“Optimism is expecting the world should be better, optimism is expecting that your leader should do a better job than they’re doing now and optimism is what keeps hope alive.”
Jacinda Ardern
It was a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience to welcome the Right Honourable Dame Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, to our school on Monday (16 June) to speak to over 500 sixth form students from across 21 London schools.
The event was hosted by Wimbledon Bookfest, London’s leading literary festival, as the UK school’s launch of Jacinda Ardern’s memoir, A Different Kind of Power (Macmillan) as part of their education programme. Ardern shared her inspiring story in conversation with WHS alumna and acclaimed writer and broadcaster Afua Hirsch. Five student panellists including WHS Y12 student and Deputy Head Girl, Pola were given the opportunity to ask Jacinda questions directly.
The Auditorium was packed to the rafters with sixth formers from local schools, including Ashcroft, Harris – Merton, Raynes Park, Ricards, Rutlish, Ursuline High, Southfields Academy, Wimbledon College, West London Free School, who joined Wimbledon High students and other London GDST schools in the audience. Their thoughtful and insightful questions were skillfully fielded by chair Afua Hirsch.
Head Girl, Dillan, along with editors of our student publication Unconquered Peaks, Cecilia and Libby, were introduced to Jacinda as they greeted Cheryl Giovannoni, CEO of GDST, Afua Hirsch and other panellists.
For a full student perspective of the event please read the article by Unconquered Peaks editor, Cecilia, below:
“Jacinda Ardern shared profound insights on leadership, empathy, and the unexpected strengths drawn from her lifelong experience with a different kind of power: impostor syndrome. Her philosophy of kindness and humility resonated deeply with my school community, offering a refreshing perspective on authentic leadership in today’s complex global landscape. In an era marked by division, Ardern warned against the weaponisation of fear and blame, which she views as the antithesis of effective leadership. .. She urged leaders and society to hold fast to their values, especially amid crisis or social pressure. She also challenged our generation to approach the deluge of information at our fingertips with curiosity rather than cynicism; to avoid polarisation by filtering it with care.
Personally, hearing Jacinda’s discourse on New Zealand reckoning with its ‘colonial scars’; her instinctual and humane response to the Christchurch attacks; and her sense of duty to represent the community she serves taught me that being a true leader is to face challenges head-on, remain anchored in your values, and uplifting others as you do so.”
Pola, Y12 Wimbledon High panellist
“Jacinda has been so talked about for so many years, as a stand out female leader, as an example of how to conduct politics with empathy and humanity, as a rare mother in office unapologetic about her experience. It was so refreshing to finally hear her speak about it in her own words and answer students’ questions. And wow, were there questions!”
Afua Hirsch, chair and WHS alumna
Thanks to the support of Wimbledon High School, the Girls’ Day School Trust and lead sponsor, the University of Roehampton, all state school pupils left with a free copy of A Different Kind of Power.
“People tell you not to meet your idols, but Jacinda Ardern lived up in every way to our expectations when she visited Wimbledon High School GDST this week. Speaking to students from across 21 London schools, she spoke with sincerity and fluency and what’s more- a rarity perhaps amongst political leaders – answered every question head-on! What a privilege to spend an hour in her company, and to benefit too from the thoughtful questions of Afua Hirsch and the students who engaged so incisively with this incredible leader.
Thank you to Wimbledon BookFest and Macmillan for choosing us to host this once-in-a-lifetime event.”
Head Fionnuala Kennedy
Scroll through the photos below:
