The University of Westminster recently welcomed 33 students to its Harrow Campus. This was the first group to take part in the Westminster Creatives Summer School, a non-residential programme developed as part of the Access and Participation Plan (APP), supporting the University’s commitment to improve access to higher education for underrepresented groups.
The programme, held between 21-23 July, targeted Year 10 pupils from a range of backgrounds, including those living in areas of high socio-economic disadvantage and students from Black, Asian and Global Majority communities, alongside other widening access priority groups.
The students took part in three days of interactive workshops and campus tours where they received information and guidance about what it is like to study at university. Students started the day by designing their own name badges as a way to get to know each other and took part in a Welcome to Westminster quiz. They then had the chance to explore the campus through a series of 60-second team challenges, from building Lego towers in the library to strutting down the fashion studios in a mini catwalk. The competitive activities helped friendships form, transforming a quiet group into an energetic one. By the afternoon, students were confidently debating how their transferable skills linked to creative careers.
Over the course of the programme, students developed their practical skills, creativity and confidence through a range of workshops. Anna Steinberg, freelance illustrator and visiting lecturer, led two workshops. The first, Visual Venting, gave students the chance to get creative with bold, expressive illustrations inspired by their own experiences. The second workshop, Observational Drawing, taught students to sharpen their drawing skills through fun, fast-paced sketching challenges.
There was also a Stop Motion Animation workshop, led by Principal Lecturer and Course Leader in Animation BA Honours Stephen Ryley, which allowed students to bring everyday objects to life by creating their own stop-motion films.
A Clay in Motion workshop ran by clay artist Yuki Nakamura gave students the opportunity to experiment with clay to sculpt unique and imaginative creations, while an Animated GIFs session ran by Megan Carnrite, an artist and visiting lecturer, taught students how to make their own animated GIFs in Photoshop, exploring digital creativity and movement. Lastly, at the Dressing Up workshop led by Lecturer in Photography Rakesh Mohindra, students designed fashion-inspired collages using magazine images, textures and patterns.
Inspired by a session on successful exhibitions and degree shows, students culminated their Summer School experience by showcasing their work in London Gallery West through their self-titled exhibition, Shadows of Reality.
On the final day, the students’ parents and carers were welcomed, alongside Creative and Advanced Technologies (CAT) representatives, to a celebration event with certificates, prizes, pizza, temporary Westminster Dragons tattoos and a private view of the exhibition.
Professor Dibyesh Anand, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Global Engagement and Employability at the University, shared his experience to the group of pursuing humanities, against outside pressure. He encouraged the students to follow their hearts and asked their parents and carers to let them. It reminded everyone of the importance these programmes have in empowering students to take ownership of their options.
By providing an inspiring and authentic university experience at an early stage, encouraging students to explore their creativity and ambitions, and ensuring barriers such as travel and catering costs were removed, the Summer School reflects the University’s Being Westminster 2022-29 strategy.
When asked what the most enjoyable thing about the programme was, many students expressed it was building their creativity and confidence. One student said: “Each workshop allowed for creative freedom and a lot of the time, our answers were neither right nor wrong. I loved using different mediums and techniques and watching my art improve.”
Reflecting on their experience, Songhee Han, one of the Student Ambassadors who supported the programme, added: “Even if they don't remember every detail right now, I believe they'll remember that these opportunities exist, know where they can begin exploring in the future, and think of Westminster as one of their options. It felt like we were planting a small seed for their future, and I'm really grateful that I could play a small part in that.”
Louise Izzard, Widening Access Manager at the University, added: “The exhibition looked amazing and the gallery became a representation of the time and effort students had invested in the programme. We all feel delighted and we can’t wait to see how Westminster Creatives grows in the future. Roll on the 2027 cohort!”
The programme directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4: Quality Education and 10: Reduced Inequalities. 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.
Learn more about the Being Westminster 2022-29 strategy at the University of Westminster.
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