In keeping with last year’s tradition, I have decided to sit down with the different teams within the SLT to discuss the new roles, the shape they would like their leadership to take in the following year, and of course, take the opportunity to get to know them all better. And this week I decided to sit down with the Community Voice Team: Grace and Antonia (Heads of Academia and Scholarship) and Imogen (Sports Captain) and Milly (Editor of Unconquered Peaks) *.
*In an unprecedented and unfortunate situation, being a member of this team, I have been encouraged to take on both the roles of interviewer and interviewee. We thank you for your patience at this self-indulgent time.
What changes do you want to bring to the school? Anything you want to continue?
A – I really want to encourage a passion for learning for learning’s sake. Over quarantine I feel like a lot of that joy was lost, particularly for exam years. I want to show that you can just learn stuff for fun, not just for a qualification.
G – I agree with that, but also really emphasise the importance of collaborative learning, particularly in discussions with people who are passionate with the same thing.
I – I would love to increase participation in sport. There is a sport for everyone, and the teachers provide such an amazing selection of sports, that everyone should get involved and have fun.
M – I just want to raise the profile of Unconquered Peaks, and really continue to take pride in a publication that is completely spearheaded by students and showcases their imagination and passion. It’s also the tenth anniversary of the printed edition coming next year, and I am so excited to see people participate in that.
What is most important for you in your role within the coming year?
G – I really want to reinvigorate the scholarship programme and bring back the Wimbledon Wonderers club. People can engage with subjects that aren’t covered in the academic curriculum or something that they haven’t really thought about before. Also making as it accessible and immediate for as people as possible to get involved with is so important.
A – I would really love to push the Rosewell Lecture Series. I want to find out about the topics that people are interested in, especially in medicine, linguistics and world history, which can’t be covered in detail due to the nature of the GCSE and A Level syllabus. Exams aren’t the be-all, end-all of life at WHS and it’s imperative that people have fun and try new things.
I – Obviously the most exciting thing of not just my year, but your year as well: Sports Day, coming soon to a sports field near you. I hope everyone has so much fun doing sport in their house and across year groups.
M – For me, the key thing is to get as many people as possible involved with writing. Articles can really cover any subject, and it is very empowering to research a topic that means something to you and be able to share it with your peers.
Best thing to do when you need to relax?
G – Read a book (it might be a cliché, but I really enjoy it). Recently I read ‘Wild Swans,’ which is a nonfiction account of three women’s experience living in China in the 20th century, under the Qing Dynasty and then under Mao, and I can’t recommend it enough. I read a lot of classics and historical fiction as well.
A – For me, reading as well. Reading a trashy book especially when you are tired and it is such a good way to unwind. I also just like to watch TV. I love ‘Ted Lasso’, as well as medical dramas like ‘House.’ My favourite comedies are ‘Our Flag means Death’ and ‘Superstore.’
I – Also cliché, but for me definitely sport. Even when I’m tired, I still get re-energised when playing Netball because I love it so much. And tea.
M – It really depends on my mood. After a long week, I love to unwind by watching a film with some friends (nothing beats a Hunger Games rewatch with some Thai takeaway). Or, if I’m by myself I really like to go on a walk and listen to a podcast. I particularly recommend ‘Ghost Church’ by Jamie Loftus or ‘The Bechdel Cast.’
Favourite Snack?
I – Chocolate, specifically plain dark chocolate.
A – I have to say I’m an opportunistic snacker, anything in my cupboard pretty much I’ll snack on. Dark chocolate, a spoonful of peanut butter or yoghurt. And the barbecued graze pack, and all kinds of summer fruits.
G – Crisps. Controversially I have to say that I don’t like salt vinegar, but my favourite flavour to for a snack would be sweet chilli.
M – Shortbread. Or literally anything with hummus.
What are your top three songs? (SLT playlist is NOW AVAILIABLE with the first FOUR groups of interviewees on Spotify @unconquered_peaks.)
A – ‘Uptown Funk’ by Bruno Mars (it’s a classic), ‘Hot Mess’ by Dodie and ‘Eat your Young’ by Hosier.
I – ‘Liquid Smooth’ by Mitski, ‘Cassandra’ by Florence and the ‘Nostalgia’ by Suki Waterhouse.
G – ‘My Tears ricochet’ by Taylor Swift, ‘Killer Queen’ by Queen and ‘Shadow’ by Seventeen.
M – ‘Speeding Cars’ by Walking on Cars, ‘Power over Me,’ by Dermott Kennedy and ‘Dead in the Disco’ by Arthur Hill.
