Subject taster workshops

This session is an opportunity for students to experiment with mark making to produce biro or pencil drawings within creative restrictions, such as drawing without seeing or within a set time limit. Instead of representation, students are encouraged to focus on the added restriction to test new ways of creating. When working abstractly, it can be helpful to find inspiration from alternative sources, music is a great example of this. In this workshop students will respond to popular music whilst working within these challenging restrictions. This is an exciting opportunity for students to learn and develop new skills to provide a taster into studying Fine Art at a higher level whilst gaining an introduction to potential career paths within this field.

Please note this workshop can only be delivered in-person.

How much of our life do we share? Artists, filmmakers and designers become famous for telling the world their life
stories. But why do they feel the need to do this? And why does an audience find it so captivating? This academic session is an opportunity to think critically about what autobiographical art is and what it could be. Expect students to engage in interactive activities where they can share their stories just like the artists do. Importantly, their opinions will matter, as we debate the unanswerable questions of the art world. By mirroring a university seminar and crit, this session will develop students' critical thinking skills, giving a taster for higher educational study.

This session will involve critically examining how artists have depicted the impacts of the climate crisis or made statements about the environment. Through visual analysis, group discussions, and interactive activities, students will examine key artworks that address nature, industrialisation, and ecological crises. From looking at paintings such as Rain, Steam and Speed, by J.M.W Turner, to the installation Weather Project, by Olafur Eliasson, students will compare artworks and art movements from before, during and after the industrial revolution. Students will discuss the formal elements of artworks, their cultural context and relevance today. The session will introduce key art history terminology and allow students to think critically about art. Through an investigation of material process and visual language, students will be able to independently create judgments about artworks.

Who would this session suit best?

This session is aimed to be a subject taster for History of Art at Undergraduate Level. It is primarily aimed at Key Stage 5 pupils studying A Level Art, Design or History of Art. Prior knowledge of the artworks discussed is not necessary, but a basic understanding of art historical movements, as well as analytical skills would be helpful.

Sustainable fashion workshop covering topics on the fashion and textile industry, sustainable fashion, where our clothes come from and where our clothes go. This workshop is designed to increase awareness in students on broader topics of sustainability to those taught at school giving students a hands-on experience into key issues in the textile industry. After an introduction to the fashion industry and issues surrounding sustainability within the industry have been addressed students will be asked to critically evaluate the sustainability plans of major fashion retailers and design their own environmentally conscious business model for a company in the fashion industry.  

Ever wondered how clothing retailers measure how long their products are going to last? This session will teach you all about garment durability from the wear and tear of our clothes and how to test it, to the emotional connection we have with certain pieces in our wardrobe and why this is so important for sustainability.  

How we treat our clothes and connections we form are vital for a more sustainable future, we’ll reflect on this and what you can do going forward to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.  

You will also learn about what happens in the testing stage of garment development. We will cover the equipment used to test fabrics, seams, and whole garments to ensure they are fit for purpose. You will even have a go at figuring out what tests would be best for different garment types.  

The world of fashion has many different dimensions, it is more than just designing a beautiful garment. Within this session the students will have an insight into the life of a fabric technologist in the fashion industry. Along with this, there are many different roles needed to create a viable product, an overview of what these are will be discussed such as the commonly known Fashion Designer as well as Trim Developers, Corporate Social Responsibility Leads and Garment Technologists.

After discussing the different career opportunities within a fashion brand, the students can have a go themselves through in an interactive task, Creating a T-shirt. Students will design a t-shirt following a brief and select all the materials needed to make the product while considering manufacturing, cost, and sustainability factors (this session does not involve making t-shirts with fabric etc, only designing on paper).

This workshop takes students through a trip to Delphi. After an atmospheric description of the religious experience of the Oracle, students will be introduced to the history of the site and its significance. The workshop includes an introduction to some of the epigraphy of Delphi, comparing our literary sources with the inscriptions and practicing source analysis skills. Finally, we will debate different understandings of what the Oracle was and how we might understand its functions in ancient society. This workshop covers material in the OCR classical civilization A-level syllabus particularly Greek Religion. Students will become familiar with Delphi, including the Temple of Apollo, the Theatre, the Sacred Way, the Stadium, as well as consider the personal experience of the divine in ancient Greece. This workshop is particularly appropriate for A-level students, but no previous knowledge of the subject is required. 

