HighMANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Flyer1

In this issue Ambah Simpson • ‘Excellent’ Inspection Head Mistresses Throughout the Ages • MUNHigh Christina Maxfield • Borough Market... plus much more

HIGH FLYER THE MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS NEWSLETTER ISSUE 57 2 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 3

One of the real pleasures of my role has been meeting so many members of our extraordinary alumnae community; those who return to our events to soak up the sisterhood of MHSG, those who are always happy to share their experience and W expertise as part of our progressive Futures programme and those who are ardent elcome supporters of the School’s Bursary Fund, ensuring the School can maintain its social and cultural diversity for the years to come. to this issue of High Flyer, my last as Head Mistress of Manchester High School for Girls.

There is absolutely no doubt that the past 11 years have been the I also cannot let this opportunity pass without recognising During my tenure, the successful combination of our the work of my colleagues, the teachers, support staff and pupils and their families, staff members, governors and the most remarkable and rewarding of my career in education. It has governors, whose passion and enthusiasm for Manchester alumnae community has enabled the School to secure many been an absolute privilege getting to know all the girls that have High and our pupils knows no bounds. noteworthy honours from being named The Sunday Times’ North West Independent School of the Year 2019 to our passed through the now making their way in the world as highly I have often heard other heads reflect that it can be a recent ISI inspection where the School secured the highest capable and incredibly caring young women. lonely job, and headship does indeed throw many a curve possible rating of ‘excellent’ (you can read more about ball at you. Each day is different, with a range of challenges this on page XX). and sometimes tough decisions that need to be made. Despite this, I don’t think I have ever felt alone or isolated during my time at MHSG and can only conclude that this lack of loneliness is a result of the amazing team around me. “I am also so proud of the Someone once told me that, “You should always try and recruit people who are better than you or who you believe commitment from everyone have the potential to be better than you.” and I have always strived to do this during my time at Manchester High. at MHSG to educate the ‘whole girl’. We have a wonderful diversity of girls in our School and one size fits all is definitely not our approach.”

ISI inspections focus on the quality of two areas; pupils’ academic and other achievements and pupils’ personal development. The celebrations we share with our girls on GCSE and A-level results days, pinnacle moments in their The new hockey pitch time with us, leave no doubt about the academic prowess of Manchester High pupils and the unrivalled teaching and learning experience they enjoy here, however, I am also so proud of the commitment from everyone at MHSG to educate the ‘whole girl’. We have a wonderful diversity of girls in our School and one size fits all is definitely not our approach. The proactive pastoral system and well- being programme that operates across the School ensures we have cultivated an ethos where the individual girl is encouraged to be just that, an individual.

The Pankhurst march 4 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 5

From left to right: Mrs Hewitt, Head Mistress, Rev Libby Lane and Elizabeth Spence, Chair of Governors The ‘Extreme Cake Makers’

Claire and Richard Hewitt at The Bursary Ball 2019

140 year anniversary with Miriam Fields

While all our girls are of course individuals, one of the At this point, it feels fitting to share some of things I particularly value about this amazing place is the the moments where I have been truly immersed sense of connectivity that all members of the extended in the unique atmosphere of MHSG: MHSG community share. There is a saying amongst our alumnae community that, “Once a Manchester High School • Teaching Chemistry to Year 7 pupils and their differing girl, always a Manchester High School girl” and this is an reactions to the ‘screaming jelly baby’ experiment adage that speaks to the deep bond and connection that I am excited about the future and know • Karaoke sessions during end of term assemblies – our pupils, past and present, feel to the School and each other. never could I have imagined that introducing Gen Zers to Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’ would be such an I move on to the next chapter in my life secure Having worked in education now for over 30 years, I know overwhelming success! that a sense of belonging is crucial when it comes to the happiness and confidence of young people. They need to • The visit of Princess Anne to open our state-of-the-art in the knowledge that MHSG will continue feel connected to something bigger than themselves and Sixth Form Centre in 2014 – an absolute honour the social media black holes they can so easily get sucked • The shouts of encouragement from girls as I cycled 130 to lead the way in girls’ education. into. In a world where more and more youngsters report miles on an exercise bike in main reception as part of experiencing feelings of chronic loneliness and stress I am the Duke of Edinburgh’s Diamond Challenge reassured that for our pupils, MHSG is that something bigger. Every day, our girls join an environment of • Our Founders’ Day assembly in the sports hall, the only collective enterprise, one that is brimming with area in School big enough to enable us to bring together aspiration, commitment and enjoyment. our 968 pupils, from four to 18. There is something incredibly special about our youngest girls looking up to our oldest

