CONNECT Friends of NGHS Magazine Issue 11 November 2017
Welcome from Aisling I always love to see our alumnae return to the school, in any capacity. Our reunion events are always popular but it’s great to have old girls come back to school just to have a look around, or even better, to talk to current girls about their lives after NGHS, their careers and university experiences. So since I have been in post I have been delighted to welcome several alumnae back for various engagements. Our girls are as important to us after they’ve left school as they are while they’re here, and we really do like them to stay in touch. Their life experiences are an invaluable inspiration and lesson to our current girls. If you’d like to get in touch, then why not call us on 0115 935 4410 or email Aisling at FriendsofNGHS@not.gdst.net You can also join our online community by following Friends of NGHS groups on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Mrs Aisling Hooper Alumnae and Community Relations Manager
Top Features Saffy and Delilah join the school - page 7 Cover story: Official opening of The Space - page 14 Lis Kirkby our 1937 leaver - page 18 Sam and Freya, school 25 years later - page 23 From NGHS to Better Half Full - page 30 Annie and Avalon- page 32
KEEP IN TOUCH Stay in touch and be involved! 9 Arboretum Street, Nottingham NG1 4JB Tel: 0115 941 7663 Email: development@not.gdst.net Web: nottinghamgirlshigh.gdst.net
Follow us on social media for up to date news and events: Facebook: FriendsofNGHS Twitter: @NottmGirlsHigh Instagram: FriendsofNGHS LinkedIn: FriendsofNGHS
Welcome from Julie Welcome to the eleventh edition of Connect, our Friends of NGHS magazine. It’s been 18 months now since I became Head at the school and so many amazing things have happened; so much change has taken place during these exciting times. As you can see, we welcomed Aisling Hooper to our team as our new Alumnae and Community Relations Manager, and she’s already been really busy establishing contact with our alumnae community and planning lots of ways to involve you in school life. We’ve had a lot of positive publicity since the last edition due to some of the incredible things that have happened here. The official opening of our long-awaited performing arts centre ‘the space’ took place in March with a glittering performance of ‘Grease’ which really was an outstanding production. Alumnae Rosemary Squire OBE (after whom the centre is named) and Dame Stella Rimington were among those who attended the launch that finally put this amazing facility on the map. Then in October we also held its business launch, offering ‘the space’ as a potential venue for all manner of events and activities, further strengthening our commitment to the Arts and the local community.
over the past few months, and has triumphed after each of them of course. We passed our ISI compliance inspection, received a great write-up from the Good Schools Guide across the Senior and Junior Schools, and we were awarded a 3* ranking in the Best Companies Survey – proving that we’re not only a great place in which to learn, but at which to be employed. So I hope you enjoy reading this edition of Connect and seeing what our girls, past and present, have been up to. Meanwhile, I continue to work tirelessly to get this innovative, forward thinking all-girls school as well-known as possible, for all the right reasons. It really is the best job in the world! Yours sincerely
Miss Julie Keller Head
I have been very busy myself, out and about at networking and business events, and enjoying reviewing the Sunday Papers occasionally on Radio Nottingham - you may have listened in! One of my most proud memories of the year was the successful trip to the United Nations in New York with two of our Year 13 girls who were invited to represent the National Council of Women, Great Britain, at CSW61; you can read their story yourselves among the articles in this edition. The school has also been visited by the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate, the Good Schools Guide and the Best Companies Survey www.facebook.com/FriendsofNGHS
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School News GCSE RESULTS
A LEVEL RESULTS
More girls at the school have gained the top grades this year with 25% awarded the equivalent of 8 A*s or more, including an amazing 8 girls who actually received 10 A* or equivalent grades. Overall the pass rate at the school is 100% with 99% at A* to C grades, and the girls and staff are justifiably thrilled.
Girls achieved an incredible 100% pass rate and 92% of grades were C and above, with more A*s than the last three years. STEM subject achievements are notable with higher grade success rates, including 50% of our Physics results at A*, 61% of our Biology grades at A* or A, and 100% of results in Further Maths at A* or A (of which 67% are A*). This means that many girls are able to go forward into their chosen STEM subjects at university, with over 10% studying Medicine.
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NGHS ROWING - PUSHING THE BOAT OUT We held a very special rowing celebration evening on Wednesday 21 June to highlight a re-introduction of the sport at the school, recognise some amazing achievements and look to the future of girls’ rowing. The evening was attended by several special guests including Helen Bloor who was the first ever female captain of Nottingham Rowing Club. An outstanding oarswoman and coach with decades of success at all levels in the sport, we invited Helen to present our girls with commendation awards for their recent achievements.
AMAZING FUNDRAISING HIKE FOR PASIC PARENTS ASSOCIATION FOR SERIOUSLY ILL CHILDREN During the 2017 summer break, a team of 14 girls (aged 14-18) set out to complete the West Highland Way - a 96 mile hike through the Scottish Highlands from Glasgow to Fort
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William, over seven days. Despite some classic Scottish rain and thousands of highland midges, the whole team completed the hike. They also reached the summit of Ben Nevis at the end which was a remarkable achievement in itself. In doing so the team raised over £4,000 for Nottingham based charity, PASIC. The charity provides support and care for children and young people with cancer and their families, and is especially significant to the school and the girls after the tragic loss of fellow pupil Rose Whittle in 2013.
EMMA PAYNE RETURNS FOR PRIZE GIVING Emma Payne was a guest speaker at our Year 12 Celebration Evening - her presentation was perfectly pitched, thoroughly entertaining, and offered really relevant, encouraging advice for our girls. Emma studied at Nottingham Girls’ High School for seven years. During her time in the Sixth Form she was awarded a place on the prestigious HSBC summer internship scheme; one of ten GDST students out of 3,000 university applicants to win a place. Leaving in 2014, Emma went on to study Geography at the University of Edinburgh, where she is currently completing her Master of Arts degree. Her work experiences have predominantly been focused in the world of business, working in corporate banking and finance environments. Emma has also amassed a wealth of leadership experiences and positions of responsibility including Campus Ambassador at Deutsche Bank, and President and International Managing Director of the Edinburgh University Business Society.
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PIZZA OVEN FOR UPNAH WOOD Our impressive outdoor learning area received a boost in November 2017 with the official presentation of a pizza oven donated by parents and friends of the school. The outdoor learning area developed in Upnah Wood at the school already boasts an impressive low ropes course, climbing wall and a hugely popular fire pit. Outdoor learning is of great importance at the school and we recognise its character building properties and how beneficial it is to girls of all ages from Reception to the Sixth Form. We are working hard on our home/school partnership involving parents in as many ways as possible, and the pizza oven has been completely funded by charitable donations through fundraising events organised by parents of girls currently in Year 7, for which we are extremely grateful.
