Speech Day

Last Thursday, we celebrated the achievements of our senior girls. Not only did this year’s Lower Sixth achieve the best GCSE results in the history of the School, they have also contributed to the School’s life and culture in myriad ways, showing true intellectual verve and community spirit. Mrs Clark thanked the students for all they have done to make the School what it is today. She congratulated them not just on their achievements, but on their fervour and perseverance in the face of adversity. She talked about ” the intelligent, zany, thoughtful, witty, energetic, bubbly, dedicated, enthusiastic, curious girls, girls who can, each in their own way, dramatically or quietly behind the scenes, change the world for the better”. Pupils, parents, staff and governors then welcomed our special guest speaker, Old Edwardian Vivienne McVey (1981). After qualifying in Medicine from Cambridge University, Vivienne spent 15 years as a GP before starting a business that became Virgin Care. Virgin Care is now one of the largest ‘not for profit’ providers of community-based health and care services across England, in partnership with the NHS and Local Authorities. Vivienne advised us all to be prepared to have multiple careers in our lifetimes. More than half of those assembled are expected to live into their nineties or beyond, and we cannot expect a linear career over a fifty year working life. Happiness will be found in adapting to change and following our passions. She also recommended reading The 100 Year Life, copies of which will shortly be available in the Library. Students and parents queued up to chat with her about her experiences over tea.