Biotechnology and Genetics for High School Students at Cambridge University

Course Description: Biotechnology and Genetics for High School Students at Cambridge University

Unlock the Future: Dive into Biotechnology and Genetics! 🌱

Imagine your child immersed in the transformative world of Biotechnology and Genetics, where passion meets purpose. Designed for high-achieving 16–17-year-olds, this course invites students to explore groundbreaking scientific principles that are reshaping technology and medicine. Through both theoretical knowledge and practical applications, participants will push the boundaries of discovery and gain insights into how biotechnology is revolutionizing industries and improving lives. This is not just a course; it’s a life-changing opportunity to engage with the science that shapes our future.

Why Choose This Course? 🌟

• Tailored Learning Experience: Our expert tutors customize the curriculum to align with the group’s interests, ensuring that each student is engaged and inspired.

• Interactive Teaching: With a small group size of no more than 8, students will benefit from tutorial-style teaching that fosters self-directed learning and critical thinking.

• Hands-On Masterclasses: Includes a masterclass on critical thinking and reflection sessions to track progress and set ambitious goals.

• Recognized Achievements: Upon completion, students receive a certificate and a letter of recommendation from their tutor, enhancing their academic profiles.

Meet Our Esteemed Tutors 👩‍🏫

• Dr. Bethan M: A PhD in Plant Genetics from the University of Cambridge, she specializes in gene function and bioinformatics, currently researching RNA silencing mechanisms.

• Francis G: With a PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Francis focuses on immunology and oncology, exploring the immune system’s role in health and disease.

• Robert C: An expert in Biotechnology and Machine Learning, Robert is involved in drug design projects, applying cutting-edge technology to real-world challenges.

• Dr. Saroj V: A PhD in Molecular Pharmacology, Saroj aims to innovate breast cancer diagnostics while sharing his expertise with students.

• Zeynep Ö: Focused on genetics and motor neuron diseases, Zeynep uses advanced genome editing techniques to uncover fundamental biological insights.

Accommodation & Comfort 🏨

Students will stay at the prestigious Sidney Sussex College, a beautiful and historic venue that fosters a vibrant learning atmosphere.

Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom �*

Students live and study in the historic city of Cambridge, home to more than 800 years of academic tradition. Known for its poets, scholars, and pioneering thinkers, Cambridge offers an inspiring environment where creativity and scholarship come together. Its libraries, colleges, and literary heritage make it the perfect setting for students who want to explore how literature reflects and shapes society.

Life in Cambridge 🏛️

Students stay in comfortable single or twin bedrooms depending on their tier selection. Cambridge accommodations offer shared social spaces, historic courtyards, and calm environments ideal for study and relaxation. Rooms are safe, welcoming, and staffed by on-course support teams who ensure the wellbeing of all students throughout their stay.

Meals and Catering 🍽️

Meals are provided on a half-board basis, including daily breakfast and dinner served either at the accommodation or at carefully selected local restaurants. Students purchase their own lunch. Dietary requirements and preferences are fully accommodated.

Certificates and Tutor Feedback �*

Every student receives a certificate of achievement, detailed written tutor feedback, and a personalised Letter of Recommendation to support future academic, school, or programme applications.

Airport Transfers ✈️

Transfers operate from London Heathrow Airport on official arrival and departure days and are included in the programme price. Staff are stationed at Heathrow between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to welcome students, coordinate transfers, and ensure a smooth arrival. Families are encouraged to book flights arriving before 3:00 PM so students can join the last transfer of the day.

What’s Included – Tier Overview ⭐

Plus A complete academic and residential experience with half-board meals, small seminars, workshops, and single or twin rooms with shared bathrooms. Includes scheduled Heathrow transfers.

Superior Includes all Plus features, with private ensuite accommodation, enhanced insurance, and greater flexibility for families.

Premier The premium option with concierge-selected rooms, platinum-level insurance, flexible arrival transfers, and a future coaching session for academic or university guidance.

Exciting Excursions Await! 🗺️

Enhancing the educational experience, students will embark on unforgettable outings, including:

• Westminster, London: Explore iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

• British Museum: Engage with over 8 million historical artefacts, tracing 2 million years of human history.

• Canterbury: Experience the charm of medieval England and visit the stunning Canterbury Cathedral.

• Greenwich: Discover the history of space and time at the Royal Observatory and the National Maritime Museum.

• Warwick Castle: Step back in time at this magnificent fortress with jousting tournaments and fascinating exhibits.

