Engineering, Design and Technology for Teens at Tonbridge School

Course Description: Engineering, Design and Technology for Teens at Tonbridge School

This immersive two-week residential programme introduces students to design, engineering, sustainability, and leadership through hands-on challenges, collaborative projects, and real-world problem solving. Students experience the full design cycle—from identifying problems and generating ideas to prototyping, testing, and presenting solutions—while developing confidence, communication skills, and ethical awareness.

Learning is project-led and highly practical. Using digital tools, physical modelling, and sustainable design principles, students work in diverse teams to turn ideas into tangible outcomes. Each two-week cycle culminates in a major Hackathon-style challenge, where students present thoughtful, innovative solutions to global issues inspired by industry and academic experts.

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📘 Academic Focus & Learning Approach

• Design thinking & engineering principles

• Product design, architecture & mechanical systems

• Sustainable design (social, environmental & economic impact)

• Prototyping, testing & technical presentation

• Critical thinking, creativity & collaboration

• University-style learning with structured independence

Students work in small mixed groups, applying skills developed throughout the programme while learning how to collaborate, lead, and communicate effectively.

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🕘 Sample Weekly Timetable (Integrated Overview)

Morning

• 🍳 Breakfast (08:00–08:45)

• 🔧 Design & Engineering Challenges (09:00–11:00)

• ☕ Break

• 🧠 Project development, prototyping & technical work (11:30–12:30)

Midday

• 🍽️ Lunch (12:30–13:30)

Afternoon

• 🚀 Growth & skills workshops (13:30–15:00)

• ☕ Break

• 🎯 Skills sessions (sports, creativity, digital, outdoor or business-focused) (15:30–17:30)

Evening

• 🍽️ Dinner (18:30–19:30)

• 🌙 Social & leisure activities (20:00–22:00)

• 🛏️ Room checks (22:15)

Key Weekly Highlights

• 🏙️ University visit (Oxford or Cambridge – one full day)

• 🏢 Business experience day with professional exposure

• 🧠 Five structured design challenges per two-week cycle

• 🧑‍💻 Final Hackathon day (full day, team-based)

• 🤝 Networking evening with professionals

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🧠 Hackathon Challenge (Programme Centrepiece)

• Five extended challenges across the two weeks

• Final full-day Hackathon (10:00–17:00)

• Team-based solutions to real-world global problems

• Mentoring from visiting professionals

• Final presentations with feedback and awards

Students learn to:

• Present ideas clearly and confidently

• Apply sustainability thinking in practice

• Work under time pressure

• Defend decisions and adapt ideas

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🌱 Growth & Skills Workshops

Students choose one workshop track per cycle:

• Career & Professional Growth

• Future Learning & Academic Growth

• Social & Personal Growth

• Leadership & Communication Growth

Each track includes 12 interactive sessions focused on confidence, resilience, leadership, and reflection.

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🎯 Skills Sessions (Afternoons)

Delivered through sports, creativity, business and outdoor learning:

• Sporting & physical pursuits

• Creative & artistic expression

• Digital innovation & technology

• Outdoor & adventure skills

• Business and enterprise experiences

Students may specialise or explore multiple areas.

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🏫 University & Business Experiences

• Guided visits to Oxford or Cambridge

• College tours, academic seminars & discussions

• Business immersion experiences

• Insight into leadership, innovation & sustainability

• Direct engagement with professionals

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🗺️ Excursions & Social Programme

Excursions

• Cultural landmarks, museums & historic sites

• Guided mornings + independent afternoon exploration

• Structured autonomy to build confidence

Evenings

• Music festival

• Colour run

• Open-air cinema

• Quiz nights & social events

Optional off-site activities (extra cost)

• Cinema (~£20)

• Bowling (~£20)

• Climbing / trampoline park (~£25)

• Laser quest (~£20)

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🏡 Accommodation & Pastoral Care

• Seven on-site boarding houses

• Single, twin, and shared rooms (age-appropriate)

• Communal social spaces

• Dedicated pastoral teams per house

• 24/7 supervision and support

• Secure, inclusive residential environment

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🍽️ Meals & Dietary Care

• Three nutritious meals daily

• Special diets fully accommodated

• Cashless campus (card payments only)

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🎓 Certification & Reporting

• Certificate of participation & achievement

• Personalised academic report

• Final awards ceremony

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✈️ Transfers

• Gatwick Airport transfers included

• Transfer window: 09:00–17:00 on designated days

• Assistance available for alternative travel arrangements

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What are the English level requirements? 📘

Students should have at least a B1 level on the CEFR scale or an IELTS score of 4.0 to participate effectively in the programme.

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My child is 12 or younger. Can they register? 👦👧

We do not generally accept students under the age of 13. However, applications may be considered on an individual basis, depending on the student’s maturity, English proficiency, and chosen learning Pathway.

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Do I need a visa or ETA? 🛂

Yes. Depending on nationality, students will require either a Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom. We will provide all supporting documents needed to assist with the application process.

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Where do the students usually come from? 🌍

We welcome students from both the United Kingdom and overseas, creating a diverse and international learning environment.

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Who will meet my child at the airport? ✈️

An official programme representative will meet students in the airport arrivals area immediately after luggage collection.

The representative will be:

• Wearing a clearly identifiable programme uniform

• Holding a clearly marked programme sign

For reassurance, parents will receive the representative’s full name and photograph approximately two weeks before travel.

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What should I pack? 🎒

Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a full packing list around 9–10 weeks before arrival. This will outline all required and optional items, including clothing and toiletries.

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What is your mobile phone policy? 📱

Students may bring mobile phones, but they must not be used during:

• Communal activities

• Challenges and growth workshops

• University and business visits

• Skills sessions

Phones may be used during free time and leisure periods. Students are encouraged to remain engaged with the programme and their peers.

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Who teaches the programme? 👩‍🏫👨‍🏫

All Applied Learning Pathways and Growth Workshops are designed and led by Tonbridge educators.

Skills sessions are delivered by a combination of internal and external instructors.

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How many students attend the programme? 👥

Each sprint typically includes around 50 students, representing countries from around the world.

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Are there activities after the academic timetable? ⚽🎭

Yes. Students have access to a wide range of on-site and local activities, including:

• Swimming pool, gym, and sports hall facilities

• Town visits and cultural experiences

• Organised sports and group activities

These activities provide balance, wellbeing, and opportunities to socialise.

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Is there a cash machine on campus? 💳

No. The campus operates on a cashless system. Students can pay for additional items using a credit card, debit card, or pre-paid card.