Reading Scholar Success for Sixth Form Student Evan
We are delighted to announce that Year 12 student Evan has been offered a place on the University of Reading ‘Scholars Programme’. The programme aims to give Year 12 students a real taste of life as a university undergraduate, and provides practical support as participants begin their Higher Education application process. With input from leading academics and current undergraduate mentors, the programme aims to challenge participants academically and enhance their current A-level studies.
Evan has been offered a place on the Film, Theatre and Television strand. I asked Evan why he decided to apply for the programme. He said ‘I decided to apply because I wanted to experience a university that I otherwise may not have had the opportunity to do. It would also give me a new insight into the world of film and television. I thought it would be a good experience to write about on my personal statement and CV’.
Over the course of the programme, Evan will participate in four events. These include activities with a student mentor, university-style subject specific sessions, study skills sessions and a four-day residential summer school which takes place in July 2020.
Evan spent his first day at Reading in January. The first day involved two lectures; one to outline the programme, and one on university life. Evan said ‘we then had a chance to look around the Minghella Studios, which is the University’s media department, their prop room, and one of the studios. This is where we will be working when we come back to Reading for future events. The university also has several cinema screens, where they host a mini film festival in the summer.’
Evan said his favourite part of day was walking around the campus and getting to know the other members of his group. ‘I met people in my group from all over the country, so it was really intriguing to see how we had similar and different experiences’.
Evan will next be visiting Reading at the end of February. Evan says ‘during this visit, we will be doing some practical work, and we will be working in the Film, Theatre and Television department. We will also be having on-line mentoring from our student mentor, so there is plenty more to come on the programme’.
Going forward, Evan said ‘I found the first day of the programme really useful. Not only did it give me lots of practical information about university, such as financial implications, but it has further made me realise that university is the best option for me after my A-Levels. I am looking forward to the next event in the programme, and the residential in the summer’.
University of Reading and the Minghella Studios:
