Veterinary Medicine, Animal Sciences and Zoology Summer Programme

Course Description: Veterinary Medicine, Animal Sciences and Zoology Summer Programme

The Veterinary Medicine, Zoology & Animal Sciences Summer Programme at Abbotsholme School offers motivated students aged 15–18 an immersive and academically rich introduction to animal health, behaviour, and conservation. Designed for students considering future study or careers in veterinary medicine, zoology, biology, animal science, or conservation, this two-week residential programme blends theory, laboratory science, and extensive hands-on animal experience in a unique boarding school environment.

Set within Abbotsholme’s stunning countryside campus and working school farm, students gain real insight into the responsibilities and realities of animal care while developing scientific thinking, practical skills, and confidence. The programme combines classroom learning, lab investigation, and daily practical work with animals—an experience few schools can offer at this level.

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🧬 Academic & Practical Learning

Students take part in 30 hours per week of structured academic study, laboratory work, and practical animal sessions.

🔬 Key Study Areas

• Animal anatomy and physiology

• Disease, diagnostics, and basic veterinary science

• Animal welfare, ethics, and behaviour

• Conservation science and species management

• Scientific observation, data collection, and reporting

🧪 Laboratory Experience

• Dissections and anatomical investigation

• Microscopic analysis and scientific inquiry

• Developing core lab skills used in biosciences and veterinary study

🐄 Hands-On Farm Experience

Daily sessions on Abbotsholme’s working farm allow students to:

• Carry out animal health checks

• Observe behaviour and welfare indicators

• Learn feeding, grooming, and husbandry routines

• Understand ethical and practical responsibilities of animal care

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🎓 University & Career Preparation

This programme goes beyond subject knowledge to support students’ future ambitions.

• Guidance on veterinary, zoology, and bioscience university pathways

• Insights into admissions expectations and competitive applications

• Support with personal statements and interview preparation

• Two evening networking sessions with animal professionals, such as:

• Veterinarians

• Zoologists

• Animal rehabilitators

• Behaviourists

• Conservation specialists

These sessions provide real-world perspective, inspiration, and valuable insight into professional life.

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🗺️ Educational Excursions

Students take part in carefully selected excursions that bring learning to life:

• 🐾 Animal Rehabilitation Centre Visit

  Learn about rescue, treatment, rehabilitation, and release practices

• 🦁 Zoo or Wildlife Park Visit

  Explore conservation in action and observe species management up close

• 🇬🇧 London Weekend Excursion (2 days)

  Includes an overnight hotel stay, cultural exploration, and guided visits

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🏡 Accommodation & Pastoral Care

Students live on campus and experience real British boarding school life.

• Boarding accommodation in twin, triple, or quad rooms

• Shared bathrooms

• Full board (three meals per day)

• 24/7 supervision by experienced pastoral and welfare staff

• Safe, supportive, and structured environment

📅 Sample Programme Timetable

This is an indicative timetable to show the structure of the programme. Sessions may vary slightly.

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Week 1

Sunday

Arrival Day

• Arrivals, orientation & induction

• Campus tour and settling in

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Monday

Morning:

• Welcome & Introduction to Veterinary Medicine

  (roles, ethics, animal welfare, and the life of a vet)

Lunch:

• Lunch on campus

Afternoon:

• Farm experience: handling cattle, sheep, and pigs

Dinner:

• Dinner on campus

Evening:

• Welcome disco

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Tuesday

Morning:

• Veterinary surgery theory & workshop

Lunch:

• Lunch on campus

Afternoon:

• Surgical skills practical

  (suturing and bandaging on models)

Dinner:

• Dinner on campus

Evening:

• Campus photo challenge

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Wednesday

Morning:

• Animal nutrition & physiology

Lunch:

• Lunch on campus

Afternoon:

• Half-day visit to a rehabilitation clinic

• Anatomy & physiology workshop with physiotherapists

Dinner:

