During the spring and summer terms 2026, FutureMe staff welcomed Year 10 students from a variety of schools across the North East to our Masterclass events. Partner universities all hosted a Masterclass, alongside some of our FE colleges, providing an insight into a range of specific subject areas. We hosted a total of 13 Masterclasses, attended by approximately 400 students.
The Roles of a Nurse
At Sunderland University, Year 10 students joined us for a day called ‘The Roles of a Nurse’. This consisted of 3 sessions where Year 10 students gained hands on experience in mock wards with patient simulations.
One of the sessions was a facility tour, where students could see the resources that would be available to them if they pursued a degree in Nursing or similar. Then, a session on ‘Nursing Roles and the Human Body’, pictured above, showcased the different areas of Nursing that it’s possible to go into. Finally, an ‘Observations in Nursing’ session allowed students to practise measuring, monitoring and charting in the mock wards, pictured below.
‘Very well organised and excellent communication from FutureMe (as always!) Ambassadors were personable and professional. Interactive sessions and staff were brilliant. Students were engaged throughout the afternoon and have had a fab insight to nursing at uni.’ – Teacher from St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy.
Mathsways
The ‘Mathsways’ masterclass at Northumbria University showcased the possible careers available when studying Maths, allowing students to look at it as a career and not just a subject. The day began with a ‘Careers in Maths and Opportunities in Higher Education’ session which opened students’ minds to the endless opportunities that Maths can offer.
Students then got a faculty tour of the resources available at Northumbria University, which simultaneously gave a real insight into what higher education could be like, with one student commenting: ‘I love love loved it! It gave me a true insight into how I would cope and manage in higher education – I would 100% love it! Thank you.’
How Science Saves Lives
At Teesside University, we hosted a ‘How Science Saves Lives’ Masterclass, which emphasised the importance of science and how rewarding a career in it can be! The day started with an ‘Introduction to Life Sciences’ session, as pictured below, to expand students’ perspectives on science prior to the workshops.
The students then gained practical experience in the labs at Teesside University, where they had Microbiology and Pharmaceutical Science workshops. This gave them a real insight into life as a science student and allowed them to see which aspects of science they have an interest in.
Beliefs Unboxed
At Durham University, students joined us for a day called ‘Beliefs Unboxed,’ where they gained further understanding of subjects they could study relating to beliefs. The day started with an introduction to Theology and Religion, followed by a ‘Why Believe? God and Philosophy’ lecture. This allowed students to look into beliefs beyond religious studies as they know it at school.
They then had a tour of Durham castle as shown below, where students also gained some experience of what student life could be like if they studied in Durham by walking to and from the castle to the university.
To conclude, our regional Masterclasses provided Year 10 students with a valuable opportunity to explore higher education institutions across the North East. Through engaging activities, campus experiences and conversations with current staff/students, pupils gained a greater understanding of university life, future study options and pathways available to them. The events inspired students to think positively about their future aspirations and the opportunities that higher education can offer.
