Unlocking the Past, Inspiring the Future: Girls with Goals Explore the EHS Archive
Posted on: 18 Jun 2026
This term, Year 9 girls involved in the Girls with Goals initiative embarked on an inspiring and thought-provoking journey into the rich history of our school through the EHS Archives. Across two hands on days, the girls discovered not only what an archive is, but why it matters and how understanding the past can empower them to shape their futures.
Posted on: 18 Jun 2026
This term, Year 9 girls involved in the Girls with Goals initiative embarked on an inspiring and thought-provoking journey into the rich history of our school through the EHS Archives. Across two hands on days, the girls discovered not only what an archive is, but why it matters and how understanding the past can empower them to shape their futures.
Working alongside staff involved in maintaining the archive, students were introduced to the importance of preserving history. Guided through the collection, they had the rare opportunity to handle original artefacts, including historical photographs, vintage uniforms, and old yearbooks. With special white gloves to carefully protect these precious items, the girls literally held history in their hands, gaining a personal connection to the generations of students who came before them.
One of the most interesting parts of the project was learning about past Headteachers and how the school has changed over the years. Girls reflected on how leadership, vision and determination have shaped the school community, an important reminder that every great future is built on the foundations of the past.
Inspired by what they discovered, the girls turned their attention to researching notable former students. Among those explored were Malala Yousafzai, Helen George, Natasha Cox, Kate Williams, Lucy L. Roach, Dame Joyce Bishop, Dame Geraldine Cadbury and Chloe Adams, women who have made their mark in fields ranging from activism and the arts to academia and public life. Their stories served as powerful examples of courage, ambition and resilience.
After completing their research, the girls moved to the Graphics Room to bring their ideas to life. They created colourful posters and informative presentations celebrating these inspiring former students, helping to build a growing "Notable Alumnae Gallery" that will inspire future students.
This project perfectly reflects the values of Girls with Goals, a forward-thinking initiative designed to encourage girls to think boldly about their own futures. By connecting with the achievements of those fearless women who came before them, the girls were reminded that their potential is limitless as one key message echoed throughout the project:
“She believed she could, so she did.”
And perhaps most importantly, the girls left with a renewed sense of purpose, to aim high, dream big, and step confidently into their own future stories.
