The annual Leadership Conference at Kent College was created to invite former pupils to talk about their career successes, and encounters, after their education at the school in Pembury.
Since its conception in 2010, the day highlights several talented individuals who have gone into high achieving roles. On Thursday 26 June staff and students are delighted to welcome back Cancer Research Scientist Aimee Eckert (2002-2009), Aerospace Engineer Sarah Porter (2002-2009), commercial property Chartered Surveyor Finola Ingham (1986 – 2001) and Social Scientist Ella Wooster (2002-2009). Each will give an insightful presentation about their chosen career paths, how they got to where they are now and what motivated them. After listening to the inspirational speakers, the students will lead a debate to discuss the motion; “In modern leadership, personality is more important than policy”.
Kent College hosts the conference on leadership for girls in Year 10 and the Lower Sixth. Students at this age are looking at the options and courses available for them at university and beyond. It is also an opportunity for much wider and intelligent discussion of what it is to be a woman in the world of work, what it is to be a leader of any gender and the place women now occupy in the management of twenty-first century life.
Young women across the country, but especially those educated in girls’ schools, simply expect to have opportunities and to take on roles of responsibility. This is, of course, a great thing, for the men who will work with them as well as these women themselves. However, it does mean that contemplation of the nature and style of their potential leadership skills is a necessary part of educating young women today. There is more than one route to success and it’s vital that pupils start to understand which path may suits them and how they might conduct themselves, not just as adult women, but as leaders.
Guest speaker Aimee Eckert:
“The most interesting questions and creative ideas come from school students, and so I am delighted to be coming back to KC to tell the girls about my experiences in science and I’m sure we will all learn something new!”
Guest speaker Finola Ingham:
“I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to return to KC and speak at the 2014 Leadership Conference. I hope that I will be able to share my experiences with the pupils about working in the property industry and perhaps inspire them to consider a career in property.”
Headmistress, Sally-Anne Huang:
“Many of our students have gone on to achieve great personal success and have a wealth of talent, knowledge and experience that we want to hear about to inspire our current students. The day promises to be a memorable and thought-provoking occasion. We know our girls will be leaders – now we need to think about how.”