In this workshop we re-enact an ancient trial, exploring the experience of ancient democracy and theories of justice on the way. Participants will take on the roles of prosecutor, defendant and jury, leaving with a good working knowledge of 5th century Athenian politics, especially its legal system. This will complement work within the OCR classical civilization and ancient history A-level and GCSE modules on Athenian democracy. This workshop is appropriate for all ages and no previous knowledge is required.  Students in Law, History, Classics, and Sociology have all found the discussion useful, and we have worked with students from KS3 to undergraduate level.

This workshop involves learning the story of Theseus of Athens, and how this myth connects with the real history of the region. Participants investigate the sources of the myth, gaining experience in source criticism and comparative literature. The workshop aims to provide some background history for potential undergraduates, and is designed for A-level students considering history, classics, literature or any humanities subject.

Have you ever wondered how the media shapes our perception of high-profile trials, or how courtroom language influences a jury's decision? In this workshop, we'll dive into the language used in the Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard trial, one of the most publicised legal battles in recent history. Using newspaper headlines and courtroom transcripts, you’ll analyse how language is used to represent social actors and influence audiences.

Through group activities, close readings, and class discussions, you'll explore how headlines can sway public opinion and the strategic use of language in courtroom opening statements to persuade juries.

This session will not only sharpen your critical analysis skills but also give you insight into how language is used to persuade, influence, and inform – skills that are valuable within media, journalism, the legal setting, academic writing, and beyond!

Please note the Education Outreach Fellow who delivers this workshop is based near Liverpool, therefore we'll welcome requests from schools within 2hrs of Liverpool by public transport. The session can also be offered online.

In this interactive workshop, students will engage with ideas around authorship and storytelling, using the lyrics of Taylor Swift. We will focus on one Taylor Swift song (age-dependent) throughout the workshop, discussing consistent tropes and devices Swift uses in her storytelling to build up a view of her authorship and style.  

Students will benefit from the accessibility of the topic, likely already having some prior knowledge and opinion. They will gain experience in grounding analysis in context through discussion of Swift’s fame, debating to what extent she (as author) impacts the narrative of her songs. We will use feminist critique as a lens through which to view Swift’s music and frame our analysis. 

This session showcases a different side of studying English: popular music lyrics as literature. Students will leave having gained understanding of the vast scope of English Studies. 

This session is aimed for those studying The Handmaid's Tale at A-level.

In this session, students will analyse themes of pregnancy and surrogacy in The Handmaid’s Tale from a contemporary perspective, learning how we can apply current events and knowledge to speculative fiction through retroactive readings. We will discuss how pregnancy is perceived in the novel, and compare this to the current state of reproductive rights in the US, including the repeal of Roe v Wade which makes abortion illegal in some states, and the rise of celebrities using surrogacy. Students will engage in university seminar-style debate and discussion, and will learn and apply appropriate feminist theory to strengthen their arguments.

Students will be able to directly apply the knowledge and skills they gain from this session to their A-Level English Literature studies.

This session practices close reading and critical analysis through a postcolonial lens. Students will be encouraged to reflect on the harmful legacy of British colonialism and consider how it is manifested in a local context. This session will break down key terminology where appropriate and apply these to an extract from the text, supported by group discussions and group activities.
Jamaica Kincaid’s A Small Place is a piece of creative non-fiction, which will allow students to extend their existing skills by analysing a different form and style of literature.
This workshop seeks to expand the student’s perception of what studying (English) Literature can offer, how they might consider texts which are more diverse in authorship and with the view of encouraging students to unlock literature’s interdisciplinary potential.