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“It has been a complete joy to see the positive impact that Outdoor Learning has had on so many lives at Nottingham Girls’ High School. The spirit of adventure at school is extraordinary, and I am extremely grateful to everyone who has supported and continues to support the provision of Outdoor Learning at school. I am looking forward to developing the next expansion of Outdoor Learning which is to include an amphitheatre and mud kitchen!” Jen Lynn, Head of Outdoor Learning
NEW ADDITIONS TO SCHOOL SAFFY AND DELILAH Delilah, a miniature smooth-haired Dachshund (sausage dog) joined the Junior School in February 2017 and she has impacted on the whole school community. Following her hugely successful introduction, we welcomed our very own four-legged friend to the Senior School. Saffy - a miniature Labradoodle joined NGHS in September 2017.
and play with her during break or lunch. She is also a great addition to Pet Club, alongside Loki the bearded dragon, 51 stick insects, a giant snail and two gerbils. The girls in Junior School love having Delilah in school, they read to her, care for her and most of all love playing with her. Both Delilah and Saffy really are great assets to school.
We appreciate that a school dog may seem unusual to some, but we’re not unique in this offering, even within the GDST. Blackheath has a school dog and it’s been found to have many positive benefits for both pupils and staff. We’ve also undertaken our own research into the impact of having a dog in school. In summary, these are the main findings: • Fosters a sense of responsibility. • Teaches children and young adults to nurture and respect. • Helps to build self-confidence. • Motivates pupils to learn and lead in a school community. • Reduces stress and calms anxieties. • Enhances the ‘family feel’ of the school environment. Girls through the school day can play and walk Saffy. She can be booked out for form time in the morning or the girls can come along to walk www.facebook.com/FriendsofNGHS
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RETIREMENTS Rita Wynne - 1991 to 2016
I too was educated at an all-girls school although the opportunities presented to me were very different to those currently on offer at NGHS! It was a convent school in York where the vast majority of teachers were Nuns and the assumption was that you would either go to university or become a nurse. I chose the university option spending three very happy years at Nottingham working for a degree in Mathematics and playing a lot of Netball. I was then accepted on a graduate training scheme with Boots in Nottingham but soon moved to London where I worked in IT as a computer systems designer, mainly in the banking sector. After a career break to look after my two children, and a move back to Nottingham, I decided to enter the teaching profession and did a PGCE in Mathematics and Physical Education at Nottingham Trent University Then followed twenty-five very happy years teaching mainly Mathematics (but also PE when allowed!) firstly at the Becket RC Comprehensive School and then at NGHS. During my time at NGHS I worked with three different Head Teachers and saw the school make rapid progress into the twenty-first century! As a Pastoral Head at NGHS it was an absolute privilege to be able to help the girls settle into Year 7 and then to observe them develop into 8
mature, well-balanced adults ready to face life’s challenges. I finally retired in 2016 but still have a lot of contact with the school as I was delighted to be invited by Julie Keller to serve on the school governing body; a position I relish. Retirement is not proving to be a quiet time for me; as well as my responsibilities as a Governor I am on the committee of the Nottingham Arts Society, I am trying to improve my golf, I volunteer in a local Nursing Home specialising in Dementia Care and I have two lovely granddaughters who I try to spend as much time as possible with. Rita
Jane Skinner - 1983 to 2017 The end of year staff lunch was particularly special this year as it was Mrs Skinner’s last ever one. She now leaves to enjoy her retirement and a well-earned rest. Mrs Skinner has been at the school for 34 years as a PE teacher so she takes a fair few memories with her. One of those memories will no doubt be the sea of Mrs Skinner masks that greeted her at Sports Day as the girls and staff showed their respect and appreciation in their own unique way. She’s
been a lynchpin of the House system heading up Hastings with huge amounts of support and organisation, particularly enjoying the much loved House Performing Arts Festival. Thanks Mrs Skinner, we’ll really miss you. Some comments from former pupils: I can't believe you're leaving! I always thank you for helping me to keep my passion for netball going. When I came to the Girls' High as a Year 7 you asked everyone who had played before to stand to one side, and we became the basis of the team for the first tournament at Loughborough High School, and I've not stopped playing since! I even went on to be president of university netball! And you were part of the inspiration to make that happen. I hope you have a fantastic retirement and achieve everything you want to. Enjoy yourself, take time out to view the sites and relax - you've earned it.
Michelle Turgoose, 2009 Leaver
Hi Mrs Skinner Well what can I say but ‘thank you! Thank you’ for being such an incredible teacher and netball coach during my time at the girls’ high school. I couldn’t have asked for a better
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start to sport at the Senior School. You gave me so much confidence to pursue sport and were just absolutely fantastic. I can honestly say I do not think I would be so into sport in my adult life if I had not had the coaching and lessons from yourself (and Miss Abbott and Miss Penfold too of course!) You all taught us that teamwork is key and that if you work hard you’ll reap the rewards (oh, and that netball really, truly is the only sport you should be playing!) I really wish you all the best in your retirement and you will no doubt be travelling somewhere exotic and getting a fabulous tan (as per usual.) If I ever hear you’ve thrown away my 12 year old fridge magnet I will be highly disappointed - it took me probably the whole of an hour to make that! Katie Peggs, 2010 Leaver Pip Flewitt - 2001 to 2017 Mrs Flewitt has been the face of our Sixth Form for such a long time having initially joined us in 2001 as a teacher of English, and followed with leading roles in Years 12 and 13. Pip has always been there for the girls in their final years at school, steering them through the trials and tribulations of exams, celebrating with them and offering support where needed. Her smiling face and endlessly cheery disposition will certainly be missed. We all hope that she enjoys every moment of her retirement, resting in the knowledge that our Sixth Form is safe in the hands of Mrs Erin Skelton who has already settled in so well.
