International Coalition of Girls' Schools

International Coalition of Girls' Schools (ICGS) is dedicated to elevating women’s leadership worldwide, empowering our students to become ethical, globally-minded changemakers.??? It was an absolute privilege to be in Belfast last week, where I had the opportunity to meet with outstanding students and school leaders from girls’ schools across Northern Ireland. Together, we explored a wide range of important topics in collaboration with our member schools in North America. Highlights included hearing from Martha Perry, Principal of St. Clement's School, who shared insights into the transformative LINCWell programme—a holistic approach to student development that focuses on Learning, Individualization, Nurturing, Creativity, and Wellbeing.??? We were also inspired by Julia Breen Wall, Head of Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart and Marissa Muoio Ed. D. of the National Center for Girls' Leadership at Stuart who discussed their commitment to preparing young women for leadership roles by blending leadership theory with practical application.??? Finally, the leadership team of Megan Weiskopf, Rachel Herlein, Ed.D, Toni Cordiano , Leslie Segal, and Grace Willer, PhD of Laurel School and its Center for Research on Girls (LCRG) gave us an understanding of their five pillars for building resilience by cultivating creativity, growth mindset, purpose, self-care and relationships.??? A heartfelt thank you to the incredible students and colleagues who shared their time and talent during these discussions. My deepest gratitude to Karen Quinn of Victoria College Belfast for hosting us, and to Peter Dobbin of Assumption Grammar School and my wonderful colleague at ICGS Sharon Cromie for helping bring this enriching experience to life. It was an enlightening and empowering experience for everyone involved!?

Ever wondered what makes girls' schools so special? ?? Imagine a school where girls are encouraged to be themselves, explore big ideas, and go after their goals with confidence. At a girls' school, she's not just a student—she's part of a community that centers her best interests everyday. ?? Girls’ schools foster communities that support students, providing unique opportunities to lead, explore STEM fields, and chart new paths as changemakers. ?? Visit our blog to explore why these schools are the ultimate launchpad for young leaders. ?? https://lnkd.in/gTg4FGTA

Discover how to transform math learning in this on-demand video,?"Building Confidence in Math through Joy and Storytelling." Ariel Aggarwal and Julia Parmakian from Esperanza Academy share "joy strategies" and introduce The Math Pals, lively characters who help students overcome challenges, celebrate mistakes, and build a confident approach to math. This session, available to educators at ICGS member schools, offers practical tools for sparking joy in math and creating meaningful connections by reflecting on personal sources of joy. Tune in to explore innovative approaches to enhancing math confidence and engagement! ?? https://lnkd.in/dpNv6z4j ---- The ICGS Streaming Channel is a curated platform offering member schools on-demand videos that highlight best practices, inspiring stories, and educational insights tailored specifically for girls' school educators.

In a powerful keynote at today’s Educating Girls Symposium in London, England, Dorothy Byrne, President of Murray Edwards College, Cambridge, shared profound insights from her journey as a young journalist to a trailblazing leader. Reflecting on her early views, she recalled how she once believed in the idea that women should strive to be "the same" as men, as if that was the path to equality. But, as she expressed so directly today, "We were wrong – we are different." Dorothy highlighted the unique strengths and perspectives that women bring, emphasizing the role of girls’ schools and colleges. She shared how, early in her career, women often downplayed their differences from men, feeling that these distinctions might hold them back. But now, she champions the truth: acknowledging and valuing our differences is not a barrier to equality—it’s a gateway. Dorothy’s message resonates deeply: the world needs to adapt, not to erase these differences, but to embrace them, creating a richer, more balanced society. Progress may come with setbacks, but as she wisely reminds us—have hope. Thank you, Dorothy, for standing with courage and conviction for girls, women, and a better world! #ICGSEducatingGirlsUK

What a treat to have the girls’ school student reporters and producers from Wycombe High documenting this year’s Educating Girls Symposium!

Together with more than 200 girls’ school colleagues, we are Celebrating the Power of Girls and Girls’ Schools at Wimbledon High School GDST at the ICGS Educating Girls Symposium. The enthusiasm in the room is palpable. It is sure to be an amazing day. #ICGSEducatingGirlsUK

Are you looking for resources to help girls engage in constructive dialogue? Tune into the latest "On Educating Girls" podcast short, “Empowering Girls to Disagree with Confidence and Civility,” for strategies to help girls navigate disagreements with poise and respect — skills that will benefit them for life. Hear from experts like Jo Sharrock, Head at Putney High School of GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust), on helping girls break free from self-doubt and societal expectations. Listen to the full episode for more valuable insights that can reshape your classroom conversations. ?? https://lnkd.in/ey9GPh7h

Looking to foster meaningful, respectful discussions in your school? The ICGS Civic Engagement and Civil Discourse Toolkit is available to ICGS Member Schools, offering resources designed specifically for girls' school educators. This toolkit supports students as they navigate complex, sometimes divisive topics, emphasizing active participation in democratic processes. Inside, you’ll find practical activities, conversation guides, and strategies for building inclusive spaces where students feel empowered to voice their thoughts and appreciate diverse perspectives. Start engaging your students in these essential conversations today. Login Required: https://lnkd.in/gXPhBtNA

This week we're welcoming the leaders, innovators, and advocates of girls' education to the Educating Girls Symposium at Wimbledon High School GDST. Offering both regional relevance and international excellence, the Symposium provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage with leading industry experts and participate in pivotal discussions on the latest challenges and opportunities in girls’ education. If you’re attending, share the excitement! Repost and let your network know you’ll be joining us to shape the future of girls’ education. ?? Looking forward to seeing you there! #ICGSEducatingGirlsUK

Your student leaders hold the potential to shape your school community and inspire their peers to new heights. The 2025 ICGS Student Leadership Conference, Australasia’s premier annual event for student leaders of girls’ schools, offers a truly unique experience from 21-24 January at The Women’s College of Sydney University. Over four immersive days, your students will gain leadership insights tailored to their journeys, exploring different styles, reflecting on their goals, and forming lifelong connections with fellow young leaders. Hear directly from past student participants about how this experience sparked their confidence, broadened their perspectives, and deepened their sense of purpose. Excited to see your students flourish as confident leaders??Click to register: https://lnkd.in/gWtBEq9t