Elevate: raising aspirations and opening doors

As part of the Elevate programme, we had the opportunity to spend the day at Habs Hall. We met with students from all the Haberdashers’ schools, and with alumni from Murray Edwards college at Cambridge University. The trip enhanced our knowledge about our approaching pathways after completing school.

Throughout the day, we were provided with many networking opportunities. These conversations gave us the chance to gain different perspectives and make connections with people who offer valuable advice. Being surrounded by ambitious women was particularly encouraging, helping us to feel confident in pursing our own goals.

There were panels which brought together women studying a range of subjects at Cambridge, giving us the chance to ask subject-specific questions. This was useful in understanding the number of contact hours different courses have, as it is very important to also involve yourself in a range of extra activities. The Murray Edwards students spoke openly about their application process, including the challenges they faced, along with the qualities they would recommend mentioning.

A particular highlight for us was the public speaking workshop. We learnt about the main focuses when delivering a speech, for example, your body language, engagement with the audience, and projection of your voice. We then put these skills into practice, delivering speeches in front of large groups of people.

Overall, the day was a great start to the Elevate programme, and we are looking forward to all the upcoming experiences.

Written by Ishaa (12 DHH/CR) and Emily (12 JYB/PLT)

The event brought together 22 students, including Year 12 students beginning their Elevate journey and Year 10 students enjoying an early taste of the opportunities the programme will offer when they join fully in Year 12.

Elevate, a partnership between the Haberdashers’ Company and Murray Edwards College, Cambridge, supports bright and ambitious girls from across the Haberdashers’ schools to explore the possibilities of studying at a leading university. Through practical guidance, first-hand experiences and opportunities to discover university life, the programme helps Year 12 students build confidence, broaden their aspirations and recognise what is within their reach, reflecting the exceptional opportunities available through our wider Habs community.

We look forward to following their journey through the Elevate programme and hearing about their progress throughout the year.