Highlights From Week 1 of Summer School 2023!
SUMMER SCHOOL
Welcome to the first week of our Summer Boarding Course! As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, we are thrilled to kickstart an unforgettable summer filled with learning, adventure, and friendship.
Our team has been eagerly anticipating this moment, and we’re excited to welcome students from all over the globe to our vibrant campus. This summer promises a blend of engaging academic sessions, exhilarating outdoor activities, and a unique cultural exchange that will leave lasting memories. So, buckle up for an incredible journey that awaits you at SBC!
Our SBC team has been working tirelessly to ensure everything is perfect for the arrival of our first summer school students! We’ve been transforming classrooms into inspiring learning spaces, making sure your accommodation is cosy and comfortable, and planning a host of thrilling activities. We are buzzing with excitement as we see our summer plans spring to life!
As you start packing your bags, don’t forget to pack your spirit of adventure, your thirst for knowledge, and your readiness to make new friends. Remember to bring comfortable clothes for all kinds of fun activities, your favourite book for a quiet afternoon, and any personal items that will make your space feel like a home away from home.
When it comes to academics, each of our courses is a unique journey of discovery. While our amazing tutors will be there to guide you every step of the way, it wouldn’t hurt to brush up on the basics of your chosen course. Whether you’re joining us for politics, Art & Design,medicine, or any of our wide range of courses, a little pre-camp study will help you dive right in from day one.
But remember, at SBC, we’re not just about learning – we’re about falling in love with learning. So, come ready to ask questions, explore new ideas, and discover new passions!
From the moment you arrive at SBC you’ll be met with friendly faces and welcomed to your home for the summer. Our team will walk you through everything you need to know, from your schedule to the layout of the campus. We’re all about making you feel right at home from the get-go.
Get ready for lessons that will make you sit on the edge of your seat! Our tutors are passionate about bringing their subjects to life. You’ll be diving into discussions, thinking on your feet, and discovering how to apply your newfound knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Life at SBC isn’t just about hitting the books. We’re big believers in balance, which means you’ll have plenty of time for fun and games, cultural trips, and social events. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, an art lover, or an adventurer at heart, there’s something for everyone.
One of the best parts of SBC? The people you’ll meet. Our students come from all corners of the globe, bringing with them a wealth of cultures, languages, and stories. You’ll not only make friends for life, but you’ll also get a taste of what it’s like to be part of a truly global community.
We know that being away from home can be a big step, but remember, you’re not alone. Our team is always here to lend a helping hand, whether you’re feeling homesick, need help with homework, or just want to chat. At SBC, we’re more than just a summer camp – we’re a family.
As we wrap up an exhilarating first week at SBC, we’re excited to share some of the standout moments from Oxford and Earlscliffe that have made this week truly special. From the moment our students stepped onto their inspiring campuses, the air has been buzzing with excitement, curiosity, and the promise of an unforgettable summer.
During their exciting first week at Oxford, we joyfully welcomed a vibrant and diverse group of students representing over 23 different nationalities. Students were introduced to the extensive summer program that offers a unique blend of academic exploration, social connections, and enriching cultural experiences. With access to top-notch facilities, students can immerse themselves in their chosen subjects and the chance to embrace Oxford’s vibrant atmosphere.
Students swiftly embraced their new surroundings, quickly immersing themselves in the captivating charm of Oxford. On their first day, they embarked on an adventure into Oxford, indulging in delightful ice cream treats while exploring the enchanting streets on a captivating walking tour. To test their knowledge on the city, students took part in an imaginative and hilarious ‘photography challenge.’ In spirited teams, they dashed through the city, capturing unforgettable moments in front of historic landmarks and ancient university buildings. This thrilling activity not only fostered strong connections among the students but also resulted in a treasure of fantastic photographs, forever encapsulating their memorable experiences in Oxford!
On Wednesday, Oxford College Students had the amazing opportunity to dress in their smartest attires and head to Wadham, one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford, for a memorable formal dinner!
As they arrived at the prestigious college, the students were captivated by the historical charm and beauty of the surroundings. This was a unique opportunity for them to experience the enchantment of a traditional Oxford-style formal dinner, gaining insight into the etiquettes and historical significance that accompany such a cherished tradition.
Amidst the delightful ambience, students also had the pleasure of bonding with their new friends, sharing quality time and creating precious memories together. It was an evening filled with laughter, fascinating conversations, and a touch of sophistication that will be etched in their hearts for a lifetime.
