Women in education

On 25th May 2011, First Lady, Michelle Obama took a number of young ladies from Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Language College to Oxford University.

Whilst at the university she gave a speech and in her speech she told the girls that great universities like Oxford had a lot to offer them, and they had a lot to offer great universities like Oxford - and encouraged them to aim high. 'Oxford is one of the most renowned universities in the world... If you can see yourself here in Oxford, you can see yourself anywhere,' she said.

Anecdotally, we can state that women have always been a central influence on education, guiding and nurturing generations to achieve their best. You only have to look at the classrooms and see that female teachers indeed rule the roost. But this has not always been the case.
The Education Act of 1918 widened opportunities for girls and women. After this act was passed, all children received education until they were 14.

At ATC, Sylvia Watts-Cherry, leads her school with a firm, but caring hand she ensures as a female and a mother with two daughters of her own, who have demonstrated that the ability to achieve high academic success is not limited because of their gender, Sylvia ensures that her students (or children as she calls them) do not limit their ambitions.

In our next blog we will be discussing the importance of sports and education.

Until then, take care.

What is your Motto?

Listening on the radio today to the numerous journalists discourse about the small pool of talent from where politicians that rule our land come from, it is clear that a large proportion of our ruling leaders attended Eton. One contributor to one of the numerous shows discussing the topic, stated that the motto for Eton is 'Born to lead'.

Well we researched said motto and our research does not corroborate that to be correct. However, it left a lasting impressions in the minds of the team at Advance Tutorial College (ATC), and we wondered, what is the motto in regards to education, in the households of parents and guardians?

The motto of ATC is 'Unlock your child's learning potential' and this is the central focus for us and clearly defines the support we offer to the many parents who bring their children to us. So we asked some of the parents, 'If you had /have a motto in your household pertaining to education what is it?' And this is some of the feedback we received:

“Happiness comes from choices, choices comes from education'
“Education is the key to success”
“Knowledge is power”
“Respect comes through knowledge”
“Love to learn”

Those are just a handful of the comments we received. However, why not join in the conversation, inspire others and share your mottos with us.

In our next blog we will be looking at powerful women in education and the impact education has had on them.

PS: The school motto for Eton is: Floreat Etona (Let Eton Flourish)