As we wrap up Activities Week, we’re thrilled to continue our SLT Interviews series! This week we’re shining a spotlight on the 2025/26 members of the Student Voice Team, including: Heads of Academia and Scholarship, Valentina and Libby, Unconquered Peaks editor-in-chief, Cecilia, and our Sports Captain, Mia.
What are you most looking forward to doing during your time on the SLT?
Libby: Watch out, I’m going to have everyone reading a book by the end of the year. Maybe a bit ambitious (I bet you’re thinking pft, dream on, no chance), but I’m a firm believer that everyone’s a reader with the right book, so I’m super looking forward to many ‘what are you reading at the minute’ conversations in the near future.
Valentina: Developing what has already been set out by previous Heads of Academia and Scholarship, including mentoring and Rosewell lectures, as well as encouraging the students to continue striving for their academic potential. I hope that as a team we can make a lasting impact, be ambassadors for the school and make the coming year one of the best for all of the students.
Cecilia: Getting to read all the exceptional articles written by our fantastic writers and collaborating with the other incredibly talented members of this year’s SLT!
Mia: Definitely sports day!! I can’t wait to see everyone in their house colours cheering on their friends!
What’s your go-to comfort meal?
Libby: Defo pie. Steak and ale obvs.
Valentina: The noodle soup by my Czech grandma and the steak and roast potatoes that my Nonna makes.
Cecilia: Birria tacos with a side of lime tortilla chips and a tub of peanut butter ice cream for dessert (trust me).
Mia: I don’t have a specific comfort meal, but I love a roast dinner or lasagne!
What’s a niche topic you’re really passionate about?
Libby: The literature of the Lost Generation, a term used to describe the authors who came into adulthood during WW1 (think Hemmingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, etc.)
Valentina: Not niche but I’m obsessed with tennis (just ask my friends). I don’t play much myself but I follow every tournament and there is nothing that motivates me more than getting to watch a match after school.
Cecilia: The dogs of US Presidents also known as the First Dogs of the United States and, specifically, the Barney Cam recordings of Barney Bush (singlehandedly the most adorable thing the White House has ever done).
Mia: I have always been super interested in doping and drugs in sport and the development of them over time (my EPQ).
What would your biography be titled?
Libby: Another Drop in the Shame Well
Valentina: Doctor by Choice, Patient by Default – (assuming that I make it into Med School)
Cecilia: From Take Out Orders to Executive Orders.
Mia: Unfortunately, I’m still working on a title!
What’s your comfort movie/TV show?
Libby: Fantastic Mr. Fox.
Valentina: All of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
Cecilia: To stay on a political theme, I’d have to say my favourite TV shows are VEEP and The Residence and my favourite movie (judge me all you want) is Red White and Royal Blue.
Mia: I love something easy like Greys Anatomy or Friends, but I also love something more thrilling like the White Lotus series or The Diplomat on Netflix.
What are your top 3 favourite songs?
Libby: Here Comes Your Man by The Pixies, Unbelievable by EMF, Oscar Winning Tears by RAYE
Valentina: 505 – Arctic Monkeys, No. 1 Party Anthem – Arctic Monkeys, Apocalypse – Cigarettes After Sex.
Cecilia: Georgia On My Mind by Ray Charles, 7 Summers by Morgan Wallen, and NUEVAYoL by Bad Bunny.
Mia: My favourite songs change probably every day or close to that but at the moment I love: 1st time – Bakar, Thinkin bout you – Frank Ocean, Back on 74 – Jungle – all summery songs at the moment!