As retirement on the 31st August gets nearer, I feel I am on a roller coaster of emotions. I know I am going to miss the people, as well as the sheer variety that only life as the Head Mistress of Manchester High School for Girls can bring. However, having worked in senior leadership for over 20 years, I feel this is the right time to retire. I want to leave before I lose my enthusiasm for the hectic Head Mistress life and whilst I still have plenty of energy. I am excited about the future and know I move on to the next chapter in my life secure in the knowledge that MHSG will continue to lead the way in girls’ education under the headship of Mrs Helen Jeys.

I look forward to seeing what you all do next! Children In Need 2012 Mrs A C Hewitt, Head Mistress. The visit of Princess Anne

Christmas 2012 6 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 7

Manchester High School for Girls invites you to... Wh a t 's i n s i d e X X X MRS HEWITT’S Xxx Xxx Xxx Xxx Xxx Xxx X X X Xxx Xxx Xxx B NGO L NGO Xxx Xxx Xxx WE’RE SAYING GOODBYE TO MRS HEWITT IN STYLE! X X X MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Xxx Xxx Xxx SATURDAY 27TH JUNE 2020 Xxx Xxx Xxx Individual Ticket: £35 • Table of 8: £250 Book online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/MHSG X X X Xxx Xxx Xxx Xxx Xxx Xxx X X Xxx Xxx Xxx Xxx

Reg. Charity no.: 506823 8 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 9

In my final year at Manchester High School There were two main reasons why I opted to study at for Girls I visited Silicon Valley in San Francisco Loughborough; the sport and the fact that the International Business programme offered a year in industry. This turned and was instantly struck by the culture of all out to be a real eye-opener. I completed a year’s placement the companies there; all the employees were in the Sales Team at IBM which was made up of 16 white motivated and driven but they also clearly enjoyed men, all over 40; I was their first intern in five years that ALUMNA wasn’t male. I definitely realised that when it comes to their work. Employees were listened to and equal representation in the workplace there is still a long INTERVIEW given the flexibility, tools and environment they way to go. One of the great things about work experience needed in which to do their job to the optimum is that as well as learning what works for you, you also learn CLASS OF 2013 what doesn’t, and I found the hierarchical structure of IBM degree. This in turn meant levels of self-belief didn’t really suit my personality type. It’s an amazing brand, and enthusiasm were high and I knew that in the with incredible people, but at that time it just wasn’t what I future I wanted to work somewhere that made was looking for. me feel like that. As well as my year in industry, I spent every summer at university undertaking work placements, from time in HSBC’s business banking team to working at a printing When considering my post-MHSG options I did consider company – you name it, I did it. Looking back it was the apprenticeship route, however, at that point, probably quite a gruelling regime to put myself through apprenticeships were still loaded with the stigma of being when all my friends were enjoying their holidays but it was something that the ‘not so bright kids’ went on to do and worth it; I received a job offer from Google before I had so I opted for a degree course in International Business at even graduated. Loughborough University. While that decision has worked out pretty well for me, I love that Manchester High is talking to girls more and more now about higher and degree level apprenticeships, it shows that the school really understands the employment market and, let’s face it, employability is pretty crucial to your life ahead. If I was in Sixth Form now, Google really do invest in their I would certainly be looking at apprenticeships as they offer you the opportunity to earn, learn and avoid substantial people and during my time debt, while getting a full degree. There is a job at the end, here I have undertaken a A appropriate for a graduate, with a salary, rather than a mbah mountain of debt. coaching qualification.

I’m currently based at Google’s European Headquarters in Dublin where I work in the Global Marketing Sales Team. I’m an Account Manager for digital agencies, specialising in the finance sector. This means I get to work on marketing Simpson plans for Google’s finance partners, some of the biggest finance brands in the world. One of the best things about my role is that even at a relatively young age I get to work alongside colleagues operating at the higher levels and I speak to the Director of Finance and the Director of Marketing on a daily basis.

