On Tuesday, our Girls’ Leadership Group (GLG) participated in an engaging Leadership Day to prepare and enthuse them for their year ahead.

Incoming Head Girl, Tania Chatterjee, reflected on the day: “On Tuesday, we had an engaging day filled with guest speakers and some familiar faces to help prepare the GLG for the year ahead. In the morning, we had the pleasure of having a session with Bedford High School alumna, Bijal Shah (2000), who is a Human Design Lifestyle and Mindset Coach. She gave us some thought-provoking ideas as she talked us through the value of teamwork and centred-leadership - not hierarchical. Bijal emphasised the importance of working as a unit and sharing responsibilities according to our different strengths.

“Bijal also introduced us to the idea of the Eye of the Tiger, which involves inferring meaning by developing the skill of ‘reading between the lines’ and finding people's strengths in order to see their potential, which she expressed is vital in the world of work. Bijal also expressed how we must find time for ourselves because if we are not feeling our best then we cannot do our best. Therefore, to avoid this knock-on effect we must learn the importance of taking care of our wellbeing. We must learn to set boundaries and know our limits so we do not waste our energy by being a people pleaser. It was so interesting to hear her perspective and experience of leadership and collaboration which I’m sure, together, as the GLG we will take on board.

“During the afternoon, we had the privilege to talk to some members of the 2021-22 GLG. It was really nice to hear their insights on their roles and hear their fond memories of their time as the GLG. The session really allowed us to connect to our new roles and we all found it easy to relate to them. It was also very useful to hear about the challenges they faced, how they engaged the younger years as well as how they managed their roles. They also emphasised how the skills they developed have continued to benefit them since leaving BGS. For the rest of the afternoon we had the opportunity to brainstorm our campaign initiative and come up with ideas for events which were quite successful.

“I really appreciated this insightful and motivational day. I’m sure as the GLG we will reflect on it and use it to inspire us to do the best job we can across the coming year.”