15 minute read
Alumni
Mrs Pauline Sheaff, Head of German, is retiring this year.
She has worked at the school since 1990.
What do you plan to do once you are retired? I think I’m going to go back to school and do: • Art - I’ve joined a local art group called Woodsmoor Artists (see their FB page). I’ll visit art galleries and go on guided tours. • Biology - I’ll cultivate my garden at home and also my allotment. I’m a member of Hazel Grove and District Gardening Club which meets every month, and may even join their committee. • English - I’m going to carry on reading and will look for some local reading groups and I’ll use my local libraries. I’ll go to daytime performances at the Royal Exchange Theatre and the Home theatre in Manchester. I’ll go to play readings. • Mathematics - I’m going to get on top of my finances. • Modern Foreign Languages - I’ll carry on reading German language books and may apply to be an AQA examiner. I’ll visit France regularly and talk French with my French friends. I’m hoping to be the Treasurer of the
Manchester Association of Language Learners which meets every couple of months. • Music - I’m going to play my digital piano and might have some more lessons. I’ve just got a season ticket for the Hallé so I’ll be going there once a month with the Bolton Opus One group. • Politics - I’m already a member of Friends of the Earth and am thinking now of joining the Green Party. • Sport - I’ve started going on bike rides with Skyride. I’ll be looking for a local pilates/yoga class and may join some walking groups. I might even take up freshwater swimming with the Outdoor Swimming Society! • Technology - knitting, baking, cooking, sewing. And then there’s the travelling! I’m provisionally planning four trips a year: a short city break in Europe; a weekend in London; a week away somewhere in GB (Cotswolds, Isle of Wight, Snowdonia, Ireland) and a three week trip further afield (Switzerland, Croatia, Greece, Japan). Do you have any memories of your first day teaching at this school? I do remember it very well. I had been a pupil at Manchester High School for Girls, then a student at Somerville College, which was a women’s college in Oxford. I then taught for over ten years at a mixed comprehensive school in Wythenshawe, which was a very different environment. When I came to BSGD, it felt as though I was coming home! How has the school changed while you have been teaching here? There used to be an enormous tree in the GD Quad and crows used to sit on the branches and squawk very loudly and disturb the lessons that were going on in classrooms overlooking the Quad. Form tutors used to sit at dining tables with the girls and serve the food out. Other members of teaching staff would sit at so called “High Table’ with the headmistress. We used to say grace before eating lunch. We sang hymns much more regularly at assemblies. Sometimes we would have one hymn at the beginning of assembly and a second one at the end. Staff used to stand up when the headmistress entered the staffroom for a staff meeting! Women members of staff were expected to wear a skirt, not trousers, and to wear tights, even when it was very hot. I can remember when I came for interview and members of staff came into the staffroom from a lesson; I can remember being surprised to see the members of staff smiling and laughing; they had obviously enjoyed the lesson. That is what made me want to teach here! What are you doing next? I’m moving to a school that is nearer to my house to take up a Head of Department position. I wouldn’t have felt confident enough to go for this without the experience that I have gained from my departmental colleagues and from the children here, so I’m really grateful to all concerned for that. What will you miss the most about BSGD? I will miss my colleagues and my classes. I’ve taught some of these girls since Year 5, and most of them since Year 7. The Sixth Form lessons have always been something to look forward to because the students have always been of such a high calibre, so you can really get into some interesting discussions. What has been the most unforgettable moment? I really loved the experience of co-directing the Joint School Production for 2011 with Mrs Worthington. We produced ‘The Frogs’ by the Greek Comedy writer, Aristophanes. The cast, from Years 10 to 13, were absolutely outstanding and gave incredibly witty and clever performances. I watched all the performances through the window of the theatre doors every night (wearing my fingernails away…). Why did you choose to become a teacher? I always wanted to be a music teacher when I was at school. I was a guitar tutor in a music shop from the age of 16, teaching people from ages 5 to 70! I liked being able to show people how to do something and watching them get enjoyment from achieving something. I did lots of other jobs before I decided to go into teaching in schools but by then I’d been a professional musician and couldn’t face teaching music again. That’s why I decided to teach my other love: languages and literature. What advice do you have for students at BSGD? I will say that you must never be shy of being seen to want to learn something. So, learn as much as you can and grab as many opportunities as you can, right now while you’re here and while you’re young! I’ve really loved my time here and I’ve met some brilliant people - both staff and pupils. I wish everyone here all the very best for the future and, since I’m still in the great North West, I hope I’ll see many of you again from time to time.
Mr Phill Challinor is leaving us after teaching here for 16 years.
We wish him every success. He has brought a love of the Classics to many during his time at Bolton School.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Old Girls studying and working in a variety of professions have continued to offer their assistance to the current generation of Bolton School girls, sharing professional expertise and offering guidance. The Development Office and the Careers Department have been delighted to work together to welcome these Alumni back to School for the benefit of pupils throughout the Girls’ Division.
