A KEEN advocate of supporting women in science, Professor Averil Macdonald, was this year’s speaker at St Nicholas’ School’s annual prize giving ceremony.

Professor Macdonald received an OBE in 2015 for services to women in science and engaging the public with science, and in 2007 won the accolade of Woman of Outstanding Achievement in Science .

Along with these personal achievements, Professor Macdonald sits on a number of boards, including the Science Museum Group, the STFC Advisory Panel for Public Engagement, WISE (Women in Science and Engineering Campaign).

In the morning, she presented her ‘People Like Me’ workshop to pupils years seven and eight, making the girls aware of the opportunities in science.

The prize giving ceremony started with a concert featuring a varied programme of modern tunes and classical music. Highlights included a beautiful performance of the Barcarolle from the ‘The Tales of Hoffmann’ by the Junior Orchestra and the Junior Choir’s rendition of ‘Seize the Day’. While the Senior Choir gave a thoughtful version of John Barry’s ‘We Have All the Time in the World’.

The concert concluded with the whole school performing the rousing and upbeat song ‘From Now On’, from ‘The Greatest Showman’ with an enthusiastic drum accompaniment.

Head girl Lily Walker gave a personal and entertaining review of the action-packed school year, highlighting the girls’ achievements and successes, in the non-academic as well as academic spheres.

Then, recently appointed headmistress Dr Olwen Wright, thanked everyone for the enthusiastic welcome which she had received and spoke of her delight in getting to know the pupils.

She emphasised how the school is “well-placed to continue forging ahead to the future” and spoke about its strong identity as a member of the Girls’ Schools Association.

She continued by highlighting the importance of the prize-giving ceremony, to celebrate the success of the pupils and to recognise their enthusiasm.

Dr Wright concluded by mentioning the changes she has already put into place and plans for the future, including a breakfast club and an outdoor classroom, as well as working with the local community and partner school the Birla High School, in Kolkata.

After presenting the prizes, Professor Macdonald finished by discussing the importance of making the most of one’s opportunities in life and discounting the expectations others have of a person.