SIXTH FORMER SUPPORTS CULTURAL CHANGE
SIXTH FORMER SUPPORTS CULTURAL CHANGE USING HER ‘BOLD VOICE’
One of our Sixth Formers, Immie Brumby, is determined to raise awareness around gender inequality and is encouraging our community to get involved with the help of one of our own OVs.
A keen advocate for pupils, teachers and parents to learn together, Bold Voices launches its innovative Ambassador Programme for this coming academic year, inviting schools from across the UK to join forces and facilitate real cultural change within their communities. Bold Voices delivers education in a complex and tricky subject area – gendered violence and gender inequality – not generally a topic that is easy to discuss, and certainly not one that makes for comfortable listening. However, never has there been a time when raising awareness around this topic has been more important. Over the last 3 years since Natasha Eeles started talking about the unspoken, Bold Voices impressively has directly engaged with over 6,000 people either via talks, seminars or workshops. Her voice has been heard as far as Peru, America and right back to her own old school, here at Warminster.
Natasha explains further, “This is a passionate subject for so many people of all ages, but when Immie approached me with her plan to raise money for Bold Voices for her EPQ project, it underlined for me just how pivotal this subject area is for ALL young people as they navigate and juggle their school years. I remember helping Immie when she was a pupil in the Prep School when I was in the Sixth Form at Warminster! And now, not so many years later, she is giving her time, energy and passion to help me with my work at Bold Voices. I am absolutely delighted to have both Immie's and Warminster's support for our exciting new initiative. With Immie's drive and determination to raise £6,500 for the Bold Voices Ambassador Programme, we have the potential to make seismic change, not only here in Wiltshire, but to play a pivotal role in rolling out this new programme nationally.”
Headmaster, Matt Williams also commented, “At the start of this term, I put out a call to action for all pupils and staff to respond to the need for societal change around gender inequality and the issues raised by the 'Everyone's Invited' movement. This sort of project will importantly raise awareness within Warminster School, but also raise vital funding for Bold Voices to take their work into state schools that might not otherwise be able to access the training. I am very proud of Immie's determination to pull this off as an event in itself, but also as part of her Extended Project Qualification.”
Immie explained why she is taking the EPQ and supporting Bold Voices in this way, “My tutor, Mrs Walker convinced me to challenge myself with the Extended Project Qualification and she was very persuasive! With the support of my tutors, Mrs Walker and Miss Weeks, and because of inspiration taken from my A Level photography project and Mr Palma’s ongoing support, I could think of no better project to support that would have a beneficial impact on boys and girls in my peer group and for all young people.”
Miss Weeks continued, “Immie is taking on an exceptional project that will help to develop our community and others in the most positive way. Taking a lead and supporting change highlights Immie's ability to be a fantastic role model for younger pupils at Warminster School. This is an extremely worthy cause that is answering societal calls for change. I feel honoured to be Immie's tutor and am excited to assist in any way I can.”
The money raised by this unique fundraiser will fund 10 schools to join the programme. By inviting 10 schools local to Warminster, Immie's initiative will directly impact on the wider community with young people working together, alongside teachers and parents, to create a safer, more equal, mutually respectful society.
Caroline Robinson, Director of Music remarked, “Following a very quiet year for the Music Department, our String Quartet was literally overjoyed to be invited to provide ambient music for the Champagne Reception. The group will draw on current pupils and will be joined by a recent member of the Old Verlucians group too. On a personal level, with a wardrobe of sparkly evening dresses that have not had any outings for over a year, I am delighted that I am lucky enough to have been the first person to reserve a full table for my friends and family to enjoy an evening of glitz, glamour and of course worthwhile fundraising. Having taught Immie since she was in the Prep School, I am very proud to support her in this superb fundraising venture.”
Juliette Walker, Head of History & Politics at Warminster and Immie’s tutor said, “This promises to be a wonderful event and a fantastic pinnacle for Immie's Extended Project Qualification. Immie is a staunch advocate of equality and justice, and she has tied this seamlessly into many areas of her A Level programme and school life. This evening will mark the beginning of something special for both Immie and Bold Voices.”
Immie concluded, “I have already received the most amazing support from everyone at Warminster and it's been a great driving force. Thank you to everyone for supporting this important initiative.”
The Bold Voices Gala Evening takes place at Warminster School on Saturday 18 September. There are ONLY 100 tickets available, with some tables already reserved. Please contact Immie for tickets, information regarding sponsorship, donations or if you would like to assist. [email protected]
*Tickets are £50. Ticket includes a champagne reception with canapés, wine, delicious supper prepared by Warminster Catering Department, special raffle/auction and dancing until late with a top female DJ! All proceeds raised will go towards the Bold Voices Ambassador Programme.
Bold Voices is a not-for-profit social enterprise working to create a safer, more equal and mutually respectful society for the next generation.