Physics for High School Students at Cambridge University

Course Description: Physics for High School Students at Cambridge University

Unlock the Mysteries of Physics this Summer! 🌌

Are you ready to embark on an exhilarating journey through the fundamental laws of the universe? Our immersive Physics program is designed for passionate students aged 16-17 who are eager to unravel the secrets of the cosmos. This dynamic course offers a unique blend of personalized learning, hands-on experiences, and vibrant excursions that will inspire curiosity and ignite a love for science.

🌟 Course Overview

Dive deep into the captivating world of physics, where you'll explore:

• The history of the atom

• Principles of relativity

• Complexities of quantum mechanics, astrophysics, and particle physics

With a curriculum tailored to your interests, you'll tackle real-world problems while developing essential critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This program also features a masterclass on collaboration and critical thinking, alongside reflective sessions to track your progress and set future academic goals.

📚 Teaching Methodology

Experience the Oxford tutorial style of learning, characterized by:

• Small Group Seminars: Engage in interactive discussions with no more than 8 students, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

• Independent Work: Complete two assignments (essays or problem sheets) that will be assessed during personalized tutorials, allowing for in-depth feedback and growth.

• Expert Mentorship: Work closely with tutors who are specialists in their fields, encouraging self-directed learning and new perspectives.

Upon completion, students will receive a certificate and a personalized letter of recommendation, showcasing their achievements.

🏛️ Accommodation

Stay at the historic Sidney Sussex College, where students will have a comfortable and supportive environment to thrive both academically and socially.

Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom �*

Students live and study in the historic city of Cambridge, home to more than 800 years of academic tradition. Known for its poets, scholars, and pioneering thinkers, Cambridge offers an inspiring environment where creativity and scholarship come together. Its libraries, colleges, and literary heritage make it the perfect setting for students who want to explore how literature reflects and shapes society.

Life in Cambridge 🏛️

Students stay in comfortable single or twin bedrooms depending on their tier selection. Cambridge accommodations offer shared social spaces, historic courtyards, and calm environments ideal for study and relaxation. Rooms are safe, welcoming, and staffed by on-course support teams who ensure the wellbeing of all students throughout their stay.

Meals and Catering 🍽️

Meals are provided on a half-board basis, including daily breakfast and dinner served either at the accommodation or at carefully selected local restaurants. Students purchase their own lunch. Dietary requirements and preferences are fully accommodated.

Certificates and Tutor Feedback �*

Every student receives a certificate of achievement, detailed written tutor feedback, and a personalised Letter of Recommendation to support future academic, school, or programme applications.

Airport Transfers ✈️

Transfers operate from London Heathrow Airport on official arrival and departure days and are included in the programme price. Staff are stationed at Heathrow between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to welcome students, coordinate transfers, and ensure a smooth arrival. Families are encouraged to book flights arriving before 3:00 PM so students can join the last transfer of the day.

What’s Included – Tier Overview ⭐

Plus A complete academic and residential experience with half-board meals, small seminars, workshops, and single or twin rooms with shared bathrooms. Includes scheduled Heathrow transfers.

Superior Includes all Plus features, with private ensuite accommodation, enhanced insurance, and greater flexibility for families.

Premier The premium option with concierge-selected rooms, platinum-level insurance, flexible arrival transfers, and a future coaching session for academic or university guidance.

🌍 Exciting Excursions

This program includes unforgettable outings, allowing students to explore historical and cultural landmarks:

• Westminster, London: Discover the iconic Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

• British Museum: Immerse yourself in over 2 million years of history with artifacts from around the world.

• Canterbury: Step back in time at the stunning Canterbury Cathedral and explore Chaucer's tales.

• Greenwich: Visit the Royal Observatory and the Cutty Sark, uncovering the history of navigation and exploration.

• Warwick Castle: Experience medieval history through jousting tournaments and falconry displays.

• Tower of London: Explore this iconic fortress and learn about its royal history.

• Portsmouth: Dive into the maritime heritage at the historic dockyard and the Mary Rose Museum.

