International Women's Day at Park Street

This week Park Street have celebrated International Women's Day and some amazing achievements from women past and present. We know it is important to recognise the enormous achievements that women have made to our society, often through adversity when certain aspects of society may not have looked favourably at women in certain roles. We wanted to show Park Street children that everyone is equal, we all have the same opportunities, and that everyone has the right and the opportunity to follow their dreams.

On Monday the whole school assembly focused on "The Hidden Figures" of NASA; Dorothy Vaughan, Katherine Johnson and Mary Jackson. These three African-American women were amazing mathematicians and scientists and an integral part of NASA, their research and space missions. Unfortunately their work was often overshadowed by the achievements of men. These women were known as "human computers" who solved tricky maths calculations and helped astronauts get back to earth safely after their space missions. These women achieved amazing feats and also helped other women gain jobs at NASA by promoting equal rights.

Throughout the week classes have been learning about inspirational women and their achievements.

Team CW learnt about Wangari Mathaai, an environmentalist from Kenya who fought against tree felling and was successful in protecting trees in her home country of Kenya. Team CW made some blossom trees in the creative area to celebrate her achievements.

Team AC researched inspirational women and their amazing achievements. Some of the women included Amelia Earhart (the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic) Queen Elizabeth and Malala Yousafzai (the youngest Nobel Prize laureate.) They then shared what they aspire to be when they are older including a physiotherapist, vet, doctor, teacher, hairdresser and song writer.

Team DB have been studying Herstory, a view of history from a female perspective which often empowers women and celebrates female role models. They have been learning about Emmeline Pankhurst in detail and are writing a persuasive letter for the right to vote. They have also studied Boudicca and discussed Malala Yousafzai. The children discussed on Wednesday how women have been influential throughout history.