University of Cambridge – Corpus Christi College: Pelican Programme

Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge-340

What is the Pelican Programme?

  • A sustained super-curricular programme with subject specific streams.
  • Focus on discussion and oracy alongside the development of analytical and comprehension skills. In the Physical Sciences stream the focus is on honing problem solving skills alongside practice in linking together different scientific principles.
  • Small online groups (no more than 10 in each group) which meet once a fortnight in sessions led by a subject expert.
  • Set pre-reading for every session which is used as the basis of discussion.
  • Includes a residential event here at Corpus to celebrate those students who finish the programme.

 

 

What subjects are covered?

  • Architecture
  • Classics
  • English
  • Geography
  • History
  • Law
  • Modern and Medieval Languages (French and Spanish)
  • Philosophy, Religion, and Ethics
  • Physical Sciences (Chemistry, Engineering, Physics)
  • Psychological and Behavioural Sciences

*Please note our subject streams are subject to change for our 2026 programme.

 

 

Who is it for?

  • Students who are looking to make an application to highly selective universities.
  • Students who are enthusiastic about the offered subjects and who are thinking of applying for them at university.
  • Students who enjoy being academically stretched and challenged.

 

 

Eligibility Criteria

  • students have to be:
    • in Y12 (Y13/S5 in Northern Ireland/Scotland)
    • on course for  A*AA or higher (or equivalent), A*A*A or higher (or equivalent) for Physical Sciences and PBS streams
    • Attend a UK maintained state school
  • And also meet at least one of our widening-participation criteria
  • Only female students can be nominated for the Physical Sciences stream
  • For Physical Sciences, students must be studying Maths, Chemistry and/or Physics at A-level. WP students will be prioritised.
  • For Psychological and Behavioural Sciences, students must be studying either Maths and/or Biology at A-level.
  • For Classics, a 7 in any language at GCSE (or equivalent) is required and students who have an A-level language will be prioritised.

 

 

How to apply

  • There is no direct application process. Students have to be nominated by their school.
  • Schools can nominate as many students per stream as they would like to, but we will select only one student per school per stream.
  • For all streams except Modern and Medieval Languages and Physical Sciences students will need to write a short response to a stream-specific set question. These can be found here.
  • For Physical Sciences students will need to complete some Isaac Physics problem boards.
  • Nominations will open in late October for the 2026 programme!

 

 

If any Year 13 pupil is interested in this programme, please leave name with Mrs McCaughey.

 

The Pelican Programme