High Flyer
In this issue Helen Jeys • Pandemic Challenges Lennie Ware • Dream Destinations The Battle of Hastings... plus much more
HIGH FLYER THE MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS NEWSLETTER ISSUE 58 2 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 3 Wh a t 's i n s i d e Welcome back!
4 6 10 In April, we switched to a digital-only version for issue 57 of High Flyer, at a time when School Helen Jeys Rising to Supporting the was temporarily closed for all but the children of My First Term Back Pandemic Challenges Bursary Fund key workers, and we were in full remote learning lockdown mode.
2020 has been challenging for everyone, in School and in our wider community. As we near the end of the year, I’d like to 12 16 18 wish you well for a happy and safe 2021. In this issue, I’ve taken a moment to look back on my first term as Head Mistress, as well as to look ahead to an exciting future Alumna Interview: Dream The Battle for MHSG.
Lennie Ware Destinations of Hastings This year we have adapted in ways we could never have imagined, as we faced up to the impact of Covid-19. Our staff and girls have coped incredibly well and through it all we are confident that our pupils remain on track and no teaching hours have been lost. It’s been tough for all but there have been some memorable moments along the way and, of course, many new ways of working. 20 24 26 Lennie Ware née Keell (Class of 1970), social worker and podcaster, talks to us about her first and second careers and the importance of food, family and education. Our alumnae continue Project Pankhurst Warburton Sports to support today’s pupils in so many ways. In this issue, we talk Powers On Competition News to mentors and mentees of Project Pankhurst. We also find out more about what our Class of 2020 have gone on to study and where.
Here at Grangethorpe Road we have been marking Celebration and Awards in a new way and MHSG Sixth Form musicians have been competing for this year’s Warburton prize. Our Year 7s re- enacted the Battle of Hastings and, on top of all this, pupils raised 28 30 31 money for charities to support those in need around the world. Tennis in Tennessee Adventures Helping Others Sport is an intrinsic part of life at Manchester High, and in this issue, we catch up with some of our amazing extra-curricular teams, and talk to Holly Staff, just before she headed to America to study and take her tennis career to the next level.
Thank you to all our pupils, staff, parents and alumnae for your hard work and support in these difficult times. If you are reading High Flyer as a prospective parent or pupil, I hope this 32 publication gives you a glimpse into the life of our vibrant School community today. Celebration and Awards 2020 Wishing you all Season’s Greetings and a very Happy New Year. Mrs Helen Jeys, Head Mistress. 4 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 5
Yes, I have taken over as Head Mistress during this most challenging of times. However, this is a chance to look forward, as well as reflect on my first few weeks back. I’m choosing to look at the highlights and the positive future that lies ahead.
My first Firstly, it has been wonderful to see so many familiar staff faces again as well as meet new members of the MHSG community. What unites them all (and me!) is their love of the School, their passion for its ethos and values and their commitment to our pupils. I saw that with every member of staff when I worked at MHSG in my previous roles and I see it still; staff who love their subjects and enjoy enthusing students with this academic passion. But it goes further than this. Our teaching staff genuinely care for our students, term back their progress and their wellbeing as well as for each other; the collaborative spirit of the staff at MHSG is something that makes working at the School very special indeed.
The majority of pupil faces are less familiar to me but the Agatha Christie once advised same MHSG spirit shines through. Our students are bright, full of character and passionate about making a difference. “never go back to a place I am really enjoying greeting them every morning (when During the last few weeks, I have been meeting members I am able) as they come into school and seeing the smiles of the Head Girl Team and listening to their inspiring where you have been happy. in their eyes above those masks! It is a priority of mine assemblies and discussing issues with the Student Council. to get to know the girls themselves. Indeed, one student I am surrounded by pupils who really want to make a Until you do, it remains alive commented to me today that she likes to live by the adage, difference both to their own world and that beyond the ‘be quick to listen’ and I am doing a lot of listening this term. school gates. And for those who do not quite believe for you. If you go back it will As well as teaching, which I will always continue to do, I am that they are up to this yet, I know that MHSG will lay the currently meeting with every Year 11 student individually; foundations for this confidence to blossom in the future. trying to discover what they enjoy, what they are looking be destroyed.” forward to and what long-term goals are motivating them I feel incredibly fortunate to be leading this School and with to succeed during this most strange of years. that sense of privilege comes a real sense of responsibility. As the guardian of the School as it approaches its 150th Well, I am delighted I did not take Agatha birthday, I am very aware of its legacy and the wonderful Christie’s advice! As you will know, I spent Head Mistresses who came before me. I was appointed by Christine Lee Jones and worked alongside Claire Hewitt 14 very, very happy years at MHSG in I feel incredibly fortunate to in her Senior Leadership Team and I am very fortunate various roles – from Head of Religion & to have a fantastic team to support me as we all look to be leading this School and with the future at MHSG. Our strategy will continue to centre Philosophy to Deputy Head Pastoral. that sense of privilege comes a around academic excellence, outstanding pastoral support And, after four years as Head of Alderley and a first-rate extra-curricular programme, which – together – will enable our pupils to flourish. I want our Edge School for Girls, I have – as I have real sense of responsibility. pupils to know that they can achieve success in any field; in said many times now – come home. the sciences, the humanities, the arts, sport and whatever else they turn their focus to … and for them to know that they have a duty to care for those around them. This term I have really enjoyed hearing about the students’ joy at returning to school to be with their friends and Manchester High School for Girls is one of the leading girls’ teachers and reassuring me (!) that it doesn’t matter that schools in the country and I am looking forward to building there isn’t a full extra-curricular programme on offer at on our success in empowering young women of the 21st the moment. They are just delighted to be back in school. century. My first few weeks back have confirmed for me Their confidence always impresses me and reminds me of that MHSG has a voice of national importance and huge what an alumna I spoke to just this week told me about relevance, as we face the future. It’s an honour to be playing the legacy of MHSG for her. “MHSG made me into the a part in writing the next chapter in our long history. confident woman I have become”, she said and I see that pioneering spirit all around me. 6 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 7
Rising to the
