Conferences

October 2018

July 2018

Led by experts in the field, Year 12 students from the Ursuline and Wimbledon College explored the extent, and causes of inequality and lack of social mobility in the UK today and the part that our Education System has to play in promoting social mobility. Together they developed action plans designed to ensure that every child, whatever the circumstances their birth, she or he can have an equal opportunity for success. Speakers included David Johnston OBE, Chief Executive of the Social Mobility Foundation, Kiri Tunks, President of the NUT (NUE), Dr Jamie Whyte, Director of Research from the Institute of Economic Affairs, Dr Matt Bullimore from Churchill College, Cambridge and Fr Michael Holman SJ. Professor Claire Ozanne, Deputy Provost, Roehampton University also supported students’ learning.

The Conference was held in partnership with TEAM (GLOBAL) This conference is organised in partnership with The European-Atlantic Movement a non-political educational charity. TEAM Global was founded over fifty years ago to promote understanding of how countries could cooperate for their mutual benefit, focusing on the whole global community and on issues such as human rights, democracy, the environment, the economy and international development.

“I now understand what social mobility is, how it is measured and its importance to our society and that  there is so much more than just school determines how bright your future might be.” 

Student

“It is useful to have the chance to take part in debates outside normal lessons and learn about the gap in opportunity between young people from different incomes and social groups.” 

Student

“I gained new perspectives… hearing from great speakers who are working towards greater social mobility." 

Student

5th March 2018

In partnership with, Catherine of Sienna College, University of Roehampton, Ursuline ran this conference for 6th Form students in celebration of International Women’s Day 2018. Led by Tina Beattie, Professor of Catholic Studies at Roehampton, the aim of the conference was to empower young women to respond to the current strong call-to-action to press forward and progress gender parity. We want to empower every young Catholic woman to work towards transforming our Church and our world.

Students from 4 Catholic High Schools reflected on their faith and considered how as young Catholic women they can become agents of change in our Church and our world.  How they can contribute towards their sense of personal identity and how they can to speak out on issues of justice, equality, peace and environmental sustainability.

Speakers include Ursula Halligan, journalist, until last year Political Editor of TV3 (Ireland’s only commercial TV channel) and Mishal Francis from HOPE Human Development and Welfare Association an organisation that supports Christians in Pakistan.

A huge thank you to Professor Beattie, Roehampton University, Digby Stuart College and Catherine of Siena College for the sponsorship of this conference.

Student comments on what they took from the day

“Learning about the speakers life and how they encountered God..”

Student

“...different perspectives about the link between women and Catholicism, giving more depth to my understanding”

Student

“To be more confident and have the self-belief that my faith can and will support me” 

Student

Other words students used to describe their learning

“Inspirational, thought-provoking, interesting, enlightening, moving, understanding, deep, supportive, interactive, enjoyable, informative, helpful, meaningful"

17th October 2017

We were very proud to host our My Future…Conference to enable Year 11 students before their GCSE exams to connect their learning in school with success in their future. Students spent time understanding how many opportunities there are for them in the world beyond school, hearing about the careers of over 100 Alumnae who are achieving in all areas of the working world and spending time considering their own skills and qualities and what they would like to do in the future beyond school or university.

Students heard from Ursuline Alumnae; Jennifer Anafi-Acquah, Science Researcher at Oxford Scientific Films, Rose Steerwood, National Account Executive at COTY, Polly Billington, CEO UK100 Environmental Network and Devina Paul, Partner Galvanise Technology Start Up Consultancy. Speakers also include Emma Bucknall, London Office Manager at Dropboxand Aisling Ledwith, Ask Project Co-ordinator at Education and Employers..

Students were hugely engaged throughout the morning and their own personal manifestos for the future, setting out how the actions they can take now to achieve success in their future.

Student comments on the day

“Mornings like this are so important for Year 11 students because it show us our possibilities are endless” 

Student

It is great to have time to think deeply about our future and support our decisions and learn about the careers of alumnae from our school” 

Student

8th March 2017

We challenged our students to think how they could be #BeBoldForChange in order to help forge a better working world and a inclusive, gender equal world. Which was the theme for this International Women's Day. Our girls were shown examples of women who have not only changed their own lives, but the lives of those around them.

Students were asked to think of the most important 'values' and powers needed in order to bring about such change.

Most popular words included;

Perserverance, Determination, Genorosity, Confidence

Equality, Respect, Friendship, Courage

www.internationalwomensday.com

8th March 2018

Alongside our Sixth Form Conference (Women of Faith; Leading the Change), we celebrated International Women’s Day with Year 10 students urging all students to #pressforprogress in assemblies during the week of International Women’s Day. Students called for action to achieve a quicker pace of change, in the face of the recent World Economic Forum Global
Gender