Wollstonecraft Speaker Series

The Wollstonecraft Speaker Series, named after writer, philosopher and women’s right advocate Mary Wollstonecraft, is a chance to stimulate intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. The fortnightly talks form part of the Blackheath High School Enrichment Programme. Invited guests speak to students on a wide range of subjects: exploring chosen career paths, the challenges and rewards of their profession, and opening up interesting conversations through the post-talk Q&A session.

We aim to provide a diverse programme, and have previously welcomed a medical physicist, a chemical engineer, an opera singer, a programme integration engineer, a cyber-security specialist, a linguist from GCHQ, a creative freelancer, a QC, a university admissions officer, a city broker turned yoga instructor and nutritionist, as well as a volunteer from the Samaritans who spoke about the importance of being silent and just listening.

The underlying message from many of our speakers – irrespective of discipline – is the need to remain open-minded, for students not to worry if they have not decided on possible degree courses and above all to continue to develop their interpersonal skills. Another theme which emerged strongly was that of resilience. Our freelance speakers revealed a great deal of commitment, creativity and tenacity in pursuit of their goals. All of our guests firmly articulated the notion that a dogged determination to succeed was essential, coupled with a flexibility of approach.

While the series is aimed at Sixth Formers, students of all ages in the Senior School are welcome to attend. 

Upcoming lecturers:

Brian Smith Walters - Opera Singer

Chinedu Agwu - Brunel Medical School Lecturer, Founder of BioSci Toolkit, and BHS Alumna

Past lecturers have included:

Dr Grant Corr - Playwright

Amy Swan - BBC producer

Meabh Quoirin - CEO and Co-Owner of Foresight Factory

Fiona Gabbert - Psychology Professor, Goldsmiths University