BBC journalist Gabriel Gatehouse at Isleworth & Syon

School launches new series of talks by inspirational speakers

Last week, Isleworth & Syon School was delighted to launch its brand-new series of talks called ‘I&S Inspires’. Featuring a different motivational speaker in the first week of each month, I&S Inspires will peel back the curtain behind some of the top career pathways, offering our students unique opportunities to hear a range of different voices.

The first guest was Gabriel Gatehouse, BBC journalist and International Editor of ‘Newsnight’. He spoke to a 100-strong audience of students and staff on Friday 4 October, sharing his journalistic stories from life in the field. A veteran of international reporting, Gabriel spoke at length about his experiences covering protests and oppressive regimes across the world. After the session, Gabriel took part in a question-and-answer session, with students asking mature questions about staying safe in the midst of riots and how he gets anonymous interviews, amongst others.

After this launch event, Headteacher Mr Ferguson said, “We were delighted that, through our contacts in school, Gabriel Gatehouse was our first inspirational speaker. This series of talks – open to all students – will allow our boys to continue their personal enrichment and development, offering them inspiration for future careers. We believe that no child should be limited in their access to the best opportunities – that’s the Isleworth & Syon way.”

The next I&S Inspires guest will be Ed McCann on Thursday 7 November. Ed is a recognised leader in the construction industry and is currently Vice-President of the Institution of Civil Engineers. With over 25 years’ experience in the industry, he will provide fascinating insight for budding engineers plus anybody else that would like to know about design, construction or engineering.

October 17, 2019