoch.

  • In 2019, completed her PhD at Cambridge, titled 'Neglected Virtues: Love, Hope and Humility'. Whilst there she taught Metaphysics, Ethics, Epistemology, Political Philosophy, and Aesthetics.

Guest Speakers from Previous Summers:

  • Abi Oyepitan - Former Olympian: A two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Gold and Silver winning track and field athlete.

  • Dr Lynda Shaw - Neuroscientist & entrepreneur: A journey in personal development - how to create your own set of tools to fast track success

  • Dr Nigel Warburton - Philosopher, author & journalist: How do great people find answers to deep and meaningful questions?​​

Extras

  • Transfer Fee: £180 each way.

  • Pocket Money Advice: Money we recommend that participants bring £80 per week to cover lunch each day, plus any souvenirs that they may wish to purchase. Various banks and ATMs are available throughout Cambridge, and Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.

Security

  • This program is accredited by British Accreditation Council (BAC)

  • Meets global standards for academic provision and student welfare

  • Top priority for participant safety

  • Staff undergo enhanced background checks and safeguarding training

  • Participants assigned to a “Mentor Family” of 10 students

  • Mentors offer support, advice, and share their experiences

  • School management and supervision is managed by senior, experienced College Managers in Cambridge, Oxford, London, and Sydney

  • College Managers trained to Level 3 Safeguarding standards

  • Resident summer team and college personnel supervise sites 24/7

  • Encourage student independence within safe boundaries

  • Team supervision ensures safe and rewarding experience

Requirements

  • This program is designed for students with at least an upper-intermediate level of English (B2). If you are unsure if you meet this requirement, please contact with our advisor.


Video

Watch the video to have a sneak peek for your child’s adventures!


Session Dates

Good News! You are not going to pay the full fee today, just a small deposit. After paying today, you will first get an enrollment form, and then receive a booking confirmation.

July - Boarding

Start 7/13/2025
End 7/26/2025
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £6,890

July - Commuter

Start 7/13/2025
End 7/26/2025
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,890

July - Boarding

Start 7/27/2025
End 8/9/2025
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £6,890

July - Commuter

Start 7/27/2025
End 8/9/2025
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,890

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