2023 UK summer programme

Explore a series of lively academic themes devised by our Oxbridge-educated course leaders. Beyond the classroom, a variety of educational and cultural visits will bring your learning to life.

The illuminate course 2023

Sunday 9 July 2023 - Saturday 22 July 2023

Week 1

Sunday

Arrivals day • Evening welcome and orientation

Monday

Oracy - the power of language and the language of power • Tour of Cambridge • Evening activities

Tuesday

Oracy - the power of language and the language of power • Hidden Cambridge visit #1 • Evening activities

Wednesday

Trip to London • Visit the Globe Theatre, Tower of London and Houses of Parliament

Thursday

Politics - where does power lie? • Punting on the Cam • Evening activities

Friday

Politics - where does power lie? • Hidden Cambridge visit #2 • Evening activities

Saturday

Trip to the coast • Fun, sun and fish 'n chips

Week 2

Sunday

Brunch • Free time • Sports afternoon • Evening activities

Monday

The Tudors - The importance of the wives of King Henry VIII • Hidden Cambridge #3 • Evening activities

Tuesday

The Tudors - The importance of the wives of King Henry VIII • 'Lend me your ears' speech competition at Cambridge Union Society Debating Chamber • Evening activities

Wednesday

Trip to Hampton Court Palace • Experience the public dramas and private lives of Henry VIII, his wives and children in the world of the Tudor court

Thursday

International relations - the Anglo-American wartime alliance • Cambridge American Cemetery & Memorial • Evening activities

Friday

International relations - the Anglo-American wartime alliance • Imperial War Museum Duxford • End of course celebration dinner at Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge

Saturday

Departures

Book your place now

Inspirational learning

Devised by our Oxbridge educated team, the illuminate summer course provides two weeks of transformative, life-enriching experience.

Seminar groups are small, friendly and always engaging, led by inspirational expert tutors. They will share their subject expertise and enthusiasm during 15 hours of interactive teaching in each week.

Exciting trips

Beyond the classroom your learning will come to life through a series of educational and cultural visits that will provide lifelong memories. Learn the secrets of Cambridge - steeped in over 800 years of academic excellence and learning tradition. You’ll be able to step off the tourist track with ‘behind the scenes’ museum visits and get an inside peek into Cambridge University life and dine in an iconic city venue.

Trips to London will enable a first hand experience of the famous historic, cultural and economic capital including the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and the Globe Theatre. While vists to the Cambridge American Cemetery at nearby Madingley and the world renowned Imperial War Museum at Duxford will provide exceptional insights into the lasting significance of the Anglo-American wartime alliance.

An experience for life

There will be time to unwind, have fun and make friends for life. At the end of two unforgettable weeks you will collect a prestigious illuminate certificate and personal letter of recommendation from our course leader.

Book your place now

What age are illuminate students?

illuminate UK summer programs are specifically tailored to suit the academic, cultural and social needs of girls aged 15-17.

How many hours of classroom learning will I access?

You will access 15 hours of tutor-led classroom teaching each week (30 in total). Classroom learning is then extended through educational and cultural visits which are an integral part of our Cambridge UK summer school program. And, last but not least, there will be time to relax and explore the beautiful city of Cambridge.

How many students will be on my course?

Up to 90 students can join an illuminate Cambridge UK summer course. Teaching takes place in small seminar groups of up to 14, to ensure you can access high-quality support and individual academic attention.

Will I receive a Summer Course certificate?

Yes, at our Farewell Dinner, you will receive a certificate of completion and a personalised letter of recommendation which will outline how you have engaged with all aspects of our UK summer school experience.

Learn
Learn

Explore new ideas, knowledge and thinking

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Live
Live

View the Houses of Parliament set on the River Thames

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Grow
Grow

Make summer memories of friendship and fun

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