SIXTH FORM: The benefits of a degree masterclass

Sixth form student JOSIE DODDS, who hopes to study English literature at university and eventually work in publishing, explores the benefits of taking a masterclass degree subject taster session with the University of Cambridge

CORPUS Christi College’s series of taster sessions have been attended by more than 10,000 students since its inception in 2015. The masterclasses, run by the University of Cambridge, are primarily aimed at Year 12 students, and provide an opportunity for those who want to explore possible degrees, and those who already know what they want to study but are looking to develop their learning and gain more super curricular experience. Places are limited to three students per school per class, and students must be registered by their teachers.

There is a large range of classes available to students, in all areas of education. In the humanities department; human, social and political sciences (HSPS), philosophy, archaeology, English, history and law. For science and maths students; medicine, economics, maths and engineering.

The masterclasses each involve two academic talks with the opportunity to ask questions at the end, an admissions talk tailored to the course, a virtual tour of the college, and Q&A session with current undergraduate students.

Some examples of questions asked by participating students were, “What is the step up from Year 13 to first year at university like?” and “Are we expected to go straight into essay writing using only A-level skills?”

The undergraduate students described their personal experience of the progression into university, and explained that the year begins with lectures on study skills and how to get the most out of lectures. More specifically, the English masterclass offered lectures on practical criticism, and gave students the opportunity to hear a professional run through the process with example poems.

HSPS gave lectures on the Russia Ukraine war and genocide, and one on the Declaration of Independence.

Masterclasses are an amazing opportunity and widely encouraged at RGS. Teachers regularly advertise similar opportunities for all students and encourage them to be proactive in finding extracurricular activities which will support their current learning and future aspirations.

I found the talks I attended informative and beneficial introductions to how English at university would be approached.

I would advise students to keep looking for opportunities. The weekly bulletin sent out by Mr Fell sends out to sixth formers always contains information on talks and experiences which will help develop your learning.