Torch - Spring/Summer 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

C areers in the banking and financial industry have historically been associated with ambitious young men. But as the industry changes, so, too, do the demographics. A number of exciting classes and transdisciplinary programs at Havergal are ensuring that our students will be well prepared for a career in business. “According to research group catalyst.org, directorships for women have almost doubled from 2010 to 2017 in Canada,” 1 says Economics teacher Denise Hartford. “That represents a significant change. Students now are graduating into a different environment with different opportunities than even two years ago.” The Business Studies program, embedded in the Social Science department, comprises three main courses: • Introduction to Business (Grade 10, open to Grade 9 and 10 students) • Accounting I (Grade 11) and Accounting II (Grade 12) • Economics (Grade 12, open to Grade 11 and 12 students) Whether or not they take business courses, all students are welcome to participate in co-curricular opportunities designed to introduce them to the world of business—and gain valuable experience—both in the Middle and Senior Schools. Havergal also has relationships with external organizations that focus on encouraging females to enter the world of business. These outreach programs are offered by Women in Capital Markets, TD Securities and Royal Bank, including job-shadowing opportunities and meeting professional women in the field. “Old Girls are also part of our program,” explains Hartford. “We have a lot of former students who find themselves in interesting careers and they come back to tell us about it.” “This is only a sample of what’s offered at Havergal,” says Wendy Hendry, a Business Studies and Accounting teacher. “The list is constantly changing based on what students are interested in. For example, we are looking at participating in the Knowledge@ Wharton High School (KWHS) Investment Competition as part of our Introduction to Business course.” Judging by the student appetite for Business, both courses and co-curricular opportunities, it’s ripe for expansion at Havergal. “Students seem to really enjoy the business experience. They’re curious about what their parents do for a living, how the world works, what a mortgage is and see how business ideas connect to their everyday lives. I’m really encouraged by the kinds of questions they’re asking in lessons and their interest in actively seeking out ways of learning more,” says Social Sciences teacher Gordon Grisé. Hartford agrees. “Our courses come back to the recurring idea of building knowledge that is flexible in the 21st century and can be applied in a variety of contexts and changing conditions. Adaptable knowledge and skills will help our students succeed in politics, business, art and so much more.” With experiences like those available at Havergal, their voices will be just as strong outside our walls. 1 Catalyst. “Women in the Workforce—Canada: Quick Take.” May 28, 2019. Accessed on March 1, 2020, via catalyst.org/research/women-in-the- workforce-canada/.

Business Co-Curricular Opportunities in the Upper School

DECA A competitive club with approximately 100 participants in Grades 9 through 12. Students deliver case study analyses to judges at regional competition. Many also qualify for provincials, where they compete against more than 8,000 students from across Ontario. This year, 46 Havergal students qualified for provincials. Investment Club A Middle School initiative that began this academic year. Students invest in an online stock market challenge and learn the best ways to invest their money. Rotman School of Management Boardroom Case Competition Groups of four students work together to demonstrate a bold vision, creativity, technical insight and business leadership, while solving a business case focused on the issues of tomorrow. Last year, the Havergal team came in second place. Rotman School of Management Trade Simulation Students in Grades 11 and 12 have the chance to travel to the trading floor at Rotman to participate in a market simulation. Bay Street Deconstructed® The brainchild of Eileen Jurczak (1993), Hartford and Heather Johnstone (Head of Guidance) helped to develop the activities designed to introduce students to careers in financial services. Havergal served as the pilot for the program now rolled out coast to coast. Students learn about personal and commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, sales, trading, equity research, investment management, insurance and more. Ivey Case Competition Hosted by the Ivey Business School, inter-school teams of students work with current Honors Business Administration program student mentors to tackle complex business challenges using the case study methodology. Students experience team problem solving and judges provide constructive feedback in real time. Global Ideas Institute Grade 11 or 12 students tackle a real-world challenge, scaling an existing solution so that it’s practical and financially sustainable. Run by the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto, it places students into university-like settings once a month for lectures and seminars, culminating with a final symposium during which students receive feedback from a cross-disciplinary panel of experts.

SPRING/SUMMER 2020 • TORCH 11