The Black Diaspora refers to the dispersal of people of African descent across the globe. Beginning in the late-nineteenth century, Black people increasingly turned to life writing to (re)insert their experiences into the historical record. This session aims to expose students to a different type of history which disrupts dominant historical narratives. It does so by introducing them to a range of written and visual sources which come from the life writing efforts of Black people from across the world during the twentieth century, including the UK, USA, and Brazil. In studying the experiences of various Black people from across the diaspora, students will have the opportunity to not only immerse themselves in a fun and interactive session on Black history as written by Black people, but also develop their skills as historians as they analyse sources, discuss source reliability, and contextualise histories of marginalised individuals within broader historical frameworks.

Who would this session suit best?

Session would suit all secondary school students with minor adaptations made to the session format/content depending on Key Stage.

Please note this session can be booked from after February half-term.

Session does not require prior knowledge but some previous study of History (even if only in KS3) would be beneficial albeit not necessary.

Did you know that History is one of the most sought-after degrees by graduate employers? Through interactive activities, students will explore the diverse career opportunities available to History graduates in law, history, business, journalism and many other sectors. They will learn about the range of transferrable skills you can develop by studying History. Students will also hear about the variety of history courses at the University of Leeds. This is an opportunity to speak to a History graduate, ask questions and hear first-hand how a History degree can give you an advantage in a competitive graduate job market.

This talk is ideal for KS4-5 students to help them understand the value of a History degree. 

From miniskirts to Beatlemania, 1960s Britain has a ‘swinging’ reputation. Historians and the public alike often remember the decade as a time of increasing freedoms and hedonism, especially concerning youth culture, music, fashion, drugs, alcohol, and sexualities. Using the sixties as a site to explore key historical concepts of 'revisionism' and 'historiography' and with activities including a primary source analysis and debate, this session showcases the techniques you would develop studying history at university level. By the end of the session, students will have interrogated stereotypes, questioned our preconceptions, and determined just how deserving the sixties is of its 'swinging' reputation!

Who would this session suit best?

This session is targeted at KS5 due to more adult themes. No prior knowledge of the 1960s necessary, although some awareness of stereotypes of the decade would be helpful. The session could be adapted to KS4 with some content changes.

What is learning history like at university? This interactive workshop, run like an undergraduate seminar, encourages students to consider how different perspectives on the past can affect what history is written and what history they learn.

It introduces students to the concept of historiography - the history of the history - through a combination of discussion and source work. The key objective is, quite simply, to understand how different approaches to writing history has consequences for how events are remembered.

As a case study, the workshop focuses on the trend in military history away from more traditional narratives of battles, campaigns, or tactics, towards the newer "war studies" (looking at what motivates people to fight, personal experiences, and the impact of conflict on people and a society).

By the end of the session, students will have learned why who is writing the story matters, as they look at different personal and national perspectives on the Battle of Waterloo!

This workshop will be suitable for students key stage 4/5. Live in-person or live online.

This session utilises physical objects and materials to explain the challenges faced by those on campaign with an army. This includes a practical look at clothing, accoutrements, and weaponry (if suitable) to help students understand the choices made by both governments and soldiers about operational equipment. The session also considers the experiences of those living adjacent to the army - traders, soldiers' families, and the women who found work supplying military units. Students will be asked to critically evaluate the benefits and challenges of decisions made regarding logistics at a number of levels, and how these impacted the lives of those serving in and around armies during the eighteenth century.

This workshop will be suitable for students key stage 4/5. Live in-person or live online.

Struggling to decide what to study at university?! This workshop will provide your students with a taster of studying TWO subjects at the University of Leeds, German AND History!! It can be adapted to any Key Stage and is suitable for students with no prior knowledge of German or History.   In this interactive session, students will explore the key interpretations of the period 1914-1945, which saw significant changes in German society. Beginning with the First World War, students will consider the extent of social mobilization and implications of ‘total warfare’ as citizens grappled with the effects of violence, economic blockade, and political turmoil. They will then question the duality of the Weimar period, as one of both dynamic cultural creativity and one of conflict and depression which laid the foundations for the rise of National Socialism, the Second World War, and the Holocaust. By the end of the session, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of early 20^th century German history, forming their own interpretations of events through critical engagement with primary sources.

