Women’s Education
The Younger Power Conference was held on April 26th at Westminster Academy. The Conference brought together students from various schools in Westminster to discuss stereotyping, prejudice, identity and other social issues. Year 9 and Year 10 students explored the Big 8 Identifiers: Ability, Age, Class, Ethnicity, Race, Gender, Religion and Sexual Orientation and how this has had an impact and influence on life’s events.
Students came away inspired to make changes in how they react and respond to social issues. We are extremely proud of our students who courageously took the opportunity to share their thoughts and poetry at the open mic section of the day.
Girls Empowerment Project – Tuesday 30th April
Eight of our Year 10 students embarked on the first part of the Female Empowerment Project run jointly by the Metropolitan Police Service and City Law firm ‘K & L Gates LLP’. For Year 10’s this is a key period in the academic calendar where students’ focus on their work will be fundamental and critical to their final success in GCSE examinations this time next year. The project spans over the two academic years in the run-up to the GCSE examinations.
Year 10 girls attended the day of activities at K & L Gates’ City offices. Activities included exercises and presentations from Detective Superintendent Vicky Washington (Deputy National Co-ordinator for Prevent, National Counter-Terrorism Policing HQ); Benita Kumar (K&L Gates LLP) and Melissa Darby (Cummins speaker). Activities focused on providing students with key skills and information about potential career pathways, with the aim of identifying and unlocking their potential.
Starting with an ice-breaking activity using spaghetti and marshmallows, students were tasked with the challenge to build the tallest structure. They then took part in a revision session with Noeleen Murphy (Director of Studies, City of London School) followed by a speed-mentoring session between the students and mentors. Part of the project will involve students being provided with mentoring support.
We look forward to working with the Metropolitan Police Service and City Law firm ‘K & L Gates LLP’ in developing study skills, being inspired and supported by mentors, focusing on studies and ultimately understanding how important education is in relation to career goals.
Clifford Chance Raising Aspirations Day – Wednesday 15th May
Earlier this year when choosing their options for GCSE study, Year 9 students were fortunate enough to have a number of speakers/role models come into their assembly to share stories about their journey and route into their current career.
Year 9 also completed a survey in which they stated which type of career they were considering.
Students who expressed an interest in a career in Law were invited to Clifford Chance’s Raising Aspirations Day. Clifford Chance LLP is a multi-national law firm with Headquarters in London; and is a member of the "Magic Circle". They are one of the ten largest law firms in the world, measured both by the number of lawyers and by revenue.
As part of a career carousel, students were speed mentored by a number of solicitors and some of the business service providers who shared why they chose their current roles; how they got there; what they studied; handy hints and ‘A day in the life of’ a Clifford Chance employee.
Students also heard from a member of the Human Resources team who talked about possible routes into a career in law; what employers look for/expect from an applicant including interaction group work and exploring key competencies, CVs & interviews - tips and good practice.
Overall, it was a great day filled with lots of excitement, stimulation and optimism. Hopefully this event also managed to further encourage our students to aim high and to persevere in the face of adversity.
Ms Rahman
Working Together, Respecting Each Other & Learning from Every Situation
The Bow Way
