Architecture
Cambridge College | Ages 15 - 17
Are you ready to embark on a journey where creativity knows no bounds, and your imagination is your greatest asset? Welcome to our two-week Architecture course, based in the historic city of Cambridge, and designed to inspire your passion for architecture and empower you to become architects of a sustainable world. You will delve into the rich history of architecture and architectural styles, focussing on key design principles and sustainable practices that lie at the heart of modern architecture.
Get hands-on with sketching and explore your own creative ideas amidst the inspiring backdrop of Cambridge’s architectural heritage, immersing yourself in the design process and learning to translate your ideas into tangible drawings and models. Throughout the program, you’ll engage with practising architects, venture on inspiring excursions within Cambridge, and gain proficiency in architectural tools.
✔ 25 hours of subject-specific academic content per week with an experienced subject tutor, delivered through interactive seminars and hands-on practical workshops
✔ Opportunities to apply and share this knowledge with your peers through dynamic group projects, culminating in the end-of-the-week Time to Shine Ceremony
✔ An action-packed programme of guest speakers and industry experiences each week designed to give you first-hand insight into your chosen field
✔ Dedicated academic coaching sessions designed to support you in applying for a UK university, whether that’s writing a personal statement or preparing for a presentation
✔ Numerous opportunities throughout your academic program to develop your English language skills, whether that’s building vocabulary to talk about your subject, or developing your speaking skills to present your Time To Shine project
Subject + skills + language = success
At the core of our student-centered academic approach is a commitment to nurturing not just your subject knowledge, but also your communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills through interactive lectures, dynamic seminars, and hands-on practical workshops. We also emphasise the development of your public speaking and teamwork through group work and our Time to Shine projects. And finally, our programme of engaging guest speakers and industry experiences bring real-world relevance to your learning. This immersive learning journey will empower you with the skills you need for success in the 21st century.
Over the course of this two-week programme, you will:
Explore the history of architecture and its different architectural styles, as well as be introduced to core principles of architecture, including the principles of design and spatial organisation, and an introduction to site analysis techniques.
Take an in depth look at the architectural design process from concept to completion, and participate in group design projects that focus on developing your creativity skills. You will have the opportunity to practise sketching key architectural details, and participate in group critique sessions.
In todays society, sustainability plays an integral role in architecture. As such, this module will investigate the importance of sustainability, and introduce you to essential green building concepts through a series of hands-on design exercises.
Over the two-week programme, you will participate in two Time To Shine Projects.
Week One: Architectural Design Challenge
In the first week’s “Time to Shine” project, students will engage in an Architectural Design Challenge. They will work individually or in teams to tackle a real-world architectural problem. Students will be tasked with designing a structure that addresses specific requirements and constraints, such as sustainability, functionality, and aesthetics. They will develop architectural plans, create scale models, and present their designs to their peers and instructors. This project encourages creative thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on architectural design skills.
Week Two: Architectural Portfolio and Presentation
In the second week’s “”Time to Shine”” project, students will focus on building their architectural portfolios and presentation skills. They will select their best architectural designs from the course and compile them into a professional portfolio. Students will also prepare and deliver architectural presentations, explaining their design choices and the principles behind their work. This project emphasizes the importance of effective communication and presentation in the field of architecture while helping students develop strong portfolios that can be used for future academic or professional pursuits.
Dive deeper into your field beyond the classroom
Enhance your academic foundation with our comprehensive Industry Experience sessions. These sessions are both on-site, in which you will participate in workshops on-campus that are led by an industry professional and blend practical engagement with immersive learning, and off-site, in which students engage in excursions that complement your course content and will broaden your horizons.
During the architecture programme, SBC students visit design studios, seeing first-hand where ideas take shape and meeting architects at their place of work. In art workshops, students practise essential skills like drawing and sketching, making sure they’re ready to capture their own design ideas. This is something universities look for on their applications, so you can ensure you’re ahead of the curve when applying.
In previous Industry Experiences, students visited an architecture design studio in Cambridge, as well as also visiting Kettle’s Yard, an art gallery in the city, and participated in a process-based art workshop.
Leaders of today inspiring the Leaders of tomorrow
Every Wednesday morning, students can interact with leading professionals and academics. These sessions offer insightful discussions, expert views, and Q&A sessions that promote intellectual growth.
On our Architecture course, students get to hear from real architects. They don’t just talk – they show. Students see the projects these architects have worked on (sometimes in real life), getting a close-up view of real-world architectural designs and the stories behind them.
Stand out and shine
Whether you’re looking to apply for a UK university or just keen to make sure your university application is as strong as possible, our academic coaching sessions aim to ensure you stand apart from your peers.
These workshops will not just focus on writing personal statements and preparing for university, but also help you to develop your public speaking skills, an integral skill for university courses.
| Start Date | End Date | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday 7th July 2024 | Sunday 20th July 2024 | 2 Weeks | £4,900 |
| Sunday 21st July 2024 | Saturday 3rd August 2024 | 2 Weeks | £4,900 |
| Sunday 4th August 2024 | Saturday 17th August 2024 | 2 Weeks | £4,900 |
*Earlscliffe fee includes return transfers to/from London Heathrow and London Gatwick for flights/trains scheduled to arrive/depart between 9am-3pm on published arrival and departure day.
For other locations, we provide all our students with the option of using our Shared Transfer Service from/to London Heathrow Airport and St. Pancras International. The fees are:
| Campus | Single (one-way) | Return |
|---|---|---|
| SBC at Twyford School | £130.00 | £250.00 |
| SBC Canford | £130.00 | £250.00 |
| Headington | £130.00 | £250.00 |
| Eton | £85.00 | £160.00 |
| Oxford College | £130.00 | £250.00 |
| Cambridge College | £130.00 | £250.00 |
| Earlscliffe | Included in fees* | Included in fees* |
When a student arrives, an SBC staff member wearing a bright yellow t-shirt will be waiting to greet her/him and accompany them to our Welcome Club. At our Airport Welcome Club, she/he will have the chance to meet other students arriving, have some light refreshments and relax. After a little rest, students will be accompanied by students and SBC staff to board the coach and be taken directly to the school in a private coach.
The Shared Transfer Service can be used by students using the following flight and train times:
Flight lands on arrival day: 06:00-17:00
Flight take-off time on departure day: 08:00-18:00
The times outlined above also apply to students arriving and departing from Kings Cross St. Pancras train station.
If you book a flight outside of these times or to/from another UK airport, we can look at sending a staff member in a taxi to collect or drop off your child, but it will cost more than the Shared Transfer Service. Quotes are available upon request.
If you book a train or flight outside of these times or from another London airport, please contact your Admissions Manager for a private taxi quote. Please note this will cost more than our Shared Transfer Service from Heathrow, Kings Cross St. Pancras (& Gatwick for Earlscliffe students)
Important:
Flights must be booked on the arrival and departure dates so that all students can arrive and depart the course at the correct times.
The course is pitched at quite a high level of challenge, but our teachers are encouraged to differentiate learning materials in order to teach mixed ability classes.
For this course, participants must have a minimum level of B1.
Each student is awarded with a certificate of completion during our graduation ceremony at the end of the program.
A variety of SBC handouts are provided for all students, which were designed by our own academic team.
Notebooks and folders are provided. But students should have their own pens.
Not usually, but if they are then students are notified in advance as part of their welcome pack.
It was an excellent choice sending our daughter to Cambridge this summer. High-quality stay in an international environment with first-class course and entertainment offer. Congratulations to the SBC team!
Lay the foundations for an incredible career in architecture in the stunning city of Cambridge. Complete the enquiry form below and our friendly admissions team will be in touch.
