Supreme Summer Pre-College Future Scientists (STEM) Course for High Schoolers at Canford School Campus in Wimborne Minster

Course Description: Supreme Summer Pre-College Future Scientists (STEM) Course for High Schoolers at Canford School Campus in Wimborne Minster

The Future Scientist Programme is a hands-on, inquiry-based summer course designed for students aged 11–16 who want to understand how science explains the world around us. Set on the Canford campus, the programme introduces students to the methods, questions, and discoveries that define modern science, combining biology, chemistry, and physics in an engaging and practical way.

Rather than learning science through theory alone, students investigate real questions through experiments, observation, and analysis. They explore how scientific ideas are tested, refined, and communicated, gaining confidence in both their understanding and their ability to explain scientific concepts clearly.

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Academic Approach & Learning Style

Students receive 15 hours of subject-specific academic instruction per week, delivered through interactive lessons, practical experiments, demonstrations, and guided research led by experienced science educators.

Learning is active, collaborative, and investigative. Students are encouraged to:

• Ask questions and test ideas through experimentation

• Observe, record, and interpret scientific data

• Work collaboratively to solve problems

• Apply scientific reasoning to real-world challenges

• Communicate findings clearly and confidently

English is used consistently to support scientific discussion, explanation, and presentation.

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Core Academic Content

Life & Living Systems

Students explore the foundations of biology by investigating:

• How cells function and interact

• Ecosystems and relationships between living organisms

• How biological systems respond to change

Simple experiments and field observations help students see how biology explains everyday life.

Matter, Motion & Energy

This strand introduces key ideas from chemistry and physics, including:

• The properties and behaviour of materials

• Chemical reactions and physical change

• Forces, motion, and energy transfer

Hands-on activities turn abstract concepts into practical understanding.

Earth, Space & Scientific Discovery

Students broaden their perspective by studying:

• The structure of the Earth

• The solar system and forces shaping the universe

• How scientific tools help us understand space and time

These sessions inspire curiosity while reinforcing scientific thinking.

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Subject Theme: The Future City

A central feature of the programme is The Future City 2050 Festival, which connects scientific learning to real-world application.

Students imagine a city of the future and explore how science makes it possible to function. They investigate energy systems, materials, transport, food production, and sustainability, designing solutions that respond to the challenges of a growing urban environment.

The project culminates in a festival-style showcase where students present models, experiments, and explanations, creating the feeling of stepping into a city imagined collectively.

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Programme Framework: The Scientific Method

All projects follow the scientific method, giving structure to inquiry:

• Observe how systems work

• Predict outcomes

• Test ideas through experimentation

• Explain results using evidence

This framework helps students link classroom knowledge to practical challenges within the future city theme.

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Time to Shine: Scientific Communication & Presentation

Every student takes part in Time to Shine, a structured project focused on explaining scientific ideas clearly.

Week One: Students design a product or system that supports daily life in the future city, such as energy-efficient housing, waste solutions, or communication technology. Each group creates a model or prototype and explains how it would be used in practice.

Week Two: The focus shifts to transport. Students propose solutions for moving people and goods efficiently in a crowded city, such as shared autonomous systems or new transit designs. They explain how their idea solves a real problem and improves life for residents.

At the final showcase, students present their ideas to an audience, practising clear explanation, teamwork, and confident delivery.

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Fieldwork & Scientific Observation

Students carry out fieldwork around the campus to support their projects. Activities may include:

• Measuring sunlight and energy potential

• Observing water flow and surface behaviour

• Tracking movement through shared spaces

These observations help students test assumptions, refine designs, and build solutions based on real conditions.

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Academic Difficulty & Support

The programme is open to students of all experience levels. No prior science background is required.

• Beginners are supported through clear guidance and structured experiments

• More experienced students are stretched through open-ended investigation

• Emphasis is placed on building, testing, and explaining rather than memorisation

Every student is supported to participate fully and grow in confidence.

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Who This Programme Is For

This programme is ideal for students who:

• Are curious about science and how things work

• Enjoy experiments and hands-on learning

• Want to build confidence explaining ideas

• Are beginning to explore future study in science or engineering

Students from all academic backgrounds are welcome.

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Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

• A strong understanding of core scientific principles

• Experience conducting experiments and analysing data

• Improved problem-solving and analytical thinking skills

• Confidence explaining scientific ideas to others

• A solid foundation for further study in science

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