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This series aims to equip students with academic skills that will enrich their current learning and prepare them for possible future university studies. We will explore stories and texts through the lens of three University of Cambridge courses, working together to scrutinise sources. With the guidance of academics who are experts in these fields, students will not only enhance their knowledge and skills but also encounter university-level teaching in a range of humanities subjects.

Sessions will take place over Zoom during and after the Easter holidays. Please be aware that the timings of the sessions may vary.

Session 1: Introduction to the programme; analysis of fairy tales (Tuesday 15th April, 2-3pm)

In this session we will analyse versions of Little Red Riding Hood, and think more deeply about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (by Roald Dahl). Some prior knowledge of these stories will be assumed. By using our understanding of contextual information, we will discover how seemingly plain and straightforward stories could in fact have much more going on beneath the surface.

Please read this short story in advance of the session: 

Content warning: please note that this session will involve discussion of some adult content including themes of violence, with reference to fairy tales.

Session 2: Linguistics (Wednesday 16th April, 2-3pm)

Hayley Hilson, the Outreach Manager at Lucy Cavendish College, will deliver this session. Linguistics is a diverse subject related to English Language & Literature, Modern Languages, Sociology, History and Psychology; it is therefore highly relevant to Year 11 and Year 12 studies, even if it is not a subject that you currently take. Hayley is the Outreach Manager at Lucy Cavendish College (Cambridge) and is also studying part-time at University College London for an MSc in Neurolinguistics. Hayley's talk today will explore the sociology of language. From assumptions we make about individuals based on their speech to considering metaphors in political messaging, this talk will alert us to how we use language to shape our emotions and identity.

Session 3: English (Wednesday 23rd April, 5-6pm). 

In this session Dr Helen Charman, Director of Studies for English at Ñý¾«¶¯Âþ, will teach us how to find and use resources on our own initiative. This is a critical skill for university learning and research, and is also an ability you can harness to pursue your own academic interests outside of the school curriculum. Helen's research is broadly focused on the relationship between literary representation, social history, and psychoanalysis. She is interested in feminist fiction and publishing, as well as experimental lyric poetry.

Session 4: Law (Friday 25th April, 5-6pm)

This session will be led by Dr Darren Peterson, the Director of Studies for Law at Ñý¾«¶¯Âþ. Darren's recent research centred on modern slavery, human rights, and the law of the sea. 

Session 5: Arts & Humanities at the University of Cambridge talk and student ambassador Q&A (Wednesday 30th April, 5-6pm)

Emma will lead this final session. We will look at the broader study of arts and humanities at university, and consider what competitive universities are looking for in a strong application. The last half of the session will be dedicated to time with current Ñý¾«¶¯Âþ students who are studying arts and humanities courses at Cambridge.

Students are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible.

This online programme is aimed at young students who are currently studying arts and humanities subjects, are interested in studying an arts or humanities course at a competitive university and who enjoy being stretched and challenged outside the classroom. The programme is free of charge.

The programme is designed for and open to all UK students who are in Year 11 and Year 12 (England/Wales), S4 and S5 (Scotland) or Year 12 and Year 13 (Northern Ireland) at a state (non fee-paying) school or college. Students in Year 13 (England/Wales), S6 (Scotland) and Year 14 (Northern Ireland) who attend a state school/college are welcome to sign up too.

In the event that the programme is over-subscribed, students who meet Widening Participation criteria will be prioritised (please visit this page for a full list of criteria).

You do not need to be taking any particular courses in school or college at the moment, but you might consider applying for this programme if you’re interested in any of the following subjects:

• English
• History
• Modern Languages
• Philosophy and Ethics
• Politics
• Psychology
• Sociology

The programme will not assume any prior knowledge of the above fields, so don’t worry if you’re not taking these courses at the moment. Sessions will be interactive to some extent, and will therefore not be recorded.

Please note: students must obtain parental/guardian permission to take part in this programme. 

Please complete  to register for the programme. Closer to the time, once your parent or guardian has provided permission for your participation, we will email you a Zoom link to the series and an updated timetable.

Please contact Emma Lézé (Schools Liaison Officer, schoolsliaison@clare.cam.ac.uk) with any questions.