Course Description: Exceptional Summer Pre-College Computer Science Program for Teenagers at Cambridge University Campus

💻 Pre-College Computer Science for High Schoolers at Cambridge / Oxford University Campus (Ages 13–15)

This award-winning academic summer school is designed for ambitious students aged 13–15 who want to explore the world of computer science while experiencing life at either the University of Cambridge or Oxford.

Over two weeks, you’ll take part in 30 hours of academic sessions, guided by expert tutors from Oxford and Cambridge, and explore what it feels like to study at a world-class university. Alongside classes, you’ll complete an individual “Personal Project” – an essay or presentation, assessed and presented at the end of the program.

Computer science blends creativity with logic, mathematical precision with innovation, and is one of the most in-demand fields worldwide. This program introduces participants to the fundamentals of programming, big data, and algorithms, while showing the multiple career and study pathways available in technology.

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🎓 Academic Experience

• 30 hours of academic sessions with tutors from Oxford and Cambridge.

• Small class sizes for maximum attention.

• Emphasis on both theory and practical skills.

• Personal Project: essay or presentation evaluated by peers and tutor on the final day.

• Feedback from tutors included in your final assessment.

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📘 Academic Skills Workshops

Our skills workshops prepare you for future university-level study:

• Productivity & study strategies.

• 21st-century technology skills.

• Critical thinking and confidence building.

• Enrichment beyond traditional school learning.

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🖥️ Sample Modules

Module 1: Programming with Python

• Learn the basics of Python, one of the most popular coding languages worldwide.

• Discover how to break down problems and tackle them programmatically.

Module 2: Object-Oriented Programming with Python

• Explore how OOP simplifies code by packaging functionality into objects.

• Build more powerful and reusable programs.

Module 3: Databases & Big Data

• Learn how we manage 2.5 quintillion bytes of daily data.

• Explore relational databases and their role in storing and analyzing massive datasets.

Module 4: Personal Project Presentation

• Present your project to tutors and peers.

• Receive feedback to reinforce your learning and boost academic confidence.

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🏛️ Accommodation

• Stay in a central Cambridge or Oxford college.

• Single occupancy bedrooms with shared bathrooms (1 per 4 students). Limited ensuite rooms available (priority for special needs).

• Separate male/female corridors (mixed gender possible with ensuite).

• Buildings are historic (many 500+ years old), designed for study, not luxury.

• Wi-Fi throughout; no air conditioning.

• Rooms secured with locks; maintenance staff have access.

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🍽️ Meals

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily in college dining halls.

• Most dietary and religious requirements accommodated (please notify in advance).

• ✨ Formal Halls: Three candlelit dinners across Cambridge and Oxford colleges.

  👔 Remember to bring some smart clothes for these special occasions!

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🎉 Activities & Excursions

Outside lessons, enjoy a busy and fun social program:

• Punting on the River Cam 🚣

• Croquet on the college lawns

• Zorb football ⚽

• Movie nights 🎬, quiz nights ❓, talent show 🎤, murder mystery night 🕵️

• Games & sports with new international friends 🌍

Excursions:

• A full-day trip to Oxford University and its colleges.

• Optional day trip to London (landmarks & shopping).

• If not going to London, enjoy a traditional Cambridge afternoon tea.

All activities are guided by our friendly mentors, ensuring a safe and memorable experience.

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✈️ Arrival & Transfers

• Arrival: Sunday between 2–5 pm (rooms ready by 3 pm).

• Heathrow Transfers: Shared chaperoned service available (£180 each way).

• Departures from Heathrow T3 at 11:00, 14:00, 17:00.

• Return transfers at 07:00 and 12:00 on final Saturday.

• Pastoral staff meet students at any Heathrow terminal and escort them to T3.

• Alternative arrivals (other airports/trains) detailed in Welcome Pack.

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💡 Key Facts

• Ages: 13–15

• Duration: 13 nights

• Location: University of Cambridge or Oxford

• Hours of teaching: 30 hours

• Personal Project & Final Presentation

• Graduation ceremony & certificate

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💷 Pocket Money

• Recommended: £80 per week for souvenirs, snacks, or extra activities.

• ATMs available in Cambridge & Oxford; Visa and Mastercard widely accepted.

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✅ What’s Included

• 13 nights in a Cambridge or Oxford college 🏛️

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily 🍽️

• 30 hours of academic teaching 👩‍🏫

• Study & lecture materials 📚

• Academic skills workshops

• Mentor program & support

• 2 full-day excursions (Oxford & London/Tea in Cambridge) 🚌

• Social program & Formal Halls ✨

• Graduation ceremony & certificate 🎓

• Detailed evaluation from your tutor ✍️

• Summer school insurance

• Notebook & pen 🖊️

• Mentor family photograph 📸