Empower Her Launch Inspires Year 11 Girls to Build Confidence and Ambition

Harris Academy Beckenham proudly launched its first EmpowerHer Workshop, an inspiring day dedicated to building confidence, setting goals, and empowering young women to embrace new opportunities.

The workshop was led by Lakeisha Annang, a former student of Harris City Academy Crystal Palace and a member of the Harris Federation Alumni Network. Lakeisha shared her personal journey, taking students through her experiences from sixth form to university, her career working within government, and ultimately her decision to establish her own business. Her story was a powerful r

eminder that success is rarely a straight path and that confidence grows through embracing challenges and opportunities.

The day began with an introduction to The Confidence Code, encouraging students to reflect on their strengths, aspirations, and the importance of believing in themselves. Initially, many of the Year 11 students were hesitant to share their thoughts, but as the session progressed their confidence began to shine through. Students shared some inspiring takeaways, including:

• "Meet as many people as possible."
• "Try something new."
• "It's okay not to know exactly what you want to do."
• "Take opportunities, such as leadership roles."

The second session focused on personal goal-setting. Students explored their aspirations across school, personal development, and wellbeing before creating their own vision boards. The creativity on display was exceptional. The boards were thoughtful, inspirational, colourful, and deeply personal, reflecting the unique ambitions and motivations of each student.

Students then presented their vision boards to one another, discussing their goals, interests, and future aspirations. Their ambitions ranged from achieving target GCSE grades and increasing independent study time, to completing sporting challenges and developing the confidence to speak in front of large audiences. Others shared aspirations linked to careers in art and media, while some used colours, images, and motivational quotes to express how they wanted to feel and who they hoped to become.

The final session centred on commitment and accountability. Every student created a personal confidence pledge before taking part in a speed-networking activity. This provided an opportunity for students to share their pledges, coach one another, and offer encouragement and support.

The pledges reflected the courage and ambition within the room. Students committed to securing grades in particular subjects, showing gratitude for opportunities, embracing new experiences such as football or running, attending the theatre to build confidence, singing publicly, learning an instrument, coaching cricket, speaking to larger audiences, and overcoming personal fears.

By the end of the workshop, the transformation in the room was clear to see. Confidence was soaring, conversations were vibrant and purposeful, and students were motivating and inspiring one another. What began as a room of hesitant voices became a community of ambitious young women ready to challenge themselves and pursue their goals with confidence.

A huge thank you to Lakeisha Annang for launching EmpowerHer in such an impactful way and for inspiring the next generation of Harris women.

Go Harris Beckenham Girls! We can't wait to see what comes next.