many challenges Cast your minds right back… MHSG learnt that School must close temporarily from There were also lots of activities to help keep up morale. 20th March to all but the daughters of key workers, with On social media we got to see teachers’ and pupils’ home very little warning. Jon Haves, ICT Manager, describes the study spaces, and lots of pets. There were quizzes and challenge for ICT in March: “We had five days to turn a plenty of challenges! The TikTok challenge on Flipgrid was a school community, where normally 1,200 of us gather each great success with almost 30,000 views of our video clips. day, into a remote operation with the absolute minimum of disruption to learning, teaching and all the work of support Finn, Year 13, Deputy Head Girl, added, “Despite being of the Pandemic staff that are needed to keep the school operating”. No physically isolated for several long and uncertain months mean feat! The ICT team promptly deployed over 120 last academic year, the sense of school community and new phone numbers, redistributed banks of laptops and togetherness had never felt stronger. I found that following computing equipment for home use and scaled up remote my school timetable from home helped to give structure to desktop services. my days and ensured that I was in regular contact with my classmates and teachers who offered both subject-specific 2020 has been a long and challenging year for everyone, as we’ve Pupils and teaching staff in the Senior School switched to and pastoral support. We engaged in weekly challenges, all tried to come to terms with the Covid-19 global pandemic and software services they had not previously had to use – like ranging from making the best-looking sandwich to doing Teams and Zoom. “We increased the School’s internet TikTok dances - watching the teachers try these was felt its impact in our own lives and those of family and friends. bandwidth to ensure there was no bottleneck and provided certainly challenging!” Here we take a look at its continuing impact on School life – video and other digital training materials”, explained Jon. Head Girl, Yoonsun, in Year 13, commented on her own and how our community keeps on rising to the challenge! Plans had to ensure that our key worker children, who remained at School, could still see their teachers and experience, “During lockdown we had the same amount classmates who were working from home. Teachers of support we would have received if we were in school. Some changes are more visible than others. Face coverings in the corridors, and pupils embraced the technology. This allowed me to keep up with work and my university visors, hand sanitisers, screens, the one-way system in East Wing, open application. In some cases we are ahead of the game!” windows and doors - and all the signage - are perhaps the most noticeable Ms Hodson, Deputy Head (Teaching and Learning) is Mrs Chisnall was one of the teachers finding new and of the more than 50 new measures around School, to help keep our whole impressed with the transformation, “We are now experts innovative ways to work, “I have always felt that MHSG community safe; a continuous reminder of the strange new world we live in. on Teams and can set and submit assignments with ease! Teachers have learnt how to run live lessons and how to is a very special place and this was really evident during However, to understand more fully we go ‘behind the scenes’ and hear from participate in virtual meetings, whilst pupils have learnt lockdown when staff and students rose to the challenge of a range of people – staff and pupils – to find out how our wonderful School how to collaborate with their peers remotely as well as remote learning and maintained our sense of community. It community has adapted and even thrived. how to work more independently. We've recorded or was tough at times but I know my form and our Economics watched virtual assemblies on Loom, completed remote students did their very best during lockdown and I was so assessments, made great use of Forms to give feedback excited to see them for our Form Day in June. I feel we and have used online mini-whiteboards in lessons to have all grown closer in some ways because we had to maintain engagement.” make it work and the girls were superb in supporting each other when times were tough - and they continue to do so.” 8 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 9
Ms Hodson agreed, “The past few months have been We’re a community that keeps in touch and embraces our difficult, but I am very proud of the ways in which members alumnae. Back in the spring we weren’t able to provide of our school community have come together to have our usual print copy of High Flyer, but we made sure a fun and to support each other. The whole school ‘House digital copy landed in inboxes just as we went into national Kahoot’, a quiz-based learning game, at the end of the lockdown. Returning to School in September, we’d all summer term was a lovely way to end the year, with the missed hearing from our ‘old girls’ and the Development Junior 6th Drama composing at home round on ‘guess the teacher from their objects’ proving Team have been getting back in touch, making phone calls, Mrs Martin working from home particularly popular! Our musicians put a huge amount sending letters and writing hundreds of emails to keep our of work into the production of the leaving song for Mrs Ivies up to date. “Hearing back from our former pupils Hewitt, with pupils and staff recording their parts from about the variety of ways they have risen to the challenge home. Watching the finished video with Mrs Hewitt on the of Covid-19 in work and at home has been incredibly At the start of 2020, we could never have imagined facing Mrs Jeys, who joined the School as our new Head Mistress last day of term really brought home to me what a fantastic motivating. Though we had to postpone many of our many of the challenges ahead. Going back to Jon Haves, for at the start of the academic year, could hardly have school community we have here at Manchester High.” alumnae events in the first term back this year, we can’t a moment, some highlights he reflected on were “Parent arrived at a more difficult time! “Although thrilled to be wait to see everyone again in spring 2021, whether that’s Information Evenings with live video feeds from six different back at MHSG, taking over the reins from Mrs Hewitt as During that period, some members of the support team in person or virtually” said Lex Robinson, Alumnae and were furloughed and others worked throughout the locations - and stitching together individual pupil videos the pandemic continued has been a huge challenge”, she Development Manager. Sea Wall summer, including taking on new tasks to keep the ‘show on to create a performance of ‘ ’ by Simon Stephens. stressed. “Constantly reviewing the risk assessment to the road’. Michelle McCumesky, PA to the Head Mistress What makes me most proud is how people responded. try to keep everyone safe has been a daily exercise. The and Office Manager, and two of her team, covered Prep “Many of the school activities Discovering that a group of teachers had set up their own flexibility and support of both staff and students have Reception on a rota basis from the start of lockdown to ‘Remote Learning Support Community’ to share ideas and meant that the School continues to flourish. I can’t wait the end of the summer term. “We logged attendance for that make our community unique solutions. Hearing avowed techno-sceptics acknowledge to get back to a more normal school life and plan for our all years from Prep to Sixth Form and helped girls who how the remote learning tools have allowed them to future, and I can’t praise our community enough in rising were in school. One of the highlights was getting to know moved online and maintained those successfully continue teaching. Watching in awe the Vocal to the challenges facing them on a daily basis.” the girls, their parents and the Prep staff. The pandemic has Group’s talent not only in singing, but also video editing to connections between us all.” create multi-part harmony performances.” There have been some massively supportive parents too. really brought my team together in a way that has made me Mrs Jeys comments, “I have received so many supportive very proud.” Mr Eaton, Learning Support Coordinator was really emails from parents which have been hugely appreciated. Since September, it’s become clear that we are in a regularly impressed by how quickly students and staff adapted to I have missed the opportunity to get to know parents changing ‘long game’ that requires continuous vigilance the new way of working. “What stood