The Course

Think!

Think! is a challenging and thought provoking summer camp for students who are interested in exploring new ideas, expanding their horizons, and developing their potential. If you are a naturally curious, enthusiastic and open-minded student, then our action packed summer camp is what you are looking for!

The course takes place at Atlantic College, a unique residential school built around a 14th century castle on the South Wales coast. The language of instruction is English and you will need to be comfortable working in an English language environment.

Not only will the course give you the confidence to rise to new challenges and develop the skills you need for the future, but it will also make learning fun. You will be mixing with bright, articulate, open-minded students and this will give you the opportunity to share ideas and make new friendships.

Four Key Skills

We take an active learning approach to education which puts you at the centre of things and enables you to build on your pre-existing strengths. Our two week programme focuses on four key skills which will be taught through a variety of group discussions, project work and outdoor activities by a team of highly qualified and experienced teachers.

1. Thinking skills

The Think! course uses some of the big questions from philosophy and the history of ideas to explore the nature and limits of knowledge. Reflection on these questions will help you to develop your critical thinking skills. Throughout the course, you will be encouraged to question your assumptions, evaluate arguments, and develop a broader perspective on your studies. This will give you the tools you need to become a more independent thinker and to move towards the approach to learning required by the university.

Among the questions we will consider during the course are the following:

  • What makes human beings unique?
  • Does science have all of the answers?
  • Are there any universal values?
  • What is happiness?
  • Is everyone selfish?
  • Is democracy the best form of government?
  • What is the purpose of art?

2. Study skills

According to Alvin Toffler, “The illiterate of the twenty first century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” To survive and flourish in the rapidly changing world of the 21st century, learning is no longer enough – you also need to learn how to learn. This is why it is important to start thinking seriously about the way you study.

We will diagnose your strengths and weaknesses as a learner, and teach you how to improve your time management, note-taking, memory training, and exam preparation skills. This will help you to sharpen your focus so that you can study smarter and learn more efficiently.

3. Communication skills

Using the latest insights from communication theory, a drama and public speaking expert will teach you key strategies that will enable you to speak with poise and confidence in interviews, debates and class presentations.

4. Leadership skills

A leader is someone who can inspire, manage, and work with other people in order to bring about significant and positive change. Our outdoor challenge activities will teach you how to inspire, motivate and cooperate effectively with other people. You will take responsibility for the outcome in a variety of team-building exercises and by reviewing your performance learn how to develop your own unique leadership style.