Sixth Formers from both the Girls' Division and Boys' Division were treated to a presentation by Professor Cary Cooper, one of the world's leading figures in organisational psychology and behaviour.  Professor Cooper addressed 150 Lower Sixth Form students on the issue of "Stress in the Workplace".  The talk formed part of an ongoing Learning Support programme which aims to enrich the students' learning experience and develop their thinking skills.

The talk gave a history of stress in the workplace, how to recognise it and how to deal with it.  Students were asked if they could recognise stress in their parents and teachers - and also in themselves.  Professor Cooper noted that the pressure of A Level study is also acute.  His advice was to work hard and study - pressure is good and is needed in work and prior to exams.  Problems arise when people work too hard and for too long and pressure spills over into stress.

The engaging, witty and erudite presentation encompassed how, over the 30 years that Professor Cooper has been in Britain, the workplace has become more like America where there is intrinsic job insecurity and a culture of long-working hours.  A recent survey had shown that British workers put in the longest hours and are now the most stressed out in the world.  Stress is the biggest cause of illness at work.  

Professor Cooper also told the audience how the world of work had changed.  It used to be the case that managers would have an average of 2.5 jobs in their careers but, these days, individuals tend to have portfolio careers, where they change jobs and careers many times throughout their lives.  Although individuals are expected to commit wholly to organisations they can often be treated as disposable assets by companies.  Lack of control over our working lives is a major cause of stress. 

Professor Cooper felt the only way to improve our working culture was to urgently get more women involved in business, particularly in the boardroom.  He believed women could change the ethos of UK plc by encouraging more flexible working and by placing an emphasis on working smart not long hours.

Sixth Former, Charlotte Greene, said: "it was an excellent presentation and really fuelled my interest in the area of organisational psychology and how and why people suffer from stress.  It's inspired me to read more about this subject.”  Fellow student Matthew Walshaw agreed saying: “It was a very interesting talk; it was pitched at quite a high level and has given me lots to think about.”  

Mrs Richards, Headmistress, said: “We place a great deal of emphasis on preparing our pupils not just for university but for life beyond it.  Presentations such as this help us fulfil our mission of equipping our students with the knowledge, skills and attributes that will allow them lead a happy and fulfilled life and to make a difference in the world.”

Cary Cooper is Professor of Organisational Psychology and Health at Lancaster University Management School.  He is one of the world's leading authorities on stress in the workplace, women at work and organisational psychology.  He is the author of over 100 books and frequently advises worldwide governments and international institutions on health issues.  He often appears on tv and radio.  In 2001 he was given the CBE for his contribution to organisational health.  Professor Cooper is also a governor at Bolton School.