Debate Summer Experience at Cambridge

Course Description: Debate Summer Experience at Cambridge

This fully immersive 3-week residential summer programme is designed for students aged 13–18 who want to develop exceptional communication skills and prepare for success through the art of debate.

Set in one of the world's most prestigious academic environments, the programme combines:

• Structured debate instruction and practical experience

• Personal development and confidence building

• Cultural exploration and global engagement

• A highly international student community

Students gain essential tools for academic and personal success while developing independence, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of global issues.

📍 Location & Campus Experience

Students live and study at St Edmund's College, University of Cambridge, within a secure and self-contained campus environment.

• Located 10 minutes from Cambridge city centre

• Easy access to cafés, shops, and cultural attractions

• Surrounded by private gardens, providing space to relax and socialise

• Peaceful setting within one of the world's leading academic institutions

The programme hosts students from over 100 nationalities, with no more than 10% from any one country, creating a truly international and diverse environment.

🌐 English Language Requirement

This programme is designed for students with a minimum English level of B2 (Upper-Intermediate) or above, according to the CEFR framework.

Students at this level are expected to:

• Engage with academic content delivered in English

• Participate actively in discussions, debates, and group work

• Read and analyse academic materials and current affairs

• Communicate ideas clearly in spoken and written form

Students complete a British Council English Language Test before arrival to ensure appropriate class placement and support throughout the programme.

📚 Academic Structure & Learning

Students follow a balanced academic structure by selecting:

• Debate (core subject)

• One elective course

Academic Delivery:

• 3 hours of classes each weekday morning

• Interactive workshops and structured debate practice

• Real-world debate exercises and practical application

Teaching is delivered by highly qualified and experienced debate coaches who tailor instruction to support all ability levels, from beginners to experienced debaters.

🧠 What Students Will Learn

Over the three weeks, students develop a wide range of transferable skills that support both academic and personal development.

Debate & Communication Skills:

• Rules and formats of British Parliamentary Debate

• Confidence in public speaking and persuasive communication

• Strong argument structures and logical reasoning

• Speech delivery, voice projection, and body language

• Stage presence and confident self-expression

Critical & Analytical Thinking:

• Effective research techniques and source evaluation

• Construction of clear, logical arguments

• Analysis of complex global issues from multiple perspectives

• Ability to think critically and respond under pressure

Personal & Team Development:

• Teamwork, collaboration, and active listening

• Leadership skills and group dynamics

• Engagement with current affairs and global perspectives

• Essay structure, reasoning, and analytical writing

• Confidence and resilience in high-pressure situations

Special Opportunity: At the end of the programme, selected students will take part in the Final Night Debate, where they present their skills in front of the entire summer school. All students are involved in the event, either as participants, judges, or contributors.

Students with English as a second language will strengthen their academic English skills and confidence for future applications.

🎓 University Preparation

This programme provides valuable preparation for university study, developing the communication and analytical skills essential for academic success at leading institutions.

🗓️ Daily Routine

Each day is structured to balance academic learning with activities and social engagement.

Typical Weekday Schedule:

• 07:30 – Wake-up

• 08:00 – Breakfast

• 09:00 – 12:00 – Academic Debate Classes

• 12:00 – Lunch

• 13:00 – 16:00 – Electives or Activities

• 16:00 – Free Time / Optional Activities

• 18:00 – Evening Meal

• 19:30 – 21:30 – Evening Programme

• 22:30 – Check-in

• 23:00 – Lights Out

Weekends:

• Saturday: Full-day excursions

• Sunday: Workshops and relaxed activities

🏠 Accommodation & Campus Living

Students stay at St Edmund's College, with full supervision from experienced residential staff.

• Safe and secure residential environment

• 24/7 on-site staff supervision

• Designed to support independence and community living

• Comfortable and welcoming setting for the duration of the programme

🛏️ Bedrooms

Rooms are either:

• Single occupancy, or

• Shared with one other student

Shared rooms are arranged with:

• Same gender

• Similar age group

• Different nationality (to encourage international interaction)

🏫 Classrooms & Facilities

• Academic classes take place within walking distance on campus

• Electives use specialised facilities where appropriate

• Students are required to bring a laptop

• Full Wi-Fi access is available throughout the college

🍽️ Meals

All meals are included:

• Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner

• Variety of options available

• Dietary requirements accommodated

🎭 Activities & Evening Programme

Students take part in a wide range of organised activities designed to build friendships and create a memorable summer experience.

