Autumn 2023 has been a busy, busy term for our Wollstonecraft speakers who have continued to engage, provoke and surprise with a range of thoughtful talks. It has been particularly rewarding to welcome back BHS alumnae, showing the commitment and affection our students have for their almer mater. 

September began in a musical vein, with opera singer Heldentenor Brian Smith-Walters delighting students with the performance of several pieces whilst also exploring his journey through music. Brian discussed his new album ‘A Phoenix Rising’, which features the music of LGBTQ+ composers. 

Chinedu Agwu opened up the world of bio-science to students, sharing her route from school to lecturer and her important work on pre-eclampsia. As ex-Head Girl, Chinedu was delighted to catch up with some of her teachers (even if it made them feel old!). 

In October, entrepreneur Helen Brent-Cooper joined us live from South Africa to explore her life in theatre and art. Helen’s enthusiasm and energy really impressed and left us with the sense that anything is possible if you work hard and don’t give up. 

November saw Emily Laycock from InvestIN running a special presentation on how to impress in interviews, helping Year 12 to polish their interview skills and give them more confidence when participating in online interviews. This lead on to a CV-focused PSHE session with Mr Sodhi and Ms Day. 

For our last Wollstonecraft talk of 2023 we were delighted to welcome back to school alumna Emerald McLaughlin. Leaving Blackheath High School in 2019, Emmy recently graduated from Durham University with a degree in Liberal Arts. Emmy spoke about her experiences working for Tower Hamlets Council and shared perspectives on London’s affordable housing shortage. It was great to welcome Year 11 Geography students to this nuanced and insightful talk as well. 

Upcoming speakers for 2024 include: an investment banker, a forensic psychologist, an advertising company CEO, the London Air Ambulance, an orthopaedic surgeon, a motivational speaker, a recent BHS graduate and a costume designer. 

If you would like to volunteer as a Wollstonecraft Speaker, please email the Futures team: futures@bla.gdst.net