The Programme

The Programme Week1 Week2 Results

The ACS British Studies Summer Programme was created to explore the enduring impact of British culture. Established in 1996, the programme is committed to the ideal of creative, multi-disciplined education. The close interaction between student, teacher and location not only galvanizes this approach, it also generates an enthusiastic forum for collaborative learning. Maintaining high standards is an ACS priority – a priority that guarantees the future success and development of this intensive, two-week study/travel programme.

In addition to being an excellent supplement for High School courses in European history, English literature, art and theatre, the programme is great fun. Through the immediacy of on-site experience, students are encouraged to explore, comprehend, and more importantly to connect seemingly disparate monuments, art and events from the past 400 years of British history. Making sense of the past brings history to life, turning learning into a voyage of discovery.

Stimulating young minds to clarify the relationships between Turner's painting of the Fighting Teméraire in the National Gallery London, Admiral Nelson's ship HMS Victory in Portsmouth Harbour, and the film "The Madness of King George" encourages lateral thinking. Success here helps develop well-rounded students, young adults better prepared to understand and appreciate the cultural and artistic diversity of the 21st Century.

Week 1 Shakespearean England to the Age of Romanticism

The tumultuous Tudor era was a source of great inspiration to the literary genius of William Shakespeare. The rhythmic and metaphoric power of 'The Bard' shaped the English language as we now know it and changed the course of drama forever. Shakespeare's plays continue to provide the essential frame of reference for our literary concepts of ambition, political intrigue, sibling rivalry, and the power of love to enchant, deceive and reconcile.

The Industrial Revolution remains the British Empire's greatest contribution to world commerce. As England's infrastructure attempted to cope with this change, a secondary 'revolution' set about defining the emergence of a middle-class sense of English taste and sensibility. The Renaissance values long established in painting, literature, and architecture gave way to fresh ambitions as artists and intellectuals sought to interpret the emerging industrial and social 'landscape' before them. It was a time of unparalleled economic and cultural expansion, which re-shaped a nation.

Week 2 Britain in the 20th and 21st Centuries

Britain began the 20th Century as a major European power. Her navy ruled the seas, her government administered the largest empire since Ancient Rome, and her workforce ranked amongst the most productive in the world. Great Britain was at the vanguard of cultural and commercial development. She was also about to enter the most dramatic and violent period of her history. Within the space of 45 short years, Great Britain fought and won two World Wars, victories which ultimately led to her economic downfall.

The price of victory was heavy but not permanent. Great Britain of old now experienced a significant shift in domestic and international obligations. Financially, the country has bounced back from the demise of Empire and the ravages of two World Wars. Her economy has traded a traditional dependence on heavy industry for the cutting-edge appeal of global money markets, international communications, high fashion and media. These new commercial enterprises reflect the face of a thoroughly modern nation.

The results

A near-perfect combination of fun and learning.
Ned Lynch, Hotchkiss School, Lakeville, Connecticut

Thanks to the teachers for 'Tintern Abbey' – The best gift anyone has ever given me.
Dustin Cosentino, American International School, Vienna, Austria

England was a blast! Thank you for giving me a chance to see another part of the world.
Svetlana Meyerzon, Brooklyn Technical High School, Brooklyn

This programme was the most memorable three weeks of my life.
Cheryl Vinograd, Susan E. Wagner High School, Staten Island

It has been more of a journey than a programme. I am honored to have had the chance to experience England in this great way.
Gregory Rodriguez, Flags High School, Bronx

Perhaps my favorite field trip was to Shakespeare's Globe, realizing that nearly 400 years ago people watched the same plays from the same spot in the same type of structure. The experience made history come alive.
Robin Stone, St Agnes Academy, Houston

Walk in my shoes, experience what I have experienced on this programme, believe me, it will be part of your mind, heart and soul forever.
Giselle Spencer, Flushing High School, Queens

I want to let you know that Cecily returned home from the ACS British Studies Summer Programme overflowing with poetry and stories of what she had seen and learned. This undoubtedly has been the richest academic summer she has ever had. She found all her fellow students delightful. I want to add – in my professional capacity – that this programme is the best short-term humanities supplement and preparation for college of which I am aware.
Gerald Monsman, parent of former British Studies student & Professor of English at the University of Arizona

For further information about The British Studies Summer Programme 2007 please contact:

Adam and Carmen Powell, High School
British Studies Summer Programme

ACS International Schools
Heywood
Portsmouth Road
Cobham
Surrey KT11 1BL
Tel: +44 (0) 1932 588331
Fax: +44 (0) 1932 869775
Email: apowell@acs-england.co.uk