Masterclass series
Our Masterclass programme has run for several years at the School.
During each academic year, we hold Masterclasses in various subjects for talented girls from local primary schools.
They particularly suit Years 4 to 6 pupils who have an interest and ability in their subjects and wish to explore their potential. The classes are primarily fun, but also help to develop confidence and prepare the girls for the move to secondary school.
The Science Masterclass offered girls the opportunity to use science to explore strange new worlds looking for the signs of alien life.
These workshops have included;
An IT workshop for local schools on AI and robotics. The IT masterclass offered girls the opportunity to program Microbits to perform various tasks and interact with their surroundings.
The PE Masterclass offered girls the opportunity to try a range of sports.
The Maths Masterclass offered girls the opportunity to discover the world of Mobius Strips.
The Food Studies Masterclass offered girls the opportunity to try bread making. The girls designed their 'artistic' bread using vegetables, learning about flavours as they did. They then made focaccia bread, which they were able to take home.
The Science Superstars Masterclass 'Journey into Space', offered girls the opportunity to find out more about space and man's journeys to it. The girls made a rocket and witnessed the creation of a meteor.
The Expressive Arts Masterclass, titled 'Musical Theatre Workshop', provided girls with the opportunity to leave a song and a dramatic performance from Matilda the Musical and to design a cover for the production programme. The girls performances were videoed and shared with their parents.
The History Masterclass, titled 'Rise up Women!', was designed to provide an interactive and informative introduction to the suffragettes. Girls were able to create and take home their own suffragette badges.
The Maths Masterclass 'The Third Dimension', offered girls the opportunity to explore the properties of 3D shapes in a practical investigation. The girls left with 3D puzzles for them to complete at home.
Aims
Leicester High's ethos is to educate girls to their full potential, whilst building their confidence through a wide range of opportunities; thus Giving Girls Education, Confidence and Opportunity.
The Masterclasses allow us to extend this ethos to girls from a local state school.
Background
The Masterclasses were originally devised in 2011 as means to offer opportunities to girls from local state schools, raising their aspirations and introducing them to topics in a fun and interesting way.
Resources
Masterclasses all take place in the Senior School, using the facilities available there.
Masterclasses are run by teaching staff, with support from non-teaching staff.
Masterclasses last for two hours on a Saturday morning and usually involved 1-3 teaching staff and two non-teaching members of staff.
Sixth Formers also provide support at the events.
Impact
Assessment is being developed to address this area
Pupil Involvement
28 girls attended the Masterclass from Years 5-6
All attendees are girls
Frequency
One Masterclass takes place each half-term. Most departments run a Masterclass on a two year cycle. Science and Maths run Masterclasses each year.
There are plans to further develop the Masterclass programme to GCSE students.