out to me was how personally but I have been very grateful for their support. and the support of our whole community, with everyone so many of the school activities that make our community It was also great to see over 25 new parents at our first playing their crucial part. The guidance keeps shifting and unique moved online and maintained those connections remote PTA meeting of the year. Meeting virtually has we constantly review and evolve our measures to limit between us all.” Pastoral support over the phone was certainly not put off our parents and their support for the risks. It’s wearing. Schools are designed for a different world another new phenomenon, which over time became work of this important part of our community.” relatively normal, as Mrs Goddard, Deputy Head (Pastoral), – and space is now at a premium. We are teaching Speech Some of our Year 10 girls summed up their experiences and Drama in what was the Staff Dining Room and we remembers, “We often talk about the benefits of challenging ourselves out of our comfort zones, but nobody this term. “It was a bit nerve-racking to start with, coming have also expanded outdoors with marquees and a Sixth back to School, but it’s been great. School has done well, Form gazebo. thought that this could be by chatting to your teacher on the phone! I am very proud of everyone who overcame keeping us safe and not that much has changed for us.” Spare a thought for our cleaning - and catering teams – that initial awkwardness and engaged with this process. This year group now has lunch in the Main Hall and the girls deep cleaning, where required, cleaning high-touch areas The point of these calls was of course to catch up with the are missing clubs at lunch and not playing sports matches throughout the day, serving food on a new rota – and in students and try and keep the community connected.” against other schools, but they too commented on that new areas of School, from Main Reception to the marquee same strong sense of community. “It has brought everyone and Crush Hall. Manchester High, just like most of the schools in Greater closer together – everyone is trying to help each other.” Manchester, at this time, has faced some cases of We’re used to celebrating en masse, opening our doors Covid-19 and been forced to isolate pupils in line with Whilst we can look forward to a time beyond to visitors, and enjoying the stimulation of collaborations all the government guidance, for the safety of our whole Covid-19, for the moment maybe we should be across School, whether through senior girls taking on community. Do we dare mention “bubbles”? This is a prepared to recognise the huge amount of time, leadership roles or in our many extra-curricular activities. concept nobody had to grapple with in schools before energy, expenditure and creativity that have gone So it’s great to know that sports and music groups are back. 2020. The pros and cons of alternative approaches have into getting us this far! There will be more challenges And new events have appeared in the School calendar been debated and balanced in an ever changing landscape. ahead of course, but we’re in this together and like Virtual Live Open Events and virtual ‘Insight Into’ talks, Whilst there is no perfect solution to please everyone, we we know that Manchester High girls will come as we’ve moved online, or replaced our Celebration and have seen our school community pull together in adversity through this challenge, as they do others, with Awards Evening with a less familiar in-School format. to do the best for our pupils. Our values help us at times spirit and resilience. like this: kindness, mutual support, respect and honesty. 10 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 11
Manchester High is not an elitist school and, by donating a small amount each EmpowerEmpower month to the Bursary Fund, you can help us ensure it does not become so.
will buy a bursary will pay for a will cover a year of AnotherAnother IvyIvy girl’s first blazer residential drama trip musical instrument hire
You can set up a monthly donation online by visiting Support the Bursary Fund www.manchesterhigh.co.uk/iviesdonate or email [email protected]. Everyone who signs up will receive an exclusive ivy leaf pin badge (pictured opposite). If the events of 2020 have taught us anything, it is the value of community, alongside the importance of having access to an excellent academic education and space for personal development. How a bursary place helped me
For a community as special as ours, at We hope your experience of Manchester Manchester High School for Girls, when High School for Girls has proved the total times are tough, we come together. opposite - that when girls come together, “I wish I could go back and tell the nervous 11-year-old The significance of the bursary fund is endless - allowing Although we can't physically see you all at incredible things happen. Tiffany going into high school on a full bursary that she’d other prospective students like me to gain access to the moment, we are thinking about you and be going to medical school seven years later. She’d be so the opportunities and experiences that Man High gives are keen to keep in regular contact. Our We believe all of Manchester’s bright girls proud. Opening my acceptance letter from medical school is invaluable. From encouraging students to learn new alumnae play a key part in life at MHSG should have the opportunity to become this August brought me back to how I felt opening my instruments in Year 7, to pushing students to give drama today and, in these difficult times, we need an Ivy and join the MHSG sisterhood of acceptance to MHSG in Year 6. There were tears of joy monologues in Year 9 to develop public speaking skills, your help. bold, brilliant women. As more families face from all members of my family as we knew that I’d made MHSG prepares all students for the ‘real world’; invaluable severe financial difficulty due to the impact it and all my hard work had paid off. lessons that must not be overlooked. There’s this strange notion that women of Covid-19, the Bursary Fund is more can’t, and don’t, support each other. crucial than ever. Going from a state school to a private school, I thought That, in general, groups of girls can only there would be such a divide, which Man High disproved. I am proud to accomplish gossip, cattiness and unhealthy Our Bursary Fund honours the intentions of The sense of community is the foundation upon which competition. MHSG’s founders – to enrol girls with true Man High is built and is observable within minutes of being say I will forever potential, regardless of their financial means in the school. The efforts made to encourage pupils to – but it is also a key factor in preserving take part in all extra curriculars including sport, music and be an Ivy.” the social diversity we see throughout the languages furthers social mixing and pupil development. School, something that enriches our entire All of Manchester’s What I love about MHSG is that we are one cohesive Tiffany Agbobu, 18. bright girls should community. group – the Ivies. Every year we are faced with more ‘Being able to give back to a school that has not only have the opportunity to applications for bursary places than we invested in me financially, but also physically and can offer. Once a girl has secured her emotionally.’ The fact this was my yearbook quote outlining become an Ivy and join bursary place it’s not just the school fees my ‘best memory’ at Man High as Deputy Head Girl shows the MHSG sisterhood we cover, we also provide financial help how much MHSG, and the bursary fund in particular, means with uniform, school meals, trips and to me. I can concretely say that if I wasn’t a Man High pupil extra-curricular activities. I wouldn’t be where I am today, studying Medicine as a student doctor with aspirations of being a surgeon. 12 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 13 ALUMNA INTERVIEW
CLASS OF 1970 It’s usually Class of 1970 alumna, Lennie Ware, who does the grilling when she interviews celebrities for her award-winning podcast, Table Manners, with daughter and singer, Jessie Ware.
