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St Mary’s Cambridge played host to the sixth Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) Girls’ Leadership Development Conference on Wednesday 11 November.
The conference was organised by St Mary’s Cambridge headmistress, Charlotte Avery, in conjunction with the University of Cambridge as the two academic institutions join to celebrate their 400th and 800th anniversaries respectively.
The day incorporated a range of speakers, panel discussions, interactive debates and workshops for 500 girls from GSA and maintained schools in the area.
Speakers included Dr. Mary Archer, Chairman of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Professor Dame Julia Higgins, Principal of the Faculty of Engineering; and Suzanne Doyle-Morris, who launched her new book, ‘Beyond the Boys’ Club: Strategies for Achieving Career Success as a Woman Working in a Male Dominated Field’. The day ended with a closing speech from GSA President Jill Berry.
The theme of the event was ‘transition’, inspiring and supporting girls as they progress from GCSEs to A-Levels and into the sixth-form world, a time when making life-changing decisions such as choosing universities, degrees and careers becomes top of the agenda.
Charlotte Avery, Headmistress at St Mary’s Cambridge, said: “In honour of our 400th anniversary celebrations we felt it was appropriate to celebrate what women are capable of achieving today, across a range of fields of scientific, engineering and entrepreneurial endeavour. To that end, I am thrilled that women of such extraordinary talent have been so generous with their time and experience.
“This event was about celebrating these womens' successes and the potential of our students building transitions and building the future. We are celebrating being women and attending fantastic girls’ schools.”
Jill Berry, Head of Dame Alice Harpur School, Bedford and President of the GSA, said: “This event offered exactly what our girls need to feel inspired and to develop the independence and self-belief to grow into strong, successful women. As leaders in education, it is our duty to ensure we educate and nurture our girls to succeed in life beyond the classroom, which is what makes these events so important.”
The event was held at the West Road Concert Hall with around 400 people attending on the day.
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