Wildly Different
The recently published ‘Wildly Different’ by historian Sarah Lonsdale examines the lives of five women who fought tirelessly for the right to work in and to help save the earth’s wild places.
For centuries, the exploration of ‘wild’ or remote areas was seen as a masculine role, one which was synonymous with bravery and heroism – concepts that were erroneously seen as inherently more connected to the male sphere until relatively recently. It was fascinating to read about the remarkable achievements of pioneering women such as Ethel Haythornthwaite, who helped to create Britain’s first national park in the Peak District; Wangari Maathai, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her work in sustainable development, democracy and peace; and Evelyn Cheesman, the first female curator of the insect house at London Zoo who went on risky adventures off the coast of Colombia. This impressive examination of oft-forgotten female endeavour shares the stories of women who broke physical boundaries and, in doing so, asserted their place in the world. Such stories need to be celebrated to avoid the danger of collective amnesia or the risk of complacency when it comes to attitudes about progress made with equality.
Whilst I am not suggesting a comparison can be drawn between these women’s intrepid global adventures and the development of wellbeing spaces in the wilds of leafy NW3, there is some similarity in the spirit behind the ambitions for our 150th anniversary campaign. Our commitment to expanding opportunities for young women, through our bursary programme, reflects the ethical imperative of widening access to the outstanding education we offer here. And our plans for the roof terrace transformation and installation of a new gym and wellbeing space are intentional, consultative and full of symbolic meaning about the holistic nature of the education we offer.
Our plans are intentional, consultative and full of symbolic meaning about the holistic nature of the education we offer.
Through these developments we are seeking to make sure that our ethos and our buildings continue to meet the needs of the girls; we want them to encounter a sense of belonging, of energy, of sanctuary and of joy. Crucially, these developments will represent pupil voice, with brilliant contributions from our student leadership committees and suggestions from even our very youngest pupils (our Reception and Year One girls inspired the architects to find an innovative way to include ponds in the design for the roof terrace). Our school is a place which celebrates challenge and opportunity, wanting our girls to stretch themselves with a profound sense of curiosity and deep-rooted wish to learn. We hope very much that our 150th anniversary will be a moment where our past shapes our goals for the future, through the creation of spaces which will have meaning and impact for generations of young women to come.
We want our girls to encounter a sense of belonging, of energy, of sanctuary and of joy.
Over the half term break you will receive your invitation to join our fundraising campaign to support opportunity and wellbeing at South Hampstead and, on Wednesday 5th November, we will officially launch the 150th Anniversary Campaign at our Speaker Series event. We are extremely appreciative of any form of contribution and would be so grateful for any support you can offer. I would like to express my thanks to the many girls who have helped us to shape the vision for these projects – their imagination, ideas and energy have been an inspiration.
I wish you all a very restful half term and I send my best wishes to those of you celebrating Diwali during the school break.