I have recently returned from a Nord Anglia Education Conference for Global Women Leaders in Global Education in London. It was perhaps not surprising to learn that girls are achieving higher grades at school in many cases and in countries such as the USA and Western Europe, slightly more girls than boys are leaving university with excellent degrees. However, the number of women in leadership positions decreases sharply as the positions become more senior. The conference delegates were given the opportunity to explore why this is the case in the 21st century.
On my return to Poland, I have thought about the girls and boys attending our school, and how we can further develop the qualities required for future leaders in a global society. We already run a PSHE programme for year 7 from the Chartered Management Institute devoted to studying leaders and we are currently investigating the qualities that distinguish a good leader. Next Tuesday, we have the elections for the Student Council Chairperson, who will lead and represent our student body for this academic year. I have been discussing campaign strategies with the candidates, who I am pleased to say, are a balance of boys and girls. This is another opportunity to take risks, rise to challenges and develop creative solutions to a problem. These students are enjoying challenging themselves and have seized the opportunity to learn and develop as a person. All candidates have sought support and all believe that they have a strong chance of winning over our very discerning electorate from Years 7 to 13. Teachers do not have a vote, therefore the elected winner is the choice of our students. Although only one candidate can be elected, I congratulate and applaud all of the candidates who will learn new skills and grow towards future leadership opportunities.
Dates for your diary in October:
Monday 6 October: Year 10 Parent Forum 16.15 room 101
Monday 13 October: Year 9 Parent Forum 16.15 Room 101
Wednesday 15 October: Year 13 ‘Meet the Teacher’ evening IB Learning Centre
Friday 17 October: Careers day for Years 7 to 12
Friday 24 October: Last day of school this half term.
I look forward to announcing our newly elected Chairperson for the Student Council in next week’s newsletter.
Mrs Izabella Sloczynska
Head of Secondary School