📅 Session Availability & Pricing

Choose from multiple sessions in summer 2026:

• 28 June - 11 July: Non-residential (£5,495), Plus (shared bathroom) (£6,995)

• 5 - 18 July: Non-residential (£5,495), Plus (£6,995), Superior (private room) (£7,995), Premier (private room) (£9,995)

• 12 - 25 July: Non-residential (£5,495), Plus (£6,995), Superior (£7,995), Premier (£9,995)

• 19 July - 1 August: Non-residential (£5,495), Plus (£6,995), Superior (£7,995), Premier (£9,995)

• 26 July - 8 August: Non-residential (£5,495), Plus (£6,995), Superior (£7,995), Premier (£9,995)

• 2 - 15 August: Non-residential (£5,495), Plus (£6,995), Superior (£7,995), Premier (£9,995)

🎯 Why This Program is Right for Your Child

By enrolling in this immersive Physics course, your child will not only deepen their understanding of complex scientific concepts but also gain invaluable skills that will serve them well in their academic and future careers. With our dedicated pastoral care, students will feel supported and secure throughout their journey.

Encourage your child to take this exceptional opportunity to explore, learn, and grow in a vibrant academic setting!

Day Students / Non-Residential Schedule Overview 🌞

High school day students follow a structured and engaging daytime schedule, giving them the full academic and enrichment experience while returning home each evening. Each morning begins with drop-off between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM, followed by academic seminars, tutorial preparation, or study blocks. Sessions usually run until 12:30 PM, with short breaks built in so students can recharge and socialise. 📘☕

Afternoons offer a variety of activities designed to build confidence, broaden understanding, and inspire curiosity. Depending on the day, students may take part in goal-setting workshops, tutorial Q&A sessions, supervised study, city tours, enrichment activities, or reflection periods. These run from early afternoon until about 4:30–5:00 PM, giving students a balanced mix of academics and exploration. 🌿✨

In the early evening, students have dinner included, allowing them to enjoy meals with their peers in a relaxed, social environment. After dinner, students participate in optional or included evening activities such as welcome talks, group events, or socials, depending on the day. Pick-up usually takes place between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM, unless there is a special event like a celebratory dinner or end-of-week social, which may run slightly later. 🌙🎉

Arrival and Departure for Day Students 🚗

Parents or guardians are responsible for morning drop-off and evening pick-up within the designated windows shown on the weekly timetable.

Typical times are:

• Drop-off: 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM

• Pick-up: 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM

On certain days (such as celebratory dinners or Friday socials), pick-up may be later, and families will be notified in advance. Staff are always present at the meeting points to welcome students, take attendance, and ensure safe handover at the end of the day. 📅🤝

What High School Day Students Receive 🎒

High school day students enjoy nearly all the same elements as residential students, including:

• Daily academic seminars in small groups

• Tutorial work and scheduled tutorial slots (Thursday or Friday depending on group)

• Guided study and supervised reflection time

• Masterclasses, Q&A sessions, 21st-century skills workshops (Week 2)

• City tours, enrichment sessions, and curriculum-building activities

• Participation in daytime excursions and college visits

• Dinner included each evening

• Access to tutors, study support, learning spaces, and programme staff

The only elements not included for day students are:

🛏️ Accommodation

🍳 Breakfast

✈️ Airport transfers

🛡️ Insurance

Weekly Structure at a Glance 📘

Week 1

Students begin with orientation, academic seminars, goal-setting activities, and hands-on tutorials. The week includes a city tour, afternoon study blocks, enrichment time, and evening events such as the welcome talk and a celebratory dinner.

Wednesday is an optional (“opt-out”) day, where students may choose not to attend the independent study and curriculum enrichment running from 9 AM–7 PM.

Week 2

Students take part in advanced study sessions, 21st-century skills masterclasses, tutorials, enrichment activities, and (in Oxford) a university fair. The week builds toward graduation on Friday afternoon, followed by optional events such as a formal dinner or campus social (“bop”). 🎓✨

Across both weeks, the schedule balances academic challenge, exploration, and social connection — designed specifically for high school learners developing independence and preparing for future study. 🌟🏫