Stretch and Challenge Conference
The conference was held at The University of Chester and hosted by the Thriving Minds organisation, which runs the largest series of national conferences in Australasia and the UK, providing an inspirational and thought-provoking atmosphere for academically gifted pupils.
Students took part in sessions on three different academic topics, ending with a live debate. It was a fantastic opportunity for our curious students to improve their thinking skills and work alongside students from four other schools.
Chester Schools Together – Climate Change Symposium at Chester Zoo
More than 100 pupils from across the city gathered at Chester Zoo on May 25, 2023, for a two-day climate change symposium.
The Beyond COP21 Symposium global series started in Dubai in 2016 and this was the 35th Symposium in the global series, which has taken place in 18 different countries since its inception.
The symposium was CST's flagship event for 2023 and brought together Year 8 pupils from King’s, Blacon High School, The Bishops’ Blue Coat Church of England High School and Catholic High School Chester.
The pupils worked together to explore the global themes surrounding climate change and sustainability through workshops, presentations and exhibitions.
They also heard from experts and leaders in the sector.
They included:
- Cheshire West and Chester Council
- The Chester Cycling Campaign
- RECORD wildlife conservation organisation
- Chester Youth Climate Action Network
- Our Dee Estuary
The Chester Zoo Education Team also led the pupils on bespoke zoo trails to build on this knowledge.
Chester Schools Together: International Women’s Day celebration
After being postponed by the snow, the Chester Schools Together International Women’s Day celebration took place at The King’s School on Thursday, 16 March.
Students from The Bishops’ Blue Coat Church of England School and The Catholic High joined King’s students for a celebration of Inspirational Women through the Ages.
The King’s Equality Group chose a number of women to feature in the exhibition who spanned the centuries and are known for their achievements in areas as diverse as politics, computer science and the arts.
After viewing the exhibition, students were invited to think about the courage, impact, inspiration and legacy of each of the women, resulting in lively debate and discussion.
We were also delighted to welcome Isabel and Katie from the Women of Chester guided tour who talked to students about inspirational women from Chester’s past. These included Aethelflad, Lady of the Mercians, born in 870 AD, who is credited with refortifying the city walls and defending Chester against the Vikings.
Turning to more recent local history, they told the story of Susannah Brown who founded Browns of Chester, the much-loved department store which came to be known as the Harrods of the North.
The exhibition, and the stories of inspirational Chester women, sparked an engaging discussion amongst students about the women who inspire them, why International Women’s Day is still so important, and the difference that they want to make.
Emily Sherriff is the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator at The King’s School and led the day’s event.
She said: “It was a pleasure to welcome students to King’s today for such a wonderful celebration of inspirational women.
“This year’s International Women’s Day theme was Embrace Equity and today gave us all a valuable opportunity to reflect on women who have strived for equity in the past, and think about how we can all make a difference to ensure equity in the future.”