Exceptional Summer Pre-College Economics Program for High Schoolers at a Prestigious Singapore University

Course Description: Exceptional Summer Pre-College Economics Program for High Schoolers at a Prestigious Singapore University

The Economics Programme offers an academically rigorous introduction to economics as a framework for understanding human behaviour, decision-making, and global systems. Designed for students aged 16–18, the programme explores how individuals, firms, and governments allocate resources, respond to incentives, and shape economic outcomes at local, national, and international levels.

Set in Singapore, a major global financial and economic centre, the programme introduces students to university-level economic thinking, combining theory, data analysis, and real-world case studies. Students develop quantitative reasoning, critical analysis, and independent research skills essential for advanced study in economics and related disciplines.

Academic Approach & Learning Style

Teaching follows a university-style academic model, combining theory-based sessions with applied, discussion-led analysis. Students are encouraged to:

• Engage critically with economic models and assumptions

• Interpret data and evaluate evidence

• Apply economic theory to real-world policy and business challenges

Sessions are intellectually challenging yet fully supported, with tutors providing structured guidance, personalised feedback, and encouragement throughout.

Core Academic Content - Sample Syllabus

Introduction to Economics

Students begin by exploring economics as a discipline that explains choice, scarcity, and incentives. Topics include:

• How economists model human behaviour

• The role of markets, institutions, and policy

• The use of data and case studies in economic analysis

This foundation prepares students for deeper engagement with microeconomics, macroeconomics, and applied economics.

Market Forces & Competition

This module examines how supply and demand shape prices, output, and efficiency. Students study:

• Competitive markets and monopolies

• Market structures and their outcomes

• Market failure and government intervention

Real-world case studies help students apply microeconomic models to everyday decision-making and policy design.

Behavioural Economics & Decision Theory

Students explore how real human behaviour departs from traditional economic assumptions, examining:

• Heuristics and cognitive biases

• Psychological influences on consumer and financial decisions

• Applications of behavioural economics in public policy and business strategy

This module develops awareness of the social and cognitive factors shaping economic outcomes.

Economic Growth & Development

This module investigates how economies build long-term prosperity. Students explore:

• Models of economic growth and productivity

• The role of education, innovation, and investment

• Inequality, sustainability, and development challenges

Case studies from developed and emerging economies connect abstract theory with real-world evidence.

International Trade & Global Markets

Students examine how economies interact globally, studying:

• Comparative advantage and specialisation

• Trade agreements, tariffs, and exchange rates

• Globalisation and its economic impacts

This module builds understanding of interconnected markets and the economic forces shaping global living standards.

Policy & Public Finance

Students explore how governments manage economic activity through policy, focusing on:

• Fiscal policy, taxation, and public spending

• Monetary policy and economic stabilisation

• Trade-offs in policy design and implementation

Historical and contemporary examples strengthen evidence-based and quantitative reasoning.

Research, Data & Quantitative Analysis

This module develops practical analytical skills essential for economic study. Students learn to:

• Interpret and present economic data

• Test hypotheses using datasets

• Apply basic statistical concepts to real-world examples

The module reinforces logic, precision, and problem-solving, preparing students for advanced research.

Personal Project

A core component of the programme, the Personal Project allows students to:

• Explore an economic question or topic in depth

• Apply theoretical knowledge through independent research

• Present findings in an essay, presentation, report, or creative format

With tutor guidance, students develop and present their project at the end of the programme.

Who This Programme Is For

This programme is ideal for students who:

• Are interested in economics, finance, or public policy

• Enjoy data analysis, debate, and problem-solving

• Are considering future study in economics or related disciplines

• Want early exposure to university-style academic learning

No prior economics knowledge is required.

Key Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

• A strong foundational understanding of economic theory and analysis

• Experience with university-style academic study

• Enhanced quantitative reasoning, research, and communication skills

• A completed personal project suitable for academic portfolios or applications

🏙️ Live and Learn in Singapore

Participants joining the Singapore programme stay in high-quality, centrally located accommodation designed to reflect the structure and independence of university-style living.

Students will be based either within a modern campus-style residence or in a centrally located hotel residence in the heart of Singapore. Both options provide a secure and comfortable environment that supports academic focus, independence, and social connection.

Rooms are air-conditioned and well-appointed, with Wi-Fi access and shared social or study spaces where students can collaborate or relax with friends. Teaching facilities are located within close proximity to the residence, allowing students to move easily between accommodation and classrooms.

