P7 pupils given an insight into the future thanks to GCU event

Two Student Mentors have reflected on their involvement in a three-day event aimed at building Primary 7 pupils' meta-skills and introducing them to a variety of future career options.

The P7 Escape Room Project saw the university’s city centre campus transform into a land of puzzles and mystery as pupils were set different tasks related to subjects taught across GCU’s academic schools.

Leah Canning and Rana Imran found themselves at the heart of the action as they helped make the event, which was held in May, a massive success. We sat down with them to hear all about their experience and to find out a bit more about their overall role as Students Mentors.

Tell me about the idea behind the event?

Rana: “We basically used the campus and had escape rooms going from one building to another. Every room we used was a different theme, everything from computing to cyber attacks – it was all really exciting!

“The whole idea was for the pupils to develop their meta-skills, which are being recognised as a foundation for developing technical and transferable skills. These are important for current jobs but also for jobs of the future, and can fit into different categories like self-management (e.g. focusing), social intelligence (e.g. communication) and innovation (e.g. creativity).”

Leah: “There were four or five different Glasgow schools involved across the three days. We met the kids as they came onto campus and took them to the main room for the day. Irena Coubrough from GCU’s Outreach team then told them about what they would do and explained meta-skills to them. It was really helpful for them to see the idea behind it before actually going and getting involved.”

“One of the rooms was focused on business, one involved them cracking cyber security codes. One also focused on the different health programmes on offer at GCU, with the pupils having to solve a werewolf disease.”

What was your role and how did everything go across the three days?

Rana: “As a mentor we helped the kids around campus, explained the tasks, and were also there to provide a bit of support if they were stuck. Trust me though, these kids were really smart! They really didn’t need us.

“The groups I worked with absolutely loved it. I focused a lot on the teamwork aspect and the fact that they were competing against other schools to win. A lot of the kids didn’t know the likes of cyber security was even something they could study at university, so I think it definitely opened their eyes to the possibilities out there.”

Leah: “You could tell the kids enjoyed it. They were really talkative and you could see them come out their shells. You could also tell some of them were tired by the end of it all, which was completely understandable!”

How much did you enjoy getting the chance to be involved?

Leah: “I actually loved it. It was quite nice to work with the younger kids because I normally work with high school pupils or college students in my role as a Student Mentor. It felt really rewarding to be involved and get to see them properly engaging with everything on offer.”

Rana: “I think it really benefitted us as Student Mentors. I felt very aware of how I was behaving around the kids and the impact that could have on their enjoyment. You have to be at their levels at all times and it teaches you a lot about how to deal with young people, which can only be of benefit.”

It sounds like you both got a lot from the event! What was it that made you initially decide to become a mentor and how has the role benefitted you?

Leah: “I didn’t actually know the role existed until the end of my first year at GCU. I come from a disadvantaged background and I think it was a good way for me to give something back and help these kids realise that they are not alone and GCU is here for them.

“It’s a role that has really nurtured me. The employability side is a massive bonus as well because working with younger people is hugely beneficial.”

Rana: “I also didn’t know being a Student Mentor was an option until the end of first year. I then saw an advertisement for it and haven’t looked back. I genuinely have enjoyed every aspect of it, and it’s an added bonus that it really benefits my CV as well.

“I do feel I’ve benefitted from the opportunity to work with different people. I find it fascinating to see how high school kids react to what I do in comparison to P7 kids – it's  definitely a psychological boost for me.”

Find out more about the role of Student Mentors here

By Ross Clark
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or message me on Twitter