Prospectus August 9th 2015 - August 22nd 2015 Welcome to Cambridge Immerse Cambridge is famous as one of the greatest seats of learning in the world. Since Cambridge university’s formation in 1209, the city has nurtured some of history’s greatest academics and thinkers including Charles Darwin, John Milton and Stephen Hawking. A medieval marvel complete with resplendent architecture, this magnificent city continues to inspire its academics and personalities until today. We provide students with a truly immersive experience, organising a superior, comprehensive, stimulating curriculum, taught by leading academics that enable our participants to further their knowledge and passion in subjects of their choice. “an unparalleled learning experience, allowing me to develop an insightful and creative response to the topics covered…it has left me inspired and motivated to reach my full potential” 2 Overview Cambridge Immerse is a two week residential educational experience that allows participants to gain an unrivalled insight into a chosen discipline. Tutorials and seminars are taught by highly regarded tutors in an optimal learning environment that stimulates academic enquiry; yet the carefully planned schedule ensures that the programme not only meets the academic needs of the participants, but also provides a unique insight into the university city through an abundance of activities. With its diverse and enriching curriculum, the programme equips students with the academic edge and tenacity required to explore their chosen subjects to a more advanced level. Students reside in Queen’s College, one of central Cambridge’s most beautiful university colleges. Within its historic walls, we pride ourselves on providing unique experiences of leadership and academic excellence through a programme for participants that instils the confidence and passion for learning that are essential to success. What is certain is that participants will undoubtedly emerge far more confident and knowledgeable in their chosen subjects, with unforgettable memories of Cambridge Immerse. 3 Subjects Subjects offered: » Biology » International Relations » Chemistry » Law » Creative Writing » Mathematics » Economics » Medicine » Engineering » Philosophy » English Literature » Physics » Geography » Politics » History » Computer Science Subjects are taught at a level appropriate to participants who are currently taking their chosen subject to A-level, The International Baccalaureate (IB), or equivalent national syllabuses for 16-18 year olds. To view further information, visit www.cambridgeimmerse.com University Application Preparation Optional workshops for University applicants: Within interview skills workshops, students will gain an insight into the core skills required for the interviews often required to access to universities around the world. These workshops help develop the confidence and intellectual tenacity required to tackle some of the key questions that might be asked during interview, in addition to addressing debates surrounding some of the most pertinent issues within their chosen discipline. Participants will have the opportunity to develop drafts of their personal statements, create a polished written document that provides an accurate reflection of their academic and extracurricular achievements to date. Certain subjects, such as Medicine or Law, require that prospective applicants to UK universities complete an aptitude test such as the LNAT (National Admissions Test for Law), UKCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test). Other universities require that applicants for the humanities sit for the TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment). Optional sessions provide participants of Cambridge Immerse with guidance and insights into the best practices for preparing for these tests. 4 All the subjects taught at Cambridge Immerse are taught by highly regarded tutors, all of whom are either current or past tutors of Cambridge University or Oxford University. Our rigorous vetting process ensures that all participants are taught not only by the most competent and knowledgeable tutors in their discipline, but also that the tutors are engaging and supportive. Participants are encouraged to delve into and explore the current debates and issues within their chosen discipline in carefully planned tutorials that emulate the unique Oxbridge system of tutor-student engagement and debate; an approach that goes beyond the superficial and provides unique insights that are both refreshing and intellectually stimulating. “...learning a huge range of perspectives first-hand from actual tutors from Oxford University and Cambridge University was both challenging and fascinating.” - Adarsh Shukla, 2013 Participant 5 Activities Immerse yourself in an exciting range of activities. Cambridge Immerse truly provides an immersive experience of university life; not only will you discover and further your academic interests, you will also delve into the exciting and often fascinating spectrum of cultural activities avail- able in Cambridge. Activities organised as part of the Cambridge Immerse programme include: » Visits to the famous King’s College Chapel and other university colleges. Engage with the city’s illustrious past and reputation as a centre of academic excellence. » A summer’s afternoon punting down the River Cam, a quintessential Cambridge affair. » A croquet tournament; have fun whilst learning the ins and outs of Cambridge students’ favourite summer pastime. » Formal dining in Cambridge’s famous medieval banquet halls. » A visit to Cambridge’s beautiful Botanic Gardens. » A day trip to London which visits important sites including the British Museum and the Houses of Parliament. » A day trip to Oxford, the home of Cambridge University’s ‘arch rival’. » Evening entertainment includes visits to Cambridge’s summer plays and concerts. A Typical Day 08:00 - 09:30 Breakfast 10:00 - 12:00 Lecture & Discussion session 12:00 - 13:15 Lunch 13:30 - 15:30 Tutorial 16:00 - 18:00 Activity / Excursion / Workshop 18:00 - 19:15 Dinner 19:30 - 22:00 Evening social event The Oxford Immerse schedule is packed with a wide range of unique academic and cultural activities. The above timetable offers an insight into the typical daily schedule, although this may vary depending on the 6 events planned on the given day “... it has undoubtedly been a life-changing experience: challenging, rewarding and truly inspirational. I’ve learnt some amazing things, and met so many incredible people.” 7 The Campus Queens’ College, University of Cambridge Cambridge Immerse takes place in one of Cambridge University’s most beautiful and central colleges, Queens’ College. Queens’ is one of the oldest and largest colleges of the university, founded in 1448 by Margaret of Anjou (the Queen of Henry VI, who founded King’s College), and has some of the most recognisable buildings in Cambridge. The college spans both sides of the river Cam, with the world famous Mathematical Bridge connecting the two sides. The college is noted for producing two of Cambridge’s most famous alumni; in 1625, the College admitted John Milton, one of the greats of ‘English’ literature; in 1828, the college admitted Charles Darwin, the renowned scientist who published ‘On the Origin of Species’ some thirty years later. 58 Accommodation All participants will be accommodated in their own individual bedrooms, equipped with high speed internet access. Corridors or staircases separate male and female students, and bathrooms are shared between just a few participants. Supervision and safety Students are supervised by a Programme Director and a team of trained ‘Mentors’ who are either current undergraduates or graduates from Cambridge University or Oxford University. In addition, each site has residential staff, ensuring 24/7 supervision of all participants. 9 Frequently Asked Questions Who can apply for a place? How many students are there in a class? Anyone within the age range of 15 – 18 at the time Tutorials exceed no more than 10 students per class, and of their selected course is eligible to apply for a place tutorials exceed no more than 5 students. These small on the programme. If you fall outside of these age class sizes are central to our commitment to providing requirements, please contact us. Subjects are taught at a the best possible learning environment for programme level appropriate to participants who are currently taking participants. their chosen subject to A-level (UK), The International Baccalaureate (IB) or equivalent national qualification. Do students receive a certificate? I’m worried that the programme might be too Yes, students receive a certificate of participation at the challenging. Should I still apply? end of each session, along with a written assessment and reference by their course tutor (optional). Cambridge Immerse focusses upon helping students realise their potential through unique academic and How do I get to Cambridge? leadership experiences. Though the programme challenges participants academically, we don’t have any The fee for Cambridge Immerse is not inclusive of travel formal academic requirements for most of our courses. to Cambridge. There are several transport options We do our best to place participants in tutorials with available, including arriving in Cambridge by rail, coach others of similar ability to ensure the best possible or flight. One of team members will be able to assist learning environment. you in making any necessary transport arrangements for your safe arrival in Cambridge, including helping