Pupils at Plantsbrook School in Sutton Coldfield were encouraged to ‘follow their dreams’ and ‘aim high’ by one of the UK’s most influential women.
Professor Dame Carol Black, Principal of Newnham College, University of Cambridge, and an expert adviser to the Department of Health, was visiting the school as part of the Speakers for Schools initiative which organises talks from a range of industry leading professionals and academics.
Professor Black, who was recently named as one of BBC Radio 4’s top 100 most powerful women in the UK, motivated nearly 300 youngsters from Years 11, 12 and 13 with an informative talk about the value of work and the benefits of education.
She said: “I very much enjoyed meeting the pupils and staff at Plantsbrook School and sixth-form. Newnham College has a high intake of students from state schools and I believe it is important to help inspire pupils so they realise their full potential. Every young person really should aspire to do whatever they dream to do and reach beyond what they might think their limits are to aim high.”
Newnham’s Principal recounted her career path and the journey that led her to being appointed as Principal of Newnham College – the iconic college for women’s education.
The alumnae of Newnham include sports broadcaster and presenter Clare Balding, Labour MP Diane Abbott and Hollywood actress Emma Thompson. Newnham is known for its supportive environment which gives priority to the achievement, needs and potential of women.
Professor Black added: “At Newnham our aim is to provide all the women that come here with this sense of aspiration, confidence and ability to go out there and be leaders.”
She gave Plantsbrook students her top tips for job interviews, which included some advice to consult mum and dad on a suitably smart outfit to wear to create a good first impression and she emphasised the importance of carrying out pre-interview research.
Lisa Proctor, assistant headteacher of the sixth-form, said: “It was a fantastic and inspiring presentation for the students and it gave them a good insight into what it would be like to go to university and what could be achieved with hard work and dedication.”
Miss Proctor, who helped organise Professor Black’s visit with David Griffiths, chairman of the governing body, added: “The students enjoyed hearing about Professor Black’s own background and her achievements and they all came away motivated and inspired.”
Whilst Newnham College is a natural place for high-achieving women to study, Professor Black also discussed the opportunities that apprenticeships provide to young people.
She explained: “They are a great opportunity for those that aren’t thinking about applying to university and the only way we can really encourage people to apply is to ensure apprenticeships are regarded as highly as a degree by employers and society.”
Speakers for Schools is an independent UK charity which was launched in 2011. The network currently consists of 850 speakers who donate their time to go into state schools and speak about their background and area of expertise, providing stimulating sessions for students through a talk.