This time we are turning the tables and finding out more about what it’s like being a full-time social worker, author, mother and one half of a dynamic duo. With over 11 million listens since 2017, the Table Manners During her time at MHSG, Lennie was in the Girl Guide podcast has become so popular that it has led to a UK tour Troupe, “I only remember making meat and potato pie Lennie Table Manners: The Cookbook and a new book, , “It has been to get my cooking badge. I’m not sure I was an exemplary a wonderful experience and I’ve met so many interesting Guide but I loved the outfit!”, and remembers enjoying people that I never dreamt of meeting. I’m so lucky to be what was then Domestic Science, “It was a fantastic part of it. I’m also proud of the cookbook. The recipes are foundation in home cooking and sewing! I clearly learnt a all important to us and easy to make. I hope people like lot! I recall feeling most inspired by Ms Stone, an English it! Sadly, the tour had to be cancelled because of current teacher, and Ms Butterfield who taught French. Ms Rough, public health issues but we will rearrange it when this is who taught Latin, was legendary with her plaits twisted into all over.” two knots at the nape of her neck. She would bang on the table and definitely got our attention.” are Lennie, who insists, “I’m not famous!”, joined Manchester W High School for Girls in 1961 and was known as Helena After nine years at Manchester High, with her hard-earned Keell during her time at MHSG. “I had a great time and A-level results under her belt, Lennie went on to secure a enjoyed Manchester High very much. It is a wonderful place at university, “I was the first person in my family to school that offered opportunity and expanded horizons for ever go to university. My parents were immensely proud young women. I made lifelong friends, and I meet people that I got a place at the University of Birmingham where now who went to Manchester High and there is an instant I studied Social Sciences (Soc Admin). The course was connection. I was privileged to have such a good education. interesting but could have been a little more exciting. It I was bright but not the hardest worker up until O-levels did set me on track for a career as a social worker though.” but managed to pull it out of the bag, and then I stayed on and worked very hard for A-levels. I loved English, French and History, as well as extra-curricular sports.” To achieve good outcomes for children and help families change their lives is so important
Lennie is famed for bringing her Jewish heritage, love of family cooking and conversation skills together in the podcast, but her background and full-time career for the past 40 years is as a counsellor and social worker in family law cases, “I wanted to be a social worker after a careers talk at school. I have had a wonderful career, and I love my work. I mainly do independent social work now. There are obvious lows in social work but I would say that for me the highs have always outweighed these. To be able to achieve good outcomes for children and help families change their lives is so important. It is a great career and so undervalued.” 14 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 15 Quick fire questions
What is your favourite meal to cook Who would you love to have on the podcast who you and eat with family and friends? haven’t managed to ‘snag’ just yet? Friday night traditional Jewish meal or a roast dinner Anyone from the Manchester United football team past on Sunday. or present.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you What is your favourite recipe in the cookbook have given your children? and why? Away from work, family and culture is at the core With people and relationships central to Lennie’s personal To be happy in what they choose in any aspect of their lives. Obviously the chicken soup and matzo balls. Iconic! of how Lennie uses her downtime, “I spend lots of and professional life, the uncertainty of 2020 has been quite a hurdle, but not one that couldn’t be helped by food, “I time with my family, particularly my grandchildren. have found this year and the current public health crisis What in turn have they taught you? What’s your favourite MHSG memory? I have a house in Greece and visit two or three very difficult. I missed being with friends and family and To avail myself of new experiences. Who knew I would Breaking the sundial and a school window all on the same times a year. I live in London and go to the the physical interaction. But, I have cooked and cooked have a second career in my 60s! day. Ms Cottrell was not pleased. for family and friends; delicious food from a variety of new theatre a great deal. I had tickets to see Timothy sources that I found when I couldn’t get groceries delivered Also managing to get great A-level results against all odds and managed to avoid making sourdough bread!” You have had some incredibly well-known guests on and predictions. Chalamet at the end of April at the Old Vic your show – David Schwimmer, Emilia Clarke, Mel B, but sadly it was cancelled!” Neneh Cherry and Nigella Lawson to name just a few! To round up our conversation we discussed the role social Who inspires you today? media plays and the impact it has on the self-confidence If you had to pick a favourite guest, who would it be? of women and girls. Lennie knows the challenges faced by Like everyone else, I find Malala and Greta Thunberg Mixing academic and artistic success is a running theme I loved Alan Carr because he made us all laugh so much women like Jessie, who have such a high profile, “Jessie is inspiring. Also Jacinda Ardern. in the Ware household. Daughter Jessie is a singer with but it was a dream to sit with Nigella. four Brit nominations and three top-ten albums to her much better equipped to navigate social media than I am I admire Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States name, whilst eldest daughter Hannah is an actor in LA. and she helps me. She is a proud, strong woman who is a House of Representatives. She is 80, looks wonderful and Let us not forget Lennie’s son Alex, who often pops in on great proponent of gender equality and confident in her challenges Donald Trump constantly. the podcast with dessert in tow. Lennie has always made own abilities as a woman. She knows she has a significant sure her children have support, “All of my children have platform and uses it very wisely in expressing views.” You mentioned the instant connection you feel with had a fantastic education. My son is a doctor and studied other Man High girls; what is it about the school that Medicine at UCL after a Politics degree at Bristol. Jessie fosters this connection? has a degree in English from Sussex and Hannah a degree in History of Art at UCL. They all have good academic Breaking the sundial and a school Manchester High is such a highly-regarded school and achievements to fall back on if they need to. As a parent, Lennie’s book, Table Manners: offers a great education for women. We all had the same you should support your children in their own goals, not The Cookbook is out now. window all on the same day. experience of a fantastic education and preparation to where you would like them to be. The most important achieve good careers. thing in life is to be happy in what you do and that’s always Ms Cottrell was not pleased. what I wished for my children.” 16 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 17
DREAM Yumna Ahmad DESTINATIONS Medicine, Exeter College Oxford
Amy Anson Music, New College Oxford
Top choices Every year we love to celebrate the destinations of our Medicine is the top route, chosen by 17 of our students as their career path! We’re definitely powering the health Manchester High leavers. We’re sad to see them go – sector, with five students going into Dentistry - and a but excited for the next stage in their amazing journeys. Pharmacy student too. English is a strong choice again this year – with nine students going on to study it, often in combination with other subjects – such as a modern language, or Classics Subjects that have fired up the Class of 2020 and History. Psychology is a popular A-level subject for MHSG and it’s It’s great to see a huge range of subjects, reflecting Dara Nylander Psychology, Kings College London clearly inspired a lot of students in the Class of 2020. Seven the passion of Manchester High pupils for an students have gone on to study Psychology at degree level enormous range of subjects: including Art, Music, this year. Architecture, Classics, Anthropology, History, Seven more have chosen to continue their studies in Geography and Maths. science fields, from Biology to Physics. Business and Economics remain firm favourites, also chosen We are also seeing an increasing interest in Philosophy, by seven students, while five MHSG leavers have started Politics and the social sciences. their Law training this year.