Activities include:

• Sports and recreational activities

• Creative workshops

• Team competitions

• Social events and themed evenings

• Quizzes and entertainment

• Larger cultural events and activities

Students also have the opportunity to participate in optional afternoon activities based on their interests.

🧩 Weekend Workshops

On Sundays, students can choose from a variety of workshops, such as:

• Sports activities

• Creative sessions

• Skill-based workshops

These provide a relaxed and engaging addition to the weekly programme.

🌍 Cultural Trips & Excursions

Students take part in a varied programme of excursions throughout the three weeks. All trips are carefully organised and fully supervised by staff.

Full-Day Saturday Trips:

• Oxford – Guided walking tour of this historic city, followed by free time to explore the university town and its renowned colleges

• Windsor – Visit to Windsor Castle, including the Changing of the Guard, followed by time to explore the charming town

Half-Day Wednesday Trips (choice-based):

• Aqua Park – Inflatable water obstacle course (students must be confident swimmers)

• Ely Cathedral and Town – Explore one of England's most historic cathedrals and the surrounding historic town

• Clip 'n Climb – Indoor climbing experience suitable for all levels

• Cambridge Tour and Punting – Guided city tour followed by punting on the River Cam

🎯 Elective Programme

Students choose one elective, which takes place four afternoons per week, allowing them to develop new skills and interests alongside their debate studies.

🎾 Tennis

Students of all levels work with professional coaches to:

• Develop technical skills and match play ability

• Improve fitness, coordination, and tactical awareness

• Learn rules and sportsmanship

• Culminate their learning in a final tennis tournament

🎬 Film

Students explore filmmaking through:

• Scriptwriting, directing, and editing

• Camera operation and production techniques

• Working in teams to create short films

• Hands-on experience and a final screening of completed work

🎭 Theatre

Students:

• Develop performance skills through workshops and masterclasses

• Explore voice, movement, and improvisation techniques

• Create and perform a final theatrical production

• Build confidence and stage presence

🎨 Art

Students explore a wide range of artistic techniques, including:

• Drawing, painting, and illustration

• Photography and contemporary practices

• Development of creative skills and personal style

• Showcase of work in a final exhibition

🌟 Elective Experience

All electives are designed to:

• Encourage creativity and exploration

• Build confidence and independence

• Develop practical skills

• Provide a balance to academic learning

• Allow personalisation of the programme experience

🚌 Transportation

All programme transport is included and managed, ensuring safe and efficient travel throughout the programme.

Airport Transfers:

• Airport: London Stansted (STN)

• Arrival Date: Wednesday, 8 July 2026

• Departure Date: Wednesday, 29 July 2026

Recommended Flight Times:

• Arrivals: 08:00 – 15:30 (BST)

• Departures: 06:00 – 17:00 (BST)

Transfers within these windows are included.

🛡️ Safety & Supervision

• Full residential supervision

• Staff available at all times

• Structured daily schedule

• Fully supervised activities and excursions

📦 What's Included

The programme is fully inclusive and covers:

• Academic tuition (Debate classes + elective)

• Accommodation with full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

• Course materials and equipment

• All full-day and half-day cultural trips and excursions

• Full programme of evening activities and Sunday workshops

• Comprehensive insurance

• Branded merchandise

• Cultural events and activities

• Academic report and completion certificate

• Airport transfers (within scheduled times)

🌟 Overall Experience

This programme equips students with essential communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills in a supportive and international environment. Set within one of the world's most prestigious academic institutions, students gain confidence, learn to articulate ideas effectively, and develop a deeper understanding of global issues while forming friendships with peers from around the world.

Students leave with:

• Exceptional communication and debate skills

• Stronger critical thinking and analytical abilities

• Increased confidence and independence

• A deeper understanding of global perspectives

• A solid foundation for future academic and personal success