Global Leadership In Action for Teens at Tonbridge School

Course Description: Global Leadership In Action for Teens at Tonbridge School

🧠 About the Course

This intensive two-week residential programme develops strategic thinking, confident leadership, and teamwork through project-based learning, business simulations, and intercultural discussion. Students explore global challenges such as sustainability, climate action, entrepreneurship, and innovation, learning how leaders respond to complex problems in a fast-changing world.

Across the programme, students complete five real-world challenges, building skills step-by-step before culminating in a full-day Hackathon, where teams pitch bold, well-reasoned solutions to global issues introduced by industry professionals. Students apply the communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills developed throughout the fortnight, presenting ideas clearly and confidently in English.

🎯 Course Aims

Through structured challenges and guided reflection, students will:

• 💬 Improve core communication and presentation skills

• 🧩 Build adaptability, innovation, and strategic thinking

• 🤝 Learn the power of collaboration through diverse team projects

• 🌱 Develop self-awareness, ethical thinking, and social responsibility

• 🎓 Visit leading universities to explore future academic pathways

• 🏢 Gain exposure to business and leadership through industry insight

• 🌐 Develop a global outlook and confidence to lead change

🏃‍♂️ Programme Structure (Based on Weekly Timetable)

Each weekday follows a balanced academic and activity schedule:

• 🍳 Morning – Breakfast followed by challenge-based learning sessions

• 🛠️ Late Morning – Applied pathway challenges and project work

• 🍽️ Midday – Lunch and short breaks

• 🌱 Afternoon – Growth workshops and skills sessions

• 🌙 Evening – Social activities, team events, and leisure time

Key highlights built into the timetable:

• 🏙️ Full-day London excursion

• 🎓 University visit (Oxford or Cambridge)

• 🏢 Business experience day

• 🤝 Professional networking evening

• 💡 Final full-day Hackathon challenge

🚀 Hackathon Challenge

The Hackathon is the programme’s capstone experience:

• Teams tackle a real-world problem set by industry leaders

• Students apply social, environmental, and economic thinking

• Mentors provide guidance, feedback, and insight

• Teams pitch solutions in a professional, supportive environment

This experience builds confidence, clarity, and leadership presence.

🌱 Growth Workshops

Students complete 12 interactive sessions focused on personal and academic development. Each student chooses one track per programme:

• 🎯 Career & Professional Growth

• 📚 Academic & Future Learning Growth

• 💬 Social & Personal Growth

• 🧠 Leadership & Communication Growth

🛠️ Skills Sessions

Delivered through practical, hands-on activities on and off campus:

• ⚽ Sporting & physical pursuits

• 🎨 Creative & artistic expression

• 💻 Digital innovation & technology

• 🧗 Adventure & outdoor skills

• 🏢 Business and enterprise experiences

Students may specialise or explore multiple areas.

🏢 Business & University Experiences

• Exclusive business immersion experience

• Visits to Oxford or Cambridge

• Insight into leadership, innovation, and workplace culture

• Direct links between classroom learning and real-world practice

🎉 Leisure & Social Programme

On-campus activities include:

• 🎶 Music festival

• 🌈 Colour run

• 🎬 Open-air cinema

• 🎤 Quiz nights, karaoke, discos

Optional off-site activities (extra cost):

• 🎥 Cinema (~£20)

• 🎳 Bowling (~£20)

• 🧗 Clip & climb (~£25)

• 🤸 Trampoline park (~£25)

• 🔫 Laser quest (~£20)

🏡 Accommodation & Pastoral Care

• On-site boarding houses with pastoral teams

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

• Communal social spaces

• 24/7 supervision and support

• Safe, inclusive residential environment

🍽️ Meals & Welfare

• 🍴 Three meals daily plus snacks

• 🥗 All dietary requirements catered for

• 💳 Cashless campus (card payments only)

🎓 Certification

• Certificate of participation and achievement

• Personalised academic progress report

• End-of-programme awards ceremony

✈️ Transfers

• Gatwick Airport transfers included

• Valid between 09:00–17:00 on designated days

• Assistance available for alternative travel plans

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.