Eve Whitehead Land Economy, St John’s College Cambridge We are meeting the demand for future engineers, Here’s a round-up of where our leavers with five new starters in this field too! have started afresh in 2020.
Hattie Frew Our girls have gone on to Cambridge, Oxford, Bristol, Art Foundation, Leeds Durham, Birmingham, Nottingham, York – and have and English Literature, Bristol selected universities in Scotland and Wales too. This Our Development Team and archivists are great at keeping year, 21 have stayed in the North West, with 14 choosing those connections going, so that our alumnae can continue to Manchester University to continue their studies. We are have a prominent place at the heart of our School community. looking forward to keeping in touch! If you would like to update your details, support our careers programme, make a donation or simply keep us informed 12 students from the Class of 2020 are now studying in about what you’re doing now, then please do keep in touch London. Good luck to all our MHSG leavers, near and far! with the Development Team via: Noor Al-Saffar We look forward to hearing more about their journeys. [email protected] Medicine, Manchester University 18 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 19
Miss Martin introduced the It has proved a great way for Year 7 pupils to get to know each other and do something special as a whole year group re-enactment to show her Year 7 in their first term, as well as being truly educational. Pupils appreciate it for many reasons. “It was fun because we students what happened on the got to do it with all the other forms”, said Myesha. Bella day, so that they could understand summed it up well too, “I enjoyed it because we got to make our own weapons”. Rhiannon enjoyed “how we were why William the Conqueror won able to work together – or against the other forms – and how we learnt each event that happened in chronological The Battle the battle. Today she narrates and order”. Suha liked the battle re-enactment this year steers the action – with help “because we got to experience what happened then and it helped me to understand it better”. from her trusty megaphone! After lessons on the Battle of Hastings, the girls are set homework to make their own costumes. “It’s a great chance to get creative. The pupils really get into it with of Hastings some brilliant costumes and shields and it brings the beginning of the Medieval period to life for them”, explained Miss Martin.
This medieval extravaganza is a real team effort. Miss Welsby is always Harold – and dies every year, despite her wanting to re-write history! Mr Clarke is William, Duke of Normandy, and Mrs Troth is the Viking King. The photos are a great reminder of a fantastic afternoon of fun learning; something to look back on in years to come – and it’s remembered fondly still by girls in Sixth Form!
It’s already become something of a Manchester High tradition! We all know that the Battle of Hastings took place in 1066, but did you realise it’s already the sixth year that MHSG students have taken to the School lawn to re-enact the events of that day? 20 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 21
PARTNERSHIP ONE T Nihal & Iman PROJEC Mentor Nihal Winniczuk (née Philobbos) ST Class of 1999, Property Manager at Winn Property Limited. UR I was at Man High for 14 years and, clearly, they must have H done something right since it was the chosen school for PANK both my daughters. I had a happy time at Man High and self-confidence was definitely a gift the School gave me!
I recall being in Sixth Form and, as much as the career advisors tried to assist, it is really difficult if they haven’t POWERS ON! worked in your chosen field. To have a mentor to talk to and guide you through a process, who acts as support, I think is invaluable, and so that’s why I joined Project Pankhurst.
This year I was paired with Iman, and I have loved working with her, and getting the chance to see her flourish. Mentee Lockdown has been difficult for so many, so I think it helped Iman Sheen The 2020-21 academic year marks the Iman that I could be an additional point of support and a Year 13 motivator through this tough period, especially through fifth anniversary of Project Pankhurst, the government’s exam results mishap. Iman is such a hard I am currently studying Further Maths, Economics and worker, and being able to help her understand that even German and I already completed my Maths A-level last our revolutionary Sixth Form when things can get difficult, if she has tried her best, good year. After Sixth Form, I am hoping to go on to study mentoring scheme. things will come. She will achieve her ambitions and I will Economics and Management or Economics and German. happily support her on every step of her journey. I joined MHSG in Reception all those years ago when I was only four! Over the course of the initiative, former Manchester When Mrs Norton told us about the mentoring scheme, I High pupils from across the generations have risen to “The students give me so thought it would be a great opportunity to be linked with the challenge when we asked for their support, giving an alumna in a similar field to those which I’m interested their time and energy to support our current Sixth Form much satisfaction when in. I was looking for support with work experience, my students as they prepare for a world beyond Manchester personal statement, interview preparation and general they meet their goals” higher education help and advice, because none of my High School for Girls. parents did anything to do with Economics or Business. I thought it would also be good to get an outside perspective When we launched the scheme, we were looking for members of the Together we have looked at factors that are so important from school and family on things. alumnae community to come forward and act as mentors to Sixth to students; time management and stress management I have found it incredibly fun working with my mentor Nihal. Form students who were interested in the area or specific industry techniques. We have also looked at university applications She has helped me hugely with my statement and university in which they work, and over the years, the number who have and Iman’s personal statement together. Iman is hoping to advice, especially as she has a vast array of contacts! We supported us has continued to grow. go to Oxford, and they have a different application process to other universities, so I was able to reach out to my text each other with life updates as well as about specific Project Pankhurst allows our current pupils to forge a connection network to get assistance for Iman. We check in with each mentoring support, and it’s nice that we’ve developed with an MHSG alumna who will support them as they make decisions other every few weeks and just make sure she is on track. something that’s not too formal as that’s what works for us. about their future career and professional development in the We managed to meet up in person before Covid-19, but broadest sense. Once connected, the partnerships are driven by the Project Pankhurst is a two-way process. The students give we stayed texting throughout lockdown and continue to do individuals involved. This allows our students to grow and develop me so much satisfaction when they meet their goals, small so now. key skills; networking, communication and forward planning. and large. Our job is simply to get them to be the best they can be, achieving their potential, and for them to I would highly recommend linking up with one of the The scheme is incredibly popular, and this term we spoke just be happy! women in the Project Pankhurst scheme. It has been to a handful of the pupils and alumnae involved to find out highly beneficial for me and I have formed a lovely what they thought. friendship with my mentor. 22 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 23
PARTNERSHIP TWO PARTNERSHIP THREE Nicola & Alika Laura & Mandy
