“If you can get comfortable with the idea of being out of your comfort zone, there will be untold riches,” scientist, broadcaster, climate advocate, feminist, optimist and proud former Woldingham girl Victoria Valentine (class of 2002) told students at this year’s Speech Day. “Many of you will leave Woldingham with big bold plans for the future – degrees to pursue, companies to launch, countries to visit, industries to disrupt. But my advice to you is this: do make room for those plans to change. There are possibilities and people and sliding doors moments that you cannot even imagine. So, make room for spontaneity and its effects. And be willing to let what you learn shift your thinking about what you are here on this earth to do.  Because remember, once the wave learns to call itself water it is free to take on any form. The same is true for you.”

Former BBC World News’ chief presenter Victoria spoke from personal experience having recently left journalism after 15 years to dive into the workings of the mind at UCL’s Brain Science Unit. On which subject, she also urged Woldingham students to: “Keep exercising your mind if you want it to be strong. And listen to what your mind is telling you because all of society benefits when women are able to make their own decisions, control their own resources and direct their own futures.”

Victoria, a former Digby House Captain, was clearly delighted to present this year’s many prizes in celebration of students’ wide range of accomplishments and achievements and, along with the rest of the audience of students, staff, governors and families, was wowed by magnificent music from students: a gorgeous performance of A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman by Year 8s Antonina, Maya and Sophia; hugely entertaining excerpts from the Upper Sixth production of The Wedding Singer; and another opportunity to hear Cherry, Isabel and Lilico’s wonderful performance of Martinu’s Trio for Flute, Violin and Piano, the piece that brought them top honours at this year’s Pro Corda Festival.

In her address, Head Julia Harrington thanked Fr Gerry for leading Mass so beautifully, before reflecting on many of the highlights of this academic year and expressing her pride in every single student at Woldingham for all of their personal achievements over the past year.

After thanking guest speaker Victoria for her inspirational speech, 2023-2024 Head Girl Alison offered her own words of wisdom to fellow students, including: “Don’t wait for the perfect moment to dance on stage or enter a maths competition or perform in productions. When you actually become ready, it will be too late. Just take a deep breath and go for it, however scary it might be. You will never be in a place with so many opportunities or have a more safe and supportive community to take the risk in.”