Mrs Gemma Gibson, HEADMISTRESS

R eviewing the pages of this publication I am overwhelmed by the number of alumnae who have been so involved with BGS this year. Mentoring our Sixth Form Students; helping with interview practice; networking with our Lower Sixth students; speaking at Lunchbox Lectures; running wonderful workshops for Junior School British Science Week; and attending one of our many sporting and social events. It is just fantastic to see such a warmth of support for the School. We have a bold ambition; we want to build a network of Women Supporting Women to rival the traditional old boys’ network, and it is rewarding to see that so many of you share in our vision and that you are actively engaged in helping us make it a reality.

I spoke earlier this year at an educational conference about the desperate lack of young women moving into one of the world's faster growing sectors, technology, and how part of the reason was the of exposure to female role models; only an estimated 2210 jobs are held by women in this sector, with only 5% in senior roles. The reasons for these somewhat shocking figures are a complex mix of cultural, societal and educational. I spoke at length about the urgent need for this to be readdressed and the responsibility of educators to provide educational opportunities specifically directed at girls. We need to proactively promote female role models, not only in the arenas of STEM and computer science, but across a much broader range of careers. If young girls do not see themselves in roles, they cannot aspire to be in them and the status quo will not change. As a school that is at the forefront of the integration of technology into education our students are fortunate; they have the exposure and the opportunity to meet women in a multitude of roles, to listen to their stories, to ask questions and to be inspired to follow in their footsteps. Our Prizing Giving speaker last summer, the incredible world renowned Music Executive, Emma Banks (BHS 1986), echoed this message, urging the students to be the change they wanted to see; to grasp opportunities and to work as hard as they can at every opportunity they are given. Her exceptionally inspiring story of success will have resonated with and inspired many students.

A highlight for me this year was our London Drinks Reception in May, kindly hosted by BHS alumna, Helen Wood (née Smith, 1989), at her stunning London offices. The room was buzzing with women of different eras connecting with each other. I was greatly inspired by my conversation with the Conservative MP and Dame Alice Harpur School alumna, Jo Churchill (Wood (née Wuidart, 1982); her commitment to making a change and to promoting women in politics at all levels was uplifting. Looking more broadly, we have a number of alumnae who are using their extensive skills and voices to influence change within the political sphere both at a local and national level. For our students to see these women striving forward is incredibly important and I hope that many of our more recent graduates and current students will follow in their footsteps.

Finally, who couldn't be inspired by the exceptionally courageous alpinista, Fay Manners (DAHS 2005), who juggles her career in Business Intelligence with scaling some of the world’s most dangerous terrains. I do hope you enjoy reading her story in this edition of the magazine.

Our doors are always open; we love to welcome alumnae back into school. Our community is your community and I greatly believe that the friendships you make at school sustain you throughout your life. We are always keen to host reunions, workshops or talks, which help you stay in touch with each other. We are pleased to be launching a local mums’ networking group this summer, to reconnect alumnae mums’ who are taking career breaks to raise their children; please contact Emma MacKenzie in The Alumnae Office if you would like to know more about this.

I look forward to welcoming many of you through our doors in the year ahead and please do get in touch and keep us up to date with your news.

Best wishes

Gemma Gibson Headmistress