University of Westminster visits A-Level students as part of Quintin Hogg Trust-funded mentoring project

Students from the University of Westminster and colleagues visited Clapton Girls Academy (CGA) in London as part of a Quintin Hogg Trust-funded mentoring programme.

Two workshops for Year 12 Sociology and Religious Education students were held, helping them to prepare for further education and future careers.

Kerry Gilfillan, Academic Engagement Learning Developer, Dr Naomi Rudoe, Senior Lecturer on Westminster’s Sociology BA Honours course, and five Westminster students and graduates visited CGA for the workshops and a mentoring lunch. 

The event followed shortly after a previous workshop held at Westminster in November.

The first workshop ask CGA students to consider extracts from academic articles on the impact of social media on adolescents’ mental health. The second considered research methods and asked students to design a research project on school uniforms. The winning team was awarded Amazon gift vouchers.

Project organiser Dr Rudoe comments: “The QHT funding allowed the time and space for Westminster colleagues and students to work together to produce two exciting workshops, as well as eye-catching resources and lunch. The day was much enjoyed by all and we are extremely grateful to the QHT for making this project possible.”

Sociology and Criminology BA Honours alumna Maheera Choudhury adds: “Being a part of the CGA project was such a rewarding experience. It was amazing to watch the students grow in confidence and open up over time. I think we really built a supportive and encouraging little community! One of my favourite parts of mentoring was how much I learned from the students, just as they were learning from us.”