In 2023/24 academic year, the Ri Masterclass team and our partners across the UK delivered 125 Masterclass series, running around 630 Masterclass workshops for over 4,500 students, with great feedback from across the network. We also ran 40 training sessions run for sixth formers and older secondary students to develop and deliver Masterclasses for Primary pupils, with additional of trainings and 1-1 support sessions for undergraduates, postgraduates, academics and professionals across the UK. As always, we are very grateful to all who contributed, giving up their time and resources to make these Masterclasses special.
In the past year we've successfully trailed a new Hub model for masterclass series involved in the Sixth-Form-to-Primary project and have been working on our templates, guidance and evaluation model - see below for updates, with more to come throughout 24/25. We've started working with PhD interns who have been busy working on a variety of projects within the Masterclass team - see a summary of the 2023/24 series feedback, and watch out for new Secondary Maths Off the Shelf Masterclasses in 2025!
Consent forms:
We have updated the consent forms and to ensure consistency across the programme; please see the updated files below. You'll notice that we now have versions for 'accompanied' and 'unaccompanied' series rather than primary and secondary; accompanied series are where teachers/adults from participating schools bring a group of their students and remain with them throughout, retaining the pastoral care of those students.
Electronic Recruitment:
Electronic recruitment forms for schools, students and volunteer helpers are available for all series types, on both MS Forms and Google Forms. See below for an example - we will create specific versions for your series, enabling you to edit and giving you access to the data collected. Please ask your Masterclass coordinator.
Evaluation templates:
We have been working with a number of you to trial pre- and post-series feedback forms, and are excited to launch our new evaluation templates. These should make it easier to collect data on the impact of Masterclasses from across the network, and will allow us to share the national picture with you for you to use with your own supporters. You can use 'paper' or electronic forms; the post-series form collects data on your series specifically, so we'll set up specific online forms for you if you would like to use the electronic versions, Please see the templates below!
End-of-series reporting:
We have revamped our report forms to make things easier and more streamlined. The report form is now online, with the ability to upload your programme, adult registers, participating student/school details and any feedback directly. You’ll get a personalized link for your series, and can see an example below in the meantime.
Policies and Organiser Handbooks:
The following Ri policies, procedures and Masterclass Organiser Handbooks have been updated for 2024/25 - please make sure you’re aware of the most recent versions:
Contributor resources:
We have revamped our information for speakers and helpers and put it together in a new format, with key safeguarding info for them. This has both digital and print-and-fold versions and have also been shared on the Masterclass Contributors Webpage. Please do share them with you helpers, speakers and supervisors and make them available at your Masterclass sessions!
Supervisor training:
We recently ran a training for those taking any kind of supervisory role during Masterclasses (face-face or online, including for breakout room supervisors) – please let us know if you would like access to the recording or to share this with your wider contributors (we will need an email address to grant access).
Don't forget that we can run speaker training to support new speakers for your series, and taster sessions to help you recruit more volunteers - just ask us!