Future Artist at Canford Summer School in Wimborne Minster

Course Description: Future Artist at Canford Summer School in Wimborne Minster

The Future Artist Programme is a creative and immersive summer course designed for students aged 11–16 who want to explore art as a way of thinking, communicating, and understanding the world. Set at the beautiful Canford campus, the programme encourages students to experiment with a wide range of artistic techniques while developing confidence in their own creative voice.

Rather than focusing only on technical skill, the programme emphasises creativity as a form of expression and inquiry. Students learn how art communicates ideas, emotions, and perspectives that words alone cannot capture. Through studio practice, collaboration, and reflection, students gain a deeper understanding of how visual expression shapes culture, identity, and community.

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Academic Approach & Learning Style

Students receive 15 hours of subject-specific academic instruction per week, delivered through hands-on studio sessions, guided workshops, and collaborative creative projects led by practising artists and experienced educators.

Learning is exploratory and student-centred. Students are encouraged to:

• Experiment with different materials, styles, and techniques

• Take creative risks and develop original ideas

• Reflect on their own work and the work of others

• Collaborate through shared projects and group critique

• Build confidence presenting creative ideas visually and verbally

English is used throughout the programme to support discussion, reflection, and presentation.

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Core Academic Content

Creative Exploration & Technique

Students develop foundational artistic skills by working with:

• Drawing and painting

• Mixed media and collage

• Sculpture, fashion, and design elements

• Texture, form, scale, and composition

This strand focuses on experimentation and discovery, helping students understand how artistic choices shape meaning.

Art in Context & Interpretation

Students explore how art reflects and responds to the world by:

• Studying influential artworks from different cultures and periods

• Analysing how context, intention, and style affect interpretation

• Discussing how art communicates identity, values, and ideas

This helps students connect their creative practice to wider cultural and social themes.

Project Development & Collaboration

Students gain experience planning and completing creative projects by:

• Developing concepts from initial sketches to finished pieces

• Working on individual artworks alongside collaborative displays

• Participating in group critique to refine ideas and technique

The emphasis is on both creative process and final outcome.

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Subject Theme: The Future City

A central feature of the programme is The Future City 2050 Festival, a cross-disciplinary creative project that runs alongside academic learning.

Students imagine and design a city of the future, exploring how art shapes the spaces people live in and the cultures they create. Working across subjects, students contribute to a shared vision of how the city looks, functions, and grows — from its skyline and architecture to fashion, design, and cultural expression.

The project culminates in a festival-style showcase where exhibits are unveiled, performances take place, and students share their creative work with the wider community, creating the feeling of stepping into a city imagined collectively.

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Programme Framework: Observation, Creation & Presentation

Creative projects follow a clear artistic framework:

• Observation: Students gather inspiration through sketches, studies, and visual research

• Creation: Ideas are developed into larger works such as paintings, sculptures, installations, or fashion pieces

• Presentation: Students write a short curator’s note explaining the meaning behind their work and how it connects to life in the future city

This framework helps students articulate creative intent alongside visual expression.

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Time to Shine: Artistic Presentation & Communication

Every student participates in Time to Shine, a structured project focused on presenting creative work with confidence.

Week One: Students design an artwork inspired by the future city’s skyline. This may include paintings of bold architectural forms, 3D models of public spaces, or collages combining nature and technology. The focus is on how the built environment reflects societal values.

Week Two: Students create work that reflects the culture and identity of the city’s people. Projects may include future fashion designs, symbolic sculptures, or immersive installations that explore community, resilience, and belonging.

At the final showcase, students display their work in a gallery-style setting and explain their ideas to visitors, combining visual storytelling with clear verbal communication.

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Fieldwork & Creative Observation

Students take part in observation-based fieldwork around the Canford campus, gathering inspiration from real environments. Activities include:

• Sketching architectural details and natural forms

• Recording colours, textures, and patterns

• Observing how people interact with shared spaces

These observations provide reference material and depth for creative projects.

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Academic Difficulty & Support

The programme is open to students of all experience levels. No prior art training is required.

• Beginners focus on accessible projects such as drawing, collage, and simple models

• More experienced students can explore ambitious work using paint, mixed media, or wearable design

All students contribute to the shared exhibition, with work displayed side by side in a supportive environment.

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Who This Programme Is For

This programme is ideal for students who:

• Enjoy creative expression and hands-on learning

• Want to explore art beyond the classroom

• Are curious about how creativity connects to culture and identity

• Wish to build confidence sharing ideas visually and verbally

Students with a passion for art, as well as those discovering creativity for the first time, are welcome.

