Forging Futures conference aims to equip young people for today and empower them for tomorrow

Sydenham High ignited a spark in Year 12 students from across the UK with the launch of its inaugural Futures Conference, a dynamic event designed to propel young women into the complexities of the modern workforce. The conference, a resounding success, aimed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to not only navigate, but thrive in, an ever-evolving world.

On Friday 28 March, over 100 Sixth Form students from across the GDST family converged, embarking on a day of enrichment and inspiration. The Futures Conference, a meticulously crafted experience, featured three captivating keynote speakers and two interactive workshops, providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities that lie on the horizon. The event focused on delivering industry knowledge and practical skills, empowering students with the confidence to excel in the competitive job market and articulate their strengths with precision.

The conference was privileged to host Felicity Oswald OBE, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre. Her narrative, beginning with the revelation that her current profession was unknown to her at 17, resonated deeply. Oswald emphasised the power of maintaining an open mind, a quality that propelled her to lead a team of over 600 dedicated to safeguarding the UK’s National Cyber Security. She underscored the importance of curiosity and critical thinking, advocating for the recognition of individual skill sets and the courage to step beyond comfort zones. Oswald urged the students to pursue their passions with determination, reminding them that perseverance is essential, especially during challenging times. She addressed the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field, conveying a powerful message of resilience and self-focus.

Cheryl Giovannoni, CEO of GDST, delivered another impactful speech, advocating fiercely for girls’ education and their potential to achieve their dreams. Reflecting on her own upbringing, where she was initially encouraged to conform to traditional gender roles, Giovannoni recounted her remarkable journey from a secretary at Ogilvy & Mather to the company’s London headquarters CEO. She implored the students to seize control of their destinies, build robust networks, seek mentorship, and extend their support to others. Giovannoni stressed the importance of self-advocacy and a generous spirit, encouraging students to explore new opportunities and embrace the value of asking for help.

Complementing the keynotes, two engaging workshops provided practical tools for success. Abi Stephens, a Sports Broadcaster & Leadership Performance Coach, introduced the "BOSS Your Brain" technique, focusing on Body, Oxygen, Self-Talk for Motivation, and Self-Talk for Action. Her workshop equipped students with strategies to manage pressure and enhance performance in high-stakes situations. Stephens emphasised the power of shifting focus to silence negative self-talk and maintain composure.

James Darley, Founder & CEO of Transform Society, delivered the final keynote and a workshop on navigating AI in recruitment. He revealed the startling statistic that 98.5% of graduate applications are rejected by automated systems, highlighting the necessity of understanding AI-driven processes. Darley emphasised that while AI transforms recruitment, human skills remain vital. He advised students to build strong CVs early, gain work experience, expand their LinkedIn networks, and remain adaptable. He encouraged students to augment their natural abilities and present their best selves authentically.

Feedback from attendees revealed the event's success, with 96% of students finding the speakers provided valuable career insights and 95% feeling inspired to pursue their career goals. Staff and students alike praised the conference, highlighting the impact of the speakers and workshops.

"The whole conference was pitched perfectly to both encourage the girls to dream big but to also help them recognise how competitive the jobs market is and the importance of building a competitive portfolio, starting now. The girls were all so enthusiastic afterwards; it is clear the day made a real impact on them."

The overarching message of the Futures Conference was clear: success in the modern world demands passion, curiosity, a commitment to lifelong learning, and adaptability. These qualities, aligned with Sydenham High’s core values of Curiosity for Learning, Courage and Character, Culture of Kindness, and Generosity of Spirit, ensure that students are future-proofed and ready to lead in a rapidly changing world. The Futures Conference stands as a testament to Sydenham High’s dedication to empowering its students, providing them with the tools and inspiration to forge their own successful futures.