Innovation and Technology
Join the Innovation and Technology summer programme at Atlas Summer Courses in 2027. Hosted at colleges of the University of Cambridge, whose facilities we hire for the summer, the programme is designed for ambitious 13–15-year-olds who learn in classes of up to 10 students. Apply now to secure your place.
.avif){kind=avatar}
Learning
Outline
At Atlas Summer Courses, Innovation and Technology is designed for 13–15-year-olds who are curious about how new ideas and technologies shape businesses and industries. Students will learn how companies stay competitive, adapt to change, and introduce new products and services. They’ll explore the process of innovation, drawing inspiration from pioneers in technology and business, and develop the skills to generate their own creative ideas. We don’t follow a fixed curriculum—our tutors tailor the course to the group’s interests, making learning both practical and dynamic. The course also includes a masterclass on teamwork and collaboration, along with a reflection session to help students track their goals and progress.
Teaching methodology
Learning in small groups (typically around 8–10 students) means you get quality time with your teacher and can ask as many questions as you like. Through interactive learning, our teachers will guide you through new concepts and set practice tasks to help build your knowledge and skills. You’ll also have opportunities for group work, independent research, and homework assignments that are discussed in class. Small class sizes mean everyone has the chance to contribute, and students learn from debating with one another as well as from their tutor.
The city of Cambridge, with over 800 years of academic tradition, has been at the forefront of technological progress—from the earliest scientific breakthroughs to today’s cutting-edge innovation. Known worldwide as a hub for research, invention, and enterprise, Cambridge continues to shape how technology transforms society. As part of the 13–15 Innovation and Technology programme, your child will live in a city defined by creativity and forward-thinking. The city of Cambridge provides an inspiring backdrop for learning, with its historic colleges, renowned research culture, and tradition of turning ideas into innovation.
Accommodation is available in single or twin rooms, depending on the tier chosen. Plus students can choose single or twin, Superior guarantees an ensuite, and Premier provides concierge-selected rooms. All options include shared spaces and on-course staff for support.
Meals are provided on a full-board basis, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Students eat in the college dining hall or at local restaurants. All dietary requirements are catered for.
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
The Atlas Summer Courses Experience
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
Innovation begins with curiosity — the willingness to ask why and imagine what if. This course invites students to explore how new technologies are changing the world, from artificial intelligence and robotics to renewable energy and digital design. Through hands-on challenges and creative problem-solving, learners discover how technology can improve lives and shape the future. It’s the perfect space for inventive thinkers to experiment, design, and build confidence in their ideas.
Each weekday includes small seminar-style lessons (maximum 10 students), where expert tutors guide students through real-world challenges and introduce the principles behind cutting-edge innovation. Afternoons blend teamwork, prototyping, and independent mini-projects that help students turn ideas into solutions. With a supportive environment that encourages bold thinking and friendly debate, learners build stronger analytical and collaborative skills — and leave inspired to keep exploring how technology can make a difference.
Explore the historic heart of London with a visit to Westminster, home to some of the UK's most iconic landmarks. Discover the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace while learning about Britain's royal heritage, political history and centuries of architectural excellence.
Discover the British Museum, one of the world's leading museums of history, art and culture. Explore extraordinary collections spanning more than two million years of human history, including the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies and ancient Greek sculptures, while uncovering the stories of civilisations from around the world.
Step back in time with a visit to the historic city of Canterbury, home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Canterbury Cathedral. Wander through medieval streets, discover the city's connections to Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, and experience England's rich history through its remarkable architecture, heritage and interactive historical experiences.
Discover the historic Royal Borough of Greenwich, home to some of London's most iconic maritime and scientific landmarks. Visit the Royal Observatory Greenwich, stand on the Prime Meridian, explore the legendary Cutty Sark, and uncover centuries of naval history at the National Maritime Museum while learning how exploration, navigation and astronomy helped shape the modern world.
Step inside Warwick Castle, one of England's best-preserved medieval fortresses, and discover more than 1,000 years of history. Explore its magnificent Great Hall and towers, experience spectacular live jousting and falconry displays, and uncover the stories of medieval life in one of the UK's most iconic castles.
Explore the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with nearly 1,000 years of royal history. Discover the magnificent Crown Jewels, step inside the iconic White Tower, and uncover the stories of kings, queens and famous prisoners, including Anne Boleyn and Guy Fawkes, while exploring one of London's most historic landmarks.