Google really do invest in their people and during my time here I have undertaken a coaching qualification. Someone once explained the difference between coaching and mentoring to me as, “A coach has some great questions for your answers and a mentor has some great answers for your questions” which I think sums it up nicely. The focus of the coaching agenda is to achieve specific, immediate goals and I would like to think that even at this early stage in my career I could help someone else do that. 10 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 11

One of the main pieces of advice I give to new starters who have relocated to Dublin is, for the first couple of months, Food and nutrition students to avoid the lure of going back home to see friends and family. get a taste for London

I found the move a lot harder than I anticipated. Most of The greatest lesson I learnt during my time at Manchester my friends were doing graduate schemes in London and High was to embrace who you are. I have never come GCSE Food and Nutrition students enjoyed a taste of it felt like my social media was littered with photos of across another person, outside of my Man High friends, them altogether, loving life, while I was lonely in another who went to such a diverse school. It’s something I really London on a trip to Borough Market and the world country. A lot of people don’t think of Ireland as another notice in Ireland; the diversity just isn’t here and young famous department store, Fortnum and Mason. country but the culture here is very different. For example, people do grow up quite sheltered. At MHSG I was given I thought I’d be able to make friends by joining a netball the space to embrace my own culture while at the same team, but they don’t play it over here! The main sports are time learning and appreciating the culture of others. The lacrosse and Gaelic football. Looking back, I wish I had just teachers really are there to support you in finding your own picked a lacrosse stick up and given it a go – it would have identity – which for any teenage girl, of any culture, can made the settling in process much easier. be a real struggle at times! I would definitely recommend to black pupils (in fact, any pupils!) Slay In Your Lane: The I’ve been here two years now and am really happy. I Black Girl Bible by Elizabeth Uviebinené and Yomi Adegoke. gradually made friends through team bonding activities at It’s a great snapshot of life in contemporary Britain and work and despite being worried that my entire social circle the challenges black women and girls are up against. would be people I work with, I did meet people through The authors are two British-born women, with African friends of friends and established my own group. One of backgrounds, and they just get ‘it’. the biggest signs of how far I’ve come was after a weekend at home in Hadfield. I told my mum I had to pack my things to, “…go home” and she instantly burst into tears! As my mum she was sad to think I now thought of Dublin as I got a taste for travel at school ‘home’ but for me it was a real breakthrough moment. and have fond memories of the Sports Tour to South East Asia. Arriving on the early train to London Euston, Mrs Bell, Teacher of Food and Technology, commented: The ‘try anything’ approach to life that MHSG instils in you girls made the short journey to Borough Market “We had a fantastic time in London and I know the girls got is so important. I got a taste for travel at school and have a lot out of the day. We’re constantly looking for ways fond memories of the Sports Tour to South East Asia. I’m for a bread making workshop. Renowned bread to broaden our pupils’ horizons and it was a pleasure to off to Vietnam soon for my birthday and while I’ve visited makers, Bread Ahead, taught pupils their top tips show them the dedication and artistry of those working in New York as a tourist, to work there is definitely on my ‘to for baking the perfect loaf and allowed them to the catering industry. Naturally, I felt very at home in the do’ list. I just love the hustle and bustle of cities. Google use plush surroundings of Fortnum and Mason – it was nice to a ‘road map’ tool to help guide your personal development; try some of their most popular bites. pick up my usual weekly shop while I was there…!” you picture where you are in ten years’ time, but it’s not about the job you’re doing then, it’s visualising where you After lunch, they left the bustling urban market for the live, how you live, who you’re with, from what you find tranquil serenity of one of London’s grandest shops, enjoyment…I find this really useful; it gives me a framework Fortnum and Mason. Swapping street food for splendour, My generation are under a lot of pressure; rising rents, in which to make decisions but it’s not binding and enables girls studied the packaging, ingredients and surroundings to university debt, a fluctuating job market and that’s before me to go with the flow, something that definitely works for me! understand how brands can cater to contrasting needs, yet you even consider buying your own home or throwing retain a high quality product. Brexit into the mix. If you think about it too much it can all get a bit overwhelming but my dad is always quick to Emelie (10H), who studies Food and Nutrition, loved the remind me of everything I have achieved and put some variety of the trip: “The market traders’ products seemed perspective around it. My dad is an accountant and the completely different to the food hall at Fortnum’s, but they ability to manage money and ‘cut my cloth accordingly’ is still use quality ingredients, go through the same processes something he’s always been really passionate about passing and have a strong understanding of their customer. I went on to me. I remember him being very pleased when with the view that the two were at completely different Manchester High delivered some sessions on managing your ends of the culinary spectrum, but I came away with a money to my year group before we left for university – not completely different opinion. It was a fantastic trip and I’m sure we all headed the advice given! so glad that I went.” 12 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 13