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

• Greater confidence experimenting with artistic techniques

• A stronger understanding of how art communicates ideas

• Experience developing and presenting creative projects

• Improved ability to reflect on and discuss creative work

• Confidence to continue their creative journey at school and beyond

Canford Summer School 🌿�*

Canford Summer School takes place at the prestigious Canford School, located near Bournemouth and set within 250 acres of beautiful parkland. This award-winning campus provides a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where students can thrive academically and socially.

Designed for students aged 11–16, the programme combines structured learning with high-energy activities, outdoor adventure, and creative experiences — all within a welcoming boarding school community.

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Accommodation & Meals 🛏️�*

Students live in purpose-built boarding houses, with boys and girls accommodated separately. The boarding houses are modern, comfortable, and well maintained, creating a warm and welcoming home-from-home environment.

Accommodation Features

• Single, twin, or small dorm rooms

• Shared bathroom facilities

• Spacious common rooms for relaxation and socialising

• Desks and wardrobes in all bedrooms

• Dedicated House Parents and residential staff on site

Living in boarding houses helps students build strong friendships and feel part of a close-knit community that often lasts well beyond the summer.

Meals are served in the dining hall, offering a varied menu of British and international cuisine. Dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, halal, allergies, etc.) can be accommodated when requested in advance.

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Campus Facilities 🏀🎭🏊‍♂️

Students enjoy access to excellent facilities across the Canford campus, including:

• Classrooms and lecture spaces

• Modern and traditional dining halls 🍽️

• Sports hall, gym, and all-weather pitch ⚽

• Swimming pool and tennis courts 🎾

• Art studio and theatre 🎨🎭

• Student common rooms and outdoor spaces

• Laundry facilities and Wi-Fi

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Our Academic Approach 📚✨

Learning at Canford Summer School is active, engaging, and hands-on. Students learn by doing — through projects, challenges, games, and collaboration — rather than traditional note-taking.

Key skills developed include:

• Critical thinking

• Communication

• Leadership

• Teamwork

• Confidence and independence

Students are encouraged to take initiative, ask questions, and solve problems together, all with the guidance and support of experienced teachers.

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Time to Shine 🌟🗣️

Each week, students take part in Time to Shine, a group presentation where they share what they’ve learned with their peers.

This highlights:

• Public speaking skills

• Team collaboration

• Confidence building

• Working towards a shared goal

Time to Shine is often a highlight of the week and gives students a real sense of achievement.

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Excursions & Experiences 🚌🌊�*

Over two weeks, students enjoy a variety of cultural, coastal, and recreational excursions, all fully supervised by staff and carefully planned to maximise enjoyment.

Sample Excursions

• London 🇬�* – Iconic landmarks, museums, shopping, and sightseeing

• Adventures Day �* – Outdoor challenges focused on teamwork and confidence

• Splashdown Water Park �* – A fun day of water slides and attractions

Canford’s south-coast location also allows for beach outings and coastal exploration, adding variety and excitement to the programme.

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Sports Academies (Optional Extras) ⚽🎾🏄‍♂️

Students can choose to add a Sports Academy, offering additional coaching from experienced instructors. Each academy runs over two days per week, with three-hour sessions.

Available Academies

• Land & Wave Academy 🌊 Outdoor water and coastal activities £250 per week

• Tennis Academy 🎾 Technique, match play, and fitness £295 per week

• Football Academy ⚽ Skills, tactics, and confidence building £195 per week

• Horse Riding Academy 🐎 Riding skills, balance, and horse care £395 per week

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*� A Day in the Life at Canford Summer School

Every day at Canford is carefully structured to balance learning, activities, and unforgettable experiences — including excursions, beach trips, and adventure days.

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*� On-Campus Day at Canford

*� Morning Routine & Breakfast (07:15–09:00)

07:15 – Wake-up ⏰ Students get ready in their boarding houses with support from House Parents.

08:20–09:00 – Breakfast 🍳 A healthy breakfast in the dining hall with friends and housemates.

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*� Morning Learning & Projects (09:00–12:30)

09:00–10:30 – Interactive Lesson ✏️ Project-based learning focused on communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.

10:30–11:00 – Morning Break ☕

11:00–12:30 – Time to Shine Project Work 🌟 Group collaboration, creative thinking, and presentation preparation.

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*�️ Lunch (12:30–13:30)

12:30–13:30 – Lunch 🥗 Students refuel and relax before the afternoon programme.

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*� Afternoon Activities (13:30–17:00)

Sports, Creative & Enrichment Activities ⚽🎭 Including swimming, tennis, arts, team games, STEM challenges, and optional Sports Academies.