Mentor Mentee Nicola Bird Alika Mirzoyan Class of 2004, Architect at Michael Laird Architects. Year 13
I have the fondest memories of my time at Manchester I joined MHSG in 2019 and I am studying Maths, Physics High. I feel lucky that I attended the school from age 4 to and Biology for my A-levels. I am currently applying for 18, making lifelong friendships, learning the importance and Architecture at university. value of a good education, and instilling confidence and a Mentor Mentee Not knowing anyone in the profession, I wanted someone work ethic in me that I benefit from today. Laura Butler Mandy Yang to help guide me through the application process so I asked Class of 1998, Private Client Manager in Private Banking. Year 13 Studying Architecture is a long commitment, I wish I had if I could be mentored by Nicola. Everything was arranged had somebody to talk to and steer me through university, quickly, I was able to contact Nicola on the same day, and Following my time at Manchester High School for Girls, I I was living in China until I came to the UK to take my GCSEs for advice or to soundboard ideas, so this scheme seemed I have been in contact with Nicola regularly for over two read History at UCL and then gained an MA in Medieval at Bolton Girls School Division, and then I started at MHSG like a great project to get involved in. months now. She has helped me greatly with my personal Studies. I now work as a private client specialist for a in Year 12. I am currently studying Chemistry, Computer statement, and gave me advice on choosing universities to large bank, helping clients with the opportunities and the Science, Maths, and Further Maths at A-level, and I am really Alika and I have been in contact for just over two months apply to, as well as what to include in my portfolio. now, and it has been a joy. I have been so impressed by problems that money might bring. enjoying it. The girls here have been so welcoming! Alika’s personal statement for her UCAS application. At the moment we are keeping in contact via messaging but I am very proud to be a part of Project Pankhurst. Every I’ve just sent off my UCAS application and my hope is It reminded me just how well-rounded and committed are planning to meet up in the future. Nicola has also kindly year that I have been part of the programme, I gain a lot of to study Computer Science at Gonville & Caius College, the girls are at MHSG. Her interest in the subject and offered to send me her architectural journals. Without the pleasure out of it. It has been very rewarding and I would Cambridge. Eventually I would love to work in Artificial enthusiasm to gain relevant experience, despite the mentoring scheme, I would not have had access to advice recommend it to anyone. Intelligence or perhaps Cyber Security in the banking world. current climate, shone through. and materials like this, which help me learn more about the profession. It is my aim to give guidance and support, provide advice I applied to be a part of the Project Pankhurst scheme and be someone independent to talk to, though I certainly because I wanted to get more knowledge from people who I would fully recommend the Project Pankhurst “Judging from Alika’s university don’t have all the answers! It’s about helping the girls had experience and industry understanding to share. Laura mentoring scheme to anyone wanting guidance investigate the options in life and come to their own mentioned in her profile that she managed relationships, and from someone who has gone through the exact application, I think she will be decisions and conclusions, and it’s lovely to celebrate that was a skill I specifically wanted to grow. Laura’s industry, process you are currently going through. their successes as well. as well as her journey from studying History at University introducing me to interesting through to working in Private Banking are what also drew This year I was matched with Mandy and it has been great me to applying for her as my mentor. buildings and keeping me up to get to know her. She has a quiet courage; she works very hard and has an impressive determination to achieve her I have really enjoyed the partnership so far; Laura is so to date with ideas!” goals. She has focussed ambitions and I know she will be nice and answers the many questions I send her way. Before successful in achieving them. We have had conversations Covid-19, we had a phone call every couple of weeks and we over email, the telephone and managed to meet in person would talk as much about our families as we would talk about My aim is to help Alika gain work experience and stay in to have a proper chat. specific career support. We talk about everything from the touch throughout her career. I am excited to see where university application process and Laura’s experience of her career will take her! Sixth Form seems a particularly important age. It was a being a university student in the UK, to sharing my time in my own life when I felt a lot of pressure. A new I will always listen and reassure Alika, letting her navigate experiences in China. door was opening and it was a big world out there. I was her own decisions and offering advice from my own in awe of the alumnae at MHSG and what they had gone It has been so great to have a mentor that really cares experiences should she ask for it. As time goes on I hope on to achieve. I’m pleased I can now play a small part in the about you and what path you might take. As a student, we can meet at architecture exhibitions and I plan to keep lives of the current students at Manchester High. I don’t often get the chance to get to know a lot of Alika supplied with a steady stream of architectural journals people with this kind of career experience outside of and books, as well as some encouragement when she school, and Project Pankhurst has really filled that gap. finds herself making models and drawing through the night before a ‘crit’ at university. Although, judging from Alika’s university application, I think she will be introducing me to interesting buildings and keeping me up to date with ideas!
If you would like to know more about becoming a Project Pankhurst mentor, please contact Alumnae and Development Manager, Lex Robinson via [email protected] 24 WarburtonHIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 25 competition
The Warburton Competition 2020 took place in This year’s competition was judged by Philip Dewhurst, the Main Hall on 5th October, with 11 top musicians former Cheadle Hulme School Director of Music, who gave fantastic detailed and constructive feedback on each from MHSG Sixth Form showcasing their musical performance. He commended all the musicians, not just talent across multiple pieces and instruments on their technical ability but on their stage craft, the strong for the School’s coveted prize, which has been culture of performance in the School and the maturity with which performers “let the music breathe”. Philip recognised awarded every year since 1935. The standard was the wealth of talent among our MHSG Sixth Form students incredibly high again this year and the prize was and commended the School’s Music teaching team. ultimately awarded jointly to Natasha Oldbury and Girls performed solo, together, or were accompanied on Christina Maxfield, for two of their performances. piano by Claire Dunham and Jenny Heslop. Natasha and Cristina’s winning performances were Tchaikovsky’s ‘Ne ver moy droog’, sung in Russian, and Ysaye’s ‘Sonata No.2, movements 1 and 2’, on violin, respectively. “A musical extravaganza, showing the breadth and depth of talent in MHSG Sixth Form”
The programme of 26 works – across piano, voice, cello, violin, viola and flute – included a wide range of styles, interests and eras. It was a musical extravaganza, showing the breadth and depth of talent in MHSG Sixth Form, continuing in the tradition of Miss Annie Warburton, the accomplished musician and composer, who taught at Manchester High from 1925 to 1946.
