When it was confirmed that author and Spice Girl, Geri Halliwell-Horner, was coming to The Abbey, we wanted to make sure that she got the full ‘Abbey experience’ and would see for herself how much we embody ‘Girl Power’. Our talented musicians stepped up to the plate and kicked things off with a performance of ‘Wannabe’. As the legendary song was drawing to a close, Geri suddenly strode down the aisle from the back, threw her arms around singers Fikayo and Zaynah (Lower V) and joined in the last line with them before giving them a kiss! What a moment that set the tone for such an exciting and inspiring visit!
As well as being a member of the best-selling girl group of all time, Geri is an author and New York Times bestseller. We were delighted when Geri asked to come to The Abbey to talk about her latest book, ‘Rosie Frost: Ice on Fire’. Sixth formers Siya and Grace interviewed Geri on stage, with ease and confidence, and explored her novel, insights into her amazing career and uncovered some great advice.
Geri shared that she’s had a lifetime love of reading. Growing up, books were her “escape” and she loved how they can “transport you to another place”, citing ‘The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe’ as a personal favourite. She has always loved storytelling and found “confidence and comfort” in books. Geri shared how she felt that “the world needed a new hero that represents you as you are. Not perfect, but with courage and will find the answers” – and that is how Rosie Frost came about. She described her latest novel as a “fast paced, page turning adventure” with “something for everyone” from science and history to love. We heard about her characters, the setting and themes of the story. You could tell how much Geri enjoys writing, “when you write you can make anything happen” and takes real pride in people enjoying her books.
While discussing her novel and career journey as a whole, the key themes of courage and confidence kept coming up. Geri was very honest that before the Spice Girls she was “scared to say she really wanted” and thought that she was “failing” at a lot of things. Her message now was clear – “failure is feedback, never give up and keep going!” It was inspiring to hear her talk about finding the courage to give things a go and try, “take a chance, whatever the result is, your self esteem will go up.” One of the ‘rules’ in her book is “never give up: be the light.” Geri described a “real hero” as “someone who finds the courage they never knew they had.”
Geri answered questions from students and proudly declared that “you are the ambassadors of the future” when Sophie from Lower III asked ‘what does Girl Power mean to you?’ and Geri encouraged us to “be the best version of yourself.” Aadya in Upper IV wanted advice on how to improve writing skills, vocabulary and creativity. Geri responded that you should keep asking questions, “sometimes you don’t want to in case you look stupid but you should! People like to be helpful! That’s how you keep learning and being inspired from each other.” She also advised us to “put your phone in another room so that it can’t distract you. They are a creativity killer!” When Stella in Lower III asked ‘did you ever have stage fright? And how did you deal with it?’ Geri shared that she’s had to perform in front of 120,000 people and it’s “normal to be nervous.” You need to “accept the nerves and welcome them.” She then focuses on “being of service,” she is there to inspire, support or entertain, so focus on how you’re going to serve others, rather than on your nerves.
Siya (Upper VI) said “I was absolutely thrilled when I first heard that a former Spice Girl would be visiting our school—and even more so when I found out that I’d have the incredible opportunity to interview her. Geri Halliwell-Horner is deeply inspirational to women and girls everywhere, and I found her passion and resilience to be truly admirable. I especially enjoyed hearing about the inspirations behind her book Rosie Frost, Ice on Fire; the story line was captivating, enriched by fascinating characters and intriguing historical references such as Anne Boleyn and the Tudors. Geri’s emphasis on empowering young women and her thoughtful insights into building self-confidence were among the highlights of the interview for me, as they left a lasting impression and made me feel both honoured and inspired. Without a doubt, this experience stands out as one of the most memorable I’ve ever had.”
Grace (Upper VI) shared that “It was such an honour to be given the opportunity to meet and interview Geri Halliwell-Horner, having dressed up as her for every dress up day in primary school she is an inspiration to me personally but also to girls across the world. She embodied everything we strive to be as Abbey girls being passionate and empowering whilst also not afraid to be ‘nerdy’ (in her words). She was so lovely and chatted to us both beforehand, then brought such joy and ease to the interview that all the nerves went away. Hearing her discuss the Rosie Frost series was incredibly inspiring and I cannot wait to read more. But the best part is that I will be able to say for the rest of my life I HUGGED A SPICE GIRL!”
Fikayo and Zaynah (Lower V), are our students that can forever say that they sang with a Spice Girl. Fikayo explained that “at the end of the song when we got to the last line she came over and she put her arms around us, sang the last line with us and gave us a kiss on the forehead! It was really fun and amazing! I’ve always wanted to sing with someone so inspirational and I was so happy it was her. Then, when I was listening to her talk it was so inspirational”. Zaynah said that singing with Geri was “not something I thought would ever happen, so it was actually an honor and I’m really glad she liked it!”
As Headteacher Dr Sarah Tullis thanked Geri she exclaimed that “I never expected to share a stage with a Spice Girl!” and was delighted when Geri enthusiastically accepted her offer of becoming “an honorary Abbey Girl”! It was wonderful to hear Geri say that she could tell that The Abbey has a brilliant “vibe” and is “so encouraging and you have brilliant teachers!”
Dr Tullis said that Geri shared “such important messages about confidence and resilience. She inspired students to embrace their ‘Girl Power’ to find the courage to try new things and never give up.”
It’s not every day that a Spice Girl, and international icon, comes to school, and it’s certainly a day that we will remember! As well as students packing out Richards Hall, it was a joy to welcome so many parents to share the experience as well. Welcome to The Abbey family, ‘honorary Abbey Girl’ Geri Halliwell-Horner!
