Leavers’ stories: Reflections on how Norwich High School prepares students for their futures

Posted on 26th January 2023

At Norwich High School for Girls Sixth Form, we are ensuring our students leave school prepared for their own futures through our broad range of initiatives.

Findings from the GDST Girls’ Futures Report showed that only 38% of girls nationally feel prepared for the future at 18. At Norwich High School for Girls Sixth Form, we are ensuring our students leave school prepared for their own futures through our broad range of initiatives.

Mrs Hazel Packer, Director of Sixth Form commented: “As an all-through girls school, our pupils embrace the opportunities they are given for leadership from the last years of Prep, all the way through Senior School and into the Sixth Form. Being put in a position where they are interacting with younger students as role models helps our students develop in character as bold, confident and curious young people.

“In the Sixth Form, we start delivering focussed, forward looking sessions on what to expect at university – from accommodation to student finance, as well as on apprenticeships and CV writing; along with basic life skills which might be how to change a tyre, cooking, finance and so on. These help develop some of the skills young people need to take forward after school.”

“Our students have a voice and help shape the sessions we offer through their own suggestions. We also encourage them to be opinionated and active citizens through opportunities including the debating club, European Youth Parliament, community partnership projects and Model United Nations.”

Mrs Hazel Packer, Director of Sixth Form

Leavers’ stories

We caught up with some recent leavers to hear their reflections on their time at Norwich High School for Girls, and to find out what they are doing now.

Amy Astrid – Class of 2014, Digital Content Creator.

“I studied English, Drama and Psychology for A Level and went on to take Media Studies BA (Hons) at the UEA – graduating in 2018.

“I loved that school was a place where I could give anything a try without judgement or consequences (within reason!). As you get older with more responsibilities, that becomes harder but I still try to let that curiosity guide my work and day to day life. I went to university, found it wasn’t for me but managed to come out the other side with a degree.

“I moved to London and have been working for myself since graduating and have been lucky enough to collaborate with some of the world’s biggest fashion and beauty brands, tourism boards and charities.”

Amy Palmer – Class of 2013, Legal Counsel at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group Ltd.

“I studied History, Geography and Maths at A Level and went on to do my Law LLB at the University of York.

“I really miss the warm supportive community of Norwich High. Looking back, I realise how lucky I was to learn and grow in such an encouraging and happy environment, free from judgement. I’m so grateful for the wonderful friendships I forged – so many of which are still going strong today, 10 years after leaving!

“I now work Licensing productions of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s works worldwide and licensing bespoke projects involving ALW or using ALW’s Intellectual Property catalogue (music releases, TV appearances, film deals etc). This involves meeting with and negotiating with producers/creatives, royalty negotiation, contract drafting and supervising productions. As Legal Counsel I also deal with any disputes, protecting rights from infringement and assisting with day-to-day company legal requirements.”

Chloe Fletcher – Class of 2015, Midwife.

“I studied Biology, Psychology, French and Eng Literature (AS), and went on to study BSc Hons Midwifery at the University of Suffolk.

“I loved the freedom to learn and explore our passions and interests at Norwich High. I was given so many unique and wonderful opportunities (such as exchange student programmes, school trips, learning environments) that shaped who I am today.

“I finished my A Levels in the summer of 2015. Following that I worked full-time for six months until February 2016 when I started my Midwifery degree. Since February 2019 I have been working full time as a fully qualified Midwife within the NHS. It feels like only yesterday that I left Norwich High and I cannot believe how far I have come.”

Katie Bates – Class of 2015, Chartered Commercial Surveyor at Brown & Co.

“I studied Geography, Chemistry, Biology and AS German and went on to study BSc (Hons) Geography at the University of Leeds and MA Real Estate Planning and Development at the University of Sheffield.

“I loved the variety of extracurricular activities at Norwich High, particularly the lunchtime seminars in the Sixth Form which gave us the opportunity to learn about different topics outside of lessons and explore different possible career paths.

“As a Chartered Commercial Surveyor, I work within the office, retail and industrial property sectors. I advise clients on a range of matters including property valuations, lease negotiations, rent reviews, sales and lettings, acquisitions and property management. It’s extremely varied and a good mix of office and site-based work.”

Daisy Shearer – Class of 2014, Outreach and Engagement Officer at the National Quantum Computing Centre.

“At school, I enjoyed studying the sciences as well as art and music.

“I studied Physics, Chemistry and Maths at A Level. and did an MPhys in Physics at the University of Surrey which included a research year where I carried out research for my thesis while working in industry – I worked at the Centre for Integrated Photonics on semiconductor laser design. After my MPhys I applied to do my doctorate at the University of Surrey’s Advanced Technology Institute which I am now completing part-time while working full-time at the NQCC.”

“Since I left school I have been studying up until October 2022! I did a straight physics degree as I didn’t know what area of physics I was most interested in. It turns out I love quantum technologies and nanophotonics and this is what I am researching for my doctorate. My PHD project is investigating new ways to control the orientation of electron spin in semiconductors with the view to making scalable quantum bits for quantum computing. My day job is as a science communicator and public engagement professional at the National Quantum Computing Centre. I create educational resources and deliver outreach activities to make quantum computing topics accessible to a broad range of audiences such as high schoolers, parents, teachers, policymakers, and the general public. My role combines my technical expertise and interest in quantum technologies with my creative side and passion for science communication!”