Situated in one of Asia’s most globally connected and forward-thinking cities, the residential experience places students within reach of Singapore’s cultural districts, business hubs, and iconic architectural landmarks.

📚 Small-Group Learning

Students learn in focused seminar groups, reflecting the academically rigorous style of leading universities. Small class sizes encourage active participation, structured debate, and analytical thinking.

Teaching sessions combine guided reading, seminar discussion, and collaborative problem-solving, allowing students to engage deeply with the subject while learning how to communicate ideas clearly and confidently.

This learning environment mirrors the expectations of first-year undergraduate study, helping students develop the academic habits required for university success.

🎓 A Taste of Undergraduate Study

Students explore the core concepts that underpin university-level disciplines, gaining insight into how academic subjects are studied at degree level.

Depending on their chosen course, participants may examine topics such as:

• Architectural design and sustainability

• Economic modelling and market behaviour

• Legal reasoning and international law

• Medical ethics and healthcare decision-making

• Software development, computational systems, and artificial intelligence

Through lectures, workshops, and discussion sessions, students develop an understanding of the theoretical frameworks and critical thinking approaches used in leading universities around the world.

👩‍🏫 Academic Role Models

Tutors bring university-level teaching experience and design a curriculum that extends beyond traditional classroom learning.

Teaching incorporates:

• Case-based discussions

• Analytical workshops

• Academic debates

• Field visits across Singapore

Alongside academic tutors, undergraduate mentors provide guidance, encouragement, and day-to-day support. Mentors help students adapt to the academic environment while offering advice on university life and study strategies.

🧠 Portfolio-Worthy Projects

Each student completes an individual academic Personal Project during the programme.

Depending on the chosen subject, students may:

• Develop a sustainable architectural proposal

• Build a working prototype in software development or AI

• Analyse a medical or ethical case study

• Design a business growth strategy

• Create a TED-style presentation on global innovation

These projects encourage independent thinking, intellectual curiosity, and academic maturity, while producing work that can be included in academic portfolios or future applications.

🧑‍🎓 Backed by Academic Experts

The programme is shaped and validated by an Academic Advisory Panel made up of senior Fellows and Professors from world-leading universities.

Their involvement ensures:

• Academic depth and intellectual challenge

• Rigorous teaching standards

• A curriculum aligned with leading global institutions

Students therefore benefit from a learning experience designed to reflect the expectations of top universities worldwide.

📄 UCAS Points Opportunity

Students aged 14 and above may choose to earn 8 UCAS points, which can strengthen applications to UK universities.

This optional opportunity allows participants to gain officially recognised UCAS points, helping them stand out in a competitive admissions process.

Students can choose to opt into this opportunity during their programme application.

🏠 Accommodation

Participants stay in modern student accommodation near one of Singapore’s leading university campuses.

The residence provides a comfortable and supportive environment designed for study, connection, and independence.

Accommodation features include:

• Spacious en-suite bedrooms

• Air-conditioning

• High-speed Wi-Fi

• Communal lounges and study areas

• Secure access and supervised living environment

Accommodation assignments are confirmed a few weeks before arrival based on course dates and subject selection. Students travelling with a friend or sibling may request to stay together, and every effort will be made to accommodate these preferences.

🎓 Graduation Ceremony & Celebration Dinner

The programme concludes with a formal graduation ceremony and celebratory dinner.

This special event includes:

• Award presentations

• Inspirational speeches

• Academic recognition for participants

Students receive their Certificate of Participation and celebrate their achievements alongside fellow students, tutors, and mentors. The ceremony provides a memorable conclusion to the academic journey in Singapore.

🌆 Explore the City of the Future

Singapore offers a unique blend of tradition, innovation, and cultural diversity.

Participants explore some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including:

• Marina Bay Sands

• Gardens by the Bay

• Sentosa Island

• Singapore Zoo

These excursions allow students to experience Singapore’s global leadership in technology, sustainability, and urban innovation.

🎨 Activities & Cultural Experiences

Beyond academics, students enjoy a variety of activities designed to build friendships and encourage cultural exploration.

Examples include:

• Creative workshops such as Cake & Canvas

• Friendly sports tournaments

• Cultural discovery activities

• Visits to Singapore’s famous attractions

These experiences help students engage with the local culture while forming lasting friendships with peers from around the world.

🌙 Evening Events

Evenings in Singapore are lively and engaging, offering opportunities to relax and socialise after academic sessions.

