Computer Science, Robotics and AI for Teens at Tonbridge School

Course Description: Computer Science, Robotics and AI for Teens at Tonbridge School

This immersive summer programme invites students to explore the fast-evolving world of coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation through hands-on challenges, ethical inquiry, and collaborative problem-solving.

Hosted at Tonbridge School, one of the UK’s most prestigious boarding schools, the programme blends academic rigour with creativity and real-world application. Students build technical fluency while developing critical thinking, teamwork, and responsible decision-making, preparing them to thrive in an increasingly digital future.

Across each two-week sprint, students tackle a series of structured challenges linked to a central theme, covering areas such as machine learning, robotics, cybersecurity, app development, automation, and ethical AI. The programme culminates in a collaborative hackathon-style challenge where students apply their learning to address real-world global issues from social, environmental, and economic perspectives.

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📍 Location

• Campus: Tonbridge School, Kent

• Historic boarding school campus with outstanding modern facilities

• Safe, residential environment with extensive sports, arts, and learning spaces

• Easy access to London and major UK transport links

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📘 Course Aims

Through a sprint-based learning model, students will:

• Strengthen coding fluency, algorithmic thinking, and digital communication

• Develop innovation, logic, and ethical awareness through structured challenges

• Collaborate in diverse teams with autonomy and continuous feedback

• Build confidence in problem-solving, technology ethics, and decision-making

• Explore academic pathways through university taster days and mentorship

• Gain insight into AI, robotics, and emerging technologies through industry exposure

• Develop resilience and digital leadership skills for a changing world

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🚀 Sprint-Based Learning Overview

A Sprint is an intensive, focused learning period combining academic study with collaborative, team-based projects.

Each sprint includes:

• Daily applied challenges and problem-solving tasks

• Hackathon-style project work

• Workshops focused on academic, personal, and leadership growth

• Guest speakers and professional insights

• Industry and university exposure

Students work within their chosen learning pathway before joining mixed teams for final challenges, encouraging interdisciplinary thinking and collaboration.

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🧠 Hackathon-Style Challenges

Collaborative challenges form the core of the programme experience.

• Five extended challenges per two-week sprint

• Each challenge focuses on a central theme (e.g. AI ethics, cybersecurity, automation)

• Final challenge brings students together in mixed teams

• Students present solutions clearly and confidently, supported by mentors

• Emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and real-world relevance

Industry professionals may contribute through talks, mentoring, and feedback, giving students authentic insight into current trends and professional practice.

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🌱 Growth Workshops

Designed for curious and forward-thinking students, Growth Workshops support self-discovery, leadership, and future readiness.

By the end of a sprint, students will:

• Participate in 12 interactive, high-impact sessions

• Strengthen confidence, communication, and leadership skills

• Develop resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset

• Engage in meaningful reflection and peer collaboration

Students choose one workshop track per sprint:

• Career & Professional Growth

• Future Learning & Academic Growth

• Social & Personal Growth

• Leadership & Communication Growth

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🏃 Skills Through Sport & Activities

A holistic learning approach integrates skills development through physical and creative activities.

Students may choose:

• One skill area across all sessions for deeper mastery

• Two skill areas for broader exploration

Skill areas include:

• Sporting & physical pursuits

• Creative & artistic expression

• Digital innovation & technology

• Adventure & outdoor skills

• Business-focused experiences

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🏢 Business & University Experiences

Business Experience

Students gain insight into how organisations operate through:

• Company visits and talks

• Interactive workshops

• Exposure to leadership, innovation, and sustainability in practice

University Experience

Students explore life at leading universities such as Oxford and Cambridge, including:

• College tours

• Academic seminars

• Discussions with university staff

These experiences inspire ambition and deepen understanding of higher education pathways.

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⏰ Daily Routine (Sample Day)

🗓️ Daily Routine & Weekly Structure (Based on Actual Timetable)

The programme follows a carefully structured weekday routine, combining academic challenge blocks, personal development workshops, skills sessions, excursions, and social time. Each two-week sprint builds progressively toward a final collaborative challenge.

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🌅 Morning Routine

• 08:00 – 08:45 – Breakfast

• 09:00 – 11:00 – Pathway Challenge Session

  Focused academic challenges linked to coding, AI, robotics, cybersecurity, or app development

• 11:00 – 11:30 – Break

• 11:30 – 12:30 – Pathway Challenge Continuation

  Team-based problem solving and applied learning

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🍽️ Midday

• 12:30 – 13:30 – Lunch

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🌱 Afternoon Programme

• 13:30 – 15:00 – Growth Workshops

  Leadership, communication, career readiness, personal development

• 15:00 – 15:30 – Break

• 15:30 – 17:30 – Skills Sessions

  Learning through sport, creativity, technology, adventure, or business-focused activities

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🌇 Evening Routine

• 18:30 – 19:30 – Dinner

• 20:00 – 22:00 – Evening social & leisure programme

  (games, quizzes, film nights, themed events, relaxation time)

