On Tuesday 16th December, the Department of English Literature held the first event in this year’s Reading Scholars programme. Reading Scholars is part of the University’s commitment to help Year 12 students from low participation areas gain the confidence to apply for a university place. It is a year-long scheme in which students on the programme are invited onto campus several times for subject-specific learning events and for study-skills training and mentoring in applying to university. Each Scholar has a mentor (a current student in the department), who remains in touch with them throughout the year to provide support and advice.
We welcomed our Scholars onto campus for the first time on Tuesday to participate in a Shakespeare Masterclass with lectures, seminars and activities themed around The Taming of the Shrew. As well as thinking about the play in its historical context, students had the opportunity to discuss the challenges of adapting the play for a modern audience. Our student mentors (Chloe, Francesca, Gary, Helen, Jess, Kiera, Leah and Michael) were fantastic in making the students feel at home on campus whilst helping them adjust to university-style learning. We look forward to working with and supporting our Scholars throughout this year as they begin to think about their choices for higher education and beyond.
Debbie Bark
