The Careers and Outreach department hosted the inaugural Heathfield Speaker’s Corner.

Speaker’s Corner is an opportunity for students to stand up and spend a minute talking about something they feel strongly about – this can include something they want to celebrate, a burning injustice that needs to be addressed or simply a pet peeve – it is an opportunity to use our voices.

Jackie Weaver (from the Handforth Parish Council meeting viral video) introduced the evening, which tied in with the International Women’s Day theme of gender equality (in women’s voices being heard). Ten students from Form III to Lower Sixth took part. To show solidarity with our students, Mrs Diaz, Mr Valner and Mr Doyle joined in speaking, too. It was a great opportunity to listen to topics that matter to our school community, from animal testing to summer holidays and jewellery in schools to phone usage. The students spoke with confidence and passion. The recording is available on the School YouTube channel.

Speaker’s Corner ties in with the larger programme run by Careers & Outreach where we support our young women to be informed and equipped for the future, which includes politics and the outside world.