• Tower of London: Explore a castle with a rich history, including the Crown Jewels and tales of infamous prisoners.

• Portsmouth: Delve into the UK’s maritime heritage at the historic dockyard and the Mary Rose Museum.

Session Availability & Pricing 📅

Choose from a range of dates in 2026 for a life-changing experience:

• 28 Jun - 11 Jul: Non-residential (£5,495), Plus (shared bathroom) (£6,995)

• 5 Jul - 18 Jul: Non-residential (£5,495), Plus (£6,995), Superior (£7,995), Premier (£9,995)

• 12 Jul - 25 Jul: Non-residential (£5,495), Plus (£6,995), Superior (£7,995), Premier (£9,995)

• 19 Jul - 1 Aug: Non-residential (£5,495), Plus (£6,995), Superior (£7,995), Premier (£9,995)

• 26 Jul - 8 Aug: Non-residential (£5,495), Plus (£6,995), Superior (£7,995), Premier (£9,995)

• 2 Aug - 15 Aug: Non-residential (£5,495), Plus (£6,995), Superior (£7,995), Premier (£9,995)

Join Us for an Unforgettable Journey! 🚀

This course is more than just an educational experience; it's a gateway to personal growth, lifelong friendships, and a deeper understanding of the scientific world. We prioritize student safety, support, and well-being, ensuring that every participant feels valued and empowered. Enroll your child today and watch them embark on a remarkable journey that could shape their future!

Day Students / Non-Residential Schedule Overview 🌞

High school day students follow a structured and engaging daytime schedule, giving them the full academic and enrichment experience while returning home each evening. Each morning begins with drop-off between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM, followed by academic seminars, tutorial preparation, or study blocks. Sessions usually run until 12:30 PM, with short breaks built in so students can recharge and socialise. 📘☕

Afternoons offer a variety of activities designed to build confidence, broaden understanding, and inspire curiosity. Depending on the day, students may take part in goal-setting workshops, tutorial Q&A sessions, supervised study, city tours, enrichment activities, or reflection periods. These run from early afternoon until about 4:30–5:00 PM, giving students a balanced mix of academics and exploration. 🌿✨

In the early evening, students have dinner included, allowing them to enjoy meals with their peers in a relaxed, social environment. After dinner, students participate in optional or included evening activities such as welcome talks, group events, or socials, depending on the day. Pick-up usually takes place between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM, unless there is a special event like a celebratory dinner or end-of-week social, which may run slightly later. 🌙🎉

Arrival and Departure for Day Students 🚗

Parents or guardians are responsible for morning drop-off and evening pick-up within the designated windows shown on the weekly timetable.

Typical times are:

• Drop-off: 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM

• Pick-up: 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM

On certain days (such as celebratory dinners or Friday socials), pick-up may be later, and families will be notified in advance. Staff are always present at the meeting points to welcome students, take attendance, and ensure safe handover at the end of the day. 📅🤝

What High School Day Students Receive 🎒

High school day students enjoy nearly all the same elements as residential students, including:

• Daily academic seminars in small groups

• Tutorial work and scheduled tutorial slots (Thursday or Friday depending on group)

• Guided study and supervised reflection time

• Masterclasses, Q&A sessions, 21st-century skills workshops (Week 2)

• City tours, enrichment sessions, and curriculum-building activities

• Participation in daytime excursions and college visits

• Dinner included each evening

• Access to tutors, study support, learning spaces, and programme staff

The only elements not included for day students are:

🛏️ Accommodation

🍳 Breakfast

✈️ Airport transfers

🛡️ Insurance

Weekly Structure at a Glance 📘

Week 1

Students begin with orientation, academic seminars, goal-setting activities, and hands-on tutorials. The week includes a city tour, afternoon study blocks, enrichment time, and evening events such as the welcome talk and a celebratory dinner.

Wednesday is an optional (“opt-out”) day, where students may choose not to attend the independent study and curriculum enrichment running from 9 AM–7 PM.

Week 2

Students take part in advanced study sessions, 21st-century skills masterclasses, tutorials, enrichment activities, and (in Oxford) a university fair. The week builds toward graduation on Friday afternoon, followed by optional events such as a formal dinner or campus social (“bop”). 🎓✨

Across both weeks, the schedule balances academic challenge, exploration, and social connection — designed specifically for high school learners developing independence and preparing for future study. 🌟🏫