At Thornton we have a student led equalities committee focusing on leading engaging and inspiring events each term to raise awareness of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act. This term the committee focused on 'age' and asked students of all ages to think about 'age' and what it means to them, earliest memories, parents and grandparents, role models, aspirations for their futures etc.

Last week, Emily Haigh, Soprano Performer and Old Thorntonian, and Rhianne Rush, MK Dons Women FC footballer, visited Thornton and had lunch with our Equalities Committee. Emily and Rhianne generously shared their own personal stories and gave inspirational insight into how to achieve with positive thinking and resilience.

Students had lots of opportunity to ask questions, learn and listen. It was interesting to hear about the different pathways in both elite sport and entertainment having some very clear similarities in terms of identifying talents at a young age, getting opportunities at various stages throughout teenage years, dedication required and entering a pathway programme to progress.

There was also surprising discussion of the differences between team and individual performances in terms of support and role modelling. A couple of quotes from the discussion which stick out amongst over an hour of similar inspirational talk:

"I am still on my own self journey of personal growth. However, I do know as women you will face challenges in life due to old mind sets and less opportunities, but these challenges do not change the end goal or your individual passion to achieve" Rhianne Rush

"Follow your dreams but have a back-up plan. I am a great believer in manifesting the vision and there is a great line from the song Over The Rainbow that I really do believe; 'and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true" Emily Haigh

We would like to thank Emily and Rhianne for taking the time out of their busy schedules to share their own experiences with our Equalities Committee students, helping to inspire them in all that they dream to do!