We had a quick chat with the Head at Brighton Girls, Rosie McColl about supporting The Children's Parade at Brighton Festival 2022, what they're most looking forward to at the Festival this year and what advice they'd give to girls wanting to start a career in the arts.
The theme of this year’s festival is Rebuilding. How have you been rebuilding following the events of the past two years?
If Brighton Girls were a stick of rock, I like to think that it would have the words ‘kind and bold’ running through it. We quickly put what we learnt into action, including introducing a new Wellbeing programme to support students and boost confidence, swift progress with our digital strategy, and working with a range of partners in the community to introduce new clubs such as Skateboarding, Boxing and Upcycling.
We also embarked on a major development project around my vision for the school which has brought our Prep and Senior schools together on one site as a family of big sisters and sisters, with some amazing new shared spaces and exciting facilities.
You’re a new sponsor of Brighton Festival. What made you want to support the Festival?
Brighton Girls sits in the heart of, and is very connected to, the vibrant community of Brighton. The school has been part of the city since 1876, so part of my vision when I joined as Head in 2020 was to reconnect the school in more ways with the rich seam of creativity and energy that exists here. After the events of the last two years, it seems even more important to celebrate creativity and to lift each other up.
What are you (and/or) Brighton Girls students most looking forward to at Brighton Festival 2022?
Our students are really excited to be sharing their entry in The Children's Parade based on The Fourth Little Pig… who happens to be a smart girl who moves the traditional Three Little Pigs story along with a new twist, encouraging children to be more free and explore the world without fear.
And of course we’re looking forward to the carnival atmosphere, celebrating with the whole of Brighton!
What advice would you give to any girls or women wanting to start a career in the arts?
Follow your passion and be open to possibilities and opportunities. The UK is a global leader for the creative industries and creativity is the lifeblood of the creative economy.
If you’re a student, get involved in productions and clubs at your school, or perhaps you can help set up a lunchtime club for the area of the arts that you’re interested in. Brighton has such an active arts scene that you will find local facilities and groups at weekends or during the holidays.
At Brighton Girls we like to partner with local expertise across the arts. For example, we work with the Salvage Sister to teach our girls how to use power tools to upcycle and to create their own wooden artworks. Our Sixth Form has had lessons in stand-up comedy. We have dance and theatre clubs led by local groups. The school also offers drama, art, photography and publishing clubs.
Talk to people who work in the arts, ask questions, attend events and inform yourself. Find a mentor; who do you know already who may be able to help you? We tap into a large alumni network of women who can inspire students and offer practical insights.
