LP Girls Can 2022

LP Girls Can has returned for the Summer Term, much to the excitement of staff and students across the Park. From Monday 13th – Friday 17th June, the School hosted an array of guests and activities; taking inspiration from the nation-wide #ThisGirlCan campaign. LP Girls Can is one of Leighton Park’s initiatives to get our girls further involved in sport, and to maintain and prioritise their well-being.

The activity-packed week was first set up in 2017 by Head of Netball, Zoe Macpherson. “This is the fifth year of running LP Girls Can Week. Students will be meeting Olympians and inspiring role models such as our sporting Old Leightonians. This week is about building up our students’ confidence in their bodies and in trying new sports. We want to inspire more girls to continue with sport, keeping healthy and looking after their wellbeing. Nationally, we see a large drop out around Year 11.”

On Monday, the girls met with Olympic Gold Medal winning Hockey Players Kate and Helen Richardson-Walsh for a Q&A session. From “What is the greatest challenge facing athletes today?” to “How has being in a same sex relationship been received by the sports community?”, Kate and Helen gave considered answers that delved into social media, mindfulness and living in a heteronormative society. In the afternoon, the First XI Rounders team travelled to Shiplake College for a closely matched Rounders game. In the afternoon, the girls unwound in a Yoga session with MFL Teacher and Yoga Instructor, Isabelle Lauzeral.

On Tuesday, the Park welcomed Old Leigthonians; Ellie Pearson (2021), studying Sports Management and Coaching at University of Bath, Rosanna Collis (2020) studying Sports Science with Management at Loughborough University, and Livvy Edwards, (2020) reading Sports and Exercise Science also at Loughborough University. Rosanna, a player for Women U18 Berkshire County Rugby team commented, “I think Leighton Park has developed all of us in our sporting careers, just through the support and development opportunities we had whilst we were here.” The OLs led rugby, football, and netball sessions. In the afternoon, the girls took part in a diversity colour run, to celebrate diversity and inclusivity. Anna Cawley (Year 10) remarked, “I think that the Leighton Park Colour Run has been a super fun and inclusive idea to get people out in the sun and having a great time.”

In the afternoon, OLs, staff and students kitted up for a Staff vs Student Netball Match. “I’ve really enjoyed watching the leavers staff vs student match. It’s been really intense and a lot of people have come down to support the staff and the students. It’s quite a close match I think.” remarked Charlotte Coyle (Year 10).

On Wednesday, a climbing wall was set up for staff and students on Ten-Acre Field, and in the afternoon, History Teacher, Imogen Cook; who has represented teams both nationally and internationally, led a basketball session. She commented, “Growing up basketball was always ‘for boys’ and we had to fight incredibly hard to even have a team. These types of sessions are so important because they allow girls to be completely themselves and try new things.”

On Thursday, Years 7-10 had a dance session with Sonia Brown, and later partook in a Cricket Festival with other girls from local schools. “I just think it gives girls an amazing chance to play sports that kind of discriminate against girls, for example cricket or rugby.” enthused Bernadette Weber (Lower Sixth).

To end the week, Year 7 took part in the Town Athletic Championships at Palmer Park, and Richard Duckett, History, GPP and Politics Teacher, led an ‘Olympics Around the World’ for Years 7 and 8.

“I think it’s important to have that girl time together without thinking about how you look or having any kind of inhibitions.” said Connie Say (Lower Sixth). “It’s a really fun end of year event.” chimed in Anna Beauchamp (Lower Sixth).