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School pupils quiz University leaders for International Women's Day

School pupils quiz University leaders for International Women's Day

Pupils from Cressex Community School in High Wycombe have enjoyed a question-and-answer session with female leaders at Bucks New University for International Women’s Day.

The female pupils, aged 14 and 15, from the school, in Holmer Lane, spent an hour and a half quizzing a panel including Dr Rachel Cragg, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Digital) and hearing about their careers.

International Womens Day - Cressex Community School

The pupils asked the panel questions including who their female role models were, how they viewed the future for women in the workplace, and what advice they would give them about entering the world of work.

Dr Cragg was joined by Ellie Smith, Academic Registrar and Secretary; Emma Tomsett, Senior Registry Officer; Tao Warburton, President of Bucks Students’ Union; and Sophia James, Head of Home Recruitment and Widening Participation.

International Women’s Day is a global day on Sunday 8 March celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. This year’s theme is Each for Equal, with the aim that an equal world is an enabled world.

Dr Cragg said: “As a partner of Cressex Community School, the University was delighted to welcome the pupils and to pass on a range of experiences and views about women in the workplace.

“I hope the pupils found it an enjoyable and informative experience and have gone away with plenty of useful information and advice which will benefit them in the future.”

At the end the pupils filled in pledges on their aspirations, with statements including:

"I've learnt not to let others' opinions stop me from doing what I want to do. If I wish to do something I will not let an obstacle stop me", as well as "Show men that there is a different side to every situation. If someone undermines you, prove to them that you can do what people may think you can't do"; and "If you need to be a little louder to be heard, don't be afraid!"

David Hood, Headteacher of Cressex Community School, said, “We were delighted to attend the celebration of International Women’s Day at Bucks New University and our students have been inspired to hear from a range of senior women who have progressed in their careers.”

CRESSEX COMMUNITY SCHOOL PUPILS' VISIT