Engineering at Cambridge College
Ages 15 - 17
Discover the world of engineering in our immersive two-week programme at our prestigious College Summer Schools. Designed for those with a keen interest in engineering, this course promises an exhilarating journey into the heart of the subject.
Throughout the course, you will focus on a variety of topics, ranging from robotics to aeronautics. We will explore the future of engineering together and investigate the challenges that the engineers of tomorrow await. But it doesn’t stop there!
Engage in lively discussions with guest speakers, showcase your newfound expertise in our Time To Shine Ceremony, present innovative solutions to engineering challenges to your peers, and hone essential interpersonal skills in a lively and enjoyable learning environment. Prepare to embark on a transformative journey that will leave you inspired, informed and ready to shape the future of engineering!
With its history, culture and record number of Nobel Prize winners, few places can capture your imagination as much as Cambridge, making it the perfect place to study Engineering this summer.
✔ 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 brings 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:
In this foundational module, students will immerse themselves in the exciting world of engineering. They’ll gain a solid understanding of fundamental engineering principles and concepts, including mechanics, materials science, and electrical circuits. Through hands-on experiments and projects, students will explore how these principles are applied to solve real-world engineering challenges. This module sets the stage for a deeper dive into the field of engineering.
Module 2 focuses on hands-on engineering design and prototyping. Students will apply the knowledge gained in the first module to conceive, plan, and build their own engineering projects. They will work in teams to design and prototype solutions to specific engineering problems, from building structures to creating electronic devices. Throughout this module, students will develop essential skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork while gaining practical experience in engineering project management.
In this forward-thinking module, students will explore cutting-edge engineering innovations and future trends. They’ll delve into emerging fields such as renewable energy, sustainable design, and robotics. Through interactive workshops, discussions, and exposure to industry experts, students will gain insights into how engineering is driving innovation and shaping the world. They’ll also have the opportunity to envision their own engineering solutions for the challenges of tomorrow, fostering creativity and forward-looking thinking.
Develop your public speaking skills. Share your passion. Inspire your classmates.
Today, giving great presentations are a vital skill for achieving academic and professional success. Our programmes reflect this by having the ‘art of presenting’ at the heart of their content, and allow you to discover new confidence when using English in public situations.
It’s more than just a chance to enhance your public speaking skills, though; it’s an opportunity for you to share your passion and subject knowledge with your fellow classmates. Through your presentations, you will become sources of inspiration, and encourage others to delve deeper into your subject.
Find out more about the Time To Shine aspect of our academic programme here.
Over the two-week programme, you will participate in two Time To Shine Projects.
Week One: Engineering Design Challenge
In the first week’s “Time to Shine” project, students will tackle an Engineering Design Challenge. They will work in teams to solve a real-world engineering problem, such as designing a sustainable energy-efficient building, creating a water purification system, or constructing a robotic vehicle for specific tasks. Students will go through the entire engineering design process, from problem identification and research to prototyping and testing. This project promotes creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and practical engineering skills.
Week Two: Engineering Innovation Showcase
In the second week’s “Time to Shine” project, students will organise an Engineering Innovation Showcase. Each team will focus on a specific engineering innovation or emerging technology, such as 3D printing, renewable energy, or artificial intelligence. Students will research, develop prototypes, and create informative presentations and exhibits to showcase their chosen innovation. The showcase will be open to the school community, allowing students to share their discoveries and insights into the future of engineering. This project encourages innovation, presentation skills, and a deeper understanding of the role of engineering in shaping our world.
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.
Learning at SBC is about more than just theory; it’s about hands-on, tangible exploration. Dive into real-world engineering challenges, from crafting intricate designs to understanding the mechanics of flight. Our curated industry visits offer students an inside look at venues that have shaped the engineering narrative, ensuring that every trip complements the academic curriculum and offers real-world context.
In previous Industry Experiences, students attended workshops on AI and coding, and applied this knowledge to fly drones. They also had tours from graduate engineers at the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, and visited The Centre for Computing History and IWM Duxford.
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.
At SBC, our engineering course emphasises the need to blend time-honoured techniques of structures and machines with the innovative landscapes of digital automation, AI, and next-gen technologies. In our programmes at SBC’s Oxford and Cambridge colleges, we aim to mirror this expansive spectrum, giving students a panoramic view of engineering’s past, present, and future.
Engage in riveting discussions with guest speakers who are pioneers in areas ranging from AI to structural engineering. Their experiences and insights provide a 360-degree view of the ever-evolving world of engineering.
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 | Saturday 20th July 2024 | 2 Weeks | £4,900 |
| Sunday 7th July 2024 | Saturday 3rd August 2024 | 4 Weeks | £9,800 |
| Sunday 21st July 2024 | Saturday 3rd August 2024 | 2 Weeks | £4,900 |
| Sunday 21st July 2024 | Saturday 17th August 2024 | 4 Weeks | £9,800 |
| 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.
Although the course is designed to test students’ abilities, our teachers are experienced in teaching mixed ability classes. Depending on the group’s competency with English and ability to absorb new material, our teachers can adapt according to the needs of our students.
For this course, participants are required to have a B2 and above level of English. Before the summer, your Admissions Manager will send your child(ren) an online placement test to complete. This will help us to ensure that this course is suitable for your child to participate in and benefit from.
Each student is awarded with a certificate of completion during our graduation ceremony at the end of the course.
A variety of SBC handouts are given to students, all of which were created by our own academic team.
Students should have their own pens, and are provided with notebooks and folders.
It is not necessary to read anything beforehand in order to participate fully in the programme, however it would be helpful for students to continue improving their English if they feel that they need more practice.
This was a great experience, I now know I really like the field of Engineering and for the future I know which major I will go into. This was great to put on my CV and a way to get to know everyone.
Add to your toolbox of skills that will help set you up for your future rewarding career. Please fill out the form below and a member of the admissions team will be in touch!
