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.