Bolton Girls? School?s new virtual lecture series, which is available to pupils from local schools as well as its own community, offers an insight into a variety of careers, writes John Newbould
The inaugural presentation of the Bolton Girls? School Perspectives lecture series was given by Old Girl Sally-Anne Huang (Class of 1990), who last year became the first female High Master at St Paul?s School in its 510-year history. Her talk ‘Bossy Women’ focused on ambition and leadership from a female perspective.
In her opening remarks, Sally-Anne said: ?I recall when I was young, prior to my Bolton School days, being called bossy quite a lot. I don?t think boys get called bossy in the way that girls do; of course, no one said to me at the time that I was demonstrating incredible leadership skills and strategic thinking! She recalled how leadership and ambition were celebrated at Bolton School, instilling the attitude that she could go out and rule the world. However, she admitted that she was not entirely prepared for the sexism, misogyny and prejudice sometimes found in the real world.
Though her time at Oxford University wasn?t particularly enjoyable, it provided her with a good degree and a husband, both of which have stood her in good stead! She moved away from her original career choice, journalism, and into teaching, where she could retain a degree of work-life balance and support people. She implored girls to find a job where they can be themselves, and to f...