Explore Portsmouth's rich maritime heritage with a visit to the Historic Dockyard, home to some of Britain's most famous naval landmarks. Discover the story of Henry VIII's flagship at the Mary Rose Museum, learn about the Royal Navy at the National Museum of the Royal Navy, and explore the city's centuries-old connection to Britain's seafaring history.
Typical Outings
Timetable
Dates & Prices
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less).
- Meals: Lunch and dinner included.
- Accommodation: Not included.
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included.
- Airport Transfer: Not included.
- Insurance: Not included.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less).
- Meals: Lunch and dinner included.
- Lunch and dinner included.
- Accommodation: Not included.
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included.
- Airport Transfer: Not included.
- Insurance: Not included.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (8 students or less) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: For ages 13–15, lunch and dinner are included, and for ages 16–24, dinner is included.
- Accommodation: Not included.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Airport Transfer: Not included.
- Insurance: Not included.
- Flexibility: Not included.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discounts: Not included.
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less).
- Meals: Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided).
- Accommodation: Standard (shared room).
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included.
- Airport Transfer: Included.
- Insurance: Travel and medical insurance included.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: All interactive classes (15 students or less).
- Meals: Full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided).
- Accommodation: Standard (shared room).
- Trips & Activities: All-day trips and activities included.
- Airport Transfer: Included.
- Insurance: Travel and medical insurance included.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: 13-24: Tutorials (1-2 students per tutor), seminars, and workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13–15 are on a full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16–24 are on a half board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or at local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Single or twin room (confirmed by us at a later date).
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Airport Transfer: Not included.
- Insurance: Not included.
- Flexibility: Not included.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discount: Not included.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (up to 10) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13–15 are on a full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16–24 are on a half board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or at local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Concierge helps select the best available option.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Enhanced (OxSC concierge).
- Airport Transfer: Included (Heathrow Airport only. No time restrictions.).
- Insurance: Platinum coverage (top-level protection on cancellation, medical, baggage).
- Flexibility: One-year free deferral.
- Future Coaching Session: Included (1 session).
- Friends & Family Discount: Discounted stay/meals for family in top Oxford/Cambridge hotels while on course.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (up to 10) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13–15 are on full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16–24 are on half board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Guaranteed private room and bathroom.
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Airport Transfer: Included (Heathrow Airport only, available for flights arriving/departing between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. T&Cs apply.).
- Insurance: Enhanced coverage (higher limits on cancellation, medical, baggage).
- Flexibility: One-year free deferral.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discount: Discounted stay/meals for family in top Oxford/Cambridge hotels while on course.
- Teaching: All teaching, including small group seminars (up to 10) and interactive workshops.
- Meals: Ages 13–15 are on full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner included), and ages 16–24 are on half board (breakfast and dinner included). Meals are served at the accommodation or local restaurants.
- Accommodation: Select your preferred single or twin room (shared bathroom).
- Certificate: Awarded upon completion.
- Customer Service: Standard.
- Airport Transfer: Included (Heathrow Airport only, available for flights arriving/departing between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM. T&Cs apply.).
- Insurance: Standard coverage (cancellation, medical, baggage).
- Flexibility: Not included.
- Future Coaching Session: Not included.
- Friends & Family Discounts: Not included.
Related Courses
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — there are four options: Non-Residential, Plus, Superior, and Premier.
Each tier includes the same academic experience but different levels of accommodation, meal plans, and support. Full comparisons are available on our Prices & Dates page.
Our courses for ages 13–15 are taught by experienced educators and subject specialists with relevant subject expertise. Tutors are confirmed closer to the summer, so profiles on our website are examples of educators who have previously taught with us.
Students aged 13–15 receive a certificate of completion, detailed feedback from their tutor and a personalised letter of recommendation, reflecting their participation, academic progress and achievements during the course.
Atlas Summer Courses combines small-group academic teaching with a supportive residential experience for ages 13–15. Students can explore their chosen subject in greater depth, develop independent thinking and build confidence alongside students from around the world.
Students aged 13–15 are supported by on-site staff throughout their stay, with wellbeing and safeguarding embedded across the residential experience. The programme provides age-appropriate supervision while giving students opportunities to develop greater independence.
There are no formal entry requirements. Students should have a genuine interest in their chosen subject, and teaching is tailored to each student’s interests and abilities so everyone can learn at the right level. All lessons are taught in English, so students should have a good working understanding of spoken and written English.
