Westminster students and colleagues inspire A-level students at first event in Quintin Hogg Trust-funded mentoring project

On 22 November, Westminster welcomed the students to the University’s newly refurbished classrooms at its Little Titchfield Street site. The event was the first in a new collaborative Sociology project between the school and the University.

The CGA students first attended a lecture on the sociology of religion given by Dr Adam Eldridge, Senior Lecturer in Sociology. This was followed by a special session run by Dr Naomi Rudoe, another Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University, and seven University of Westminster Sociology students who are working on the project as mentors. Dr Rudoe spoke about studying on the Sociology BA Honours and Sociology and Criminology BA Honours courses at Westminster, and four of the mentors talked about their experiences as students and gave advice to the Year 12 guests.

After this session there was a mentoring lunch, during which the seven mentors chatted with the CGA students in small groups and answered any questions they had. Dr Ben Pitcher, Reader in Sociology, then brought the event to a close with a workshop on social media, culture and society.

CGA Lead Teacher of KS5 Sociology Sukaria Begum said: “We had a fantastic time and I know the students really valued the experience. Your students were so brilliant and you must be so proud. They handled their mentor role with so much maturity and enthusiasm. It is so clear that they will go on to do amazing things. I was especially in awe of the dynamics of the heartwarming relationships between your students and their lecturers. They are really lucky to have you all. You offer such an amazing course at the University of Westminster and it certainly tempted me to go back to university!  So, I can only imagine how inspired our students felt.”

Project organiser Dr Rudoe said: “This was an exciting event that gave our students an opportunity to shine and expand their skillset beyond the taught curriculum. They gave invaluable advice to the CGA students about taking advantage of all the opportunities at university and breaking the glass ceiling as agentic young women. They were outstanding ambassadors for the University.”

Sociology BA Honours student Raquel Taju commented: “This was a lovely experience and I learned from the Year 12 students as well. It was a mutual exchange of experiences and laughs.”

Sociology and Criminology BA Honours student Jasmen Khanom added: “Mentoring the students was a rewarding experience, allowing me to inspire young women to be ambitious and seize opportunities. It felt like a big sister moment as I shared advice and reflected on things I wish I had done at their age.”

Another Sociology BA Honours student Rani Phillips said: “It was fantastic to be able to talk about the opportunities I’ve been given at Westminster and help the students figure out what paths they may want to take in the future. We had a great time, and I can’t wait to continue with the project further!”

The project will conclude in June 2025 when Dr Rudoe and the University of Westminster student mentors visit CGA to run two workshops and take part in another mentoring lunch.

This project directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.  

Find out more studying Sociology and Criminology at the University of Westminster.