DOME Summer School Returns for a Second Successful Year

Following its first successful year, Murray Edwards once again welcomed a cohort of aspiring language students to its DOME Summer School - a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the Cambridge experience and learn about studying languages at degree level. The subjects showcased were Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic; Asian and Middle Eastern Studies; Classics; History and Modern Languages; Linguistics; Modern and Medieval Languages; and.  

The 2-day summer residential for 16-year-old women and non-binary students had been designed for students that have an interest in studying languages at Cambridge University and was completely free. Attending students chose their academic sessions, according to their interests, with sessions delivered by College Fellows and PhD students. The students attended taster lectures, subject workshops, subject introduction sessions and an admissions talk. As well as the academic side to Cambridge life, they also enjoyed tours of the College buildings and stunning gardens and attended a formal dinner – a particularly special Cambridge experience and one of the university’s more glamourous traditions! 

Students said: 

“It was really wonderful. All the lectures, sessions and staff were brilliant and helpful….it was a fantastic environment." 

“I had such a wonderful time at DOME – I’m now even more excited to study languages in the future!" 

“So helpful and enlightening, would 100% recommend attending!” 

“It was brilliant to find out about so many interesting languages” 

“DOME languages summer school was an incredible experience, meeting new friends and exploring the courses were so interesting” 

The programme kicked off with an introduction to the College and the languages summer school, then hearing from current students about their experiences followed by a relaxing tour of the gardens. Current languages students accompanied them, providing the opportunity to ask questions and learn about language courses – as well as life - at university. They had lunch in the College’s famous dining room, the Dome – from which the course takes its name. 

Several course sessions from Cambridge academics gave the students an authentic taste of what it’s really like to study a language degree – further complimented by a taster lecture. Admissions Director, Stuart Palmer delivered an admissions talk, offering advice about applying to university and the importance of super-curricular study, before students made the most of the lovely warm evening with a formal dinner and time in the college gardens 

The second day gave students the opportunity to delve a bit deeper into their learning in subject and skills-based workshops, before heading to the Sidgwick Site to visit subject departments. Students explored the Museum of Classical Archaeology and MMLL library, and appreciated the introductions and welcome provided by staff there. Students were particularly excited about being able to take home foreign language books from the library’s ‘free book’ shelf. After a picnic lunch on The Backs, students came back to Murray Edwards to conclude the summer school and prepare to head home. 

We hope that they will continue to participate in other DOME languages events throughout the coming academic year, both online and in-person.  

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