Study Skills Summer Experience for High Schoolers in Cambridge

Course Description: Study Skills Summer Experience for High Schoolers in Cambridge

This fully immersive 3-week residential summer programme is designed for students aged 16–18 who want to strengthen their academic skills and prepare for success in senior school and university.

Set in the academic environment of Cambridge, the programme combines:

• Structured academic learning

• Personal development

• Cultural exploration

• A highly international student community

Students gain essential tools for academic success while developing independence, confidence, and global awareness.

📍 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

The programme hosts students from over 100 nationalities, with no more than 10% from any one country, ensuring a truly international experience.

🌐 English Language Requirement

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

At this level, students are expected to:

• Understand and engage with academic content delivered in English

• Participate actively in class discussions, group work, and presentations

• Read and analyse academic texts and materials

• Express ideas clearly in both spoken and written English

A strong English foundation ensures that students can fully benefit from the programme’s academic structure, including workshops, seminars, and collaborative activities.

For students whose first language is not English, a pre-arrival English assessment may be used to ensure appropriate placement and support throughout the programme.

📚 Academic Structure & Learning

Students follow a balanced academic structure by selecting:

• Study Skills (core subject)

• One elective course

Academic Delivery:

• 3 hours of classes each weekday morning

• Interactive workshops and practical exercises

• Real-world academic tasks

🧠 What Students Will Learn

Students develop essential academic and personal skills, including:

Academic Development:

• Critical thinking and independent learning

• Essay writing and structured argumentation

• Research methods and source evaluation

• Academic referencing and plagiarism awareness

Study Techniques:

• Time management and organisation

• Efficient research strategies and speed reading

Communication Skills:

• Public speaking and presentations

• Confidence in expressing ideas

Personal Growth:

• Managing academic stress

• Building focus and resilience

Students with English as a second language also improve their academic English proficiency.

🎓 University Preparation

Students may attend a University Admissions Workshop, covering:

• Application processes

• University expectations

• Preparation strategies

Students complete a pre-arrival English placement test to ensure appropriate class levels.

🗓️ 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 Classes

• 12:00 – Lunch

• 13:00 – 16:00 – Electives or Cultural Trips

• 16:00 – Activities / Free Time

• 18:00 – Evening Meal

• 19:30 – 21:30 – Evening Programme

• 22:30 – Check-in

• 23:00 – Lights Out

Weekends:

• Saturday: Full-day cultural excursions

• Sunday: Relaxed morning followed by workshops

🏠 Accommodation & Campus Living

Students are housed in safe, self-contained university residence halls located within the college grounds.

Senior staff and residential counselors live on-site full-time, ensuring continuous supervision and support.

The accommodation provides a true “home away from home”, combining independence with a structured environment.

Students benefit from:

• Traditional common rooms

• Dining halls

• Libraries

• Landscaped gardens

🛏️ 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 promote international interaction)

🏫 Classrooms & Facilities

• Academic classes take place on campus within walking distance

• Electives use specialised facilities where appropriate

• Students are required to bring a laptop

• Full university Wi-Fi access is provided

🍽️ Meals

All meals are included:

• Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner

• Variety of options available

• Dietary requirements accommodated

🎭 Activities & Evening Programme

Students participate in a wide range of organised evening activities designed to build friendships and enhance the experience.

Activities include:

• Dodgeball

• Ultimate Frisbee

• Urban Orienteering

• Mini Olympics

• Variety Shows

• Guest Speaker Debates

• Scottish Country Dancing

• Movie Nights

• Discos

Students can also join optional afternoon activities after classes, based on their interests.

🧩 Weekend Workshops

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

• Volleyball or handball

• Comedy writing

• Photography

These sessions provide a relaxed and creative extension to the weekly programme.

🌍 Cultural Trips & Excursions

Students take part in a varied programme of excursions throughout the three weeks.

Full-Day Trips:

• Oxford – Guided tour and free exploration

• Windsor – Visit to Windsor Castle and town

Additional Visits:

• Historic landmarks

• Palaces

• Museums

All trips are fully organised and supervised.

