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 spoke to our fantastic new House Captains: Estella (Arnold), Isabel (Hastings), Tilly (Meredith) and Anna (Scott).
Why is the House system so rewarding?
E – It provides a really fun element to school life, an alternate to work and still be connected to school life that isn’t just academic. And we’re definitely there to be a mouthpiece to for everyone, no matter their year group.
A – I think it offers a role model that is academic but who also can laugh at themselves and not take themselves overly seriously. I hope house captains are a very relatable part of the SLT, and the house system as a whole helps to bring the community together. I think it’s important that they can see themselves in someone in the SLT, and I hope house captains are people that others can do that with.
I – On that, it helps people know each other apart from their friend group, or even their year. Through house forms, house assemblies, everybody comes together and can make friends and connections.
T – I think it’s good to have someone who is in touch with people in each year. You don’t want a disconnect between the SLT and the rest of the school, as the impetus behind the SLT is to represent what everybody wants the school year to look like.
Do you have a Favourite Event?
E – Of course mine is house music, having been part of the ensemble since year 7 and I’m determined for us to win this year.
I – University challenge. I’m a huge quiz buff and I watch University Challenge every Monday. I want to be there and bring Hastings to the win.
A – House music is probably mine as well. I think it’s just really fun and everyone is really brought together for it; that’s definitely why I think it is a more popular event.
T – Mine is definitely house music as well. While I don’t think I much musical talent, unlike Estella, I think it’s just a fun event, particularly when it coincides with an off timetable-day. It’s really nice just to have a break and good time within the community.
A – It’s quite unique to our school as well. I don’t know anyone else who doesn’t do anything like that and pull it off so well and with so much enthusiasm.
Do you have a must watch film, TV series or Book?
A – One Tree Hill, I don’t know many people who have heard of it but it’s still really good.
I – Grey’s Anatomy. All nineteen series, go watch them.
E – I’m a big fan of The Office. I’m currently watching the US version so I’m looking forward to comparing them.
T – I recommend anything by Virginia Woolf (she defined the modernist movement if you like that) and she’s just really good.
What would you bring to a Desert Island?
T – A Wi-Fi router (I’m not sure of the science of that but I’ll bring it anyway), my phone (for music) and a Waterstones bookshop.
I – My favourite teddy, party rings, and yarn and thread.
A – A pack of cards because I love solitaire, Mini Eggs, and my favourite teddy as well.
E – Lots of biscuits, my shoe collection, and my favourite teddy too.
What are your top three songs? (SLT playlist is now available with the first three groups of interviewees on Spotify @unconquered_peaks.)
I – Cleopatra by the Lumineers, You Miss my heart by Phoebe Bridgers and Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men
E – If It Wasn’t for the Nights by ABBA, Mice by Billie Marten and She’s Always a Woman by Billy Joel.
T – True Blue by Boy Genius, Apple Cider by Beabedoobee and Cardigan by Taylor Swift.
A – The Way, I Loved You by Taylor Swift, This the Life by Amy Macdonald, Slipping Through my fingers by ABBA
