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STEM Masterclass

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 are particularly suited to 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 in search of 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 Micro:bits 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 Möbius 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 so. 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 humanity’s journeys into 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 learn a song and a dramatic performance from Matilda the Musical and to design a cover for the production programme. The girls’ performances were recorded 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 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. 
They are run by teaching staff, with support from non-teaching staff, and last for two hours on a Saturday morning, usually involving 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

39 girls attended the Masterclass from Years 5-6, and 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.