STUDENT LEADERS RISE TO THE CHALLENGE...


W


ith 52 applicants signed up for student leadership roles, students from our current Year


11 and Year 10 year groups rose to the challenge, battling to become our Head Students and Deputy Head Students here at AGFS.


The process here is quite different from other schools. The students must earn their roles, through a long application process.


The process started with a meticulous application form, including both teacher and home references. Students stated why they wanted to apply for a role and what they could offer this position. Current Deputy Head Student, Destiny Okoro in Year 10, recalls his initial feelings as he filled in his own application form. “A lot went through my mind when I was called up, but it’s good to know what you have to say especially in interviews like this. I applied to be a prefect but I ended up being shortlisted for deputy head student. I felt proud of myself knowing that I can do more than I originally set out to do”.


Sudesh Thalagodage, also a Deputy Head Student in Year 10, recalls waiting to be interviewed. “As time had blown like sand on a desert, my levels of maturity had to be a sky high. When I first took a step into that room, awaiting my arrival were Ms Reddy, Mr Scafe and Mr Ige. I believe the interview experience and the job itself would help me in the future as I knew this role would give me a general idea of what my life could be like. At first I had only desired to become a


prefect for one of my favourite subjects: History. I thought I never had the guts to hold that kind of responsibility, but when I was called out in assembly, I was traumatised. It felt as if a gust of happiness had gone by me that put a smile on my face; knowing that my bravery led to a reward which I will treasure for the rest of my life.”


Head Student, Alexi Loizou, commented “The references and personal applications really made this role something to be competitive about. It was incredibly challenging. Doubts kicked in fast, especially nowing how good the other applicants were, but that makes me truly proud to have got as far as I did.”


Many felt it was incredibly rewarding to see the support of their peers and teachers. They were encouraged to apply and display their skills.


The next stage was a rigorous interview process where students were evaluated by a panel, including Miss Reddy, Mr Ige and Mr Scafe, who asked questions on different scenarios that they may encounter as student leaders . They were asked why they wanted their specific role.


Emily Guy, Deputy Head Student, reminisces on that day, “Entering the interview, emotions are mixed, you are proud that you are even considered as an applicant but very aware of how tight the competition is. Sitting across from three teachers in high positions at AGFS makes you very aware of the sense of


professionalism that they not only see for the role but what they expect from you; I believe this is one of the main reasons why our student leadership team is so ambitious.”


Eight students proceeded from the interviews to tackle the next obstacle; facing their peers in a debate in front of the whole school, for the title of Head Student. Students had 30 seconds each to debate a topic taken from suggestions from the forms in each year.


Head Student, Jaynelle Osei, mentioned: “I felt very conflicted at first as the topics were subjects that many students felt strongly about and I did not want to disappoint anyone, however, standing on the stage gave me the confidence to speak my mind which in the end paid off!”


Once the debate was over, students were then given the chance to vote on who they wanted to be their Head Student Leader. One of our Head Students, Lauren Boakye stated: “I was so nervous waiting for the result! But I also couldn’t contain my excitement as this role could open so many opportunities for me”.


The Head Student Leaders were announced at our end of year Celebration Assembly and have gone on to do many things for the school in this new academic year.


A short interview was taken with our Head Student Leaders about their roles


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