Current students and families from Kent College are looking forward to the school’s forthcoming speech day and prize giving ceremony, with an uplifting talk from Britain’s first female fast jet pilot.
Jo Salter will be the guest speaker at the senior school in Pembury’s annual event, which will take place on Saturday 12 July. The day sees honours, awards and achievements presented to current students for the academic year 2013-2014 and A-level certificates to last year’s 59 successful Upper Sixth leavers.
Jo, who flew a Tornado GR1, was one of only five female fighter pilots in the world. Named by Harpers and Queen as “one of the 50 most inspirational women in the world”, Jo also has extensive experience of working in the media and is an accomplished author of two books. Jo now runs workshops and seminars where she speaks on personal development, meeting challenges and succeeding in the face of adversity.
‘A Bad Day for Margret Horton’ by British composer Joanna Marsh was commissioned for the school’s choir and orchestra and will be performed by the students at Speech Day. Whilst visiting the site, Joanna discovered that a Hawker Hurricane had crashed into the school grounds during WWII. Joanna recounted the story of leading aircrafts-woman Margaret Horton who, whilst serving at RAF Hibaldstow, became the unexpected passenger on a Spitfire. Margaret was sitting on the tail of the plane to hold it down in strong crosswinds as it was being taxied around the airfield. The pilot did not realise she was on board and took off. Margaret held on tight, trying to attract the pilot’s attention by manipulating the tail. Her efforts were successful, as the pilot, confused by the poor handling, safely landed the plane, and with it, Margaret.
Senior School Headmistress, Sally-Anne Huang: “We are really looking forward to hearing from Jo Salter at speech day. It’s vital that girls are presented with inspiring role models from all walks of life and Jo’s story may help them to think differently about their own futures. The theme of speech day will be adventure and going outside our comfort zone. Both Jo as our guest and the Margaret Horton story through our music will certainly help us to consider those ideas.”
The results and achievements highlighted at Speech Day are testament to the hard work of the students and staff and Kent College’s academic development which builds all-round confidence and ensures that all girls continue to surpass their expectations.
To find out how Kent College can help your daughter to surpass her expectations visit a forthcoming Open Morning on Saturday 4th October and Tuesday 7th October 2014. Contact 01892 820218 or visit www.kent-college.co.uk.