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NGHS girls return from their mission to the United Nations Two of our Year 13 girls returned from New York after representing the UK as delegates of the National Council of Women Great Britain at CSW61 (the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women 61) in March 2017. Jenny Raw (who was Head Girl at the time) and Rachel Wibberley were specially invited to join the delegation in the Big Apple at this prestigious occasion.
suffered by girls, there was a stress on the particular importance of spreading the message to boys and young men too. Jenny and Rachel had sought the views of other girls by inviting them to contribute ideas for the Youth Statement which was read out at the start of proceedings. They did this via their blog which they updated throughout the trip. The pair spent a week attending a variety of conferences, forums and discussions as part of the event - as well as taking to the podium to share their own views in speeches delivered before influential guests and dignitaries. Rachel spoke about the importance of empowering girls and young women in the workplace at the start of the week, and Jenny delivered her speech on economic empowerment on the final day. Their trip kicked off with the CSW Youth Forum, which focuses on tackling gender equality in young people across the world. As well as highlighting the incredible injustices 10
During the event, the girls also met the team behind the UK Mission to the UN where they were given an insight into the negotiations that take place inside the UN and with fellow countries. They met members of the UK Parliament Baroness Fiona Hodgson and Baroness Hillary Armstrong, and also Helene Reardon-Bond, who is responsible for the equality strategy and legislation across government, and Hilary Spencer, Director of the Government Equalities Office. Despite being hit by the snowy Storm Stella during their visit stateside, on their final day Jenny took to the podium at an event
opportunity. Reflecting on our time there really reinforces how much of a fantastic time we had, how much we learnt, and how much we hope to implement now that we have returned.”
sponsored by the International Council of Women, focusing on women’s leadership in transformative politics. Rachel and Jenny were chosen to travel to New York as a result of their work with the National Council of Young Women (NCYW) - an organisation formed in 2008 which represents young women at a national level, working with the well-established National Council of Women to lobby government on issues that young women care about.
Looking to the future, Jenny added: “We must be the agents of change. We must think of ourselves, as young women, as the potential future Secretary General of the United Nations or Prime Minister of the UK. The overall message we took away from this event is that we must not restrict ourselves based on societal views or traditions. Once women are empowered within themselves, they have the ability to empower others through transformative politics.” Head, Julie Keller, who accompanied the girls to New York, said: “The trip was a fantastic opportunity for the students and we all had a great and busy time in New York. It was amazing to see them both play an integral part in the conference and meet a variety of inspirational and influential role models. I am sure it has spurred them on further with their work with the National Council of Young Women.”
The opportunity was made possible by the funding and support of the school and the Girls’ Day School Trust - another example of how being part of the GDST family has so much to offer. The well-established NCYW group meets regularly at the school and plans events such as marking the International Day of the Girl, Human Rights Day and International Women’s Day. On their return from the trip, Jenny Raw said: “Representing the National Council of Women Great Britain at the UN has been an amazing
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Reunion Events NOVEMBER 2016 On a crisp and sunny November afternoon, we welcomed back our alumnae for an autumn reunion. It’s always a pleasure to see our ‘old girls’ and staff come back to school to share their memories over a delicious lunch, and have a good old look around at their school to see how it’s changed - and lots of it HAS changed, though apparently some parts remain reassuringly similar! Our Sixth Form helpers were amazing again, taking our visitors on tours around the site and chatting to them about what it’s like to study here now. We do hope our alumnae continue to visit us and who knows, maybe one day the current Sixth Form will come back for a reunion too!
MAY 2017 The weather may not have been very spring like in May, but spirits were high at our Spring Lunch reunion event as over 50 alumnae and former staff came ‘back to school’ for the day.
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SAVE THE DATE - SPRING REUNION SATURDAY 28 APRIL 2018 Special invitation on this particular occasion is extended to those of you who left school in years ending in 3 or 8! We hope to see you there.
10 year reunion! 2008 leavers, Holly, Libby and Nicole can't wait to catch up with everyone on Saturday 28th April 2018. Arrival from 4.30pm for fizz and canapes. More details to follow on how to book.
ARE YOU CELEBRATING YOUR GOLDEN BIRTHDAY THIS YEAR? 1986 leavers (or however you refer to us, some of us left at 16 in 1984) would like to re-establish contact with girls from their year with the aim of a celebration of their 50th birthdays during 2018.
Search for the Facebook group ‘NGHS 1986’ or contact Sue Woollett.
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Official opening of
‘t h e s p a c e’
On Thursday 23 March we had the most fantastic evening as our £9m performing arts centre ‘the space’ was officially opened by Rosemary Squire OBE, after whom the centre is named. This event was one we had been looking forward to for a long time as this project finally came to fruition after ten years in the planning and building stage. The centre is a totally amazing space which can adapt to several different seating styles and floor plans through the use of floor lifts and top-end technology, so that it can seat hundreds of people or smaller audiences, and cater for any kind of performance event, be it musical or spoken word. The initial funding came from the GDST with the remaining £1.5m being raised by the school through a series of fundraising events organised by the ‘Raise the Curtain’ campaign chaired by Rosemary Squire, founder and former joint CEO of theatre company Trafalgar Entertainment, and also an alumna of the school. Other donations were made by various trusts and patrons, including Nottingham philanthropist Sir Harry Djanogly, school alumnae, parents, students and friends
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of the school. Their generosity has been acknowledged by naming rooms in ‘the space’ after them, including the main auditorium named after Lady Carol Djanogly (wife of Sir Harry Djanogly) and a studio named after Jenny Farr MBE - an alumna and former governor of the school. Generous support from The Garfield Weston Foundation is recognised with the naming of the 74 seat studio theatre. Individual and group donations have also been acknowledged through gold, silver and bronze leaves on an art installation, the Donor Tree, which takes pride of place at the entrance to the centre.
talented girls. The show was extraordinary and surely a sign of things to come at this fantastic new facility.
As well as being used for the teaching and learning of music and drama at school, and for school productions, the centre will also be available for use by community groups, arts organisations, other schools and businesses, beyond school hours. It has been purposefully designed to widen access to the arts and for developing community led projects. Nottingham’s schools and vibrant local dance, music and theatre groups will now have access to high-quality, affordable space for teaching, rehearsal and performance.
THE SPACE OPEN FOR BUSINESS In addition, the school has also officially launched ‘the space’ as a venue for business and networking opportunities. Representatives from local businesses and arts organisations, along with parents and School Governors, attended the launch event in October 2017.
The building was designed by Nottingham architectural practice Marsh:Grochowski and was built by Balfour Beatty - it has an orchestra pit and control rooms with professional technical equipment, and a tension wire grid above the auditorium allowing safe access to lighting rigs and industry standard equipment, enabling students to learn the professional skills of the theatre technician.
The opening event was a huge success during which invited guests had a chance to see ‘the space’ for themselves, and enjoy a phenomenal production of 'Grease' by our wonderfully www.facebook.com/FriendsofNGHS
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Alumnae share their stories WEDDING BELLS! Huge congratulations to Nicola Chambers (nee Ubhi) on getting married in June 2017. Nicola left school in 2008 and was also Hastings House Captain. Her bridesmaids were all NGHS Old Girls, from left to right Gemma Farina, Sarah Fletcher, Anna Neville, Sarah McCarthy, Rachel Cutts, Miriam Chambers.
