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Institute of Continuing Education (ICE)

 
Madingley Hall

As part of its commitment to lifelong learning, the Institute of Continuing Education offers a diverse range of weekend-long residential courses in the grand setting of Madingley Hall and Gardens. Running throughout the academic year, the popular courses are designed for all audiences to engage passions old and new and are led by some of the university’s finest academics.

But what’s it like to be a short-course student? Two learners studying Feminism and Fantasy by Virginia Woolf, with lead tutor Dr Claire Nicholson, kept a diary of their weekend for Inside ICE.

Anne, retired hospital doctor ICE student Anne

"I’ve always loved reading, but my girls’ grammar school discouraged science students from studying English literature beyond age 13. In retirement, I joined reading groups and realised that a good tutor makes a huge difference to my experience. I enjoyed my previous ICE residential courses enormously. I chose this one because I admire Woolf’s essays but struggle with her fiction. I was intrigued to see whether the course could expand my appreciation of Orlando.

Friday

The evening introductory session (after an excellent dinner) gives us a chance to get to know one another in a relaxed context. Dr Nicholson is an experienced and lively tutor with real command of her subject, and the group is small and friendly. There’s an interesting selection of relevant books from Dr Nicholson’s library, which I enjoy browsing over the next two days.

Saturday

We have four classroom sessions interspersed with coffee and meal breaks (great flapjacks!) and some free time in the afternoon to walk in the gardens or watch a film of Orlando. I opt for the latter and enjoy discussing the merits of film and text. Dinner is delicious!

Sunday

We watch the remainder of the film – scheduled this way at the group’s request – and have two further seminars in which we discuss Woolf’s feminism, the historical context in which she was writing and the ongoing influence of her feminist texts.

The varied ages and backgrounds of course participants is enriching – everyone comes with a slightly different agenda. I’ve loved being back at beautiful Madingley Hall. To be in a group with fellow enthusiasts, led by an expert, is the most enjoyable learning environment imaginable. And the breakfasts are marvellous!"

Connor, English Literature student 

"What initially appealed to me about this course was that it assumed no previous knowledge but offered the opportunity to learn more if desired. And the compact schedule allowed me to complete it during my university’s reading week.

Friday

I’m struck by Madingley Hall’s lavish gardens and architecture – plenty of indoor and outdoor space, making for a comfortable and relaxed setting. The dinner gives students time to discover each other’s motivations, which makes me appreciate the diverse range of backgrounds. Hearing their different perspectives provides insight I may have otherwise missed. The evening lecture provides a good foundation of historical context.

Saturday

Lively discussions, engaging talks and detailed readings produce wideranging views of the texts. We listen to radio recordings of Woolf and watch a film adaptation, enabling me to discover the text’s modern-day resonance. Dr Nicholson is extremely knowledgeable and guides students through the material. The three meals provide the perfect opportunity to consolidate knowledge in a more informal environment.

Sunday

The final day maintains the intensity of learning and allows for considered and open discussions. The resources brought to the study space also mean that, during breaks, students can further research any areas of interest. The final meal lives up to the high standards of the rest and is a fitting conclusion to a highly informative and interactive course, which reinforces my passion for Woolf’s works and leaves me wanting to research more.

ICE’s in-person, residential course provided high-quality content in an inspiring setting. The busy schedule meant that the weekend was highly productive, and exploring Madingley Hall’s grounds during free time made me appreciate the experience all the more."

Learn more

Find out more about residential weekend courses at ICE.

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This article was originally published in the Lent - Easter 2022 issue of Inside ICE. 

 

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