Direct grants and assisted places are long gone. A gift in your Once a Manchester High School Girl will to the MHSG Bursary Fund will help change a girl’s life.

Always a Manchester High School Girl We understand not everyone can afford to give now, and that when the time comes, loved ones must be provided for, but a small share of what is left would make a huge impact.

If you would like to change your will to include the Manchester High Bursary Fund, or wish to make a will to include the school, please speak with your solicitor. Please provide them with the Registered Charity Number for the MHSG Bursary Fund: 506823. DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST DAY? As a registered charity, any gift left in a will to the MHSG Bursary Fund would be exempt from inheritance tax.

On that day, you were given the chance to explore, experiment Words from one of our bursary students… and empower yourself to be the very best you could be. When I look back at my time at Manchester High, I realise Regardless of the era in which you attended our school, we hope you agree just how much this school has changed my life. I always knew the only way I would be able to come to MHSG was that Manchester High girls, from across the generations, all share a number to secure a bursary place and I will never forget the tears of of traits; confidence and passion, intellect and ambition, a love of life, joy streaming down my mum’s face when we received the a caring spirit and enthusiasm. letter to say I had done it. The student cohort here is so diverse, with girls from all We believe all of Manchester’s bright girls, regardless of their financial walks of life. It makes for a vibrant atmosphere and all circumstances, deserve the same opportunity to become an MHSG pupil. Manchester High girls seem to radiate a certain exuberant energy! Being surrounded by incredibly talented girls on a All they need is the chance and the MHSG Bursary Fund offers this. daily basis inspires me to give my all to everything I do, and I know I’ve made life-long friends whose support has been, and will be invaluable to me for years to come.

I am currently in the process of applying for Medicine at university. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would be applying to the types of institution I have done but this school has made me realise I am capable of more than I ever thought.

Though I feel sad at the prospect of leaving the school soon, I know that I will take what it has given to me into everything I do in life. Noor, age 18.

The Ivy Leaf Society

Our Ivy Leaf Society is how we recognise those who have To join the Ivy Leaf Society we do not need you to tell us decided to leave a gift to the school in their will. the amount you plan to leave (a Manchester High School girl would never ask such a thing!), all we ask is you simply All society members receive special invitations to school let us know you are leaving a gift in your will to the school. events, including a lunch in the spring with the Head Mistress to talk about current activities and future plans Please contact the Development Team: for the school. Members also receive our gold-coloured [email protected] ivy leaf pin. If you would like to talk in person, we would be The names of all society members (should they wish) are delighted to meet you. also displayed on a plaque in the main reception of the school. 14 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 15

STUDENTS FIGHT FOR EQUALITY

AT GLOBAL CONFERENCE

Equality was top of the agenda at Becky (S6AC) from Wilmslow, led the organising committee for the two-day event and served as Manchester High School for Girls’ Secretary-General for the conference. annual Model United Nations She commented: “Model United Nations helps us to appreciate the way other people are affected by global Conference (MUNHigh). issues, which is especially important in an increasingly divided world. Choosing topics that required delegates to Students across the country descended on Grangethorpe research a situation they are very unlikely to encounter Road to debate topics such as the rights of unaccompanied themselves in builds empathy, which will stand us children, genetic modification, child marriage and gender- in good stead as we go through the journey of life!” based violence. Model United Nations is a simulation of the real United Nations, where students debate global issues as delegates from member states. Manchester High has taught me the importance of a global outlook, but MUN has helped to shape my own ideas about the world.