SHORT STORY AWARD FOR FRANCES Congratulations to Frances Thimann for winning the TomGallon Trust Award 2017 for her short story, ‘Shells’. Frances was presented with the award on 20 June 2017 by Ben Okri at the Society of Authors’ Awards. Frances was born in London and brought up in Nottingham, she attended Nottingham Girls’ High School and left in 1962. She went on to study Music at Bristol University, and later completed an MA in Creative Writing at Nottingham Trent University. She has always had an interest in travel and languages and is part of the Nottingham Writers Studio.
ANNE HARDING (NEE BOADEN) 1948 TO 1953 Two teachers who inspired my career were Miss Merrifield, who taught us History in Upper Third and Miss Macaulay, whose English lessons and school play productions influenced my own teaching. I had always wanted to teach and NGHS supported me in this. Primary education was my first choice, but I realised that my ambition was to teach English and Drama as specialist subjects. After initial teacher training I worked for the LRAM qualification in Drama. Then at the University of Sheffield I studied for a B.Ed (Hons), studying Developmental Psychology and English Literature after which I enrolled on an Open University course in Management. By this time I was teaching English and Drama in the Special Education sector in Sheffield, and was a member of 16
the regional examinations committee and an external examiner for the oral component of the GCSE examinations. I devised a Quality Assurance scheme for my colleagues in the Hospital and Home Education Service to deliver the National Curriculum for our students, and this scheme was published as part of the Sheffield Framework for Assessment. I later received an invitation to give a seminar to teachers in Singapore on my teaching of Drama and ran a workshop at the Substation Arts Centre there in April 1991. In 2013 I was invited to give a talk at the British Institute in Florence following my degree in Italian at Royal Holloway University of London. At NGHS I realised that my career could be as exciting as I made it. Thank you NGHS.
with someone from Sky TV! Laila now works on BBC Radio 4 Today on the World Today programme.
CLARE AND LAILA COME BACK TO SCHOOL We welcomed Clare Third (leaver 2010) and Laila Shahrokhshahi (leaver 2008) back to school to talk to our Year 11 girls about their experiences after NGHS. Clare is now a Humanitarian Support Officer for the Tear Fund, and Laila works as a BBC News journalist for Radio 4. Clare’s career has taken her far and wide and has included coordinating emergency and disaster relief, and she has just started working with the Norwegian Refugee Council working with refugees in Iraq.
Both of these inspirational alumnae presented to Year 11 girls and then enjoyed a lunchtime open session for girls about their journey since leaving school. Georgie Donaldson in Year 13 commented: “It’s incredibly helpful for alumnae to come back and talk to us about their careers, especially for me as a Year 13 who is interested in humanitarianism but wasn’t sure where to start. From the talk, I now have a list of websites, associations and activities that could all help me move further towards this field of work.”
Laila always knew she wanted to work in journalism and she promoted the value of having a school network and work experience. She claims that she got her job through being brave and asking to go for a coffee www.facebook.com/FriendsofNGHS
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LIS KIRKBY RETURNS TO NGHS AFTER 80 YEARS At the end of September we were particularly delighted to welcome back a very special alumna - Elisabeth Kirkby who left the school in 1937! Elisabeth now lives in Australia and was visiting family in Nottingham so decided to contact us and see if she could come for a visit, and we gladly accepted. We had a lovely time with Elisabeth who later documented her visit and told us more about her life: It was wonderful to go back to Nottingham Girls’ High School where I was a student between 1934 -1937 and to see all the wonderful things that have happened at the school. When I was there, the gymnasium had just been opened and I enjoyed climbing ropes for the first time. The physics and chemistry labs also seemed very modern, although I was never very good at physics or chemistry! But in September, I was shown round the new performing arts centre, which is truly impressive and would be the envy of many theatre companies in Australia. I really envy all the students who will be able to study there and learn design, lighting, sound, film and television techniques as well as drama.
"I look back on my visit to the school with delight and realise how lucky I was to be a pupil so many long years ago." I started my theatre career with the Oldham Repertory Company in 1939, in a converted church hall, as an Assistant Stage Manager and the facilities at NGHS today are much more sophisticated. After Oldham, I joined the Manchester Repertory Company and later the Birmingham Rep and the Liverpool Rep, even during my time with the Auxiliary Territorial Service, I was not far away from theatre, as after basic training at the Royal Welsh Fusilier Barracks in Wrexham and time as a training NCO, I toured military camps with 18
‘Stars in Battledress’ in a production of Terence Rattigan’s ‘Flare Path’, a wartime play for a wartime audience that I believe has recently been revived. In 1951, I went to Singapore to join the Schools Division of Radio Singapore, and then to Kuala Lumpur, to join Radio Malaysia at the height of the Malayan Emergency; at first radio programmes were controlled by the Department of Information, but as Malaya prepared for independence, I trained many young Malayans as newsreaders, radio actors and presenters before moving to Sydney in 1965, to join the Australian Broadcasting Corporation writing and presenting radio documentaries. In 1971, I joined the cast of the TV soap opera, No 96, which was broadcast five nights a week; there were six middle aged characters who
were shocked and intrigued by the adventures of a group of younger characters. The show contained ‘adult themes and coarse language’, but it did present the problems of the time; young people involved in drugs and alcohol, petty crime and homosexuality, it was a trail-blazer for many social issues that are still controversial today. Perhaps this is what guided me in to politics, as in 1976, I joined the Australian Democrats, stood for election to the NSW Parliament three times before I was elected to the NSW Legislative Council in 1981. I served as a parliamentarian until 1998 after supporting many political measures that attempted to solve the social and financial problems of the day. Since then, I have become a historian, observing the problems of the past and contrasting them with the problems of today; in most countries, the problems have become more complex and possible solutions are as controversial as ever. Hopefully common sense will prevail and political rivalry will be overcome. Now I’m 96, I seem to have become ‘the oldest’ person in various ways! I am the oldest ‘former member of the NSW Legislative Council; I was the oldest woman in Australia to be awarded a PhD in 2014 ; my thesis was
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based on ‘The Impact of the Great Depression in Australia and Links to the Global Financial Crisis’. I wouldn’t be surprised if I am the ‘oldest surviving student’ of NGHS also. If I am, I am very proud to claim the title and so very happy I have seen the school and the magnificent theatre complex in 2017. I was also pleased to see the School dog, a concept I had never heard of before, but on my return to Australia, I learnt that my university, Sydney University, now has a University Dog (and several furry pets) to help students over the misery of examination nerves! I look back on my visit to the school with delight and realise how lucky I was to be a pupil so many long years ago.
