As exam results have been published, Manchester High School for Girls is celebrating the individuality of its students and the fact that there is no such thing as a “typical” student at the school.
As headmistress, Helen Jeys points out, “This year, again, we see our students pursuing their goals in a hugely diverse range of fields.”
For many, it was the extra-curricular opportunities available at school that have inspired them in their future choices.
This is particularly true for Gwendolen who is going to be studying computer science at Cambridge University having been awarded three A*s – in German, further maths and physics.
She believes that her subject choices may have been different had it not been for her teachers encouraging her to try new things. “I am so grateful that Manchester High gave me the opportunity to try new subjects and activities. If I hadn’t been encouraged to try coding, I would never have discovered my passion for computers.”
Extra-curricular opportunities have certainly inspired many students from the Class of 2021. In fact, back in Year 7, Phoebe chose to come to Manchester High for its climbing wall. Some of her happiest memories of school were subsequently made at climbing club and during her Duke of Edinburgh’s expeditions.
She leaves MHSG with her D of E Gold and three A* and acknowledges that “It was these extra-curricular activities that made me who I am today – they showed me that there are no barriers and I can achieve anything.” She is continuing her adventure at Durham University where she will be studying history and politics and will, of course, be continuing to climb in her spare time.
For Christina and Natasha, music was their first passion during their time at school with both students getting involved in orchestras, choirs and the school production. Christina is now doing an accelerated course in music at the Royal Northern College of Music whilst Natasha is taking up a scholarship in vocal studies at the Royal College of Music in London.
For Mrs Jeys, these students epitomise her own passion for an all-round education.
She said “Extra-curricular involvement for all of our pupils is crucial and we encourage each and every one of our students at Manchester High School for Girls to push themselves out of their comfort zones, to try something new and to broaden current interests.
“Hearing our Class of 2021 talk about the impact of extra-curricular activities just shows their importance within school life.”
She continued, “extra-curricular involvement will continue to be encouraged and to thrive at my school. For me, the development and encouragement of character, and to have fun, are core to our aims at Manchester High.
“Seeing students try new things, gain confidence and skills of resilience and determination through such involvement, make their existence fundamental to what we will continue to offer at MHSG.”