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 for this, final week of interviews, conveniently taking place during PRIDE month, I sat down with the Inclusive community team, Lauren and Izzy (Heads of Student Wellbeing), Safa (Head of Transition and Induction) and Jennifer (Junior School Ambassador).
Do you have any words of advice for students within the school?
J – Our school has so much to offer, particularly in the extra-curricular with the number of clubs we have available, so I would really encourage everyone to give something new or different a go. You never know, you may love it!
L – I would say to make sure that you make notes throughout the course of your subjects so stat you don’t have to cram right before exams. Also, taking lots of breaks to do things that you enjoy with people that bring you up.
S – there isn’t always a reason that you may feel worse than usual or a bit rubbish, sometimes you just wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Be kind to yourself, ride it out and be able to just get through it. It will get better.
I – My advice would be to just take advantage of any opportunity you can. You never know where it might lead you so just step out of your comfort zone and give it a go! However, we do all lead such crazy, busy lives and so I would also advise you to always make sure that you take time during the day to just chill out! Like Lauren said, it is so important to take breaks and you are often most productive after taking a small break.
What new initiatives are you excited to see in the coming year?
J – As I’m Junior School ambassador, I’d really like to increase partnership between the juniors and seniors, to strengthen vertical bonds within both parts of the school. I know this is something that is talked about a lot as a thing to aspire to, but I truly think it is a valuable experience for everyone involved.
L – Perhaps seeing more events that strengthen inter-year connections that also adhere to various interests, including sports, drama, music, academics and art.
S – I remember having CPR and first aid training in the lower school, which I think would be great to be continue as it was very useful. That, or having a chess club.
I – I would love to see more peer counselling roles, throughout the school, that can potentially lead more informal discussions and are just always around for a chat.
What do you do to wind down and relax outside of school?
J – Spend time with my friends or even play a round of golf.
L – I like binge-watching my favourite movies with my mum or my friends but baking and reading are also always a go-to.
I – Listening to music because I literally spend all day every day listening to music. I also love hanging out with my friends and just chatting about the most random things and doing anything active as I love sport and it just helps me calm down after a really busy day.
S – Reading or watching something funny like ‘Have I Got News For You.’
What is your favourite ice cream flavour to enjoy in the summer sun?
J – I would have to go with the classic chocolate, it’s just so good.
L – 1000% mint choc chip.
I – Chocolate
S – Vanilla always.
What is your favourite summer activity?
J – Reading a good book on the beach or seeing my friends have to be my favourite parts of the summer.
L – Definitely, picnics in the park or marshmallows round a campfire.
S – The beach or a walk somewhere green with family and friends.
I – For me, stand-up paddle boarding.
What are your top three songs? (SLT playlist is now available on Spotify @unconquered_peaks.)
J – After hours by the Weeknd, Hold on We’re Going Home by Drake and Is there someone else also by the Weeknd.
I – Naïve by The Kooks, Slipping through my fingers by ABBA and As by Stevie Wonder.
L – Radio by Lana Del Rey, The Whole of the Moon by the Waterboys and Back to December by Taylor Swift
S – False confidence by Noah Kahn, Blank Space by Taylor Swift and Too Precious by Em Beifiold.
