Get involved with Ri Masterclasses

How it works

Masterclass Organisers set up and run their own Ri Masterclass series and are at the heart of our Ri Masterclass network.

Every year we work with schools, universities, STEM organisations and local volunteers across the country who run Masterclass series for students in their area.

Before committing to running your own Masterclass series, you may want to consider joining an Ri Masterclass organising committee, a group of volunteers who jointly run an Ri Masterclass series.

Find out more

Find out more about how you can become a Masterclass Organiser by emailing our Ri Masterclass team at masterclasses@ri.ac.uk.

How it works

Each Ri Masterclass series is made up of six Masterclass workshops. And each Masterclass workshop is led by an inspiring Masterclass Speaker who creates their own workshop based on their favourite topics.

Masterclass workshops allow students to experience the subject outside the confines of the classroom, exploring its creativity and engaging with its applications.

With the Ri’s support, our Masterclass Speakers provide an opportunity for students to experience topics at real theoretical depth, through interactive activities, exploring its creativity and engaging with its applications.

Find out more

Find out more about how you can become a Masterclass Speaker or get in touch with our Ri Masterclass team at masterclasses@ri.ac.uk.

How it works

Masterclass Helpers assist with the running of the Ri Masterclass workshop by taking the register and handing out equipment and worksheets. They also work directly with the students, supporting their learning by circulating the room, answering questions and encouraging discussion.

Helpers can work on a whole series of Ri Masterclasses, or on a more ad-hoc basis, choosing one or more dates that fit their own schedule. All we ask is that they commit to any dates they have signed up to.

Our Masterclass helpers come from a variety of backgrounds, from university students who want volunteering opportunities to teachers who have nominated students to attend and want a taste of what’s on offer.

This is an ideas volunteering opportunity for anyone with an enthusiasm for STEM and interested in supporting young people.

Our Masterclass Helpers sometimes move on to other Masterclass roles, such as supervising Ri Masterclass events or leading Ri Masterclass workshops.

Find out more

Find out more about how you can become a Masterclass Helper, or get in touch with our Ri Masterclass team at masterclasses@ri.ac.uk.

How it works

Teachers running Ri Masterclass series at secondary schools often bring older students in to act as helpers.

University students often help at university-run Ri Masterclass series, or they travel to other local Masterclass venues.

This is a great opportunity for the older students to develop their skills and subject knowledge.

For a more formal project, organisers can opt for the older students – either 16–18 year-olds or at students already at university – to develop and run their own Masterclass sessions.

Find out more

Find out more about our sixth-form-to-primary Ri Masterclass model on our Information for Teachers page, or email our Ri Masterclass team on masterclasses@ri.ac.uk.

How it works

Many of our Ri Masterclass series are run by an organising committee of volunteers. And many of our organising committees are looking for more help.

Joining an organising committee is a great opportunity to find out what is involved in running an Ri Masterclass series before taking the leap to running your own.

Find out more

Find out more about opportunities for joining an Ri Masterclass organising committee by emailing our Ri Masterclass team at masterclasses@ri.ac.uk.

How it works

All Ri Masterclass workshops, both face-to-face and online, need supervisors to oversee them and ensure best safeguarding practise.

This is an ideal role for someone wanting a step up in responsibility from a helper role.

Generally, our Masterclass Supervisors are expected to attend all sessions in a series, although this can sometimes be a shared role.

Masterclass Supervisors should have some experience of safeguarding and working with young people. We provide training for newcomers and refresher sessions to ensure everyone knows how to bring best-practice to their supervisory duties.  

For online sessions, supervisors can be anywhere in the UK – they can join online Ri Masterclasses to supervise the whole session or just a breakout room.

All supervisors must be DBS-checked which can be arranged via the Ri.

Find out more

Find out more about how you can become a Masterclass Supervisor by emailing our Ri Masterclass team at masterclasses@ri.ac.uk