🎯 Elective Programme

Afternoons are designed to broaden each student’s experience beyond the core academic subject. Students combine their Study Skills course with one elective, which takes place four afternoons per week.

These electives are interactive, skill-based, and highly engaging, allowing students to explore new interests, develop practical abilities, and gain confidence in a supportive environment.

Students choose from the following options:

🎾 Tennis

This elective is designed for students of all ability levels, from complete beginners to advanced players.

Students will:

• Work with professional tennis coaches

• Develop technical skills, including strokes, footwork, and positioning

• Participate in match play and tournament-style games

• Learn the rules of tennis and the importance of sportsmanship

Skill Development:

• Beginners build core techniques and confidence

• Intermediate players refine their strengths and improve consistency

• Advanced players develop spin techniques, tactical awareness, and competitive strategy

The course combines fitness, discipline, and enjoyment, culminating in a final tennis tournament where all students are invited to participate.

🌿 Outdoor Leadership

This elective focuses on developing confidence, leadership, and teamwork skills through structured outdoor activities.

Students take part in:

• Kayaking and outdoor challenges

• Team-building exercises

• Leadership-focused workshops

Key Outcomes:

• Improved communication and decision-making

• Increased personal motivation and confidence

• Ability to work effectively in teams

Activities are designed for all experience levels and are led by qualified instructors, ensuring both safety and engagement. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves, set personal goals, and develop skills that extend beyond the programme.

🎭 Theatre

This creative elective allows students to explore performance and develop a unique theatrical production over the three-week programme.

Students will:

• Participate in masterclasses and ensemble workshops

• Develop skills in voice, movement, and performance

• Explore techniques such as improvisation, storytelling, and mime

Additional Opportunities:

• Assist in directing, production, and lighting

• Collaborate as a team to create an original performance

• Perform their work during the final week

This course is designed for students of all experience levels and focuses on building confidence, creativity, and stage presence.

📸 Photography

This elective introduces students to the fundamentals of digital photography, combining technical learning with creative exploration.

Students will:

• Learn how to use a camera effectively

• Capture images of landscapes, people, and daily life

• Develop an eye for composition and storytelling

Key Skills:

• Understanding camera settings and techniques

• Editing and enhancing photographs

• Using photography to communicate ideas visually

Students work with a professional tutor to produce a portfolio of work, which is showcased at the end of the programme in a creative exhibition.

They may also contribute to a student publication by collaborating on visual content.

🌟 Elective Experience

All electives are designed to:

• Encourage creativity and exploration

• Build confidence and independence

• Develop practical and transferable skills

• Provide a balance between academic and experiential learning

With a wide variety of options available, students are able to personalise their experience and fully engage in activities that match their interests.

🚌 Transportation

All programme transport is included and managed.

Airport Transfers:

• Airport: London Stansted (STN)

• Arrival Date: 8 July 2026

• Departure Date: 29 July 2026

Recommended Times:

• Arrivals: 08:00 – 15:30

• Departures: 06:00 – 17:00

Transfers within these windows are included.

🛡️ Safety & Supervision

• Full residential supervision

• Staff available at all times

• Structured daily schedule

• Supervised activities and excursions

📦 What’s Included

The programme is fully inclusive, covering:

• Academic tuition (Study Skills + elective)

• Accommodation with full board (all meals)

• Course materials

• Cultural trips and excursions

• Evening activity programme

• Sunday workshops

• Comprehensive insurance

• Academic report and certificate

• Programme materials and clothing

• Airport transfers (within scheduled times)

👩‍🏫 Teaching Faculty

Students are taught by experienced educators with university-level teaching backgrounds.

Clara

Postgraduate researcher in Philosophy with experience teaching international students and supporting academic development.

Lili

Graduate Teaching Assistant specialising in academic writing, research skills, and student engagement.

🌟 Overall Experience

This programme offers a complete academic and personal development experience in one of the world’s leading university environments.

Students leave with:

• Stronger academic skills

• Increased confidence

• Greater independence

• A solid foundation for future study