Those in our school community who listen to Radio WGS Senior podcasts will have heard the voice of Malak El-Gonemy in the feature Malak’s Meet Me in a Minute. Former pupil Malak (Class of 2012) became the youngest member of our governing body in January 2020 and it hasn’t taken her long to start making an impact on school life.

A television researcher and freelance writer for an online arts website, she is sharing her media expertise by hosting Malak’s Meet Me in a Minute, which will be a regular spot on Radio WGS. This is a fun, quick question interview with a guest to find out a bit more about them and, as you might have already guessed, lasts for just a minute. The twice-weekly podcast is made up of contributions from different students and members of staff and is one of the ways we are maintaining a sense of school community during the lockdown.

Currently working on The Steph Show for Channel 4, Malak studied English Literature & Theatre Studies at the University of Leeds, followed by a Master’s in Modern & Contemporary Literature, before embarking on her media career. She has worked as a researcher on a range of factual entertainment programmes for the BBC and Channel 4, including Blue Peter and Saturday Mash Up!

She says she has her experience at Withington to thank for helping her to develop a sense of confidence in herself and her abilities, “Working in an environment as competitive as the TV industry, there have been times where I’ve really struggled with feelings of not being good enough. That’s where Withington has been so important; I quite often think back on the inspiring and nurturing words of my amazing teachers. Through the abundance of extra-curricular activities on offer, the excellent standards of teaching and the creative outlets of drama and music, I found my place and came to discover that I had a voice.”

Malak is encouraging other members of the Board to take part in Malak’s Meet Me in a Minute, so that students can become more familiar with those serving as our Governors. She has always maintained her connection with Withington, supporting at various careers events, and hopes to bring a valuable perspective to the Board, not only from the world of Media and Performing Arts, but as a young alumna.

“I always felt really proud and fortunate to be a Withington pupil. It’s a school that I will always support, and I will forever be grateful to WGS for getting me to where I am, both on a personal and professional level.”