Prospectus Session 1: 24th July - 6th August 2016 Session 2: 7th August - 20th August 2016

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.

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Subjects

Subjects offered: »» Biology »» Chemistry »» Creative Writing »» Economics »» Engineering »» History

»» International Relations »» Law »» Mathematics »» Medicine »» Philosophy »» Physics

To view further information, visit www.cambridgeimmerse.com/subjects

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, crafting 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.

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All the subjects taught at Cambridge Immerse are taught by highly regarded tutors, all of whom are current or previous tutors at 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. Our participants thrive in an environment in which debate is encouraged, and intellectual curiosity stimulated. 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

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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 available in Cambridge. Activities organised as part of the Cambridge Immerse programme include: »» Visits to the famous King’s College Chapel and other Cambridge 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

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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 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.”

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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’ College 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 a plethora of notable personalities, including the heads of government and politicals from various countries, religious leaders, astronauts and Oscar nominees. Among its distinguished alumni include Erasmus, Stephen Fry, Abba Eban and T.H.White.

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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 en-suite or shared between just a few participants.

Supervision and safety Students are supervised by an experienced Programme Director and a team of trained mentors who are either current undergraduates or graduates from Cambridge University. In addition, each site has residential staff, ensuring 24/7 supervision of all participants.

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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 of their selected course is eligible to apply for a place on the programme. If you fall outside of these age requirements, please contact us. Subjects are taught at a level appropriate to participants who are currently taking their chosen subject to A-level (UK), The International Baccalaureate (IB) or equivalent national qualification.

Tutorials exceed no more than 10 students per class. These small class sizes are central to our commitment to providing the best possible learning environment for programme participants.

I’m worried that the programme might be too challenging. Should I still apply? Cambridge Immerse focusses upon helping students realise their potential through unique academic and leadership experiences. Though the programme challenges participants academically, we don’t have any formal academic requirements for most of our courses. We do our best to place participants in tutorials with others of similar ability to ensure the best possible learning environment. For certain courses, such as Physics or Mathematics, qualifications in Mathematics are required. Please check the individual course pages on our website for more details.

Is the course designed only for students who want to apply to Oxford or Cambridge?

Do students receive a certificate? Yes, students receive a certificate of participation at the end of each session, along with a written assessment and reference by their course tutor (optional).

How do I get to Cambridge? The fee for Cambridge Immerse is not inclusive of travel to Cambridge. There are several transport options available, including arriving in Cambridge by rail, coach or flight. One of team members will be able to assist you in making any necessary transport arrangements for your safe arrival in Cambridge, including helping to make arrangements for airport transfers if you are an international participant.

Who are the staff at Cambridge Immerse? All the subjects taught at Cambridge Immerse are taught by highly regarded tutors, all of whom are current or past tutors or postgraduate members of Cambridge University or Oxford University. Staff undergo a rigorous vetting process, intensive training and are all CRB checked.

No. Cambridge Immerse provides a truly unparalleled two week academic and extracurricular experience in Cambridge. The programme is a balance between a brilliant, fun summer programme and one that encourages students to engage and further their knowledge and understanding of a subject in an academically rigorous environment. The programme is open for all to attend, even if you’re not considering applying to Oxford or Cambridge.

Is Cambridge Immerse part of the University of Cambridge?

I really want to attend the programme. How do I reserve a place?

What is the BAC?

We accept applications via the online application form on our website. Places are secured via a deposit (£495 per session), which is payable either by credit/debit card or by bank transfer.

What happens after I book? Once we have received your application and deposit payment, a member of our team will be in touch to provide information on the next steps, including what you can expect to receive from us in the months leading up to Cambridge Immerse.

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Cambridge Immerse is not affiliated to Cambridge University, Oxford University or Queen’s College. We contract with their facilities and staff in a private capacity.

Cambridge Immerse is accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC). The BAC provides the leading mark of educational quality for the sector, requiring a rigorous on-site inspection that covers all aspects of the student experience including health and safety, management, administration, welfare, teaching and learning. We are proud to display this badge of quality. For more Frequently Asked Questions, please visit www.cambridgeimmerse.com, or alternatively email us at [email protected]

Applications An immersive educational experience Session 1: 24th July - 6th August 2016 Session 2: 7th August - 20th August 2016 Applicants are required to apply via the online application form found on the Cambridge Immerse website (www.cambridgemmerse.com). The programme includes: »» 13 nights accommodation in Queens’ College, Cambridge University. »» Breakfast provided everyday; both continental or cooked English breakfast. »» Three-course evening meal provided everyday. »» Refreshments at lectures and discussion sessions. »» Membership to the Cambridge Immerse mentor programme and access to University application support material. »» All excursions- including formal dinner at Cambridge colleges, punting, croquet, coach excursions. »» 4 hours of lectures and tutorials every weekday from leading academics from Oxford University and Cambridge University. »» All university application support sessions (optional). »» Weekend excursions to Oxford and London The participation fee for Cambridge Immerse is £3695. A deposit payment of £495 must be made upon application, and is payable either by credit/debit card or by bank transfer (fully refundable if potential candidates do not meet any required criteria).

Apply online now! Reserve your place online at www.cambridgeimmerse.com/apply Applications must be made via the online application form found at the website address above, which requires that prospective candidates answer a series of short questions and write a concise statement of their educational background. We would be happy to assist you if you have any questions prior to booking your place, please email [email protected]

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www.cambridgeimmerse.com