**German Teachers - German sources can be added to this workshop for your German students if you wish to support with their reading skills**

Josephine Baker was an inspirational Black woman who broke barriers as a performer, resistance fighter, and civil rights activist. Her remarkable life and contributions to race, gender, and cultural struggles deserve to be widely recognised. This session aims to introduce Baker to a younger audience, casting light on a powerful and inspiring story that challenges dominant narratives which often overlook women like her.
Through her extraordinary career, activism, and her induction into the Panthéon, Baker’s story is not only a celebration of her legacy but also an opportunity to connect with French culture and history. This interactive session combines language learning with historical exploration, offering students the chance to enhance their written and verbal skills as well as their source analysis skills, whilst engaging with a diverse and globally significant figure. Importantly, it showcases a more inclusive perspective on history and culture that students can explore further at university.

Eva Perón was an iconic figure who championed social justice and women's rights as the First Lady of Argentina. Her extraordinary contributions to labour rights, political advocacy, and the empowerment of the underprivileged have cemented her legacy as one of the most influential women in history. This session aims to introduce Perón to A-Level students, shedding light on a compelling story that challenges dominant narratives by highlighting the role of women in shaping 20th-century political and social movements.
Through her groundbreaking work with the descamisados (the working class) and her advocacy for women’s suffrage, Eva’s life offers a profound lens into Argentine history and culture. This interactive session blends historical exploration with language learning, allowing students to refine their written and verbal skills while engaging with a figure of global importance. Importantly, it encourages a more inclusive approach to studying history, showcasing a perspective that students can delve into further at university.

In today’s interconnected world, understanding and communicating across cultures is more important than ever. This interactive session will introduce students to the fascinating field of intercultural communication, exploring how languages and interpreting play a vital role in breaking barriers, fostering empathy, and building connections.

Through engaging discussion and cultural exploration games, students will explore how learning languages goes beyond words—it opens doors to new cultures and perspectives. They’ll also discover the crucial role of interpreting and translation as advanced tools for bridging gaps when language and cultural understanding are limited.

The session concludes with an inspiring look at career paths in language studies, interpreting, and translation, revealing how these fields shape diplomacy, international relations and business, and more.

This session is ideal for KS3/4 students and, as no specific language is required, can be delivered to pupils studying different languages.

Struggling to decide what to study at university?! This workshop will provide your students with a taster of studying TWO subjects at the University of Leeds, German AND History!! It can be adapted to any Key Stage and is suitable for students with no prior knowledge of German or History.   In this interactive session, students will explore the key interpretations of the period 1914-1945, which saw significant changes in German society. Beginning with the First World War, students will consider the extent of social mobilization and implications of ‘total warfare’ as citizens grappled with the effects of violence, economic blockade, and political turmoil. They will then question the duality of the Weimar period, as one of both dynamic cultural creativity and one of conflict and depression which laid the foundations for the rise of National Socialism, the Second World War, and the Holocaust. By the end of the session, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of early 20^th century German history, forming their own interpretations of events through critical engagement with primary sources.

**German Teachers - German sources can be added to this workshop for your German students if you wish to support with their reading skills**

This German Intermediate session is aimed at GCSE students who have some previous experience with German who might be interested in studying German at A-Level or university. This session will encourage students to use their speaking and reading skills, introducing them to German Festivals and Folk Tales, as well as discussing opportunities for language learning at University level.

Let's get your students EXCITED about studying languages! Our beginner language taster workshops showcase some of the beginner languages taught at the University of Leeds and introduce your students to a language subject they may not have studied before. The workshops are interactive, they have been designed to spark your students' interest and we hope will encourage the uptake of languages through school, college and onto Higher Education. All sessions can be adapted to suit the age group of your students and your school timetable.

How do languages sound? Why do we sound different from each other? How do languages vary and change?

These all are questions a linguist might ask. Find out answers to these questions and explore many more issues thanks to this Introduction to Linguistics. This session starts by defining 'what is a linguist', explains what language is and offers an enquiry into multiple areas of study in linguistics. Delivered by Linguistics academics from the School of Languages, Culture and Societies, this introduction is ideal for English Language and Languages students.

