On 26 March, as part of Notre Dame’s NCOP (National Collaborative Outreach Programme) activity, the English Department took 79 lower sixth A level English Literature students to the University of Leeds for the afternoon, where they enjoyed a thoroughly inspiring and fruitful experience.
Students participated in a university-style lecture which provided a comprehensive explanation of the context of their A level coursework texts, in addition to introducing them to literary criticism. The lecture covered many complex and illuminating ideas that were communicated in a clear and accessible style. The students also had the opportunity to speak more informally to two undergraduates about their experiences of studying an English degree at university, which challenged many of their preconceptions about university life. The experience enabled students to take a glimpse into the benefits of higher education and to develop a clearer understanding of their future educational goals.
One Notre Dame student said: ‘It was great to spend the afternoon as an undergraduate. The lecture was fast-paced and thought-provoking and provided a really interesting introduction to my coursework topic.’