Summer Explorer (Young Learner Programme for 11-17 years old)

Course description

The Leys School was established in 1875 and is one of the most prestigious private schools in England. It is in the heart of the city, close to the Fitzwilliam Museum and many of the colleges which make up the University of Cambridge, including the iconic King’s College. The school has extensive grounds with contemporary residential accommodation, outstanding sports facilities and a modern teaching block

The course is offered for different levels. On arrival, students are tested to make sure they are placed in a group that suits their ability. The minimum level is beginners (A1) and the age range is 11 to 17.

Course description
Students learn though their lessons, activities and cultural visits. Please see below the course structure:

Project-based lessons - 30 hours per 2 week course
Lessons focus on a project to suit the level and age range of the class. Students learn something new every time. Topics can be for example the Royal Family, the Environment and Travel and Tourism.

Electives OR Academy – 18 hours per 2 week course

Electives (no extra cost)
Upon arrival on campus, students choose three electives from a long list of active, academic and creative electives.

Electives always offered at the Leys School:
o Basketball
o Drama
o Football
o Journalism
o Photography in Cambridge

Other sample electives may be offered on-site, depending on staff expertise:
• Art and crafts
• Cambridge Culture
• Cricket
• Dance
• Dodgeball
• Health and Fitness
• Rounders
• Tennis

Tennis Academy (£225 extra per 2 week course)
The tennis academy option is ideal for students who want to receive professional tennis tuition. All coaches are qualified by the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) and have experience in teaching students of all abilities. Students will play on a range of surfaces, working on their forehand, backhand, volley shots and serves, and will get to apply their newly learnt skills in regular games. As the UK is the home of grass court tennis, students will have the chance to practise playing on this surface and learn about the different skills and techniques required

Study tours - 3 full-days
Students will explore Cambridge, visiting King’s College and the Natural History Museum; they will also go punting (boating on the river Cam in a punt)
They will also enjoy study tours to historic destinations such as Warwick Castle and the British Museum. Every course also includes a full day study tour to London, where students will enjoy a walking tour, river cruise or trip to a top London Museum.

LinguaSkill Speaking exam
Students have the option to demonstrate their language skills by preparing for and taking the LinguaSkill speaking exam. It consists of an oral interview with an examiner who is a native speaker. The examination replicates real-life exchanges in which the candidate and the examiner pass on information, share ideas and opinions and debate topical issues.

Dates and fees:
Block 1, Wednesday 1 July - Tuesday 14 July
Block 2, Wednesday 15 July - Tuesday 28 July
Block 3, Wednesday 29 July - Tuesday 11 August

The package includes:

 Project-based lessons, three electives, a range of activities and study tours
 An end-of-course exam
 Comprehensive supervision by qualified and experienced staff
 Residential accommodation and all meals
 Return transfers on scheduled arrival and departure days from and to Heathrow or Stansted, Gatwick, airports and St Pancras Station (for arrivals & departures between 7am – 7pm)
 Learning materials, course portfolio and end of course certificate
 Free internet access
 Use of sport facilities
 Free laundry service
 Comprehensive travel insurance.