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Remembering Sally August 1977 to June 2017 her diagnosis, treatment, marriage and ultimately her untimely death, and realised just what a special person she was. As well as being a talented researcher and lecturer at The University of Nottingham, Sally was also a minor celebrity as she was Nottingham's official Maid Marion. Quite brilliantly, she fell in love with Nottingham's official Robin Hood, Tim Pollard, and they married in 2016. A true love story in every sense! Sally and Tim faced her diagnosis with the utmost bravery and dignity and strove to enjoy their brief time together to the full.
June this year saw the sad passing of an old girl of the school, Sally Pollard, nee Plummer (class of ’95), after a two year battle with breast cancer. She leaves behind many loving friends and family, not least her husband Tim and daughter Scarlett, 3. A few of her school friends share their memories of Sally here.
LIZZIE HUCKLE Just over two years ago, the class of '95 met up at school for a reunion - 20 years since leaving school. A few months later, one of that party was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer and died just two years later, a few weeks before her 40th birthday. I wasn't close friends with Sally at school, simply because we moved in different circles. However, the reunion gave us all the opportunity to meet our adult selves and to rekindle old friendships and acquaintances. We all stayed in touch afterwards and I subsequently followed Sally's journey through 20
SARAH MCKINNON Sally was the first person I met when I went to the Girls' High for Sixth Form. I think I first met her at the open day for prospective students. I had quite a preconceived stereotype about the sort of girls who went to the Girls' High and Sally seemed to be nothing like it. She was interested in sciences like me; as well as Rock and Goth music, frequenting the eclectic shops in Hockley and of course going to Rock City! We quickly became friends. Sally was so welcoming, introducing me to everyone. She
was always the centre of her group of likeminded people. Sally had so many different and somewhat opposing interests. At school it was mostly loud music and science, in particular Biology. She went on to study for her PhD in molecular genetics and at that point also became very involved in re-enactments. Not only did she take part, but she became an excellent seamstress making beautiful costumes for herself and others. She still always had a passion for live music and made time to visit Rock City even after her beautiful daughter Scarlett was born. I will always think of Sally in black 'witchy' boots with a flowing skirt dancing the night away.
JENNY BADDELEY Because we were both “Ps” (she was originally “Plummer” and I was “Poulter”) I was lucky enough to share a form room with Sally right through school, including Sixth Form. She was so easy to be friends with - confident and happy in herself - with a cheerful, straightforward manner that made everyone around her feel comfortable and included too. Had you met her back then, you’d have been surprised to hear that she was the youngest girl in the year, since she was so erudite and naturally insightful; ever ready to listen and support those around her. I know I have a lot to thank her for: she and her mum were particularly kind to me during some tricky teen years. We lost touch after school finished, so the 20 year reunion was a fantastic opportunity to catch up with Sal and our other friends again. www.facebook.com/FriendsofNGHS
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"I will always think of Sally in black 'witchy' boots with a flowing skirt dancing the night away."
It’s only in hindsight that I realise how lucky we all were, to share so many moments with “Sally-Plummerlally”. I can see why she was so successful in her work at Nottingham Uni as a researcher in human genetics and dedicated teacher: by all accounts her students loved her, gave her rave reviews and appreciated her innovative teaching and feedback techniques. I can also see why she made such a brilliant ambassador for Nottingham as Maid Marian. It’s a cliché but she really was a shining light, right down to the naturally white-blonde hair! I’m incredibly sad to have to speak of Sally now in the past tense. 40 was a landmark year for all
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of us and it’s unbelievable that she didn’t make it. But she achieved an incredible amount in her way too short life; not least her beautiful 3 year old daughter, Scarlett. My heart breaks for her family and friends.
Sam and Freya Wagland Samantha Wagland (nee Rowe) attended Nottingham Girls’ High School from 1978 - 1992 and her daughter Freya moved up from the Junior School to Year 7 in September this year, 25 years after her mum left! Sam, now a tax accountant in Nottingham, also coaches football to the Year 6 and 7s at the school. She is a parent rep and was part of the fantastic Year 6 Junior fundraising team that raised money for the school’s pizza oven in the outdoor learning area - a lovely gift from Year 6 as they moved into the Senior School. Sam loves that Freya has been able to follow in her footsteps at NGHS. And Sam, what did school look like for you? S: It was quite similar, we would go to our classrooms first thing. It was a classroom very similar to where Freya is now for the first year. We used to have assembly every day and we’d carry our hymn books, including Songs of Praise. I think we had two hymn books and would have assembly in the big hall. I think we had eight lessons a day, so the periods were shorter. Some lessons were double and then we had singles. I think our dinner was earlier, it seems later now and I am sure there were not as many clubs; there seem to be a lot more opportunities now. Yes of course, so Sam, how did you travel to school?
So then Freya, what does a school day look like for you? F: I arrive around 8.15am, go up to my classroom and wait until Miss Taylor comes in and she takes the register, and then we go to lessons. I have five lessons in a day and my favourite lessons are Food and DT. I sometimes do pet club and have lunch with my friends either outside or sometimes in the dining hall. Pet club? Amazing, have you met the new bearded dragon? F: Yes, she’s great. www.facebook.com/FriendsofNGHS
S: I came on the school bus from Kimberley, a mile from Watnall where we lived; we now live in the same village just around the corner from where I grew up. My mum used to collect me from the bus stop. And Freya, how do you travel to school? F: In the car. My mum drops me and my brother off and then on Mondays and Tuesdays my dad drops us off in the van. What House were you in at school Sam? S: We didn’t have Houses, that’s a new thing. And Freya, what House are you in? 23
F: I’m in Luxton (smiles with a big grin on her face) Did you have school dinners here Sam? S: Yes, similar to what Freya does now, packed lunches some days and I’d visit the dining hall on others. The dining hall when I started used to be across the road and round the back. Turn right out of Arboretum Street and then left and I think there’s a playground there now. Then the dining hall was built where ‘the space’ is now, so we used to go to that one. An interesting fact which is really nice is that Sharon is still here, so I knew Sharon! What about you Freya, do you have packed lunches or go to the dining hall? F: I do both depending on the day. And what’s your favourite thing or favourite dessert
Have you been taught by the same teacher? S: Yes, Mrs Skinner! Mrs Skinner taught Freya in Juniors in Year 6, and I had her during Senior School. F: Yes, I had Mrs Skinner in my last year of Juniors. S: I did spot Mrs Skinner and tell her, she did say “you make me feel so old.” That’s amazing, she was here for 34 years, so I did wonder! What’s the best thing about school Freya? F: The variety of the lessons. It’s different to Junior School where we stayed in the same classroom apart from for Maths. So you like being able to move around school? F: Yes!
