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Climate change expert joins an evening to celebrate the achievements of Portsmouth High School students
In early September, Portsmouth High School’s senior students were the proud recipients of achievement awards, certificates and cups as friends, family, pupils and staff from the school gathered for an evening of celebration. The guest speaker was an alumna of Portsmouth High School and a leading climate change expert, Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh.
‘In what we do at home, in school, when we’re on holiday, wherever we are, but also in whatever career you go into, you can make greener choices – but also ask those around you, including those in leadership positions, what they can do as well.’ — Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh
Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh is an environmental psychologist, focussing on how the public engage with climate change. She is currently Professor of Environmental Psychology at the University of Bath and Director of the UK Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations. As part of COP26, she called for involving more women in the discussions and is focussed on female leadership around climate change too.
An evening of Celebration for Portsmouth High School
Last year’s leavers returned to school to receive their awards before starting at universities later this month. Courses they are taking range from Law, History and Economics to Psychology, Forensic Science, Criminology and English Literature.
In attendance were a number of distinguished guests including the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, the Chair of Governors and the school’s staff, parents and pupils. The evening began with an introduction and welcome from the school’s new Head teacher Mrs Sarah Parker.
The special evening heard speeches from pupils on topics such as the World Challenge expedition to Borneo, the GDST LEAD business scheme and Portsmouth High’s Big Sisters initiative. Achievements were celebrated across the older year groups and pupils received awards from sports and drama colours to Duke of Edinburgh Awards, music cups, social responsibility prizes and academic year prizes.
Professor Whitmarsh concluded:
‘We’re here to recognise not just academic excellence, but also the spirit of resilience, creativity, and leadership that you have all demonstrated throughout the year. Each award is a testament to the hours of effort, the late nights spent studying, the determination to overcome challenges, and the unwavering support you’ve received from your teachers, families and friends.’
Sustainability at the GDST
Portsmouth High School is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), a family of 23 independent schools and two academies across England and Wales. Sustainability is a green thread that runs across everything we do, which includes at our schools, with our students, our estate, our people and partnerships, and how we look forward to a brighter and greener future.