At our summer camp, we value the hard work and dedication of our students, and we understand the significance of providing them with a platform to celebrate their creativity and accomplishments. Every week, students are given the chance to proudly exhibit the projects they have been passionately working on in Time to Shine.
Our tutors assign a diverse range of projects that align with their curriculum, allowing students to independently explore and interpret the topics in their own unique ways. The final presentations from our students have been nothing short of exceptional, showcasing their talents and originality. “Time to Shine” has become a truly rewarding experience for both students and tutors, fostering a mutual exchange of knowledge and fostering a deeper understanding of different subject areas.
“Time to Shine” is an invaluable opportunity for SBC students to not only showcase their knowledge and presentation skills but also to spark inspiration and collaborative learning among their peers. With each passing week, this event becomes a true testament to the creative thinking and intellectual growth fostered within our summer camp community.
Each week, Oxford College students will have the incredible opportunity to take part in industry experience. These experiences will expand their minds and deepen their understanding of their chosen fields. A highlight of this week’s industry experience was the law students’ outing to witness a live trial in the courtrooms. They were captivated by the legal arguments presented and observed the roles of the judge, lawyers, and jury. The experience sparked a flurry of questions and discussions with their tutor.
Oxford College’s medicine students received comprehensive first aid training, equipping them with life-saving skills and the ability to respond effectively in emergencies! The training not only equipped the students with practical skills but also instilled in them a sense of confidence and composure when faced with medical emergencies. Their ability to perform each necessary action showcased their immense potential for success in their future medical careers.
Meanwhile, close to the famous White Cliffs of Dover, our students have taken to their new surroundings of Earlscliffe summer school in fantastic fashion. With a whole range of fascinating future focussed courses, ranging from Business, to working in the media, to sustainability, we’ll be sure to see fascinating work from our bright young minds at Earlscliffe.
Spread over half a square mile in multiple buildings, students have been quick to adapt to their new surroundings and make this lovely part of town their own.
It has been fantastic to see groups of students walking together and enjoying the company of new friends.
In what is a naturally quiet and peaceful seaside town, you would be forgiven for thinking that SBC has lived here all year round, as is the confidence of the students after only a week.
And from speaking to many of the students it is clear how much they have enjoyed all of the space and have benefitted from the added independence that Earlscliffe provides.
Several times so far this week students have enjoyed quite possibly one of the most English things in the world – playing cricket on a pebbly beach on a windy day.
Earlscliffe with its soothing calm surroundings provides the perfect environment to reflect on all the inspiring new things that students have studied each day. It’s wonderful to see just how much they have learnt already.
Breaking Digital and Mini-MBA joined forces and took part in an AI masterclass led by their Director of Studies. Here students learned how to build a website using only AI and were taught guiding principles on how to best use ChatGPT.
Everything about the workshop suggested a lesson they will remember for a very long time.
To continue the future themes, classes also grouped together to design all aspects of the next football World Cup…from infrastructure to stadiums.
Students also took part in ‘armagEGGon’ – which involved building imaginary spaceships, which had to withstand being dropped from the third floor – keeping an egg, which represented humanity, intact. There were some fascinating backstories, but regrettably, only one egg survived.
It’s not only Wimbledon that is at threat of being postponed because of the rain but also Earlscliffe’s Talent show. But what a treat that will be when it happens again soon.
But thankfully, the night before students were able to pack out the auditorium and sing in full voice, in what must have been one of the best participated karaokes SBC has ever seen. Earlscliffe certainly isn’t shy and knows how to sing.
At breakfast the morning after, the singing did not stop, as a few students began singing the words to Elton John’s ‘The Circle of Life’ from Disney’s The Lion King, which many students got to see in the capital later that day after a visit to The London Eye.
All in all, a fantastic start at a very unique and loveable campus.
From seeing all of the amazing summer school fun and extraordinary learning adventures that have already started at Oxford and Earlscliffe, we will be sure to share as many of the fantastic events across all of our campuses as possible in the coming weeks.
As of this weekend, two SBC up-and-running campuses will become four, as Earlscliffe and Oxford College will be joined by Eton and Canford. So definitely stay tuned for more summer learning adventures as they unfold.
Especially the excitement of the excursions, the academic achievements across all of our courses, and not to mention the brilliant talents on display in all of our Time to Shine projects.
We will also be reporting the many wonderful new faces who will be arriving from around the world.
Stay tuned.
