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Cambridge
13-15
years old

Cambridge Creative Writing Course (Ages 13-15)

academic insights
2 weeks • July & August 2024
Gain advanced pre-university insights into Creative Writing at Cambridge University colleges
Prepare for your future on the Immerse™ Creative Writing programme.
Enrol now
Cambridge Creative Writing Summer Program for Ages 13-15

Exceptional introductory course in Creative Writing in Cambridge colleges

For centuries, the halls of Cambridge University colleges have produced some of the world’s most renowned professional writers, from C.S. Lewis and Sylvia Plath to John Milton. On Immerse Education’s Creative Writing summer programme, you will hone your creative skills within the very same surroundings, in our creative writing program. You will get your creative juices flowing, while our expert tutors lead small classes to ensure you get the attention needed to perfect your craft.

The Creative Writing Summer School for 13-15-year-olds in Cambridge will reveal the secrets to becoming a great writer. The curriculum will introduce you to all phases of the writing process, including idea generation, writing and editing, revising drafts, and more.

Overview
Academic

Learn directly from expert academics from world-class universities

You will explore novel concepts and share ideas in small groups of like-minded and ambitious peers from around the world. In small class sizes averaging 7 students, you will be guided by expert tutors who have honed their expertise through teaching undergraduate students at world-class universities, including the universities of Cambridge, Oxford, and Harvard.

Our rigorous vetting process guarantees that all participants are taught by engaging and supportive educators who are, most of all, enthusiastic about sharing their expertise to ensure our summer school teaching is of the highest quality. Immerse™ is an unrivalled academic experience.

  • Average class size of 7

    Maximum class size of 10 students
  • 1:1 tutorials

    Supportive, challenging and engaging
  • Academic workshops

    Develop a practical understanding of your subject
  • World-class tutors

    Academics from Oxford and Cambridge

Boost your confidence and develop key attributes in academic skills workshops

Our workshops are geared towards unlocking participants’ potential, giving them the tools to prepare for the next steps of their education and future goals. Build upon existing study skills to support future university-level learning.

These workshops explore a diverse and enriching range of topics – past examples have ranged from ‘Productivity tips’ to ’21st Century Technology Skills’. We’re sure that you’ll learn something completely new. Unlike traditional schools, Immerse allows you to learn beyond the traditional curriculum.

This programme is designed for students with at least an upper-intermediate level of English (B2). If you are unsure if you meet this requirement, please contact advisor@immerse.education.

  • Certificate & detailed participant evaluation

    All participants receive an individual report from their tutor
  • Personal project or Creative portfolio

    Develop a personal project or a creative portfolio to present at the end of the course
  • Experience Oxbridge life

    Live and learn like an Oxbridge undergraduate
  • Enhance key academic skills

    Interview skills, academic writing and presentation

Guest speakers from previous summers

Each week, Academic Insights participants will hear from an influential guest speaker from a variety of inspiring backgrounds. Meet some of our previous guests:
Neuroscientist & entrepreneur

Dr Lynda Shaw

A journey in personal development - how to create your own set of tools to fast track success
Former Olympian

Abi Oyepitan

A two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Gold and Silver winning track and field athlete.
Philosopher, author & journalist

Dr Nigel Warburton

How do great people find answers to deep and meaningful questions?
Tutors & Speakers
creative portfolio

Build your Creative Portfolio

As part of your programme, you will be given the opportunity to produce several pieces of creative work in your chosen subject which will form the basis of a portfolio.

Portfolios are a great way to showcase your skill and accomplishments and are essential in university applications to creative subjects, demonstrating your ability in a way grades cannot. As part of this process, you will receive two 1:1 sessions with your expert tutor, who will give you advice and feedback on the development of your portfolio.

Creative Portfolio
Reviews
Our Alumni says

The Immerse Creative Writing programme has been great. Lesson times are a perfect 2 hours in the morning, 2 hours in the afternoon, with lots of time to go and experience the town and have activities in the evenings.

I’ve really enjoyed being around people who have the same interests as me. Being able to share opinions and listen to feedback has been really valuable.

My tutor has been great. He’s very passionate about writing and he’s very engaging with the class. He listens to all our thoughts and our opinions on everything that we study – he’s been brilliant.

The programme has been a very good opportunity to get a grasp on what university is like – It gives us an opportunity to make new friends, which is good for your social skills, and you get an idea of what university classes might be like.

The curriculum is nothing like I’ve ever seen before, which is great. It’s nothing like what I do at school, which means I have the ability to experiment, and learn new things and along the way just improve my general skills.

Alex S
Attended Immerse in 2022
Residential Creative Writing (16 - 18)
5/5

Work hard, play hard.

