In a virtual masterclass, our year 12 English learners hosted employers from the Bristol University for a masterclass focused on the art of punctuation. Beyond being a mere academic exercise, mastering punctuation is a crucial skill that empowers writers to express themselves with clarity and impact. 

Bristol University, currently ranked 55th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2024, sent representatives to guide our learners through the intricacies of punctuation. 

The session commenced with insights into the unique learning experience offered by Bristol University, providing our learners with a glimpse into the world of higher education. Learners were encouraged to ask questions giving them an invaluable opportunity as they are just steps away from making decisions about their academic futures post-LDE.  

The heart of the masterclass focused on practical exercises designed to enhance punctuation proficiency. Learners were presented with sentences and tasked with discerning the correctly punctuated options. This exercise served as a confidence-building exploration of colons, semi-colons, and commas, offering our learners a practical understanding of these punctuation marks. 

In addition to this, learners engaged in exercises aimed at recognising and avoiding the common pitfall of comma splicing—a grammatical error where two independent clauses are joined by a comma alone. By addressing this challenge head-on, our learners are not only refining their punctuation skills but also fortifying their overall writing prowess. 

Thanks to Bristol University for this enriching session. The knowledge gained will undoubtedly fortify our learners as they approach their GCSE English exams, providing them with the extra SPAG (Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar) marks they need to excel.