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.

📘 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.

🕘 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

🧠 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

🌱 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.

🎯 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.

🏫 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

🗺️ 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)

🏡 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

🍽️ Meals & Dietary Care

• Three nutritious meals daily

• Special diets fully accommodated

• Cashless campus (card payments only)

🎓 Certification & Reporting

• Certificate of participation & achievement

• Personalised academic report

• Final awards ceremony

✈️ Transfers

• Gatwick Airport transfers included

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

• Assistance available for alternative travel arrangements

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.

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.

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.

Where do the students usually come from? 🌍

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

How many students attend the programme? 👥

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

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.

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.