December has been another month of welcoming alumni back to the Schools to support events and felt like we were setting a new volunteer record! On Friday 6 December, we welcomed four alumni – Ellie Leeson (LHS 2018), Chike Orforka (LGS 2014), Rachel Healey (OLCS 1999), Rebecca Beet (LHS 1987) and, current Amherst Arts teacher, Anna Mitchell (OLCS 2001) to activities taking place across campus.
At the High School, Ellie Leeson was the Guest Speaker at the Year 12 Celebration Morning and presented prizes to pupils. As the LHS Archivist, she talked about the rich history of the High School as the Oldest Girls Grammar School in the country. Ellie also spoke passionately about the LHS archives and the excitement of uncovering previously undiscovered connections to the High School such as Margaret Wintringham, the first British born female MP, as well as the importance of women not only achieving great things, but documenting their achievements for future generations to combat the lack of women’s narratives in history.
Having been on campus recently for his 10 Year Reunion, Chike Oforka came back to the Grammar School as a judge for House Drama. An activity that didn’t exist during his time at School, it was a completely new experience for Chike, who works in the TV industry as a Producer and has worked on projects such as the BAFTA nominated ‘Forced Out’.
Rachel and Rebecca took part in a discussion panel for Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12 pupils. Hosted by Marc Vastenavondt, Head of Sixth Form, our alumni panel talked about their career history to date, their time at School and what influenced career changes. The discussion was interactive with pupils highlighting what they currently view as important when thinking about their future careers such as salaries, location, work life balance and social impact. Pupils then had the opportunity to send in questions as part of an interactive Q&A and the panel was flooded with questions which was fantastic to see.
Marc said, “Having alumni return to speak to our students is invaluable. It provides them with a broader perspective on the many pathways and routes available after school, while also highlighting the realities of uncertainty and navigating factors beyond their control. Students interact with teachers daily, which can give them a narrow view of careers. Hearing from alumni demonstrates the flexibility and diversity of opportunities in the world of work, enriching their understanding and making future possibilities feel more realistic and achievable.”
As always, we are incredibly grateful to alumni such as Ellie, Chike, Rachel and Rebecca who give up their time and support our pupils!
Thank you!
