Pathfinders Summer Programme in Bristol, UK

Course Description: Pathfinders Summer Programme in Bristol, UK

Bristol Summer Programme: Pathfinders

From curious to confident: discover, learn and lead �*

The Pathfinders programme in Bristol is a vibrant, confidence-building summer experience designed especially for students aged 11 to 12. Set at a traditional British boarding school in the peaceful Mendip Hills near Bristol, it offers the perfect balance of academic challenge, personal growth and outdoor adventure.

Pathfinders are beginning to explore the world with new curiosity. They ask deeper questions, enjoy working with others and are ready to take the next step towards independence. This programme helps them move confidently from childhood learning to early teenage readiness — all within a safe, caring and structured environment.

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Location: Sidcot School, near Bristol 🌳

Sidcot School provides a wide, green and inspiring campus where students can learn, play and grow confidently.

Facilities include:

• Indoor swimming pool

• Sports hall, tennis courts and playing fields

• Art, Music and Drama studios

• On-site horse riding stables

• Bright dining rooms with home-cooked meals

• Library and quiet reading spaces

• Campus café for social time

• Boarding houses with shared rooms (2–3 students) and shared bathrooms

• Lounges and small kitchens in each boarding house

• Wi-Fi throughout the school

• Staff living in the boarding houses, offering 24/7 support

It is a warm, friendly boarding community where every child is known and supported.

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Who This Programme Is For 👦👧

The Pathfinders course is ideal for students aged 11 to 12 who are ready to take the next step academically and personally.

• Builds teamwork, independence and self-belief

• Encourages intellectual curiosity and confidence

• Supports leadership and responsibility within a safe structure

• Maximum class size: 15

• English level: Minimum B1

• Around 30 hours of learning per week

• Excellent preparation for secondary school and future study in English

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Academic Approach 🎒📚

Pathfinders learn through a cross-curricular, project-based approach supported by CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), allowing them to develop English and subject knowledge together.

They study across four themed learning blocks each week:

1️⃣ STEAM in Action

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths brought to life through practical challenges. Students build, experiment, design and innovate.

2️⃣ The World and Me

A blend of culture, geography, history and ethics that encourages empathy, fairness, reflection and global awareness.

3️⃣ Confident Communicators

Teamwork, public speaking, digital responsibility, emotional intelligence and managing friendships — essential skills for growing learners.

4️⃣ Move and Thrive

Wellbeing, sport and outdoor adventure promoting balance, resilience and healthy habits.

Lessons connect across subjects, helping students think independently, see patterns and apply learning in real-life situations.

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Daily Routine ⏰

A structured yet varied schedule helps students feel secure while keeping each day exciting.

• Morning wake-up and breakfast in the boarding house

• Morning assembly to set the day’s theme

• Engaging academic blocks with active, hands-on learning

• Hot lunch in the dining hall

• Afternoon teamwork, communication or creative sessions

• Outdoor movement: swimming, sport, bushcraft, orienteering or games

• Dinner followed by quizzes, themed evenings, social events and campfires 🌙

Each day encourages growth, exploration and meaningful challenge.

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Be a Leader 💪

Leadership development is woven throughout the programme.

Pathfinders:

• Practise communication and decision-making

• Learn to collaborate, take initiative and support others

• Take part in outdoor challenges such as raft-building and orienteering

• Plan small charity or community projects

• Complete fun aptitude and strengths activities

• Earn a CPD-accredited Be a Leader certificate

It builds confidence and helps every student understand their potential.

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Trips & Adventures 🚌🌊

Learning continues beyond campus with exciting, age-appropriate adventures.

Over two weeks, Pathfinders may:

• Explore Bristol, including Banksy’s artwork, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the SS Great Britain

• Visit Cheddar Gorge and the Mendip Hills for outdoor education

• Enjoy coasts and water sports such as surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking and raft building

• Take a full-day trip to London (Southbank, Tate Modern, Tower Bridge, London Eye and major museums)

• Visit historic cities such as Oxford, Bath, Cardiff, Windsor and Stratford-upon-Avon

• Join fun evening events including talent shows, scavenger hunts, discos and international nights 🎉

Some trips include small, supervised periods of independence in pairs or small groups.

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Safety & Pastoral Care 🛡️💛

• 24/7 supervision from experienced boarding staff

• Staff live in the houses and know every child personally

• Students are never unsupervised in the evenings

• Strong focus on emotional wellbeing and personal confidence

• Balanced screen time to encourage real friendships and outdoor activity

Parents can feel secure knowing their child is cared for with warmth, structure and professionalism.

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Dates, Fees & What’s Included 💷

Ages: 11–12

Length: 2 weeks

2026 Dates

• 5 July – 19 July

• 19 July – 2 August

• 2 August – 16 August

Boarding fee: £3,450 per two-week course

Includes:

• All lessons, materials and leadership programme

• Boarding accommodation

• All meals

• Laundry service

• Insurance (boarding students)

• Heathrow transfers (09:00–17:00)

• All trips, including London and adventure days

Day pupil: £875 per week

(Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | approx. 08:30–17:30)

Optional extras: weekend trips for day students, horse riding, extra nights and out-of-window transfers.

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Why Parents Choose the Pathfinders Programme ✔️

• Safe countryside boarding with round-the-clock care

• Inspiring lessons that build curiosity and confidence

• Structured independence and guided leadership

• Excellent English improvement through CLIL

• Outdoor adventure, teamwork and wellbeing

• Exciting trips across England and Wales

• A joyful, meaningful step between childhood and early teenage learning 🌈

It is a programme where young learners grow stronger, braver and ready for the next stage of their academic journey.