In keeping with the theme of equality, Dr Sylvia Forchap- Likambi, a leading authority on transformation and women’s empowerment, was the guest speaker. Dr Sylvia spoke passionately about how it is individuals who have the greatest power to make meaningful changes to the world.

She remarked: “We all have a special gift, but society doesn’t always give us the opportunity to use it. Discrimination based on skin colour, religion, gender and class still exists, and in order for the world to progress we must overcome ignorance and embrace difference.” 16 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 17

FOR YEAR 8

Four Year 8 pupils came third in the Phillipa (8S) commented: “We had a fantastic day! The Northern region of the CyberFirst challenges were really difficult so we had to make sure that we worked closely as a team. We realised quite early T Semi-Final on Saturday 8th February. on who would be best placed to take on each individual he National task, which was a good move, but it was only later that we Aleena, Philippa, Esme and Evangeline hacked and realised the more difficult activities would require more decrypted their way onto the podium in the action-packed than one brain. It came literally down to the last second event in central Manchester. Organised by The National and I think our cheers are still reverberating around the Cyber Security Centre, a division of GCHQ, CyberFirst building!” supports Year 8 girls interested in a career in cyber security and provides them with an engaging and fun environment EnterpriseEnterprise ChallengeChallenge Mr Eaton, who accompanied the girls on the trip, was full to develop digital skills. of praise: “I’m constantly amazed by our pupils, but the determination and innovation shown by Aleena, Esme, The challenges included cryptography, puzzle solving, Evangeline and Philippa at CyberFirst was quite incredible. network hacking and more, with three levels of difficulty for They hardly looked up once during the challenges as they On Thursday 12th December, girls in Year 8 honed their the girls to choose from. With the clock ticking in the final were so focussed on getting the job done. I certainly felt round, MHSG jumped up the leader board from 11th place entrepreneurial spirit as they took part in The National Enterprise very proud to be their teacher and I know they got so to fifth before a last minute breakthrough on one of the much out of the experience. I’ve seen them wearing Challenge, the UK’s largest business education competition. most advanced challenges saw them climb into third place. their CyberFirst semi-finalist badges with pride around school, and I look forward to them inspiring next year’s participants.” The National Enterprise Challenge provides students age Girls were challenged by Air Products UK to create a 11 to 15 with a real-life business scenario set by one of product from used gas canisters, develop a marketing Britain’s best-known brands. Each challenge takes place over campaign, PR stunt and television advert, and then present the course of a full school day and is supported by some of their ideas to a panel of judges – Manchester High’s own the most well-known figures in the business world, such as Miss Hannan and Mrs Chisnall. Ideas ranged from prosthetic Theo Paphitis and Lord Sugar. limbs, electric car charging ports and bespoke furniture. The winning team, Play Pretend, proposed using gas canisters to create outdoor play equipment for children.

Ben Dyer, Co-Founder of The National Enterprise Challenge, commented: “The team were incredibly impressed with the innovative business proposals made by students at Manchester High School for Girls. The highlight of our work is seeing creative ideas come to life and this was certainly the case with Play Pretend’s children’s playground. I hope all the pupils had a fantastic day and are inspired to pursue entrepreneurial ventures in the future!”

Miss Hannan, Head of Careers, said: “The National Enterprise Challenge is a fantastic way to introduce pupils to entrepreneurship. Our girls are very concerned about sustainability but they’re also very creative, so this was the perfect challenge for them! Mrs Chisnall and I had a very tough time deciding the winner, which is testament to the quality of the ideas presented by all the teams.” 18 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 19

Celebrating 80 years of Grangethorpe Road

Manchester High School for Leah, in Year 4, who sung a solo during the assembly was amazed by the history: “I had no idea that Manchester High Girls celebrated the history of its had been through so much. It was very interesting to learn about how the teachers came together to help the girls Grangethorpe Road home during when the school was bombed. I really hope that doesn’t the annual Founders’ Day Service happen again, but I’m sure the teachers would do the same thing if it did.” on Monday 20th January.

