Our recent Inspiring Futures Conference encouraged Lower Sixth students to remain open to opportunity, take considered risks, build meaningful connections, and explore a broad spectrum of career pathways. At the heart of the day was a central theme: the importance of recognising one’s own agency – that the future is not something that simply happens to you, but something you actively shape.
A panel of eight accomplished women – predominantly Calne alumnae – shared candid reflections on their professional journeys across fields including journalism, screenplay development, international event management, paediatrics, systems analysis, EDI consultancy, charity campaign leadership, psychology, and law.
Their insight, honesty and generosity offered invaluable perspective and practical guidance, prompting exceptionally positive feedback from students (see below).
Our sincere thanks go to this outstanding panel, and to our Futures Team, for creating such a purposeful, energising, and genuinely transformative experience for our students.
‘I really enjoyed the Q&A session when all of the alumnae were chatting together and brainstorming ideas about one question. It was very interactive and helpful. Each gave a different perspective and added on each other’s thoughts.
‘Meeting the old girls and hearing from different perspectives and personal stories, yet noticing how they all share similar core beliefs, was so interesting. It was inspiring to learn from their experiences and see how their paths developed after school.’
‘Hearing that there is not always going to be one straight path when it comes to careers and our futures was so helpful.’
‘Spending time with old girls was very enjoyable and almost like a portal to the future.’
‘Being able to speak to and learn from old girls working in a variety of fields was brilliant. I was introduced to a range of jobs in different sectors that I had never considered.’
Mrs Rebekah Lord
Head of Futures
