On 7th June 1872 a public meeting took place in The Royal Albert Hall to discuss the establishment of schools to advance the education of young women, which led to the establishment of the Girls’ Public Day School Company, now called the GDST.
To mark the 140th anniversary of this historic occasion, a range of celebrations are currently being planned to engage pupils, staff, parents and alumnae, and showcase the organisation and why we are continuing to thrive. From June 2012 to March 2013 we will be highlighting the fun and variety of a GDST education with a series of events and activities covering sports, science, history, film, foreign languages, creative writing and even a cookery competition to find the best birthday cake!
The calendar of events will be announced at the GDST conference and reception on 13th June 2012, and we will update this page throughout the year with details of each event along with engaging and interactive elements.
The planned activities will include:
- GDST ‘through the ages’ exhibition
- Women in science day
- The great GDST bake-off
- Short film competition
- Foreign language spelling bee
- A large-scale GDST talent show
More information regarding the upcoming 140th anniversary celebrations will be available on this webpage over the next few months, but if you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to contact Chris Mounsey-Thear in the Communications Team at:
c.mounsey-thear@wes.gdst.net.
Your history of the GDST
As part of our 140th celebrations we are putting together an online history of the GDST, and would welcome any contributions from alumnae, teachers and parents. We would like to hear any stories or see any photographs that you or your relatives have of attending or teaching at a GDST school over the years.
If so, please feel free to email
c.mounsey-thear@wes.gdst.net
or send them to:
Chris Mounsey-Thear
GDST (Girls’ Day School Trust)
100 Rochester Row
London SW1P 1LP
If sending us any old or precious photographs, please ensure they are enclosed in a suitable envelope, along with an address for us to return them once we have copied them. We will seek to return any photographs within 14 days of receipt.