TIGHS inspires the next generation of leaders

A host of successful and influential business leaders went back to school to inspire and mentor the next generation of leaders at Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School and Sixth Form College (TIGHS). Pupils heard from a number of dynamic speakers, including special guest Dame Julia Cleverdon DCVO CBE, and participated in ‘speed mentoring’ sessions during the school’s annual Aspire and Inspire Leadership Conference.

Dame Julia Cleverdon – a renowned leader and campaigner who has led a number of charities that have transformed education and opportunities for young people – set the tone for the conference with a powerful keynote speech to rouse the students to set themselves high aspirations, to have self-belief and to strive to make a positive difference to society. The former Chief Executive of Business in the Community reflected on the leadership skills she has observed and learnt while campaigning to try to unite individuals and teams to achieve the greater good.

The theme of the top-performing school’s leadership conference was civic, moral and performance leadership skills – a fundamental element of the school’s character development and leadership specialism. The annual conference for Year 13 pupils, which took place on Friday 11th October, aims to help them transition into the world of study and boost their career prospects.

The event brought together pupils with a variety of successful people working in leadership roles across areas such as business, technology, civic duties, sport and performing arts. It gave pupils the opportunity to meet face-to-face with more than 30 business leaders to learn from their experiences and gain inspiration for their futures.

During the conference, the Y13 pupils each took part in a Speed Mentoring Carousel, delivered in partnership with Northern Power Futures, where they had the opportunity to question mentors about their careers and education.  Northern Power Futures, which was launched in 2018, aims to give young people opportunities to supercharge their careers by improving their skills and life choices with support from business mentors. TIGHS pupils’ interests were matched with mentors’ backgrounds and experience to ensure that the girls were able to seek advice that was relevant to their career ambitions. More than 30 mentors volunteered their time to support the event, with representatives from organisations including the NHS, Barclays, United Utilities and Sport England.

The event was the culmination of a programme of activities aimed at helping pupils with the transition from school to adult life, including everything from cookery and self-defence, to public speaking, enterprise and leadership skills. During the event, a group of Y13 students took to the stage to give a presentation to their assembled guests on the Mini MBA programme that they have recently completed, which saw them hone their business and research skills on an Eco Social Enterprise project. The Eco Star team explained how its social enterprise venture aims to address a global issue at a local level by reducing plastic waste in the school. By sourcing, selling and promoting the use of recycled multi-use bottles, the project has reduced the volume of single-use plastics in use at TIGHS. The next stage of the venture aims to scale-up the operation by expanding the approach to other schools.

Keynote speaker Dame Julia Cleverdon said: “It was a privilege to be part of the 30 mentors who learnt as much – if not more – from the impressive young women at TIGHS. As Co-founder of the #iwill campaign, I was so impressed with the determination of the girls’ Mini MBA project to drive an ambitious social action aiming to cut plastic waste to zero.”

The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, which was chaired by Simone Roche, CEO and founder of Northern Power Futures. Pupils quizzed the business mentors on everything from interview techniques to the definition of success, unlocking a wealth of advice and insights on how to succeed in business.

Simone Roche, CEO and founder of Northern Power Futures, said: “This event has been a spectacular insight into the hard work and determination TIGHS passes on to their students. Northern Power Futures brought 30 business leaders to take part in two speed mentoring sessions and the feedback has been incredible both from students and mentors, with many taking the time to highlight what a wonderful and impactful day they had on social media.”

TIGHS Head Girl, Year 13 pupil Maryam Bibi Sadat said: “It was inspiring to meet so many impressive leaders who have not only succeeded in their careers but who have given something back to their communities. I found it intriguing to listen to the mentors’ experiences, but it was clear they all had one thing in common – they all know what success looks like and work extremely hard to succeed. I feel really upbeat about the future and ready to follow in their footsteps!”

Amina Modan, Assistant Principal of TIGHS, said: “As a leadership specialism school, we aim to motivate our pupils to become tomorrow’s leaders. The conference gave pupils a unique opportunity to benefit first-hand from the advice and experiences of successful leaders from a broad range of businesses. We have empowered our pupils to aim for the stars, to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams relentlessly.  The young women are hugely positive about, and ready to embrace, the next steps in their education and careers.”

More than 30 business leaders attended the TIGHS leadership conference to take part in mentoring sessions with students.

Added By: Star Academies | Date Added: 21st Oct 2019 | Posted In:

Latest News

Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School and Sixth Form College celebrates exceptional GCSE Results

High achieving students from Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School and Sixth Form College (TIGHS) are celebrating GCSE success today following several years of disruption caused by COVID-19.

Read more

Latest News

TIGHS students celebrate A Level achievements

High-achieving students from Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School and Sixth Form College (TIGHS) are celebrating A Level success, after overcoming several years of disruption caused by COVID-19.

Read more

School Gateway

Access useful information

Access all the latest tools and utilities to help with your projects.

Log in here
top