Recognising outstanding achievement and ambition

In the 2019/20 academic year, 73 girls from across the GDST family of schools received prizes or scholarships. Prizes cover numerous academic disciplines such as creative writing, poetry, foreign languages, and all-round academic achievement. 

Scholarships are also varied and can be awarded to provide financial support for extracurricular activities at university, or funding a volunteering trip in another part of the world. In many cases these prizes and scholarships are funded by generous supporters. 

Supporting life beyond the GDST

Some of the prizes and scholarships offered are designed to support students when they leave their GDST school and go on to tertiary education.

One such award is the Frederica Lord University Scholarship, which was established by Christopher Fildes in memory of his wife, Frederica Lord.

The award, which is worth £1,000 to the winner each year for three years of university study, can be used to fund travel, societies and other wider intellectual pursuits.

Abby, who was a student at Howell’s School, Llandaff, received support from the Frederica Lord Scholarship. She currently attends Oxford Brookes University and is now studying for a Masters in Human Resources Management.

Abby said:

“Being chosen as the awardee for this scholarship allowed me to partake in an array of activities throughout the duration of my three years at university, which otherwise would not have been possible.

The activities included partaking in the Biomedical Science society dinner parties, athletics club which allowed me to improve my distance running and an extracurricular module which gave me the opportunity to collaborate with the University of Windsor and travel Canada. All of these have helped improve my communication and team-working skills, which are invaluable for my progression to a master’s degree.

I plan to complete my master’s in September 2021 and hope to go on and find a role within the HR departments of a science related field. I would like to thank Christopher Fildes for his sheer kindness and generosity in offering such support throughout my studies, without it I know I would not have had the same university experience that I have thoroughly enjoyed.”

Christopher said:

“The first Frederica Lord Scholar was appointed in the early 1990s, allowing a girl from one of the GDST schools to go to the William & Mary College in Virginia, USA. My late wife Frederica was American and studied in England, and so I thought it fitting to offer such an opportunity for a British girl to do the same in reverse.

In the 2000s, due to the change to tuition fees, we re-thought the Scholarship. It’s now open for applications from students who have received financial assistance during their time at a GDST school, and its’ aim is to allow the recipient to be able to fully access all the opportunities that universities offer, such as travel, societies and extra-curricular activities. I’m so pleased to be able to give that extra bit of support to bright students like Abby.”

Abby attending a Detroit Tigers game with friends – pictured second from left

At Edmond and Louis Odette School of Business – pictured top row, third from left

Travelling Canada in collaboration with the University of Windsor – pictured far left

Highlighting the empowerment of women and girls

The International Women’s Day Prize for students at Newcastle High School was established thanks to two generous former parents, Margaret Vane and her husband Christopher.  

The annual competition invites girls to submit a piece of work focussed on empowering girls and advancing women’s rights. It can be written, drawn, danced or acted.

This year’s winners were four Year 7 students – Aania Ahmad, Inari Bari-Jones, Lucy Grey and Maz Ogunkoya – who created a short film on heroic women throughout history.

“We were so impressed with the high standards of all entries for the competition. However the judges chose the winning entry as it’s informative and fun, and a brilliant example of collaboration and team work.

 We are so grateful to Margaret and Christopher for funding this award, which highlights to students the importance of International Women’s Day, and celebrating everything that women have and continue to achieve.”

Polly De Giorgio, Development Manager, Newcastle High School for Girls

Pictured: The winners receiving their prize, presented by Professor Ruth Plumber. Professor of Experimental Cancer Medicine at Newcastle University and NHSG alumna

View the winning entry below.

GDST Short Film 2020 from Inari Bari-Jones on Vimeo.