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*� Free Time & House Time (17:00–18:30)

Supervised downtime in boarding houses — time to rest, shower, chat, or play games.

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*�️ Dinner & Evening Programme (18:30–21:00)

Dinner followed by evening social activities such as talent shows, themed events, discos, or outdoor games 🎉

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*� Excursion Day at Canford

Excursion days replace the usual afternoon programme and offer full-day off-campus experiences, fully supervised by staff.

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*� Morning & Departure

07:15 – Wake-up ⏰ 08:00 – Breakfast 🍳 09:00 – Coach Departure 🚌

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*� Full-Day Excursion Experiences

Students enjoy one of the programme’s signature excursions, such as:

• London 🏙️ Iconic landmarks, museums, sightseeing, and cultural exploration

• Adventure Day 🌿 Outdoor challenges and team-building activities

• Splashdown Water Park 💦 A fun-filled day of water slides and summer excitement

• Beach Trips 🏖️ Coastal activities, beach games, and relaxation

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*�️ Evening Return & Dinner

17:30–18:30 – Return to Campus 18:30 – Dinner 🍽️

Evening activities continue as normal, allowing students to relax after an exciting day out.

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*� Wind-Down & Lights Out

21:00 – House Time & Snacks 🧃 22:00 – Lights Out 😴

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✨ What Makes Canford Special

• A blend of academics, activities, and excursions

• Fully supervised off-campus trips

• Confidence-building experiences every day

• A safe, supportive boarding environment

• Friendships that last beyond the summer

What’s Included ✔️

The programme fee includes:

• 15 hours of tuition per week

• Maximum class size of 15 students

• Accommodation and all meals 🍽️

• Full social programme and excursions

• End-of-course report and certificate 📄

• Comprehensive travel insurance

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English Language Levels 🌍🗣️

Classes are available for students at all English levels, from beginners up to B2 and above. Some subject-specific courses may require a minimum level.

Before the programme:

• Students complete an online English assessment

• Results help confirm suitability and placement

• If needed, an academic consultation is arranged to advise next steps

Support & Student Welfare 🛡️

Student safety and wellbeing are our highest priorities. All staff, volunteers, and visitors follow strict Safeguarding and Child Protection policies, and every team member receives comprehensive training before the programme begins.

Students live in secure boarding houses, each overseen by:

• A dedicated House Parent

• A team of residential staff available 24/7

This structure ensures students feel supported, respected, and cared for at all times, giving families complete peace of mind.

Transfers & Arrival Information ✈️

Supervised transfer services are available from Heathrow Airport and St Pancras International Station.

Arrival & Departure Windows:

• Arrival (Flights): 6:00 am – 5:00 pm

• Departure (Flights): 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

• Arrival (Train): 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

• Departure (Train): 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Students are transported using:

• Staffed private coach

• Staffed minibus

• Staffed taxi

The transport method is determined by group size and arrival times.

Upon arrival, a staff member will greet students, provide refreshments, and escort them to the school.

Transfer booking deadline: 28 days before the course start date

Do You Need a Visa to Attend?

Checking whether you need a visa to attend one of our summer courses is quick and straightforward. We recommend using the UK Government’s official visa checker to confirm the requirements for your nationality.

From 2025, most visitors travelling to the UK for short-term study will need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

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Standard Visitor Visa

If you do require a visa, the appropriate option for attending our courses is the Standard Visitor Visa.

This visa allows students to take part in short-term educational programmes in the UK.

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EU, EEA & Swiss Nationals

Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland can continue to travel to the UK for holidays or short visits without applying for a visa. This policy remains unchanged following Brexit.

However, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) may still be required (see below).

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Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

If you do not need a visa for a short stay in the UK, you may be required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) instead.

Key ETA Dates

• From 8 January 2025 Eligible non-European visitors will need an ETA to enter the UK.

• From 5 March 2025 Eligible European nationals will be able to apply for an ETA.

• From 2 April 2025 Eligible Europeans will need an ETA to travel to the UK.

• From April 2025 All visitors who do not need a visa and do not already hold UK immigration status will require an ETA.

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ETA Cost & Processing Time

• Cost: £10 (expected to rise to £16 in the coming months)

• Processing time: Typically up to 3 days, though some applications may take longer

We strongly recommend applying well in advance of travel.

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Digital eVisa

Some travellers may be eligible for a digital eVisa instead of a physical visa. Eligibility and application details can be checked on the UK Government website.

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Where to Apply & Get More Information

• Check if you need a visa or ETA using the UK Government visa checker

• Learn more about ETAs and eligibility on the UK Government website

• Apply for an ETA via the official UK Government application page