STEM + Robotics at Marlborough College

Course Description: STEM + Robotics at Marlborough College

A Prestigious British Boarding School Experience

Set in the heart of the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, this summer programme offers students the opportunity to live and learn at one of the UK’s most prestigious independent schools.

Founded in 1843, Marlborough College combines historic architecture with modern, state-of-the-art facilities, creating an inspiring and secure environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.

Just 75 minutes from Heathrow Airport, the campus provides the perfect balance of peaceful countryside surroundings and easy access to some of England’s most iconic destinations.

🤖 Robotics & Coding Specialism

Build the Skills of the Future

Step into the world of innovation with our Robotics & Coding Specialism, designed for students who are curious about technology, problem-solving, and the future of digital creation.

This dynamic programme combines high-quality English language learning with hands-on experience in coding, robotics, and app development—giving students practical skills that go far beyond the classroom.

💻 What Students Will Learn

Students are introduced to Python, one of the world’s most widely used programming languages, used by organisations such as Google, NASA, and YouTube.

Through guided, interactive sessions, students will:

• Learn the fundamentals of coding and programming logic

• Write and test their own code

• Understand how software is developed and applied in real-world contexts

🦾 Robotics & Innovation

Beyond coding, students explore the exciting field of robotics through hands-on projects.

They will:

• Design and build robotic systems using LEGO robotics technology

• Understand how hardware and software interact

• Solve real-world challenges through engineering and coding

📱 App Creation & Digital Design

Students will also be introduced to app development, where they:

• Learn the basics of user experience and digital design

• Create simple applications

• Develop problem-solving and creative thinking skills

🧠 Skills Developed

This programme is designed to build essential future-ready skills, including:

• Logical thinking and problem-solving

• Creativity and innovation

• Teamwork and collaboration

• Digital literacy and confidence with technology

• Project planning and execution

📊 Quick Facts

• 4 sessions per week (3 hours each) in coding and robotics

• All IT equipment provided

• Delivered by experienced specialist tutors

• Full-board residential programme

• Structured evening activities included

• 2 full-day excursions per week

• Certificate of completion awarded

🌟 Why Choose This Specialism?

This is more than just learning to code—it’s about understanding how technology shapes the world.

Students leave with:

• A strong foundation in coding and robotics

• Greater confidence using technology creatively

• Practical experience building real projects

• Inspiration to explore future careers in tech

🚀 The Experience

From writing their first lines of Python to building working robots and designing apps, students are fully immersed in a hands-on, engaging environment where learning feels exciting and meaningful.

It’s the perfect combination of English learning + future technology skills—preparing students not just for school, but for the world ahead.

🔬 STEM at Camp (15 hours per week)

The STEM at Camp programme immerses students in interactive, story-driven challenges where learning happens through action, teamwork, and problem-solving. Students step into the roles of scientists and engineers, using English naturally as they explore real-world STEM concepts.

Across the two-week programme, learners will:

• Design and build prototypes and functional models

• Test, evaluate, and refine ideas under real-world constraints

• Present findings in English to peers and instructors

• Compete for limited resources, encouraging strategic thinking and collaboration

Sample Mission: Mars Habitat Design

Teams are tasked with creating a safe and sustainable living habitat on Mars. Working against time and material limits, students calculate oxygen, food, and water usage, develop energy solutions, and pitch their designs to a Mission Council, defending their ideas during a Q&A session.

Skills Developed

• Science – materials, energy systems, sustainability

• Mathematics – measurement, data analysis, optimisation

• Engineering – design cycle, testing, and iteration

• Collaboration & leadership – teamwork and decision-making

• English in action – pitching, debating, and problem-solving

• Innovation & resilience – adapting to challenges and constraints

🌍 Location: The Historic Market Town of Marlborough

Marlborough is a charming and safe English market town, known for:

• Its historic high street

• Beautiful countryside surroundings

• Friendly, traditional British atmosphere

Students benefit from a truly authentic UK experience, with opportunities to explore the town, interact with local culture, and enjoy a relaxed yet enriching environment.

🏫 Campus & Facilities

Students live on a traditional British boarding school campus with excellent facilities, including:

• Modern classrooms

• Indoor swimming pool

• Extensive sports facilities

• Theatre and drama studios

• Large green outdoor spaces

Accommodation

• Single, twin, and shared (quad) rooms

• Shared bathroom facilities

• Comfortable boarding houses blending tradition with modern comfort

🍽 Meals & Dining Experience

Students enjoy full-board accommodation with a wide variety of international cuisine.

Meals are served buffet-style and prepared by experienced chefs, offering:

• A diverse selection of global dishes

• Nutritious and balanced meals

• Options to suit a variety of tastes

This ensures students remain energised and well-supported throughout their busy and active days.

🎯 Activities & Student Experience

The programme includes a full schedule of structured activities, ensuring students are constantly engaged.

• Afternoon sports and creative activities

• Evening social events and entertainment

• Team-building exercises

• Cultural experiences

🌍 Excursions (Included)

Students take part in two full-day excursions per week, including one unforgettable overnight experience.

Highlights Include:

🏖 Cotswold Country Park & Beach

• Kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing

• Beach games and outdoor activities

• Inflatable assault course

🇬🇧 London Overnight Experience

• Visit Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Downing Street

• Ride the London Eye

• Thames river cruise with guided tour

• Evening dinner and social event

🎓 Oxford

• Explore one of the world’s most famous university cities

• Visit historic colleges and landmarks

• Optional punting experience on the river

🦁 Longleat Safari Park

• Drive-through safari with lions, rhinos, and monkeys

• Boat safari with sea lions

• Jungle cruise and animal encounters

• Maze and adventure activities

📊 Key Facts

• Age Range: 11–17 years

• Capacity: Approximately 105 students

• Accommodation: Full-board residential

• English Tuition: 15 hours per week

• Excursions: 2 full-day trips per week (including overnight)

• Staff-to-Student Ratio: 1:6

🧠 Why This Programme Stands Out

This programme goes beyond traditional summer school experiences by combining:

• Academic excellence

• Leadership development

• Cultural immersion

• Exciting excursions

• A prestigious boarding school setting

Students leave not only with improved English, but with:

• Greater confidence

• Stronger communication skills

• Leadership experience

• International friendships

✨ The Outcome

By the end of the programme, students will have:

• Studied and communicated confidently in English

• Developed real-world leadership and teamwork skills

• Experienced life at a top British boarding school

• Explored some of the UK’s most iconic destinations

This is more than a summer school—it’s a transformational experience designed to prepare students for the future.