I believe that the Link Programme was one of (if not the best) event that Francis Holland has ever presented to their pupils.
We began the day with an introduction to Higher Education and the UCAS application process. This was extremely helpful as it erased any doubts or questions that the girls or myself had about the process. I felt as though I had gained knowledge on the next steps that I would have to take to apply for university. After this we gathered into our form groups and with our tutors we began the introduction and planning of our Personal Statements. Personally this part of the day was eye-opening, as by having to write down my interests and achievements it showed me how much I have already accomplished, and how these accomplishments link up to my subject choice for university. I also felt elated knowing how much support we are going to receive through the process of writing our statements Following this all the girls had a remarkably good time with Rose in the Drama department. We had a break from learning about the process of higher education and had a lot of laughs and fun while performing some sketches. Just before lunch we were introduced to the long-awaited UCAS application process. We registered ourselves onto the system and began filling in important information with the help of Miss Hillsdon. This was very exciting, as for many of us it meant we were one step closer to university.
For many of the girls they would say that the highlight of the day was when The Unreasonables came to give a lecture on what being a leader truly means. After this talk I felt as though I had gained so much wisdom on being a team member and finding out what barriers are stopping us from not being the leader that we can all be. I learned that being a leader means creating change and dreaming big, in hope to achieve them.
Lastly, Phoebe Gormley gave an inspirational talk to us about achieving our dream career, even if it is not what others advise us to do (in her case her parents). This went hand in hand with the Unreasonables speech on feeling self-fulfilled with whatever you choose to do and not being scared of failure. Phoebe is a 22 year old entrepreneur and owner of the first tailor exclusively for women in the history of Savile Row; Gormley & Gamble. Having interned on the Row and Jermyn Street from a young age, tailoring was always a passion of Phoebes. She soon began to realise that there was a gap in the market for bespoke womenswear; elegant, intelligent designs of Savile Row quality and fit. And so she took a Gamble quitting university and using what would have been her final years tuition fees to start her own business. She made her first sale in October 2014, from a small office in the City, and can now be founded at 13 Savile Row. Recent accolades include wins at the Women of the Future and Great British Entrepreneur Awards. G&G also benefits from the continued support of The Princes Trust and MassChallenge.
Renata, Lower Sixth
