Course Description: Exceptional Summer Pre-College Creative Writing Program for High Schoolers at Cambridge University Campus

✍️ Creative Writing Summer Program

📖 Course Description

The camp is an award-winning academic summer school hosted at prestigious Oxford and Cambridge colleges.

It offers programs for students aged 16 to 18, with 30 hours of academic sessions over two weeks, designed to expand participants' knowledge, sharpen their writing, and give them a taste of university-level study.

Students complete an individual “Personal Project” — typically an essay, short story, or presentation — delivered on the final day. Tutors provide written and verbal feedback, which may form part of the final assessment.

The Creative Writing program focuses on developing advanced writing skills, encouraging experimentation with techniques, and producing a diverse portfolio. By the end, participants will have created a collection of excerpts or short stories, demonstrating range and creativity.

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📚 Academic Experience

• 30 hours of intensive academic sessions over two weeks.

• Learn directly from Oxford and Cambridge tutors.

• Develop advanced creative writing techniques through lectures, workshops, and guided assignments.

• Complete a Personal Project (essay, novella, or presentation) presented at the end of the course.

• Receive detailed written and verbal feedback from tutors to aid future development.

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🛠 Academic Skills Workshops

Alongside subject modules, students attend dedicated workshops to strengthen transferable skills for future study:

• Unlock your full academic potential.

• Improve time management, productivity, and research skills.

• Prepare for independent university-level learning.

• Explore diverse topics — past sessions have included:

• Productivity Tips for Students

• 21st-Century Technology Skills

• Critical Thinking & Argumentation

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📝 Example Modules

Module 1: An Introduction to Creative Writing

• Challenge assumptions of writing in the 21st Century.

• Discuss writing methods, goals, and overcoming writer’s block.

Module 2: The Importance of Character

• Explore how great characters drive great fiction.

• Assess clichés and tropes in literature.

• Analyze how characters influence tone and plot.

Module 3: Learning the Industry: The Basics

• Understand the publishing world and its options.

• Explore competitions, magazines, e-books, self-publication, and film writing.

Module 4: Written Portfolio

• Develop a portfolio of creative writing or a novella.

• Present a short piece, receive tutor and peer feedback.

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🎭 Activities & Excursions

Outside lessons, participants enjoy a diverse social program, including:

• On-campus activities: punting on the River Cam, zorb football, games night, movie night, quiz night, talent show, murder mystery night.

• Formal Dinners: two memorable formal hall dinners in different Cambridge Colleges (bring smart clothes!).

• Excursions:

• A full-day trip to Oxford and its colleges.

• An optional day in London (sightseeing & shopping).

• If opting out of London, enjoy afternoon tea in Cambridge.

All activities are led by friendly mentors dedicated to student enjoyment and wellbeing.

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🏛 Accommodation & Meals

• 13 nights in a central Oxford or Cambridge college.

• Historic buildings (500+ years old), no air conditioning, designed for study not luxury.

• Single occupancy bedrooms with shared bathrooms (1 per 4 students).

• Some ensuite rooms available (priority for medical needs).

• Gender-separated corridors for shared bathrooms; mixed-gender allowed for ensuite corridors.

• Rooms secured with locks; housekeeping access for maintenance.

• Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner daily (Lunch included only for ages 13–15).

• Special dietary and religious requirements catered for (advance notice required).

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✈️ Transportation

• London Heathrow Airport Transfers:

• Shared transfer service from Heathrow Terminal 3 to Oxford/Cambridge colleges.

• Pastoral team greets participants at any Heathrow terminal and escorts them to Terminal 3.

• Departure times: 11:00, 14:00, 17:00 on arrival Sunday.

• Return transfers: 07:00, 12:00 on final Saturday.

• Fee: £180 each way (booked post-enrolment).

• Alternative arrivals (other airports/trains): guidance included in the Welcome Pack.

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🎓 What’s Included

• 13 nights’ accommodation in a central college.

• Breakfast & dinner (lunch included for 13–15 group).

• 30 hours of academic sessions.

• Carefully designed study & lecture materials.

• Mentor program and access to support materials.

• Two formal dinners at Cambridge Colleges.

• All excursions (Oxford trip, punting, croquet, etc.).

• Comprehensive summer school insurance.

• Graduation ceremony & certificate.

• Detailed tutor evaluation.

• Notebook & pen.

• Mentor family photograph.

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💷 Fees & Pocket Money

• Transfer Fee: £180 each way (optional).

• Recommended Pocket Money: £80 per week (to cover lunch & souvenirs).

• ATMs available in Cambridge; Visa & Mastercard widely accepted.