Where will students stay?
Students will stay on the school campus in dedicated boarding houses, Pitt and Rubens. Bedrooms either sleep two or four and all have en-suites. There are also communal areas for students to relax and socialise together. We allocate rooms according to students’ age, gender and group where possible. We take into consideration any specific requests, such as friends who want to be close to each other. Room allocation is normally done on arrival. The students will not be able to use the kitchen but there are common rooms accessible to the students throughout their stay.
What do students need to pack for this programme?
It would be ideal to have two weeks’ worth of clothing (including rain-appropriate clothes, as the weather can be unpredictable) and sports attire for the afternoon activities. Laundry will be provided on-site once a week, and the students should bring their own towels. Bed linen will be provided.
What happens if students are sick?
Many of our staff have First Aid qualifications. If students have minor problems, our staff will look after them. If we have any concerns, we will take them to a medical centre near the school or the hospital. We strongly advise that all students have their own comprehensive private insurance, including medical cover.
How can I keep in contact with my child during the course?
You can contact your child via mobile phone but please note that students will not always have their phones available.
We are experienced in helping students settle in well. We usually find that any homesickness subsides soon after they get involved in their studies and activities. To encourage independence, we advise limited contact with home during the first couple of days at the school. This helps students to become immersed in the programme.
Do students speak English all the time?
Yes. The Wycombe Abbey Summer Programme is fully immersive and English is always spoken on the course. We have students joining us from around the world, and English is the common shared language. Speaking English at all times is the fastest way to improve.
In order to get the most out of the programme, students must have a level of English equivalent to at least B1 on the CEFR scale, but our courses are accessible to those with a minimum level of English equivalent to A2 and our skilled teaching team will ensure that the course content is updated as required.
Please advise us if additional learning support is needed so we can arrange if possible.
How are students supervised?
We have a dedicated pastoral team on-site all day and night to ensure the safety and wellbeing of each student, not just physically but also emotionally. They will assist with day-to-day tasks like ensuring students get to the right place at the right time and make sure they eat well, get enough sleep and are enjoying the experience at Wycombe Abbey.
Our staff have extensive experience working with children, and so we are very well placed to ensure that students attending our summer programme have the same great experience as our year-round boarders.
Do you cater for special dietary requirements?
Yes. Please state your child’s dietary requirements in full when making the booking and we will advise accordingly.
What happens with my son/daughter’s medication?
If your child is taking medication, they should hand it in when they arrive. Medication is given to students at the prescribed time by an authorised member of the Summer Programme staff. We will only accept responsibility for medicines licenced in the UK, prescribed by a doctor and accompanied by an English translation that states the name of the medicine, the dosage, frequency it should be taken and the condition for which it is prescribed.
How should I manage my child’s pocket money?
We encourage you to set your child up with a prepaid currency or debit card in advance of their course. Wycombe Abbey’s Summer Programme aims to operate a cashless campus.
Are evening activities compulsory?
Yes, a full evening entertainment programme with fun and exciting activities exists. As they are a central part of the students’ stay, they will be required to attend.
Do students have any free time for socialising?
Yes, during the breaks throughout the day and in the evening, they will be able to socialise in their common rooms.
Can students freely use the sports facilities?
No, the sports facilities can only be used at allocated times. The comprehensive programme includes different activities and sports, and the students will have time during their stay to enjoy the beautiful facilities that Wycombe Abbey offers.
Can students choose a specific sport during the sports activities?
No, there will be different sports each evening. Due to some capacity limitations for specific activities, there will be a preference check at the beginning of the students’ stay.
