Mrs Cruse (Head of Years 7 and 8)

As part of the transition programme into Year 7, the tutors really wanted to get to know each of their students and to learn about what motivates them, their passions and who inspires them.

Before beginning their Senior School journey, they were tasked to think about who has inspired them to follow their dreams or interests and why. The students considered whether they were interested in science and technology, sport, art and design, or the humanities and politics. From this, they were given a list of names of inspirational women to independently research.

The students have produced some really incredible pieces of work, which will challenge the students to think about what they want to be and why and show them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

The range of inspirational women researched by the students has been incredible to read about. Some wrote about their mum’s, others were inspired by athletes that have competed at the Olympics, including the likes of Laura Kenny who is the most successful female athlete in Olympic History and Sky Brown, the 13-year-old skateboarding bronze medallist. Whilst others felt their inspiration from Jane Goodall and Rosa Parks. As you walk through the Senior School, you will notice the beautiful displays – we hope you take time to read their work and reflect upon what these truly inspirational women have achieved, as they stepped out of their comfort zone to reach for their dreams.

Kabinaya Kiritharan (Year 7) said: “I think my favourite part of researching about the pioneering women was finding out how much they helped change and shaped our world. They have made me think about how many privileges I have as a Sri Lankan girl that some Sri Lankan girls or girls of colour did not have.

“I am also so inspired to do things that girls couldn’t do back then like certain jobs. The likes of Florence Nightingale and Marie Curie have made me want to pursue a STEM related career, like becoming an engineer.”

View photos of the displays here.