F: I really like Bakewell slice.
And for you Sam?
S: Cornflake tart surely!
S: The atmosphere. I loved being here and always look back at school and think what a nice time I had; I always love to come back. It’s got such a nice, warm feel; school is friendly and fun. It’s a lovely place to be, even now when I come back in to school I feel it.
It’s such a great hit at school! F: Yeah I do like cornflake tart but also Bakewell slice. S: You like coming in for breakfast too. Whilst Freya was in Junior School, on Fridays as a family including Freya’s brother, it was a really nice thing to do and we could miss the morning traffic and come together for breakfast. Freya also likes having the pay card too, sneaking over for snacks and drinks! Sam who was your favourite teacher? S: I liked Mrs Howard, I think she only recently left. She was my Chemistry teacher and also my Sixth Form tutor. She was one of my favourites, she was young and cool and I thought she was really lovely. I really did like them all. And what about you Freya? F: I like Mr Martin, he teaches Food, DT and Computing. 24
What is your favourite memory of school?
What’s the best thing about school?
S: Oooh I don’t know, I’ve had so many happy times here. I used to like Sixth Form entertainment at Christmas; it was always good fun. Oh, and the school discos.
F: The people, so the teachers because they are really nice and friendly.
What were the school discos like?
S: The girls and the staff, I think.
S: Well we used to have them with the boys’ school and we used to do school productions with them. Oh, and I was in Fiddler on the Roof with the boys’ school. We had joint discos in the hall, all the boys used to stand on one side of the hall and girls used to stand on the other. We also used to meet the boys on the bus lane, much like it is today. It’s all the friends I have made, I can’t really pick one favourite memory out of my whole school life.
And what about the school puppy?
Lovely Freya, and what about you Sam?
F: I really love it. S: You loved Delilah in Junior School. I remember receiving an email from school to say they were getting a dog and that day Freya came running out of school shouting “we are getting a dog, we are getting a dog!” You used to be able to see Delilah and she’d be in your classroom in Year 6.
Are you still in touch with friends? S: Yes a few, there are some that are also now school mums at NGHS and some that I am still in touch with. I am hoping for Freya it will be easier to stay in touch with friends – with social media it’ll be easy. Whereas when I left school and everyone went off to university that was it, we didn’t have the opportunities like now to keep in contact, we didn’t have mobile phones, so once we left school it was difficult to stay in touch. What’s the best thing about school for you Freya? F: The Space. S: Yes you love that don’t you? What’s the best thing about the space? F: It’s a proper theatre, it’s not like in Juniors where we did productions in the hall and they build the stage. Have you performed in the space? F: Yes, in Annie (the Junior School production.) S: It’s one of my favourite memories of Freya in the Junior School, in the production of Annie. They were amazing and it was brilliant. Then they were taken to see Annie in the West End. www.facebook.com/FriendsofNGHS
"what’s your favourite dessert? F: I really like Bakewell slice. S: Cornflake tart surely!" What did school do you for you Sam? S: I think for me it made me know that as a girl, I could do whatever I wanted. There was no competition with boys, we were all equal. I feel I am confident, very independent and I have said so to Julie Keller a few times. I work in an environment and industry that is very male orientated. I also volunteer in football which is male dominated and it’s never really bothered me or been an issue. And what do you think NGHS will do for Freya? S: I am hoping it will be the same thing. For me it was never a question to send Freya to NGHS. I had to convince my husband as he didn’t really know much about private schools. We attended an open day and it blew him away. I think the girls showing him around won him over. For me single sex schools are important, particularly for girls. It’s important to be able to do the science subjects, and for subjects that Freya might not feel confident studying alongside boys, and for 25
her to know she could do what she wants. We know Freya will achieve the best she is capable of through being at NGHS, but we want her to enjoy her school life, have the opportunity to try lots of extra-curricular activities and most importantly to have fun. What do you want to be when you are older? F: A vet or maybe an occupational therapist. What do you think about Mrs Fowler and Miss Keller?
S: The initial thing was that we were at home thinking it would be nice to do something for the Junior School because they’d had such a good time in Year 6. So I put it to the mums that we would try and raise some money. We got the fundraising wish list and the pizza oven just jumped out. It’s fantastic as it’s part of the outdoor learning area which all the girls love. It’s something the Junior School can use and something that they will remember them by, and it’s also something they can use in Seniors so it benefits the whole school.
F: They are easy to talk to, you can go in and talk to them if you want to or if you have a problem. Who was the Head when you were at school Sam and what was that like? S: It certainly wasn’t like it is now. I had Miss Lewenz when I started and then Mrs Bowering, she was quite a formidable lady. They were both very nice, more of an older style headmistress. They obviously did a great job as the school was great, but you wouldn’t have popped in to have a chat with them or have hot chocolate with marshmallows on like Freya did with Miss Keller as part of the transition from Junior School to Senior School. As a parent I think Miss Keller and Mrs Fowler are amazing, they really inspire the girls, they are open and believe so much in the girls’ education.
S: One memory I have from school is when I was in the Senior School, the mosaic wooden floor in the senior hall had a loose tile. With friends during assembly I remember writing names on some paper and lifting up the tile and putting it underneath. I wonder if it’s still there...
Finally, I’d like to ask you about the pizza oven in Upnah Wood - why a pizza oven? F: We thought it could be something the whole school could use, it would be nice to have and we could make pizza. 26
Building Futures, Changing Lives NGHS BURSARIES Can you help us support a bright, academically talented Nottingham girl and give her a life-changing opportunity? The NGHS Bursary Fund has one goal - to provide gifted students, regardless of their family’s financial and personal circumstances, an opportunity to access the outstanding education that NGHS offers.
