As we gear up for International Women’s Day on March 8th, it’s a great time to remind our community that at Bromley High School, every day is IWD!

This year, we will be marking the day with a full range of events and activities:

  • Curriculum-focused phenomenal case studies in lessons that highlight examples of female progression and contribution
  • Engaging form time interactive activities
  • Music assembly focusing on female artists
  • Visible celebrations, including celebratory posters, an #InspireInclusion pledge board, and email signatures
  • Senior School pupils and staff will wear purple accessories to school
  • Junior School pupils and staff will dress as inspirational women
  • Quizzes featuring photos and quotes from women around the world, spanning different fields of work and cultures
  • Mini Minerva lecture on female biographies.

Last Sunday, I attended the annual GDST Sing event at The Royal Academy of Music. It’s a significant occasion in the GDST calendar and brings great enjoyment to all involved. Parents, staff, and girls from 20 of our 25 schools attended to enjoy a wonderful performance, including pieces like “Lift Thine Eyes” by Mendelssohn, “Ezekiel Saw the Wheel” by McElwaine, and “Seasons of Love” by Larson. Music plays a vital role in our Bromley High curriculum, overseen by our Director of Music, Caroline Daniel, and her incredibly talented team. They bring out the best in our girls through a wide variety of opportunities across eclectic music styles. From Reception years, music aids girls in perception and language development. Even our four-year-olds learn to collaborate for concerts, finding joy in playing instruments and singing together. As girls progress through school, music breaks down barriers, fostering shared passion and uniting girls from diverse backgrounds. Our choirs and orchestras, well-attended and inclusive, connect our community through the universal language of music.

The event was a huge moment of pride for me as Headmistress, as two out of three soloists were Bromley High School girls. Jenna Short, a Sixth Form Music Scholar, opened the event with her violin solo.  Jenna began her violin journey at the age of four, achieving a Diploma ARSM with Distinction by 15. She recently passed Grade 8 piano and is a part of our Steinway Piano Mentorship Programme. The second soloist was Sofia Samoylova, a Steinway Scholar, who consistently demonstrates exceptional musical talent, winning prizes in Bromley, Beckenham, and Blackheath music festivals.

The GDST Sing event was truly inspiring, and it was with pride and awe that I applauded our two Bromley High soloists. However, it was the power of the network that touched me the most as our girls from all corners of the country pulled together to showcase their musical talents. The highlight had to be ‘The Girl From Aleppo’. Composer Cecilia McDowall and writer Kevin Crossley-Holland were present to discuss the composition’s journey. Their narrative of how Nujeen Mustafa braved inconceivable odds to travel from Syria in her wheelchair for a new life was a powerful focal point. The girls embraced the challenge of this sophisticated piece, performing with empathy and style. It’s a meaningful way to consider children torn apart by conflict. I felt honored to be part of a Trust that addresses difficult issues, helping girls learn and be informed. Well done to all our GDST girls. What a way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

As part of our International Women’s Day agenda and in line with ‘The Girl From Aleppo’, Bromley High is raising money for the charity War Child. During the Head Girls’ Team hustings, Edie Frances advocated for supporting War Child. This charity acts swiftly when conflict erupts and continues its efforts long after the cameras depart, striving to keep children safe. Edie expressed her commitment to securing a safe future for every child enduring war. She’s particularly concerned about children affected by “forgotten” wars – conflicts that persist after global attention wanes. These innocent victims suffer amidst battles over differences and hatreds they don’t comprehend. Edie also believes in the equal worth of every child, regardless of identity or location, a principle War Child upholds.

Nujeen’s story, portrayed in ‘The Girl From Aleppo’, embodies courage amid war’s devastation and displacement. War Child’s mission is to support children like Nujeen. Her story and War Child’s work inspire hope for a brighter future.

Beyond International Women’s Day, let’s stand united, uplift one another, and ensure no girl or child is left behind. Let’s honor female companions from diverse backgrounds, including them with compassion, strength, visibility, and celebration.


Mrs Emily Codling, Headmistress