Highsted Students Inspired to ‘Smash the Glass Ceiling’

On Wednesday 14 December, Highsted Grammar School put Christmas preparations to one side as staff and students celebrated their outstanding success. Starting proceedings, Anne Kelly, a proud Headteacher, congratulated the school on being the very best in Swale for GCSE and A-level results.

Well over two hundred students received awards ranging from outstanding achievement, progress, effort, contribution to Science, Business, Drama, Sport and positive contributions to the local community.

The evening included fabulous musical performances from Highsted students including: Canon in D by Pachelbel – performed by Joely B and Eleanor S in Year 13, Laura M in Year 9 and Sian L in Year 12; and later, Kathryn S in Year 13 performed a flute solo of a piece by Devienne.

There was also an opportunity to recognise the success of past pupils of Highsted with eight students recently achieving a First Class Honours degree at University for qualifications as wide-ranging as: Physiotherapy, Neuroscience, Geography, Nursing, Psychology and Law.

The guest speaker was Fabian de Fabiani an expert in Character Education, an essential part of pupil development involving resilience and strength of character. He inspired pupils, telling them of the importance of never losing sight of their goals, despite the many challenges and set-backs they may face in life. He went on to tell pupils not to be daunted by the ‘glass ceiling’, a combination of sexist attitudes and discrimination that may prevent women from reaching their full potential in their careers. Highsted pupils, buoyed by the celebration of their success, were reminded how they are the next generation of leaders who must seize every opportunity.

Fabian de Fabiani ended his speech with words from the poem Invictus by William Ernest Henley, challenging students to smash through the glass ceiling, “I am the captain of my soul. I am the guardian of my fate.”