“On reflection, I had no idea at the time how much this opportunity would impact my future. I am now a junior doctor in Manchester, the first medic in my family and I absolutely love my job! Without the bursary through NGHS, it would not have been possible for me to attend such a reputable school. For this, I will be eternally grateful.” Ramara Collins, 2011 Leaver
Every gift makes a difference! To make a donation call Aisling Hooper, Alumnae and Community Relations Manager on 0115 935 4410 or email development@not.gdst.net
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the squire performing arts centre
s p ac e th e
Clare Hammond Recital Haydn Fantasia in C major Chin Études Nos 4-6 Schubert 4 Impromptus Interval Beethoven Sonata No 30 in E major Scriabin Sonate-Fantasie No 2 Stravinsky Petroushka Suite
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Clare Hammond came to perform a piano recital in ‘the space’ after playing for the Junior School and holding some master classes for our talented and aspiring young musicians. Clare left the school in 2003 and has since become a very successful concert pianist, and it was a real privilege to have her back at school to play at this fantastic venue, and she had this to say: On 8 September I returned to NGHS to give a piano recital in the new theatre, ‘the space’, a phenomenal facility that will certainly be a fantastic asset to the school. During the afternoon I had the chance to meet all of the girls learning instruments in Years 5 and 6 (practically the entire cohort as far as I could tell) and gave a children’s concert for them. I then held a master class for five talented pianists from the Senior School before settling down to rehearse that evening’s programme. After the recital, I went front-of-house and met a number of my former teachers who very kindly came along to support me.” Clare went on to say: “It was a lovely, though strangely emotional, day. I left the school after finishing my A Levels in 2003, and had returned briefly twice, to give a recital in 2008 and play for an Alumnae Day in 2011. This was the first time, however, that I had been able to look around the school in depth, thanks to a personalised tour from Alumnae and Community Relations Manager, Aisling Hooper. The sensation of returning to Prep 2, where I joined the school in the summer term of 1991, was very intense. It is astonishing how vividly certain smells can conjure up distant and long buried memories! I felt a very odd
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" The Space, a phenomenal facility that will certainly be a fantastic asset to the school" sense of loss for the small girl I once was, but also immense gratitude for the wonderful experiences I had at the school over a period of 12 years. The support, encouragement and guidance that I received from some inspirational teachers has laid the foundation for so many aspects of my current life. It was a privilege to be able to share that with some of the current students and to see what wonderful work continues to be done.
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Niobe Shaw left NGHS in 2011 and is now a primary school teacher. She also runs her own card business, ‘Better Half Full’ alongside her teaching career, and told us her story: I attended NGHS from 1997 - 2011 and went on to the University of Exeter to study Philosophy and Political Economy. I graduated in 2014, then worked for a year at the university overseeing the study abroad programmes of both incoming and outgoing students on Erasmus or international study semesters or years abroad. In 2015, I began the Teach First Leadership Development Programme and started teaching at an inner city primary school in Peterborough. I’m now in my third academic year at the school and find the job enjoyable and rewarding, but it is a lot of work! Going into teaching is not for those afraid of hard work. I find it extremely irritating when people comment on teaching as a 9 - 3 job with 13 weeks holiday. I frequently work 60+ hour weeks, and do lots of work during the holidays too. That being said, I get
"Better Half Full’ is all about spreading happiness amongst those we love. " to work with some fantastic children who make me laugh every day, and I know that I’m making some difference to their lives. Teach First is a demanding and challenging training programme in which you are effectively teaching full time and completing a PGCE within one year (though I believe they have slightly restructured the programme now). I found it very difficult to find time for myself during this year, constantly battling with pressures from school and my course, and thinking that if I had half an hour spare in the evening, I was somehow failing my class. That’s not a good way to live. Following countless conversations with family, friends and colleagues, I realised I needed to find some ‘me’ time, and a hobby which I could fit around my workload.
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I began drawing, painting and digitally designing using programmes such as Photoshop and Illustrator. This was something I had dabbled in at university, but I’d dropped art after Year 9, and hadn’t really done much since! I began creating greetings cards for my friends and family, and getting compliments on them. In the run up to Christmas 2016, I decided to take the plunge and ordered some to be professionally printed. I created a logo and set up social media channels for my products, and started promoting my cards. I think it was only people I knew that purchased them in the first couple of months, but I’m very grateful to those who did as it gave me the confidence to continue creating new designs.
It’s sometimes difficult to find the balance between work for school, running the business and getting enough rest! My business - the designing, the marketing and the networking - is what I really love doing, and although I really enjoy teaching, I just don’t think the work-life balance will work for me forever. For now though, I’m happy doing both. Being at NGHS for all those years - studying hard whilst engaging in extracurricular activities and taking on different positions of responsibility - certainly prepared me well for the time management and hard work I’m having to do now. I think the school also gave me the confidence to give things a go, and to keep persevering after knock backs.
The long-awaited summer holidays provided me with a chunk of time I could dedicate to my business, without feeling guilty that I wasn’t doing planning and marking for school! I set up my website (www.betterhalffull.co.uk) and produced numerous designs. I researched, I promoted, I photographed, I packaged. I gradually started attracting more followers and my online Etsy store was getting more views. Two printing companies I’d used both asked to feature me on their blogs. I was getting noticed!
‘Better Half Full’ is all about spreading happiness amongst those we love. With developments in technology, people are switching to text, Whatsapp and social media to stay in touch. While I agree that's great, I think one of the most exciting things is receiving a card or letter through the post that isn't just another bill or flyer! I therefore created Better Half Full cards to help people to share some happiness in a tangible form, one that can be propped up on a shelf, stuck onto the fridge or onto the wall, somewhere that the receiver can see it every day, rather than forgetting about it once the notification has disappeared.
My cards are now stocked in shops in Stamford, Nottingham and Exeter. I have plans to develop my range further, broadening my designs and product line, and I’d love to sell at fairs too. This hobby has become something I absolutely love doing (even the accounts!) and I want to pursue my goals surrounding it for as long as I can.
My cards aren't just for birthdays, Christmas and the big celebrations - though there are plenty for those occasions too. I want my cards to be shared on the other days too; the moody Monday when actually, someone might just need a little pick me up; the smiley Saturday with friends when you just want to say thank you for their sunshine. I’d love for you to have a look at my product range, have a read of my blog posts, or to get in touch! Head over to www.betterhalffull.co.uk or @betterhalffull on Instagram.
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Annie Noonan, Esq. Founder, President
Annie Noonan attended NGHS during 1970 to 1977 and was awarded a full scholarship. Annie now lives in California and set up the Avalon Academy which opened its doors in 2005. After leaving NGHS Annie completed her Honours degree in Law in 1981 at the Polytechnic of Central London, now the University of Westminster. She was admitted to the Bar of England and Wales, and the State Bar of California and worked in the legal field for several years. Annie has two children, a boy and a girl. Her son, Sam, who has had cerebral palsy since he contracted bacterial meningitis at 14 months, inspired her vision of Avalon so that he, and children like him, would have the opportunity to excel, be happy and productive in a fully supportive environment.
