Welcome
OUNDLE INSPIRE: STEM is a residential programme for Cambridge International schools.
This week–long course provides exceptional science and engineering enrichment opportunities for students at the sector-leading SciTec campus. Accompanying teachers will receive certified professional development provided on-site by Cambridge experts.
Included in the programme is an opportunity to meet representatives from UK universities (including Cambridge) with expertise in admissions, STEM courses and advice on university pathways.
STEM Workshops at SciTec
Cambridge Curriculum-linked STEM workshops in the UK’s leading school Science and Engineering facility.
OUNDLE INSPIRE: STEM is based at SciTec Oundle, the UK's finest purpose-built school Science and Engineering facility including spacious laboratories, technical workshops and advanced project rooms.
The extensive resources feature a wind tunnel, scanning electron microscope, centrifuge, incubator, plasma cutter, CNC machining, observatory and a metal 3D printer.
Cambridge CPD (For Teachers)
At no additional cost, 2 accompanying teachers will be offered a place on the Cambridge teacher training programme with a focus on classroom STEM pedagogy.
Designed for secondary subject teachers at all levels, Heads of Department or senior leaders who want to develop their classroom practice with active learning and assessment for learning approaches.
Day Trips
Students will enjoy an inspiring day trip to Cambridge, exploring one of the UK’s most iconic university cities and experiencing its unique academic atmosphere first-hand.
With time to discover the city’s historic streets, museums, gardens, remarkable architecture and shopping centre, the visit offers a memorable opportunity to experience life beyond the classroom, build friendships and imagine where their future studies could take them.
Team Building
Outdoor, Sport and Team-building activities. An exciting programme will be in place, giving students the unique opportunity to collaborate, innovate and develop their skills alongside others from across the globe.
INSPIRE: To University
All participants on INSPIRE and INSPIRE PLUS will benefit from access to our INSPIRE: To University seminars and workshops, an exciting opportunity to look ahead to university and discover where their passion for STEM could take them. Students will meet specialists from leading UK universities, including Cambridge, explore cutting-edge scientific research, gain valuable insight into university study and learn how to prepare for successful applications to competitive courses.
Celebration Event in Oundle's Great Hall
Guests are invited to dress in formal attire for this special evening, coming together to recognise students’ achievements and celebrate the friendships and memories made throughout the programme.
The historic, oak-panelled Great Hall was formally opened in 1909 and has been at the heart of School life for more than a century, hosting everything from lectures and concerts to dinners and celebrations. It provides a truly memorable setting in which to celebrate each student’s achievements and bring their INSPIRE journey to a fitting close.
Meet Industry Experts
Students will have the exciting opportunity to meet and learn from leading industry experts, taking part in engaging seminars that bring STEM subjects to life beyond the classroom.
OUNDLE INSPIRE: STEM is a two-part programme, combining academic study, hands-on STEM workshops and interactive sessions with expert leaders in STEM disciplines.
Students choose one stream according to their academic stage. INSPIRE for students up to IGCSE, and INSPIRE PLUS for post-IGCSE students.
INSPIRE (Ages 14-16)
This programme is grounded in Cambridge IGCSE topics in Science and Engineering and is explored through practical STEM activities taking students further including:
- Bloodhound Rocket Cars: Design and build your own based on the world land-speed record attempt
- Micro-worlds: analyse images from our Scanning Electron Microscope
- Aerodynamics: Visit the Oundle School Wind Tunnel and see how design affects performance
- Riverside Nature Trail: explore science at work in the rich and biodiverse Northamptonshire countryside
INSPIRE PLUS (Ages 16-17)
Drawing on subject links from the Cambridge curriculum, this advanced programme caters for students who are studying A-Level or other post-IGCSE courses. Students will choose one pathway from either:
Biology . Chemistry . Medicine Pathway
- Surgery at School – scalpels and steady hands ready to complete your own surgery
- Vaccine Design – learn how scientists work to tackle public health emergencies and the human stories behind the science
- Crime Scene Chemistry – learn how science catches scoundrels!
Physics . Maths . Engineering Pathway
- Advanced Aerodynamics – tackle both experimental and theoretical approaches to aerodynamic testing
- Design Engineering – blue skies and open minds to tackle practical problems
- Playing with Proof – practical activities to understand the power of logic
Cambridge CPD (For Teachers)
At no additional cost, 2 accompanying teachers will be offered a place on the Cambridge teacher training programme with a focus on classroom STEM pedagogy.
Active Learning and Assessment for Learning
- Designed for teachers who want to develop their classroom practice with active learning and assessment for learning approaches.
- For secondary subject teachers at all levels or leaders who want to further their understanding in this area.
- The opportunity to put learning into practice by team-teaching alongside fellow participants.
- All teachers will receive a Certificate of Course Completion from Cambridge for their Professional Development portfolio.
Teachers will stay together in a staff boarding house.
Additional staff places are available at £800 per person.
INSPIRE: To University
All participants of INSPIRE & INSPIRE PLUS will also have access to our INSPIRE: To University seminars and workshops.
Here students will:
- Meet specialists from leading UK universities (including Cambridge)
- Gain insights into university study, research, how to prepare now and to make successful applications to competitive course
- Hear about current areas of scientific research
- Meet current undergraduate students currently reading STEM subjects at university
A complementary cultural and social programme will run alongside each stream, including access to the school’s extensive facilities for sport, performance and recreation as well as organised events, including a visit to historic Cambridge, cinema night and theatre trip.
The programme finishes with a formal dinner and presentation of certificates in Oundle’s historic Great Hall.
OUNDLE INSPIRE will equip students with the knowledge and skills that are crucial for success in further education and beyond. Every student is expected to leave the programme with a greater sense of confidence in their abilities and to make next steps in education as well as having formed strong friendships with like-minded individuals.
The Venue
Situated 45 minutes from Cambridge in the heart of an idyllic English countryside town, SciTec Oundle provides the perfect backdrop for this residential programme.
Established in 1556, Oundle School is one of the leading co-educational boarding schools in the UK, with facilities to match. Science and engineering are an important part of Oundle’s history and the School’s SciTec and Patrick Engineering Centre are regarded as the best in the UK.
Students will stay in one of the school’s historic boarding houses where during term time, Oundle students live, eat and play with direct walking access to the school’s extensive sport and recreation facilities and local town amenities. Each boarding house will have a houseparent and supervising staff.
Schools Register Your Interest
Dates: Sunday 4 – Saturday 10 April 2027
Location: SciTec Campus, Oundle, Northamptonshire (45 mins from Cambridge)
Cost: Introductory rate of £1900 for current students from Cambridge schools
Rate is inclusive of scheduled activities and meals as well as accommodation for students and accompanying staff. Exclusive of arrival and departure travel.