• 22:15 – Room checks

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📆 Weekly Highlights

🧩 Pathway Challenges

• Students complete five structured challenges per sprint

• Challenges are spread across weekday mornings

• Final challenge brings together mixed teams to tackle real-world problems from social, environmental, and economic perspectives

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🏛️ University & Industry Exposure

• Midweek university visits (e.g. Oxford or Cambridge, subject to schedule)

• Business HQ and industry experiences on selected weekdays

• Guest speakers and professional networking opportunities integrated into the week

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🗺️ Excursions

• Full-day London excursion (Saturday)

• Cultural, educational, and city-based exploration with staff supervision

• Independent time built in to encourage confidence and reflection

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🤝 Weekend Programme

• Saturday:

• Full-day excursion OR

• Hackathon day (for full programme students)

• Sunday:

• Arrivals / departures OR

• Optional activities and team-building events

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💡 Hackathon & Final Challenge

• One full-day Hackathon-style challenge per sprint

• Students collaborate across pathways to present solutions

• Includes mentoring, pitching, and structured feedback

• Culminates in presentations and celebration of achievements

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🌟 Special Events

• Welcome presentation and orientation

• Team-building sessions

• Networking dinner and social events

• Awards ceremony and certificate presentation

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🎯 Activities & Leisure Programme

On-Campus Activities

• Music festival

• Colour run

• Open-air cinema

• Sports centre (swimming pool, gym, sports hall)

• Theatre and climbing wall

Off-Campus Optional Activities (additional cost)

• Cinema (£20 approx.)

• Bowling (£20 approx.)

• Clip & climb (£25 approx.)

• Trampoline park (£25 approx.)

• Laser quest (£20 approx.)

👉 Optional off-site activities are paid during the programme by debit or credit card. The campus is cashless.

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🏡 Accommodation

Students stay in Tonbridge School boarding houses, offering:

• Single, double, and quad room options

• Comfortable, supervised residential living

• Easy access to academic and activity facilities

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🍽️ Meals & Dietary Requirements

• Nutritious meals served daily

• All dietary needs accommodated (allergies, religious, cultural, lifestyle)

• Requirements should be shared in advance

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✈️ Transfers & Travel

Safe transfer services are available from:

• London Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, and Luton airports

• London St Pancras International and central London stations

Free transfers

• From Gatwick Airport for arrivals between 09:00–17:00

Out-of-hours Gatwick transfers

• Available for £100 (one way)

A staff representative will meet students on arrival, with contact details shared in advance.

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🎓 Certification & Feedback

At the end of the programme:

• Students receive a certificate of participation and achievement

• Each student receives a personalised academic report highlighting progress, strengths, and contributions

• A final awards ceremony celebrates student achievements

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🌟 Why Families Choose This Programme

• Hosted at Tonbridge School, a leading UK boarding school

• Strong focus on technology, ethics, and leadership

• Sprint-based, challenge-driven learning

• Small, international cohorts (approx. 50 students per sprint)

• Outstanding facilities and safe residential environment

• Balance of academics, creativity, sport, and social life

• Preparation for future study, careers, and responsible digital citizenship

What are the English level requirements? 📘

Students should have at least a B1 level on the CEFR scale or an IELTS score of 4.0 to participate effectively in the programme.

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My child is 12 or younger. Can they register? 👦👧

We do not generally accept students under the age of 13. However, applications may be considered on an individual basis, depending on the student’s maturity, English proficiency, and chosen learning Pathway.

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Do I need a visa or ETA? 🛂

Yes. Depending on nationality, students will require either a Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom. We will provide all supporting documents needed to assist with the application process.

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Where do the students usually come from? 🌍

We welcome students from both the United Kingdom and overseas, creating a diverse and international learning environment.

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Who will meet my child at the airport? ✈️

An official programme representative will meet students in the airport arrivals area immediately after luggage collection.

The representative will be:

• Wearing a clearly identifiable programme uniform

• Holding a clearly marked programme sign

For reassurance, parents will receive the representative’s full name and photograph approximately two weeks before travel.

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What should I pack? 🎒

Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a full packing list around 9–10 weeks before arrival. This will outline all required and optional items, including clothing and toiletries.

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What is your mobile phone policy? 📱

Students may bring mobile phones, but they must not be used during:

• Communal activities

• Challenges and growth workshops

• University and business visits

• Skills sessions

Phones may be used during free time and leisure periods. Students are encouraged to remain engaged with the programme and their peers.

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Who teaches the programme? 👩‍🏫👨‍🏫

All Applied Learning Pathways and Growth Workshops are designed and led by Tonbridge educators.

Skills sessions are delivered by a combination of internal and external instructors.

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How many students attend the programme? 👥

Each sprint typically includes around 50 students, representing countries from around the world.

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Are there activities after the academic timetable? ⚽🎭

Yes. Students have access to a wide range of on-site and local activities, including:

• Swimming pool, gym, and sports hall facilities

• Town visits and cultural experiences

• Organised sports and group activities

These activities provide balance, wellbeing, and opportunities to socialise.

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Is there a cash machine on campus? 💳

No. The campus operates on a cashless system. Students can pay for additional items using a credit card, debit card, or pre-paid card.