Pupils from the Preparatory Department, Senior School and Sixth Form learned how Manchester High started This school has always been its life in two houses on Portland Terrace, where the Manchester University Medical School stands today. progressive and ground-breaking It later moved to an impressive new building on and this stems from our founders. Dover Street, before governors acquired the former Grangethorpe Military Hospital in the 1930s.

Manchester High moved into Grangethorpe Road Mrs Hewitt concluded the service by giving thanks to the in September 1940, nearly 80 years ago, but pupils’ founders and benefactors whose vision, determination and excitement didn’t last long, as a bomb destroyed the generosity led to the development of Manchester High: majority of the buildings. Nobody was injured in the blast “This school has always been progressive and ground- and the then Head Mistress Mary Clarke, asked staff to breaking and this stems from our founders. Setting up an return from their Christmas holiday early in order to academic school for girls was almost unheard of in 1874, recover books, furniture and equipment from beneath the but their foresight and vision is the reason we are rubble. The School moved into rented buildings in Didsbury here today.” until 1949, but Dr Clarke was incredibly proud that not a single day’s teaching was lost! In traditional fashion, pupils gave readings and musical performances linked to the theme of the event. The Prep Choir performed the world première of a new piece by Mr Bradley, Director of Music, which documented Manchester High School for Girls’ adventurous history.

1940 2020 20 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 21 Head 1898 –1924

Mistresses 1924 –1945 Throughout the ages Miss Sara A. Burstall While Elizabeth Day had to be lured to Manchester, the applications to be her successor filled a trunk! Sara Burstall was a Mathematics scholar at Girton College, The first school in the north of England to be concerned with providing an academic Cambridge. Under her pioneering leadership, the curriculum education to girls, Manchester High was founded in 1874 with the aim of imparting expanded to include Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Botany. Languages included French, Spanish, German, Portuguese to girls the very best education that can be given and to fit them for any future which and Russian, and MHSG led the way with its housewifery may be before them. Here we take a look at the 10 pioneering Head Mistresses who and secretarial courses. have steered the school through 146 years of change…. Miss Burstall gradually introduced school uniform, starting with a sailor hat and yellow school ribbon, and the ivy leaf was first worn by the hockey team in 1901. Dr Mary G. Clarke

Dr Clarke took a first in Modern Languages at Girton College, Cambridge and was awarded an honorary LL.D from Aberdeen University in 1943. 1873 –1898 – 1945 1959 Her greatest achievement was to steer the School through World War Two. She managed the temporary evacuation from MHSG’s home in Dover Street to Cheadle Hulme in 1939 and the relocation to Grangethorpe Road in September 1940. To everyone’s dismay, the fabulous new school was bombed on the first night of the Manchester Blitz in December 1940. Fortunately, the Christmas holiday had begun and no one was hurt, but the School was reduced to rubble. The staff worked through the holiday to rescue books and equipment and found rented accommodation in Didsbury. School began again in January 1941 and not a single Miss Agnes M. Bozman day’s teaching was lost! Miss Elizabeth Day Miss Bozman took an MA in Mathematics and Natural Elizabeth Day was just 29 when she became Philosophy at the University of St Andrews. MHSG’s first Head Mistress. When she was appointed Head Mistress, the School was She had a first class Cambridge certificate with distinction in still scattered between buildings in Didsbury and she Divinity, French and Greek, the highest educational test had to plan for the return to Grangethorpe in 1949. a woman could take at the time. She was initially reluctant to Unfortunately, the new building was far from ready. leave London for the North and was surprised when she came for her interview to see trees and hear a thrush singing! An Old Girls’ Federation Newsletter described the chaos: ‘A tide of tarmacadam threatened to cut off those gathered at morning 60 girls enrolled on the first day, but by the time she retired assembly in the gymnasium, corridors were a pitfall of tar, 25 years later, 3,680 girls had attended the School, with The Bozman Rose Garden was holes and woodblocks, the deafening sound of pneumatic drills planted in Miss Bozman’s memory. many going on to Oxford and Cambridge. accompanied lessons. Staff and girls grew harassed and weary, but She raised the standard of girls’ education so far that Miss Bozman kept us all sane by her unflagging energy, her sense MHSG became a model for other schools to follow. of humour and her tactful soothing of jangled nerves.’ 22 HIGH FLYER MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 23

