England - Curricula & Classes

Cambridge Curriculum

College Credit Classes

Courses are designed around the British and European experience, using Cambridge and London to enhance the classroom experience. College credit courses meet 5 days weekly in Cambridge and feature 1-2 related field studies visits while in London.  Field trips related to class topics are an integral part of the program and may include; Churchill’s Cabinet War Rooms, Museum of the Moving Image, The Globe Shakespeare Theatre, and the National Film Theatre. Classes are small and taught in the British “tutorial” style emphasizing the free exchange of ideas and excellent student/teacher interaction. 

Optional College Credit: Students may choose to take designated College Credit courses for credit or not for credit. The decision must be made prior to June 1. There is absolutely no changing of credit/non-credit status after June 1. The workload/assignments are exactly the same whether a student takes a designated College Credit course for credit or not. Most students choose the credit option. There is an additional fee of $395 for a College Credit class taken for credit. Credit may be conferred by Marist College. The decision to accept/not accept credits rests solely with the college/university you eventually attend. Students earn 3 college credits upon successful completion (a grade of C+ or better) of the course.

Enrichment Classes

Enrichment classes are offered in cooperation with Sean Grady, a noted Cambridge scholar who serves as the program’s Associate Director and Dean. These non-credit preparatory course offerings are designed around the vast resources and personnel available at Cambridge and surrounding area. We often use Cambridge and its environs as our extended classroom and outdoor laboratory. All enrichment classes will meet for 3 weeks in Cambridge only.

The Best Teachers

College credit courses are taught by Cambridge instructors and distinguished British visiting faculty. Enrichment courses are taught by Cambridge instructors, graduate teaching assistants, and top secondary school teachers. All instructors are British except those teaching the Princeton Review SAT courses and enrichment writing courses. Most classes are small, informal, and personal, encouraging constant student/teacher interaction. Classes average between 6 -18 students. Courses
require some outside of class preparation, and may have papers, midterms and/or finals.

Guest Speakers

Intriguing guest speakers from all walks-of-life annually enlighten Summer Discovery students with informal talks and discussions. Recent speakers have included American college admissions counselors, Members of Parliament, Holocaust survivors, filmmakers, journalists, and historians.

“Preparing for College and Life Workshops” These once weekly workshops 
focus on contemporary issues and skills that are the keys to a productive high school and college career. Designed to help students bridge the gap between high school and college, workshops feature interactive discussions with peers and professionals.

College Admissions and Study Skills  “Preparing for College and Life Workshops” also analyzes the college admissions and application process. Guest speakers have included U.S. college admissions personnel and independent educational counselors. 

Grades and Evaluations

College credit courses are graded on the traditional letter system of A,B,C, D and F. Official transcripts are available by request for future use. Enrichment courses are graded P/NP. A Summer Discovery Certificate of Completion is awarded for all enrichment classes.