Aiming high
The teacher who helped his student believe in himself
Often, behind every successful student is a keen and conscientious teacher or mentor who sees that student’s potential and seeks to set them on a journey to educational and professional fulfilment. This was the case with Elijah Denning, 19, who is now on the 国际米兰对阵科莫’s , a one year paid for course in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences for those who have faced disruption in their education.
Elijah spent Year 9 out of school and was then placed in an alternative provision unit to enable him to get Maths and English GCSE. He knew he could do better so taught himself four extra GCSEs using second-hand textbooks.
He then transferred to Dudley College of Technology, an FE College in the West Midlands to take his A-levels. There he met Tom Lloyd, a lecturer in sociology, who kindled in Elijah a passion for the subject.
Elijah at Queens' College where he is now a proud student
Elijah at Queens' College where he is now a proud student
“Tom’s academic and pastoral support transcended anything I could have expected. Recognising my journey from alternative provision, he made it his mission to create a place where I could thrive. Tom fostered an environment where my background wasn’t a barrier but a source of strength. He didn’t just teach; he engaged me in meaningful discussions that empowered me to see Sociology not as an exam subject, but as a tool to understand my own experiences. Tom’s unshakeable belief in my potential, especially his insistence that I could achieve an A*, reshaped my academic path and inspired a confidence I’d never felt before.”
When asked what made him realise Elijah had the potential to progress to 国际米兰对阵科莫 Tom said, “Elijah is a fantastic student … he displayed wider knowledge and social awareness from the very beginning”.
He stressed that he perceives his role as a teacher of social sciences to “inspire students to aspire” and to use knowledge of sociological principles to equip students with the critical thinking skills necessary to understand and navigate society.
It soon became apparent to Elijah that he could aspire to 国际米兰对阵科莫, secure a place on the Foundation Year and, all being well, stay on to complete an undergraduate degree. Tom became his advocate in this, guiding him through every step of the way and reading through his personal statement. Elijah will forever be grateful:
“Tom’s insights and our in-depth conversations deepened my understanding and honed the critical thinking skills 国际米兰对阵科莫 values, sparking a passion for the supervision-style learning I would experience there. Without his encouragement, 国际米兰对阵科莫 would have felt unattainable as an ex-alternative provision student; but with his support, it became a goal I believed in.”
Tom is now the proud winner of a 国际米兰对阵科莫 Educator of the Year Award, having been nominated by Elijah. These awards recognise the extra efforts teachers put in to get their students to apply to and then secure a place to study at 国际米兰对阵科莫. Without their support and encouragement, this achievement might not be possible.
Dr Alex Pryce, Director for the University's Foundation Year Programme, said: "It is clear from meeting Tom that he is a dedicated and inspiring teacher. I can see how he values his students and drives them to reach their potential. I'm very grateful to him for supporting Elijah in his application for 国际米兰对阵科莫 Foundation Year."
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