St Mary’s Launches E-Mentoring Programme for Local Schools

St Mary’s University College, Twickenham has launched an e-mentoring scheme with two local schools as a way to raise aspirations, awareness and attainment for pupils considering higher education. The pilot scheme was launched in September by St Mary's Widening Participation team and is the first of its kind to be offered in the borough. Run in partnership with nearby Christ’s School in Richmond and Southborough High School in Kingston, more than 50 year 9 and year 12 pupils will be mentored by current St Mary’s students over the coming year, and beyond. The e-mentoring programme is aimed at year 9 pupils who may not be considering higher education as an option for them and has been designed to offer them advice and support with current St Mary’s students. Students from Southborough’s sixth form have welcomed the opportunity to utilise the expertise of University College students aid them in their preparations for higher education. Mr David Sanders, Head of sixth form at Southborough High School, said, “The students showed renewed vigour after their initial meeting with their mentors. They now have another resource to not only assist them, but also support them with their difficult A-Level studies.” The initiative uses a range of on campus visits, one-to-one sessions and online programmes to support and enhance the work that is already taking place in the schools, raising students’ aspirations for the future, and enhancing their current studies. St Mary’s Project Co-ordinator Alasdair Robertson commented, “The e-mentoring scheme enlists the help of current undergraduate students who have been trained to work with pupils, offering help and advice on their education and career options, building confidence and ensuring that pupils see higher education as a viable (achievable) option for their future. “We hope that this project will engage all the students involved so they can reach their full potential.”