BEST Day
Engineering Day
In September, Janette McCormick (1979-1986), the Deputy Chief Constable of the Cheshire Constabulary, was the keynote speaker at the annual Year 12 Business Enterprise and Skills Training (BEST) Day, which offers girls the opportunity to develop their soft skills during sessions led by professionals with expertise in a variety of different fields. After studying Physical Geography at Nottingham University, Janette joined Greater Manchester Police in 1989. During her time with GMP, Janette was involved in the policing of the Commonwealth Games and worked as Manchester United’s Match Commander for three years, before being awarded the title of ‘Ultra-Woman of the Year 2008’ while working as Chief Superintendent of the Trafford Division. She transferred to Cheshire Constabulary in 2010 as Assistant Chief Constable, and in July 2014 took up the post of Deputy Chief Constable. Janette was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in the 2015 New Year’s Honours List, recognising her work in developing Neighbourhood Policing and working with partner organisations on issues such as domestic abuse and mental health. During her speech, Janette spoke to the girls about her life and career, going into detail about some of the most important lessons she has learned over time. Janette’s mother, sister and eldest daughter were also pupils at the School and her youngest daughter is currently a pupil in Girls’ Division. She offered her assistance to School partly because of these family links: “I have two girls at Bolton School who wrestle with what they should do, and I value people telling them about their experiences so that they can think about alternative careers and options. It costs nothing to offer advice and you will perhaps help someone – why wouldn’t you?”
MFL Morning
In November, the School played host to almost 100 talented Year 11 linguists from the two Divisions and from 14 other schools across the region, who spent the morning pursuing their love of languages whilst hearing from speakers who use their linguistic skills in their careers. Andrea Cockram (1989-1996) studied Modern Languages at New College, Oxford after leaving School, then worked as a financial journalist and then as Head of Communications for Hammerson, a FTSE 100 Company. In 2013, she set up IMPACT Communications, a small marketing and communications agency based in Paris which focuses on creating English-language campaigns for international companies, work which she juggles with lecturing in communications and advertising at the Sorbonne. During her closing speech, Andrea was able to illustrate the value of languages both in the world of work and as a skill in itself. She says: “I really enjoy my job, and wanted to share that with students and perhaps give them ideas about alternative careers in which they could use foreign languages”.
In October 2014, pupils in Years 10 to 13 from both Divisions attended a day designed to offer them an insight into the rich variety of career paths open to them in Engineering, during which they attended sessions given by a variety of speakers, including three Old Girls and one Old Boy. Amy Williams (1990-1997) was one of the speakers, and told pupils about her career working as a Chartered Civil Engineer for the Highways Agency. After leaving School, she undertook a four year Civil Engineering degree at UMIST, graduating in 2001 with a 1st Class MEng (Hons) degree. After working as a graduate engineer for Babtie (now Jacobs) for five years, during which she worked on the M6 Thelwall Viaduct bearing replacement scheme, in 2006, Amy moved to the Highways Agency, where she is now ‘Asset Operation Lead’ for the Smart Motorways programme, working at a national level with the teams designing and delivering large scale projects. Amy knew that she wanted to be an engineer from a very young age, and is keen to encourage young people to pursue a career in the civil engineering sector, which, with the onset of large infrastructure investments such as HS2, is an industry actively looking to recruit bright and innovative young people. She says: “I thoroughly enjoyed talking to the current pupils and was hugely encouraged by their interesting questions and ideas. It was also brilliant to see the new Riley Sixth Form Centre, which I feel is modern and yet compliments the existing school buildings.” Shakti Patel (2004-2011) is currently completing a year-long industrial placement working as a Warhead Engineer based within the Aerodynamics, Propulsion and Lethality department of MBDA, before she returns to Loughborough University to complete her Masters Degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Shakti, who was recently awarded an Engineering Leadership Advanced Award from the Royal Academy of Engineering, spoke to pupils about her undergraduate experience and aeronautical engineering in general, as well as her current work placement, which involves co-ordinating teams based in France, Germany and Italy, necessitating a lot of European travel. Having been taught to weld by her father at the tender age of 11, Shakti was inspired to pursue a career in engineering by a fellow Old Girl, Amy Durrant, following her talk at a similar careers event while Shakti was at School. Shakti thus felt compelled to share her own experiences in the sector with current pupils, in the hope of encouraging others to follow the same path. She says: “I think there are a lot of misconceptions about what an Engineer does, so I felt that it was really important to come back to school and share my experiences. As the youngest speaker on the day, still at university, with (somewhat vivid!) memories of UCAS deadlines still fresh in my mind, I was able to offer a different perspective to the other presenters. It was an exceedingly worthwhile experience and a great opportunity to give a little back to a school that did so much for me.”