Action-packed social programme

Outside of lessons, we are proud to offer a busy and diverse social programme to help you get the most out of your time in Cambridge. This includes activities such as punting on the River Cam, zorb football and a murder mystery night in the college.

There are also two excursions during the programme, one day trip to visit Oxford and its constituent colleges, as well as an optional day out in London, seeing the city’s most famous landmarks as well as some free time for shopping. Those who choose not to travel to London are invited to afternoon tea in Cambridge.

Activities and excursions are run by our team of friendly mentors – whose main job is to maximise your enjoyment.

Work hard, play hard.

A unique social programme.

Experience traditional 'Formal Hall'

Formal Hall is a traditional weekly meal that takes place in every college. This is an opportunity for students to dress up, dine by candlelight in the magical surroundings of a Cambridge college’s dining hall.

As an Immerse student, you will experience formal dinner three times during your stay – once per week in Cambridge, as well as in an Oxford University college on the excursion day.

Formal hall is truly a memorable occasion, so remember to bring some smart clothes!

A unique social programme.

Activities

Live and study in a
Cambridge University College

Experience life as a Cambridge University undergraduate

All participants will be allocated to a college a few weeks before arriving, based on their dates and subject choice.

If you would like to stay in the same location as a friend/sibling – please let us know and we will do our best to arrange this, where possible.

Males and females have separate accommodation in every college, and there is wi-fi available throughout.

For more information, please visit this page.

Accommodation

Student Welfare & Safety

An accredited provider of academic short courses

Immerse Education is accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC), the leading mark of educational quality for the academic sector. Our accreditation with the BAC sends a positive and clear message to students and partners that they are studying with a trusted and reliable provider who has met a series of globally recognised quality assurance standards, both in terms of academic provision and student welfare.

The safety and well-being of our participants is our number one priority, and all staff undergo enhanced background checks and receive thorough safeguarding training before interacting with any students.

For more information, please visit our Pastoral Information page.

Pastoral Care

Meet some of our mentors and
college managers

All mentors on the Academic Insights programme are past/current students at Oxford or Cambridge University, whilst College Managers have experience running academic short courses. All of our support staff are background-checked and receive training in providing an unforgettable experience for every Immerse student. Meet some of our previous team:
  • Freya
    Freya is a third year Medical student at St John's College, Oxford University. She is a keen runner and cyclist and has recently enjoyed taking up college rowing.
  • Jem
    Mentor
  • Lily-Mae
    Mentor
  • Poppy
    Mentor
  • Photo of a female student on university grounds
    Sophie
    Mentor
Pastoral Care

Immerse™ Creative Writing Sample Modules

To see how the programme is structured, view the Academic Insights timetable here.
  • Module 1 - The Blank Page

    The Blank Page
    Beginning a creative project can often be daunting, even for experienced writers. During this module, you will look at various techniques for overcoming the fear of the blank page, including a range of warm-up exercises and quick-fire short assignments, as well as gaining inspiration from the work of other writers.
  • Module 2 - Character Creation

    Character Creation
    Creating a character who lives beyond the page is one of the biggest challenges for an author. In this module, you will discover a variety of techniques for building a memorable character. From creating CVs and family trees to 'mapping' relationship networks in order to identify potential sources of conflict in their lives.
  • Module 3 - Plot Mapping

    Plot Mapping
    With a fresh understanding of how to build character, dialogue and much more, you will turn your attention to the plot. In this module, you'll address the importance of moulding ‘tension points’ and ‘turning points’ in our stories, as well as the creative possibilities of ‘plot twists’.
  • Module 4 - Written Portfolio

    Written Portfolio
    The Creative Writing programme concludes with a workshop devoted to the portfolios-in-progress. By this point you will have completed a short written piece. You will have the opportunity to present your work to the class and receive constructive feedback from your tutor and peers.
Want to learn more?
Request syllabus overview
Want to learn more?
Request syllabus overview
Modules
  • 4th August – 17th August 2024

  • 21st July – 3rd August 2024

  • 7th – 20th July 2024

13 nights accommodation in a central college of the University of Cambridge or Oxford
Breakfast and dinner included on campus (lunch included for students aged 13-15)
Accommodation in an individual bedroom
40 hours of academic sessions from Oxford University and Cambridge University tutors
Carefully designed study and lecture materials
Mentor programme and access to support material
All excursions- including formal dinner at Cambridge/Oxford colleges, punting, croquet
Comprehensive summer school insurance
2 coach excursions including a trip to London
Graduation ceremony and certificate
Detailed evaluation written by tutor
Immerse notebook and pen
Mentor family photograph
Free premium membership to UniPrepare's 'Nurture' plan

Creative Writing

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