Annie founded The Avalon Academy alongside a fellow parent Lynette Mullens - and a special education teacher, Kinga Czegeni. Frustrated by the fragmented educational and therapeutic opportunities available to children with cerebral palsy in California, this group decided to become an agent for change. Annie, Lynette and Kinga developed a vision for a unique school in California which addressed all areas of need including communication, academic, motor-skill development, recreational, social and emotional, for children of all ages with movement disorders such as cerebral palsy. Central to this idea was the creation of an environment in which children would thrive and be happy, and where families would have peace of mind knowing that their children were in expert and caring hands. This vision became reality in January 2005 when Avalon first opened its doors. Back in 2005 there were three pupils, three paid members of staff and three volunteers. Annie has had an extensive role in The Avalon Academy. She volunteered as the CoExecutive Director for ten years in a diverse role managing the legal, recruitment and HR, property management, fundraising and development for the academy. Fast forward to today and Avalon has a budget of almost $2 million. They support 20 pupils with complex
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physical and intellectual challenges, there are over 30 full and part-time staff, including special education teachers, physical therapists, speech language pathologists, and instructional assistants. As finances improved, Avalon was able to employ a small full-time executive team, enabling Annie to take a step back from day-to-management while focusing on bigpicture issues such as policy and development while continuing as Board President. Annie and her co-founders have received several awards and accolades, including commendations from the California legislature being read into the Congressional Record in Washington, DC, and they were named Business Women of the Year by a Californian women’s business association. Annie now has time to devote to other important priorities such as her own health (she has survived breast cancer, the death of her mother, two hip replacements and knee surgery over the last two years, and also the monthlong hospitalization of her son, Sam, who was seriously ill). She continues to support state and national Democratic candidates and causes near to her heart such as special education, gun control and the environmental impact on breast and other cancers, while also raising her 17 year old daughter, Julianne, along with her husband, Jeff, a native Californian.
WE ARE INSPIRED BY ANNIE’S STORY AND ASKED HER IF SHE HAD ANY MEMORIES TO SHARE ABOUT HER TIME AT SCHOOL. SHE HAD ONE OR TWO: Some girls managed to hit their tennis balls over the fence into the Arboretum to meet their boyfriends in the tunnel for a few precious minutes! “Please Miss, I lost my ball!” I also recall going to the hotel bar up the street for lunch as an occasional treat when we were in the Sixth Form and wearing our own clothes. Half a lager and a butty! I remember turning around in shock seeing many staff there too, including Miss Messenger (Maths teacher who I met at a school reunion a few years ago). After that, the cat was out of the bag and we were banned! Mrs Cardwell’s English classes had a profound effect on us pre-teens and teens. We learned the difference between ‘sensuous’ and ‘sensual’! Lots of embarrassed giggles but we never forgot and it made the text so memorable. She also taught a Human Relationships class (I think that was the name) to annoying giggly girls. I spent most of my teenage years just feeling awkward and embarrassed! Dr Sanders (Chemistry) was my form master for a couple of years. He was a devil with the chemical nail polish remover but luckily never for me as I was a scaredy cat and never wanted to be in trouble! I remember sitting outside in
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the sun at lunchtime in the porch of the old classrooms that are now probably the science block. Swinnerton Hall for school dinners (which we now poshly call “lunch!”) I hated walking there as I felt the juxtaposition between us girls of privilege and those who lived there. Plus the food was very questionable so I ended up bringing my own. Making aprons with our names embroidered on in our first sewing class to wear at our first cookery class. I kept the recipes in a small orange notebook and still recall how to make Salmon Jalousie and Rice Krispie Treats with great affection. Headmistress Letitia L. Lewenz “Letty” wrote me a beautiful letter when my father died. I still have it. I was only 11 and didn’t want to be treated differently but yet I felt so different growing up without a father. She wrote to me again when I made a small donation years later. Funny that we thought she was such a stiff upper lip when, actually, she had a warm heart and could be very thoughtful. That’s a life lesson!
"Some girls hit their tennis balls over the fence into the Arboretum to meet their boyfriends in the tunnel! "
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One day we walked into the science lab. Something didn’t seem quite right. Then we realised why - the locust had escaped! Scary and enlightening project on ‘Smoking, Drugs and Alcohol’ put me off the first two for life! Loved the car maintenance classes. That teacher sadly passed away. Sat next to Sian Nash on my very first day in Mrs Clarke’s class as our names were close in the alphabet. We’ve been the best of friends ever since and always stayed in touch except for a couple of years when I first moved to the US. She was even my Matron of Honour. Also, especially close to Jane (Hale) Burgass, who left at 16. We reconnected in our 20s and have been two peas in a pod ever since. Also, Tina Merry. I stayed with her in Sheffield and Bath over the last 35 years and she and her family have visited us in San Francisco. When Mum passed away a year ago, these three dear friends were a massive emotional support to me. Probably closer now than when we were at school! The ties that bind depend on a whole lot of laughter. It’s such an infusion of joy when we get together.
Mary Wilson - Rowing her way to success Mary began rowing in 2007 whilst at the school but rowed for Nottingham Rowing Club with her father coaching her as rowing was not offered by the school then. In 2012 when she left NGHS she had won five National Schools titles, National Club Champion, and had represented Great Britain at Under 16 and Under 18 level. A few years at Durham University followed where she carried on rowing and won at Henley Women's Regatta, was British University Champion in five events over two years and also a silver medallist at the European University Championships for Great Britain.
We hope to welcome Mary back to school next year to hear her advice for the girls (and parents) on just what it takes in terms of the work and play balance of time, commitment, dedication, discipline and sacrifice required, particularly if any of them have international aspirations, not just in rowing but all sports.
Then in 2016 she managed to win final trials for the Under 23 GB team and went to the U23 World Championships in Rotterdam 2016 in a crew that finished sixth. Mary is now at Oxford Brookes doing a Masters degree in Applied Human Nutrition and also trialling again for the GB team, hoping to make it into this year's team for the World University Rowing Championships in China and/or the Senior World Championships in Bulgaria. To add to the complexities, being quite small, Mary has been rowing at lightweight level (max 59kg) since she was 19 so learning to push her mind and body to extreme limits whilst being very strict with her diet has been a steep learning curve and not to be taken lightly. "I genuinely believe that having the required discipline to excel at school and sport really helped Mary with her studies. It may not be the right path for others, but for Mary I think it worked well and there are many other rowers with a successful academic record." Andrew Wilson, Mary's father.
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Durham University team (Mary on far right) at the British Universities and Colleges Sport Championships in Nottingham
Worlds Championships in Rotterdam 2016 (Mary on far left in the sunglasses) 35