For decades, if not centuries, we have stereotyped the sexes. Girls are expected to be covered in pink and glitter. They're expected to be delicate and sensitive, too weak to take on the responsibilities men do. On the other hand, boys are expected to love guns and trucks. They're expected to be sporty as well as smart. Strong and tough. Able to take on almost anything.

Last week at Wallington High School for Girls, Year 10 students took on the challenge of breaking these stereotypes.  Miss Goodall, the Head of Year, presented the girls with an assembly about the most common misconceptions related to women. She touched on stereotypes such as women not being able to drive well or women being weaker, either emotionally or physically. With the aid of the Always #LikeAGirl video Miss Goodall asked the students to consider what being a girl means to them. She used examples such as running or fighting, things society might say females can't do as well as males, and discussed what kind of impact this has on young girls. Miss Goodall finished the assembly by asking the students to take their own turn on the #LikeAGirl campaign by sending in photos, quotes and captions with the #LikeAWHSGirl added on.

Lauren Greenfield, filmmaker and director of the Always #LikeAGirl video said: "When the words 'like a girl' are used to mean something bad, it is profoundly disempowering. I am proud to partner with Always to shed light on how this simple phrase can have a significant and long-lasting impact on girls and women. I am excited to be a part of the movement to redefine 'like a girl' into a positive affirmation."

Over the course of last week, inspired by Miss Goodall and the Always #LikeAGirl campaign, Year 10 students successfully rose to the challenge and over 50 contributions were made showing girls playing sport #likeaWHSGirl, helping others #likeaWHSGirl, taking part in Duke of Edinburgh #likeaWHSGirl and many more. The whole project brought the year group together and showed the girls' ability to rise to any challenge, especially when it comes to breaking the stereotypes against women. It was a great way of reminding  students that being a girl is something they should be proud of, not discouraged by.

Miss Goodall, who is incredibly proud of the response she received, said: "I was inspired to try and get the Year 10 girls to break some stereotypes and have a think about what being a Wallington Girl means to them."

By Praharshi Bhatt, Wallington High School for Girls