The headteacher of Norwich High School for Girls, Kirsty von Malaisé, explains how a new conference aims to steer Year Nine and 10 pupils into building purposeful and rewarding futures
One of the most important questions of our time for any school leader to consider, whether they be in a co-ed or a single-sex school, must surely be: ?What part can my school play in enabling greater gender balance in the very stubborn top career echelons"?
This term, I have been talking to all of our Year 10 girls individually about their aspirations. I replace the stock question of ?what do you want to be"?, instead asking them what gets them fired-up, to ascertain where their skills and interests are, and where these might lead them in the future. Then the girls get to ask me a question of their choice, in the spirit of reciprocity. Inspiring Futures
The one which has got me personally most fired-up so far has been: ?What do you want to be known for in 10 years? time"? I replied that my mission is to help every girl in my school be confident enough in herself and her abilities to stride out and create her future, and to provide all the opportunities for her to know her strengths in order to help her achieve this.
This has never been so sorely needed. While the future is ever uncertain, what is certain now is that for our young people, the landscape of the world of work will be very different from that of their parents and teachers who do their best to guide them. Man...