Chasing Dreams
In January, Siân Pledger (2002-2009) returned to the Girls’ Division to talk about her pursuit of a career in athletics to a small group of girls who have been selected for the Talented Athlete Programme. Siân took a gap year between her GCSEs and A Levels to train with her coach in Malta. After leaving School, she returned to Malta to train further whilst completing her qualification as a Physical Trainer, before studying Geography at the University of Malta. Despite suffering an injury to her ankles which has kept her out of national competition since 2011, Siân has persevered with her pursuit of a career in athletics and was able to advise the girls on the importance of not giving up on ‘chasing your dreams’.
KPMG Interns
In February, Old Girl Katie Clinton (1990-1997) launched KPMG’s summer internship programme for Sixth Form pupils. Now in its fifth year, the flagship scheme is exclusive to Bolton School and offers a Year 12 pupil from each Division the opportunity to work a four-week placement in a prestigious corporate environment. Katie is now one of the thirty partners at KPMG’s Manchester office, and is in charge of the Financial Services Audit team across the North West. At the launch, Katie talked to the Sixth Form pupils about KPMG and what each of the different areas of this professional services firm actually does, before moving on to talk about the placement scheme. Katie has directed the internship programme since its inception, and says: “I attribute a significant part of my success to my Bolton School education and the superb foundation it provided which is the reason why I am so keen to come back and work with the School.”
News of Young Old Girls
Joanne Cooper (née Redford, 1999-2006)
After being introduced through mutual Bolton School friends, Joanne married Matthew Cooper on 21st May 2014, at Storrs Hall in Windermere. The weather was on the couple’s side and the ceremony was held outside in a stunning pavilion in front of the Lake, with several Old Boys and Old Girls in attendance. Joanne’s bridesmaids included her cousin Laura Marginson (Class of 2008) and her best friend from school Sarah Pimblett (Class of 2006). Matthew’s Best Man was Tom Willan (Boys’ Division, Class of 2008) and Alex Hertity (also Boys’ Division, Class of 2008) was an Usher. Joanne graduated from the University of Manchester with a degree in History in 2009. After studying Law at the Manchester College of Law, she qualified as a corporate lawyer in September 2013, and now practises in Cambridge. Matthew works in advertising in London.
Jennifer Anderson (2002-2009) In July 2014, Jennifer successfully completed her LPC at the University of Law, Bloomsbury and she is now enjoying a season working as a ski instructor in Verbier, Switzerland for Adrenaline Ski School and Les Elfes International. In August this year she will be commencing her Training Contract with the law firm Mishcon De Reya in London.
Florence Hughes (1999-2009) After leaving School, Flo completed an Art and Design Foundation Degree at Central Saint Martins, continuing in 2010 to a BA Honours Degree in Fashion Design at the University of Westminster – an experience she loved. Flo chose to do a Sandwich Course which included a third year in industry. Having previously worked at Katie Hillier twice during her time in London, she developed a huge interest in accessories design and successfully gained an internship with Mulberry as an Accessories Design Assistant, where she had an amazing year and learnt a lot to take back for her final year at university. Flo’s final year was extremely hard work, although she was lucky enough to be asked to visit Paris in January to attend the Dior Haute Couture Show and an LVMH event. Attending these two incredible events gave her the extra push she needed to complete her final collection. Flo’s collection was called ‘Wilder’ and was influenced by many different folk tribes and cultures, something she has been interested in since studying her Art A level. After Flo’s work was presented in front of a panel of designers, writers, stylists and bloggers within the fashion industry, she was thrilled to gain a place in the runway show, which was the highlight of her whole degree. After working on her collection day and night for five months, seeing all the garments on the runway was something Flo says she will never forget! Flo graduated on 3rd July 2014 with First Class Honours, and her collection can be seen at www.westminsterfashion.com/flo-hughes, whilst the catwalk show can be found at www. westminsterfashion.com. Flo is proud to be an Old Girl of Bolton School, and has many fond memories of her time in the Girls’ Division. Her School friends are still a huge part of her life today. Flo credits Miss Fazackerley, M s Fisher and Miss Stafford with endowing her with the confidence to move to London and follow her dreams.
Helen Mercer (2000-2009) Helen graduated this Summer from The University of Sheffield with an MBChB (Medicine) and with Distinction in the Student Selected Components. Helen is all smiles here.
Siân Pledger (2002-2009) Siân has been awarded a First in her Geography degree at the University of Malta. She has also been given a scholarship for a two-week research programme in sea floor exploration. She now plans to work for 12 months and prioritise her athletics before doing a Masters.
Alumni Events & Dinners
Young Old Girls have attended a variety of events around the country in the past year, including Dinners in Oxford, Cambridge, London and Scotland. The Class of 2013 returned to School last summer to attend a special reunion for their year group, where they offered Year 12 pupils advice and guidance on university life before catching up with friends and former teachers over drinks and canapés.