This year’s competition did not have the same audiences as in previous years, owing to Covid-19 restrictions, but Mr Bradley, the School’s Head of Music, commented on the quality of performances and the continuing improvements made by all the musicians during lockdown.
One of the many highlights was Anyi Wong’s performance of her own composition, written during lockdown, called ‘All In My Mind’; a performance which included fellow Year 12 student Charlotte Dobrev on the cello. 26 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 27
What a team!
On top of fantastic individual performances, we love to celebrate a full team effort at Manchester Sports High. And our sports teams have been enjoying great success, right up until the world paused back in March.
Our Under 13s hockey team won the National Schools Greater Manchester round and went on to compete in the North West semi-finals at Sedbergh School last year. News In March our indoor rowers went to the Citywide rowing finals and performed superbly. The Year 9 team came first in their team relay, our Year 8 team came second in theirs – and individually Year 9 MHSG pupils came 1st, 2nd and 3rd across Greater Manchester!
We have some rising stars in gymnastics too. Our Under 13 gymnastics teams came Ist and 2nd in the North West Milano Gymnastics competition back in January and qualified for the National Finals in Stoke, held in March.
It was great to see our young tennis players thriving too last year. In the AEGON Tennis Tournament, the Year 7 and 8 team reached the North Regional B Final in Leeds where they were crowned champions.
The School dance competition in February is a great opportunity to bring together creative and sporting talent. We saw fabulous performances from all houses, with group dances across a great variety of styles, all choreographed by the girls themselves.
The full range of extra-curricular sporting activities usually available at MHSG includes: athletics, basketball, cricket, fitness training, football, gymnastics, handball, hockey, netball, rock-climbing, running, strength and conditioning, swimming, Tae Kwon-Do, tennis and water polo.
At the time of writing, we're back with hockey, netball, rock-climbing, dance and fitness, as well as some new Greater Manchester virtual PE competitions, to keep that competitive spirit firing. All Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils are taking part in the “Manchester Mile” virtual competition as well as competing in the “gym fitness” challenges against other GM schools. Go girls! 28 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 29
Congratulations Holly! Why did you choose to go to Vanderbilt? They have a really, really good tennis team so I already knew about Vanderbilt before I got in touch with the head TennisTennis inin coach. Also Vanderbilt's very academic, so it's got the best of both worlds for me. I went to visit them back in February and I was pretty sure that I wanted to go once I got home.
What are your goals for the future? I want to get my degree. After that I'm hoping to make it as a pro in my tennis career. That's the plan. I get back when Tennessee I'm 21 so that's quite a good age to start. Tennessee What advice do you have for other girls who want When did you first get into tennis? to balance sporting plans and their studies? When I was little my parents got one of those swing ball I’d definitely say believe you can do it. And don’t waste Holly Staff has left Manchester High after her things in the garden. I used to play with that and then time! I knew when I had, say, an hour or two hours, I’d they took me to the local tennis club and I started playing make the most of that. Man High is really supportive Junior Sixth year to take up a tennis scholarship properly. At six, I probably started doing kids camps and of people who do sport, so it’s a good environment. then having tennis lessons. I did quite well and won the You have to stay focussed and make sacrifices. Good at Vanderbilt University in America. national under 9s, under 10s and under 14s. That really time management! set me up.
With A grades in AS Maths, Physics and Economics, she’s following her How has lockdown and Covid-19 impacted you? dream to become a professional tennis player. Just before she caught her I’ve never had that amount of time without playing tennis before. It felt like a long time! I've never really had time to plane, we talked to her about her plans - and her life at Manchester High. just wind down and do normal things. I did workouts over Teachers were great and would Zoom. I frequently ran past my nan and grandad’s, because they live quite close and they have a balcony so I could talk send me work, so there was to them from outside. As soon as we were allowed to play tennis, I went to the park with my dad. He can't play tennis always something to work but he tried his best!
on when I was away. I started training and then I was quite lucky really. The LTA put on a series of tournaments for pros in this country and I entered as many tournaments as I could. Some of them were televised as well, so my family could watch me on the BBC red button, which was good. It was a great experience to play against really good players. I held my own quite well. How did you juggle tennis with all your studies at MHSG? I had about two months without playing and then played It was quite hard to do that. I was just always trying to about 30 matches in the space of two weeks! catch up! Every single day I’d train from 7 til 9 o’clock in the morning. And two or three times a week, I would go What do you think you’ll miss most? running from 6.30am until 7am, then train from 7am to 9am and go straight to school. I always trained first thing and I’ll miss my friends. I’ve made some good friends at focussed on my school work in the evenings. I worked Manchester High. It’s been really fun, especially A-levels. really hard – I didn't just breeze through. Sixth Form is a lot different, with small groups, so you really knew everyone in your class and it was a fun environment. I joined Manchester High in Year 7, back in 2014. They’d heard about my tennis and from the start they were very I'm going to miss my mum’s cooking – it’s one of my good, letting me have time off for tennis all the time, so that favourite things about being home. And I'll definitely miss I could go to all the competitions. Teachers were great and my cats – Tipsy and Topsy - everyone knows I'm obsessed would send me work, so there was always something to with them! work on when I was away. That helped a lot! Good luck Holly! We’re all rooting for you! 30 HIGH FLYER HelpingMANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Others31
Ivies give back in a time of need