1994 –1998 1959 –1975

1998 –2009 The swimming pool opened in 1969. Miss Elizabeth M. Diggory

Miss Diggory studied History at Westfield College, London. She Miss Kathleen L. Cottrell had a distinguished career in education, serving as Head Mistress 1975 –1983 of St Alban’s High School for Girls, President of the Girls’ Schools Kathleen Cottrell read Classics at Girton College, Cambridge. Association and, after MHSG, High Mistress of St Paul’s, London. Passionate about her subject, she encouraged her pupils to Elizabeth Diggory was a vocal campaigner for single sex construct Greek columns in the classroom and Celtic huts education. One of the greatest challenges she faced was the in the School grounds. increasing importance of presenting the School properly in the Despite the challenges posed by the rise of comprehensive light of competition. Under her leadership, more work was done education and the likely withdrawal of the direct grant scheme, to improve the buildings and to ensure that the School was the School continued to flourish. The present dining room and welcoming to parents and visitors. the Burstall Library were built, and a third storey was added to Miss Diggory loved participating in School events and the East Wing. wore a sari with panache for an Asian Day in 1998. Mrs Christine Lee – Jones The Preparatory Department finally returned to Grangethorpe in 1973 and the infants had their own exciting new building, the Mrs Lee-Jones took a degree in Biblical Studies and Far Eastern present Star Block. Moving with the times, Miss Cottrell instigated Religions at University College, North Wales; she holds a Master’s a uniform committee; the school tie disappeared, and the degree in Education from London University and an Advanced Sixth Form were allowed to wear their own clothes. Diploma in the Management of Education. Under her dynamic leadership, the buildings were transformed Miss Mary N. Blake 2009–2020 into a modern environment and the School became vibrant and fit for the 21st Century. Encouraging a spirit of confidence and Mollie Blake read Geography at St Anne’s College, Oxford. self-belief, she guided MHSG to the best examination results in the School’s history at that time. She guided the School through the transition from direct grant 1983 –1994 to independent status, setting up a Bursary Appeal to ensure Her 10 years at MHSG were full of buzz and excitement; she that MHSG was still accessible to bright girls whose parents could hosted the School’s first royal visit in 1999 when The Princess not afford the fees. She enjoyed School functions and fundraising Royal opened the new Prep and PE facilities. In 2003, she activities, donning a sari for an Indian evening and Elizabethan welcomed Dr Richard Pankhurst to unveil the two maquettes of costume for her role as a serving wench at an Elizabethan Sylvia Pankhurst. She invited Dame Kelly Holmes to open the new banquet. She also circumnavigated Platt Fields Park 15 times sports complex in 2007 and the girls were thrilled when Mrs Lee- for a sponsored walk. Jones made an appearance in the School production of ‘Grease’. Miss Blake continued the School’s building programme to include Mrs A. Claire Hewitt She was made High Sheriff of Greater Manchester in 2011 the Music House. She also inaugurated the Careers Department and remains a Deputy Lieutenant of the county. and the School Careers Conventions, now the Futures Fair. Mrs Hewitt has a degree in Chemistry from the University of Sheffield. School lunches changed their shape too; a self-service system Under her leadership, MHSG has continued to educate the whole girl. was introduced which was a huge hit with the girls. To meet the demands of changing career patterns and the emotional and Miss Mary M. Moon social challenges facing young people today, she has extended the well- being programme and introduced the Higher Project Qualification in Y9 Miss Moon holds a BA in English and a MEd in as part of the emphasis on independent learning throughout the School. Education from Manchester University. The house system, parent forum, the Pankhurst mentoring scheme During her headship, GCSEs replaced O-levels and new A-level schemes and other initiatives have strengthened our School community. Other were introduced. League tables appeared for the first time in 1992 and exciting ventures include the Founders’ Lecture, hosting Model United Miss Moon was mentioned in the House of Commons when MHSG’s Nations conferences and two Comenius projects enabling musicians to results were catastrophically wrongly reported. She even featured in a visit Sweden, Austria and Holland. In 2018, Mrs Hewitt led the School Daily Telegraph cartoon s