What does it take to launch a global pop band? In this session, students will get to take on the role of promoters and managers to design a pop band to navigate the risks and opportunities of the increasingly global, internet-mediated creative industries. Using examples from around the world, this taster workshop will encourage students to think about the intersection of business and creativity. It serves as a short introduction to the BA Global Creative Industries course in the School of Performance and Cultural Industries.  

Who would this session suit best?

This is an interdisciplinary session that would suit students with interests in, or who are studying English language and literature, business, music, performance, and digital technologies.

This session will explore the problem of Moral Luck within the subfield of Moral Philosophy (linked with the AQA Specification). Students will be given the opportunity to develop their analytical reading, critical analysis, and debating skills under the supervision of a Postgraduate Researcher (with QTS) who specialises in the area.

Students will discuss and analyse their understanding of responsibility, blameworthiness, praiseworthiness, and control. In this process, they will uncover a seeming contradiction which threatens to destroy morality as we know it.

Students will then be encouraged to develop their own views on the topic as well having the opportunity to read and discuss some academic philosophy (with no prior experience assumed).

This session will be beneficial to curious students who are open to new ideas and interested in thinking more deeply about their own beliefs. Further, it will be a useful introduction to the problems facing modern moral philosophy.

Who would this session suit best?

No prior knowledge assumed, useful for a wide range of students—both those interested in philosophy for further study and for those with an interest in the concepts of responsibility, blame, praise, and control. 

This session explores the concept of free will and its role in moral responsibility. What does it mean for someone—or something—to act freely? And how does this connect to the way we judge actions as right or wrong? With recent technological advancements, we often describe the behaviour of AI in ways similar to how we talk about human actions. But does this comparison hold up? We will consider whether advanced technologies like robotics could ever meet the criteria for acting freely, and what that would mean for how we morally judge them.

Here, we will also examine whether free will depends on an entity being conscious—and, if so, whether AI could ever meet this condition. Drawing on topics from the A-Level curriculum, students will discuss different philosophical perspectives, such as dualism and materialism, and reflect on the implications of their views on the future of AI.

Who would this session suit best?

This session is designed for Key Stage 4 and 5 students of all abilities. It could serve as an engaging introduction to philosophy, or it could be used to supplement students who are studying the A-Level Philosophy specification. In particular, it provides an alternative perspective on themes related to the philosophy of mind.

This session is an opportunity for students to get an introduction into interacting with scenography elements when staging productions whilst encouraging discussions about how the various contexts impact of the production.

They will also be looking at the differing definitions between theatre, performance and drama.

The workshop will lead students towards pitching in groups a new production of the Tempest with no prior knowledge needed.

This is an exciting opportunity for students to learn and develop new skills and to provide a taster into studying Drama and Theatre at University and to how this differs to other options such as drama school.

In this session we will explore how drama and performance based arts can be used as tools outside of a theatre. Looking at the basics of a community artists toolkit, games, we will explore the ways in which drama is applied in sociological and political applied processes to develop and platform communities.

As we explore the techniques Applied Theatre practitioners use, and the styles and communities they work in, students will be challenged to think beyond the classroom to how they can use the tools and ideas they already have to make meaningful connections, and ultimately art, with the people who need it most.

Who would this session suit best?

This session is designed to work for any student and can be easily adapted to have emphasis on different areas depending on year group. Base session plan is designed with Y10/11 students in mind.

This workshop may be most of interest to students interested in Drama, Social Care, Sociology and Politics.

What does it take to launch a global pop band? In this session, students will get to take on the role of promoters and managers to design a pop band to navigate the risks and opportunities of the increasingly global, internet-mediated creative industries. Using examples from around the world, this taster workshop will encourage students to think about the intersection of business and creativity. It serves as a short introduction to the BA Global Creative Industries course in the School of Performance and Cultural Industries.  

Who would this session suit best?

This is an interdisciplinary session that would suit students with interests in, or who are studying English language and literature, business, music, performance, and digital technologies.