A case study – Intergenerational Mentoring

Though sixth year Springburn Academy pupil Jordan Blair wanted to study medicine at university, he didn’t know how to get in – so he made a doctor’s appointment to get advice.  Coincidentally his GP came from a similar working class background and knew the extra barriers faced in breaking into this profession.

It was for teenagers like Jordan, with ability and ambition but no comparable social network that the Strathclyde Mentoring Scheme was designed.  He was paired with Dr Hilary Capell, a retired physician at Glasgow’s Royal Infirmary and also an Honorary Professor of Medicine at the University of Glasgow.  Dr Capell also shared her detailed knowledge of working in the medical profession, studying tips and how to get through the university interviewing process, as well as tutoring Jordan through his English exam.

Jordan, who lives with his grandparents in Milton, said knowing Dr Capell has volunteered her time for him is an extra motivation:  “If it wasn’t for Hilary I wouldn’t have tried as hard for my English higher.”

Dr Capell adds: “I have taught students for a long time but I have never seen anyone try to work towards it so it was very interesting for me.  I also recognised that for some people in some areas of Glasgow there were real challenges.  I think there is a great feeling within many people that they would like to help young people but they don’t know how to direct that help.”

The relationship between the teenager and the retired doctor has continued after the mentoring scheme finished, working on Jordan’s interview technique and on his competitive university entrance exam for the dentistry course he is now pursuing.