Schools undergo Transformations

English Literature students from the University of Warwick have taken part in a scheme to educate their younger counterparts in local schools and sixth forms.

The Transformations Tutorial Programme was established by Paul Whitehouse, widening participation officer for the English and Comparative Literary Studies Department.

Teams of undergraduate students are sent to give a series of ten after-school lessons on important literary aspects, namely representations of magic and the undead.

These lessons are similar to university seminars, designed with the intention of aiding pupils’ GCSE and A-Level studies, while at the same time preparing them for university.

Mr Whitehouse acknowledged the difficulties involved in the scheme, saying: ‘it’s a very challenging programme for both tutors and pupils’, but believes that the hard-work is justified. ‘[T]he response from schools, pupils, teachers, tutors, and parents has been overwhelming,’ Mr Whitehouse explained.

In addition, a Transformations Summer School has been established, narrowing the programme’s scope to focus on students in years nine and ten, aged 13 to 15.

The summer school engages its participants in both creative writing and drama-based workshops, culminating in a series of performances for parents, pupils and staff.

The programme’s contributors aim to have a society up and running which new members are expected to join in the next academic year.

Mr Whitehouse urges students to consider joining the project, stating: ‘it’s not easy and does require a serious commitment, but the rewards are there and the experience goes a long way to enhancing your CV, especially if you are thinking about a career in education’.

The programme appears to be well-received among Warwick students as a CV-boosting opportunity, as well as an opportunity to aid younger students in following in their footsteps.

Laura Primiceri, first-year English Literature undergraduate, signed up to join the programme at the start of term, and is now an enthusiastic member of a two-student teaching team.

Ms Primiceri stated that the Programme’s main aim is “to help [pupils] at their current level and to teach them skills that will help them in the future.”

She also added: “It has a secondary purpose, which is to encourage these students to pursue higher education later in life.”

To those who wish to get involved in the future, Mr Whitehouse said: ‘[w]e will be recruiting for next year’s projects in the summer term, but if anyone would like to flag an interest now, they are welcome to email me and put their name down on the long list.’

Paul Whitehouse can be contacted via email at P.C.Whitehouse@warwick.ac.uk