Future Global Leader at Canford Summer School in Wimborne Minster

Course Description: Future Global Leader at Canford Summer School in Wimborne Minster

The Future Global Leader Programme is an engaging and academically grounded summer course designed for students aged 11–16 who want to understand how power, politics, and leadership shape the world. Set on the Canford campus, the programme introduces students to global decision-making while helping them develop the confidence, communication skills, and judgement required of future leaders.

Rather than focusing on theory alone, the programme places students in realistic leadership situations where they explore how governments operate, how international organisations respond to crises, and how leaders build trust and influence. Through debate, negotiation, and simulation, students begin to see how individual choices and collective decisions affect communities, countries, and global affairs.

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Academic Approach & Learning Style

Students receive 15 hours of subject-specific academic instruction per week, delivered through interactive lessons, debates, role play, and hands-on simulations led by experienced educators in politics and international relations.

Learning is active and collaborative. Students are encouraged to:

• Explore how political and global systems function

• Express ideas clearly and confidently in discussion

• Negotiate, compromise, and work toward consensus

• Develop leadership presence and responsibility

• Reflect on different perspectives while standing by their values

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

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Core Academic Content

Global Systems & Governance

Students build an understanding of how societies are organised by studying:

• Governments, institutions, and political systems

• How decisions are made and implemented

• The role of power, responsibility, and accountability

• How national and international systems interact

This provides a foundation for understanding global leadership and citizenship.

Leadership Skills & Decision-Making

Leadership is embedded throughout the programme. Students develop:

• Confidence guiding group discussions

• The ability to make decisions under pressure

• Awareness of different leadership styles

• Skills in listening, persuasion, and collaboration

Simulations and group challenges mirror real-world leadership environments.

Debate, Diplomacy & Negotiation

Students practise the art of diplomacy by:

• Presenting arguments clearly and persuasively

• Responding thoughtfully to opposing views

• Taking part in structured debates and negotiations

• Learning how compromise and cooperation shape outcomes

These skills are essential for leadership in politics, business, and global organisations.

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Subject Theme: The Future City

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

Students imagine a city of the future and explore how leadership decisions shape its development. They work across subjects to design how the city functions — from governance and resource allocation to culture, infrastructure, and community life.

The project culminates in a festival-style showcase where students present their ideas through debate, policy proposals, and collaborative decision-making, bringing their shared vision of the future city to life.

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Programme Framework: Debate, Role Play & Simulation

Academic learning is structured around practical leadership frameworks:

• Identifying key issues and competing interests

• Building and defending positions

• Negotiating agreements within groups

• Reaching solutions that balance fairness and effectiveness

Mock councils, assemblies, and summits help students practise leadership in action.

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Time to Shine: Leadership Communication & Public Speaking

Every student takes part in Time to Shine, a structured public-speaking and leadership project.

Week One: Students form councils to decide how resources should be shared in the future city. Representing different groups — such as citizens, scientists, or energy providers — they negotiate fair solutions, learning how conflict and compromise shape leadership outcomes.

Week Two: Students stage a mock international summit, acting as representatives of countries or organisations. They debate global issues such as climate change, migration, or trade, before working together to sign treaties or agreements.

The final showcase highlights confidence, teamwork, and the ability to think clearly under pressure.

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Fieldwork & Leadership in Practice

Students take part in practical fieldwork activities in open spaces around campus. These exercises simulate leadership challenges such as:

• Allocating shared resources

• Setting rules and priorities

• Planning routes or strategies as a group

These experiences reinforce how leadership decisions affect others in real-world situations.

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Academic Difficulty & Support

The programme is challenging but accessible. No prior knowledge of politics or leadership is required.

• Background materials and guidance are provided

• Students are encouraged to make independent decisions

• The main challenge lies in thinking on the spot and responding to unexpected challenges

Supportive teaching ensures all students can participate and grow in confidence.

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Who This Programme Is For

This programme is ideal for students who:

• Are curious about politics, leadership, and global affairs

• Enjoy debate, discussion, and teamwork

• Want to build confidence speaking in front of others

• Are beginning to explore leadership roles at school and beyond

Students from all academic backgrounds are welcome.

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Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

• A clearer understanding of global systems and governance

• Improved leadership, negotiation, and communication skills

• Experience debating and solving real-world challenges

• Greater confidence expressing ideas and influencing others

• A strong foundation for future study in politics, leadership, or international relations

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