• Dinner on campus

Evening:

• Sports / Drama / Dance

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Thursday

Morning:

• Equine veterinary experience

  (anatomy, physiotherapy, lameness diagnosis)

Lunch:

• Lunch on campus

Afternoon:

• Veterinary careers & pathways

• UK & international routes

• University applications & interview masterclass

Dinner:

• Dinner on campus

Evening:

• Networking evening with professionals

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Friday

Morning:

• Small animal consultations

  (examinations and diagnosis)

Lunch:

• Lunch on campus

Afternoon:

• Clinical challenge: real-world veterinary scenario

Dinner:

• Dinner on campus

Evening:

• Disco night

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Saturday

Morning & Afternoon:

• London weekend excursion

Lunch:

• Lunch included during excursion

Dinner:

• Dinner in London

Evening:

• Overnight stay in London

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Sunday

Morning & Afternoon:

• London weekend continued

Lunch:

• Lunch during excursion

Dinner:

• Dinner on campus

Evening:

• Movie night

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Week 2

Monday

Morning:

• Comparative anatomy: mammals, reptiles & avians

• Dissection workshop

Lunch:

• Lunch on campus

Afternoon:

• Veterinary ethics workshop

Dinner:

• Dinner on campus

Evening:

• Forest walk & campfire

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Tuesday

Morning:

• Emergency & critical care workshop

Lunch:

• Lunch on campus

Afternoon:

• First aid for animals

  (CPR and wound management)

Dinner:

• Dinner on campus

Evening:

• Drama workshop

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Wednesday

Morning:

• Exotic & wildlife medicine workshop

Lunch:

• Lunch on campus

Afternoon:

• Wildlife experience

  (zoo / wildlife park sessions with vets and keepers)

Dinner:

• Dinner on campus

Evening:

• Networking evening with professionals

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Thursday

Morning:

• Veterinary pharmacology & medication

Lunch:

• Lunch on campus

Afternoon:

• Lab session: dosage calculations, case studies & practice

Dinner:

• Dinner on campus

Evening:

• Talent show

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Friday

Morning:

• Animal handling workshop (small animals)

Lunch:

• Lunch on campus

Afternoon:

• Final clinical challenge: real-world veterinary scenario

Dinner:

• Dinner on campus

Evening:

• Movie night

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Saturday

Morning & Afternoon:

• Full-day excursion to Alton Towers

Lunch:

• Lunch included during excursion

Dinner:

• Dinner on return

Evening:

• Farewell disco

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Sunday

Departure Day

• Breakfast

• Departures

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🍽️ Meals & Nutrition

• Three nutritious meals served daily

• Special dietary needs catered for (vegetarian, halal, allergies, etc.)

• Packed lunches provided on excursion days

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⏰ Programme Structure

• 14 nights residential stay

• Full daily timetable combining:

• Academic sessions

• Laboratory work

• Farm-based practical learning

• Excursions and evening enrichment

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✈️ Transfers

• Transfers included for arrivals into Heathrow and Gatwick

• Available between 08:00 and 18:00

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✅ What’s Included

✔️ 30 hours per week of theory, lab, and animal practical sessions

✔️ Boarding accommodation & full board

✔️ Animal rehabilitation centre visit

✔️ Zoo or wildlife park visit

✔️ London weekend excursion with overnight stay

✔️ Two professional networking evenings

✔️ 24/7 supervision and welfare support

✔️ End-of-course report and certificate

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🌟 Why Choose This Programme

• Rare access to a working school farm

• Strong balance of science, practice, and career insight

• Small classes (maximum 15 students)

• Designed specifically for older students preparing for university

• Ideal preparation for veterinary, zoology, and animal science pathways

This Veterinary Medicine, Zoology & Animal Sciences Summer Programme at Abbotsholme offers a powerful combination of academic depth, hands-on experience, and professional exposure—giving students an exceptional head start toward future studies and careers working with animals.