Future Focus 2023

The aim of equipping young women with ‘soft skills’ in order to succeed and flourish in their future lives and careers has brought Manchester Academy and Withington Girls’ School together to establish Future Focus – a series of conferences to inspire young women with confidence, develop self-esteem and improve mental health.

Launched in 2022, the second in the series 'Future Focus 2023' took place in May this year at Manchester’s Whitworth Art Gallery. 40 Withington pupils and 40 girls from the coeducational Manchester Academy spent a morning hearing from three speakers on a range of topics. Debbie Dubois, Head of Production for BBC Sport, spoke about the vital role that strong role models and mentors play in everyday life and the value that can be gained from supporting others. Elizabeth Robinson, Head of Sixth Form at WGS, shared tools and tactics for wellbeing, development, and decision-making enabling them to plan and prepare for their future lives. Sara Talai, Art and Design Teacher at Manchester Academy, spoke of overcoming challenges and the importance of community development and empowerment.

Each pupil received a handbook to work through during the conference. It tasked them with thinking critically about what matters to them, their hobbies and interests, and how their future career options may look. The series encourages pupils from both schools to work collaboratively in groups and engage in discussions together.

Students from WGS and Manchester Academy made strong connections which have continued since the conference.