Students may participate in:

• Guest speaker sessions

• Cultural showcases celebrating Singapore’s diversity

• Movie nights

• Talent shows

• Night market visits

These events create a vibrant community atmosphere and allow students to experience the energy of Singapore after dark.

🍽️ Meals & Dietary Requirements

Breakfast and dinner are provided daily in the residence dining facilities.

Catering teams are experienced in supporting a wide range of dietary needs, including:

• Vegetarian

• Vegan

• Halal

• Gluten-free

• Food allergy requirements

Students with allergies are encouraged to confirm ingredients with staff during meals as an additional precaution.

A Day in the Life 🌏📚

Each day on the programme is carefully structured to balance academic learning, cultural exploration, and social activities, giving students a full and exciting experience in Singapore.

7:30–9:30am — Breakfast 🍳🥐

The day begins with breakfast, where students gather with friends, chat about the day ahead, and get ready for a busy schedule.

9:30–11:15am — Morning Academic Session 🧠📖

Students start the day with an engaging academic session. Classes are interactive and discussion-based, encouraging students to explore new ideas and think critically.

11:15am–1:15pm — Lunch 🍽️🌍

Students enjoy lunch together, a great opportunity to relax, recharge, and connect with students from around the world.

1:15–3:00pm — Afternoon Academic Sessions 💡📝

The afternoon continues with more academic learning. Students may work on group discussions, collaborative projects, or develop ideas for their personal project. Some days also include 1:1 tutorials with tutors for personalised guidance.

3:00–3:30pm — Break ☕

A short break gives students time to recharge before the afternoon activities begin.

3:30–5:30pm — Activities & Experiences 🚶‍♂️🎯

This part of the day focuses on enrichment and exploration. Activities may include:

• City walking tours of Singapore 🏙️

• Masterclasses with experts 🎓

• Sports and team challenges ⚽

• Creative activities or mystery games 🕵️‍♂️

• Project supervision and preparation

Some days also include exciting excursions such as Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, or Sentosa Island 🌴✨.

6:00–7:30pm — Dinner 🍽️

Students come together for dinner and share stories from the day.

7:30–9:00pm — Evening Activities 🌙🎉

Evenings are filled with social and community activities, including:

• Guest speaker talks �*

• Quiz nights 🧠❓

• Talent shows �*

• STEAM challenges 🔬�*

• Night safari experiences 🦁�*

• Movie nights �*

The programme ends with a special final celebration and graduation 🎓�*, where students present their projects and celebrate everything they have achieved.

🛫 Travel Information

Students should arrive at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN).

Airport transfers can be arranged for £85 per journey.

Travel to and from Singapore is not included in the programme fee.

📜 Certificate & Academic Feedback

At the end of the programme, students receive:

• Certificate of Participation presented at the graduation ceremony

• Tutor-written academic feedback, outlining student progress and providing recommendations for future academic development

This personalised evaluation helps students continue developing their interest in the subject after the programme.

🌍 International Community

Students from many nationalities attend the programme each year, creating a truly international learning environment.

The programme promotes:

• Respect and cultural understanding

• Global collaboration and discussion

• An inclusive and supportive academic community

Participants are encouraged to share perspectives, learn from each other, and develop the mindset of global citizens.

📖 English Language Requirement

Students should have a minimum English level of B2 to fully benefit from the academic nature of the programme.

Tutors are experienced in supporting international students and ensure that classes remain accessible while maintaining strong academic standards.

🛂 Visa Requirements for Singapore

Participants travelling to Singapore may need a visa depending on their nationality. Some countries are eligible for visa-free entry, while others must apply for a visa before travelling. You can check the official visa requirements under the “Travel Documents by Countries and Places” section on Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website.

If your nationality requires a visa, it is important to apply well in advance of the programme start date, as processing times may vary.

SG Arrival Card (SGAC)

In addition to visa requirements, all international travellers entering Singapore must submit a Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) before arriving in the country.

Key points about the SG Arrival Card:

• It must be submitted within 3 days before arrival in Singapore

• It can be completed through the official ICA website or the “SG Arrival Card” mobile app

• The SGAC is free of charge

Please note that the SG Arrival Card is not a visa. Participants whose nationality requires a visa must apply for the visa separately in addition to submitting the SG Arrival Card.

Participants are encouraged to check the latest entry requirements early to ensure a smooth and timely travel process.