New Clarendon High School for Girls principal Julia Patrick wants to ensure young women are empowered and equipped to make a difference in the world – starting with being more involved in their communities.
“Our traditions of good work ethics are at the core of this school, but we are not resting on our laurels. We have to be modern, progressive and vibrant,” said Patrick, whose first position was as a history teacher at Clarendon High in 1991.
Patrick, 50, took over the reins as acting principal in October after holding the position of deputy for four years. She was officially appointed in February.
“Technology is here to stay and many teachers are excited by it and use it extensively to enhance their teaching,” said Patrick.
“Last year devices and a secure platform called Itsi were introduced in Grades 8 and 9.
“The platform allows girls to have e-book versions of their textbooks and for teachers to push additional content such as videos to students.”
Patrick said critical reading and writing skills were not neglected, and that the school was dedicated to equipping girls with vital skills such as communication, critical and creative thinking and resilience and flexibility.
“I think that the many experiences and opportunities Clarendon offers help to develop these skills, but many departments have also gone above and beyond the syllabus requirements to ensure the girls develop these skills.
“So our challenge now is roll out new, more modern ways of teaching and learning in all departments,” she said.
While one of Patrick’s goals is to ensure the school’s 100% matric pass rate is maintained, she said she also hoped to develop more of a balance between academic excellence and community spirit.
“I want to see Clarendon work with the community more and for the girls to become more aware of the greater East London community – not just by raising funds for local NPOs, but to actually go out to visit and work with those organisations,” said Patrick.
Teaching at Selborne College from 2007 to 2015, where she was the school’s first female grade head, Patrick said she had always been passionate about single sex education and that the education of young girls was vital.
“I think single sex education is fantastic, especially for girls.
“Everything we do here, all the opportunities offered, are specifically for girls.
“It allows them to be confident, to be themselves and to feel empowered,” said Patrick, who has two daughters, in Grade 9 and in matric, at Clarendon.
“Women are the rocks in society and they need to be empowered through education in order to make a difference in a world that is still very much male dominated.
“There is no equality unless women are educated.”..