As the world continues to face the challenges brought by Covid-19, a number of our students decided to take action and raise funds for other causes close to their hearts during their downtime this summer. A Safa in Year 8 helped to raise £1,400 for Yemen when she dventures climbed Mount Snowdon with her family in September. With 80% of Yemenis needing humanitarian support Gold Stars through the Coronavirus crisis, Safa took part in the challenge as part of Team SYF. SYF is a registered UK The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme is always The DofE charity works with organisations like ours to help charity, providing emergency aid to the people of Yemen young people gain essential skills, experience, confidence with water & food aid. a massive test and this year was no exception. On and resilience to successfully navigate adult life. the weekend of 26th September, 15 Senior Sixth This year there were a few temporary rule changes to girls successfully completed their Gold qualifying the expedition in response to Covid-19 – no camping or expedition in the Peak District. residential trips, unfortunately, at the moment, so girls had to go home at night. Our hardy team spent four days on It was such a rewarding Over four days they walked a total of 55km, traversing the hills, travelling long distances, working as a team and Kinder and going over Snake Pass. The weather was preparing food in the great outdoors. experience knowing that we kind, thankfully, and the girls enjoyed some amazing days together, crossing rocky moorland terrain. Looking ahead, it’s going to be a busy year for the DofE were doing our bit for charity team as girls finish off Silver and Bronze expedition sections Meera, one of the team, explained: “The expedition from last academic year and the new cohort of around 140 allowed me to combine my sporting and teamwork skills. girls tackle the three tiers of the Award scheme. I found that working through challenges as a team was significantly more rewarding as we collectively felt the “It was pretty exciting being part of the expedition. We had sense of achievement. I am going to miss DofE so much!” planned it for a long time, and it was great to take on the challenge with a group of fun people, including some of my “They were absolutely brilliant and probably the strongest friends. Even when it was tough going, they helped me get Gold cohort we’ve had in a very long time”, said Mr through it. It was such a rewarding experience knowing that Holmes, who leads on DofE at School. “I’m lucky to be we were doing our bit for charity by getting to the top!” supported by some amazing staff. We were glad that Mrs Jeys was keen to have expeditions go ahead in the current Maryam in Year 9, meanwhile, saw the impact of the climate. The girls have worked really hard in the other recent explosion in Beirut, and immediately wanted to help. sections of the DofE award and it was good to give them “Me, my mum and my grandma decided to come together the opportunity to finish the expedition section”. and make some homemade food to sell outside our house in August. With a gazebo set up outside and safe social distancing always in place, we raised £500 by selling treats to our neighbours and passers-by. I’m really pleased with what we raised!” We are so proud of all their hard work. Well done girls! MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 33
We usually hold our Celebration and Awards Evening every year in October at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. We listen to reports about the previous year and are inspired by brilliant musical performances from the huge Bridgewater stage and celebrate the achievements of our pupils.
With restrictions on large gatherings at the Celebration moment, this year we did all of that from the Main Cheryl Clarke Hall at School, with amazing musical performances and Awards and virtual speakers in a series of assemblies, throughout this very special day.
2020 Mrs Jeys welcomed pupils and introduced the theme of this year’s Celebration and Awards Day, ‘making a difference’. She reflected on her pride in our girls today and how they will continue to flourish into young women who will go on to make a difference in the world.
Class of 1990 alumna, Cheryl Clarke, was our virtual key note speaker. Cheryl is one of the founding directors of Mushroom Media, a specialist media public relations and sustainability consultancy. In a year characterised, not only by Covid-19, but also by protest - on climate change and on racial discrimination, with the Black Lives Matter movement, Cheryl talked to the girls about their role in making a difference in this complex, and often unfair, world, supporting others and respecting our planet and other people. Whilst recognising progress on many levels, she said there is still “a ton of work to do” on the issues that make for a better world. She focussed on the value of community connections and urged girls to be generous and find strength in their ability to help others.
Girls were then awarded prizes, trophies and cups to mark their academic effort, achievement and citizenship, services to the community, progress and commitment. Awards also covered sporting achievement, musical composition, poetry, leadership and initiative and much more. 34 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 35
Mrs Jeys congratulated award winners and the whole year group on their Celebrating over the years achievements, sharing a modern
Hebrew word with the girls. “The Manchester High has a long and proud history of celebrating pupils’ achievements. word is ‘firgun’ and means a genuine, The first MHSG Speech Day was held on 26 July 1892 in the Free Trade Hall in Manchester. unselfish delight or pride in the In the early days, girls wore white dresses and yellow sashes for the ceremony. accomplishment of another person.
It is often translated as ‘sympathetic joy’ but relates to the pleasure that comes from delighting in other people’s wellbeing. There is no real equivalent in the English language but is a characteristic that I would like you all to emulate as you progress through the School. As you flourish, let us be genuinely and unselfishly delighted in the flourishing of others.”
Olivia Trenaman
Speech Day in the 1890s –Emmeline Pankhurst was a guest at the 1901 Speech Day ceremony. Her daughters, Christabel, Sylvia She advised pupils to follow their and Adela, were pupils at MHSG and her great granddaughter, During the First World War, girls donated the value of dreams and not to worry, especially Dr Helen Pankhurst, was the guest speaker at the 2018 ceremony. their prizes to War Relief and received a certificate instead. if they haven’t worked out what they want to do yet
The ceremony continued with some pre-recorded words of wisdom from two more recent alumnae - Olivia Trenaman, Alice McMahon from the Class of 2012, and Alice McMahon from the the Class of 2017. Olivia is now a Senior Policy Adviser at the Cabinet Office, working in an international role in the Civil Director of Music, Mr Aidan Bradley, Service and has also worked for the charity Mind. She Head of Music, Dr Annie O Warburton, Speech Day has always been about conducting the School Orchestra in 2012. advised pupils to follow their dreams and not to worry, conducting the orchestra in 1946. The celebrating achievement – academic, The contribution of the School Orchestra is especially if they haven’t worked out what they want to Warburton Trophy is named after her. sporting, musical, drama and service. always one of the highlights of the occasion do yet.
Alice McMahon is now Football Production Management Assistant, with BBC Sport, and works on Match of the Day, having completed her BBC Apprenticeship. Alice gave useful tips to her younger self – on homework and cutting yourself some slack, rather than putting yourself under unnecessary pressure.
To bring the occasion to a close, Mrs Jeys and the Heads of Year looked back on the highlights of last year and this term, with each year group, drawing on the theme of making a difference and reflecting on the strong sense of connection within the MHSG community and her pride in the girls. Guest speakers are prominent figures in their field, many of them former MHSG pupils; recent Guest speaker 2016, alumna Dr Helen Pankhurst in the speakers include Emma Barnett, Professor Fay Emma Barnett. Bridgewater Hall in 2018. Dowker and Chief Constable Dee Collins. GREENER WAYS TO ENJOY HIGH FLYER
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