Inspiring young minds with University outreach events

A series of events aimed at inspiring young people from a diverse range of backgrounds were held at the University of Reading last month [June].

The events were part of the University’s school outreach activities, working with schools across Berkshire and further afield.

Ranging from an interactive history workshop, to exploring masculinity, to a study skills programme, these initiatives demonstrate the University’s commitment to engaging with local communities and fostering academic curiosity among diverse groups of students.

Unlocking History for All

On 18 June, the "Unlocking History for All" event brought approximately 100 young people from six different local schools to the Whiteknights campus.

Participants engaged in object handling sessions and interactive workshops covering topics such as migration in the early modern world, primary materials analysis, and women's rights movements.

The event received enthusiastic feedback, with one Year 9 pupil from Denefield School stating, "I think having been here today I am more likely to consider studying history in the future as I have seen how interesting it can be."

The Performance of Masculinity

A celebration event was held on 19 June, following on from a six-session programme of creative workshops that gave young, disadvantaged boys from four Berkshire schools the chance to explore masculinity and male characters within creative writing and literature.

As part of the programme, delivered in conjunction with the Boys’ Impact Coalition, the boys developed their own pieces of creative writing which were published into a bespoke collection, Taking Boys Seriously: Our Voices. A copy of the book was presented to each student at the celebration event, which was held at Henley Business School on Whiteknights campus.

Following the programme, teachers from Wexham School in Slough and Slough & Eton CofE Business and Enterprise College reported noticeable improvements in students' creative writing skills and engagement.

Year 10 Reading Scholars Graduation 

The Reading Scholars programme aims to give Year 10 students a taste of university life, and provides the opportunity to hone their practical study skills, such as referencing and avoiding plagiarism. 

This year, 150 students from nine schools across Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Wales, the Midlands, and London took part in the programme. Each student designed a poster project which was then marked and graded, with feedback given too.

The graduation event, held on 26 June, took place in the Great Hall on the University’s London Road campus. The day featured an exhibition of the poster projects, as well as an awards presentation.

Kate Thompson, Careers & Employability Skills Co-ordinator at Reading Girls School, praised the Reading Scholars programme: "The sessions were interactive and engaging, and the graduation ceremony gave a taste of the real thing. It was great for the students to see the London Road campus."

Kizzi Keast, Outreach and Access Manager at the University of Reading, said: "These events highlight the University of Reading's dedication to equality of opportunity in access to higher education. By providing hands-on experiences, skill-building support and exposure to university life, these initiatives nurture academic potential in young people, raise their confidence and demonstrate the accessibility and value of higher education to a wide range of students, regardless of their background."